# TP-Link 4G and 5G router SIM cards, tested with ThingSIM

> TP-Link's 4G and 5G routers are a common way to give a small site, a kiosk or a backup line a mobile connection. A ThingSIM connects once its APN is set in a custom APN profile.

## Setting up a ThingSIM in the TP-Link router web interface

The APN goes in **Advanced → Network → Internet → Create Profile**.

1. Activate the SIM in the ThingSIM portal, insert it and log in to the router (tplinkmodem.net).
2. Go to Advanced → Network → Internet and click Create Profile.
3. Enter a profile name, PDP type IPv4, APN type Static, the APN from the portal and authentication None, with no username or password.
4. Click OK and select the new profile as the active one.
5. Turn Data Roaming on and make sure Mobile Data is on.
6. The Network Map shows the router connected.

**Two SIMs:** TP-Link's 4G and 5G routers take one SIM; the router can still fall back between a fixed line and the SIM where it has a WAN port.

**Checking it works:** Basic → Network Map shows the connection, signal and data used.

## Archer MX/MR (4G)

- **Archer MR600**: Office router, 4G LTE Cat 6, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. Popular 4G+ home/office router.
- **Archer MR200**: Office router, 4G LTE Cat 4, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. Budget 4G dual-band router.
- **Archer MR505**: Office router, 4G LTE Cat 6, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. 4G+ home/office router.
- **Archer MX700**: Office router, 4G LTE Cat 6, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. 4G+ home/office router with Wi-Fi 6.
- **Archer MR515**: Office router, 4G LTE Cat 6, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. 4G+ home/office router.
- **Archer MR500**: Office router, 4G LTE Cat 6, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. 4G+ home/office router.

## MiFi

- **M7350**: mobile hotspot, 4G LTE Cat 4, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. Popular 4G mobile hotspot.
- **M7000**: mobile hotspot, 4G LTE, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. Budget 4G mobile hotspot.
- **M7450**: mobile hotspot, 4G LTE Cat 6, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. LTE-Advanced mobile hotspot.
- **M8550**: mobile hotspot, 5G NR + LTE, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. 5G mobile hotspot with touchscreen.
- **M7005**: mobile hotspot, 4G LTE, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. Budget 4G mobile hotspot.
- **M7010**: mobile hotspot, 4G LTE, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. Budget 4G mobile hotspot.
- **M7750**: mobile hotspot, 4G LTE Cat 12, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. LTE-Advanced mobile hotspot.
- **M7352**: mobile hotspot, 4G LTE Cat 4, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. 4G mobile hotspot.
- **M7400**: mobile hotspot, 4G LTE Cat 6, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. LTE-Advanced mobile hotspot.
- **M7200** (no longer sold): mobile hotspot, 4G LTE Cat 4, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. 4G mobile hotspot.

## Archer NX (5G)

- **Archer NX200**: Office router, 5G NR + LTE, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. Entry 5G home/office router.
- **Archer NX500**: Office router, 5G NR + LTE Cat 19, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. Home/small-office 5G router with Wi-Fi 6.
- **Archer NX210**: Office router, 5G NR + LTE Cat 19, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. Entry 5G home/office router.
- **Archer NX600**: Office router, 5G NR + LTE, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. Home/small-office 5G router with Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5G port.
- **Archer NX505**: Office router, 5G NR + LTE Cat 19, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. Home/small-office 5G router with Wi-Fi 6.
- **Archer NX500-Outdoor**: Outdoor unit, 5G NR + LTE Cat 19, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. Weatherproof 5G router for rural/remote sites.
- **Archer NX205**: Office router, 5G NR + LTE, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. Entry 5G home/office router.

## Omada 4G/5G gateway

- **ER706W-4G**: Branch router, 4G LTE Cat 6, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. SMB VPN gateway with 4G+ WAN, Omada SDN managed.
- **ER706WP-4G**: Branch router, 4G LTE Cat 6, 2 SIM slots, Wi-Fi. SMB VPN gateway with 4G+ WAN and 4x PoE+.
- **ER703WP-4G-Outdoor**: Outdoor unit, 4G LTE Cat 6, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. Outdoor/indoor 4G+ gateway for farms, car parks, remote sites.
- **ER603WP-4G-Outdoor**: Outdoor unit, 4G LTE Cat 4, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. Outdoor PoE 4G gateway.
- **ER701-5G-Outdoor**: Outdoor unit, 5G NR + LTE, 2 SIM slots. Outdoor 5G gateway for SMB fixed wireless access.

## Deco (mesh)

- **Deco X50-5G**: Office router, 5G NR + LTE, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. 5G mesh Wi-Fi 6 gateway.
- **Deco X50-4G**: Office router, 4G LTE Cat 6, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. 4G+ mesh Wi-Fi 6 gateway.
- **Deco X20-4G**: Office router, 4G LTE Cat 6, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. 4G+ mesh Wi-Fi 6 gateway.

## TL-MR (4G)

- **TL-MR6400**: Office router, 4G LTE Cat 4, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. Budget 4G router, very widely deployed.
- **TL-MR100**: Office router, 4G LTE Cat 4, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. Budget 4G router.
- **TL-MR105**: Office router, 4G LTE Cat 4, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. Budget 4G router.
- **TL-MR6500v**: Office router, 4G LTE Cat 4, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. 4G router with VoLTE telephone port.
- **TL-MR100P**: Office router, 4G LTE Cat 4, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. Budget 4G router.
- **TL-MR108**: Office router, 4G LTE Cat 4, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. Budget 4G router.
- **TL-MR100-Outdoor**: Outdoor unit, 4G LTE Cat 4, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. Weatherproof 4G router for outbuildings/CCTV.

## Questions

### Does a ThingSIM work in a TP-Link Archer MR600?

Yes. Create a custom APN profile with the APN from the portal, turn data roaming on and the router connects.

### Is ThingSIM right for home broadband in a TP-Link router?

ThingSIM plans go up to 5 GB a month, which suits backup lines, kiosks, cameras and other kit. For everyday home internet, a consumer mobile broadband plan with a larger allowance is a better fit.

Suggested plan: 5 GB, UK 4-network, £8.85 a month per active SIM, ex VAT.

Source: https://thingsim.com/devices/tp-link