TP-Link Archer C20 WiFi router: Pros and Cons
The TP-Link Archer C20 (C20) router released in 2014. It is powered by MediaTek MT7620A @ 580 MHz chipset, 64 MB of RAM and 8 MB of flash. The AC750 router is compatible with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards, and the maximum speed that you can get with Archer C20 is 300 + 433 Mbps. The router has 1 x 10/100 Mbps WAN and 4 x 10/100 Mbps LAN ports.
Table of Contents
Our personal experiences and opinions form the basis of this article. We aimed to share insights on a topic, and we hoped others would find it useful and inspirational. The specs below rely on official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you noticed any mistakes or missing details about the TP-Link Archer C20, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.
The Archer C20 is a versatile router that offers more than basic functionality. It has advanced features and capabilities. It provides a reliable, fast network for homes and offices. This router has USB connectors. They add features and expand your network's capabilities. TP-Link is another well-known manufacturer in the networking industry.
TP-Link Archer C20 specifications
| Brand | TP-Link |
|---|---|
| Name | Archer C20 |
| Type | C20 |
| Rating | |
| Launch | 2014 |
Body
| Dimensions | 230 x 144 x 35 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 200 g |
If you plan to move or travel a lot and need to take your router with you, the size is important. It needs to be small to be easy to carry. The weight of a router can matter in some situations. But, it is usually not as crucial as other factors. These factors include features and compatibility.
System
| Chipset | MediaTek MT7620A @ 580 MHz |
|---|---|
| RAM | 64 MB |
| Flash | 8 MB |
| OS | TP-Link |
| Power supply | 12 V / 1 A |
The MediaTek MT7620A @ 580 MHz CPU provides processing power. It handles tasks and services within the Archer C20 router. The amount of RAM in a router can affect its performance. It also affects its capacity to handle concurrent operations and traffic. The 8 MB flash memory in the router serves as the storage medium for the router's firmware. The firmware upgrade process may vary depending on the router model. However, it often involves accessing the router's web-based administration interface. The TP-Link packages the Archer C20 router with 12 V / 1 A PSU.
Network
| Protocols | IPv4 IPv6 |
|---|---|
| LAN ports | 4 x 10/100 Mbps |
| WAN ports | 1 x 10/100 Mbps |
| Mobile network | no |
| VPN support | no |
Like many modern routers, the Archer C20 supports many network standards too. The IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses, represented as four sets of numbers separated by periods (e.g. 192.168.0.1). The router also supports IPv6. This allows you to use the latest Internet Protocol. The Archer C20 features a Fast Ethernet WAN port that has a maximum speed of 100 Mbps.
Wireless
| Antennas | 2 x 2 dBi fixed |
|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | yes |
| 5 GHz | yes |
| 60 GHz | no |
| Standards | IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Class | AC750 |
| Speed | 300 + 433 Mbps |
| Transmit power | 23 dBm |
| Security | WEP WPA WPA2 WPS |
| Guest network | yes |
A well-positioned antenna can reduce interference and signal weakening. This leads to a more reliable connection. This router is 2.4 GHz capable. The 2.4GHz band refers to the portion of the radio spectrum between 2.400 and 2.4835 gigahertz. Using the 5 GHz band can move some devices from the crowded 2.4 GHz band. This cuts congestion and boosts the network. Wi-Fi 5 uses the 5 GHz band. It uses wider channels and advanced techniques to send data faster.
Real-world Archer C20 router speeds are lower than its theoretical maximum speed. WEP was the first Wi-Fi security protocol. But it is now seen as weak and easy to hack. The introduction of WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) improved upon WEP. It provides stronger security. WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) provides an easy method. It connects devices to a Wi-Fi network.
Connectivity
| USB ports | 1 x USB 2.0 |
|---|---|
| Print server | yes |
| File server | yes |
The USB 2 port has a maximum theoretical data transfer rate of 480 megabits per second (Mbps). By connecting a USB printer to the Archer C20 router, you can make it accessible to all devices on your network. This router has a USB file server. It lets you connect external storage devices to your network. For example, you can connect USB flash drives or hard drives.
Administration
| Default IP | 192.168.1.1 |
|---|---|
| Default username | admin |
| Default password | admin |
If you can't log in to your TP-Link router's setup panel, try resetting it. A reset can help you troubleshoot. It is highly recommended to change the default password of your Archer C20 router. Do this after the initial setup.
Pros and Cons
Every router, including this TP-Link one, has its good sides and not-so-good sides. Let's take a closer look at both to get a full understanding of what this router can do. We'll talk about what it does well and also where it could use some improvements. Just remember, this is just what I think, and you might see things differently.
Pros
- lightweight
- sufficient memory
- IPv6 capable
- works on 5 GHz band
- WPS friendly
- USB 2 compatible
- printserver functionality
- fileserver operation
Cons
- insufficient flash
- lack of Gigabit LAN
- Non-gigabit WAN port
- missing Wi-Fi 6 support
- incompatible with WPA3
TP-Link Archer C20 photos
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