TP-Link Archer A5 router review
TP-Link introduced the Archer A5 router in 2017. It is powered by MediaTek MT7628AN @ 580 MHz chipset, 64 MB of RAM, and 8 MB of flash memory.
Excited to learn if the Archer A5 lives up to expectations? Keep reading to find out!
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 A5, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.
The Archer A5 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. TP-Link has actively developed innovative networking solutions.
TP-Link Archer A5 specifications
| Brand | TP-Link |
|---|---|
| Name | Archer A5 |
| Type | A5 |
| Rating | |
| Launch | 2017 |
Body
| Dimensions | 229.9 x 144.2 x 36.9 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 300 g |
If you have limited space, like in a small apartment or office, the dimensions can determine if it can fit there. If you purchase a router online or have it shipped, the weight may affect the overall cost.
System
| Chipset | MediaTek MT7628AN @ 580 MHz |
|---|---|
| RAM | 64 MB |
| Flash | 8 MB |
| OS | TP-Link |
| Power supply | 12 V / 0.85 A |
The MediaTek MT7628AN @ 580 MHz CPU is key. It, along with factors like RAM and firmware, decides how well the router works. Some router features and software need a certain amount of RAM. They need it to work well. More storage space comes from a larger flash memory. It can accommodate future firmware upgrades. Upgrading router firmware has become simple and user-friendly. The TP-Link provides the right power supply. It is 12 V / 0.85 A, this matches the router's voltage needs.
Network
| Protocols | IPv4 IPv6 |
|---|---|
| LAN ports | 4 x 10/100 Mbps |
| WAN ports | 1 x 10/100 Mbps |
| Mobile network | no |
| VPN support | no |
The Archer A5 router has built-in security features. They protect your network and devices. Most networking equipment, like routers and switches, supports IPv4. The Archer A5 router is also compatible with IPv6. IPv6 has a much bigger address space. It also offers many enhancements and improvements over IPv4. Wired connections may bottleneck due to the limits of Fast Ethernet ports.
Wireless
| Antennas | 2 x 5 dBi fixed |
|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | yes |
| 5 GHz | yes |
| 6 GHz | no |
| 60 GHz | no |
| Standards | IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Class | AC1200 |
| Speed | 300 + 867 Mbps |
| Transmit power | 28 dBm |
| Security | WEP WPA WPA2 WPS |
| Guest network | yes |
The 2 x 5 dBi, fixed antennas allow sending and getting many data streams at once. This boosts overall throughput and improves Wi-Fi performance. The Archer A5 is compatible with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks. This router operates on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. It lets you connect devices to the best band for their needs. The AC Wi-Fi router is backward compatible with older Wi-Fi devices that support 802.11a/b/g/n standards.
Real-world Archer A5 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 | no |
|---|---|
| Print server | no |
| File server | no |
The Archer A5 router doesn't have file-server or print-server functionality.
Administration
| Default IP | 192.168.0.1 |
|---|---|
| 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 A5 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
Cons
- insufficient flash
- lack of Gigabit LAN
- Non-gigabit WAN port
- missing Wi-Fi 6 support
- incompatible with WPA3
- no USB connectivity
TP-Link Archer A5 photos
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