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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

No plans until I get something capable of testing AC1900.

Feature wise is the same I guess.

Nope.

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

Only for Archer C7 V2

Just use the latest firmware from the link.

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

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

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

Read the previous 10 posts.