TP-Link Archer C3200 router review
TP-Link introduced the Archer C3200 router in 2015. It is powered by Broadcom BCM4709A0 @ 1 GHz chipset, 256 MB of RAM, and 128 MB of flash memory.
Wondering if the TP-Link Archer C3200 is a must-have? Keep reading!
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 C3200, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.
The Archer C3200 is a good choice for users. It is reliable and feature-rich, and it supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology. You can connect supported USB devices to the router. TP-Link is a well-established brand and has a significant market presence globally.
TP-Link Archer C3200 specifications
Brand | TP-Link |
---|---|
Name | Archer C3200 |
Type | C3200 |
Rating | |
Launch | 2015 |
Body
Dimensions | 200 x 200 x 39 mm |
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The dimensions and design of a router can impact its cooling capabilities. Routers with larger dimensions may have more space for internal cooling mechanisms.
System
Chipset | Broadcom BCM4709A0 @ 1 GHz |
---|---|
RAM | 256 MB |
Flash | 128 MB |
OS | TP-Link |
Power supply | 12 V / 5 A |
The TP-Link Archer C3200 router has a Broadcom BCM4709A0 @ 1 GHz processor. The 256 MB of RAM enables the router to handle multiple tasks and processes concurrently. Flash memory retains its data even when the router is off. This allows the router to keep its firmware and settings across reboots. TP-Link often releases firmware updates. They improve the router's features, security, and bugs. They also add new features. The 12 V / 5 A PSU provides power to the router. If it breaks, you can replace it with a new one.
Network
Protocols | IPv4 IPv6 |
---|---|
LAN ports | 4 x 10/100/1000 Mbps |
WAN ports | 1 x 10/100/1000 Mbps |
Mobile network | no |
VPN support | PPTP OpenVPN |
Like many modern routers, the TP-Link Archer C3200 supports many features and tech. They improve your network's connectivity and security. The IPv4 is the fourth iteration of the Internet Protocol (IP). It is the most widely used version of IP on the internet today. The latest firmware supports IPv6. It provides a system to identify and locate computers on networks. Gigabit Ethernet ports support data transfer rates of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps).
A Gigabit WAN port is helpful. It is useful when your internet plan supports high speeds. OpenVPN is available for many operating systems. These include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. PPTP creates a VPN tunnel between two endpoints. It allows secure communication over an insecure network, such as the internet.
Wireless
Antennas | 8 x external |
---|---|
2.4 GHz | yes |
5 GHz | yes |
60 GHz | no |
Standards | IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
Class | AC3200 |
Speed | 600 + 1300 + 1300 Mbps |
Transmit power | 30 dBm |
Security | WEP WPA WPA2 WPS |
Guest network | yes |
This router has 8 x external antennas. Antennas are key parts of wireless routers. They send and receive radio signals to make wireless connections. 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. The 5 GHz band is less crowded. This leads to less interference and a clearer wireless signal. The Archer C3200 router is 5 GHz capable.
The Wi-Fi router offers fast data speeds. They are good for streaming HD video, online gaming, and large file transfers. The top speed, 600 + 1300 + 1300 Mbps, is the highest data rate the router can reach. It's the theoretical limit in perfect conditions. 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 1 x USB 3.0 |
---|---|
Print server | yes |
File server | yes |
The USB 2 port has a maximum theoretical data transfer rate of 480 megabits per second (Mbps). The USB 3 ports provide a fast interface for external storage with data transfer rates of up to 4.8 Gbps. USB print servers let you connect a USB printer to your network. This makes it accessible to many devices. You can connect external storage devices such as USB flash drives or USB hard drives to your router.
Administration
Default IP | 192.168.0.1 |
---|---|
Default username | admin |
Default password | admin |
Changing the password often is a good security practice. It protects your network and devices from unauthorized access. Changing the default password improves your router's security. It reduces the risk of unauthorized individuals controlling your network.
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
- generous memory
- adequate flash
- IPv6 capable
- high-speed LAN port
- high-speed WAN port
- supports OpenVPN
- works on 5 GHz band
- WPS friendly
- USB 2 compatible
- USB 3 compatible
- printserver functionality
- fileserver operation
Cons
- missing Wi-Fi 6 support
- incompatible with WPA3
TP-Link Archer C3200 photos
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