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.
