Key points
- Mobile routers, such as the TP-Link Archer MR600 and the Huawei B818, offer a convenient and portable solution for accessing the internet in these locations.
- The TP-Link Archer MR600 is a suitable choice for users who need a reliable and portable internet connection for basic tasks such as browsing the web, checking email, and social media.
- The TP-Link Archer MR600 offers a good balance of performance, features, and affordability, while the Huawei B818 provides superior network performance and a wider range of software features.
In today’s digital age, reliable internet connectivity is crucial, especially in rural areas where traditional broadband services may not be readily available. Mobile routers, such as the TP-Link Archer MR600 and the Huawei B818, offer a convenient and portable solution for accessing the internet in these locations. In this comprehensive guide, we will compare these two popular devices, examining their key features, performance, and suitability for various use cases.
Design and Build Quality
The TP-Link Archer MR600 features a compact and stylish design with a matte black finish. Its four external antennas provide wide coverage, while its two LAN ports allow for wired connections. The Huawei B818, on the other hand, has a more traditional router-like appearance with a glossy white finish. It also has four external antennas and two LAN ports, as well as a USB port for connecting external storage devices.
Network Performance
Both the TP-Link Archer MR600 and the Huawei B818 support 4G LTE connectivity, providing fast and reliable internet speeds. However, the Huawei B818 has a slight edge in network performance, as it supports Category 19 LTE, which offers theoretical download speeds of up to 1.6 Gbps. The TP-Link Archer MR600, on the other hand, supports Category 12 LTE, with theoretical download speeds of up to 600 Mbps.
Wi-Fi Coverage and Speed
The TP-Link Archer MR600 comes with a built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi module, which provides dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity with speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps on the 5 GHz band and 867 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. The Huawei B818 also supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi, but it offers slightly lower speeds of up to 1.167 Gbps on the 5 GHz band and 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band.
Software Features
The TP-Link Archer MR600 and the Huawei B818 both come with user-friendly web-based interfaces for managing the device and its settings. The TP-Link Archer MR600 offers a wider range of software features, including parental controls, guest Wi-Fi, and a built-in VPN server. The Huawei B818 has a more limited set of features, but it does include some unique options, such as a built-in firewall and support for IPv6.
Battery Life
The TP-Link Archer MR600 has a built-in 2500 mAh battery, which provides up to 10 hours of usage on a single charge. The Huawei B818, on the other hand, has a larger 4000 mAh battery, which offers up to 12 hours of usage on a single charge. Both devices also support pass-through charging, allowing them to be used while connected to a power source.
Portability and Convenience
Both the TP-Link Archer MR600 and the Huawei B818 are designed for portability and convenience. They are both lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry around or take on the go. The TP-Link Archer MR600 has a built-in SIM card slot, while the Huawei B818 requires you to insert a SIM card into the device’s USB port.
Suitability for Different Use Cases
The TP-Link Archer MR600 is a suitable choice for users who need a reliable and portable internet connection for basic tasks such as browsing the web, checking email, and social media. It is also a good option for small offices or homes with limited space. The Huawei B818, on the other hand, is more suitable for users who need a high-performance internet connection for demanding tasks such as streaming video, online gaming, or video conferencing. It is also a good choice for larger homes or businesses with multiple users.
Verdict: Tp-Link Archer MR600 vs. Huawei B818
Both the TP-Link Archer MR600 and the Huawei B818 are excellent mobile routers for rural internet connectivity. The TP-Link Archer MR600 offers a good balance of performance, features, and affordability, while the Huawei B818 provides superior network performance and a wider range of software features. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which device has better network performance?
A: The Huawei B818 has better network performance, as it supports Category 19 LTE, which offers higher theoretical download speeds.
Q: Which device has better Wi-Fi coverage?
A: The TP-Link Archer MR600 has better Wi-Fi coverage, as it has four external antennas compared to the Huawei B818’s two external antennas.
Q: Which device has a longer battery life?
A: The Huawei B818 has a longer battery life, as it has a larger 4000 mAh battery compared to the TP-Link Archer MR600’s 2500 mAh battery.