TP-Link Archer A20 router review
TP-Link introduced the Archer A20 router in 2019. It is powered by Broadcom BCM4908 @ 1.8 GHz chipset, 512 MB of RAM, and 128 MB of flash memory.
Want to know if the Archer A20 is a game-changer? Read on!
Table of Contents
- TP-Link Archer A20 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 TP-Link Archer A20, please let us know.
The Archer A20 supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) for faster wireless speeds. TP-Link has received awards and recognition for its excellent networking products.
TP-Link Archer A20 specifications
| Brand | TP-Link |
|---|---|
| Name | Archer A20 |
| Type | A20 |
| Rating | |
| Launch | 2019 |
Body
| Dimensions | 200.7 x 200.7 x 38.1 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.49 kg |
If you live in a small apartment, the size of the router is crucial to deciding whether it will fit. The weight of the router is not typically a critical factor for most setups.
System
| Chipset | Broadcom BCM4908 @ 1.8 GHz |
|---|---|
| RAM | 512 MB |
| Flash | 128 MB |
| OS | TP-Link |
| Power supply | 12 V / 5 A |
The Broadcom BCM4908 @ 1.8 GHz CPU affects the router's performance, working with RAM and firmware. You cannot expand the router's memory (512 MB). When selecting a router, it's essential to think about the RAM specifications.
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 | no |
The Archer A20 router is compatible with IPv6. IPv6 offers many enhancements and improvements over IPv4. The router has Gigabit Ethernet ports. They allow for faster communication between devices on your local network. A Gigabit WAN port is useful when your internet plan supports high speeds.
Wireless
| Antennas | 6 x 4 dBi fixed |
|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | yes |
| 5 GHz | yes |
| 6 GHz | no |
| 60 GHz | no |
| Standards | IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Class | AC4000 |
| Speed | 750 + 1625 +1625 Mbps |
| Transmit power | 30 dBm |
| Security | WEP WPA WPA2 WPS |
| Guest network | yes |
Many IoT devices, smart home devices, and older Wi-Fi devices mainly use the 2.4 GHz band. To optimize your Wi-Fi experience, it's often recommended to use a combination of both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. This AC Wi-Fi router supports multiple spatial streams, typically up to 4 streams. 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 | 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. A USB print server lets you connect a printer to your network. Then, computers can print to it without a direct connection. The Archer A20 router lets you schedule backups. You can back up to the connected USB storage device.
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.
Links
| Official site | https://www.tp-link.com/ |
|---|
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. 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
- works on 5 GHz band
- lightning-fast Wi-Fi connection
- WPS friendly
- USB 2 compatible
- USB 3 compatible
- printserver functionality
- fileserver operation
Cons
- too weighty
- missing Wi-Fi 6 support
- incompatible with WPA3
TP-Link Archer A20 photos
TP-Link Archer A20 comparisons
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Updated: May 25, 2024
