TP-Link Router Ban !?

Watercooler
1

Just noticed that the government may try to ban TP-Link routers.

Uh-oh. Maybe time to shop around.

2 Likes
2

Not just their routers either. They may be getting their switches and other devices banned too because so many of their IoT devices are being compromised to become part of Chinese based DDOS Botnets too.

I just bought a ton of TP Link plugs to use with Home Assistant too :sob:

Thankfully I only have one of their “Wyze Killer” Cameras…it’s alright and I’ve liked having it as redundancy for my critical Wyze cam locations.

It’s crazy because TP-Link controls 65% of the Router market in the USA (which is part of the reason why the main focus is about the routers), and started taking on a huge market share in other IoT devices too because they undersell so many other companies (cameras, plugs, switches, etc). Kasa and Tapo have become HUGE successes…and apparently they’re all potentially compromised as Chinese botnets.

I guess we’ll see how this drama plays out. It’s good news for Wyze, bad news for the market in general I think…TP Link was an awesome low-price smart home competitor that helped keep prices low and put pressure on other companies to offer more for less.

3 Likes
3

True. TP-Link says they are moving their business to the US, but they still need to fix a lot of holes.

I have two Kasa bulbs.

Guess I may need to look for a US router company.

1 Like
4

I just bought a TP-Link WiFi extender. I frequently log in to the configuration pages of it and my Linksys router to check things.

If the TP-Link shows anything concerning, I guess I will have to toss the $25 extender.

2 Likes
5

I’ve run across these TP-Link router rumors the last time I was shopping for a new router. I steered clear even though their prices were tempting.

2 Likes
6

What did you decide to do or go with?

I may look for Wifi 6e since 7 is still a bit pricey for a guy that doesn’t need Internet to pay the bills. Maybe Asus, Netgear or Eero.

7

I went with Asus routers, specifically the GT-AX6000 model. I used to have Linksys routers for a long time but they are slow to keep up with the emerging tech. I think they have caught up since.

1 Like
8

Ubiquiti UniFi FTW!!!

:slight_smile:

UniFi is a little too expensive for most people though. But that is what I use now.

Wyze mesh routers have really good performance, just not enough features for my needs.

2 Likes
9

Thanks. Just checked out Asus website. Think I am leaning toward a 6E mesh network. I have two devices that can use 6E.

Currently, I have a Deco X68 Wifi 6 mesh. I like it.

10

Good input. Thanks. I really don’t need the latest and greatest for just me and my IoT network. I don’t have any Wifi 7 devices. I would stay with TP-Link if they remain legal and patch the holes. Might as well upgrade to 6E Mesh, if I have to buy new.

I feel the same way about Wyze routers. I need more features.

11

If that is the case, you won’t like Eeros, most of their features are paywalled.

2 Likes
12

I am not going to fret at this time. Watching how all of this plays out.

3 Likes
13

Thanks for the info. I don’t need some of the extras but I do like to have as much configuration control as possible.

1 Like
14

Probably a Wyze (wize) thing to do.

I can wait.

1 Like
15

Extras are nice to have. I had them on my old Netgear router, highly customizable to a point that it was way out of my expertise. I opted for Eero 6 as I needed a good coverage with robust performance as well as remote access control. I did an extensive research before my purchase and I was lucky to get two at an amazing deal at computer store not far from my house. They have all the features that most people will ever need, they are simply plug and forget about them with an amazing coverage to boot. What I like the best is that they update security patches approximately every month or so.

1 Like
16

I will have to keep them in mind. The items you mentioned are definite pluses.

17

Hey kids, here comes ‘hybrid warfare’ and the Pivot to Asia!

image

I sincerely hope not, but with a finger in the wind, conclusions like these are hard not to draw.

I’m staying ‘low information’ for the moment, plenty of time to get jittered.

aS @SPAMONI sAY

2 Likes
18

BTW: The other Non-Wyze router setup that seemed to work well was my ASUS Mesh setup. But there are a lot of options and toggling them could cause issues. :slight_smile:

19

I was looking at Asus since I heard they have more control features and also supply a web interface. I mainly want to ensure items connect to a local node. I also would like the option to pick a different channel on 2.4 G instead of relying on automation. I am sure there are other settings I would be interested in. I definitely would use caution.

Thanks.

1 Like
20

I did really like Asus when I had them. Actually, if I ever switched back to regular mesh Wi-Fi again I’d highly consider Asus again.

2 Likes