| TP-Link Archer C5 | Linksys EA6350 | |
|---|---|---|
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 |
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| WiFi Performance | AC1200 WiFi (300 + 867 Mbps) | AC1200 WiFi (300 + 867 Mbps) |
| WiFi Band | 2.4GHz & 5GHz | 2.4GHz & 5GHz |
| Ethernet Ports | 4 Fast Ethernet LAN port 1 Fast Ethernet WAN port |
4 Gigabit LAN port 1 Gigabit WAN port |
| USB Ports | 2 USB 2.0 Ports | 1 USB 3.0 port |
| Security | DoS, SPI Firewall IP Address Filter/MAC Address Filter/Domain Filter IP and MAC Address Binding |
WEP WPA Personal WPA Enterprise WPA2 Personal WPA2 Enterprise WPA2/WPA Mixed Personal WPA2/WPA Mixed Enterprise |
| Antennas | Three 5GHz 5dBi detachable antennas (RP-SMA) Three 2.4GHz internal antennas |
Five Galtronics bent-metal internal antennas: three for the 5 GHz and two for the 2.4 GHz |
| Features | Network Address Translation (NAT) WMM, Bandwidth Control, Virtual Server, Port Triggering, UPnP, DMZ |
Advanced Network Protection (WPA/WPA2 encryption and SPI firewall) |
| MSRP | $99.99 | $99.99 |
The TP-Link Archer C5 is a next generation router that offers support for 802.11ac wireless standard, which is 3 times faster than the N speeds. Users can enjoy wireless data transfer at rates up to 1.2Gbps, making online gaming and high-definition movie streaming a breeze. The router also comes in an affordable price range, making it the right choice for someone looking for a decent price-quality relationship. It is also suitable for someone looking to upgrade from the standard router that comes with your Internet connection.
The Chinese company, TP-Link, is known for its affordable range of routers that compete against the high-priced routers of other manufacturers, offering the latest wireless communication standards in budget. The Archer C5 also shares this competitive advantage in the router industry.
Design
The TP-Link Archer C5 has a sleek design and compact design. The router gets an average material quality, but it is acceptable for the device’s price range. It has three internal antennas as well as three 5dBi external antennas, resulting in an omnidirectional coverage. On the front top of the device is an array of LED status lights. On the rear of the device is the WPS configuration button, two USB 2.0 ports, four Ethernet Gigabit ports and wireless connectivity control. Some high-end routers also come with USB 3.0 ports that offer improved data transfer rates compared to the 2.0 standard. The USB port allows you to connect the router to a storage device or a printer, enabling you to share these resources with other users on the network.
Inside the Box
The device comes in a box with all the accessories necessary to set up the device. Typically, you will find a mini CD for device drives, a quick start guide, a set of three external antennas and the router device. The antennas don’t need special tools to be appended to the rear of the routing device. If you want to setup and use the router with a device that doesn’t support installation from CD, you can visit the company website for drivers. Downloading drivers online also lets you get the latest drivers for your device. However, make sure that you only download drivers from the manufacturer website or any other trusted third-party website.
Setup
Setup is fairly simple and is generally completed in a few simple steps. Connect the router to an Internet and a power source. From your computer device, visit TP-Link’s web interface to start the configuration wizard. For detailed configuration options, you should consult the user guide that is also available in PDF format.
Other Features
You can also set up a guest network on the device. It allows you to securely share your office or home network through Wi-Fi. The company also offers a Tether App that lets you manage the router resources from Android or iOS devices. You can access a number of features via the Tether App, including basic setup, parental control and media sharing.
Performance
The Archer C5 delivers an average speed of up to 490 Mbps on the 5GHz band in 802.11ac mode, making it a suitable choice for basic home or office use. While the router gets the latest Wi-Fi specification, there are still only a limited number of devices that offer support for these protocols.
The TP-Link Archer C5 is a splendid product that is extremely suitable for basic routing needs. It offers decent range and data transfer rates, making it a suitable device for basic and advanced users alike.
