Get More Out of Your Wi-Fi with the TP-Link Archer C9 Router: A Comprehensive Review
So, are you familiar with the TP-Link Archer C9 AC1900 router? It is a low-cost choice, thus it may lack some of the whistles and bells seen in more costly versions. It lacks Alexa control and MU-MIMO technology, for example.
However, it is said to offer a fairly extensive signal range that is ideal for bigger households and fast enough for playing games online and streaming 4K films.
Doesn’t it sound good? So I chose to put it to the test by comparing it against a few other long-distance routers to see how well it performed in practice.
Every Detail about the TP-Link Archer C9 wireless router is on the surface. Would lead you to believe it’s simply a different mid-tier, run-of-the-mill customer router that does the job and nothing more.
But you’d be incorrect. This may be an appropriate moment to check out our top-rated mesh router list or our best router review.
In addition, stay tuned to my TP-Link Archer C9 review to see why this router is one of the greatest buys on the market today.
Let’s Talk Specs: A Close Look at the TP-Link Archer C9 Router
When purchasing a router, it is critical to review the specifications to verify that it fulfills your requirements. So, let’s take a look at the TP-Link Archer C9 router’s specifications.
This router is dual-band, covering both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. It includes three exterior antennas for increased range and wireless speeds of a maximum of 1900Mbps.
In addition, the router offers four Gigabit Ethernet ports and a WAN port, making it simple to connect wired devices. It also has two USB ports, one 2.0 and one 3.0, for transferring data across your network.
Looks Matter: Our Review of the Design of the TP-Link Archer C9 Router
If there was a term to characterize the C9’s design, “router” would be it. With a flat-white shell distinguished against blue, LED indications, and three conventional antennae lining the top. Plus all the anticipated ports on the rear, it’s the epitome of what you think of when someone says router.
The inbuilt vertically-aligned kickstand allows the C9 to “stand” out. In contrast to every other router we’ve tested, the C9 rests on its hind legs, leaning upwards at around a 75-degree angle. So that all of the transmission & status lights are visible from halfway through the room.
The Archer AC1900 isn’t the most visually appealing router I’ve seen. The C9 I tested was black, but TP-Link also offers it in white. The shiny coating gives the AC1900 a cheap appearance, and it sadly displays everything smudge and fingerprint whenever touched.
The indicator lights are located on the front face, allowing you to determine the network status quickly. The C9 features a slate-colored grey plastic border around the top edge that bends outward and serves as a router support. The AC1900 may be positioned horizontally or vertically using the stand.
However, you’ll have to shift your cabling under the stand to set the router horizontally. You won’t be able to simply switch between the two orientations without cutting your wires. The Archer C9 comes with three replaceable antennae that can be swiveled and adjusted.
Although they are an essential component. However, the antennas are quite long (almost six inches), making the router appear unusually tall when positioned vertically with the antennas extended.
The majority of the ports are located on the back, with the possible exception of the other USB port. Hence, which is located along the side close to the Wi-Fi button.
A Strong Connection: Our Review of the TP-Link Archer C9 Router’s Speed and Distance Capabilities
The TP-Link Archer C9 is priced at $119.95. At this price point, expectations are low. And a router’s performance does not have to be the very best of its type. (considering how much you paid for it)
You connect it in and think to yourself, “Should be good for streaming plus gaming, and that’ll be enough for me,” not expecting it to blast the doors off on all of your gadgets any time soon.
The TP-Link Archer C9 AC1900 router has fast wifi rates of up to 1900Mbps. Making it an ideal choice for quick internet consumers. However, how well does it function in real-world scenarios? We examined the router through several speed and range tests.
To begin, we measured the router’s wireless speed by linking it to a desktop computer with a Gigabit Ethernet connection and using Speedtest.net.
We discovered that the router operated admirably, with download rates of up to 170Mbps and upload rates of up to 35Mbps.
The range of the router was then tested by placing it in the center of a huge house and evaluating signal strength in various rooms. The TP-Link Archer C9 delivered a robust signal throughout the home, even in regions farthest away from the router.
In fact, despite the number of walls and impediments in the way, we were able to establish a solid connection at an angle of up to 100 feet.
We also tested the router’s capacity to manage several devices at once by linking various devices to the network and streaming 4K material at the same time, including laptops, cellphones, and gaming consoles. Furthermore, We discovered that the router had no trouble supporting several devices and providing steady, high-speed internet.
Plug and Play: Our Review of the TP-Link Archer C9 Router’s Simple Setup and Installation
The Archer C9 is simple to set up since it comes with an easy-to-follow user handbook and rapid setup instructions.
The router supports internet-based and app-based setup, and it can be configured in moments through the TP-Link Tether app, which is accessible from both Android and iOS smartphones.
Securing Your Wi-Fi: Our Review of the Security Features of the Archer C9 Router
The Archer C9 includes a number of security features, including WPA/WPA2 encryption, an SPI Firewall, and VPN compatibility.
The router also includes a built-in guest network, allowing you to give visitors Wi-Fi access without providing them with a connection to your main network.
The router also has parental controls, which enable you to block access to specific websites and establish internet use time limitations. You may also use the router’s MAC address filtering capability to prevent particular devices from connecting to the internet.
Managing Your Wi-Fi with Ease: Our Take on the Archer C9 Router’s Intuitive User Interface and Tether App
Thanks to its appealing web interface and TP-Link Tether app, the Archer C9 offers a seamless and simple user experience.
With the app, you can effortlessly set things up and control parental controls, guest connections, and additional features on your network from anywhere.
Our Analysis of the TP-Link Archer C9 Router’s Budget Price
Due to the Archer C9 AC1900’s age, it is not as widely accessible as it was a few years ago. It usually costs about $120, which is reasonable for a long-range router with a character set.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the TP-Link Archer C9 router is a great device that offers quick, dependable, and secure Wi-Fi access. For homes with several devices, its potent CPU, Beamforming, and MU-MIMO methods, as well as its exceptional range and coverage, make it the perfect option.
It is a fantastic option for customers of all levels of technical experience because of its slick and contemporary design, simple setup plus installation process, and straightforward user interface.
The TP-Link Archer C9 is unquestionably a router to take into consideration if you’re looking for a high-performance device that offers outstanding value for money.
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