TP-Link TD-W8980 N600 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit ADSL2+ (Non-Cable) Modem Router, 2.4GHz 300Mbps+5Ghz 300Mbps, 2 USB Ports for File Sharing, IPv6 Compatible

This review is for the: TP-LINK TD-W8980 N600Having used TP Link routers before--back when I had cable that is--I was very impressed by the simplicity in set-up, yet no lack of experienced perks. So when I was forced to return to the stone age of DSL, there was no question in buying TP-Link. I certainly wasn't going to use a Century modem. As usual, the modem/router combo has outperformed all expectations, and has managed to eke out some quality performance out of sub-par DSL service. I don't have normal television. I use an antenna for local stations and stream the rest thanks to Roku3 and Amazon Fire TV. I'm also a full time doctoral student where I spend most of my time digging through LexisNexis like databases. Both of these chores require a quality internet connection. So you can understand my apprehension of having to return to DSL.But, the TP Link's dual band has managed my demands well. Both Roku3 and Amazon Fire are streamed on the higher end of the 5.0ghz band, while the rest of the household items (4 Laptops, 2 Smartphones, 2 tablets, DVD player, laser printer) are running on the lower 2.4ghz band. Surprisingly I've not encountered any buffering issues with streaming--though at peak hours I have found internet surfing to be extremely slow--no surprise there really, and this is not due to the router/modem.Set-up was simple-ish in a manner of speaking. Powering on, plugging in, and connecting to the router was a breeze...It was mostly CenturyLink who was the problem. First off let me be clear, YES this modem and any DSL rated modem WILL work with CenturyLink service. Do not let a representative tell you otherwise. What they will tell you is if you do not choose a modem/router on their list, the will not provide technical support--big deal, I don't need them too. But here is what you will need from Century, and you need to be firm and clear in this demand.When you call CenturyLink tell them you need the following information:1. Username and Password--don't be surprised if the tech gives you the run around and says "let me try linking to your modem first..." just say there is no need to you already know what the problem is. And for that matter, CenturyLink is supposed to provide you with your account username and password.2. Next ask for the VPI and VCI. This will be different depending on region.3. Confirm Connection Type. Mine was PPoE, and is likely the same for others.With this information in hand, simply go to the router settings by opening a web browser and type in 192.168.1.1 Then in put the information by going to Quick Setup. Voila! You should be connected. From there you can make personal adjustments and changes to the various settings offered by TP Link to improve your connection even further.Hope this helps! So glad TP Link makes a quality, well-built product. Also, the included antennas are optional depending on need. I hooked 2 of the antennas to the modem/router and this extended my coverage to the backyard without issue.

I bought this about a year ago after moving into our new house. The old router didn't have the range or reliability. We also wanted a device we could put bandwidth limits on so that one connected device can't suck the internet dry. My review is comparing this to the cheap store-bought routers I've been using before.The good+ The software included with this is awesome. I can limit bandwidth based on IP and set IP based on mac addresses. I can give certain devices a higher priority for bandwidth and give all devices a minimum bandwidth. When running thinks like torrents other devices can still use the internet reasonably well. Since we often have roommates who wish to use the same internet as they please this is really nice.+ It doubles as a router and a modem. When we switched to cable I didn't have to buy a new wireless device. Setting this up was really simple and painless.+ Wired speeds are fantastic and relaible, Wireless n speeds are also pretty good.The Bad- Wireless 2.4 ghz is notoriously unreliable. Devices fail to connect frequently, are booted off frequently, and get unreliable connections frequently. This unreliability seems to be a roll of the dice for each individual device. My acer aspire one has never had an issue in any part of the house. My desktop struggles to maintain a stable connection, but is at least always connected. My roommate's tablet and phone frequently fail to connect entirely. I'd write this off as issues with range or interference, but devices have the same connection issues when they are sitting next to the router.- Wireless range did not meet my expectations slightly. It reaches every part of the house, but I did not notice any improvement to range over cheaper devices.- This device still needs to be reset intermittently due to heat. For the price, I was disappointed by this. Why are heatsinks such a foreign concept in the router business? I wouldn't be surprised if flopping a heatsink or a fan on this solved most the issues I have with it. I live in Florida, so I'll give it some slack.ConclusionThis device met my needs by the skin of its teeth. I enjoy all the features, the software is great, and the price is good. The issues with 2.4ghz wireless are really killing me though. Having to go downstairs and unplug the device was an inconvenience I was really expecting to be spared from. Gaming on the 2.4ghz also included much heartbreak. The wireless connection isn't reliable enough for good LAN gaming. Its not any worse then the woes I have with cheap store-bought devices here, but I was expecting an improvement.Besides heat and unreliable 2.4ghz wireless, the device is good. Maybe I'll cut her open and put some heatsinks on it and see if any issues are resolved.