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- First reviewMarch 19, 2016
- Last reviewAugust 10, 2016
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garyb's Reviews
Surf the Web at incredibly fast rates with this TP-Link wireless dual-band gigabit router, and connect to your websites almost instantaneously. The 1GHz Dual-Core processor ensures smooth and seamless connections even when multiple devices are in use. Manage your TP-Link wireless dual-band gigabit router from your smartphone with the convenient Tether app.
Posted by: garyb
This is a review of a free product received from TP-LINK as part of the review program.
The TP-Link Archer C1900 router has the same semi-vertical 8.7"x6.6"x3.4" format (with permanently attached support stand) as the earlier routers in this series, and looks identical except for being a glossy black. The packaging graphics show that this is a 900mW High Power version, with a 1GHz Dual-Core Processor, Dual Bands, and BeamForming technology. The three Dual Band antennas mount on top of the router, and are detachable. There are eight backlit LED indicator lights on the front, which clearly display the identity and current status of all router functions. There are four Gigabit ethernet LAN ports and one Gigabit WAN port on the back, a USB2 port for printer connection, a USB3 port for a network drive connection, and two on/off switches for main power and for the WiFi channels. The power cord is 60" long, and terminates in a 2.2"x3.5"x1.4" , 3.3 Amp power supply at the plug-in.
The Quick Installation Guide clearly identifies the six easy steps for connecting the router, and, after logging into the administrative console, selecting the time zone and internet connection type, and entering any names and passwords you want for your wireless networks, you are good to go in under 3 minutes. The final click is to test your internet connection.
I run multiple networks, so I always prefer to set up a new router by connecting it directly to an off-line computer via the provided ethernet cable, re-setting the default (192.168.0.1) router address to something else, thereby preventing conflicts with my cable modem that already uses that address. This also allows me to check and update the router firmware (if needed), and make a few quick adjustments to key functions before connecting the router to my modem and/or my other LAN networks. The firmware on the router was current, as received(FW: 3.17.0 Build 20151009 Rel 61423n). Note that you must go to the US TP-Link site for downloads (http://www.tp-link.us/download/Archer-C1900.html#Utility) of the C1900 firmware or Printer Controller Utility - the current link in the C1900 Administrative Console points to TP-Link.com , which has no C1900 listing. The C1900 appears to be a US product form at present.
After verifying that everything is up and running fine, a quick review of the Admin Console starts in the Basic tab, where the Network Map gives a very clean overview of all of the router's attached devices and functions. Simply clicking on any item of interest opens a drop-down window with detailed status information for that item. Basic Internet, Wireless, USB Print Server and File Sharing, and Guest Network settings can all be adjusted on the Basic Tab.
Advanced users will find additional and specialized settings options for fine-tuning performance in the Advanced Menu. Most people will likely only need the Advanced Tab for setting up the Guest Networks and for Parental Control settings, in addition to taking care to check/adjust a few Security settings to their needs. Gamers will likely want to enter DMZ settings in the Forwarding Tab, and all should note that UPnP is ON by default.
I have been running several different wireless routers (of various vintages) in my two story home, in order to more fully cover the wireless networking needs for my various computers and other devices. Some network routers are for separation and security, but wireless signal strength has been lacking in my remote upstairs corner locations. My cable modem and main router are located in a corner of the basement of our two-story house and the signal to the furthest computers and other devices (streaming to the master bedroom) has been variable. I have had some success with various other devices (range extenders, and trying an added first floor router), but I have been interested in finding a single router that will cover all of the devices in my main general device network.
Performance:
After setting the C1900 up in my downstairs Modem/Router location, I did a few measurements of signal strengths at my main computer and at my worst computer locations, and did some data transfer rate measurements via ethernet and wireless to the router's USB3 attached storage. The other networks that are also running in the attached graphics are from an older, very highly rated dual-band N600 router located at the same basement router location, and also a channel from an extended network device located on the same level as my computer.
As can be seen in the attached graphics, the Archer C1900 signal strengths were 15dB better for the 2.4GHz Channel and 34 dB better for the 5GHz channels when compared to the old N600 router, when measured at my main computer location. The data transfer rates for the USB3 attached drive were 41.9 MBps write and 41.1 MBps read. The Archer C1900 signal strengths at my worst computer location were 11dB and 18dB better than the N600 for the 2.4 GHz and the 5GHz channels, respectively.
So, in summary, the TP-Link Archer C1900 router is a great upgrade from my N600 dual band router. Anyone looking to upgrade their router for improved signal strengths at weak locations within their network, and also looking for network printer and file sharing capabilities for all of the network wired and wireless devices will definitely benefit from the addition of a TP-Link Archer C1900 router.
The TP-Link Archer C1900 router has the same semi-vertical 8.7"x6.6"x3.4" format (with permanently attached support stand) as the earlier routers in this series, and looks identical except for being a glossy black. The packaging graphics show that this is a 900mW High Power version, with a 1GHz Dual-Core Processor, Dual Bands, and BeamForming technology. The three Dual Band antennas mount on top of the router, and are detachable. There are eight backlit LED indicator lights on the front, which clearly display the identity and current status of all router functions. There are four Gigabit ethernet LAN ports and one Gigabit WAN port on the back, a USB2 port for printer connection, a USB3 port for a network drive connection, and two on/off switches for main power and for the WiFi channels. The power cord is 60" long, and terminates in a 2.2"x3.5"x1.4" , 3.3 Amp power supply at the plug-in.
The Quick Installation Guide clearly identifies the six easy steps for connecting the router, and, after logging into the administrative console, selecting the time zone and internet connection type, and entering any names and passwords you want for your wireless networks, you are good to go in under 3 minutes. The final click is to test your internet connection.
I run multiple networks, so I always prefer to set up a new router by connecting it directly to an off-line computer via the provided ethernet cable, re-setting the default (192.168.0.1) router address to something else, thereby preventing conflicts with my cable modem that already uses that address. This also allows me to check and update the router firmware (if needed), and make a few quick adjustments to key functions before connecting the router to my modem and/or my other LAN networks. The firmware on the router was current, as received(FW: 3.17.0 Build 20151009 Rel 61423n). Note that you must go to the US TP-Link site for downloads (http://www.tp-link.us/download/Archer-C1900.html#Utility) of the C1900 firmware or Printer Controller Utility - the current link in the C1900 Administrative Console points to TP-Link.com , which has no C1900 listing. The C1900 appears to be a US product form at present.
After verifying that everything is up and running fine, a quick review of the Admin Console starts in the Basic tab, where the Network Map gives a very clean overview of all of the router's attached devices and functions. Simply clicking on any item of interest opens a drop-down window with detailed status information for that item. Basic Internet, Wireless, USB Print Server and File Sharing, and Guest Network settings can all be adjusted on the Basic Tab.
Advanced users will find additional and specialized settings options for fine-tuning performance in the Advanced Menu. Most people will likely only need the Advanced Tab for setting up the Guest Networks and for Parental Control settings, in addition to taking care to check/adjust a few Security settings to their needs. Gamers will likely want to enter DMZ settings in the Forwarding Tab, and all should note that UPnP is ON by default.
I have been running several different wireless routers (of various vintages) in my two story home, in order to more fully cover the wireless networking needs for my various computers and other devices. Some network routers are for separation and security, but wireless signal strength has been lacking in my remote upstairs corner locations. My cable modem and main router are located in a corner of the basement of our two-story house and the signal to the furthest computers and other devices (streaming to the master bedroom) has been variable. I have had some success with various other devices (range extenders, and trying an added first floor router), but I have been interested in finding a single router that will cover all of the devices in my main general device network.
Performance:
After setting the C1900 up in my downstairs Modem/Router location, I did a few measurements of signal strengths at my main computer and at my worst computer locations, and did some data transfer rate measurements via ethernet and wireless to the router's USB3 attached storage. The other networks that are also running in the attached graphics are from an older, very highly rated dual-band N600 router located at the same basement router location, and also a channel from an extended network device located on the same level as my computer.
As can be seen in the attached graphics, the Archer C1900 signal strengths were 15dB better for the 2.4GHz Channel and 34 dB better for the 5GHz channels when compared to the old N600 router, when measured at my main computer location. The data transfer rates for the USB3 attached drive were 41.9 MBps write and 41.1 MBps read. The Archer C1900 signal strengths at my worst computer location were 11dB and 18dB better than the N600 for the 2.4 GHz and the 5GHz channels, respectively.
So, in summary, the TP-Link Archer C1900 router is a great upgrade from my N600 dual band router. Anyone looking to upgrade their router for improved signal strengths at weak locations within their network, and also looking for network printer and file sharing capabilities for all of the network wired and wireless devices will definitely benefit from the addition of a TP-Link Archer C1900 router.
My Best Buy number: 0205536328
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+8points
8of 8voted this as helpful.
Enjoy reliable wireless performance with this TP-LINK Archer T8E network adapter, which features Wireless-AC and 3T3R MIMO technologies to ensure fast high-definition video streaming, online gaming and other high-bandwidth applications.
Customer Rating
5
A “Solid” Wireless Card with Great Performance!
on March 19, 2016
Posted by: garyb
This is a review of a free product received from TP-LINK as part of the review program.
The first thing that you notice when opening the Archer T8E box is how massive the heatsink feels on this wireless card – there won’t be any problems with this card overheating and dropping off in performance like some others do. The box contains the card with three antennas, a spare short bracket (for HTPC mini-case installation), the install CD, and a printed Quick Installation Guide. The CD contains an extensive User’s Manual, with detailed information for advanced applications, such as using the card in “Soft-AP” mode as an Access Point in Windows 7 or 8.1.
After physically installing the card in a PCIex X1 slot, it is recognized when the CD runs, and you can choose to install just the wireless card driver or to install both the driver and the TP-Link Wireless Utility. The TP-Link Utility may provide more network information in an easy to use format if you prefer it over the standard Windows Network Connections utility. The User Manual provides screenshots of the utility. I use both, in addition to several other wireless network monitoring utilities that provide meaningful performance measuring capabilities.
I installed the T8E in my wife’s computer in the laundry room, which is located one floor above and about 50 feet away from my router. There is no Ethernet cable to the laundry room (??), so I have been using a three antenna, Dual Band N900 card (450Mbps max on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands) in her computer over the past year. I now run several wireless networks, after recently upgrading my old router to an AC1750 router, which provides up to 1300Mbps on the 5GHz band and 450Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. So, I was eager to test this T8E wireless card in this worst-case location, since the T8E spec’s match my best router’s capability.
After installing the T8E, I measured the signal strengths of all of my wireless networks, and decided to perform some data transfer tests on the 5GHz band from my new main router. My old wireless card showed a -56dBm signal from the router at this location, and this improved to -49dBm when using the T8E, as measured using InSSIDer. That means the T8E signal reception is 4 times stronger than my old card when using the same 5GHz channel router signal. Windows Network and Sharing Center shows that the old card connection speed varies from 144Mbps to 450Mbps; and the T8E varies from 702.5Mbps to 1.1Gbps. These minimum and maximum readings were observed over time, and the variability is likely due to interferences present at any given time.
Internet download speeds are not a meaningful measure of data transfer performance, so I use LAN Speedtest to accurately measure the write and read speeds for 1 Gigabyte of data file transfers to my network server. The 1 GB files are transferred wirelessly to the router, and then by (1GB) Ethernet connection to the server and return by the same path. I performed multiple tests, alternating between the two wireless cards in order to ensure the same router signal strength to both cards. The average result of 9 transfers done at three different times (on both cards) were: For the old N900 Card: Write = 58.5Mbps and Read = 129.2Mbps; For the T8E Card: Write = 125.4Mbps and Read = 298.2Mbps.
So, the T8E wireless AC1750 card provides at least twice the file transfer speed when compared to my old Wireless N900 card, when used in my worst computer location. I was planning to evaluate the T8E in one other bad location, but my wife has other plans. I thought the old card was working OK for her video, but she has noticed the definite improvement with the T8E, with no more dropped signals or buffering delays. The TP-Link T8E has much better performance than my old card, and we are definitely loving it!
The first thing that you notice when opening the Archer T8E box is how massive the heatsink feels on this wireless card – there won’t be any problems with this card overheating and dropping off in performance like some others do. The box contains the card with three antennas, a spare short bracket (for HTPC mini-case installation), the install CD, and a printed Quick Installation Guide. The CD contains an extensive User’s Manual, with detailed information for advanced applications, such as using the card in “Soft-AP” mode as an Access Point in Windows 7 or 8.1.
After physically installing the card in a PCIex X1 slot, it is recognized when the CD runs, and you can choose to install just the wireless card driver or to install both the driver and the TP-Link Wireless Utility. The TP-Link Utility may provide more network information in an easy to use format if you prefer it over the standard Windows Network Connections utility. The User Manual provides screenshots of the utility. I use both, in addition to several other wireless network monitoring utilities that provide meaningful performance measuring capabilities.
I installed the T8E in my wife’s computer in the laundry room, which is located one floor above and about 50 feet away from my router. There is no Ethernet cable to the laundry room (??), so I have been using a three antenna, Dual Band N900 card (450Mbps max on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands) in her computer over the past year. I now run several wireless networks, after recently upgrading my old router to an AC1750 router, which provides up to 1300Mbps on the 5GHz band and 450Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. So, I was eager to test this T8E wireless card in this worst-case location, since the T8E spec’s match my best router’s capability.
After installing the T8E, I measured the signal strengths of all of my wireless networks, and decided to perform some data transfer tests on the 5GHz band from my new main router. My old wireless card showed a -56dBm signal from the router at this location, and this improved to -49dBm when using the T8E, as measured using InSSIDer. That means the T8E signal reception is 4 times stronger than my old card when using the same 5GHz channel router signal. Windows Network and Sharing Center shows that the old card connection speed varies from 144Mbps to 450Mbps; and the T8E varies from 702.5Mbps to 1.1Gbps. These minimum and maximum readings were observed over time, and the variability is likely due to interferences present at any given time.
Internet download speeds are not a meaningful measure of data transfer performance, so I use LAN Speedtest to accurately measure the write and read speeds for 1 Gigabyte of data file transfers to my network server. The 1 GB files are transferred wirelessly to the router, and then by (1GB) Ethernet connection to the server and return by the same path. I performed multiple tests, alternating between the two wireless cards in order to ensure the same router signal strength to both cards. The average result of 9 transfers done at three different times (on both cards) were: For the old N900 Card: Write = 58.5Mbps and Read = 129.2Mbps; For the T8E Card: Write = 125.4Mbps and Read = 298.2Mbps.
So, the T8E wireless AC1750 card provides at least twice the file transfer speed when compared to my old Wireless N900 card, when used in my worst computer location. I was planning to evaluate the T8E in one other bad location, but my wife has other plans. I thought the old card was working OK for her video, but she has noticed the definite improvement with the T8E, with no more dropped signals or buffering delays. The TP-Link T8E has much better performance than my old card, and we are definitely loving it!
My Best Buy number: 0205536328
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
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