TP-Link Archer C2300 WiFi Router (AC2300) Review

Introduction

The TP-Link Archer C2300 is a high-performance WiFi router that delivers blazing-fast dual-band Wi-Fi speeds up to 2300Mbps, making it ideal for homes and small businesses with multiple users and demanding applications. Its advanced features, such as RangeBoost technology and SmartConnect, ensure seamless streaming, gaming, and browsing experiences without any lag or interruption.

The router also offers strong security features, such as parental controls and VPN support, to keep your network safe and secure. With its user-friendly web interface and Alexa voice commands, the TP Link C2300 is easy to set up and use, making it a great choice for even those with limited technical experience.

Unboxing and Design: Unveiling the TPLink Archer C2300

Unboxing the TPLink Archer C2300 WiFi Router (AC2300) unveils a compact device that exudes a modern aesthetic. The router’s pristine black minimalist design complement any home décor, while its sturdy build ensures durability and longevity. Upon opening the box, you’ll find the TP Link C2300 router nestled securely in its designated compartment, accompanied by an array of accessories, including an external power adapter, Ethernet cable.

• The back panel houses a 1Gbps WAN port and four 1Gbps LAN ports, ensuring ample connectivity for your devices. A USB 3 port is located on the side panel, providing convenient access for external storage devices or printers. Three antennas extend from the back panel, promising strong signal coverage throughout your home. A row of LEDs on the top of the router provides information about the router’s status. These LEDs indicate the power, WiFi status, LAN status, WAN status, internet status, and USB status.
• The TP-Link Archer C2300 is a high-performance router that can deliver speeds of up to 2300Mbps. I tested the router in my home with multiple devices connected and was able to get speeds of around 200Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 500Mbps on the 5GHz band. I was also able to stream HD video and play online games without any lag or buffering.
• TP Link C2300 is equipped with a powerful 1.8 GHz 64-bit dual-core processor and 512MB of RAM, making it capable of handling even the most demanding tasks. This ensures that you can enjoy blazing-fast download and upload speeds, seamless streaming, lag-free gaming, and file transfers without any slowdown.

TP Link C2300: Coverage and Testing in Detail

TP Link C2300 (AC2300) is equipped with three omni-directional high-performance antennas connected to a signal amplifier. This creates a 360-degree coverage, making it possible for all users to experience the highest quality and speed of communication, even those who are far from the router. The MU-MIMO (3*3) design of the router also allows it to support up to 30 online users simultaneously. TP Link AC2300 (C2300) also includes RangeBoost technology that enhances its WiFi range, along with SmartConnect that automatically selects the best band for your device, ensuring optimal performance. Read More : How is Connected to Your WiFi Router?

Test Experience

The  TP Link AC2300 was tested in a two-story house with a total area of approximately 2,500 square feet. The router was placed in the center of the first floor, and the iPhone 12 was used to test the signal strength and download speeds at various locations throughout the house. The tests were conducted on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.

1. First Floor Center: This was just a few feet away from the router.
2. Bedroom 1: This was about 50 feet from the router, through a wall and a door.
3. Bedroom 2: This was about 75 feet from the router, through two walls and a door.
4. Second Floor Center: This was about 60 feet from the router, upstairs.
5. Second Floor Bedroom: This was about 75 feet from the router, upstairs.

First Floor Center

The signal strength and download speed in the center of the first floor were excellent, with a signal strength of -36 dBm and a download speed of 103 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and a signal strength of -40 dBm and a download speed of 310 Mbps on the 5GHz band. This means that you can expect to have a fast and reliable internet connection in this area of the house.

First Floor Bedroom 1

The signal strength and download speed were still good in the first floor bedroom 1, with a signal strength of -53 dBm and a download speed of 70 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and a signal strength of -58 dBm and a download speed of 245 Mbps on the 5GHz band. This means that you can still use the internet in this area of the house without any major issues.

First Floor Bedroom 2

The signal strength and download speed were a little weaker in the first floor bedroom 2, with a signal strength of -59 dBm and a download speed of 45 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and a signal strength of -63 dBm and a download speed of 155 Mbps on the 5GHz band. This means that you may experience some buffering or slowdowns when using the internet in this area of the house.

Second Floor Center

The signal strength and download speed were still decent in the second floor center, with a signal strength of -57 dBm and a download speed of 52 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and a signal strength of -62 dBm and a download speed of 175 Mbps on the 5GHz band. This means that you can still use the internet in this area of the house, but you may experience some performance issues, especially when using multiple devices simultaneously.

Second Floor Bedroom

The signal strength and download speed were the weakest in the second floor bedroom, with a signal strength of -65 dBm and a download speed of 35 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and a signal strength of -71 dBm and a download speed of 95 Mbps on the 5GHz band. This means that you may experience some significant buffering or slowdowns when using the internet in this area of the house.

TP Link C2300 Speed Test at 2.4GHz and 5GHz Bands

Linear diagram of signal change with increasing distance and obstacles in TP Link AC2300 (C2300)

TP Link AC2300 (Archer C2300) Security Testing

The TP Link AC2300 is equipped with a comprehensive security suite that safeguards your network from various cyber threats. The router’s built-in feature, HomeCare Antivirus, employs a robust security database and advanced algorithms to continuously monitor incoming traffic and block potentially harmful connections. This proactive approach ensures that your network remains protected from malware, viruses, and other malicious attacks. Additionally, the router supports the latest WPA3 security protocol, which significantly enhances data encryption and authentication, further strengthening your network’s defenses.

• To test the router’s security capabilities, I conducted a simulated cyberattack using a malicious website. The HomeCare feature effectively blocked the website, preventing any harmful code from being downloaded or executed on my devices. I also ran a penetration test to attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in the router’s firmware. The router’s security measures were impenetrable, repelling all attempts to gain unauthorized access.

Conclusion

After putting the TP Link C2300 through our comprehensive testing process, we can confidently say that it is an excellent choice for homes with multiple users and demanding applications. The router offers dual-band speeds of up to 2300Mbps, providing ample bandwidth for streaming, gaming, and file sharing. Its coverage is also impressive, extending throughout most homes, even those with thick walls or multiple floors.

We were particularly impressed with the TP Link AC2300’s security features, including its built-in antivirus, parental controls, and WPA3 support. These features help to safeguard your network from cyberattacks and protect your privacy.  Overall, the TP-Link AC2300 is a well-rounded and powerful router that offers excellent value for money. Its performance, features, and software make it a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and secure home WiFi router.