TP-Link Archer AX73 router review
TP-Link introduced the Archer AX73 router in 2020. It is powered by Broadcom BCM6750 @ 1.5 GHz chipset, 512 MB of RAM, and 16 MB of flash memory.
Curious if this TP-Link router is a real gem? Stay tuned for the answer!
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 AX73, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.
The Archer AX73 is a cheap router. It supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) for faster wireless speeds. This router has USB connectors. They add features and expand your network's capabilities. TP-Link provides affordable networking solutions. They are accessible to many users.
TP-Link Archer AX73 specifications
| Brand | TP-Link |
|---|---|
| Name | Archer AX73 |
| Type | AX73 |
| Rating | |
| Launch | 2020 |
Body
| Dimensions | 272.5 x 147.2 x 49.2 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1 kg |
If you plan to move or travel a lot and need to take your router with you, the size is important. It needs to be small to be easy to carry. If you purchase a router online or have it shipped, the weight may affect the overall cost.
System
| Chipset | Broadcom BCM6750 @ 1.5 GHz |
|---|---|
| RAM | 512 MB |
| Flash | 16 MB |
| OS | TP-Link |
| Power supply | 12 V / 2.5 A |
The Broadcom BCM6750 @ 1.5 GHz CPU provides processing power. It handles tasks and services within the Archer AX73 router. 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. The firmware upgrade process may vary depending on the router model. However, it often involves accessing the router's web-based administration interface. The TP-Link packages the Archer AX73 router with 12 V / 2.5 A PSU.
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 AX73 router has built-in security features. They protect your network and devices. The IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses, represented as four sets of numbers separated by periods (e.g. 192.168.0.1). The router also supports IPv6. This allows you to use the latest Internet Protocol. 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 | 6 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 | AX5400 |
| Speed | 574 + 4804 Mbps |
| Transmit power | 30 dBm |
| Security | WPA WPA2 WPA3 WPS |
| Guest network | yes |
A well-positioned antenna can reduce interference and signal weakening. This leads to a more reliable connection. The router supports the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. Using the 5 GHz band can move some devices from the crowded 2.4 GHz band. This cuts congestion and boosts the network. This AX Wi-Fi router provides much faster data transfer rates. It is faster than older Wi-Fi standards. Real-world Archer AX73 router speeds are lower than its theoretical maximum speed.
The introduction of WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) improved upon WEP. It provides stronger security. The WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3) is the latest Wi-Fi security protocol. 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. By connecting a USB printer to the Archer AX73 router, you can make it accessible to all devices on your network. This router has a USB file server. It lets you connect external storage devices to your network. For example, you can connect USB flash drives or hard drives.
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 AX73 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
- IPv6 capable
- high-speed LAN port
- high-speed WAN port
- supports OpenVPN
- works on 5 GHz band
- 802.11ax certified
- lightning-fast Wi-Fi connection
- WPA3 compatible
- WPS friendly
- USB 3 compatible
- printserver functionality
- fileserver operation
Cons
- too weighty
- insufficient flash
TP-Link Archer AX73 photos
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