TP-Link AC1200 Wireless Dual band Router review

The TP-Link Archer A6 ($49.99) may be a dual-band router designed for users on a budget. Despite its affordable price, it offers a couple of features found on costlier routers, like support for MU-MIMO data streaming and 4 gigabit LAN ports. That said, while its 5GHz performance is solid, it leaves a touch to be desired on the two .4GHz band. It also lacks the USB connectivity and built-in malware protection that you simply get with the costlier Asus RT-AC66U B1, our top pick for budget routers. Find details in TP-Link AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Router Review.

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Design and Features

The Archer A6 uses a textured glossy black enclosure that measures 1.4 by 9.1 by 5.7 inches (HWD) and has four non-removable antennas. Along the highest front edge 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, also as four gigabit LAN ports, a WAN port, and an influence jack. Missing are the USB ports that you simply get with the Asus RT-AC66U B1.

The Archer A6 may be a 2×2 AC1200 router powered by a 750MHz SoC processor. It can reach maximum data rates of up to 300Mbps on the two .4GHz band and up to 867Mbps on the 5GHz band. This router uses 802.11ac Wave 2 technology and supports MU-MIMO (simultaneous data streaming) and beamforming (direct-to-client signal transmissions), but not automatic band steering. you’ll use the TP-Link Tether mobile app to access basic wireless and security settings, enable or disable parental controls, run basic diagnostics, and configure guest networking, but you will have to use the online portal to access advanced settings.

The web portal opens to a network map that displays the amount of wired and wireless clients and your internet status. Up top are Quick Setup, Basic, and Advanced tabs, and on the left may be a settings menu. the essential menu includes Internet, Wireless, Parental Controls, Guest Network, and TP-Link Cloud settings. Parental Controls allow you to create profiles for relations where you’ll block access to certain sites using keywords, set internet deadlines , and consider all visited sites. The TP-Link Cloud allows you to manage your network and client devices from anywhere via the web , and guest networking allows you to create a separate network with separate SSIDs and passwords for guests.

TP-Link AC1200 Archer A6 map

Advanced settings also include Internet, Wireless, Parental Controls, and Guest Network settings, also as Quality of Service (QoS), Security, NAT Forwarding, IPv6, and VPN Server settings. QoS settings allow you to line upload and download bandwidth limits, but lack the application-specific presets that you simply get with the Trend Micro-powered Asus RT-AC66U B1. The Archer A6 offers System Tools that permit you update firmware, copy and restore system settings, schedule automatic reboots, view system logs, and consider network traffic statistics. It also allows you to switch between Router mode, where the device is your main router, and Access Point mode, where it’ll act as an extender to an existing network.

TP-Link AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Router performance Review

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 address bar, which took me to the fast Setup screen. I created an administrator password, set my zone , and used Auto Detect to pick my internet connection type (DHCP). I used the default SSID names and passwords, clicked Next to save lots of my settings, and therefore the installation was complete.

The Archer A6 turned in mixed results on our throughput performance tests. Its score of 68Mbps on the two .4GHz close-proximity (same room) test was slower than the D-Link DIR-867, the TP-Link Archer A7, and therefore the Asus RT-AC66U B1. Similarly, its score of 39Mbps on the 30-foot test trailed the pack.

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

Best for Frugal Buyers in Small Homes

If you’re in need of a reasonable Wi-Fi router for your dormitory , apartment, or small home, the TP-Link Archer A6 is worth a glance . you will not get blazing 2.4GHz throughput speeds, but its solid 5GHz performance in our testing means it should haven’t any trouble handling your video-streaming and online gaming requirements. the online console offers many management options, including parental controls and QoS settings, but malware protection is missing. If you’ll spare another $60, the Asus RT-AC66U B1 offers better all-around performance, USB connectivity, embedded anti-malware tools, and robust QoS settings. It remains our Editors’ Choice for budget routers.

TP-Link AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Router customer Review

Good Router For The Money
Archer C1200 AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router Version 1
*My Test Setup
Desktop PC
Windows 10 Pro
AC1900 Wireless Dual Band
PCI Express Adapter (Archer T9E)
*Setting Up
For some strange reason, I was unable to log into the router’s web interface using the Opera web browser, after switching over to Chrome, I was able to successfully log in. Hmmmmm. Once logged in, setting up the router for the first time is quite simple to do. Once you have everything properly connected, you’ll be online in less than 5 minutes. And when you’re ready to dig into the router’s settings to customize it to your liking, you’ll have plenty of options to dig into. For starters, you can set parental controls for certain users, as well as set up a Wi-Fi guest network for your guests, which keeps them off of your main network. Also, the router’s web management page is very nicely done, too. All the different settings are laid out perfectly and easy to navigate.
*Ethernet & Wireless Performance
After getting the Archer C1200 router set up and running, I ran several speed tests while connected to the router over Ethernet and Wi-Fi. Listed below is the current Internet plan I am subscribed to, and those speed test results.
My Internet Plan:
Download 75 Mbps / Upload 10 Mbps
Ethernet Speed Test: Download 90.45 Mbps / Upload 12.15 Mbps
Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz Speed Test: Download 89.38 Mbps / Upload 12.08 Mbps
Wi-Fi 5 GHz Speed Test: Download 90.19 Mbps / Upload 12.19 Mbps
Those are some great test results! And the router easily handled multiple devices (3 total) connected at once, while streaming HD content and surfing. I also have a very large backyard area, and the router provides good coverage around my entire home. I can stream HD videos and music without any issues at all. I had 3 mobile devices all doing just that, and they all streamed perfectly, whether inside or out around the yard. For the best wireless coverage, be sure to place the router in an open area of your home, free of obstruction. Do not place the router in an enclosure, under a desk, or block the vent-holes.
I would also recommend updating to the latest firmware, if available. Just be sure to choose the correct hardware version of the router you have.
Best of luck setting up your network.
By TechOnDeck at Best Buy

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TP-Link AC1200 Wireless Dual band Router review – how to setup?