TP-Link Archer A7 router review
TP-Link introduced the Archer A7 router in 2017. It is powered by Qualcomm Atheros QCA9563 @ 750 MHz chipset, 128 MB of RAM, and 16 MB of flash memory.
Want to find out if the TP-Link Archer A7 is good? Keep scrolling!
Table of Contents
- TP-Link Archer A7 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 A7, please let us know.
The Archer A7 supports dual-band Wi-Fi, offering both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. TP-Link is a well-established brand, and it's got a significant market presence globally.
TP-Link Archer A7 specifications
| Brand | TP-Link |
|---|---|
| Name | Archer A7 |
| Type | A7 |
| Rating | |
| Launch | 2017 |
Body
| Dimensions | 243 x 160.6 x 32.5 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 413 g |
If you live in a small apartment, the size of the router is crucial to deciding whether it will fit. If you buy a router online or have it shipped, the weight may affect the total cost.
System
| Chipset | Qualcomm Atheros QCA9563 @ 750 MHz |
|---|---|
| RAM | 128 MB |
| Flash | 16 MB |
| OS | TP-Link |
| Power supply | 12 V / 1.5 A |
The Qualcomm Atheros QCA9563 @ 750 MHz CPU affects the router's performance, working with RAM and firmware. Some router features and software work best when they have enough RAM to help them.
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 A7 router is compatible with IPv6. IPv6 offers many enhancements and improvements over IPv4. If you have a 1 Gbps or faster internet plan, you need gigabit Ethernet ports. The Archer A7 ensures that you can use fast internet from your ISP fully.
Wireless
| Antennas | 3 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 | AC1750 |
| Speed | 450 + 1300 Mbps |
| Transmit power | 28 dBm |
| Security | WEP WPA WPA2 WPS |
| Guest network | yes |
The 2.4 GHz band is widely supported by many devices. This router operates on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. The AC Wi-Fi router is backward compatible with older Wi-Fi devices that support 802.11a/b/g/n standards. 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 |
|---|---|
| Print server | yes |
| File server | yes |
The USB 2 port has a maximum theoretical data transfer rate of 480 megabits per second (Mbps). A USB print server lets you connect a printer to your network. Then, computers can print to it without a direct connection. The Archer A7 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 |
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 A7 router. Do this after the initial setup.
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
- sufficient memory
- IPv6 capable
- high-speed LAN port
- high-speed WAN port
- works on 5 GHz band
- WPS friendly
- USB 2 compatible
- printserver functionality
- fileserver operation
Cons
- insufficient flash
- missing Wi-Fi 6 support
- incompatible with WPA3
TP-Link Archer A7 photos
TP-Link Archer A7 comparisons
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Updated: May 25, 2024
