TP-Link Archer a6: Mu-Mimo Router with Gigabit Ports

Today we are going to get acquainted with TP-Link Archer A6. A new router model from TP-Link, which will be interesting for those who are looking for a modern and productive router for a good price. I have already unpacked it, configured it, and I want to share my impression with you. Let’s look at the technical specifications of TP-Link Archer A6, appearance, and at the end of the review I will leave my review of this router.

TP-Link Archer A6 is made in almost the same case as the younger model TP-Link Archer A5. Only in black color. It differs from the younger model by the presence of gigabit ports and more productive hardware. And my copy has a new web-interface installed.I suggest to go straight to the most interesting thing – technical specifications and features of this device. On the TP-Link site and on the box with the router it says: “AC1200 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi gigabit router”. I agree, it’s a bit confusing and not entirely clear. Let’s find out what’s what:

• AC1200 is an indicator of maximum wireless speed. AC means that the router supports the 802.11ac standard. 1200 (meaning Mbps) is the total Wi-Fi speed in two bands. Archer A6 delivers up to 450 Mbps in the 2.4GHz band and up to 867 Mbps in the 5GHz band.
• MU-MIMO – the router has support for MU-MIMO technology. The presence of this technology increases the speed and performance of the wireless network. Due to the fact that the router can simultaneously exchange data with several Wi-Fi clients (if they also have support for MU-MIMO).
• Gigabit router – the router is equipped with gigabit WAN/LAN ports. Data transfer speeds over LAN (within the home network) and WAN (connection to the Internet) can reach up to 1 Gbps.

Based on TP-Link Archer A6, you can create a fast and productive network. The speed and performance of this network will be enough to watch videos in 4k quality, play online games, download torrents at high speed, etc. In addition, with 802.11ac support and Gigabit ports, you can easily stream 4k movies to your TV via DLAN technology. I recommend connecting the TV and the device from which the broadcast will be made to the router either via cable or via Wi-Fi in the 5 GHz range.

In addition, the Archer A6 has powerful antennas (four external and one internal), due to which the router gives good coverage of the Wi-Fi network. Judging by the reviews, the Wi-Fi range in the 2.4 GHz range is very good. Network coverage in the 5 GHz range will not be so great, but this is a feature of this frequency, not a problem of the router. There is support for Beamforming technology (directs the Wi-Fi signal towards the device).

As for the software part, everything is very good here. TP-Link Archer A6 has firmware with a new web-interface installed. There is an opportunity to choose the language of the web-interface. Well, the control panel itself is very simple and pleasant to look at.

I was also pleasantly surprised by the support of cloud functions. This means that this router can be controlled from a phone or tablet through the TP-LINK Tether application not only from the home network, but also via the Internet (the connection goes through the TP-Link cloud). You don’t need a permanent, white, external IP-address, complicated remote access settings, etc. It is enough to bind the router to your TP-Link ID.

In the settings, literally in a few steps you can change the mode of operation of the router and switch it to the access point mode. This feature will come in handy when connecting TP-Link Archer A6 to another router, modem, wired network in the hotel, etc.

Packaging, set, appearance

Getting acquainted with the equipment starts with the packaging. In case of TP-Link Archer A6, it is a stylish box, on which you can find almost all the necessary information about the router. Not only technical specifications, but also a description of the main functions and features.

Everything is standard: router, power adapter, network cable and documentation. Everything is packed very securely.

The main, upper part of the router is made of glossy plastic. And on the black glossy plastic dust, fingerprints and scratches are very well visible. But it looks very cool and stylish. Thanks to the interesting structure of the top cover it sparkles like a diamante. Too bad the photo doesn’t convey that.

The silver logo on the black background looks great. Below the logo there are indicators that burn green. They are not bright, they will not interfere at night.

The antennas and the bottom of the router are made of matte plastic.

On the sides and bottom there are grids for air circulation and cooling of the router. Also at the bottom there is a sticker with the necessary information about the device (including the factory network name, wi-fi password, administrator login/password, address to enter the settings). The router can be hung on the wall, there are necessary holes for this purpose.

The back panel of the router is filled with ports and buttons. There are 4 LAN-ports and 1 WAN-port. Power connector, On/Off button, Reset button and WPS/wi-fi On/Off button.

It is good, of course, that there is a button to disable the wi-fi network. But I think that the buttons should be separate. Because many people have problems with it. Someone wants to disable Wi-Fi network and activates WPS. And someone on the contrary – wants to activate WPS, but disables Wi-Fi network. Not very convenient and a bit confusing for ordinary users.

Conclusions

TP-Link Archer A6 is a router with nothing extra (which would significantly increase its cost), but at the same time it has everything you need to create a fast, productive and stable home network. The optimal variant of a modern router. Without unnecessary hardware and software features, for which you usually have to overpay.

The only disadvantage is that TP-Link Archer A6 doesn’t have a USB port. If you need a router with USB, this model is not suitable for you. If you don’t need it, you can buy it.

As for configuration and management (an important point for many people) – everything is simple and clear. There are even preset settings of Internet providers. You can configure the router from your phone via a proprietary application and even manage it over the Internet (via the TP-Link cloud). I use this feature myself, it’s very convenient.

Leave your reviews about TP-Link Archer A6 in the comments!

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Ramón

TP-Link