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TPLink AC1200 (Archer A54) WiFi Router Review

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Pros

+ Low Price
+ Multi-Role Operation
+ Excellent Coverage

Cons

– Low Speed WAN/LAN Ports
– No USB Port
– The Antennas Can’t be Replaced

Scores (Out of 10)

• Performance -> 7
• Coverage and Range -> 7
• Features -> 7.5
• Security -> 6.5
• Design -> 7.5
* Our Score -> 7.5 Out of 10

Introduction

In the ever-evolving world of wireless technology, finding a router that strikes the perfect balance between performance, features, and affordability can be a challenge. The TPLink AC1200 (Archer A54) WiFi Router, however, emerges as a compelling contender, offering a versatile and affordable solution for homes and offices alike.

Unboxing the TPLink Archer A54 WiFi Router

Upon unboxing the TPLink Archer A54, users are greeted with a sleek, compact device that is as aesthetic as it is functional. The router is designed with practicality in mind, featuring four high-gain antennas that promise extensive coverage and reliable signal strength across multiple rooms.

What’s in the Box?

  • TP-Link Archer A54 Router
  • Power adapter
  • Ethernet cable
  • Quick installation guide
  • Warranty information

The physical layout of the Archer A54 is crafted to ensure ease of setup and maintenance. Its antennas are strategically placed to enhance dual-band wireless signals, catering to a myriad of devices and usage scenarios.

  • On the rear panel, you’ll find four 100 Mbps LAN ports for connecting wired devices like computers, game consoles, and printers. There’s also a 100 Mbps WAN port for connecting to your internet service provider (ISP) and a reset button for restoring the router to factory defaults. A series of LEDs line the front of the router, providing clear indication of its status, including power, Internet, Wi-Fi signal strength, and LAN connections. This allows you to easily monitor the router’s performance without having to access the web interface.

Initial Setup of TPLink AC1200

The usability of a router extends beyond its technical capabilities to include how easily users can manage and interact with it. The TP-Link Tether app is a central part of this experience, providing a user-friendly interface for managing network settings, parental controls, and guest access.

  • Ease of Setup: The initial setup of the Archer A54 is straightforward, with the Tether app guiding users through each step.
  • Network Management: Users can see which devices are connected, prioritize device or application bandwidth, and apply security settings to protect their network.

Setting up the TPLink AC1200 WiFi router is a breeze. Simply connect the power adapter, Ethernet cable, and your modem. Then, launch the TP-Link Tether app on your smartphone or tablet ( Android / iOS) and follow the on-screen instructions to connect to the router’s Wi-Fi network and configure your internet connection. Read More: How to Setup TP-Link WiFi Router

The TP-Link Tether app provides a user-friendly interface for managing your router’s settings, including Wi-Fi settings, parental controls, guest access, and more. You can also use the app to monitor your network usage and troubleshoot any connectivity issues.

Performance: Harnessing Dual-Band Capabilities

At the heart of the TP-Link Archer A54 lies robust dual-band technology that supports up to 1200Mbps—300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. This segmentation allows users to allocate less demanding tasks such as email and web browsing to the 2.4 GHz band, while reserving the 5 GHz band for bandwidth-intensive activities like HD video streaming and online gaming.

Key Specifications

  • Processor: Single-core CPU ensures smooth and responsive network management.
  • Memory: Equipped with 256MB of RAM to handle simultaneous connections efficiently.
  • Technology: Supports Beamforming and MU-MIMO technologies.

Advanced Features in Action

  • MU-MIMO Technology: This technology allows the router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, which is a significant advantage in a household with numerous connected devices. This capability was tested by streaming video on multiple devices at once, and the Archer A54 managed to maintain a high level of performance without noticeable lag.
  • Beamforming: Focuses the WiFi signal towards the connected devices rather than broadcasting in a general direction. This was particularly evident in the improved speeds and reliability on devices located at the edges of the typical coverage area.

Future-Proofing Your Home Network with TP Link Archer A54

While the TP-Link Archer A54 does not include WiFi 6, its performance and features offer a degree of future-proofing for users whose current internet demands do not justify the higher costs associated with newer technologies. Here’s how the Archer A54 holds up in terms of future usability:

  • Dual-Band Technology: Ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices and balances load effectively to keep speeds high as more devices connect.
  • Operational Modes: With Router, Access Point, and Repeater modes, the Archer A54 can adapt to various future networking needs, providing flexibility and extended utility.

Operational Modes on TPLink AC1200

The TPLink AC1200 WiFi router is versatile and can operate in three distinct modes to suit various network configurations: WiFi Router, WiFi Access Point, and WiFi Repeater.

  • Router Mode: The default mode of the TP Link Archer A54 is Router mode, where it serves as the central hub for your home network. It connects directly to your internet service provider (ISP) via an Ethernet cable and distributes the internet connection to all connected devices. This mode is ideal for homes with a single ISP connection and multiple Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
  • Access Point Mode: In Access Point mode, the TP Link AC1200 acts as a secondary Wi-Fi source, extending the coverage of an existing wireless network. It connects to an existing router via an Ethernet cable and shares the same internet connection, creating additional access points for devices that may not be within range of the primary router. This mode is suitable for expanding Wi-Fi coverage in larger homes or workplaces where there are dead spots or limited connectivity.
  • WiFi Repeater Mode: The most versatile mode is WiFi Repeater mode, where the TPLink Archer A54 functions as a signal booster. It receives the Wi-Fi signal from an existing router, amplifies it, and rebroadcasts it, extending the reach of the original network. This mode is ideal for overcoming weak Wi-Fi signals in areas of the home or office that are far from the primary router or have signal blockages from walls or other obstacles.

Experience About Daily Works

The TPLink Archer A54 WiFi router has been a reliable and efficient tool for my daily tasks, including web surfing, checking emails,  using various applications and conducting video conferences. It has consistently provided fast and stable connections, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Surfing the Web and Checking Emails

Navigating websites and checking my emails has been a breeze with the TPLink Archer A54. Pages load quickly, images appear crisp and clear, and emails open and send seamlessly. I’ve never encountered any lag or buffering issues, even when I’m browsing multiple tabs or handling multiple email accounts simultaneously.

Using Applications

Social media, messaging apps, and productivity tools have all worked flawlessly with the Archer A54. I’ve been able to access my social media feeds, chat with friends and family, and work on documents without any slowdowns or interruptions. The router has provided ample bandwidth to support my diverse online activities.

Video Conferencing

I’ve also been conducting video conferences with colleagues and clients using the TP Link Archer A54, and I’ve been impressed with the audio and video quality. The video is clear and crisp, and the audio is clear and free of echo. I’ve had no issues with lag or buffering during my video conferences, and the router has handled multiple participants without any problems.

Coverage Test

Living in a medium-sized house with multiple floors and walls, I was particularly interested in testing the Archer A54’s coverage capabilities. To my delight, the router consistently provided strong and reliable connections throughout my home.

Location Distance from Router 2.4GHz (Mbps) 5GHz (Mbps)
Kitchen 20 feet 80 380
Bedroom 50 feet 50 315
Backyard 100 feet 25 110

Comparing TP Link Archer A54 and Linksys EA6350

When it comes to budget-friendly routers, two popular options stand out: the TP Link Archer A54 and Linksys EA6350. To determine which router offers the best value, we put these routers to the test, comparing their coverage, speed, and performance.

TP Link archer A54 Vs. linksys EA6350 Download Speed Comparison-5GHz band

This router boasts an intelligent and secure design that comes with features such as parental controls, firewall protection, and guest network access, which allows you to control and manage your network’s security and privacy.

The TPLink AC1200 WiFi Router is easy to install and set up, making it an excellent choice for those who don’t want the hassle of complex installations. It offers great value for money and is the ideal choice for those who do not require advanced features but need a reliable and secure internet connection.

Comparing TP-Link Archer A54 with Other Competitors

When considering budget-friendly routers, the TP-Link Archer A54 stands out, but how does it compare to similar models like the Linksys EA6350 or the Netgear R6120? Here’s a closer look at how the Archer A54 matches up against its competitors in terms of speed, coverage, price, and feature set:

  • Speed and Coverage: While all three routers offer adequate speeds for average home use, the Archer A54 provides superior coverage thanks to its advanced antenna design.
  • Price Comparison: Priced competitively, the Archer A54 often undercuts its rivals while still offering robust features, making it a great value-for-money option.
  • Feature Comparison: Unlike the Netgear R6120, the Archer A54 supports Beamforming technology, which enhances signal strength to connected devices, providing a more stable and reliable connection.

This comparison not only helps potential buyers see the strengths of the Archer A54 but also positions it within the broader market, aiding in informed decision-making.

User Testimonials and Real-World Feedback

Hear from actual users of the TPLink Archer A54 and how it has impacted their daily internet usage:

  • “The TPLink Archer A54 was a game-changer for my home network. It was easy to set up, and I’ve noticed a significant improvement in WiFi coverage across my home.” – Sarah K., Verified Buyer
  • “I switched from an older model to the TP Link AC1200 Archer A54, and the difference in stability and speed is remarkable. It handles all our family’s devices without any lag.” – Mike D., Long-term User

Conclusion

The TP Link Archer A54 WiFi router is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and affordable wireless networking solution for their home or small office. With its dual-band technology, high-gain antennas, and three operating modes, the TPLink Archer A54 provides ample coverage and connectivity for multiple devices. While it may not be the fastest router on the market, it offers a good balance of performance, features, and price. In our testing, we gave this router a score of 7.5 out of 10, highlighting its strengths in coverage, multi-mode operation, and affordability.

 

TP-Link AC1200 (Archer A54) WiFi Router

 TP-Link AC1200 WiFi Router (Archer A54) – Dual Band Wireless Internet Router, 4 x 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet Ports, Supports Guest WiFi, Access Point Mode, IPv6 and Parental Controls

Documents

Specifications

Wireless Specifications

Wireless Standard 802.11ac (a/b/g/n)
Bands Dual Band
Overall Speed 1200Mbps
Range Small/Medium House
Concurrent Clients 15
Antenna 4 External

Software Capabilities

Security Level (1 to 10 ) 6.5
Parental Control Capabilities (1 to 10) 6
Traffic Control Capabilities (1 to 10) 6
Guest Network Yes

Physical Ports

WAN Ports 1 (100Mbps)
LAN Ports 4 (100Mbps)
USB Ports N/A

Special Capabilities

Beamforming Technology Yes
MU-MIMO Technology Yes
Mesh Support No
Repeater Mode Yes
Vendor-Specific Technology N/A

Hardware Specifications

Processor Single-Core CPU
Memory 256MB
Dimension 9.1 × 5.7 × 1.5 in
Weight 1.45lb

Product Images

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the password for TP Link Archer AC1200?
    • Default login username and password both are “admin”. You can login to your router by typing 192.168.0.1 or http://tplinkwifi.net in your browser.
  • What is the maximum WIFI speed of TPLink AC1200?
    • This router is 802.11ac wave2 with up to 1200Mbps total speed. It can reach maximum data rates of up to 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band ( for daily tasks like web browsing) and up to 867Mbps on the 5GHz band ( for streaming and online games).
  • What is range of TP Link AC1200?
    • This router covers a medium house with around 1500 sq.ft. It also supports up to 15 concurrent clients.
  • Does TPLink Archer A54 need a mode?
    • Yes, you should connect this router to your ISP’s modem.

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