TP-Link

TP-LINK was founded in 1996 by two brothers, Zhao Jianjun (Cliff Chao) and Zhao Jiaxing (Jeffrey Chao), with a network card they had developed. The company name was based on the concept of “twisted pair link”, a kind of electromagnetic cabling.

TP-LINK sells through multiple sales channels globally, including traditional retailers, online retailers, wholesale distributors, direct market resellers (“DMRs”), value-added resellers (“VARs”) and broadband service providers.

TP-LINK began its first international expansion in 2005. In 2007, the company moved into its new 100,000 square meters headquarters and facilities at Shenzhen’s Hi-Tech Industry Park. TP-LINK USA was established in 2008.

Since entering the international market in 2005, TP-Link products have been deployed in over 120 countries. As of the first quarter of 2013, TP-Link is the largest market share holder in the world for WLAN equipment with a 42.2% global market share.

TP Link Products include wireless networking, portable routers, 3G/4G routers, switches, routers, Powerline adapters, IP cameras and print servers.

Wireless technology

TP-LINK markets a range of wireless networking products, including the Archer line of dual-band wireless routers using the new “802.11ac” wireless standard, along with other dual-band wireless routers using the 802.11n wireless standard.

Portable routers

TP-LINK’s line of portable “travel” routers are smaller in size than typical home devices, targeting business travelers or families that travel and need to share one Internet connection in a hotel for multiple devices.

3G/4G routers

3G/4G routers share Internet connections deriving from modems accessing various wireless broadband technology standards such as LTE, HSPA+/HSUPA/HSDPA, UMTS, and EVDO.

Switches

TP-LINK markets a range of L2 gigabit managed switches under the “JetStream” brand along with “smart” switches and unmanaged switches.

Routers

TP-LINK markets VPN routers under the “SafeStream” brand along with load balance broadband routers.

Powerline

TP-LINK sells a range of adapters and starter kits using the HomePlug Powerline Alliance networking standard.

 

TP-LINK is one of the few major wireless networking companies to manufacture its products in-house as opposed to outsourcing to “ODMs” (original design manufacturers). The company claims this control over components and the supply chain is a key competitive differentiator.