Is an Archer C5 right for me?

[red_pope]

I'm a new guy to this forum, sorry if my question could be a bit controversial to others.

The question, that I'm asking myself is the following: Since I will be purchasing a new WIFI router because my old Cisco WIFI router is 6.5 years old and I believe is about to sign-out of the air soon. I'm considering in buying the new Archer C5 AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router , which is withing my budget range.

My other concern is: Will all my legacy products, android cell phones, one I-phone2, including 3 laptops, 2 desktops will still connect to this new AC WIFI Router? or just buy another legacy router and forget the headaches of the new AC technology.? Personally I like to upgrade, slowly but wisely. What I look for is quality and performance.

Since, I'm retired, my budget is very discipline, spending 200 plus dollars is a bit unrealistic on a radio device. Any advice will be appreciated. Thank You for your time and reading.

 

[thiggins]

An AC1200 router is probably the right next step for you. The C5 tested very well in our recent round-up; it's basically an Archer C7 with a link limit thrown onto the 5 GHz radio. With your devices, you won't notice.

Combatibility is mixed. Chances are all devices will connect. But some devices may experience frequent disconnects, others may behave nicely. You won't know until you try your particular mix of devices.

Buy from someplace you can return the product without a hassle if it doesn't work for you.

 

[microchip]

Yes, the C5 will support all of your old devices. I personally have a lot of experience with TP-Link devices and I can highly recommend them. TP-Link may not be always ahead of the curve, but they do offer very stable, performing and cheap(er) products.

 

[red_pope]

Thiggins and Microchip

Thank You for your solid advice and recommendations.

I will definitely will buy the C5. Lets hope it last as long my old Cisco. Honestly, my old Cisco still running OK for know, "sort off speaking," it has exceed the electronics lifetime expectancy.

I have another Question, If you don't mind.

I was reading and following some of the forums, about the others TP-Link WIFI routers, and appears that some of the new models have some serious issues. Related to firmware, heat, range and connection drops.

Let's hope is not the same with me! I keep my fingers cross and little prayer on the side, so this new router turns out to be a quality WiFi router. such as my current one.

Thank You again.

PS
I will order mines straight from Amazon.

 

[azazel1024]

The only issues I am aware of is that the first version of the Archer C7 had some firmware issues related to Apple products having frequent disconnects (several times per day). That appears to have been fixed in V2 as well as possibly in the most recent V1 firmware, though I haven't heard much feed back on the V1 of the C7 in quite awhile, so I don't know if that is the case, or it was wishful thinking that it was finally fixed.

My WDR3600, Archer C8 and 841nd have all treated me extremely well. The C8 runs hotter than my other TP-Link routers have, but it still isn't super hot and only draws 7.5w (Asus routers tend to double that power consumption).

 

[LoneWolf]

I think the C5 would be a decent buy --but when the Archer C7 is only ten bucks more everywhere, I have trouble recommending the C5 when one could buy a C7. I'd like to see the C5 drop another ten bucks.

 

[red_pope]

Well, Gents,

I bought the Archer C8, Why? After research, I discover that c-7 does not have beam forming technology. I had to research that specific definition, and finally was convince to give it a try.

I got a small shed for all my power tools and riding law mower, about 75 feet on distance, and the router signal reaches with four bars. I have been using the new router, close to two weeks and I'm happy with it! Was not difficult to update the firmware and setup. It was done in 30 minutes. No issues with it.

At the same time, I had enough money left, to put my hands on a nice TL-SG1016D, 16-Port unmanaged Gigabit Desktop/Rack-mount Switch and the results so far is awesome. Both in the wired and wireless.

Is funny, my adult kids are know bragging about it. They keep saying: My WIFI rocks, so is the LAN. I thank them, but, I told them, you got your own family responsibilities and jobs and buy one for yourself.

The Plus to me, is that my wife is happy with it, and for me that is the most important part of it. Yes, we had enough money left, to take the Wife to dinner, at the same time.

I kept it simple and economic meeting my budget of 285 USD.

PS. I will be buying 2
Archer T4U USB adapters next month.

 

[red_pope]

Update"

My c-8 is running fine. No issues here. This router at 75 feet of distance in the back, the signal is 4 bars. The only time it will change, to 3 bars, it will be in front of the house , I believe the culprit probably is the Power Line and the power transformer from the local power company about 55 feet. front the main entrance. There is nothing important out there except the 5 foot property fence line.

I bought 2, Archer T4U USB adapters for my laptop and desktop, There are nice, except one of them, stop working and had it returned, I got the replacement in one week from TCP/Link via fedex mail. That was fast service.

I did a small test, the promised speed show AC/1200. I know, locally both adapters are working, really fast. But is there a way to test the through speed? I'm not an expert, but any help is welcome.

When it comes to heat issues, I did installed a ceiling mounted fan, 42 inch fan to push the air around and it does the job real good. I keep the dust free area and clean. It is hot were I live and it is necessary to have fans...

 

[red_pope]

A good test for an economical router. Archer c-8

Recently a couple of colleagues of mines and family members, paid me a visit at home. A long came: One-i pad, two android pads, 2 laptops, one of the lap tops with AC device maximum output of 1200 Mbps. Then 6 phones using 2.5- legacy WiFi.

Pretty much my network was put to the test in my opinion. Well no hiccups, no slow response. Everything was running perfect until, one of devices the battery ran out of power. The AC connection was running smooth, so was all the rest of legacy products. That is not including my Wife's desktop PC which is AC.

PS

Yes,we did some live stream of movies, at the same time, the kids played some games. It was fun and satisfying watching everything work fine.

It was a fun day.