Our editorial team had already tested quite a lot of network equipment from the Chinese company TP-LINK, but this time I took on the most popular router model from the manufacturer, which I myself have been successfully using for more than six months.

Equipment

The router comes in a green box along with a set of paper documentation, a disk with software, patch cord and power adapter.

Appearance

The TP-LINK TL-WR841N looks a little plain, but the developers should be commended for using durable plastic with a matte finish that is virtually resistant to marks. True, the router will still have to be wiped off from dust.

Taking the device in hand, it immediately becomes clear that the decorative slots, which are located throughout the body, are part of the cooling system.

On the top panel you can see system indicators with icons, and on the bottom side there are rubberized feet, recesses for mounting on horizontal surface, as well as an information sticker with data for setting up and configuring the router.

On the rear side there are connectors and functional elements, as well as two non-removable antennas.

Functionality and web interface

The router is based on the Atheros QCA9533-AL3A system chip, which operates at a frequency of 550 MHz and provides the 802.11n protocol in the 2.4 GHz band at speeds of up to 300 Mbit/s. The amount of RAM is 32 MB, and 4 MB of Flash memory is provided for firmware. TP-LINK TL-WR841N supports popular connections - PPPoE, PPTP, L2TP, BigPond. In addition, there is a parental and local control mode, as well as a firewall to protect against DoS and other virus attacks. Also, TP-LINK TL-WR841N supports control with both local and remote access.

We received a router for review with revision 9.2 and firmware 3.14.9 build 140306 Rel. 32560n. To configure the device, the manufacturer has provided not only a disk with software, but also a web interface, which is available at tplinklogin.net. To log in to the system, you must enter the standard login and password, which are indicated on the information sticker. The web face received a classic design for the manufacturer.

On the start screen you can find general data - software version, network connections, traffic and operating time. For quick setup There is a “Quick Setup” menu, and in other items you can perform manual configuration.

In addition, there are statistics wireless networks and security settings for interacting with the built-in firewall, which I already mentioned.

The web interface of the TP-LINK TL-WR841N is quite advanced - this will allow experienced users to fine-tune the router depending on the required operating scenario.

Performance

As I already wrote, the router operates in the 2.4 GHz band with speeds of up to 300 Mbit/s. Testing of TP-LINK TL-WR841N was carried out according to the classical scheme in several modes and different options location - maximum proximity and installation in an adjacent room through brick wall. At a distance of up to one meter, in Wi-Fi to WAN mode, the transmission speed is 95 Mbit/s, and the reception speed is 94 Mbit/s. In the Wi-Fi to LAN scenario, the data is similar. After installing the router in another room, average speed data reception and transmission decreased from 106 Mbit/s to 67 Mbit/s. If you connect several more clients, the speed will decrease by about 10%. For this class of devices these are good indicators.

Conclusions

TP-LINK TL-WR841N can rightfully be considered the most popular wireless router in the budget segment, thanks to the ideal balance of functionality, performance quality and ease of use. For example, I haven’t had any problems in six months of using this model.

FEATURES:

High quality performance.

Great functionality.

Ease of use.

High quality work.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Model TP-LINK TL-WR841N Ver. 9.0
• IEEE 802.11b/g/n standard for 2.4 GHz
• 802.11n speed up to 300 Mbps
• Antennas 2 fixed 5 dBi
• Encryption 64/128-bit WEP,WPA / WPA2,WPA-PSK/ WPA2-PSK
• Ports 1 x Ethernet 10/100/1000 Mbps WAN, 4 x Ethernet 10/100/1000 Mbps LAN
• Power supply DC 12 V 2.5 A
• Dimensions 19.2 x 13 x 3.3 cm
• Weight 230 g

At the time of testing TP-Link Archer The C3150 is one of the most powerful routers on the router market. The modern element base, the presence of the necessary interfaces and support for MU-MIMO technology make this router a real network processor, on the basis of which you can configure a print, media and NAS server. Moreover, the latter will be accessible from anywhere in the world via FTP access. The speed capabilities of the router are also amazing, considering the fact that this is a gigabit router.

TP-Link Archer C3150: equipment and capabilities

We don't see much point in describing the contents of the box. It is enough to know only that everything necessary wires It's there to connect the device, so you don't have to buy anything extra. All that remains is to install and configure the router, and then make the most of its capabilities.

Let's start with the fact that we have before us a representative of the top category of ac standard routers, which will be of interest primarily to those users who have a gigabit network and ac-compatible devices. Purchase it for 100 Mbps home network There is no particular point, because a good half of the speed potential will remain unrealized.

In order not to be unfounded, we immediately note that, according to the manufacturer, it is capable of providing a total speed of up to 1,000 Mbit/s at a frequency of 2.4 GHz and 2,167 Mbit/s on a channel with a frequency of 5 GHz.

The SmartConnect technology used here allows you to automatically select the appropriate band for each device on the network, ensuring the most optimal data transfer speed. For processing large data streams and stable work The network on each of the two channels is supported by a dual-core Broadcom processor operating at 1400 MHz and two coprocessors.

On board there are 4 gigabit LAN ports, a gigabit WAN connector and two USB interfaces (versions 2.0 and 3.0). Using the latter, you can connect a printer or external drives, turning the router into a NAS. If the Internet goes off in your office or home, you can insert a 4G modem into the USB port to organize a backup network connection.

And to ensure that the router does not overheat due to the tasks assigned to it, the lower and part of the upper surface are perforated. There is also a gap between the top cover and the body with holes for air circulation. We did not disassemble it, but we are sure that the dimensions of the radiator, which is responsible for passive cooling of the router components, are impressive, judging by the dimensions of the device.

TP-Link Archer C3150: features

Thanks to Multi-User Multistreaming (or MU-MIMO) technology, the router can communicate with multiple devices on your home or office network at the same time. This is fundamentally different from other MIMO routers, which operate in single-user mode and are forced to switch between clients connected to them, processing their requests in turn.

Our test MU-MIMO router does not need to do this: although it also works with devices in multi-threaded mode, it is able to manage several clients simultaneously without switching between them, making other devices wait.

Another interesting feature of the device is Beamforming technology. It is implemented on the basis of four dual-band antennas with a high signal gain, which allows you to create a directed Wi-Fi signal towards a specific device or area of ​​the house (for example, if the router is installed in the country and you need to provide good speed connections on the veranda).

What if, in addition to “ac” devices in the house, there are also “n” clients? Airtime Fairness technology allows the channel to be evenly divided between modern devices and older generation devices, preventing the latter from reducing the overall network speed.

TP-Link Archer C3150: watch 4K video and play online games over the air

Thanks to four dual-band antennas, it will provide maximum coverage throughout the entire apartment, country house or small office. And the possibility of directed data transfer to devices, which we wrote about just above, opens up the possibility for users to watch UHD video over a wireless connection without any jerks or delays. The same goes for online games. In addition, it allows you to organize four stable wired connections, which will allow you to achieve maximum data transfer speeds.

TP-Link Archer C3150: management and settings

A top-end router is not synonymous with the phrase “difficult to manage.” Setting up this unit is as simple as possible, and if this is not your first time dealing with routers, then just rejoice at the intuitive interface. For configuration, you can use the standard web interface or the Tether mobile application (for smartphones based on Android and iOS OS).

Standard setup will take no more than 30 seconds. You just need to follow all the steps that the “Initial Setup Wizard” offers you. In the router's web panel, users have three interface options: quick setup, basic functions, and for advanced users.

In the case of basic option Most of the settings for will be set automatically. When switching to the advanced version, the user gains full control over the router. But in mobile application the interface corresponds only to basic settings, providing access only to the main parameters of the device.

TP-Link Archer C3150: characteristics

WLAN standard	ac
Maximum theoretical speed of WLAN-ac	2167 Mbit/s
Maximum theoretical speed of WLAN-n	1000 Mbit/s
Gigabit LAN	4 ports
100 Mbps LAN	—
USB 3.0 connector	1 port
USB 2.0 connector	1 port
DSL modem	—
Print server	Yes
FTP server	Yes
DynDNS support	Yes
Telephony: analog	—
Telephony: ISDN	—
DECT	—
Telephony: VoIP	—
Additional Applications	TP-LINK Tether
Transmitter power	< 20 дБм или < 100 мВт
Sensitivity (reception)	5 GHz: 11a 6 Mbps: -91 dBm 11a 54 Mbps: -72 dBm 11n HT20: -70 dBm 11n HT40: -69 dBm 11ac HT20: -60 dBm 11ac HT40: -61 dBm 11ac HT80: -56 dBm 2.4 GHz: 11g 54 Mbps: -73 dBm 11n HT20: -72 dBm 11n HT40: -69 dBm
Control	Access Control Local control Remote control

Score 3

Advantages: excellent model, any except version 13 (the new one has a MediaTek processor installed)

Disadvantages: revision v.13 with MediaTek processor (all other versions have Atheros)
(description of all revisions of the 841st router - https://goo.gl/6WL1eU)

Stanislav C. October 14, 2017, Belgorod

Score 2

Pros: Dispenses well when it distributes.

Disadvantages: Every 4 hours, and with a heavy load every 1.5-2 hours, you have to reboot. I'm sick of it. I had enough nerves for a week. Passed.

Comment: I don’t know if I got a copy of this or a model g..., but it didn’t work normally for even a day.

Score 4

Advantages: The speed on the wafer is the provider’s (90-95 Mbit), it’s easy to set up, you don’t have to deal with the torrent load.

Disadvantages: Not suitable for networks with VPN connection. When using iptv it freezes once every couple of days (can be cured by rebooting)

Comment: I installed about fifty of these routers in different networks. It holds all connections and does not fall under load. This router great choice for networks with connection type DHCP, Static IP, PPPOE. Difficulties may arise with VPN-type connections. In L2TP you cannot register IPsec, in PPTP you cannot enable MPPE (on native firmware, on ddvrt you can, but it will significantly slow down the connection speed). Now about IPTV. Suitable for wired use iptv, but it will freeze every couple of days. For Wi-Fi IPTV is suitable for SD channels, everything in HD starts to scatter the picture (tested on several DUNE HD models). The power of the antennas is average, I didn’t see anything outstanding, it’s suitable for a two-room apartment, but I wouldn’t put it in a three-room apartment. The speed remains normal, 100 MB with a normal receiver it will be easy. From the conclusions: An excellent router for small apartment, it performs its functions with a bang, if you need a VPN network and/or you need IPTV via wafer, take a closer look at the 842 model, there are more settings and it holds the IPTV load much better.

Gosha B. May 23, 2014, Belgorod \Using experience: several months

Score 2

Pros: Easy to set up and update.

Some people write that it works for a long time without rebooting, but that means I got a defective model. Because Once every 2-3 days you have to reload. Local network only via wi-fi (laptop and two Android phones). The wi-fi connection periodically disappears (when the laptop was connected with a cord, no problems were noticed), only a reboot helps, even after updating the firmware to 3.14.19 Build 130122 Rel.43330n, the problem did not disappear.

Rating 5

Advantages: price

Disadvantages: cuts speed in the upward direction (Upload)

Comment: from wifi problems there wasn’t, it gives quite reliable reception in the apartment (50 m2), the neighbor below also connects without problems. At the same time, there are no problems when connecting any devices: 2 laptops, a tablet, 2 mobile phones - there have never been any problems.
[no problems now - see below]
Problems with the fact that the speed is reduced upwards (via WAN). Connection 40Mbps. for uploading it consistently gives these 40, for uploading - the pipe, even uploading a 1MB image to email is a problem. At the same time, having connected the computer directly without a router, I received my 40 Mbit/s in both directions. It seems like there is a problem with the Ethernet controller: by kicking the router, sometimes it is possible to switch it to 10 Mbit/s mode for Ethernet - then 10 will appear both up and down.
As a result, I buy Kinetic...

P.S. the problem resolved itself - everything is OK with the router. Just in case, I decided to re-crimp the cable - it turned out that the cable was crimped poorly when laying the line into the apartment. like this...

Rating 5

Pros: Quality of work.
Of course the price (750 rubles).
On/off toggle switch for wi-fi (when you are not using the network, you can turn it off, and there is less radiation for the body, and you do not interfere with neighbors’ networks).
Antenna range.

Disadvantages: As a nitpick - non-removable antennas (for some this might be a disadvantage, but it doesn’t matter to me).
I couldn’t find any more for that kind of money))

Comment: Now to the point. The device was purchased 3 days ago. Immediately after purchase, I uploaded the latest firmware (as of the current date) 3.14.19 Build 130122 Rel.43330n, from the official website.
Router v8.3, Beeline provider, L2TP, speed 40/80 (day/night).
I don't use IPTV.
The settings took about 10-15 minutes. I entered my logins and passwords, cloned the MAC and everything worked right away. The interface is completely in Russian, with detailed explanations for each item for beginners. Everything is on a green background, pleasing to the eyes. Feature: the most correct setting would be through IE (this is true), this is the browser recommended by the manufacturer.
In the air the speed does not cut. Everything is according to the tariff (of course, in the direct line of sight of the router, i.e. in the same room with it, through 2 walls the speed will naturally be lower - physics is physics).
The antenna power was set to average - the signal throughout the entire apartment was at least 2 bars out of 4. Standard is only N - there are simply no other adapters at home.
I connect 2 smartphones, 1 tablet and a player via Wi-Fi at the same time - no one feels any discomfort. The router is a little warm. We don't indulge in torrents.
Conclusion - as a workhorse for ordinary needs such as online video and web surfing, it’s just right. I simply didn’t check it in other conditions because there was no need.

Anastasia Zh. June 11, 2013, Ivanovo \Using experience: less than a month

Rating 5

Advantages: 1. Very inexpensive
2. Interface in Russian (after flashing)
3. Doesn’t slow down the speed (even with a VPN connection, the speed easily reaches 85 megabits), I compare it with DIR-615
4. Has wifi signal strength setting
5. Allows you to quickly configure the issuance of specific IP addresses with DHCP by mac address
6. Has the function of accessing settings from the Internet
7. If necessary, allows you to control the channel width for each user
8. The light bulbs are not halogen; their blinking does not disturb sleep at night (which cannot be said about DIR-615)

Disadvantages: 1. Cannot automatically check/install firmware updates
2. It does not have a “port forwarding” system... you can, of course, use “virtual servers” or DMZ, but this does not give the desired effect (you can specify a range, but you cannot specify a set of ranges and individual ports separated by commas)
3. There is no built-in detection function correct size MTU, and due to the incorrect MTU value given by default, with my provider, initially all owners of such routers have problems
4. It is impossible (or very difficult) to determine whether the VPN connection is working by the lights on the router (on the DIR-615, when the VPN connection was lost, the orange light was on instead of the green one)

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At that time we noted a good balance technical characteristics and the cost of the model, as well as a nice interface and stable operation mobile communications. Today a new representative of this brand has received our attention.

But now we will talk about a flagship model by the standards of the brand, endowed with everything necessary and more. We will pay attention to the quality of workmanship and technical capabilities, and also evaluate the proportionality of the proposed characteristics and price.

Another point that attracts attention to this device is the warranty period of two years (unlike most competitors with a one-year warranty). Such commitments on the part of the manufacturer allow us to count on good reliability of the smartphone.

Let's start the review of TP-Link Neffos N1 as usual - by studying its technical characteristics.

Technical characteristics of TP-Link Neffos N1

Device type	Smartphone
Model	TP-Link Neffos N1
CPU	MediaTek Helio P25, 8 x 2.3 GHz
Video processor	Mali-T880 MP2
operating system	Android 7.1
Memory, GB	4 RAM; 64 ROM
Screen	5.5" IPS, 1920 x 1080
Cameras, Mpix	12.0+12.0 + 8.0
Net	GSM; WCDMA; LTE
Number of SIM cards, pcs.	2, Nano-SIM
MicroSD support	Yes
Wireless interfaces	Wi-Fi 2.4 + 5 GHz; Bluetooth 4.1
GPS/aGPS/GLONASS	Yes/Yes/Yes
Battery, mAh	3 260
Dimensions, mm	154.4 x 76.1 x 7.5
Weight, g	165
Price, rub.	~15 990*

*Price recommended by the manufacturer.

Although the characteristics can hardly be called top-end for smartphones in general, this is the flagship model of this manufacturer. And by the standards of a smartphone officially presented on the Russian market in the mid-price range, the characteristics are quite good. The main question remains: how are things going with sales and quality? Let's try to figure it out.

Please note that the price is valid until the end of June 2018, and is expected to increase in the future. It’s just unclear to what extent.

Packaging and equipment TP-Link Neffos N1

The box is made of thick cardboard and consists of a main box with a lid covering the ends. The workmanship is good, you don’t have to worry about the safety of the contents.

On the front side there is an image of the display itself, as well as the name. Here you can also see the icon of the main feature of the new product – the dual main camera.

The back side is occupied by several paper stickers listing the main technical characteristics and identification information.

Inside we are greeted by the device itself. It is fixed in a special niche and protected with transport film. Nearby is a box with the delivery kit.

In addition to the standard adapter and charging cable, the kit included safety glass for display and wired stereo headset.

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The final list includes:

• Power adapter;
• USB-microUSB cable;
• Wired stereo headset;
• Safety glass;
• A key-clip for removing the SIM card slot;
• Documentation.

The packaging turned out to be durable and interesting design. I was pleased with the presence of a factory seal in the form of a sticker - it will not be possible to get to the contents of the box without leaving a trace.

Appearance and design of TP-Link Neffos N1

The device is made in a candy bar form factor with a touch screen. Metal was used as a manufacturing material. The build quality is good, all elements fit tightly together, there are no gaps or creaks. The body is quite rigid and can withstand bending or twisting loads well.

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The front side of the case is covered with tempered glass Corning Gorilla Glass 3 with an oleophobic coating. The edges of the glass are rounded. The side frames are medium wide by modern standards.

Above the screen there is a brand logo and a speaker; front camera and LED event indicator.

The bottom frame is occupied by three touch control keys. Moreover, these keys are symmetrical and their purpose can be configured in the settings.

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The ends are a constructive continuation of the back cover. They are slightly rounded, providing a comfortable palm grip. At the top there is a microphone for the noise reduction system, and at the bottom you can find a USB Type C port, a main speaker grille and an AUX audio port. And since there is no separate hole for the talk microphone, it is probably located behind one of the elements mentioned above.

On the right side there is a slot for two nano-SIMs and a mechanical power control button; on the left you can see a volume rocker and a mechanical switch to activate silent mode.

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The back cover is all metal. The coating is smooth and matte and does not collect fingerprints.

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At the top of the body there is a glass insert into which the main camera lenses and a two-color LED flash fit. Most likely, the antennas of the wireless modules are located behind it.

Closer to the center of the lid there is a fingerprint scanner. It is slightly recessed into the lid and can be detected “blindly” without any problems. The brand logo is located just below.

At the bottom are any structural elements are absent, only a narrow plastic insert is provided for wireless modules. Here you can see several service marks and the manufacturer's logo.

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The case turned out to be durable and pleasant to the touch, the design of the new product is conservative and restrained. The manufacturer specifically emphasizes the small thickness of the device, and this parameter really attracts attention.

TP-Link Neffos N1 display test

The display diagonal is 5.5 inches, the aspect ratio is classic 16:9. Resolution – 1920 x 1080 pixels, pixel density – 401 ppi. An IPS matrix is ​​used, the manufacturer of which is not specified.

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Multi-touch technology only supports two simultaneous touches. Despite the overly modest figure, this is enough for comfortable use.

The viewing angles are wide, and there are no noticeable changes in contrast and color rendition when the display is tilted.

White color looks natural, there are no serious deviations in color temperature.

Black color gives off a noticeable bluish tint when viewed from an angle. However, deviations in its display are typical for IPS matrices.

Using a colorimeter, we measured the backlight brightness in various modes and tested the quality of the factory color calibration.

The backlight brightness range is at a good level. Coupled with good light filters, this ensured comfortable readability of the display even in sunny weather.

The graphs were located parallel to each other and practically coincided with the reference value - a good indicator.

The graphs are stable and located at a short distance from the “reference”.

The color temperature is a little higher than usual, but this does not create any discomfort when using the device.

The color range is wider than the generally accepted RGB triangle. This deviation is most noticeable in the range of green and red shades.

The manufacturer used a high-quality display with a good brightness margin and good quality factory color calibration. The only puzzling thing is the support for only two simultaneous touches. However, for most users this feature will not matter much.

Software and firmware TP-Link Neffos N1

The hero of the review works under the control operating system Android 7.0 with proprietary NFUI shell.

Wireless routers are gradually moving from the category of devices for geeks to the category of very mass-produced products. Almost every wealthy family today has two or three Wi-Fi-enabled devices (laptop, tablet, phone), and some of them can only be connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi. Today we will look at the inexpensive TP-Link TL-WR841N router, which can be bought for less than 300 UAH.

Technical specifications TP-Link TL-WR841N

• Type: wireless router.
• Wireless part: 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz).
• Wiring part: one 100Mbps WAN port and four 100Mbps LAN ports.
• Processor and memory: Atheros AP81 (400 MHz processor core), 32 MB RAM.

Appearance and design of TP-Link TL-WR841N

The appearance of the router immediately reveals its budget origin. The case is made of the simplest white plastic and cannot boast of designer finds. I would especially like to note the persistent and bad smell Chinese plastic, well known to buyers of cheap cars from the Middle Kingdom. Another interesting point is the non-replaceable antennas. To be honest, this is the first time I have encountered such a solution in a router. Exactly the same model, but with the ND index, has replaceable antennas.

The router's status is indicated by a series of identical green LED indicators.

There are no surprises at the back: a connector for the power supply, an on/off button, a WAN port, four LAN ports, a button for quick setup using WPS and a recessed Reset.

At the bottom there is a sticker on which information about the router and information necessary for the initial setup of the device are printed.

Router at work

TP-Link WR841N operates in the 2.4 GHz band and supports two spatial streams simultaneously (MIMO 2x2), so theoretically the maximum connection speed can reach 300 Mbit/s. In practice, even when the router was in line of sight from the laptop (MacBook Pro 13" - we use this model for tests, since it is one of the few laptops equipped with a Wi-Fi adapter with support for MIMO 3x3:3), maximum speed connection was 130 Mbit/s. For comparison, the more expensive TP-Link TL-WR1043ND under the same conditions shows a connection speed of around 180 Mbit/s.

The web interface for managing the router is typical for TP-Link models. Overall I would call it "Spartan". TL-WR841N supports following types connections to the provider:

• static IP;
• dynamic IP;
• PPPoE (with support for Dual Access);
• PPTP/L2TP (with support for Dual Access).

In general, the TL-WR841N supports all the basic functionality required by a modern router, including IPTV.

Performance

The performance of the router, taking into account the speed of the interfaces, can be called sufficient. The speed of copying files from computer to computer (both LAN-to-LAN and WAN-to-LAN) was 11 MByte/s with a wired connection and 9 MByte/s with a wireless connection. We can say that the router will not be a bottleneck when connecting to the provider at speeds of up to 100 Mbit/s.

Testing showed that the router does not “digest” in the best way large number active connections (for example, when downloading files via the BitTorrent protocol). At the same time, the stability of its operation deteriorates significantly.

Bottom line

TP-Link TL-WR841N is a typical representative of the class of inexpensive routers. Yes, it cannot boast of advanced functionality or special performance, but it doesn’t need that. Its main task is to simply distribute the Internet to several wireless clients, and it copes with this task quite well (except for problems with stability when downloading large number files via BitTorrent). Considering the price (less than 300 hryvnia), it is difficult to place excessive demands on the device.

Attention, competition! Win one of eight TP-Link TL-WR841N routers!

Editorial gg is happy to announce the next competition, which we are holding from September 17 to October 14 (inclusive) together with TP-Link. The prize fund is 8 (!) TP-Link TL-WR841N routers.

To take part in the competition, collect all your Wi-Fi enabled devices in one pile, take a photo and upload it to the site (in JPEG format). The end result should look something like this:

Traditionally, only residents of Ukraine who have reached 16 years of age and are not affiliated with the Magnet media holding and TP-Link can take part in the competition. Only one work will be accepted from one participant. Prize winners are selected randomly from all eligible participants. The results will be summed up and announced on the website no later than October 17. Follow our news. Good luck and may the Force be with you!