TP-Link Archer A6 Review
The TP-Link Archer A6 is a dual-band router designed for users on a spending budget. Despite its inexpensive cost, it offers several functions discovered on more expensive routers, like assistance for MU-MIMO information streaming and four gigabit LAN slots. That stated, while its 5GHz efficiency is usually solid, it results in a little bit to become preferred on the 2.4GHz band. It furthermore does not have the USB online connectivity and built/in malware security that you obtain with the even more costly Asus RT-AC66U N1, our top choice for budget routers.
Design
The Archer A6 uses a textured glossy black enclosure that measures 1.4 by 9.1 by 5.7 ins (HWD) and offers four non-removable antennas. Along the best frontside advantage are Directed standing signals for strength, both stereo rings, Ethernet, Web, and WPS (Wi-fi Guarded Set up). The back screen keeps Reset to zero, Energy, and WPS control keys, as nicely as four gigabit LAN ports, a WAN slot, and a power jack port. Missing are usually the USB slots that you get with the Asus RT-AC66U T1.
The Archer A6 is a 2×2 AC1200 router powered by a 750MHz SoC processor. It can achieve optimum data prices of up to 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz music group and upward to 867Mbps about the 5GHz band. This router utilizes 802.11ac Influx 2 technologies and helps MU-MIMO (simultaneous information loading) and beamforming (direct-to-client sign transmissions), but not automated music group steerage. You can use the TP-Link Tether cellular app to access simple cellular and protection settings, enable or disable parental handles, work basic diagnostics, and configure visitor networking, but you’ll possess to make use of the web portal to access sophisticated configurations.
Specifications
WIRELESS | |
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Standards | Wi-Fi 5 IEEE 802.11ac/n/a 5 GHz IEEE 802.11n/b/g 2.4 GHz |
WiFi Speeds | AC1200 5 GHz: 867 Mbps (802.11ac) 2.4 GHz: 300 Mbps (802.11n) |
WiFi Range | 3 Bedroom Houses 4× Fixed High-Performance Antennas Multiple antennas form a signal-boosting array to cover more directions and large areas Beamforming Concentrates wireless signal strength towards clients to expand WiFi range |
WiFi Capacity | Medium Dual-Band Allocate devices to different bands for optimal performance MU-MIMO Simultaneously communicates with multiple MU-MIMO clients |
Working Modes | Router Mode Access Point Mode |
HARDWARE | |
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Processor | Qualcomm CPU |
Ethernet Ports | 1× Gigabit WAN Port 4× Gigabit LAN Ports |
Buttons | WPS/Wi-Fi Button Power On/Off Button Reset Button |
Power | 12 V ⎓ 1 A |
SECURITY | |
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WiFi Encryption | WPA WPA2 WPA3 |
Network Security | SPI Firewall Access Control IP & MAC Binding Application Layer Gateway |
Guest Network | 1× 5 GHz Guest Network 1× 2.4 GHz Guest Network |
VPN Server | OpenVPN PPTP |
SOFTWARE | |
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Protocols | IPv4 IPv6 |
OneMesh™ | OneMesh™ Supported Without replacing your existing devices or buying a whole new WiFi ecosystem, OneMesh™ helps you create a more flexible network that covers your entire home with TP-Link OneMesh™ products. |
Parental Controls | URL Filtering Time Controls |
WAN Types | Dynamic IP Static IP PPPoE PPTP L2TP |
Quality of Service | QoS by Device |
NAT Forwarding | Virtual Servers Port Forwarding Port Triggering DMZ UPnP |
IPTV | IGMP Proxy IGMP Snooping Bridge Tag VLAN |
DHCP | Address Reservation DHCP Client List Server |
DDNS | NO-IP DynDNS |
Management | Tether App Webpage |
PHYSICAL | |
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Dimensions (W×D×H) | 9.1 × 5.7 × 1.4 in (230 × 144 × 35 mm) |
Package Contents | Wi-Fi Router Archer C6 Power Adapter RJ45 Ethernet Cable Quick Installation Guide |
OTHER | |
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System Requirements | Internet Explorer 11+, Firefox 12.0+, Chrome 20.0+, Safari 4.0+, or other JavaScript-enabled browser Cable or DSL Modem (if needed) Subscription with an internet service provider (for internet access) |
Certifications | FCC, RoHS |
Environment | Operating Temperature: 0℃~40℃ (32℉ ~104℉) Storage Temperature: -40℃~70℃ (-40℉ ~158℉) Operating Humidity: 10%~90% non-condensing Storage Humidity: 5%~90% non-condensing |
TEST DATA | |
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WiFi Transmission Power | FCC: <30dBm(2.4GHz & 5GHz) |
WiFi Reception Sensitivity | 5GHz: 11a 6Mbps:-93dBm;11a 54Mbps:-78dBm; 11ac HT20 mcs8:69dBm;11ac HT40 mcs9:-65dBm; 11ac HT80 mcs9:-62dBm; 2.4GHz: 11g 54Mbps:-78dBm; 11n HT20 mcs7:-74dBm; 11n HT40 mcs7:-71dbm; |
Pros
- Affordably priced.
- Easy to install.
- Supports MU-MIMO streaming.
- Solid 5GHz performance.
Cons
- Middling 2.4GHz performance.
- No USB ports.
- Non-removable antennas.
Conclusion
If you’re in want of an affordable Wi-Fi router for your dorm space, apartment, or small house, the TP-Link Archer A6 is well worth a look. You won’t obtain blasting 2.4GHz throughput rates of speed, but its strong 5GHz performance in our screening means it should have no problems dealing with your video-streaming and online video gaming needs. The internet system gives a lot of administration choices, which includes parental controls and QoS settings, but malware defense is definitely lacking. If you can component with another $60, the Asus RT-AC66U Udemærket1 presents much better all-around functionality, USB connectivity, inlayed anti-malware equipment, and strong QoS configurations. It continues to be our Publishers’ Option for spending budget routers.