TP-Link Archer C24 (AC750 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router) Review

Routers have always had straightforward package contents. As is customary with this type of gadget, it comes with a tiny power supply unit as well as an Ethernet wire. This is all that is required to set up a home network.

The initial setup does not need any specialized skills. All that is required is that the cable is connected correctly and that you navigate to the administration panel, which will lead an unprepared user through the entire procedure with prompts to move on to the next stage.

The design of the interface, as well as all of the operations performed, are virtually identical to those performed by other routers in the firm. Unless, of course, you’re using a low-cost model that allows you to control and modify parameters via a mobile application instead.

Design 

The TP-Link Archer C24 is a tiny square box with four antennae that is designed for home use. This time, the casing is constructed of matte white plastic that is easy to clean. Compared to gloss, which covers virtually the whole surface of the gadget and is clearly preferred by the company’s designers, this is a far more practical alternative. This router eliminates the need to be concerned about scratches that may occur as a result of even the most routine of dusting.

The router’s dimensions (115 x 106.7 x 24.3 mm) are modest, so you won’t have to worry about finding additional installation space as long as the antennae are strategically positioned if the device is “hidden” someplace in your home. It should be noted that while the antennae are not detachable, their orientation may be changed.

On the bottom of the casing, there are four plastic legs that support it. Due to the fact that the linked wires will not be able to “grip” on nearly any house surface, they must first be relocated away from any areas where they may be touched. In addition, there are a handful of wall mounts. Interestingly, the bottom of the Archer C24 is solid, in contrast to the majority of routers that we receive. In this case, there are no ventilation apertures at all, which is a shame.

The only “decorations” on this “Archer” are the company’s emblem on top and a few “ribs” on the front side, which are the only ones. There are five activity indicators next to them, which may be turned off if they become a hindrance to your workflow. On the rear, you’ll find all of the same connectors, including the power port, WAN, and four LAN ports. Next to them is a button that may be used to activate the WPS mode or reset the computer. There is no separate power button on this device.

In fact, the laconic design is a repetition of the ease of operation. The router is tiny and does not draw much attention to itself (except that it can draw too much attention to itself due to the white case because most routers are made in dark colors). It’s difficult to claim that something is lacking from such a low-cost gadget, but it wouldn’t hurt to “rubberize” the surface of the legs to make them more comfortable.

Performance

You shouldn’t expect any spectacular results from the fundamental solution. The TP-Link Archer C24 operates in accordance with the AC750 standard, with a theoretical maximum speed in the 2.4 GHz band of 300 Mbps and a theoretical maximum speed in the 5 GHz band of 433 Mbps. Obviously, this is not a device that can support a huge number of connected customers that have significant bandwidth requirements on a regular basis. However, for non-trivial jobs, this may be sufficient according to popular wisdom.

Despite the fact that the router has 100-megabit ports, the speed indications are on the low side. Although the original router is no longer required in theory, customers who have access to a faster channel will find it unnecessary to connect such a device.

The Archer C24 may be configured to operate in three different modes: router, access point, and repeater. As a result, if the home network has to be reinforced, for example, in a separate room of a private residence, such a device can be used to do this (again, not forgetting that the speed will be limited to 100 Mbps).

There are a number of other features, including the ability to create guest networks, support for NAT Forwarding, the ability to restrict individual devices’ access to any requests and their network operating time using parental control, Quality of Service (QoS), a few security settings, and IPTV support.

In the router’s settings, you’ll find the usual features for a manufacturer, such as the ability to update the firmware (although these must be manually downloaded and “thrown” into the device), create backup copies of the entered parameters, logs, and diagnostics, reboot the device according to a schedule, and turn off indicators.

TP-Link Tether allows you to “manage” the device from a smartphone or other mobile device. However, you will not be able to do this task remotely; it will only be possible locally. Similar to other routers, the application does not have access to all of the features that are available through the browser, therefore using this control method will be handier for basic configuration and altering basic parameters than using the web browser.

Specifications

Verdict

The TP-Link Archer C24 is clearly not intended for people with high expectations. It is only equipped with 100 megabit ports and functions in accordance with the AC750 standard, which will allow the customer who currently has a faster Internet connection at home to “install” the device instantly.

Provided the router is purchased just for the purposes of surfing, online communication, and other undemanding operations, it will be sufficient in a small apartment if it is strategically placed to provide coverage across the entire space with a strong connection.

On the other hand, for a lesser price, you may easily find speedier routers that, while they may not enable control through a mobile application, can give more comfort to routine activities inside the network