TP-Link Archer AX21 Affordable Router Review
9/10 (Expert Score)- VPN Server: Archer AX21 V4 Supports both Open VPN Server and PPTP VPN Server
- Dual-Band WiFi 6 Internet Router: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous generation
Original price was: $99.99.$74.99Current price is: $74.99.
Description
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It’s important to understand that you won’t get the full benefit of WiFi 6 without WiFi 6 devices or at the very least devices with WiFi 6 adapters. Even so, the Archer AX21 offers an excellent way to get your feet wet with WiFi 6 as Wi-Fi 6 is backward compatible with Wi-Fi 5.
Wi-Fi 6 Adapters
Design
The Archer AX21 has a sleek, minimalist design that will look great in any home or office. The Archer AX21 is one of the smallest routers on the market, making it easy to take with you wherever you go. The Archer AX21 has 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports to support the latest high-performance networking devices. You can also use the USB 3.0 ports to share files or printers between devices. It also features dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi and a USB 2.0 port for quick and easy file sharing.
TP-Link Archer AX21 Features:
The AX21 features four external antennas, a multi-core processor, and 1024QAM support to deliver speeds of up to 574Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1,201Mbps on the 5GHz band. The TP-Link Archer AX21 is a high-performance Wi-Fi router that offers features and performance not found in most routers in this price range including VPN client and server support and revolutionary OFDMA technology which allows more simultaneous connections It has the usual 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports but only one USB 2.0 port for sharing files or printers between devices on your network. The Archer AX21 also supports MU-MIMO and Beamforming technology so you can enjoy faster speeds on multiple devices at the same time. The Archer AX21 also supports Alexa controls allowing you to use verbal commands to pause your Wi-Fi as well as Amazon’s Simple Setup controls that allow you to enable Alexa-compatible smart home devices.
Setup
As with most TP-Link devices, the basic setup can be handled using the TP-Link Tether app. The Tether app is probably one of the few WiFi setup apps that work as advertised. It’s a joy to use and easy to understand even for the computer networking novice. More advanced features such as DHCP, NAT, and QoS can be configured using the web portal.
TP-Link Archer AX21 Performance
The AX21 delivers fast speeds and great range, making it perfect for gaming and streaming. Four 1GB Ethernet ports provide high-speed network connectivity. The AX21s 4 external Antennas deliver very good range and stability as a result of MU-MIMO, Beamforming, and OFDMA technology so it can reach every corner of your home without losing signal. Connectivity The AX21 has USB 3.0 ports for 5Gbps data transfer, so you can connect more devices to your network. Security The Archer AX21 uses multiple technologies such as an SPI Firewall, Access Controls, WPA2, WPA3, and WPA/WPA2-Enterprise to ensure a secure and reliable connection between your network devices and the Internet. In testing the AX21 was slightly faster than other budget Wi-Fi 6 routers such as the Netgear R6700AX and Asus -RT-AX55. Speeds were roughly the same for all three routers throughout a 1,200-square-foot home. Download speeds and latency (ping time) were roughly the same for all three routers. In terms of performance the Netgear R6700AX, Asus RT-AX55, and the Archer AX21 offer no competitive advantages against each other. From here it’s just a matter of personal, preference, availability, and price.
TP-Link Archer AX21 – Video
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Verdict
Keep in mind this is a budget WiFi 6 wireless router. It’s best suited for small to medium-sized homes with 500Mbps or lower download speeds. In terms of speed and coverage, it won’t keep up with high-end long-range routers or Mesh systems. The TP-Link Archer AX21 is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-performance wireless router that also provides a great range. It is perfect for larger homes or businesses that need faster speeds and more bandwidth. The Archer AX21 also comes with a variety of security features to keep your data safe. If you are in the market for a new Wi-Fi router, the Tp-Link Archer AX21 should definitely be at the top of your list.
FAQs
Q: What is Wi-Fi 6 technology? A: Wi-Fi 6 is the latest version of Wi-Fi technology. It’s also known as 802.11AX or “AX” for short. Wi-Fi 6 is about 30% faster than its predecessor Wi-Fi 5. The leap from Wi-Fi 5 to Wi-Fi 6 entails more than just speed. Wi-Fi 6 also can manage more spatial streams and employs a more robust form or MU-MIMO. For a better explanation see my Home Wi-Fi Explained video. Q: Does Wi-Fi 6 have a better range than Wi-Fi 5? A: Yes, but not because of signal strength. Wi-Fi 6 has a better range because it has improved data rate capabilities and can support more devices. The result is better coverage. Q: What is the maximum number of devices that can connect to a network with a Wi-Fi 6 router? A: This depends on the specifications of the wireless router. The maximum amount of devices the TP-Link Archer AX21 can support is 40. Q: How many antennas does the TP-Link Archer AX21 have? A: The TP-Link Wi-Fi 6 Archer AX21 has 4 external antennas Q: What is the TP-Link Wi-Fi 6 Archer AX21? A: The TP-Link Wi-Fi 6 Archer AX21 is a wireless router designed to provide reliable and fast internet access to multiple devices and can support up to 40 devices.
TP-Link Archer AX21 Alternatives
Last update on 2024-11-08 at 00:18 Affiliate links and Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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