TP-Link TL-WR720N
Very closely related to TL-WR700N, TL-WR702N, TL-WR703N and TL-WR710N
Note: TP-Link also markets a very different router under the same name.
Even though it is marketed as a “3G travel router”, the TL-WR720N does not include a 3G modem. It simply means that the OEM firmware and GUI support a certain range of USB 3G modems. OpenWrt supports USB 3G modems, too. The router is powered through either a AC source (100-240V, Chinese-style foldable plug, i.e. two prongs without hole), or a micro-USB socket stub (5V).
The domestic Chinese/Asian versions and those for the European and American markets differ significantly. Only the rectangular version available from China has been tested, so far.
Supported Versions
| Model Version | Model Specific Notes |
|---|---|
| v1.1 | USA version (rectangular), only 2MB flash → unsupportable |
| v3.0 | Chinese version (rectangular) |
| v4.0 | Chinese version (rectangular) |
Hardware Highlights
Installation
→ Install OpenWrt (generic explanation)
Please add the installation procedure for v3 and v4 here.
As from 28 April 2013, support for the TL-WR720N is present in the Trunk version of OpenWrt, see this thread on the forum for further reference.
Failsafe mode
Note that the mount_root command will not work. (You can use the netcat method to install a fresh copy of the system if necessary.)
Hardware
The hardware of v4.0 is almost the same as v3.0 and the firmware id for it is 0x07200104 (0x07200103 for v3.0).
USB ports
It appears the hardware switch must be set to “3G” to make the USB port work. Otherwise the port has power output but devices connected can't be detected by OpenWrt.
Serial Console
TP_IN is RX, TP_OUT is TX, and you may solder a ground above R323. The connection speed is 115200, N, 8, 1.
user: root pass: 5up
To access the u-boot bootloader, enter 'tpl'+<enter> when the 'Autoboot in 1 sec' message is displayed.
Internal Pictures
V1.1
Somebody please uplad the pictures, i can't because not have permission.
Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/xRJ1wanyXrHb5Ptv5
V3.0
With thanks to mveplus who posted these pictures in the forum thread.
Bootloader Mods
Read about bootloader in general and about Das U-Boot in particular.
U-Boot 1.1.4 modification for routers
Forum member pepe2k made a modification of U-Boot 1.1.4 for Qualcomm Atheros SoCs based devices (the project is still being developed, so new devices and SoCs will be supported in the future). Up to date information, binary images and sources can be found on official GitHub repository.
This modification started from wr703n-uboot-with-web-failsafe project, but supports more devices, all modern web browsers, has a lot of improvements and other modifications (like U-Boot NetConsole, custom commands, overclocking possibilities etc.).
More information:
- Official repository on GitHub: U-Boot 1.1.4 modification for routers
- Discussion about this project on OpenWrt forum
- An article (in Polish) about one of the first version of this project on www.tech-blog.pl