Does anyone has any solution to this?

@virtualh 

Hello

I can provide an answer for #2.  Go to the Router's interfact.  Click on Advanced > Network > Internet.  Click on Advanced Settings > Click drop down to 'Use the following DNS"

For #1:  That is by design on the wifi.  If a device is being block all access is blocked including access to the AP. 

@Carl thank you.

My issue with #2 is I don't want to use 1.1.1.1 (external DNS) for WAN but something like 192.168.0.53. I was able to do that with my Asus. It's not a big deal though.

#1 is still a problem for me. Because I do have a use case where I don't want some of my IOT devices (including smart TVs, etc) to have internet access. I still need them on the local network so they can communicate with other local devices. If it's by design, it's bad design on TP link's part. Their software doesn't come close to what Asus has and I am leaning towards going back with Asus.

I also tested the 2.4GHz speed on this router, and man that's slow (5mbps download speed) even if I sit right next to the router.

@virtualh 

With #2 you can use which ever DNS address you want.  If you have a DNS server locally simply point it to that address.  

For #1 yes that is by design.  Now obviously Local Access will be available regardless if the WAN is connected or not. However, If the WAN is connected all devices on the LAN will be giving access to the internet. Removing WAN access while keeping LAN access has not been a feature we have ever really looked into, at least not to recent memory.  We can always send this up to our Design team, but I can't say for certain if it would ever come to be. In my nearly 5 years with the company you have been the only customer I have worked with that has even asked for such a feature.  But none the less I will suggest it.  

As for the speed issues.  Can you run a speed test directly from the router?  Also are you able to run the test from seperate devices but to the same server.  This allows us to ensure the results are not just the network card.  

Best Regards 

@virtualh if anyone still has question number 1, the solution is not blocking device on  network map menu but going to advanced> home care> parental control> add your device and then pause internet access. That's it.

@amin1333 

that's what I am doing too. Thanks 

@Carl 

as far as #1 goes. You can't change the WAN DNS server to a local IP. Been there done that, router doesn't allow it and changes the router IP address to another subnet. I tried setting up a second IP to my DNS server and setup static route for that subnet, all other clients can hit it except the router.