TP-Link Archer C5400-Three-Band and Very PowerFul Wi-Fi Router

I think you have heard such an expression as “flagship smartphone”, or some other device. So, today I will tell you about a flagship wi-fi router from TP-Link. Model Archer C5400. This is the top, and therefore the fastest, most powerful and of course expensive router model. This is the second hardware version of the Archer C5400. And I am very glad that I had a chance to see this router live and share my impressions and thoughts with you.

In this router, as in all flagship devices, the top technologies and new chips are collected. Powerful hardware is installed. Developed a unique and interesting design. The software part has also received the latest updates and developments of TP-Link. This is a really top device. Well, and the price is not small – about 330 dollars. But even by appearance and first impressions after unpacking you realize that this router is worth its money.

TP-Link Archer C5400 is designed to connect a large number of “heavy” devices to the Internet. You can connect several Smart TVs, game consoles, computers, mobile devices, and a bunch of other things to this router. You can not just connect these devices, but use the internet connection on them very actively. Watch 4k videos, play heavy online games, download torrents, etc. At the same time, the network will work stably. Devices will not disconnect, the router will not hang, and the ping and speed will be as high as possible.

Such a router can easily be installed in some restaurant, cafe, store, or office. In addition, there is an opportunity to fine-tune the guest network, and even organize authorization in the Wi-Fi network through a separate page. For example, with advertising of your services or goods.

Features and capabilities of TP-Link Archer C5400

The most important thing is the hardware. TP-Link Archer C5400 has a dual-core processor from Broadcom with a frequency of 1.4 GHz. This is a very powerful processor for a router. Moreover, three additional co-processors are installed for stable Wi-Fi network operation in each of the three bands. Such powerful hardware allows Archer C5400 not only to provide high speed and stability of the wireless network, but also to work with various devices that can be connected via USB. It can be an external hard disk, a printer, a camera, etc.

The router is tri-band. It distributes one Wi-Fi network at 2.4 GHz, and two networks at 5 GHz. And that’s three different channels. Not just three Wi-Fi networks that are created programmatically through a single transmitter. Wi-Fi speeds in the 2.4 GHz band are up to 1,000 Mbps. And up to 2167 Mbps on each of the two networks in the 5 GHz band. That’s some speed!

The WAN and LAN ports are gigabit ports, of course. What’s more, there’s a channel aggregation feature that allows you to combine ports to increase bandwidth and connection stability. You don’t even want to connect to such a router with a speed limit of 100 Mbps. You need to look for a provider who can give good speed.

The router has 8 antennas, which are foldable. But we know that the number of antennas does not affect the coverage radius. But as it is supposed to flagships, Archer C5400 model provides a good radius of Wi-Fi network coverage. Plus, it has a Beamforming feature.

And another thing:

• MU-MIMO – this technology allows you to increase the wireless network bandwidth by 4 times. Regular routers transmit data to devices one by one. But TP-Link Archer C5400 can “communicate” with 4 devices simultaneously.
• Smart Connect – Smart Connect technology automatically distributes connected devices between three communication channels. This is done for better network performance.
• Beamforming – A technology that increases the speed and reliability of the connection by directing the wireless signal toward the device. This technology is also used on other TP-Link routers. For example, in TP-Link Archer C3150.
• Airtime Fairness – allows you to get the maximum speed on wi-fi, even if older devices are connected to the router.
• HomeCare – a well-known security system from TP-Link. Parental control, TrendMicro antivirus and traffic prioritization.

Of course, this is not the whole list of technologies and features that are available in Archer C5400. More information can be found on TP-Link’s website.

Appearance, ports, buttons

The box is like all top TP-Link routers.

The box itself is very heavy. Since the router itself is not light, plus a large power supply. It is much bigger and more powerful than in cheaper routers. In addition to the router and power supply in the kit there is a network cable and documentation.

The router is made of black, high-quality plastic. Assembly is very good. The plastic is odorless. At the bottom and top there are holes for ventilation. The processor is powerful, and it needs good cooling.

Very interestingly made Wi-Fi antennas. They are not removable. When unfolded they look like this:

On the front there are indicators and three buttons: disable wi-fi, WPS and a separate button to turn off the LED indicators. Also in the web-interface you can set up automatic switching off of LEDs by time.

On the opposite side there are two USB ports (one version 2.0 and the other version 3.0), 4 LAN ports, 1 WAN, a power supply socket, On/Off button and Reset button.

I forgot to tell you that there are special holes at the bottom that allow you to hang TP-Link Archer C5400 on the wall.

It’s very easy to configure this router. Through the web interface from a computer, or with a mobile device, through the TP-LINK Tether program.

The router is very cool. But expensive. However, for a flagship with such characteristics it is a normal price. If you have a large house, apartment or office and a lot of devices that create a serious load on the network, Archer C5400 is a very good option. Everything will fly without interruptions, reboots, speed drops, etc.

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Ramón

TP-Link