TP-Link Archer AX50 router review
The TP-Link Archer AX50 (AX50) router released in 2019. It is powered by Intel Lantiq GRX350A3 @ 800 MHz chipset, 256 MB of RAM and 128 MB of flash. The AX3000 router is compatible with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax standards, and the maximum speed that you can get with Archer AX50 is 574 + 2402 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 AX50, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.
The Archer AX50 is a cheap router. It supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) for faster wireless speeds. You can connect supported USB devices to the router. TP-Link offers good customer support, including firmware updates, documentation, and technical assistance.
TP-Link Archer AX50 specifications
| Brand | TP-Link |
|---|---|
| Name | Archer AX50 |
| Type | AX50 |
| Rating | |
| Launch | 2019 |
Body
| Dimensions | 260.2 x 135 x 38.6 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 558 g |
The dimensions and design of a router can impact its cooling capabilities. Routers with larger dimensions may have more space for internal cooling mechanisms. If you purchase a router online or have it shipped, the weight may affect the overall cost.
System
| Chipset | Intel Lantiq GRX350A3 @ 800 MHz |
|---|---|
| RAM | 256 MB |
| Flash | 128 MB |
| OS | TP-Link |
| Power supply | 12 V / 2 A |
The TP-Link Archer AX50 router has a Intel Lantiq GRX350A3 @ 800 MHz processor. 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. TP-Link often releases firmware updates. They improve the router's features, security, and bugs. They also add new features. The 12 V / 2 A PSU provides power to the router. If it breaks, you can replace it with a new one.
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 AX50 router has built-in security features. They protect your network and devices. The IPv4 is the fourth iteration of the Internet Protocol (IP). It is the most widely used version of IP on the internet today. The latest firmware supports IPv6. It provides a system to identify and locate computers on networks. 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. OpenVPN uses a certificate-based authentication system. This enhances security and provides a stronger method of identity verification. PPTP uses the Password Authentication Protocol (PAP). It also uses the Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol (CHAP) for user authentication.
Wireless
| Antennas | 4 x 5 dBi RP-SMA |
|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | yes |
| 5 GHz | yes |
| 6 GHz | no |
| 60 GHz | no |
| Standards | IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax |
| Class | AX3000 |
| Speed | 574 + 2402 Mbps |
| Transmit power | 30 dBm |
| Security | WEP WPA WPA2 WPS |
| Guest network | yes |
This router has 4 x 5 dBi, RP-SMA antennas. Antennas are key parts of wireless routers. They send and receive radio signals to make wireless connections. The 2.4 GHz band is widely supported by many devices. This includes older ones that may not work with the 5 GHz band. The 5 GHz band offers better noise immunity and less interference. It also has more available channels. This router is a Wi-Fi 6 router. 802.11ax is the sixth-generation Wi-Fi standard, commonly referred to as Wi-Fi 6.
Real-world Archer AX50 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 3.0 |
|---|---|
| Print server | yes |
| File server | yes |
The USB 3 ports provide a fast interface for external storage with data transfer rates of up to 4.8 Gbps. USB print servers let you connect a USB printer to your network. This makes it accessible to many devices. You can connect external storage devices such as USB flash drives or USB hard drives to your router.
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 AX50 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
- WPS friendly
- USB 3 compatible
- printserver functionality
- fileserver operation
Cons
- incompatible with WPA3
TP-Link Archer AX50 photos
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