Tenda AC21 WiFi router: Pros and Cons
The Tenda AC21 (AC21) router released in 2020. It is powered by Realtek RTL8197FH @ 1 GHz chipset, 64 MB of RAM and 8 MB of flash. The AC2100 router is compatible with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards, and the maximum speed that you can get with AC21 is 300 + 1733 Mbps. The router has 1 x 10/100/1000 Mbps WAN and 3 x 10/100/1000 Mbps LAN ports.
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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 Tenda AC21, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.
The AC21 supports dual-band Wi-Fi, offering both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Tenda has actively developed innovative networking solutions.
Tenda AC21 specifications
| Brand | Tenda |
|---|---|
| Name | AC21 |
| Type | AC21 |
| Rating | |
| Launch | 2020 |
Body
| Dimensions | 231.3 x 150.6 x 39.6 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 381 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 | Realtek RTL8197FH @ 1 GHz |
|---|---|
| RAM | 64 MB |
| Flash | 8 MB |
| OS | Tenda |
| Power supply | 12 V / 1.5 A |
The Realtek RTL8197FH @ 1 GHz CPU provides processing power. It handles tasks and services within the AC21 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 Tenda packages the AC21 router with 12 V / 1.5 A PSU.
Network
| Protocols | IPv4 IPv6 |
|---|---|
| LAN ports | 3 x 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| WAN ports | 1 x 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| Mobile network | no |
| VPN support | PPTP L2TP |
Like many modern routers, the AC21 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. This router has Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports. They provide data transfer speeds of up to 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps) over Ethernet connections. This router ensures that you can use fast internet from your ISP fully. The PPTP is an older VPN protocol. It was widely used in the past.
Wireless
| Antennas | 6 x 6 dBi fixed |
|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | yes |
| 5 GHz | yes |
| 6 GHz | no |
| 60 GHz | no |
| Standards | IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Class | AC2100 |
| Speed | 300 + 1733 Mbps |
| Transmit power | 23 dBm |
| Security | WPA WPA2 WPS |
| Guest network | yes |
A well-positioned antenna can reduce interference and signal weakening. This leads to a more reliable connection. The AC21 is compatible with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks. 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 AC21 router speeds are lower than its theoretical maximum speed.
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 | no |
|---|---|
| Print server | no |
| File server | no |
The AC21 router doesn't have file-server or print-server functionality.
Administration
| Default IP | 192.168.0.1 |
|---|---|
| Default username | [blank] |
| Default password | [blank] |
If you can't log in to your Tenda router's setup panel, try resetting it. A reset can help you troubleshoot. It is highly recommended to change the default password of your AC21 router. Do this after the initial setup.
Pros and Cons
Every router, including this Tenda 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
- high-speed LAN port
- high-speed WAN port
- works on 5 GHz band
- decent Wi-Fi performance
- WPS friendly
Cons
- insufficient flash
- missing Wi-Fi 6 support
- incompatible with WPA3
- no USB connectivity
Tenda AC21 photos
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