Tp-link Ac1200 Gigabit Wireless Wi-fi Router (Archer C1200) Reviews

The TP-Link Archer A6 ($49.99) is a dual-band router designed for users on a upkeep. Despite its affordable cost, information technology offers a few features constitute on more expensive routers, such every bit support for MU-MIMO information streaming and iv gigabit LAN ports. That said, while its 5GHz functioning is solid, it leaves a fleck to exist desired on the ii.4GHz band. Information technology likewise lacks the USB connectivity and built-in malware protection that you get with the more than expensive Asus RT-AC66U B1, our top choice for budget routers.

Design and Features

The Archer A6 uses a textured glossy black enclosure that measures 1.iv past 9.1 by 5.7 inches (HWD) and has four non-removable antennas. Along the meridian front border are LED status indicators for power, both radio bands, Ethernet, Internet, and WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup).

The rear panel holds Reset, Power, and WPS buttons, as well as iv gigabit LAN ports, a WAN port, and a ability jack. Missing are the USB ports that y'all get with the Asus RT-AC66U B1.

Similar Products

You lot Can Trust Our Reviews

Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you brand better buying decisions. (See how nosotros test.)

The Archer A6 is a 2x2 AC1200 router powered past a 750MHz SoC processor. It can reach maximum data rates of up to 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and up to 867Mbps on the 5GHz ring. This router uses 802.11ac Wave 2 technology and supports MU-MIMO (simultaneous information streaming) and beamforming (direct-to-client betoken transmissions), merely not automatic band steering. You can utilize the TP-Link Tether mobile app to admission basic wireless and security settings, enable or disable parental controls, run basic diagnostics, and configure guest networking, but you'll have to use the web portal to access advanced settings.

The spider web portal opens to a network map that displays the number of wired and wireless clients and your net status. Up top are Quick Setup, Basic, and Avant-garde tabs, and on the left is a settings menu. The Bones menu includes Internet, Wireless, Parental Controls, Guest Network, and TP-Link Cloud settings. Parental Controls permit you create profiles for family unit members where you can block access to certain sites using keywords, set internet time limits, and view all visited sites. The TP-Link Deject lets yous manage your network and client devices from anywhere via the internet, and guest networking lets you create a separate network with dissever SSIDs and passwords for guests.

Avant-garde settings besides include Internet, Wireless, Parental Controls, and Guest Network settings, also equally Quality of Service (QoS), Security, NAT Forwarding, IPv6, and VPN Server settings. QoS settings allow you lot to prepare upload and download bandwidth limits, but lack the application-specific presets that yous get with the Tendency Micro-powered Asus RT-AC66U B1. The Archer A6 offers Organisation Tools that let you update firmware, back up and restore organization settings, schedule automatic reboots, view system logs, and view network traffic statistics. It also lets you switch between Router mode, where the device serves as your principal router, and Admission Point mode, where it will human action as an extender to an existing network.

Mixed Performance

I had the A6 up and running in minutes. I connected the router to my modem and to my desktop PC, powered it up, and typed 192.168.0.1 in my browser's accost bar, which took me to the Quick Setup screen. I created an ambassador password, set my fourth dimension zone, and used Machine Notice to select my cyberspace connexion type (DHCP). I used the default SSID names and passwords, clicked Next to save my settings, and the installation was complete.

Encounter How We Examination Wireless Routers

The Archer A6 turned in mixed results on our throughput operation tests. Its score of 68Mbps on the 2.4GHz close-proximity (same room) exam was slower than the D-Link DIR-867, the TP-Link Archer A7, and the Asus RT-AC66U B1. Similarly, its score of 39Mbps on the xxx-human foot examination trailed the pack.

Performance on the 5GHz band was much better. The Archer A6 garnered 530Mbps on the shut-proximity exam, which was faster than the TP-Link Archer A7, but a bit slower than the D-Link DIR-867 and the Asus RT-AC66U B1. On the 30-foot test, the Archer A6 managed 204Mbps, chirapsia both the Archer A7 and the D-Link DIR-867, but not the Asus RT-AC66U B1.

Best for Frugal Buyers in Small-scale Homes

If you lot're in need of an affordable Wi-Fi router for your dorm room, flat, or small home, the TP-Link Archer A6 is worth a look. You won't get blazing 2.4GHz throughput speeds, but its solid 5GHz performance in our testing means it should have no trouble handling your video-streaming and online gaming requirements. The web console offers enough of management options, including parental controls and QoS settings, just malware protection is missing. If you can part with another $60, the Asus RT-AC66U B1 offers amend all-around functioning, USB connectivity, embedded anti-malware tools, and robust QoS settings. It remains our Editors' Selection for budget routers.

TP-Link AC1200 Wireless MU-MIMO Gigabit Router (Archer A6)

Cons

The Bottom Line

The TP-Link Archer A6 is a budget-priced dual-band router that offers some features usually found on more than expensive models, but its performance falls behind the competition.

Like What You're Reading?

Sign up for Lab Report to get the latest reviews and superlative product advice delivered right to your inbox.

This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Utilise and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at whatever fourth dimension.

bryantthostan.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/tp-link-ac1200-wireless-mu-mimo-gigabit-router-archer-a6

Share this post