TP-Link Archer AX21 router review
TP-Link introduced the Archer AX21 router in 2020. It is powered by Broadcom BCM6755 @ 1.5 GHz chipset, 256 MB of RAM, and 128 MB of flash memory.
Want to know if the Archer AX21 is a game-changer? Stay tuned!
Table of Contents
- TP-Link Archer AX21 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 AX21, please let us know.
The Archer AX21 is a popular router model from TP-Link, and many users have given it positive reviews. TP-Link has received awards and recognition for its excellent networking products.
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 live in a small apartment, the size of the router is crucial to deciding whether it will fit. The weight of a router can matter in some situations. But it's usually not as crucial as other factors.
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 affects the router's performance, working with RAM and firmware. The amount of RAM in a router affects its performance and ability to handle tasks and traffic.
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 |
The Archer AX21 router is compatible with IPv6. IPv6 offers many enhancements and improvements over IPv4. This router has Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports. They provide data transfer speeds of up to 1000 Mbps. The Archer AX21 ensures that you can use fast internet from your ISP fully. OpenVPN is a full-featured SSL VPN solution. It extends secure networks using SSL/TLS, an industry standard.
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 |
Many IoT devices, smart home devices, and older Wi-Fi devices mainly use the 2.4 GHz band. This router operates on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. The Archer AX21 AX router typically offers improved range and coverage. 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 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.
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
- 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
TP-Link Archer AX21 comparisons
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Updated: May 25, 2024
