TPLink Archer AX21 WiFi Router (AX1800) Review

Introduction

In the world of home networking, Wi-Fi 6 is the latest and greatest technology, promising faster speeds, better coverage, and improved efficiency. But with high-end Wi-Fi 6 routers often costing hundreds of dollars, many people are hesitant to make the switch. That’s where the TP-Link Archer AX21 comes in. This budget-friendly router offers Wi-Fi 6 capabilities for under $100, making it an excellent option for those on a tight budget.

Unboxing Experience: Unveiling the TP-Link Archer AX21 

Upon opening the box, you’ll be greeted by the router itself, nestled securely in a protective foam cradle. The router’s compact size and lightweight design make it easy to handle and position, whether you’re placing it on a shelf, desk, or even mounting it on the wall. Aside from the router, the box includes all the essential accessories , Power Adapter, Ethernet Cable, Quick Installation Guide.

• A series of LEDs adorn the front of the router, providing a clear overview of its status. Including the power , Wi-Fi signal , internet connection and other essential details. These indicators serve as a convenient way to monitor the router’s operational condition at a glance.
• On the rear panel, a wealth of connectivity options awaits. Four Gigabit LAN ports provide rock-solid connections for your wired devices, while a single Gigabit WAN port establishes a stable link to your internet service provider.
• A USB 2.0 port unlocks versatile connectivity, allowing you to share files, access external storage, or connect a printer. Four high-gain antennas, easily detachable for enhanced customization, ensure Wi-Fi signals reach every corner of your home with unwavering strength.

Features and Performance

The TP-Link Archer AX21 is a dual-band router with a combined speed of up to 1.8 Gbps. It supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 technologies, including OFDMA and MU-MIMO , which can help to improve network performance and efficiency.  In my testing, the Archer AX1800 delivered strong performance in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. I was able to achieve maximum speeds of around 700 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and around 130 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. This is more than enough speed for most households, and it’s even enough to handle demanding tasks like 4K streaming and online gaming.

To get a more comprehensive understanding of the Archer AX21’s wireless coverage in a 2,000 sq ft house, let’s conduct a more detailed test, dividing the test into two bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. This will allow us to evaluate the performance of each band separately and identify any potential performance differences.

Test Methodology

The iPhone 12 was placed in three distinct locations within a 2,000 sq ft house:

• Center of Living Room (15 feet): The epicenter of the living area, where the primary Wi-Fi router is typically located.
• Corner of Bedroom(40 feet): A position in the bedroom farthest from the router, representing a more challenging connectivity scenario.
• Backyard(70 feet): An outdoor location outside the house, simulating maximum distance from the router.
• Note: The maximum actual bandwidth of the iPhone 12 in the 2.4 GHz band is around 130 Mbps and in the 5 GHz band, it is around 750 Mbps.

2.4GHz Speed and RSSI Test Results

5GHz Speed and RSSI Test Results

Beamforming and Smart Coverage

The TP-Link Archer AX1800 boasts a quartet of high-gain antennas that work tirelessly to ensure your Wi-Fi signal reaches every corner of your home with unwavering strength. Strategically positioned on the router, these antennas deliver omnidirectional coverage, ensuring your devices can connect seamlessly from any room.

To further enhance performance, the TP-Link Archer AX1800 (AX21) utilizes cutting-edge OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies. OFDMA efficiently divides the Wi-Fi spectrum into smaller subchannels, enabling multiple devices to share the same channel simultaneously without compromising speed. MU-MIMO, on the other hand, allows multiple devices to receive data simultaneously, minimizing latency and congestion.

And for those homes with architectural challenges, like thick walls or intricate layouts, the TPLink AX21 comes equipped with built-in Beamforming technology. This intelligent feature acts like a spotlight, directing Wi-Fi signals directly towards connected devices, ensuring optimal performance even in challenging environments. Read More : How To Extend WiFi Range

Beyond the Basics: Unveiling the Archer AX1800 Enduring Value

The TP-Link AX21 goes beyond the realm of ordinary connectivity, offering a plethora of features that enhance its overall capabilities and user experience. These enhancements extend beyond the realm of speed and coverage, encompassing features that amplify the router’s functionality and adaptability.

• OneMesh™ Technology: The TP-Link AX21 embraces the power of OneMesh™ technology, allowing you to effortlessly expand your Wi-Fi coverage without compromising on performance. By connecting compatible OneMesh™ devices, such as range extenders and satellite routers, you can seamlessly create a unified Wi-Fi network that spans across your entire home. This eliminates the hassle of switching between multiple networks and ensures that your devices always maintain the strongest possible connection.
• Smart Parental Controls: The Archer AX1800 (AX21) empowers parents with comprehensive parental control features to safeguard their children’s online activities. These features enable you to set time limits for device usage, block specific websites or categories, and even receive real-time alerts for suspicious online activity. This empowers parents to foster responsible digital habits and protect their children from potential online risks.
• Adaptive QoS: This router goes beyond basic QoS by employing Adaptive QoS technology. This intelligence-driven feature dynamically adjusts network prioritization based on real-time network conditions, ensuring that the most critical applications always receive the necessary bandwidth. This adaptability ensures that your network remains optimized for the applications you’re using, regardless of the number of connected devices or activity levels.
• VPN Server Feature: The Archer AX21 transforms into a secure VPN server, enabling you to establish a secure connection to remote networks. This feature is particularly useful for accessing company resources remotely or browsing the internet with enhanced privacy and security.
• Ease of Setup and Management: The TP-Link Tether app simplifies the setup and management process, providing a user-friendly interface for configuring network settings, monitoring device connections, and accessing advanced features. This app caters to both novice and experienced users, ensuring a seamless setup and ongoing management experience.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable Wi-Fi 6 router, the TP-Link Archer AX21 is an excellent option. It delivers consistently fast speeds, covers most homes with ease, and comes with a comprehensive feature set, including parental controls, QoS, and VPN support. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to set up and use.

In our technical testing, we were impressed with this router’s performance and stability. It’s a great choice for homes with multiple devices and demanding internet needs. Overall, the TP-Link Archer AX1800 (AX21) is a great value for the money. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable Wi-Fi 6 router, we highly recommend it.