Tenda AC21 router review
Tenda introduced the AC21 router in 2020. It is powered by Realtek RTL8197FH @ 1 GHz chipset, 64 MB of RAM, and 8 MB of flash memory.
Want to know if this Tenda router stands out? Keep following along!
Table of Contents
- Tenda AC21 specifications
- Body, dimensions, weight
- System, chipset, RAM, flash, power supply
- Network, protocols, WAN and LAN ports
- Wireless, antennas, speed, security
- Connectivity
- Administration, user interface, login information
- Links
- Verdict, Pros and Cons
- Photos
- Comparisons
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. If you noticed any mistakes or missing details about the Tenda AC21, please let us know.
The AC21 supports dual-band Wi-Fi, offering both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Tenda has a history of introducing innovative features and technologies into its products.
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 a lot and need to take your router with you, the size is important. Otherwise, the size isn't too crucial. The weight of a router can matter in some situations. But it's usually not as crucial as other factors.
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. The amount of RAM in a router affects its performance and ability to handle tasks and traffic.
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 |
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. The AC21 ensures that you can use fast internet from your ISP fully.
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 |
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. Wi-Fi 5 uses the 5 GHz band. It uses wider channels and advanced techniques to send data faster. The introduction of WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) improved upon WEP. It provides stronger security. The Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) lets you join a safe wireless network with the push of a button or a simple PIN entry.
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.
Links
| Official site | https://www.tendacn.com/ |
|---|
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. 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
Tenda AC21 comparisons
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Updated: June 21, 2024
