If you fit into the travel router market that TP-Link is targeting, the TL-WR3602BE is a versatile tool with many operating modes and a small size.
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The market for the best Wi-Fi routers is vast, with Wi-Fi 6 offerings hovering around $50 to high-powered Wi-Fi 7 mesh routers that can approach $2,000. One category that we haven't really touched on is the travel router market, which a few well-known manufacturers like Asus and TP-Link occupy. Here, we have a TL-WR3602BE review unit, which is TP-Link's dual-band Wi-Fi 7 entry into this market.
Despite its diminutive size, the TL-WR3602BE packs in a lot of functionality, including the ability to operate as a router, a hotspot, or an access point/range extender/client. And it does all of this with a street price of $119, which is on the lower end for a dual-band Wi-Fi 7 router (of any type).
Design of the TP-Link TL-WR3602BE Wi-Fi 7 Travel Router
As far as routers go, the TL-WR3602BE is incredibly compact, thanks in part to its role as a travel device. It measures just 5 x 3.7 x 4 inches, weighs half a pound, and has two antennas that can fold against its body when not in use.
You'll find two network ports on the back: a 2.5 Gbps WAN port and a 1 Gbps LAN port. In addition, there's a USB 3.0 port for storage or USB internet tethering, and a USB Type-C port for power. There's also an action button on the side that can be configured to turn the device's LED on/off, enable a VPN, or turn Wi-Fi on/off.
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Given its minimal power needs (5V/3A), you can power the TL-WR3602BE via the USB-C port using a portable power bank (e.g., when camping outdoors). A 15-watt wall adapter with a USB-C cord is included in the box, a short CAT6e patch cable, and wall plug adapters for US, UK, and EU markets.
Setting up the TP-Link TL-WR3602BE Wi-Fi 7 Travel Router
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