USB port on MR3040 is for USB modem. It is unfair to compare it with the dlink one which cannot work with 3G/4G modem as I read the specification. WR710N may be proper for you. Check details here....

What kinds of VPN? Provide the topology. D7 is in EWAN mode?

TP-LINK wireless modem routers support Annex B if their model number ends with B or b, for example, Archer D7b. You can check if there is firmware in English language....

TP-LINK wireless modem routers support Annex B if their model number ends with B or b, for example, Archer D7b. You can check if there is firmware in English language....

When wifi drops I get an error on the wifi devices (tablet/smartphone/laptop) stating they were unable to obtain an IP address. A DHCP problem maybe? At this point sometimes I can still connect to...

The driver you installed is for Windows 7 32bit? Uninstall the driver. Install the driver manually first. And then, install the utility only. http://www.tp-link.com/en/article/?faqid=228...