The TP-LINK Archer C7 is a really affordable AC1750 router priced below RM400. This easily make it the most affordable AC1750 router yet. It is fully compatible with TM Unifi.

Introduction

Quick Specs:

• Wireless AC1750
• 4 Gigabit LAN port + 1 Gigabit WAN port
• Dual USB 2.0 ports
• 3 detachable 5dBi wireless antenna
• 12V 2.5A power brick

The Archer C7 based on the Qualcomm QCA9558 CPU with integrated 2.4Ghz radio and Qualcomm QCA9880 for the 5Ghz radio. The unit I receive is the V2 version with 16MB flash and 128MB RAM. It come with 2 USB 3.0 ports. There are 6 antennas (3 external and 3 internal). Click here for specs detail

It come with a power adapter, a LAN cable, some literature, a quick start CD and 3 5dBi wireless antenna.

The device come with 2 years warranty.


Device Overview

The build quality is alright with glossy plastic on top with hidden air vents. It did warm up like other router but nothing serious. You are able to hang the router on the wall if you want to.



The Archer C7 is stable, never face any issue with it. No congestion is observed when I am testing it with my NAS and other devices continuously streaming over the network.

Wireless is stable as well, I never face any drop after running the router continuously for a week. Performance is consistent, no issue with the wireless coverage. The coverage is relatively good, shouldn’t have any issue in a standard terrace house.

Wireless speed benchmark

My test device is around 5m in front of the router. The test device I am using is the Macbook Air 2013 running Windows 7 which is capable of WiFi AC and speeds up to 867Mbps.

By using the NetIO tool, I am able to reach 261.6Mb/s (32.70MB/S) download speed and 202.24Mb/s (25.28MB/S) for the upload speed which is really impressive. I should be able to reach even higher speed with a better wireless adapter specifically a wireless adapter capable of WiFi AC1750. I will perform another test once I am able to get a better wireless adapter.

User Interface
It is the usual TP-LINK style on the Archer C7, simple and it works well. Everything is where it should be, clearly labeled with detail explanation on the right panel. The interface is smooth with no lags.

However, the QoS settings is quite confusing. But, for this kind of price, I won’t complaint. Unifi is fully supported on this router with manual VLAN tagging available as well.

IPV6 is working by using 6to4. I can't test Native IPV6 due to some issue with the ISP.

You can try the user interface with the emulator here.


TP-LINK Tether app

The new TP-LINK tether mobile app is really intuitive and simple to use. You are able to block a client from the router or configure parental control. The interface is simple and you get stuff done quickly. I particularly like the screen where it show all connected device visually.

The app is actually really well made, everything works well. I really like the app, I wish I am able to setup QoS on the app as well.

Sidenote: The Unifi firmware is not compatible with TP-LINK Tether yet.



Conclusion
The TP-LINK Archer C7 is one of the best devices you can get with the price you pay. It performs well and never face any issue when I am testing it. It is a very good replacement router for the stock Unifi router and you will definitely get a big performance and stability boost. The wireless performance is the main point of this device, get this if you need good wireless speed.

The Good

• Really affordable yet perform well
• Wireless performance is really good
• No frills interface
• TP-LINK tether app is really useful

Place to improve

• The QoS setting interface can be further improved

This post has been edited by blacktubi: Mar 4 2015, 08:42 PM

Since I also have the Asus AC68U with me so I decided to make some quick wifi speed comparison. Be sure to remember that the AC68U is a Wireless AC1900 capable device compare to the Archer C7 which is Wireless AC1750 and the price is 2 times of the Archer C7.



As you can see the wireless download speed is quite close between both router but there’s an almost 8MB/s different on the wireless upload speed. The test device and the environment is exactly the same. 5m distance to the router on a Wireless AC 867Mbps capable laptop.

This post has been edited by blacktubi: Feb 19 2015, 01:00 AM

This post has been edited by Moogle Stiltzkin: Jul 16 2017, 01:52 PM

hmm..no offense, not worth to getting a "double-up priced" router which can only use for less than 3 years (common to all brand)..when talking about life-span instead of features.,money come first..especially for the majority of customer..too complicated..much of features will always get thing spoil easily and problems raise..atleast to you.

This post has been edited by daric1991: Feb 22 2015, 10:50 PM

This post has been edited by Moogle Stiltzkin: Jul 16 2017, 01:54 PM

How is the wifi range on this? Typical or above average?

It uses 3 5dBi external antennas and 3 internal antennas. Are the external antennas replaceable?

The signal is what you should expect from a router this range. Better than my old 1043ND V1.

The external one are removable and replaceable.

how much u bought?

Hi,

Does it support Guest AP? I was reading somewhere that typically TPlink International Firmware would have this feature but not the Malaysia Firmware...

Also, what firmware was this review based on? According to the website, there is "Archer C7_V2_V3_141110" as the latest build

The latest Malaysia firmware (Build 140704) for Archer C7 does support WiFi Guest AP.

You can always flash to the international firmware if you don't use Unifi.

Most part of the review is on Malaysia firmware except for the part where I am testing the TP-LINK Tether app.

SRP 399 spotted at lowyat, maybe u can get cheaper at Lazada or somewhere else in online

Hi, nicely detailed review
Have you tested the wireless transfer speed when your pc/laptop beyond 5meter from the router? Say around 10m?

Not to mention the C7 also supports OpenWRT for Tomato like features.

Months ago, was shopping for a replacement for my Victek'ed 10yo WRT54G which was showing its age especially on Unifi with multiple concurrent requirements (downloads, streaming, etc). Was trying to decide between C7 and an equivalent Tomato compatible router (i.e. Broadcom based CPUs). Needed a "future proof" router (fast CPU, reasonable RAM, gig ports, wireless not so important) but price point was not attractive (read ASUS).

Then ASUS came out with the RT-N18U (replacement for the "legendary" RT-N16) which met all the criteria and also had initial Tomato support for a similar price to the C7.

So got the RT-N18U instead - so far so good except it's now been RMA'ed. So back to my trusty WRT54G until I get a replacement.

The C7 is a good router - if you need AC speeds then by all means go for it.

This post has been edited by Diademz: Mar 12 2015, 10:10 AM

I would like how is the wireless range for a double storey house with an average partitions in the house~ And would like to see a comment of the speedtest for 10m and above

Shouldn't have any issue in a standard double storey house.

I don't have space to conduct a 10m test but shouldn't have much degradation issue if it is line of sight.

This post has been edited by blacktubi: Mar 31 2015, 04:55 PM

may i know is this the same thing?
from lazada
edit:
nvm, found out that it's adsl+ router.

This post has been edited by ameri: Mar 31 2015, 08:06 PM

Hmm, I suggest you double check with the seller.

Although it is listed as Archer C7 on the title, the actual product in the image is Archer D7.

now that you mentioned it, i realized that it stated d7 on the box.
so d7 supports adsl2+ and unifi while c7 supports only unifi, right?

i use n600 (wdr 3600) only...

I think you better enquiry from lelong OOKAS a reliable reseller, pick up purchase option will do..

mind to share us your experience and opinion?

just get a new C7 last month @ RM379, so far its stable and reliable, connection smooth, no problem to stream HD from my MiBox 2Pro with YouTube though WiFi, and streaming HD movies from laptop share folder, buffer less than 5 second, love it so much!

Its good enough to stream from my mobile from 10m away (a wall between 2 device), no DC issue so far, still able to get 1-2 bar WiFi signal, so i think it shd hv no problem for standard double storey house

may i know where did you get it? so cheap! worth to buy!

JayaCom @ Wangsa Walk, last piece which is returned by some average user that doesn't know how to configure it... coz it need to upgrade firmware to MY version in order to use in Unifi, so the buyer jz return because he dont know the way to do it

Anyone know the price different between V1 and V2?
I was quoted RM499 for V2 at Subang Parade.

I don't think V1 is still available. Get the V2. V1 is not compatible with Unifi.

blacktubi Archer C8 & Archer C9 has arrived in Malaysian shores.
Will you be reviewing them?

This post has been edited by sHawTY: Jun 8 2015, 01:34 PM

No plans until I get something capable of testing AC1900.

Feature wise is the same I guess.

Yes definitely going for V2 for bigger RAM. Looking at lelong seems price got a big gap.

Same for me.
A few months ago ASUS Malaysia representative (ASUSmy & his boss) came to my office & asked me to review ASUS RT-AC3200.

I politely decline as I told them I'm not a real network expert & I don't have the proper tools to test that router to it's maximum potential.
Incidently, I did ask them to either give the unit to you or klseet.

Did they contact you?

This post has been edited by sHawTY: Jun 8 2015, 07:44 PM

Nope.

Looks like they've already passed the unit to klseet.
Link: http://klseet.com/index.php/235-tm-unifi/u...-asus-rt-ac3200

It's look good.
I've seen this kind of unboxing video 3 months ago, i think it is TP-LINK.
Atleast customer what's inside and how does it work.

............

That unboxing video is for ASUS RT-AC3200.

C7 5GHz range is less than my WR1043ND @ 2.4GHz
C7 2.4GHz haven't tested range yet.

The Archer C7 review-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PEWXGUQiQ8

Nice Product

This one got guest network function support 64 user right.

Anybody knows where I could download the VLAN ready stock firmware or the Unifi/Maxis ready stock firmware? Thanks.

http://www.tp-link.com.my/download/Archer-...2.html#Firmware

Only for Archer C7 V2

Thanks, will I need to go for the older firmware and then install the newer one to get the Unifi/Maxis setting active? Or I should just use the old firmware?

Just use the latest firmware from the link.

Contact TP-LINK if you have further issue, their support is quite good.

Just flashed the latest firmware, though it seems missing the unifi/maxis setup but I could seem to configure the VLAN manually. Will use that instead. Thanks for the help.

Click the quick setup and it will let you to choose.

Superceded by the Archer C9 available for RM500+

C7 still value for money tho but the C9 looks sexy

hey guys,
i bought the c7 router long time ago and i got some problems setting it up. I am using maxis unifi and i would like to maintain the existing router for the (VOIP) for the phone. I am not a techie person, can anyone help?
I bump into some of the forum on how to manually set this up but it is confusing!

Sorry only Archer C9 can support 64 user for Guess network.

how about wifi range?

i'm using tplink TD-W8961ND.. the range is so weird..

For Unifi user with HyppTV subscription do not upgrade to the latest 150520_MY firmware as it is not working properly with IPTV.

does the usb port can connect with 3g/4g modem as well?

nop/

This post has been edited by Xefron: Sep 28 2015, 09:26 AM

You mean the TD-W8961ND open air coverage right.Actually open air is 1200 square fit depend the environment.

Please disable Current Hardware NAT Status under NAT Control Setting in order to use Unifi IPTV

It's working now thanks. But doesn't that degrade the router performance? On older firmware no need to disable Hardware NAT.

Unifi is still not fast enough until we need hardware NAT.

I see. Just did a Google read and you're absolutely correct.

Thanks for the enlightenment

wonder if anyone has made astro iptv work? i've got maxis fibre + astro iptv..

How much does it cost in lowyat? i found that it is selling cheaper in online

no offense taken www.etuicoquesamsung.com coque samsung galaxy j1

This post has been edited by maoli153: Nov 2 2015, 02:54 PM

anyone having problem after upgrade IPTV not working?

im just updated to 3.14.3 Build 150520 Rel.53345n

Read the previous 10 posts.

I have also just updated to 3.14.3 Build 150520.
After disabling Hardware NAT, my HyppTV worked.

I can now use the Tether App also.

Thanks to boxer freak.

So uhm, I'm planning to buy this, but I wonder will it work with Maxis fixed line internet? The maxis fibre is not available in my area. Would it would if I connect the maxis modem to the C7 using an ethernet cable?

There's no such thing as maxis modem. There's only BTU provided by TM and router provided by Maxis. I'm assuming you are talking about router provided by maxis. Yes you can connect to any lan port of it but it defeats the purpose of actually getting this router. If you really are looking for performance upgrade, replace the router.

This post has been edited by Moogle Stiltzkin: Jul 16 2017, 04:45 PM

Wait, there isn't? Just to be sure I'm talking about the ADSL package by Maxis, not the fibre one @@
Unless they changed something and did not update on their website, from what I understand according to their website is that the modem provided by them has no WiFi capability hence my initial question.

Then you are loking to purchase a access point. Do note that most router doesn't function as access point.

damn after i downgrade firmware i cant use the tplink tether...damn need to upgrade back...thanks guys for the disable hardware NAT option...will upgrade and disable

*anyone successfully get ipv6 working with archer c7? care to share

This post has been edited by kebeckham7: Dec 6 2015, 10:06 PM

Hey, anyone can guide me through setup for unifi in dd-wrt firmware? I have the connection type / username / password correct, the double arrow (right most) icon is lit, but I don't get connection :/

Thanks...

i really love this router. amazing performance & price!

I'm glad I read this first before buying! Helped me make up my mind on which router to buy.

Hi, in fact i am planning to buy the Archer C7 to use it as a wireless AP. My reasoning are:
- I want to maintain my Maxis fibre stock router's VOIP
- I will configure my Maxis fibre stock router as a wired router, plug it to the Archer C7 (which will be configured as a wireless AP, this is possible based on TP-Link website) to take advantage of the gigabit LAN and better wireless performance/coverage of the Archer C7. My Maxis fibre is only 10mbps, so the addition of Archer C7 is not really to compliment my internet downloads, but rather to upgrade my home internal network where i have a NAS for streaming to devices and also to overcome WiFi coverage issues of the Maxis stock router.

Can you advice if this is a sensible setup? Thanks in advance!

There's a new firmware on 15 July 2016, I needed to update to this firmware to use Unifi HyppTV. Just FYI.

http://www.tp-link.com.my/download/Archer-...2.html#Firmware

Morning. Any sifu here can help. My new Tp-Link Ac3200 2nd 5GHz only work for one day(Sat), yesterday drop to non or 1-2 bar. This is a replacement unit from seller. First one also having the same issue. Any sifu know why? Thanks

Hi all,

Is it advisable if I get D7 instead of C7 if my home using unifi, my plan to get D7 is because its cheaper and later if wanna sell streamyx user also can buy it. Any comment?

I just bought a C7 to replace my stock UNIFI wifi router.. It is much more better with my IPTV. even after i stream IPTV, I still can get good speed on others devices..

Hi all

I 've been using this router for the past 2 months and I'm having a recurring issue with the 5Ghz wifi disappearing. After rebooting it will come on again only to disappear a day or two later.

I've read it may a channel issue so I tried changing from auto channel to manual with no success. I've tried different channels, no luck. I've upgraded the firmware to this - 3.15.1 Build 160715. Didn't help.

No other issues with the router, quite happy otherwise. IPTV works ok.

Any solutions for the 5Gh wifi dropping? Reading the internet seems to be a known issue but all of the 'reviews' on this router didn't mention anything about this.

Finally got my Unifi upgraded to 100Mbps last week. Surprisingly I find that the Archer C7 V2 is consistently slower than the DLink DIR-850L (RevB) on 5GHz.

Test setup:
- clients: 2016 Macbook (m5 version), quad-core i7 Dell Precision laptop both on wifi
- latest firmware on both TPlink and Dlink routers
- both set to 5GHz auto channel. Clients are 2-3m away
- tested multiple times back to back.

with Speedtest I'm frequently getting 80+/48+ Mbps on the Archer C7, but 102-104/51-52 Mbps on the Dlink 850L. Never had this issue at the 50mbps level and a wired LAN shows full 102-104Mbps bandwidth all the time so it's obviously something to do with the Archer C7 wifi implementation.

Just another datapoint for comparison purposes, otherwise I have no issues with the C7

What's the latest firmware version?

2.08 for DLink DIR-850L Rev B
Can't access the Archer C7 now so can't check but I upgraded within the past few months.

Problem solved with the 5G wifi. Need to install a beta firmware to solve this.

Hi guys Im planning to buy a new router and still havent my mind.

RT-AC1200

Archer C7

among this models which one could be better?

im thinking gonna go for archer c7.... replacing existing maxis fiber wifi router given by maxis to me... kinda spiky

i just plan to buy c7...

Published Date: 01/03/17 latest firmware for c7 on tplink website.... this firmware is not stable to fix 5G issue?

how do i get beta firmware?

can u share the beta fw here?
(or just pm me)

i heard archer c7 V3 is getting roll out..

Hmm what's the difference with V1 and V2?

TIME given me is V1

anyone have a problem when watching HyppTV all wireless and wired connection stop working.. please help