Author - Network Admin

Touchscreen capability has quickly become common place across many different technological devices. In addition to smartphones and tablets, touchscreens are now available on routers, which makes configuring and managing networks possible without the need to use a PC. TP Link recently introduced the affordable Touch P5 AC 1900 Wi-Fi Gigabit Router. Equipped with a 4.3 capacitative, top-mounted touchscreen, the router provides quick and easy access to a wide range of controls that may be used in combination with standard, browser-based management consoles. The unit additionally allows file sharing, has media server settings, print servers, enables wireless configuration and WPS matching for various types of home entertainment.

Unique Touchscreen Design

The screen displays function settings in color and is protected by crack and break-resistant glass. The intuitive touchscreen enables you to set-up and manage all of your network settings. The elegant Touch P5 design of the touchscreen also includes the user interface. Anyone familiar with similar screens on mobile devices will easily comprehend the tap and slide method of accessing the router’s controls. Unlike competitor models, TP-Link’s screen functions thanks to an independent STMicroelectronics chipset. TP-Link boasts that this technology ensures fast and responsive function without straining the unit’s CPU or core operations.

Overall Appearance

The smart-looking Touch P5 router measures 11.2 x 6.2 x 2.1 inches (284 x 187 x 52 millimeters) and is encased within a black body complete with contrasting blue lighting. The touchscreen conveniently lies in the center of the unit. The four Gigabit LAN and one Gigabit WAN ports along with the two USB ports are positioned to the rear of the device.

Router Functionality

In addition to the user-friendly touchscreen, the TP Link Touch P5 is quite the capable router. The unit is an upgrade of the previous Archer C9 version. Router features include flexible wall mounting options, three antennas that ensure maximum coverage and signal strength. The TP Link model also can operate on dual-band speeds simultaneously at rates of up to 600 Mbps over 2.4 GHz and 1300 Mbps over 5 GHz, which means you get a combined speed of up to 1900 Mbps.

While the 2.4 GHz wavelength often experiences interference by everything from bluetooth devices, microwaves ovens and other electronics relying on frequency transmission and reception, the 5 GHz connection means less crowding and interference. The band is also a lot faster. Once combined, users get the best of both worlds. The router also transmits bandwidth frequencies of 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac. Additionally, the USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports allow ease of file transferring or printer sharing.

The TP Link Touch P5 streams 4K videos with ease. You can also use the device when playing games online. The dual bands ensure quality Internet access without annoying screen lag. The integrated Beamform technology directs the wireless signal to multiple devices while providing stronger connections. The device also features multiple mode functions. Use the TP Link as a router, repeater or as an access point.

The 64/128-bit WEP, WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK encryption capabilities ensure child safety while blocking possible web intrusion. You can also create host lists or set access control rules. The TP Link Touch P5 also features a firewall, DoS attack protection and an IP and MAC address filtering.

While some may argue that touchscreens on routers are not a necessary luxury, the unique feature enables users to plug the unit in and program the setting once removed from the box. The TP Link Touch P5 is also designed to appeal to a wider range of consumers. Novice to experienced tech fans can have the router up and running with very little effort. Given the power the performance provided by the router, consumers could easily pay twice as much for comparable models.

	Belkin N750	Linksys E2500	TP-LINK TL-WR841N
WiFi Performance	N750 WiFi (300 + 450 Mbps)	N600 WiFi (300 + 300 Mbps)	N300 WiFi (300 Mbps)
WiFi Band	2.4GHz & 5GHz	2.4GHz & 5GHz	2.4GHz
Ethernet Ports	4 Gigabit LAN port 1 Gigabit WAN port	4 Gigabit LAN port 1 Gigabit WAN port	4 Gigabit LAN port 1 Gigabit WAN port
Security	128-bit WEP 256-bit WPA 64-bit WEP WPA2	64-bit WEP WPA2 encryption	64/128/152-bit WEP / WPA / WPA2,WPA-PSK / WPA2-PSK
Antennas	Internal integrated	MIMO antenna array	Two 5dBi Fixed Omni Directional Antenna
Firewall Features	NAT and SPI	NAT SPI	DoS, SPI Firewall IP Address Filter/MAC Address Filter/Domain Filter IP and MAC Address Binding IP and MAC Address Binding
MSRP	$79.99	$89.99	$29.99

The TP-Link TL-WR841ND is an economical router suitable for basic networking needs. It offers 802.11n wireless connectivity and comes at a very affordable price. The configuration options are basic, and the router is not suitable for long range. However, if you’re looking for a low cost device for connecting wirelessly to the Internet in an apartment or a small home, then this router meets your needs. You must also be willing to give up on ultra-fast Internet speed when connecting via this device.

It has a nice look and is a relatively lightweight router. The connectivity ports are on the rear of the device. The front top side has an array of LED status lights.

The average-sized router hosts four 10/100Mbps Ethernet ports. It also connects to a standalone modem via a WAN port. Two external 3dBi antennas are connected to the router for wireless connections. If you’re looking for additional coverage, you can replace the detachable antennas with longer range antenna units or antenna extenders.

The 802.11n standard router is capable of transmitting data at a rate of 300 Mbps. If you’re upgrading from 11g standard device, you will find significantly enhanced speed and range on this device. Disconnections at longer range will also be lesser compared to 11g products. At this speed, it is capable of running VoIP applications, online gaming and high definition videos without delay.

It is easy to configure the router via a simple Web interface. It offers a step-by-step procedure that walks you through the setup. There is also the option to manually access standard settings, such as port forwarding and DHCP. A basic firewall is also available that can be turned on or off. Other options include MAC, domain and IP filtering.

With its IP QoS, the TL-WR841N ensures optimum bandwidth consumption and control during heavy data usage. This feature allows users connected to a small network to receive an allocated bandwidth and prevents applications, such as torrent clients to steal excessive bandwidth.

It features WPA, WPA2 and WEP keys as well as TKIP and AES encryption. The router lacks the option to transition between the wireless standards, so users may feel stuck between 802.11g/b/n modes. There are up to 13 different wireless channels to switch from. Users can also choose between 20MHz, 40MHz and automatic mode. With the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) key, users simply have to press the WPS button to establish a WPA2 secure connection that offers enhanced security compared to WEP encryption.

Compared to other routers in this price range, the TL-WR841N delivers superior performance in terms of range as well as data transfer speed. It is capable of delivering an average throughput greater than 6.5 megabytes per second at close range and more than 6 megabytes per second at a range of 10 meters. At longer range though, the data transfer speed falls dramatically and may possibly reduce to half at a distance around 20 meters. If obstacles are placed between the router and the connected device, the speed may even be slower.

Overall, the WR-841N is a decent router suitable for home use. While excellent for usage in an apartment or small home, you may experience troubles upon increasing the range. The router is however, unsuitable for business use where you expect high speed connectivity without any interruption issues.

	TP-LINK TL-WDR4300	NETGEAR WNDR4000	ASUS RT-N66U
WiFi Performance	N750 WiFi (300 + 450 Mbps)	N750 WiFi (300 + 450 Mbps)	N900 WiFi (300 + 600 Mbps)
WiFi Band	2.4GHz & 5GHz	2.4GHz & 5GHz	2.4GHz & 5GHz
Ethernet Ports	4 Gigabit LAN port 1 Gigabit WAN port	4 Gigabit LAN port 1 Gigabit WAN port	4 Gigabit LAN port 1 Gigabit WAN port
USB Ports	2 USB 2.0 ports	1 USB 2.0 port	2 USB 2.0 ports
Antennas	3 detachable dual band external antennas	Internal	3 detachable antennas
MSRP	$99.99	$99.99	$129.99

The TL-WDR4300 is a dual band router with four Gigabit Ethernet ports and two USB2.0 ports. It supports dual band Wi-Fi at 2.4GHz and 5GHz band. The 2.4GHz delivers up to 300Mpbs whereas the 5GHz band offers up to 450Mbps. It has three big antennas that are detachable. It offers the standard wireless security with 64/128-bit WEP, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK and WPA/WPA2. It comes with a range of software features, meaning if you’re looking for a particular functionality in the router, you’re likely to find it in the TL-WDR4300 specs. It is very competitively priced for the features it offers.

The TL-WDR4300 has a quick setup wizard that makes it easy to configure the device. The web user-interface loads quickly and offers all the standard options that are included in a router, including parental control, port forwarding and Dynamic DNS. The Wi-Fi performance, while not the most stunning, still manages to do better than many other routers. At 2.4GHz band, it delivers better transfer rates than those achieved by the competitor, Netgear’s WNDR4000. When connected to a USB broadband dongle, it may offer poor transfer rates at distances above 20 meters. On the 5GHz band, the transfer rates are quite impressive, even at 25 meters range. Connecting the USB dongle on the 5GHz range yields similar problems when the range is increased to more than 25 meters.

The TL-WDR4300 has a built-in media server that makes it easy to play media files on an attached USB storage device. The videos play well at 720p on a laptop connected at a distance of 25 meters via built-in Wi-Fi adaptor. However, the results are poor for 1080p resolution. The router comes with an additional utility that must be installed to print from an attached USB printer. Of course, the printer drivers must be installed on the PC from which the print command is to be sent.

Overall, the TP-Link TL-WDR4300 is a great product for its price. Many people seek an inexpensive router especially for home use. Companies like TP-Link meet this need by releasing high-quality devices that are not a burden on your budget. In coming up with the inexpensive TL-WDR4300, it hasn’t compromised on its features and still manages to deliver decent performance. Basic home users can enjoy gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi connectivity to Internet, and media streaming.

Another key feature is the simplicity of setup, making it a good choice for non-technical users. Advanced routers have a lot of complex features that novice users never even use. Additionally, it also becomes more difficult to set up those complex features. Upgrading from an old router to a new one also involves a certain level of complexity. TL-WDR4300 simplifies these tasks, making it a suitable choice for users who need a simple Wi-Fi device.

	TP-Link Archer D9	D-Link DIR-880L
WiFi Performance	AC1900 WiFi (600 + 1300 Mbps)	AC1900 WiFi (600 + 1300 Mbps)
WiFi Band	2.4GHz & 5GHz	2.4GHz & 5GHz
Ethernet Ports	4 Gigabit LAN port 1 Gigabit WAN port	4 Gigabit LAN port 1 Gigabit WAN port
USB Ports	1 USB 3.0 port 1 USB 2.0 port	1 USB 3.0 port 1 USB 2.0 port
Processor	1GHz dual-core	1GHz dual-core
Antennas	Three detachable antennas	Three dual band high-gain antennas
MSRP	$199.99	$179.99

Most people associate TP-Link as a low-cost brand for mid-tier routers that still give users value for their money. The company has emerged from nowhere to earn itself a slice of the market, by designing consistently affordable, high-quality products. The company’s Archer D9 wireless router is the best example of that. The router boasts great wireless versatility and performance at price that is much lower than competitive models.

Design

When we looked at nearly all aspects, we find this wireless router excellent. The external design is made of glossy white plastic giving the router a very attractive look. The router is also supported by a silver plastic stand that complements the look.

The web interface is easy to understand and straightforward. However, there were few minor design hitches. The router does not support one-click firmware updating feature. So one needs to download and update the firmware manually from the company’s official website. This can be quite confusing if you are not tech savvy. We also noticed that there are no LEDs above the Ethernet ports. So it is difficult to know whether the Ethernet port is active.

Features

The rear side contains the WAN port, USB 3.0 port, 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, and WPS button. The rear side also contains master switches for the router and Wi-Fi. The front side has eight status icons that glow light blue when the router is powered on. USB 3.0 port allows network attached storage or printer connection. To get access to a printer server, you will need to install a TP-Link’s USB printer controller app. The router supports time-scheduled parental control feature. There is also a MAC-assigned URL whitelist feature that cuts off clients who attempt to access URLS not on the whitelist. QoS is available through a bandwidth control. Archer D9 comes with a coaxial cable, a line filter, manual, and an Ethernet cable.

Performance

What makes Archer D9 rank top among the latest technology wireless routers is its impressive performance. It may not be the fastest router on the market, but its speed outperforms that of rival routers. It’s capable of maintaining solid speed at longer range.

When online surfing the web, watching movies or videos, or downloading media, there is nothing more frustrating than having an inconsistent or underpowered Internet connection. However, you can have a reliable, strong connection for an affordable price. If you have been shopping in hopes of upgrading your router, consider the TP-Link Archer D2.

Router Overview

The TP-Link Archer D2 actually provides users with two options. You can use the device as a DSL modem or as a Wi_Fi router. So in effect, the Archer functions in both wired and wireless modes. As a DSL modem, the unit accepts both LAN lines or a jumper cable from a cable modem. However you choose to use the router, you reap the benefit of enjoying full bandwidth capabilities. The router successfully provides service over two channels. At 2.4 GHz the device functions at 300 Mbps. At 5 GHz, the Archer transmits at a rate of 433 Mbps. The extra power givers the D2 somewhat of an edge compared to many more expensive competitors. The D2 has been called the Gigabit port. The device’s exceptional performance is due in part to having 802.11ac standard support, which makes the Archer up to three time fast than conventional models.

The router measures 9.0 x 6.3 x 1.5 inches (229 x 160 x 37 millimeters) and is encased in a durable, glossy black case. Three detachable antennas also bend or rotate, which enables set-up just about anywhere. Place the router on a desk, a table, under a shelf or on a wall. The bottom of the unit also comes equipped with grip-fast feet that ensure the router remains stable.

You can easily set-up the TP-Link Archer using the included mini-CD and the easy-to-follow instruction sheet. The back of the router features:

• ADSL port
• 2.0 USB port
• WPS button
• Wi-Fi on/off button
• Reset button
• LAN1, LAN 2, LAN 3, LAN 4/WAN ports
• Power on/off button
• Power jack port

Once you finish setting up the device, the white indicator lights for the ADSL, LAN, Internet, USB, wireless, and power illuminate. Equipped with intelligent auto-detection, the D2 immediately establishes the correct connection without the need to enter information. You then need to merely visit the website at the link provided by the instructions to configure the router as desired.

TP-Link Archer D2 Features

The USB port enables you to share a printer with multiple devices. The port enables file and media sharing from home or through the ftp server when at a different locations. The router has 1 Gigabit WAN port and 4 Gigabit LAN ports. The unit can handle download and upload at speeds of up to 1 Gbps. The Archer also has beamforming technology that ensures each of your devices effectively receives focused Internet signals, which improves overall connectivity. This is made possible by the power amplifiers contained within the technology of the router that act to increase signal strength while ensuring a consistent transmission beam.

Additional features include the option for parents to control connections to certain devices. The safety provisions for guest connections have been raised. Users also have the ability to program desired restrictions. The device regularly performs a system of checks and balances that regulate and optimize connections. However, users can also manually control the bandwidth for different devices in order to enhance connection speed and function. As communities across the country make the decision to offer or convert to IPv6 Internet, you will be ready. The TP-Link Archer D2 comes equipped with the protocol technology to support the transformation.

The Archer D2 has backward compatibility and functions on devices using Windows XP/Vista/7 or 8, Linux or Mac OS. The device also recognizes Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Internet Explorer and Safari web browsers. Ideal for typical households, the Archer not only offers the chance to improve current connectivity, but also has the potential to offer continued service with future Internet connection upgrades. For the money, functionality and performance, the D2 is a worthwhile investment. TP-Link remains a credible company that produces quality products that do not disappoint.

	D-Link AC1750	TP-LINK Archer C8	Belkin AC1750
WiFi Performance	AC1750 WiFi (450 + 1300 Mbps)	AC1750 WiFi (450 + 1300 Mbps)	AC1750 WiFi (450 + 1300 Mbps)
WiFi Band	2.4GHz & 5GHz	2.4GHz & 5GHz	2.4GHz & 5GHz
Ethernet Ports	4 Gigabit LAN port 1 Gigabit WAN port	4 Gigabit LAN port 1 Gigabit WAN port	4 Gigabit LAN port 1 Gigabit WAN port
USB Ports	1 USB 2.0 port	1 USB 3.0 port 1 USB 2.0 port	1 USB 3.0 port 1 USB 2.0 port
Security	WPA, WPA2, WPS	64/128-bit WEP WPA / WPA2, WPA-PSK / WPA2-PSK	128-bit WEP, 256-bit WPA, 256-bit WPA2
Antennas	Internal	3 dual band detachable antennas	Internal
Firewall Features	Network Address Translation (NAT) Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI)	DoS, SPI Firewall IP Address Filter/MAC Address Filter/Domain Filter IP and MAC Address Binding IP and MAC Address Binding	IPSec L2TP Static IP Routing
MSRP	$149.99	$139.99	$149.99

The TP-Link Archer C8 is quite the speedy dual band router, capable of providing crystal clear video and audio along with a smooth web surfing experience. Any online task that requires heavy bandwidth can be performed without a problem on the Archer C8. Data transfer speeds can reach up to 1.3 Gbps on the 5GHz band and 450 Mbps on 2.4GHz channel. There’s 3 dual band detachable antennas that offer extensive omni-directional wireless coverage. The router is built around a 800MHz dual core CPU. There is 1 USB 2.0 port and 1 USB 3.0 port as well as the standard 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports for wire connections.

The C8 is quite large but it looks quite nice and sleek. Its bigger than normal size will turn off a few prospective buyers. It is quite wide compared to other routers on the market. Most think that the unit is so wide because it allows the three dual band antennae to be spaced out more. Yet the C8 is very light considering its ample size. The bottom of the unit has keyhole slots so that users can mount it on the walls of their homes or offices. Users should be aware that the wires extend all the way to the back where the antennae are located so mounting it on a wall can become a bit difficult if your wires come from the floor.

The router comes with a setup wizard on a CD that most find to be fairly easy to use. The software can also be downloaded from the TP-Link website as well. Users can configure the router and the network through the admin panel though many have found that it is a bit confusing. Wireless networks are actually pre-configured with WPA encryption. This is a stark contrast to other routers that are “open” by default. While it is possible for users to set the wireless connections to “open”, they are advised to maintain WPA or WEP encryption for optimal security.

The only noticeable criticisms of the router are its abnormally large size and the admin user interface has been known to confuse some users. Otherwise, it is a competitive product that is well worth the $129 investment.

	D-Link AC1750	TP-LINK Archer C7
WiFi Performance	AC1750 WiFi (450 + 1300 Mbps)	AC1750 WiFi (450 + 1300 Mbps)
WiFi Band	2.4GHz & 5GHz	2.4GHz & 5GHz
Ethernet Ports	4 Gigabit LAN port 1 Gigabit WAN port	4 Gigabit LAN port 1 Gigabit WAN port
USB Ports	1 USB 2.0 port	2 USB 2.0 ports
Security	WPA, WPA2, WPS	64/128-bit WEP, WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK
Antennas	Internal	Three 5GHz 5dBi detachable antennas (RP-SMA) Three 2.4GHz internal antennas
Firewall Features	Network Address Translation (NAT) Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI)	DoS, SPI Firewall IP Address Filter MAC Address Filter Domain Filter IP and MAC Address Binding
MSRP	$149.99	$99.99

The TP-LINK Archer C7 is an affordable and reliable 802.11 AC router that provides excellent coverage, durable external antennas and solid speed. This router is dual band, wireless and pretty much bare bones. It doesn’t have the extra special high tech bells and whistles of other routers on the market yet it is quite cheap. It retails for around $100.

The unit has the wireless standard for “next generation” routers, 802.11AC. In terms of technical data, the TP-LINK Archer C7 can provide support up to 450 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. It can also support 1,300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. The device averages 100 Mbps at 2.4GHz when in 11n mixed mode. When in 11ac mixed mode, it averages 87 Mbps. Most users will be content with its throughput and its wireless coverage range.

In terms of aesthetics, the TP-LINK Archer C7 measures 9.6 inches by 6.4 inches and has a depth of 1.3 inches. The exterior is a glossy black that is made of plastic. It does look a bit basic and some would even go as far as calling it cheap when put side by side with the new, higher quality 11 ac routers. It has 3 5dBi antennas that can detach. Each is incredibly sturdy with ample girth so they won’t fall downwards. They remain upright at all times thanks to their sturdiness and superior craftsmanship.

The front panel has all the normal LEDs of the typical router and the rear panel contains 2 USB 2.0 ports for external drives and printers. The back also has 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports along, a Gigabit WAN port antenna connections, a power button, a WPS reset switch and a button to turn wireless radios on and off. The TP-LINK Archer C7 also has 3 antennas on the inside in addition to those found on the outside.

The router allows the configuration of IGMP proxy to manage IP multicasting. There is also WDS bridging and the router provides support for WPA2 Enterprise, which is a bit rare for most consumer oriented routers. So, while the TPLINK Archer C7 is fairly basic, it does boast these advanced features that set it apart from other traditional low cost consumer routers.

Yet the TPLINK Archer C7 does not permit users to set the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands to function solely at 802.11n. Users will be limited to the 802.11b/g mixed mode, the 11a/n/ac mode at 5GHz, the 11a/n mixed and the 11b/g/n mode at 2.4GHz. The unit has also been criticized by users for having an average throughput and lack of wireless settings.

While the TP-LINK Archer C7 doesn’t provide the premier 11ac performance on the market, it is serviceable. Those who don’t need ultra fast speed will likely be perfectly happy with it. It doesn’t have as many extra features as premium 11 ac routers but is priced at about half the amount of those competitors, so it is a good deal.

	TP-Link Archer C5	Linksys EA6350
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.

	Linksys EA9200	TPLink Archer AC3200	NETGEAR Nighthawk X6
WiFi Performance	AC3200 WiFi (600 + 1300 + 1300 Mbps)	AC3200 WiFi (600 + 1300 + 1300 Mbps)	AC3200 WiFi (600 + 1300 + 1300 Mbps)
WiFi Band	2.4GHz & 5GHz & 5GHz	2.4GHz & 5GHz & 5GHz	2.4GHz & 5GHz & 5GHz
Ethernet Ports	4 Gigabit LAN port 1 Gigabit WAN port	4 Gigabit LAN port 1 Gigabit WAN port	4 Gigabit LAN port 1 Gigabit WAN port
USB Ports	1 USB 3.0 port 1 USB 2.0 port	1 USB 3.0 port 1 USB 2.0 port	1 USB 3.0 port
Processor	1GHz dual-core	1GHz dual-core	1GHz dual-core
RAM	256 MB	512 MB	256 MB
Flash Memory	128MB	128MB	128 MB
Antennas	3 internal, 3 external	6 external	6 external
MSRP	$299.99	$259.99	$299.99

TP-Link has a developed a router that some users may find efficient and economical. The Archer C3200 router should provide sufficient power for gamers and web surfers. Equipped with a 1GHz dual-core cpu, and three co-processors, the C3200 has adequate network capabilities. However, customers will not be overwhelmed with the router’s power performance. Despite the average speed delivery, the Archer C3200 delivers more than respectable ratings in comparison with other routers in its class. Users not concerned with above-average speed connectivity, but desiring efficiency in their wireless purchase, will not be disappointed with the C3200.

The aesthetics of the C3200 features a black finished design with standard looking LED indicator lights on the front, representing power displays. The router comes with six antennas that fold down into the middle of the router when not in use, creating a flat and compact space. Other features included are guest networks, parental controls and firewall security features.

The antennas operate three separate concurrent wireless networks. One operates on a 2.4GH frequency. A second operates on the lower end of 5GH frequency, and the third runs on the higher end of the 5GH band. The 5GH bands operate at 1300 Mbps each. All networks have their own router names (SSID). The technology is not advanced enough for custom SSID selection. One included feature is Smart Connect technology that enables the Archer C3200 to guide wireless connections to the applicable network device. This may enhance homes with multiple devices running at the same time. The benefit of this technology is that devices using less data will be directed to the lower 2.4GH band. This is perfect for users sending emails and other low data-usage tasks. Less downtime will be seen from devices using the higher 5GH band. Unfortunately, the user cannot pick which channel the network operates on. The lower bands have a channel default at 36. The higher band has a default band at 153. These settings are unchangeable. Users must also be aware that the latest ac technology is not yet compatible with all devices. It may be necessary to purchase ac adapters to enable connectivity for some wireless devices.

The six antennas and amplifiers allow for 3.2Gbps delivery speed. This is adequate performance, but not impressive. D-Link Ultra routers may provide greater performance if high power is a must-have for consumers.

The rear side of the C3200 is equipped with two USB ports (USB 2.0 and USB 3.0). C3200 consumers will be able to connect to a printer, and a back-up storage system on the same network. The rear also contains four Ethernet connections for high speed hard-wired connections. Routers may typically broadcast data all over the network instead of focusing on one device as the intended target. The Archer router is equipped with “beamforming” technology. Beamforming focuses the attention to the intended wireless device, enabling a more reliable and faster connection.

One tech reviewer shared test results of the Archer C3200 in his home with five other wireless router devices, inclusive of the D-Link DIR-890L and the Linksys EA9200. The tests were ran on the higher 5GH, channel 153. The first test was administered with the routers located about nine feet away from a laptop as the targeted device. The Archer C3200 came in third place out of five devices, beaten by the D-Link DIR-890L and the Linksys EA9200. A second test was run in a larger room with the routers 33 feet away from the device, with an insulated wall and appliances in between. The C3200 was almost on even ground with three other competitors. The biggest winner was the Asus RT-AC3200. The other competitors were narrowly ahead of the C3200 by a maximum of eight points. The Asus was ahead by 28 points. The Archer demonstrated reliable performance against other brands under “real conditions”.

The TP-Link Archer C3200 shows itself to be a reliable, efficient router for the money. The C3200 does nothing to stand out from competitors in its class. However, its price is much lower than other tri-band routers with similar specs making it a very compelling purchase.

	Belkin N750	TP-LINK Archer C2
WiFi Performance	N750 WiFi (300 + 450 Mbps)	AC750 WiFi (300 + 450 Mbps)
WiFi Band	2.4GHz & 5GHz	2.4GHz & 5GHz
Ethernet Ports	4 Gigabit LAN port 1 Gigabit WAN port	4 Gigabit LAN port 1 Gigabit WAN port
Security	128-bit WEP 256-bit WPA 64-bit WEP WPA2	64/128-bit WEP WPA / WPA2 WPA-PSK / WPA2-PSK
Antennas	Internal integrated	Two dual band detachable antennas (RP-SMA)
Firewall Features	NAT and SPI	DoS, SPI Firewall IP Address Filtering/MAC Address Filtering/Domain Filtering IP and MAC Address Binding
MSRP	$79.99	$69.99

The TP-Link Archer C2 is a dual-band wireless router that offers support for both 802.11ac and 802.11n Wi-Fi standards. In terms of speed, the router is capable of delivering up to three times the N speed router. In addition to fast speed, the router also offers robust security and a more powerful frequency. If your current router is unable to solve congestion issues due to multiple users or you’re simply looking to fasten things up on your multimedia network, then investing in 802.11ac is a step in the right direction.

Design

It is a saucer-shaped router with two detachable antennas on the rear of the device. The router is attractively designed and is meant to be used on a flat surface. An array of indicator lights is included on the front top of the router to display different statuses, such as power and Internet connectivity.

Features

The two detachable antennas work to provide stable omni-directional signals and superior coverage. While the coverage is optimal within the 10-meter range, you may experience weaker signal at longer distances. On the other hand, an obstruction, such as wall can also affect the quality of signal.

It has four gigabit Ethernet ports and one gigabit LAN port for connecting to wired devices and an Internet source respectively. The gigabit ports are capable of delivering up to 10 times the speed of regular ports.

It comes with a single USB port that allows you to connect the router to an external storage device or a printer. As opposed to other competing routers with two USB ports, it only features a single USB port, which may be problematic if you plan on connecting the router to a printer and an external storage device at the same time.

The dual-band router offers up to 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 433Mbps on the 5GHz band, ensuring a delay-free workrate. While the 2.4GHz band tackles small tasks, such as Internet browsing and email, the more intense tasks are supported by the 5GHz band.

It also features guest network access through secure Wi-Fi access. This lets you share your network without having to reveal your personal data.

It comes with useful parental control features that allow you to restrict access to certain users. This feature can be used by parents or an office administrator to restrict Internet access to certain users, such as kids or staff members.

TP-Link is IPv6 compatible. It prioritizes the router resources to ensure uninterrupted access even when watching movies or playing online games.

Setup

Setting up the router is a simple task. The installation CD comes in the router box. It offers a step by step installation process that makes it easy for non-technical users to configure the device. The entire setup can be completed in no more than 5 minutes of your time.

You can also access the Web interface of the router for advanced settings. The default IP address for the router is 192.168.1.1. It will prompt you for username and password. The default value for both fields is ‘admin’.

Verdict

It is a reliable router that comes at an affordable price tag. It delivers decent performance and has a stable signal. The dual band router is capable of supporting both the ac and n clients, which is an added plus. The features make the Archer C2 a good choice for your home or small office network.