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
StandardsWi-Fi 5
IEEE 802.11ac/n/a 5 GHz
IEEE 802.11n/b/g 2.4 GHz
WiFi SpeedsAC1200
5 GHz: 867 Mbps (802.11ac)
2.4 GHz: 300 Mbps (802.11n)
WiFi Range3 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 CapacityMedium
Dual-Band
Allocate devices to different bands for optimal performance

MU-MIMO
Simultaneously communicates with multiple MU-MIMO clients
Working ModesRouter Mode
Access Point Mode
HARDWARE
ProcessorQualcomm CPU
Ethernet Ports1× Gigabit WAN Port
4× Gigabit LAN Ports
ButtonsWPS/Wi-Fi Button
Power On/Off Button
Reset Button
Power12 V ⎓ 1 A
SECURITY
WiFi EncryptionWPA
WPA2
WPA3
Network SecuritySPI Firewall
Access Control
IP & MAC Binding
Application Layer Gateway
Guest Network1× 5 GHz Guest Network
1× 2.4 GHz Guest Network
VPN ServerOpenVPN
PPTP
SOFTWARE
ProtocolsIPv4
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 ControlsURL Filtering
Time Controls
WAN TypesDynamic IP
Static IP
PPPoE
PPTP
L2TP
Quality of ServiceQoS by Device
NAT ForwardingVirtual Servers
Port Forwarding
Port Triggering
DMZ
UPnP
IPTVIGMP Proxy
IGMP Snooping
Bridge
Tag VLAN
DHCPAddress Reservation
DHCP Client List
Server
DDNSNO-IP
DynDNS
ManagementTether App
Webpage
PHYSICAL
Dimensions (W×D×H)9.1 × 5.7 × 1.4 in
(230 × 144 × 35 mm)
Package ContentsWi-Fi Router Archer C6
Power Adapter
RJ45 Ethernet Cable
Quick Installation Guide
OTHER
System RequirementsInternet 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)
CertificationsFCC, RoHS
EnvironmentOperating 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
WiFi Transmission PowerFCC:
<30dBm(2.4GHz & 5GHz)
WiFi Reception Sensitivity5GHz:
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.

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