TP-Link Archer A8 router review
TP-Link introduced the Archer A8 router in 2020. It is powered by MediaTek TP1900BN @ 1.2 GHz chipset, 64 MB of RAM, and 4 MB of flash memory.
Wondering if the TP-Link Archer A8 is a must-have? Find out soon!
Table of Contents
- TP-Link Archer A8 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 A8, please let us know.
The Archer A8 supports dual-band Wi-Fi, offering both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. TP-Link prioritizes network security to keep data safe and secure.
TP-Link Archer A8 specifications
| Brand | TP-Link |
|---|---|
| Name | Archer A8 |
| Type | A8 |
| Rating | |
| Launch | 2020 |
Body
| Dimensions | 243 x 160.6 x 32.5 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 413 g |
The dimensions of a router can impact its cooling capabilities. Larger routers have more room for internal cooling. The weight of the router is not typically a critical factor for most setups.
System
| Chipset | MediaTek TP1900BN @ 1.2 GHz |
|---|---|
| RAM | 64 MB |
| Flash | 4 MB |
| OS | TP-Link |
| Power supply | 12 V / 1 A |
The TP-Link Archer A8 router has a MediaTek TP1900BN @ 1.2 GHz processor. You cannot expand the router's memory (64 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 latest firmware supports IPv6. It provides a system to identify and locate computers on networks. 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 | 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 | AC1900 |
| Speed | 600 + 1300 Mbps |
| Transmit power | 28 dBm |
| Security | WEP WPA WPA2 WPS |
| Guest network | yes |
The 2.4GHz band refers to the part of the radio spectrum between 2.400 and 2.4835 gigahertz. The 5 GHz band is less crowded, and the Archer A8 router is 5 GHz capable. 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 | no |
|---|---|
| Print server | no |
| File server | no |
The Archer A8 router doesn't have file-server or print-server functionality.
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
- 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
TP-Link Archer A8 photos
TP-Link Archer A8 comparisons
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Updated: May 25, 2024
