Review TP-Link Archer C50: Cheap router with attractive design

When most people go out to buy a wireless router, they tend to look for something to replace the integrated router that most DSL and broadband modems have. Although low-cost routers like the TP-Link Archer C50 can get the job done, they usually do not significantly increase performance. So what are they used for?

Find out in the following article!

Technical data

Product name Archer C50 AC1200 TP-Link brand Price $ 59 (1,357,000 VND) Release date April 2016 Weight 0.6kg Product size 9.1 x 5.7 x 1.5 inches (23 x 14 , 5 x 3.8cm) Black UPC 845973091675 Speed AC1200 Warranty for 2 years Firewall Yes IPv6 Compatible Yes MU-MIMO No Number of antennas 2 Number of bands 2 Number of ports for wired connection 4 Chipset Qualcomm Atheros QCA9557 Parental control feature 4

Design of TP-Link Archer C50

With a small, lightweight plastic construction of the Archer C50, this router feels fragile in the hand. The router is all black, with a body that has a sectional design and a shiny surface.

Simple setup

Recognizing that most Archer C50 buyers have likely purchased the router too many times in the past, TP-Link has made setup extremely easy. Instructions are printed on the side of the box.

There is a QR code printed next to the box and all you have to do is scan it with your smartphone, download the app it links to and follow the instructions on the screen.

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The software is sufficiently equipped

When you log in for the first time, you can view the network diagram and have access to all the necessary quick settings. Clicking on the advanced tab allows you to change some more advanced settings, but most users will never need these.

You can also experiment with parental controls and change settings for any USB device you've attached, like a printer or external memory. In addition, this router has support for guest networks.

There is also an option to diagnose your network, but you can't test the speed, like the mobile application of some other router.

The basic elements to connect

When it comes to physical ports, the TP-Link Archer C50 has 4 LAN ports and 1 USB 2.0 port, for external devices such as hard drives or printers. Quite limited, but because of the compact appearance of the router, there is no room for retrofitting ports.

This router also has two dual band antennas, rated at AC1200 speed. This is a low-end specification, but still enough to get the job done, as long as you don't try to push too much data through the router.

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Network performance

In our testing, the TP-Link Archer C50 was unable to reach its rated speed. I tested this router over a 250Mbps connection, but couldn't get more than 85Mbps over a wired connection. When checking the wireless signal strength, this router also could not pass the speed of 65Mbps.

The situation is worse when multiple devices use bandwidth at the same time.

Whatever you're doing, the test can't get half the advertised Internet speed, even with just one connected device.

But in return, the range of the router is a bright spot. The home for testing the router is about 2,000ft² (185m²), with 3 floors and the router in the middle floor. Surprisingly this router gives the same speed throughout the house, even in the basement or upstairs bathroom.

If you have a broadband Internet greater than 50Mbps, this router may not be worth the upgrade. But, if you're using DSL and especially without a router built into the modem, you can get quite a bit of coverage from this router, as long as there aren't too many devices that need copper access. fashion site.

Good price

The main advantage of TP-Link Archer C50 is the price. You can own it for a price of more than VND 1,300,000. That is an extremely low price for a wireless router. Spending just $ 10 - $ 20 (230,000 - 460,000 VND) will significantly improve the experience, especially if you use broadband.

Conclude

When choosing a router in this price range, you shouldn't expect high-end performance, but when the product can't deliver the advertised speed over broadband connection, that's a problem. However, if you do not have a broadband connection, the wide range of the TP-Link Archer C50 is an advantage to consider.

Advantages:

1. Attractive design
2. Good price
3. Wide scope

Defect:

1. Poor speed
2. Fragile design
3. Cannot handle multiple devices simultaneously