TRENDnet Tri-Band AC2200 WiFi Mesh Router System (TEW-830MDR2K) Long-Term Review @ ModSynergy.com

Having a reliable home WiFi setup can be a complex matter. Traditionally, most individuals are accustomed to using a single wireless router system, which generally functions adequately. However, factors such as the size of the home and the materials present within it can impede the wireless signal from effectively covering the entire premises. Many of us have likely experienced WiFi dead spots in our homes, characterized by sluggish speeds or device disconnections due to weak signals.

Over the years, various solutions have been explored to address these issues. One option has been to incorporate separate WiFi extender units, strategically placed between the dead spots and the wireless router, in order to extend the overall range. Although this approach improves speeds in the dead spots, it often falls short of achieving optimal performance. Additionally, each WiFi extender unit typically requires a unique Service Set Identifier (SSID) name, resulting in multiple SSIDs throughout the home that users must manually connect to. Consequently, reusing the SSID name from the main wireless router is not possible.

Another option considered in the past was powerline networking, which involved connecting a device to the wireless router and an available electrical wall outlet via a network cable. This setup essentially utilized the power lines within the home as an extended network cable, obviating the need for physical cabling. A secondary powerline unit could then be plugged in at the desired location, with a network cable running from it to the intended device. However, this method was wired in nature. Powerline networking also offered a wireless extender variant, necessitating the creation of yet another SSID. It is important to note that powerline networking may not function in some homes due to wiring complexities, particularly in older residences. Therefore, its efficacy varies.

Subsequently, wireless networking has evolved to encompass a concept known as "mesh" networking. Mesh networking systems effectively combine the strengths of WiFi extenders and powerline networking, while addressing their respective drawbacks. A WiFi mesh router system consists of multiple router units, referred to as mesh "nodes," which interconnect to provide wireless routing and broadcasting under a unified SSID name, regardless of the placement of secondary nodes throughout the home. In a mesh networking system, all nodes function collaboratively as a unified network, dynamically routing data through the optimal path and offering redundancy in case of node failures. Consequently, as you move within your home, your device seamlessly connects to the nearest mesh WiFi node. The inconvenience of managing multiple SSID names associated with older WiFi range extender units is eliminated.

Today, we will examine the TRENDnet Tri-Band AC2200 WiFi Mesh Router System (TEW-830MDR2K) and evaluate whether it is a worthwhile investment. TRENDnet claims that their system is specifically designed to replace older WiFi routers, extenders, and signal boosters.

About TRENDnet

TRENDnet's vision is to build innovative, easy to use, and reliable Networks People Trust™. TRENDnet solutions network the countless devices which enable your connected lifestyle and workplace. Building award winning networking solutions since 1990, TRENDnet connects you with what you value most.

Founded in Torrance, California, TRENDnet has grown to become a leading global networking hardware brand. From the network core to the periphery, TRENDnet's expansive product portfolio includes Wireless, Wired, Surveillance, Connectivity, and Peripheral device categories. An emphasis on continual improvement and our ISO 9001:2008 quality management certification is an essential component of TRENDnet’s success. The TRENDnet brand is consistently recognized for exceptional quality, superior performance, and responsive support.

TRENDnet TEW-830MDR2K Product Features

• AC2200: 5GHz1: 867Mbps WiFi AC | 5GHz2: 867Mbps WiFi AC | 2.4GHz: 400Mbps WiFi N
• Includes 2 x AC2200 WiFi Mesh Routers
• Designed to replace older WiFi routers, extenders, and signal boosters
• Intelligent WiFi mesh technology always connects users to the best WiFi Mesh Router
• Add additional AC2200 Mesh Routers to the system for expanded WiFi coverage in larger home applications
• Airtime fairness balances wireless client bandwidth resources
• Content filtering with Router Limits™
• LAN/WAN IPv6 support
• Multi-User MIMO for increased bandwidth efficiency and better user experience*
• Seamless WiFi roaming
• USB 3.0 port with Samba support
• Implicit/Explicit Beamforming
TRENDnet TEW-830MDR2K Product Overview


TRENDnet's AC2200 WiFi Mesh Router System is designed to blanket your home or small office in seamless WiFi coverage. The AC2200 WiFi Mesh Router System provides ample coverage for up to a 4,000 square foot home. For larger homes, simply add additional AC2200 WiFi Mesh Routers to thesystem for expanded WiFi coverage.


The WiFi mesh router system uses an intuitive app-based installation process, making setup a breeze using our TRENDnet WiFi Mesh app. In minutes, you'll have your AC2200 WiFi Mesh Router System up and running providing whole home WiFi coverage.


Our WiFi mesh router system also includes cutting-edge content filtering powered by Router Limits™. Router Limits' innovative tools offer an enhanced user experience for device-level scheduling and filtering capabilities. By offering access to these advanced web content filtering and productivity tools, the mesh router system allows you to take control of the Internet, whether it be for your business or your home.


Mesh Made Simple
The WiFi mesh router system uses an intuitive app-based installation process, making setup a breeze using our TRENDnet WiFi Mesh app.


Router Limits
Router Limits' innovative tools offer an enhanced user experience for device-level scheduling and filtering capabilities. Offering access to these advanced web content filtering and productivity tools allows you to take control of your Internet, whether it be for business or home.


Airtime Fairness
This smart WiFi feature calculates and determines which clients have priority over others. Clients that are faster and closer to the mesh router will have the highest priority, while clients that are slower and farther away will have lower priority, freeing up valuable WiFi resources.


Mesh Made Simple
The WiFi mesh router system uses an intuitive app-based installation process, making setup a breeze using our TRENDnet WiFi Mesh app


Whole Home WiFi Coverage
The AC2200 WiFi Mesh Router System provides ample coverage for up to a 4,000 square foot home. For larger homes, simply add additional AC2200 WiFi Mesh Routers to the system for expanded WiFi coverage


Router Limits
Router Limits' innovative tools offers an enhanced user experience for device-level scheduling and filtering capabilities. Offering access to these advanced web content filtering and productivity tools allows you to take control of your Internet, whether it be for business or home


Airtime Fairness
This smart WiFi feature calculates and determines which clients have priority over others. Clients that are faster and closer to the Mesh Router will have the highest priority while clients that are slower and farther away will have lower priority, freeing up WiFi resources


Band Steering
With band steering technology, the mesh router system alleviates network congestion by automatically directing wireless devices from the 2.4GHz band to the 5GHz band


Targeted Beamforming
Beamforming increases real-time performance by directing stronger wireless signals to your specific location. Beamforming improves wireless range, reception, and throughput


Monitoring
The TRENDnet WiFi Mesh app allows you to monitor each WiFi mesh router and connection status of network devices


Parental Controls
Limit access to specific websites and control connected device access to the network


Guest Network
Create an isolated WiFi network for guest internet access


IPv6
IPv6 network support


Gigabit Ports
1 x Gigabit WAN Port, 1 x Gigabit LAN Port


USB 3.0 Share Port
Share content across the network with the USB 3.0 share port on each mesh router


TRENDnet TEW-830MDR2K Product Specifications

Standards	IEEE 802.3 IEEE 802.3u IEEE 802.3x IEEE 802.3ab IEEE 802.11a IEEE 802.11b IEEE 802.11g IEEE 802.11n (up to 400Mbps @ 256QAM)* IEEE 802.11ac (5GHz1: up to 867Mbps, 5GHz2: up to 867Mbps @ 256QAM)*
Device Interface	1 x Gigabit LAN port 1 x Gigabit WAN port 1 x USB 3.0 (Samba) Reset button LED indicator
Special Features	Easily expand your WiFi mesh network coverage with additional TRENDnet WiFi mesh router Multi-User MIMO for increased bandwidth efficiency and better user experience* Seamless WiFi roaming Multi-Language app interface: English, Traditional Chinese, German, Italian, Swedish, French, Spanish, Dutch IPv6 support Samba support Implicit/Explicit Beamforming Band Steering
Access Control	WiFi encryption: WPA/WPA2-PSK AES WiFi Guest network Hide WiFi Name/SSID Wireless client isolation NAT Port forwarding DMZ host UPnP DoS prevention Allow/deny WAN ping requests Parental controls (Set schedules for Internet access or filter by keyword or custom websites) Manage screen time, filter content, monitor bandwidth, and track browsing history with Router Limits™ web management system
Quality of Service	Set client device priority (Normal/High priority) WMM
Internet Connection Types	Dynamic IP (DHCP) Static IP (Fixed) PPPoE (Dynamic IP/Static IP) PPTP (Dynamic IP/Static IP) L2TP(Dynamic IP/Static IP) IPv6 (Static, Auto-configuration (SLAAC/DHCPv6), Link-Local, PPPoE, 6rd)
Management/Monitoring	HTTP/HTTPS local/remote web-based management Internal system logging Mesh connection quality display Client device list Internet speed test Manual or online firmware upgrade and notification Backup and restore configuration Internal logging Restore to factory default Router/Bridge operation modes Static routes
Frequency	2.412 - 2.472GHz 5.180 – 5.825GHz
Modulation	802.11b: CCK, DQPSK, DBPSK 802.11a/g: OFDM with BPSK, QPSK and 16/64-QAM 802.11n: BPSK, QPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM, 256-QAM with OFDM 802.11ac: OFDM with BPSK, QPSK and 16/64/256-QAM
Media Access Protocol	CSMA/CA with ACK
Antenna Gain	2.4GHz: 2 x 4.03 dBi (max.) / 5GHz: 4 x 5.64 dBi internal antennas
Receiving Sensitivity	802.11a: -73 dBm (typical) @ 54Mbps 802.11b: -90 dBm (typical) @ 11Mbps 802.11g: -76 dBm (typical) @ 54Mbps 802.11n (2.4GHz): -89 dBm (typical) @ 300Mbps 802.11n (5GHz): -86 dBm (typical) @ 300Mbps 802.11ac: -83 dBm (typical) @ 867Mbps
Wireless Channels	2.4GHz: FCC: 1–11 5GHz: FCC: 36, 40, 44, 48, 149, 153, 157, 161, 165
Power	Input: 100 – 240V AC, 50/60Hz Output: 12V DC, 1.5A external power adapter Max. Consumption: 15.12W
Operating Temperature	0° – 40° C (32° – 104° F)
Operating Humidity	Max. 90% non-condensing
Certifications	FCC IC
Dimensions	126 x 126 x 60mm (4.96 x 4.96 x 2.36 in.) per unit
Weight	372g (13.1 oz.) per unit
Warranty	3 year

PACKAGE CONTENTS

2 x TEW-830MDR Quick Installation Guide 2 x Network cable 0.5m (1.6 ft.) 2 x Power adapter (12V DC, 1.5A) Wall mount screws

 

First Impressions

 

The TRENDnet Tri-Band AC2200 WiFi Mesh Router System (TEW-830MDR2K) arrives in an environmentally friendly packaging, consciously designed to minimize the use of plastic, thereby facilitating recycling processes.

The packaging showcases an eye-catching combination of bright blue and black colors, ensuring its visibility and appeal on store shelves. The front of the box prominently features the dual AC2200 WiFi mesh router system, clearly indicating the model number and highlighting its compatibility with an app for convenient installation. Emphasizing its primary purpose of providing comprehensive WiFi coverage throughout the entire home.

The back and sides of the box provide valuable product information, outlining key features, and presenting essential specifications of the main mesh router. The package contents are also listed, which include 2x TEW-830MDR mesh node units, a quick installation guide, 2x 0.5m (1.6 ft.) network cables, 2x power adapters (12v DC, 1.5A), and wall mount screws and anchors. Notably, the package also includes details about the 24/7 technical support provided and an impressive 3-year warranty, underscoring the manufacturer's commitment to customer satisfaction.

For user convenience, the TRENDnet Mesh app is readily available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of mobile devices.

Visual Overview

The TRENDnet TEW-830MDR mesh node units included in this tri-band AC2200 WiFi mesh router system are identical in design. Resembling enlarged hockey pucks, these mesh nodes are crafted in white ABS plastic, exuding a clean and modern aesthetic. Positioned at the top dead center is the TRENDnet logo, adding a subtle branding touch.

The top and sides of the mesh node units feature a glossy plastic finish, providing a sleek appearance, while the bottom has a matte texture for added grip and stability.

At the top front of each unit, there is a single LED indicator that can illuminate in white, orange, or red, indicating various statuses and notifications. Additionally, a pinhole is located on the backside of the unit, serving as a reset button for troubleshooting purposes.

It is worth noting that apart from the hole used for the wall mount system, there are no vent holes present on the unit. During operation, the units can generate noticeable warmth near the connectors. In ambient temperatures of approximately 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), the backside temperature near the connectors was observed to hover around 59 degrees Celsius (138 degrees Fahrenheit), indicating a notable heat output.

The mesh node units are equipped with four connectors. These include the power connector, which requires a 12v DC/1.5A power supply, a Gigabit WAN port for the incoming network connection, a Gigabit LAN port for wired device connections, and a USB 3.0 share port with Samba (Linux) support, facilitating file sharing and peripheral connectivity.


Tearing it Down -- I mean opening it up :)

The TEW-830MDR2K mesh router system features a total of six antennas, which are responsible for wireless signal transmission and reception. These antennas are connected to a tri-band Qualcomm WLAN interface, ensuring efficient and reliable wireless communication.

Driving the performance of the mesh router system is a quad-core Qualcomm IPQ4019 CPU, manufactured using a 40nm process. This CPU comprises four ARM Cortex A7 717MHz CPUs, delivering processing power to handle the network operations effectively. Additionally, the system utilizes 2x2 2-stream MIMO technology, further enhancing wireless connectivity performance.

The mesh router system is equipped with 128 MB SLC NAND flash memory, specifically the Spansion S34ML01G200TFV00 model. This storage component facilitates the storage and retrieval of firmware, configuration settings, and other essential data, contributing to the overall functionality of the system.


Hardware Installation

Setting up the TRENDnet Tri-Band AC2200 WiFi Mesh Router System (TEW-830MDR2K) is a straightforward process that can be easily accomplished using a smartphone or tablet. Here are the steps involved:

1. Begin by downloading the TRENDnet Mesh app from either the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

2. Launch the app and follow the provided instructions for setup.

3. Connect the WAN port (marked in blue) of the master mesh node router to your modem using the included network cable. Plug in the power adapter to provide power to the router. Allow a moment for the mesh node to initialize, indicated by the LED indicator changing from white to orange.

4. Utilizing the app, scan the QR code located on the bottom of the mesh node. This action establishes a connection between the app and the router. A successful connection is indicated by the flashing orange LED.

5. Proceed to create a TRENDnet Mesh Account within the app. This account will enable you to manage and control the mesh network.

6. Place the secondary mesh node in close proximity to the master node during the initial setup. Connect the secondary node to a power source and wait for the LED to change from white to orange. This indicates that the secondary node is ready to be paired with the mesh network.

7. The TRENDnet Mesh app will automatically scan and discover the secondary mesh device. Follow the prompts within the app to pair the secondary node with the master node, thereby establishing the mesh network.

By following these steps, you can easily set up and configure the TRENDnet Tri-Band AC2200 WiFi Mesh Router System using the TRENDnet Mesh app, providing seamless WiFi coverage throughout your home.


TRENDnet Mesh App and Router Web Setup Page





Results - How Does It Work?

During my one-month testing period, I found the TRENDnet Tri-Band AC2200 WiFi Mesh Router System (TEW-830MDR2K) to be user-friendly and easy to install using the TRENDnet Mesh App. Most of the configuration and management tasks could be handled through the app, reducing the need to access the web-based router interface for advanced settings.

However, as an entry-level product, it lacked certain features found in other routers, such as the ability to manage bandwidth control for connected devices. I was unable to limit the speed of individual devices, which impacted the overall network experience. Even with the enabled Quality of Service (QoS) function, it was not sufficient for my needs, and I desired more control over bandwidth allocation.

I also noticed some peculiarities in the advanced setup web interface. While the TRENDnet Mesh App offered a WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) option, there was no way to disable it completely in the web interface. Additionally, there was no option to enable or disable explicit or non-explicit beamforming, as it was always enabled by default.

Furthermore, navigating the advanced settings web interface was quite slow, with a delay of approximately 6-7 seconds when switching between tabs and pages.

The TRENDnet Mesh App generally worked well, but I encountered occasional issues where the app would hang, requiring a force close on my Android device, especially when accessing the devices tab. Additionally, when performing a speed test within the app, it would sometimes return to the main menu, necessitating a repeated test to view the results.

When the TEW-830MDR2K mesh router system operated smoothly, it performed admirably. It delivered fast speeds and exhibited excellent performance in close-range scenarios. I noticed significant improvements in reducing lag for my WiFi IP security camera when compared to my previous setup.

The seamless WiFi handoff between different areas of my home was another positive aspect of the mesh system. In WiFi dead spots that were located in the far corners of my 2000 sq. ft. home, I experienced substantial speed increases, with speeds ranging from 50-80 Mbps (out of a possible 150 Mbps), significantly enhancing my browsing experience.

However, I encountered major reliability issues that persisted for several days. During these periods, the TEW-830MDR2K mesh system would slow down significantly, devices would frequently disconnect, and performance would suffer. The mesh system attempted to recover on its own, but I often had to intervene by initiating a total system restart through the app. These problems occurred frequently and impacted various activities, such as streaming videos on YouTube, which would suddenly buffer and interrupt playback.

After extensive troubleshooting and experimentation, I discovered that the mesh nodes were not able to achieve the expected distance between them, despite the TRENDnet Mesh App indicating that they were within the optimum range. Even when placing the nodes 8.2 meters apart (according to a GPS distance meter), the performance remained poor. It was only when I noticed occasional disconnections indicated by a red light in the app that I decided to move the mesh nodes closer together incrementally. Eventually, at a distance of approximately 6.5 meters, most of the reliability issues ceased. I finally had a reasonably reliable mesh system, with speed dips occurring only a few times per week instead of daily.

In my experience, the TRENDnet Tri-Band AC2200 WiFi Mesh Router System (TEW-830MDR2K) exhibited long-distance range issues, unable to achieve the advertised 10-meter distance between mesh nodes, despite what the TRENDnet Mesh App claimed. This limitation may require the addition of a third or fourth node in larger homes. It is possible that TRENDnet could address this through a firmware update, but it remains

to be seen.

Overall, while the TEW-830MDR2K mesh router system showcased some impressive performance, it was marred by reliability issues and limitations in range, particularly in larger homes.

Where Can I Buy One?  And For How Much?


The TRENDnet Tri-Band AC2200 WiFi Mesh Router System (TEW-830MDR2K) is readily available for purchase on the Amazon USA platform at a price of $199.99, inclusive of free shipping.

For customers who prefer the convenience and reliability of shopping on Amazon, rest assured that the order will be fulfilled and shipped directly from Amazon's own warehouse, eliminating the involvement of third-party sellers. This not only ensures a safer transaction but also provides the added benefit of Amazon's protection and customer support, offering peace of mind throughout the purchase process.

Why do I like Amazon?  They are fast, honest, reliable, and their return policy is great.  I actually got money refunded back to my account after Amazon overcharged me on duty costs; talk about being an honest company, most others would keep the money and not say anything!


If you are considering purchasing the TRENDnet Tri-Band AC2200 WiFi Mesh Router System (TEW-830MDR2K) or any other product, we kindly encourage you to utilize the provided Amazon links. Doing so not only supports our website but also contributes to any future contests we may hold through our Facebook page. We greatly appreciate your support, which enables us to continue providing valuable content and services.


Some Amazon Deals That May Interest You!

Conclusion

The performance of the TRENDnet Tri-Band AC2200 WiFi Mesh Router System (TEW-830MDR2K) is commendable when it operates effectively. However, it falls short in terms of reliability, particularly due to its limited long-distance range capabilities. This aspect significantly impacts its overall performance, making it less suitable for larger homes. For customers seeking a mesh router system that offers reliable coverage in spacious residences, exploring alternative options may be more advisable.

 

Tweets by @modsynergy