Everyone knows TP-Link. Their routers are everywhere, many models are located primarily at retailers.
We wrote about many models, but we missed one thing so far. We’re fixing it.
I’m talking about the top-end TP-Link Archer AX72 home router in “full stuffing”: here are improved Wi-Fi standards, and advanced TP-Link firmware, and very high speed.
Only that we had to use the proprietary TP-Link Archer TX20U Plus external adapter to see the full power of the device. Ready? Sending messages.
Corporate style, nothing more
The current TP-Link Archer range participated in the fight against aggressive design with manifestations of either cyberpunk or futurism. But, of course, the novelty outdid all the devices we have previously studied: a spectacular texture, an asymmetric insert on the case, original antennas – all this gives the devices an extremely original appearance.
However, there is no pretentiousness at all. Archer AX72 can be installed in almost any interior, whether it’s a Scandinavian “IKEA-style” or a modern gamer’s home with an abundance of RGB lighting. If suddenly a carpet appears on the wall, the new TP-Link will get along with it.
The case is surprisingly very high, but this is only noticeable when looking at the front surface. The beveled body narrows the dimensions.
Already mentioned antennas on the body as many as 6 pieces. One pair has an increased level of possession. As a result, the device implements a 2×2 MU-MIMO router (duplex receive and transmit over channel interaction) in a combination of 2.4 GHz and 4×4 MU-MIMO (also, but in 4 channels simultaneously) at 5 frequencies.
Status indication is performed using 7 green (switchable in the admin panel) LEDs, each of which is responsible for its own mode. Habitual and relevant.
The novelty differs from the more advanced devices of the Archer lineup in peripheral ports – not only 4 Ethernet LAN outputs and a single WAN (all gigabit), but also USB 3.0 for connecting external peripherals.
Such wealth simply needs good cooling. Therefore, there are quite a lot of ventilation holes, although they are hidden from the outside observer (and dust detection).
Enough for everything. And for everyone
Stuffing TP-Link Archer AX72 does not come out of appearance: the device uses a dual-core box Qualcomm IPQ0518 with a tactical frequency of 1 GHz per core and neuroprocessor for the brain.
The second chip is required for intelligent flow distribution and is necessary for the functions to work more correctly OFDMA and Beamformingchecking network packets with detection exactly to the consumer device.
512 MB of RAM is also enough for active work with the connection, including when actively exchanging files with a connected drive: the total frequency of violations of 100 active duplex volumes, there is a large number of connections to the state at a time.
Antennas and firmware of the data transmission sensor in 2 schemes. For a classic 2.4-channel router, the MU-MIMO 2×2 standard is used, which implements speeds up to 574 Mbps. Modern 5 GHz transmission standard supports simultaneous reception and transmission of 4 streams (MU-MIMO 4×4) with a “ceiling” up to 4804 Mbps.
The USB 3.0 port has already been mentioned above, which can be used both for connecting drives and for modems. Power will be enough even for external drives.
In the course of testing the Archer AX72, we installed and installed boxes for 3.5-inch “screws”, and a flash drive, and the most popular LTE modems in Russia. Everything works, without interruptions and the need for at least some settings – did you connect it? Use.
What is the magic TP-Link firmware?
Firmware meets “power” – AX72 supports protocols samba, DLNA, FTP and Time Machine to transfer files within the network or a remote device with access to the administrative panel. If the owner has a “white” IP address, you can create a full-fledged external resource.
This router model also has a real TimeMashine, which performed with application on iOS and macOS. And with other platforms. Too bad the drive isn’t hidden in the router’s case, it would be a great replacement for Apple’s built-in router.
It would be possible to repeat a re-review of the use of a proprietary protocol and a simple first inclusion (now in the TP-Link firmware there are even basic profiles of each Russian wired Internet provider), but we will not repeat ourselves: we have already rotated.
As in Tether’s proprietary iOS and Android app, which allows you to create a couple of clicks on your own server, set up a VPN, and adjust connected devices.
Not just a router – a defender
The firmware has other nice features. For example, a router can work with a private VPN point and natively supports the Yandex.DNS service with malicious site filtering. It also allows you to log in with any device connected to the router to access any secure sites that require an international certificate.
Even more protection is provided by a proprietary security add-on HomeShield — subscription service, which includes:
- built-in antivirus with checking all incoming data;
- active monitoring of external and internal infections from the interception of connections;
- a screen for IoT devices with an independent search for smart gadgets;
- smart consumer control system with responsive settings and constantly replenished filters;
- QoS automatic traffic prioritization module for fine restrictions on traffic flows.
HomeShield and Advanced HomeShield Pro with a monthly subscription fee and noticeable consumption – protection against DDoS attacks, filtering unwanted consumption.
Wall, a set of phrases: on devices with this solution, you can find advanced antiviruses or firewalls. The data is under serious protection.
What to do if there is no Wi-Fi 6?
TP-Link Archer AX72 not only fully complies with Wi-Fi 6 requirements, but also supports the OneMesh function to create seamless networks using branded signal amplifiers or Powerline adapters.
This allows you to significantly increase network coverage, covering a large area with centralized management.
AX72: Far from all Wi-Fi 6 capable devices require maximum connection speeds (although smartphones have better speeds). To solve this problem, TP-Link offers the original Archer TX20U Plus remote network adapter with two remote antennas.
When connected to a full-featured USB 3.0 port, it provides high data transfer speeds up to 1775 Mbps (one-time, thanks to the high quality of MU-MIMO and proprietary 802.11ax standard features):
- 574 Mbps — in 2.4 GHz observations
- 1201 Mbps — in 5 GHz observations
And all this at a distance of up to 50 meters from the router, since the Archer TX20U Plus receiver has total power of 19 dB!
Officially, the manufacturer announced its own support only in the latest versions of Windows, but we also managed to connect to the Apple MacBook, ensuring the simultaneous operation of the built-in and external wireless network adapter.
For the simultaneous performance of active work and data cloning from the “working machine”, the thing is simply irreplaceable.
Testing, testing, testing
Despite the clearly high performance of the TP-Link Archer AX72, talking about its quality without tests is an extremely imprudent exercise. Because in real life he is even better than you might expect.
The test scenario was chosen as the simplest and most accessible: a three-room apartment with a “ninetieth series” layout of 85 square meters, built near the front door. Standard household appliances were connected and lived their own lives, but they were not specially loaded.
The Windows intensive gaming laptop uses the Archer TX20U Plus, the new MacBook Pro with the M2 processor, and the iPhone 12 Pro. The connection of devices is simultaneous, but the test was reproduced on only one.
One well-known supplier of wired optics “to the apartment”, available in Moscow with a gigabit tariff, acted as a provider. Each screenshot shows the result of the speed test from the closest point (kitchen, opposite counters) through the intermediate one (hall, middle of the test area) to the farthest one (remote room). Total, between measurements on a reinforced concrete wall.
The result is successful! When using an external adapter that notices an improvement in the “trial” panel, this compact accessory allows you to almost completely implement a gigabit tariff with noticeable room errors and external signals.
In the presence of several demanding devices, the situation also does not change to insignificant – in the stress test, the router coped with 2 TVs, steam desktop computer equipment, laptop monitors, a bunch of phones and the definition of peripheral devices with Wi-Fi. No gaps, no long delays, no ping increases in the frequency of moments were detected.
Wi-Fi 6 and Archer. Full compatibility
Testing the TP-Link Archer AX72 router and the Archer TX20U Plus adapter together can put the finishing touches to all those who are looking for the ultimate performance networking solution for all occasions. With it, you can really forget about wires and other Wi-Fi problems: the signal does not deteriorate even in the presence of active interference in the form of neighboring routers right behind the wall.
The fee for this will be the lowest price: in Russian stores, the Archer AX72 is available at a price of 8999 rubles, the Archer TX20U Plus adapter – for 3199 rubles. But the devices of the population should be supplied with stable wireless Internet and the presence of local needs (NAS) not only at home – it is also enough for a small office.
And even if the loads grow, the TP-Link Archer AX72 has a good margin of performance, which is typical for users today is beyond their power. Purchase not for a day – for five years, at least.
Gamers will especially appreciate.
📸 All photos in the article:
Source: Iphones RU
