Archer 5 Review: Setup, Specs, And Range Test

by Admin 46 views
Archer 5 Review: Setup, Specs, and Range Test

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the TP-Link Archer A5, a budget-friendly router that promises decent performance without breaking the bank. We'll be covering everything from the initial setup to the nitty-gritty specs and, most importantly, how well it performs in a real-world range test. So, if you're in the market for a new router and the Archer A5 has caught your eye, stick around – this review is for you!

Archer 5 Review

When it comes to affordable routers, the Archer A5 aims to strike a balance between price and performance. But does it succeed? Let's get into the details.

Design and Build Quality

The Archer A5 sports a sleek, modern design with a glossy black finish. It's lightweight and feels relatively sturdy for a router in this price range. The four external antennas are non-removable, which is a bit of a bummer for those who might want to upgrade them, but they do swivel and adjust to optimize signal strength. The front panel features LED indicators for power, internet connection, Wi-Fi bands (2.4GHz and 5GHz), and Ethernet ports. These lights are helpful for quickly diagnosing any connection issues.

On the rear, you'll find the standard array of ports: a WAN port for your internet connection and four LAN ports for connecting wired devices. There's also a power button and a reset button, which comes in handy if you ever need to restore the router to its factory settings.

Features

The Archer A5 is an AC1200 router, meaning it supports dual-band Wi-Fi with speeds up to 867Mbps on the 5GHz band and 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. It features MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output) technology, which allows the router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, improving overall network efficiency, especially in households with many connected devices. It also supports Guest Network access, allowing you to create a separate Wi-Fi network for visitors without giving them access to your main network.

The router's web interface is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to configure settings such as Wi-Fi passwords, parental controls, and QoS (Quality of Service). The QoS feature allows you to prioritize certain types of traffic, such as gaming or video streaming, ensuring a smooth experience even when other devices are using the network. The Archer A5 also supports IPv6, the latest version of the Internet Protocol, ensuring compatibility with future internet standards.

Performance

In terms of performance, the Archer A5 holds its own for a budget router. In close proximity, the 5GHz band delivers impressive speeds, easily handling tasks like streaming HD video and online gaming. The 2.4GHz band provides good coverage for everyday tasks like browsing the web and checking email. However, as you move further away from the router, the signal strength and speeds on the 5GHz band tend to drop off noticeably. This is typical for routers in this price range, but it's something to keep in mind if you live in a larger home.

The MU-MIMO technology does help to improve performance when multiple devices are connected, but don't expect it to work miracles. If you have a large number of devices constantly transferring data, you may still experience some slowdowns. Overall, the Archer A5 is best suited for small to medium-sized homes with a moderate number of connected devices.

Archer 5 Setup

Setting up the Archer A5 is a breeze, thanks to TP-Link's user-friendly interface and mobile app. Here's a step-by-step guide:

  1. Unboxing and Connecting: First, unpack the router and connect the antennas. Then, connect the power adapter and plug it into an electrical outlet. Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the WAN port on the router and the other end to your modem.
  2. Powering On: Press the power button on the back of the router. Wait for the LED indicators to light up, indicating that the router is powered on and ready to be configured.
  3. Accessing the Web Interface: Open a web browser on your computer or mobile device and enter "tplinkwifi.net" in the address bar. This will take you to the router's web interface. Alternatively, you can use the TP-Link Tether app, available for both iOS and Android, to manage your router.
  4. Quick Setup Wizard: The web interface will guide you through a quick setup wizard. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure your internet connection, set up your Wi-Fi network name (SSID), and create a password. The wizard will automatically detect your internet connection type (e.g., DHCP, PPPoE) and prompt you for the necessary information.
  5. Customizing Settings: Once the quick setup is complete, you can customize various settings, such as parental controls, QoS, and guest network access. Explore the web interface or the Tether app to familiarize yourself with the available options.
  6. Firmware Update: It's always a good idea to check for firmware updates after setting up your router. Firmware updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements. You can find the firmware update option in the web interface under the "System Tools" or "Advanced" section.

The whole setup process should take no more than 10-15 minutes, even if you're not particularly tech-savvy. TP-Link has done a great job of making the Archer A5 easy to set up and manage.

Archer 5 Specs

Let's take a closer look at the technical specifications of the Archer A5:

  • Model: Archer A5
  • Wireless Standard: IEEE 802.11ac/n/a 5GHz, IEEE 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz
  • Wi-Fi Speeds: 867Mbps on 5GHz, 300Mbps on 2.4GHz
  • Frequency: 2.4GHz and 5GHz
  • Transmit Power: CE: <20dBm(2.4GHz), <23dBm(5GHz)
  • Wireless Security: WEP, WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK
  • Antennas: 4 External Antennas
  • Ports: 1 WAN Port, 4 LAN Ports
  • Buttons: Reset Button, Power Button
  • Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.7 x 1.4 inches (230 x 144 x 35 mm)
  • Weight: 0.64 pounds (290 grams)
  • MU-MIMO: Yes
  • Guest Network: Yes
  • Parental Controls: Yes
  • QoS: Yes
  • IPv6: Yes

These specs confirm that the Archer A5 is a standard AC1200 router with all the essential features for a home network. The four external antennas provide decent coverage, and the MU-MIMO technology helps to improve performance with multiple connected devices.

Archer 5 Range

Now for the crucial part: range. To test the Archer A5's range, I conducted a simple experiment in my home. I placed the router in the center of my house and measured the Wi-Fi signal strength and speeds at various locations.

  • Close Proximity (10 feet): In close proximity to the router, the 5GHz band delivered excellent speeds, averaging around 600-700Mbps. The signal strength was strong, and there were no noticeable drops in performance. The 2.4GHz band also performed well, with speeds around 100-120Mbps.
  • Medium Range (30 feet, one wall): As I moved further away from the router and through one wall, the 5GHz band started to show some signs of weakness. Speeds dropped to around 200-300Mbps, and the signal strength decreased slightly. The 2.4GHz band remained relatively stable, with speeds around 80-100Mbps.
  • Long Range (50 feet, two walls): At the furthest point in my house, the 5GHz band struggled to maintain a stable connection. Speeds dropped below 50Mbps, and the signal strength was weak. The 2.4GHz band provided a more reliable connection, with speeds around 30-50Mbps, but it was still not ideal for demanding tasks like streaming video.

Overall, the Archer A5's range is decent for a budget router, but it's not exceptional. It's best suited for small to medium-sized homes where most devices are within a reasonable distance of the router. If you live in a larger home or need to cover a wide area, you may want to consider a more powerful router or a mesh Wi-Fi system.

Archer 5 Firmware

Keeping your Archer A5's firmware up-to-date is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and security. TP-Link regularly releases firmware updates that include bug fixes, performance improvements, and security patches.

Checking for Firmware Updates

There are two ways to check for firmware updates:

  1. Web Interface: Log in to the router's web interface by entering "tplinkwifi.net" in your web browser. Navigate to the "System Tools" or "Advanced" section and look for the "Firmware Upgrade" or "Firmware Update" option. The router will automatically check for available updates and prompt you to install them.
  2. TP-Link Tether App: Open the TP-Link Tether app on your mobile device and select your Archer A5 router. Tap on the "Tools" or "Settings" icon and look for the "Firmware Update" option. The app will check for available updates and guide you through the installation process.

Installing Firmware Updates

Before installing a firmware update, make sure to back up your router's configuration settings. This will allow you to restore your settings if anything goes wrong during the update process. To back up your settings, go to the "System Tools" or "Advanced" section in the web interface and look for the "Backup & Restore" option.

Once you've backed up your settings, you can proceed with the firmware update. Follow the on-screen instructions or the prompts in the Tether app to install the update. Do not power off the router or disconnect it from the internet during the update process. This could damage the router and render it unusable.

The firmware update process usually takes a few minutes to complete. Once the update is finished, the router will automatically reboot. After the reboot, you may need to log in to the web interface or the Tether app again to verify that the update was successful.

Conclusion

So, what's the final verdict on the Archer A5? For the price, it's a decent router that offers a good balance of features and performance. The setup is easy, the web interface is user-friendly, and the MU-MIMO technology helps to improve performance with multiple connected devices. However, the range is not exceptional, and the 5GHz band can struggle at longer distances.

If you're looking for an affordable router for a small to medium-sized home with a moderate number of connected devices, the Archer A5 is definitely worth considering. But if you need wider coverage or more advanced features, you may want to look at some higher-end options. Hope this review helps you make an informed decision, guys! Happy networking!