Review on TP-Link N600 TL-WDR3600 Dual Band Wi-Fi Router - Unleash Seamless Wireless Connectivity by Sfl Richardson

CONS:* Short lifespan* Cannot import configuration from previous generation TP-Link routers* Limited number of DHCP assignments * Many clicks for advanced configuration instead of bulk input. PROS: * Easy to use interface for simple configurations * Works well when it works. * Performance is good * Range is very good, penetrating walls and obstacles. Everything was fine for the first 7 months. The range is good and the configuration is the same as previous TP-Link routers. Not the best, but pretty good. I couldn't import my old config (binary config) which was very annoying, but I still copied everything manually. life was good Then my living room died. I changed the switch, changed cables, etc. Then I swapped ports on TP-Link and everything came back. In fact, one of the physical ports was regularly failing and not receiving anything at all. I am covered under warranty. But do I have to pay for upfront shipping or live without a router for a few weeks? All my previous versions are also starting to fail, periodically freezing, all ports are intact, there is no response. etc. Heat could be the culprit. Heat always kills, but it stays at the top of the closet. There's never more than 85F, but many of the cheap gigabit chips I've seen don't handle heat well. 85F without fans or heatsinks can mean 105F inside the case. In addition, cheap production often means poorly flowing solder. Maybe I could melt it down, add a heatsink and fan and everything would be fine. I think it's time for a brand change. It happens from time to time. I'm tired of hacking and experimenting with this. It's one of those things I just want to work with. I'm not willing to shell out $1200 for an enterprise-class solution, but I think I can find a few hundred dollars to get something that could be a little longer, longer range, and less hassle.