TP-LINK Archer C8 is a new, powerful and modern router that has everything you need to create a stable wired and Wi-Fi network in your home or office. The model appeared on the market not so long ago, I already got acquainted with this router, checked how it works, and even prepared instructions for setting up TP-LINK Archer C8. Well, today I will write a small review, the main characteristics, and by tradition I will leave a review. Archer C8 and TP-LINK Archer C9 (AC1900), almost identical models, C9 is slightly more powerful. If you are considering buying a C9, then this article will be just as useful for you.
To begin with, the router is not cheap. This is probably the middle class, since there are more expensive routers. Its price is approximately $ 125 (at the time of this writing). I recently wrote an article here with tips on choosing a router for home, and so, if the price is out of date, you can safely take the Archer C8, or the even more powerful Archer C9. It will definitely make friends with all the devices in your home, and provide them with a stable Internet connection.
Honestly, I don't know how many devices are needed to make this router "think", but you can hardly collect so many Wi-Fi clients in your home. And it doesn't matter if you play online games, or watch online videos in high definition.
This is, of course, a dual-band router with support for the latest 11ac standard. Data transfer rates up to 1.75Gbps. It's at 5GHz. There are high-speed USB ports, gigabit WAN and LAN, and a powerful processor. I will write more detailed information on the characteristics below.
TP-LINK Archer C8 (AC1750) router review
When you open a rather big box with this router, then, in principle, it is clear what the money was paid for. No, there is nothing unusual in the kit, except for a small network cable, a power supply, three antennas, a disc and documents. The router just looks very stylish and you should definitely like it. Yes, many will say that this is not a piece of jewelry to put it in a prominent place and admire it. Maybe so, but everything is exactly pleasant. And the router is already just an integral part of the interior. White looks cool, of course, but I would also make a model in black.
The front panel is made of glossy white plastic that looks like glass. The front panel contains indicators (blue) and a logo. By the way, the silver frame is made of plastic. Just in the picture, it looks like metal. It would be cool, but metal is not used in router cases. Three antennas are screwed in from above. They turn. But I don’t understand why. After all, the router is not hung on the wall. True, you can do it, but better not 🙂 By the way, the body of the Archer C9 is exactly the same.
There are no ports or buttons on the left side, while on the left there is a USB 3.0 connector and a button to turn off Wi-Fi. Almost all connectors and buttons are located on the rear panel, which is logical. There is 1 WAN port, 4 LAN, a connector for a power adapter, a power on / off button for the router, a Reset / WPS button, and another USB port, but already version 2.0. Well, a sticker with information: MAC address, IP address for entering settings, username, password, etc.
I would also like to note the power adapter. It is much larger than the cheaper models. Doesn't whistle. Sometimes I saw reviews that TP-LINK power adapters make a whistle when working.
Features TP-LINK Archer C8
As usual, I write only the main ones. All characteristics can be viewed in any online store, or on the official website.
- WAN and LAN ports can operate at speeds up to 1000 Mbps.
- Two USB ports for connecting storage devices and printers. There is no support for 3G / 4G modems.
- The Wi-Fi network can operate at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
- Wi-Fi network speed: at 5 GHz - up to 1.75 Gbps. At 2.4 GHz - up to 450 Mbps.
- 802.11ac support.
- Dual-core processor that runs at 800 MHz. TP-LINK Archer C9 is powered by a 1 GHz processor.
- Three detachable antennas. Good range of Wi-Fi coverage. Application of Beamforming technology, which detects Wi-Fi clients and directs the signal to them.
Well, a set of all the necessary functions: guest network, parental control, IPv6 support, etc.
New TP-LINK router control panel (in blue)
In the article on configuring this router (link at the beginning of the article), you can see a page with router settings that is unusual for TP-LINK devices. It was completely redesigned, made simpler and more modern. Now it is not green, but more pleasant, in blue tones.
There is a great setup wizard. I set up my TP-LINK Archer C8 (AC1750) through it. The only pity is that there is no Russian language in the settings yet. But, in the next hardware version, or firmware, a multilingual web interface is likely to appear. Which is sorely lacking. Since the latest hardware version of the Archer C9 model, it is already there. Read about the Archer C8 router firmware here.
Of course, TP-LINK Tether mobile app can be used to control the router.
Opinions from the TP-LINK Archer C8
There are very few reviews so far (I hope for yours!). Well, this is understandable, the router is new, and besides, it is not cheap. It is unlikely that it will become a straight folk model, such as TP-LINK TL-WR841N. But I am sure that he will find his buyers. Here it is important to understand what we are paying money for. For example, if you compare TP-LINK Archer C8 with the same Tp-Link Archer C20i, then many will not even understand the difference. And the latter is three times cheaper. There are many differences, and the main thing is performance and stability. Which is sorely lacking for cheap models.
With the Archer C8, you're unlikely to experience ping sags in games when someone starts watching YouTube videos. Well, if you have a smart TV that needs a good connection, then you need a router like this. Yes, everything will work through cheaper models too, but how, that's already a question.
I liked the router. I think we should finally highlight the poles and minuses. Of the pros: design, power, radius of coverage of a Wi-Fi network, speed over Wi-Fi and LAN, 2 USB. Cons: there is no way to hang it on the wall, there is no Russian language in the settings, there are scratches on the glossy plastic, and there is no touch screen (I just really like TP-LINK Touch P5). And there is enough space on the front panel, it was possible to insert 7 inches 🙂 In the near future, we will not see this either.
Do not forget to share this post with your friends, leave feedback on TP-LINK Archer C8, and write what you think about this router. Good luck!
