TP-Link AC1900 Review- 2024 [Archer C9]

TP-Link AC1900 Review

If you are looking for a future-proof modest pocket router, the TP-Link AC1900 is a perfect choice. Its dual-band throughput speed beats them all to bring the fastest Wi-Fi to your home network.

When it comes to range, AC1900 is designed with excellent performance on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bandwidth emerging as the ideal router for medium and large homes.

Its easy-to-install management options feature solid sets of four Gigabit LAN ports, beam-forming technology, and two USB ports. Therefore, if you have a limited budget, TP-Link AC1900 is a good option to consider.

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TP-Link AC1900 Review

Technical Specs

  • Brand: TP-Link
  • Model: AC1900
  • SKU: 845973093983
  • Weight: 3.2 lbs
  • Dimensions: 8.7 x 3.4 x 6.6 inches
  • Warranty: 2 Years
  • Wireless Protocol: IEEE 802.11ac/n/a 5GHz IEEE 802.11b/g/n 2.4 GHz
  • Security Standard: 64/128-bit WEP,WPA-PSK/WPA-PSK2 , WPA/WPA2 encryption
  • Firewall: SPI Firewall
  • Antennas: 3
  • Wired Ports: 4 LAN + 1 WAN
  • USB : 1 USB 3.0 Port + 1 USB 2.0 Port
  • Bands: 2
  • Internet Protocol: IPv6 compatible
  • Processor: 1 GHz dual-core CPU
  • Range: 3000 sqft.

Design

In the spirit of designing an elegant and unique router, TP-Link AC1900 typically comes out with a smooth and modest white-colored exterior supported by classic silver-propping stands and three detachable sturdy white antennas sprouting from the top. On the backside, connectivity ports feature; a USB 2.0 port, Ethernet socket, reset and WPS button, switch, and power socket. On the side, you have a USB 3.0 port that can be used for sharing media files within your network via a USB drive.

However, due to the AC1900 vertical orientation and propping stands, it is nearly impossible to mount it on the wall or lay it flat on your desk. Similarly, all ports are located on the rear and its footing isn’t certain to avoid tipping over. For some, this might be a design issue, but the TP-Link stands out next to your smart TV at home.

Setup

As a modern router, TP-Link AC1900 comes with an easy-to-use interface and basic setup. After the plugin, open your browser and type http://tplinkwifi.net and you will be automatically prompted to set your Admin and Wi-Fi name/password, choose internet connection type (Static, L2TP, PPoE, or Dynamic), and choose a time zone and a region. The router’s network and icon layout interface are properly outlined with visually clear and discernible choices. The AC1900 logically set menu layout facilitates fast configuration.

Unlike Netgear’s Genie app, TP-Link lacks a customized PC app. Therefore, the only useful software you will need to install is the USB printing software valid for both Mac and Windows operating systems. This simple tool will help you with printing while minimizing unnecessary background programs.

Installation

TP-Link AC1900 router installation is easy and quick and can be done in less than 10 minutes. If you are a techie, you can configure and set up your router at an advanced level and modify the device using the advanced options to fit your requirements. The setup process configures the Internet Service Provider login details and 2.4 GHz and 5GHz passwords as well as the SSID.

To be honest, the advanced interface allows you to set up extensive configuration. In this section, you can set up Access controls, Port forwarding, and DNS dynamic settings. The interface also features a network map that helps you to monitor the number of connected devices. The inbuilt parental controls allow you to keep your internet usage in check.

Hardware

When it comes to hardware stability, the TP-Link AC1900 is powered by a dual-core BCM4709 Broadcom CPU with a clock speed of up to 1 GHz and a 16 MB flash memory with 128 MB RAM.  This gives the AC1900 a blazing performance when it comes to gaming and streaming.

The throughput test for its AC1900 moniker has incredible speeds of 1900Mbps on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, this means that the TP-Link router can deliver a close-proximity yield of up to 1300 Mbps on 5 GHz and 600Mbps on a 2.4 GHz radiofrequency. You can also use the USB 3.0 to create your NAS by connecting an external storage device to the router.

Networking

Apart from the built-in signal amplifying beam-forming technology found in top-tier devices such as Netgear Nighthawk and Asus RT-AC68U, the TP-Link AC1900 comes equipped with three-band removable antennas which provide wider coverage and exceptional Wi-Fi connection.

On 802.11ac wireless protocol, the 5GHz radio band offers a 320Mbps maximum speed at a range of 5 feet while at 30 feet, the device clocks at 210Mbps and 430Mbps at 100 feet. Generally, the TP-Link AC1900 performs way better at close and long-range than Netgear Nighthawk. Similarly, on the 2.4 GHz radio band, the router offers up to 165Mbps at a 5 feet close range, 146Mbps at a range of 30 feet, and 115Mbps within 100 feet range. However, if you want to boost the speed, you can couple the router with an external hard drive via USB 3.0.

Pros

  • Easy to set up and install
  • Affordable
  • Beam-forming feature
  • Excellent wireless performance

Cons

  • Lack in-built VPN                                 
  • Vertical positioning
  • Unsatisfactory USB throughput

Related: Netgear CM600 VS CM700

FAQ About TP-Link AC1900 Review

How Do I Set Up My TP-LINK AC 1900 Router?

Turn off your modem. Use your Ethernet cable to connect your router’s internet port to the modem LAN port. Turn on your modem. Wait for approximately 2 minutes and connect your router to the power supply outlet.

How Do I Access My TP-LINK AC 1900 Router?

Open a web browser such as Google Chrome, on the address bar type in the default access (http://tplinkwifi.net) printed on the AC1900 label at the bottom of the device and press Enter.

Why Can’t I Access My AC1900 Router?

This is probably caused by the router’s active firewall which is preventing other devices from accessing it. In this scenario, you will have to reset your TP-Link router. Push the reset button to turn off the router and then turn it on after about 15 seconds. After, that you can access the admin interface for one minute.

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Tom

Tom is a network engineer and a tech consultant. He spends his time solving networking problems while keeping tabs with the latest in the technology field.

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