A powerful router that's very good. And the second hardware version of the powerful router is even better. TP-Link has updated one of its top routers, the TP-Link Archer C3150 model. Now the second version is already on sale (ver.2). Don't confuse the hardware version and the firmware version - they are different things. Since in the updated version, not only the software was improved, but most likely the hardware. Plus there are new features.
This router probably contains the newest technologies and solutions that are available today. Of course, the MU-MIMO technology, thanks to which the router can simultaneously work with several devices, increasing the connection speed by about 4 times. Broadcom NitroQAM technology and 4 streams of data broadcast - the throughput increases by 25%. Well, the Beamforming technology, which directs the wireless signal directly towards the client.
Up to 1000 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz range, up to 2150 Mbps in the 5 GHz range. A dual-core 1.4 GHz processor and two coprocessors (one for each band) are, of course, very powerful. It seems to me that there is still no such device on the market that could reveal the full potential of this router.
I am often asked which router to choose so that nothing hangs, everything works stably and the speed is good. Take TP-Link Archer C3150 and you will be happy. True, then everything will rest against restrictions on the part of your devices (which you will connect to the network) and the provider. Which simply will not give out such a speed that this router could not handle.
Since I already reviewed the TP-Link Archer C3150, and outwardly it does not seem to have changed, we will only consider the new functions that appeared in the second version.
TP-Link HomeCare
The first thing that catches your eye when entering the TP-Link Archer C3150 control panel is the "HomeCare" section.
This section summarizes the main features that allow you to manage bandwidth, network protection, and security.
Parental control
It's very simple, in just three steps, you can set up restrictions on viewing different content and time for a specific device that is connected to the network. It is enough to click on the "Add" button, select a device from the list, set a name for it, set the filtering level and the time of access to the Internet.
For each device, you can create a separate rule (or one rule for several devices), which you can delete or edit.
Data prioritization
In this section, you can set the speed priority for a specific group of applications, or individual devices.
If, for example, you are playing an online game and you need the router to give priority to this particular traffic, then we select the appropriate setting.
Or we set the priority for a specific device.
You can set the priority for a certain time, or forever (until you manually disable it).
Antivirus
Yes, TP-Link Archer C3150 v2 has built-in antivirus from Trend Micro. It monitors the security of your network. It is being updated itself.
There is a filtering of malicious content, an intrusion protection system and quarantine for infected devices.
If necessary, a certain type of protection can be easily disabled.
VPN Server on TP-Link Archer C3150
A very useful feature that allows you to set up a secure connection between different networks. Such a secure network within the network. Can be customized asOpenVPN:
And soPPTP VPN:
All VPN connections will be displayed on the VPN Connections tab.
Quite a useful feature. Although not everyone needs it.
Link Aggregation
This function allows you to combine two LAN ports into one. To achieve a higher data transfer rate. This means that under ideal conditions you can get a speed of 2000 Mbps (sum of two ports of 1000 Mbps). And improving connection reliability. If one of the two channels fails, the connection will not be dropped.
This function can be configured not only for network switches, but also for ordinary Ethernet adapters that are connected to the computer. If you're interested, you can read more about Link Aggregation on Wikipedia.
On TP-Link Archer C3150, you can configure this technology in the "Network" - "LAN" - "Link Aggregation" section.
We select LAN ports and save the settings.
Airtime Fairness function
The main task is to optimize the bandwidth for each stream.
You can enable Airtime Fairness under System Tools - System Settings. Just check the box and save the settings.
Now you are aware of the main changes that the TP-Link Archer C3150 router received in the second hardware version.
I really liked how everything is organized in the web interface. Everything is simple and straightforward. And also on each page there is (?). By clicking on which, a complete description of all functions and settings appears.
The router is, of course, very cool. Not cheap though. If the budget allows - take it without hesitation.
