TP-Link Archer AX21 WiFi router: Pros and Cons
The TP-Link Archer AX21 (AX21) router released in 2020. It is powered by Broadcom BCM6755 @ 1.5 GHz chipset, 256 MB of RAM and 128 MB of flash. The AX1800 router is compatible with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax standards, and the maximum speed that you can get with Archer AX21 is 574 + 1201 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 AX21, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.
The Archer AX21 is a popular router model from TP-Link. Many users have given it positive reviews. The USB connectors on the router add versatility to your network. They enable file sharing, printer sharing, and other USB functions. TP-Link is a well-established brand and has a significant market presence globally.
TP-Link Archer AX21 specifications
| Brand | TP-Link |
|---|---|
| Name | Archer AX21 |
| Type | AX21 |
| Rating | |
| Launch | 2020 |
Body
| Dimensions | 260.2 x 135 x 38.6 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 558 g |
If you have limited space, like in a small apartment or office, the dimensions can determine if it can fit there. The weight of a router can matter in some situations. But, it is usually not as crucial as other factors. These factors include features and compatibility.
System
| Chipset | Broadcom BCM6755 @ 1.5 GHz |
|---|---|
| RAM | 256 MB |
| Flash | 128 MB |
| OS | TP-Link |
| Power supply | 12 V / 1.5 A |
The Broadcom BCM6755 @ 1.5 GHz CPU is key. It, along with factors like RAM and firmware, decides how well the router works. The amount of RAM in a router can affect its performance. It also affects its capacity to handle concurrent operations and traffic. The 128 MB flash memory in the router serves as the storage medium for the router's firmware. 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.
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 | PPTP OpenVPN |
Like many modern routers, the Archer AX21 supports many network standards too. Most networking equipment, like routers and switches, supports IPv4. The Archer AX21 router is also compatible with IPv6. IPv6 has a much bigger address space. It also offers many enhancements and improvements over IPv4. This router has Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports. They provide data transfer speeds of up to 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps) over Ethernet connections.
This router ensures that you can use fast internet from your ISP fully. OpenVPN is a full-featured SSL VPN solution. It uses OSI layer 2 or 3. It extends secure networks using SSL/TLS, an industry standard. The PPTP is an older VPN protocol. It was widely used in the past.
Wireless
| Antennas | 4 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/ax |
| Class | AX1800 |
| Speed | 574 + 1201 Mbps |
| Transmit power | 30 dBm |
| Security | WEP WPA WPA2 WPS |
| Guest network | yes |
The 4 x 4 dBi, fixed antennas allow sending and getting many data streams at once. This boosts overall throughput and improves Wi-Fi performance. Many IoT devices, smart home devices, and older Wi-Fi devices mainly use the 2.4 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 Archer AX21 AX router typically offers improved range and coverage.
Real-world Archer AX21 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 | 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 adds print functionality. You can manage settings, watch queues, and control access from one place. The Archer AX21 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 AX21 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
- generous memory
- adequate flash
- IPv6 capable
- high-speed LAN port
- high-speed WAN port
- supports OpenVPN
- works on 5 GHz band
- 802.11ax certified
- decent Wi-Fi performance
- WPS friendly
- USB 2 compatible
- printserver functionality
- fileserver operation
Cons
- incompatible with WPA3
TP-Link Archer AX21 photos
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