TP-Link Archer C1200 Product Details
AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router
- Enjoy smooth online gaming and video streaming with dual band 1200Mbps Wi-Fi*
- Three external antennas greatly expand wireless coverage*
- Beamforming technology delivers highly efficient wireless connection (supported by Version 2.0 and above)
- Lightning-Fast wired connections using four Gigabit Ethernet ports
- One USB port to support storage and file sharing
- Easy setup and management with Tether App
1200Mbps Wi-Fi for Smooth Entertainment
The Archer C1200 creates a reliable, blazing-fast network using powerful 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology. Now you can enjoy streaming HD video and lag-free online gaming on the clear 5GHz band while using the 2.4GHz band for everyday tasks such as checking email and web browsing.
Easy Setup and Management with the Tether App
The free Tether app is available for both Android and iOS devices, making it easy to set up the Archer C1200 and manage your network settings.
External Antennas Greatly Expand Wireless Coverage
Three external antennas with advanced connection technology allow you to maintain impressive speeds, even over greater distances. This means that you can enjoy incredible wireless coverage and reliability in any part of your large home or office.
Versatile USB Sharing
With the USB 2.0 port, you can share printers, files, and media with numerous devices on your local network or via FTP server from anywhere in the world.
What’s Included:
- TP-Link Archer C1200 Wireless Router
- Ethernet Cable
- Power Supply Cable
- Online Installation Manual
Js –
How to describe such a nice experience with this device so far? I took a few days reviewing multiple options as network extenders or PowerLine network extenders, and when I was about to order a netgear extender, due to the fact that I wanted a wired connection from my current router, ordered this device with a 5 stars rating and really good reviews, it basically has the same features as the Archer c7 that seems to be the best one, but with less networking features, and this one has a one USB 2.0 more than the c5.I purchased a cheap repeater recently and could not set up, not even a friend of mine that is IT at a big company for many years. Whit this router I only had to follow the 5 steps turn on guide and it set up by itself, then to set up the networks and Guest networks it was really easy with the 6 steps set up wizard.My house is a 3 storey concrete house with around 1000 sqfts. in the past never got coverage in a different floor with the OEM devices that the isp provided other than the room below the device location. The router is at the center of the 3 floor and I have the 5ghz fast speed network In the top floor trough one 8″ concrete wall with no complications, Netflix loads a lot faster and I tested top speeds of 75mbps. Now the awesome: The 2.4ghz network will allow me to connect in the whole house with top speeds of 20mbps (I thinks that Is more than enough per device) I can still get coverage at the street in front of my house with 2 signal bars and that is over 3 concrete structures, I think this may work even better on a regular home with internal wallboard structures.I wired the device with a Cat6 Ethernet Cable 100 Ft Flat White with Clips, jadaol® Network Cable, thin Cat 6 Ethernet Patch Cable, slim Internet computer Cable with Snagless Rj45 Connectors – 100 Feet White(30 Meters) which I understand will make it lose bandwidth but when testing from the AC1200 I got 102mbps just 6mbps less than directly from the modem and a tick 5fts wire.Device stays warm but not hot, and was an easy installation, specially satisfied due to previous bad experience, I will keep updating over the time on the performance. So far highly recommended!!!First update 48 hours after installation:-Option on the UI to turn off all leds on the router, it will not help me due to location but many people that have this bright light in their bedrooms may find it helpful.-Playing a little bit with the settings and reading online got to set up the device to test 54Mbps on 2.4Ghz and 102Mbps on 5Ghz.-Weird thing, the Archer C1200 at the TP-Link website is not the same I got as the one I got has 2 USB ports while TP Link states is only one, mine says Ver.1 on the box.
Adam Bishop –
Very easily to set up and made my wifi very fast. With the wifi through my Time Warner router the most I got was 99 Mbps. I pay for 100 Mbps but this router gives me upwards of 117. Very glad I purchased this router, it has a very good range and reaches to my backyard and beyond.
Marshall Masters –
This is great router for the money. I’ve been using it for a month and it’s rock steady reliable. The network USB ports are great because you have an easy way to share data between Windows and Linux PCs. The admin panel is also easy to use and if you’re a radio HAM using Echolink, the setup is a snap.Before and after you configure your router, use the firewall test in Echolink. Main Menu –> Tools –> Firewall/Router TestThere are two setup options for the TP-Link AC1200:OPTION 1 – USE VIRTUAL SERVER FOR SINGLE CONNECTION ONLYThe virtual server options limits access to Echolink from one designated computer on your router. If you have a home network and do not want anyone else but you to use Eacholink through only one computer on the network.Echolink requires access to UDP Ports 5198 and 5199. With TP-Link you need to create a new service with each port. In the attached photo, you’ll see that I created Echolink (UDP Port 5198) and Echolink2 (UDP Port 5199) both for the same fixed IP address of 192.168.0.174.OPTION 2 – USE PORT TRIGGERING FOR ALL DEVICES ON YOUR LANEcholink requires access to UDP Ports 5198 and 5199. With TP-Link you can use Port Triggering to give all computers on your home network access to UDP ports 5198 and 5199 via your router.NOTE: If you are using Port Triggering for access, DO NOT configure the universal server connections as shown above.
brian t. –
Amazing device! I’d been stalling upgrading from my 2-year old router, but am kicking myself I didn’t do it sooner. Live sports used to buffer and stall, but not with this bad boy. Dual 2.4 and 5ghz signals are more than enough for our average size house. Very glad I didn’t get one of those $130 units when this does the job for half the price. Oh and set up took less than 10 mins…even I couldn’t goof it up!
mr metropaulitan –
I use a couple of these for my live sound company. If you have no competing networks this thing throws a long, long way. There can be issues at hotels and convention centers. The photo shows how far one can get with no competition. My house is the grey in the background. The router in the kitchen which is on the opposite side of the house. I was still getting solid connection this far from the router going through all those walls.
manohar –
Excellant product. I just loved it. It arrived today.
Matthew Hogan –
Wired function was as described. Wireless function was terrible. Advertised as gigabit router and listed as able to send 800+ Mbs over wifi but only could get 100 Mbs max. I was getting 940Mbs from my wall, 650Mbs wired, 80Mbs (AT MOST) wifi. TP Link tech support was unable to assist me and resolve the issue. If you need under 100mbs it will do the job. If you have Gigabit speeds LOOK ELSEWHERE!
Customer –
This router has done wonders for my internet speed. On my old 300N router I was getting 25-30 mbps and now with this router on 5G band I’m getting 115 mpbs consistently. Even on the 2.4 I’m getting 55 mbps which is still twice as fast as before. The setup was as easy as the instructions make it to be and can get you online in about 10 minutes after opening the box. I definitely recommend this router if you need to boost your wifi speeds.
Branden E –
This purchase was clearly long over due. I will keep this short and to the point. Before buying we were still Linksys 2.4ghz router(nearly 10yrs old from college) Never thought twice about it. I mean, we had Wi-Fi so I didn’t care too much. Whenever I did a speedtest on Wi-Fi with the Linksys it came in at roughly 12-15mbps down. Meh, whatever we pay for “up to 30” and just played it to congestion/traffic.Then I received notice from Spectrum that we are now getting 60mbps down and 6mbps up. So I ran a sweetest via their website and still was getting around 12-15mbps down via Wi-Fi. So I plugged laptop directly onto their modem and wouldn’t ya know? 65mbps down and 7mbps up. Wow.I came on here to search out a new router and settled for AC1200. Zero regrets. Great unit. Easy setup (I did have to power cycle Spectrums modem to pass the routers test at the end of setup). Within 15 minutes of opening the box I was running devices on both 5ghz and 2.4ghz at blazing speeds. Now I get 60+mbps via Wi-Fi. I feel like we were robbing ourselves of bandwidth this whole time.Also, coverage is far better. Furthest bedroom used to get 1 “bar” on the Wi-Fi signal. With this router it always has at least 3 bars. We have approx 1/3 are lot and get multiple bars all around it now.Lastly, it has been up and running for almost 3 weeks w/o needing a power cycle to maintain its speed and coverage. Very satisfies.I highly recommend this for its price, easy setup, and stability.**EDIT: attached side by side pic with old router for size comparison**
Lou –
I had a combination modem with built in wifi. I was getting download speeds of 90-100. So I paired this with a modem only unit. Being that it is wifi, and my laptop is located in a different room, I was hoping for better speed. Well I have a laptop and desktop both using wireless. Yeah I sure did get a download speed increase. More than double my download speed. Improve upload speed from 10-12. Definitely recommend this wifi router.
Nikki Z –
After having constant disconnections with my netgear router I decided it was time for a new one. After looking at routers priced over $100 I ran across this one that had great reviews. Great reviews, cheap price, too good to be true? Nope!! This router was easy to set up, it’s by far the best coverage I’ve had! And although it’s only been a month, not one dropped connection.
Spitfire –
Purchased to replace an obsolete router. We use our internet for regular household stuff – internet, streaming, gaming, etc. I have a 100Mbps plan with my ISP and the output from this router is consistently around that much. Signal throughout my house is strong. Overall, very pleased with the product and glad to be having max internet speeds throughout the house.
Juan U. –
This router has been above expectations. Since the price was very low, I thought it would be a simple one. This baby is very powerful. I have about 10 different devices connected to it and the wifi problem I had before has been solved at once. Streaming problem is in the past now.
M. –
2 days and so far it’s solid, no hiccups to speak of yet. Excellent signal reach and hasn’t dropped signal, install was as simple as you can make it, took 1 minute. This replaced a D-link that dropped several times a week and would often squelch speed.
Crawdadwilly74 –
Consistent download and upload speeds and amazing ping as well. Great buy for someone looking for a budget router that wont break the bank. I highly recommend this device very easy to install.
Dylan –
Easy to configure, and supports both bands (2.4/5) as advertised. However, I only get about 50% of my actual ethernet speeds over wireless (even over 5GHz ac, which should be fast enough in theory). Maybe it’s the wireless card in my Macbook? Or the router radio/firmware? (I’m getting my full 800Mbps over ethernet through the router, but only ~400Mbps over ac wireless.) Regardless, it seems like a high quality product.
Customer –
This is a great router! I did a speed test while the Verizon Fios tech was here. I the speed test on my work issue Dell computer (which is a new computer) and got a higher download and upload speed than the 50mb that I pay for. Even the tech was surprised. He said he normally only sees these speeds on the Apple computers. Even more impressive was that I was in my attached garage when I did the test (see screenshot of the test results). FYI. The router transmits two signals, one of which is 5G. As a side note, I can’t use the 5G connection with my iPad Mini 2, it doesn’t work but the other signal the router puts out pulls great speeds on the iPad (but probably not as fast as a new iPad which I suspect can use the 5G).I would absolutely buy this router again!
Konkero –
Product is a foreign model despite description showing English. Sending back and asked for a replacement.(Update)Replacement arrived the next day; works great and it is in English. You can use its Tether app with it to manage settings without a computer, and it shows you who is connected.(Update)Something is happening with the router. It disconnects and reconnects within seconds all day until I reset it. The lights stay on but it says no wifi found for both frequencies. It’s only been a month…
Huey –
By far probably one of the best purchases made ever!After living for 4 month in a wireless environment I decided to get the TP-Link router to hard wire my PC due to frustrating wi-fi speeds.Where my speed was a mere 3.35 Mbps down and 9.68 Mbps up I now see speed of 928.28 down and 945.48 up.I wish I would have bought this sooner because finally I’m getting internet like it is meant to be.Another plus is the slim and beautiful design.
Katlyn –
Works great and I love that I can install an app to my phone to manage it!
Customer –
This router worked sort of fine with older phones and a couple MacBooks, maybe crashing once a month.Added a Google Home and a Pixel 2 to the mix and it crashes daily.When it locks up, devices slowly fail to connect, the admin pages and the Tether app stop working and even the physical status lights are stuck on the device (unplug the WAN cable and the internet light will stay green forever). Only solution I’ve found is a power cycle.Disabling 5Ghz seems to slow the rate of lockup, but is still happens eventually (and of course, I don’t need this router if I can’t use 5Ghz band).Also, both the original and RMA replacement have completely reset out of the blue (reverting to factory configuration).When the device reboots, all logs are gone and there is no log forwarding except to email on an interval, so debugging the issue is pretty hopeless.Took a week of constant complaining to TP-Link to get an RMA. The replacement is a refurb and crashes even more often.
Ian M –
After a few months of working just fine, the wifi began cutting out intermittently, requiring constant router reboots to get it running again. After some troubleshooting, updating the firmware seemed to fix the issue. However, now the router has begun hijacking my browsing sessions, rerouting my browser to the router’s LAN address and flashing a pop-up that says I have to upgrade my firmware because they had to work around “Android’s unreasonable behavior” (see screenshot attached).That’s right folks, the router I paid for is literally redirecting me to its own pop-up window to take snide jabs at Android. And I contacted TP-Link support who told me there was no way to disable this or any future disruptive messaging/hijacking. It’s just built into their router and they give you no way to disable it.Wish I hadn’t bought this piece of garbage. Stay away.
Msn66 –
A very good choice. Easy setup via smartphone app. More than 50% of wifi range (in my apartment) and much faster than my old N-router. 100-240v 50/60Hz. Very happy with it!!!
Nicolas –
I’m really unhappy with the wifi capabilities of this router. The screenshots I posted are of the 2.4ghz and 5ghz bands, respectively. The tests were run one floor above the router, practically right over it. I am paying for internet speeds of 250mbs down, and I have a more than capable modem. In my experience, a brand new gigabit router touting speeds in the hundreds of megabytes should not be providing such sub-par coverage. When I’m in the same room as the router it’s blazing fast, but that’s not what a router is for. I really expected better from TP-Link (I’ve purchased their products before), and the many positive reviews I had read.
Sjogren Family –
Can’t beat the price! $39 on sales. Supports all our devices with no issues. Two phones, one laptop, Roku 3 and PS4. Easy to setup and I love that it can be manage from an app. I have a 1,400 sqft ranch home and I have no issues with signal strength. Super happy with this purchase and glad I didn’t buy the $100 nighthawk. Picture will show the wifi speed test! I have 100 Mbps internet. Buy this router!!!
reddare12 –
Super easy to work never have had a problem with it
Victor Sakya –
This is the first TP Link product that I have ever used. To be honest I am highly impressed with this router. I live in a 1200 sqft home and I get coverage throughout. I will not get into the technical details but I would recommend this to anyone in a heartbeat!
Dwight P. –
Great router!!!!!!! I have Optimum cable and i pay a lot of money for it monthly and i always complained that my WiFi signal sucks!! I bought this router after doing some research and it’s probably the best $50 I’ve EVER spent!! Easy setup and 5G signal ready!! Now my WiFi speeds are insanely fast with using the 5G signals!! Router is a perfect size and sits flush on any stand and the all black sleekness gives it an nice look! Overall i would recommend this router to everyone and the price is amazing!
Customer –
Replaced an older router because i was dropping matches left and right on my xbox. This thing gives me a way higher speed with a lower latency for the same price i paid for my old one a few years ago! Totally worth it!
jeffrey smith –
This definitely didn’t work like advertised supposed to be a better router my old one didn’t buffer as bad as this one
TRJ –
Works fine has decent range does what i need it to doMuch better than my old oneEasy hookupsWants you to download it’s app to run feature easier
Matthew –
I purchased this in September ’17 and haven’t had a single problem with it to-date (9/30/18). I have a fairly fast internet speed and haven’t noticed any issues with this router in keeping up with that. I’m also in an NYC apartment where my router has to be connected in the bedroom, but most of the usage is out in the living room — despite this, everything has worked smoothly with this model and I haven’t noticed any decline in performance.
Customer –
Tripled my normal Xfinity speeds. I was a little weary when I realized it had to be plugged into the original router, but the reach is amazing. I am now currently running at the fastest speeds ever. I even have a smaller extender in another building on the property extending this extender and holding over 75% of it’s speed. The pictures are of the extended, extended speeds.
Don MacLean –
star ratings are low cause it has only been setup for a couple of hours. I’ll be back in a couple of days to tell you more.So far, so good! SOOoooo much faster than my old one on both 2.4 and 5 GHz. Increased the star rating to four stars. Seems a little warm on top is my only negative at this point in time.
Robin B. –
I had this power blinking issue for a long time, and I had to reset my router in order to connect the internet. The power blinking problem happens once a month, and I finally decided to contact the customer service. They suggested me the way which I already tried on my own numerous times and yet asked me to monitor again. I used to like TP-Link a lot, and I will take my business elsewhere from now on. Goodbye TP-Link.
TiCarre –
I had an issue where:- I had a modem/wireless router combo with gigabit LAN ports, but sucky 2.4ghz wi-fi- I installed a router as an access point which had 2.4 and 5 ghz bands, but 10/100 LAN portsTherefore my speed was llimited to 95Mbps despite having 200Mbps from my provider.Then, I saw this little gem on sale for $40, and BAM ! problem solvedExcellent connection, especially on 5ghz, steady getting full throughput from my ISPHighly recommended !
Juan Cartagena –
Good for the price, and works pretty well
NickD216 –
I’ve been using the AC1200 for over two weeks now, and it has been operating smoothly no problems with it. I live in a two bedroom apartment and it covers most of the area with good signal. I primarily use it for Netflix and computer use. I have not gamed on it, so no review for that. It’s great you can use the app to see all the users and devices on it which is very helpful.
LB –
install easy
Kindle Customer –
Pretty surprised when I opened the sealed box and found a 10 year old Cisco Router.
gth –
this router is fine for the price, but it only has virtual server, documentation is poor. instructions for setting up a range of ports in virtual server are misleading. the example lists a range yet will not let you add a range to the internal port section. to add a range you must add it to the external port list and leave the internal blank.
Master Teacher1 –
Works extremely well and hook up was easy!