TP-Link Archer C1900 AC1900 Wireless Router

5 reviews for TP-Link Archer C1900 AC1900 Wireless Router

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   PhotoGraphics – August 10, 2016

   Despite marketing efforts to the contrary, wifi routers aren’t as easy to install as plugging them in and turning the power switch on. That being said, I was impressed that from box to working internet signal this one from D-Link was the simplest and most hassle-free I’ve ever installed. And I’ve installed quite a few.There are just too many variables for the casual average user to expect a router to simply work out of the box and most of us are not engineers. To set up a router properly takes time, patience and a basic understanding of the whole process of what a router’s job is. If nothing else, take the time to read the instructions word for word (even if you’ve set up routers before) and download the latest firmware/drivers (even if the router is brand new). If you need to call tech support understand that they aren’t wizards, they may ask you to do certain things in a certain order so they can understand why you’re not getting the result you expect, it’s not because they are purposely trying to give you bad customer service.When reading reviews ignore those that dwell on a dislike for any particular brand. The recognized brand names didn’t get to be industry leaders by purposely making junk. Just because you’ve hit a glitch doesn’t always mean it’s the hardware’s fault. By the way, several well-known brands use the same components inside, in some instances the innards are identical with just a different outer case and logo on the box, so when someone says they hate Brand A and love Brand B they may be talking about a product that is made side-by-side on the same assembly line.I haven’t said much about this specific router yet. I replaced a slightly older generation Belkin with this model because it has some newer technology. I took about 15 minutes to set it up using a signal strength meter and a specialized app to maximize its performance. I did not require tech support’s assistance.WHAT I LIKEThe user interface TP-Link uses is easy to navigate but has some robust “advanced” features. For the typical home user I think it is among the best. I like that the router runs relative cool (heat is the biggest enemy of electronic components). I believe this is due in part to it standing vertical where the large rear vents are exposed to good air circulation. Standing vertical also gives the unit a smaller footprint to take up less space.Also in the positive column is the inclusion of an easy to reach mechanical wifi on/off switch that lets you interrupt the wireless signal without powering down or turning the Ethernet ports off. Early wireless routers used to have this feature but now it is pretty rare.AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENTI use the WPS button on my routers fairly often. I prefer the button to be mounted on the front with a flashing status light when activated. This router has it on the rear and not only is it hard to find but you have to reach your hand around the awkward support brace to get to it. As if that’s not bad enough, the designers combined the function of the WPS button with the “forget everything and pretend you were just born” button otherwise known as the hard reset button. If you are used to pressing the WPS button for a few seconds like on most other brands of routers, DON’T. Pressing it any longer than a brief instant will reset the router to factory settings and you will have to start the entire setup process all over again as if the router was new out of the box.Some other differences from other routers I am used to are that there are no settings in the advanced menu to cycle the router at a given interval. Doing so is not optional to me; I believe home users should cycle their routers at LEAST once a week. Unfortunately with TP-Link you will have to resort to pulling the power plug or using the on/off switch (also inconveniently located on the rear), but whatever you do, DO NOT use the reset button for a simple recycle.I also wish the router had either a hardware or software switch to turn the status lights off or dim them a bit. Fortunately they are not all blinking like crazy like some other routers have but they are very bright ice blue/white LED’s that can be distracting if your router is in your living room.BOTTOM LINEWhat really counts with a router are two things … speed and freedom from “losing” the signal constantly. As far as speed, with all else being equal and measurements being tested under varying loads at different times a day, the AC1900 gave me an average of a 15% download speed increase on my desktop computer (the one furthest away from the router) and 25-30% increase with my laptop and iPad/iPhone when used in my living room (my internet gear is in a media closet in my garage). So far I have experienced no loss of signal nor connectivity issues with any of approximately 20+ devices hooked up simultaneously.The AC1900 is selling for a reasonable price considering its specs and performance and is an excellent example of a simple but comprehensive user app. It could use a few UI improvements like where the buttons are placed and what they do but those gripes don’t affect performance. I think this is one of the better buys right now for a brand name wifi modem.
2. Rated 4 out of 5

   That guy – September 21, 2016

   “This is a review of a free product received from TP-Link as part of the review program.”The Archer c1900 is a really nice full featured router. The router has some really great features, guest networks being one of my favorites. The nice part is it has the ability to restrict guests from accessing your local network which is nice to keep those pesky friends from nosing around your network. Another cool feature of the c1900 is the ability to share USB drives across the network. This is great for setting a backup destination as well as a central drop box for files. The Archer c1900 also has printer sharing, while many printers now have WIFI or network connection it’s still a nice feature to have. The parental controls are good too, this allows the parent to control what websites certain computers on the network can access. This is great if you have kids with tablets or laptops but don’t want them to have unfiltered access to the internet.A big miss in my opinion is the lack of HTTPS support for the routers management interface, I wouldn’t say that it’s a deal breaker but it would have been nice to have the option.All in all this is a nice and fast SOHO router, with tons of advanced features and a smooth user interface.
3. Rated 5 out of 5

   Thaddius Mumford – October 14, 2016

   I am using my TP-Link AC1900 wireless dual band gigabit router to stream my media across my home network. This router was so easy to setup and the web browser interface is very intuitive making setup very simple. This router is fast with a dual core 1 gigahertz processor. The home network coverage is amazing with the 900 megawatt beamforming technology I am able to get an optimal WiFi radio signal throughout my entire 3-story home as well as outdoors. Whether I am watching a video or listening to music the WiFi stream is seamlessly smooth. The product design is also really smart because it comes with a mounted vertical stand that minimizes space so you can place it almost anywhere. It is made of quality lasting construction and feels solid built. It also comes with 24/7 unlimited tech support but I doubt you will need help because it was so easy to setup by just plugging in the included Ethernet cable to the router and to your computer, then typing in the router’s domain or IP address in the web browser and configuring the router by following the web-based interface to setup either automatically or manually your wireless home network along with cloud printing, media streaming, and FTP setup options.
4. Rated 5 out of 5

   Andy Halbert – November 24, 2016

   Another great product by tp-link.Very easy to set up. Very good coverage and it looks sexy. The wirecutter recommended this and I can see why. my 5 GHZ speeds are insane.The UI (user interface) is very simple and easy to figure out. There is also a great App for TP-Link called “tether”. Great options for parental control without needed a degree in IT.Almost plug and play. The speeds I am getting are fantastic.
5. Rated 4 out of 5

   autococker1976 – April 13, 2018

   Received on expected date but when I opened it I couldn’t tell if it was new or refurbished or used because the router was dirty, not all parts were packaged, and the default password wasn’t the same as what the instructions said so I had to reset the router to the default settings which I thought was odd