RouterChart.com

TP-Link Archer A7 WiFi router: Pros and Cons

450 + 1300 Mbps
IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
Qualcomm Atheros QCA9563 @ 750 MHz
128 MB / 16 MB

The TP-Link Archer A7 (A7) router released in 2017. It is powered by Qualcomm Atheros QCA9563 @ 750 MHz chipset, 128 MB of RAM and 16 MB of flash. The AC1750 router is compatible with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards, and the maximum speed that you can get with Archer A7 is 450 + 1300 Mbps. The router has 1 x 10/100/1000 Mbps WAN and 4 x 10/100/1000 Mbps LAN ports.

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 A7, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.

TP-Link Archer A7 / A7

The Archer A7 supports dual-band Wi-Fi, offering both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The USB connectors on the router add versatility to your network. They enable file sharing, printer sharing, and other USB functions. TP-Link has established a solid reputation as a reliable and reputable networking brand.

TP-Link Archer A7 specifications

BrandTP-Link
NameArcher A7
TypeA7
Rating
Rated 4/5 based on 1118 user votes.
Launch2017

Body

Dimensions243 x 160.6 x 32.5 mm
Weight413 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.

TP-Link Archer A7 (A7) / 3

System

ChipsetQualcomm Atheros QCA9563 @ 750 MHz
RAM128 MB
Flash16 MB
OSTP-Link
Power supply12 V / 1.5 A

The Qualcomm Atheros QCA9563 @ 750 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 / 1.5 A, this matches the router's voltage needs.

TP-Link Archer A7 (A7) / 2

Network

ProtocolsIPv4
IPv6
LAN ports4 x 10/100/1000 Mbps
WAN ports1 x 10/100/1000 Mbps
Mobile networkno
VPN supportno

The Archer A7 router has built-in security features. They protect your network and devices. Most networking equipment, like routers and switches, supports IPv4. The Archer A7 router is also compatible with IPv6. IPv6 has a much bigger address space. It also offers many enhancements and improvements over IPv4. If you have a 1 Gbps or faster internet plan, you need gigabit Ethernet ports. They are essential to use all the available bandwidth. This router ensures that you can use fast internet from your ISP fully.

TP-Link Archer A7 (A7) / 1

Wireless

Antennas3 x 5 dBi
fixed
2.4 GHzyes
5 GHzyes
6 GHzno
60 GHzno
StandardsIEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
ClassAC1750
Speed450 + 1300 Mbps
Transmit power28 dBm
SecurityWEP
WPA
WPA2
WPS
Guest networkyes

The 3 x 5 dBi, fixed antennas allow sending and getting many data streams at once. This boosts overall throughput and improves Wi-Fi performance. The 2.4 GHz band is widely supported by many devices. This includes older ones that may not work with the 5 GHz band. 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 A7 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 ports1 x USB 2.0
Print serveryes
File serveryes

The USB 2 port has a maximum theoretical data transfer rate of 480 megabits per second (Mbps). A USB print server adds print functionality. You can manage settings, watch queues, and control access from one place. The Archer A7 router lets you schedule backups. You can back up to the connected USB storage device.

Administration

Default IP192.168.0.1
Default usernameadmin
Default passwordadmin

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.

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

  • 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 / A7 photo
TP-Link Archer A7 / A7 photo
TP-Link Archer A7 / A7 photo
TP-Link Archer A7 / A7 photo
TP-Link Archer A7 / A7

If there’s information about the TP-Link Archer A7 that you would like to see on this site, then write to us.

Robert Miller
For over 15 years, I've immersed myself in the world of networking devices as a tech aficionado. I've dedicated myself to thoroughly testing and analyzing routers and other networking gear. I aim to provide thorough reviews. They will give you the knowledge needed to improve your network.
RouterChart.com / Routers / TP-Link / TP-Link Archer A7 (2017)