The router of all goodness.
It
is more than obvious that here at The Test Pit we love a
multi-functional gadget. If one bit of tech can perform several useful
tasks then it's okay by us and will get a welcome review in these
pages. That is why we're really happy to talk about the N Mini Pocket Router from TP-Link – and not just because it includes the words
Mini and Pocket in its name.
The N Mini Pocket Router is just that, a wireless router that is small enough to fit in your pocket. It is largely marketed by TP-Link toward travellers and students, and rightly so; weighing in at less than your average smartphone this will be infinitely useful for those limited on bag and case space. Yet the N Mini also has lots of uses around the the home, and it was for the practicality of these uses that we fell in love with it.
Small
enough to fit in the palm of your hand, the N Mini Pocket Router is
not just about broadcasting wifi internet throughout a building. As
TP-Link are keen to point out, the router has lots of other uses as
well as being a traveller's best friend. Taken from the TP-Link UK
website, here are said uses:
Wireless
Router Mode
Creates
an instant private wireless network and share Internet to multiple
Wi-Fi devices, which is suitable for most hotel and home network.
Repeater
Mode
Extend
existing Wi-Fi, improving signal strength and maximizing coverage.
Access
Point Mode
Creates
a wireless network for Wi-Fi devices.
Client Mode (TV/Game Console)
Gives wired-only devices access to an existing Wi-Fi networks.
WISP
Client Router Mode
Simultaneous
Wireless ISP access and sharing.
Multifunctional
USB Port for File Sharing and Charging
Equipped
with a multifunctional USB 2.0 port, you can share files and media
within local network among your different devices such as PCs, smart
phones and tablets. Also, the USB port can provide power supply (up
to 5V/1A) to mobile devices like smart phones or tablets, so that you
can avoid the trouble of carrying several chargers while travelling.
So
as you can see, lots of uses. Here at Test Pit Towers we discovered
that by far the most useful application of the N Mini was its ability
to extend an existing wifi network, while also acting as a media hub.
With a 1TB hard drive attached to the built-in USB port we were able
to upload and download content via the router, without having to
worry about cloud subscriptions. The TP-Link N Mini Pocket Router had
therefore – by just plugging it into the wall socket –
strengthened our network and allowed us to use it in a fun way.
In
terms of connection strength, when used as both an extender and a
stand alone router, we were impressed. We didn't think that a router
that size would be able to broadcast a wifi network of such good
quality speed and strength. Although we would never use it to replace
our existing router, the N Mini would be perfect for hotel rooms or
student accommodation that might only offer wired internet.
At
the end of the day, this is well-built piece of tech that has several
very well applied uses. For that we tip our hats to it.