My first review of this product (below) was very negative and deeply sarcastic due to the many issues I was experiencing at the time. Since then, I've gone through many, many hours of troubleshooting, replacing products, replacing all the cable in my house, you name it - only to find that the issue lay with my Motorola cable modem the entire time. (FYI: apparently Motorola no longer makes their own modems; use that information as you will, then buy an Arris.) Since discovering the true source of the problem, this router has performed excellently. And now that everything is actually stable, I've been able to go beyond basic connectivity and finally start digging into the more advanced features of the product. This router has a number of enhancement and convenience features that I never even looked at before. I would strongly urge those that read my previous review to give this device a second look, as I've been able to coax truly impressive performance out of this. I'm leaving my original review up for the lulz, but when reading it, just substitute "Motorola MB8600" whenever you see this product's name. Cheers!
---
Original review: I ordered the TP-Link AC4000 less than six months ago. Initially, it was decent--good speed, good stability, and the range was a noticeable improvement over my trusty old Tenda. The setup "required" you to install some absurd app, but after some digging, I was able to get to the web interface on the unit and skip taking up yet more space on my phone. After that, setup only took a few minutes, and all was well with the world for quite a while.
And then, about two weeks ago, I noticed I had never installed the firmware update. I suppose I'm at least partly to blame here, as I didn't do my usual scouring-the-internet-for-bug-reports before clicking the button. Lesson relearned yet again.
I code for a living, but I know very little of what goes into making a firmware build or what the process is like. That said, I understand enough to know that something went very, very wrong with the version I upgraded to ( '1.0.3 Build 20191026 rel.16299' ). The same day as installing it, I started to experience intermittent loss of connectivity, not on any of the wireless networks, but on the connection to the cable modem itself. When it happens, I can't even get to the cable modem's interface to see what's going on there--instead I get some unhelpful message about lost connectivity to the internet (so I need the internet to get to a device in my house. Got it). This is now happening at least twice per day. To top it off, when it IS working, I can no longer connect with my phone when I'm in certain spots in my yard, areas that worked before the update. (I wonder if the range change is some sort of FCC thing, but that wouldn't explain dropping the wired connection to the modem.) When this happens, the only fix is a power-off cold boot, as the 'reboot' function in the menu doesn't fix the issue.
I won't go through all the troubleshooting I've done, except to note that once you upgrade the firmware, this device will not let you go back to a previous version. And considering the "current" version appears to be from two years ago, a new update is about as likely as Harvey Weinstein taking back Miramax. I tried a number of tricks to force it but none worked. At this point I should note that, no, I haven't contacted support for this, and frankly, I'm not going to. I don't have hours to spend turning things off and on again while wishing for the sweet release of death, or at least mandatory jail time for whoever it is that records and sells hold music. Plus, I came up with a sort-of-drastic solution that should solve the issue permanently (more on that in a bit).
The last straw came yesterday when it dropped connection during a critical server maintenance procedure, literally at the single worst possible moment it could have happened. Fortunately, everything was fine (I was running my code in a Linux screen session, so it kept going), but the two-to-three-minute window waiting for it to come back up was absolute white-knuckle terror, not to mention the post-mortem drudgery of digging through logs to make sure all the steps had completed, as I had output piped to a different terminal, which of course went <poof>. I'm too old for this mess. Since it's outside the return window, *BECAUSE OF COURSE IT IS*, I petitioned (read: "begged") my employer to reimburse me for a Linksys, which is on its way. Meanwhile, it's back to the super-cheap nearly-no-name Tenda, which has worked flawlessly for years now and was only replaced because I upgraded my internet and wanted something faster for working from home, which is very popular lately for whatever reason. Sigh.
In summary, if I had the resources to do so, I would build a tiny rocket, strap the TP-Link AC-4000 to it, and launch it directly into the sun, whilst enjoying the fresh spring air with a few close (read: "vaccinated") friends and a glass of something expensive. Alas, I do not. Instead, I'm planning to give it as a Christmas gift to a couple I don't like. I'll flip it upside down, glue a couple of googly eyes on it, and tell their kids it's a robot spider. At least then no one would make the mistake of trying to use it as--shudder--a router.
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From the brand
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Founded in 1996, TP-Link is a global provider of reliable networking devices and accessories, involved in all aspects of everyday life.
With a proven heritage of stability, performance, and value, TP-Link has curated a portfolio of products that meet the networking needs of all individuals.
Now, as the connected lifestyle continues to evolve, the company is expanding today to exceed the demands of tomorrow.
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This Item  TP-Link AC4000 Tri-Band WiFi Router (Archer A20) -MU-MIMO, VPN Server, 1.8GHz CPU, Gigabit Ports, Beamforming, Link Aggregation |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | -32% $129.99 List: $189.99 | -22% $69.99 List Price: $89.99 | $342.15 | -15% $169.76 List: $199.99 | -32% $88.60 List: $129.99 | -17% $249.99 List: $299.99 |
| Delivery | Get it May 15 - 17 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16 | — | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| WiFi signal | ||||||
| User interface | ||||||
| Tech Support | ||||||
| Easy to install | ||||||
| Stability | ||||||
| Sold By | Verdi! | Amor Tech | Books Galore & More LLC | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
| connectivity tech | Ethernet | Wi-Fi Built In, Ethernet, USB | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB | — | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet |
| number of ports | 5 | — | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
| data transfer rate | 750 megabits per second | — | 6579 megabits per second | 5400 megabits per second | 2976 megabits per second | 9300 megabits per second |
| wireless standard | 802 11 AC | — | 802 11 AX, 802 11 AC, 802 11 N, 802 11 G, 802 11 B | 802 11 AX, 802 11 AC, 802 11 N, 802 11 G, 802 11 B | 802 11 AX, 802 11 AC, 802 11 B, 802 11 G, 802 11 N | 802 11 BE, 802 11 AX, 802 11 AC, 802 11 N, 802 11 G |
| frequency band class | tri band | tri band | tri band | tri band | dual band | tri band |
| lan port bandwidth | 2 | — | 10/100/1000 Mbps | 10/100/1000 Mbps | 10/100/1000 Mbps | 2.5 Gbps |
From the manufacturer
Premium WiFi Performance
Enjoy a premium WiFi performance with the Archer A20. The A20 comes with an unbelievably powerful processor and is packed with state-of-the-art features such as MU-MIMO, Tri-Band, NitroQAM, and TP-Link HomeCare. Enjoy explosively fast long range WiFi for more devices with the Archer A20.
Airtime Fairness
Airtime Fairness ensures your faster devices are not limited by slower devices on your network, keeping them operating at top speeds.
More Connections with MU-MIMO
MU-MIMO enables your router to work with several devices simultaneously so that everyone can hop online at once and experience a smooth connection**.
Speed Boost with 1024-QAM
1024-QAM increases the amount of data sent through your router, giving you a speed boost of up to 25% over previous generations.
Smart Connect
Smart Connect automatically steers your devices towards the optimal band, giving you a faster network with no extra work required.
Go Faster with Tri-Band Speeds
Use not just two but three networking highways to accelerate your network speeds and minimize disruptions. Reach combined speeds of up to 4.0 Gbps*.
Far-Reaching WiFi Coverage
From the bedroom to the basement to the backyard, the Archer A20 delivers stronger WiFi across your home. Together Beamforming and RangeBoost provide far-reaching coverage throughout your home.
Access 2 Gbps Wired Connection
Link Aggregation combines two LAN ports to boost connection speed giving you to access to a 2 Gbps wired connection to your NAS and other devices.
VPN Server
Create a server at home and a secure connection to it so you can safely browse the internet and access your files when you’re away.
Works with Alexa
Turn on/off guest WiFi with Alexa voice control.
Easy Setup and Management
Set up the Archer A20 in minutes and manage via the intuitive web interface or the powerful Tether app (available on Android or iOS).
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Reviews with images
Looking for WPA3 to get rid of that ‘Weak Security’ Message? This has it!
Easy to set up. Note: be careful with your cables as I apparently messed up one of mine and spent hours trying to connect to the internet thinking it was the router malfunctioning. I almost put the TP-Link back in the box to return until I reconnected my old router and it had the same problem. I tried a new cable and problem solved. So just be sure your cables are sturdy and in working order.Comes with: Router, one USB cable, power cord, quick start guide.On mine, there is the cable going from TP-Link router to my Spectrum modem. There is another cable going from my TP-Link to my ADT security modem. Yours may vary. Then there is the power cord. That’s it for me, though there are 4 USB ports, I only need one.Relatively small. It’s thinner than my old D-Link and Linkseys. Though you will need top room for the 3 antennae.The Tether App is free. There you can configure your wireless.WPA2/WPA3 NOTE! If you are looking to change from WPA2 to WPA3 then you need to log in to tplinkwifi dot net - there you will find the Wireless area in the Advanced tab to change from WPA2 to WPA3 - see above photo—if you look for it in the Tether App you probably won’t find it there. Using tplinkwifi . net takes you to where you can do more configuring of your router. So, again, go to that link, look for ‘Wireless’ and that will give you a dropdown menu where you will see WPS—click on WPS and then click on the Advanced tab at the top of the page—you’ll see where to change your WPA status there. Save and you are done.Once you save the WPA2 to WPA3, your iPhone should not show that Weak Security message. Mine immediately went away once I saved the WPA3 in the TP-Link website I wrote above.For setup, I used the Quick-Start guide, but I also scanned the QR code to go to the Tether App. Really, for me, a combination of the Quick Start guide, the APP, and going to the link above did the trick. All three of these allowed me to familiarize myself with what the router will do.My old workhorse laptop does seem to be loading things faster. My old D-Link router was pretty old so replacing it has given me more speed. As well, I have more wireless devices pulling on my router so this TP-Link will be great for that.My iPhone 8Plus and my old iPad Air 2 immediately recognized and connected. As well, my old laptop recognized and connected, immediately. Zero problems. My Samsung Smart TV recognized the TP-Link immediately as well. My Smart Watch, etc. All seem to be working great.As for customer service—well, not as good as I’d like but not awful. Don’t try to call as you will only be frustrated. An email got me a response within about 24-36 hours—not good if you want instant help. So a chat session netted me an answer to my question very quickly; however, I got lucky and only 2 people were ahead of me, but when I’d tried the night before there were 22 people ahead of me—lawd!They do have a ‘community’ where you can look for your question, but you have to dig around in there. There’s a FAQ page as well, but again, you have to dig.Despite the customer service being a little difficult, I’m super happy I took the plunge with the TP-Link. I’ve had Netgear (many years ago), Linkseys, and D-Link and while those were fine, this one just may be my favorite as far as how easy it was to set up, the APP experience, etc.NOTE: Don’t forget to look for firmware updates. These, if any, are located in the Tether App—look under ‘Tools’ and then scroll down to ‘System’ and there you will see ‘Firmware Update’ - there you will see if you need to do an update.In the App you can also do Parental Controls but I don’t need that. You can create a Guest Network. There’s diagnostics in there. And etc.One cool thing is you can set you LED lights (under LED Control) to go off at night. This would be great if you have your router in a room where you don’t want to see the lights. My lights are hidden from me at night, but I still use it and it works.And, if all you want to do is have a router for wireless and not do anything else, you can do that.I’m quite pleased with it. I highly recommend.Thank you for reading; hope it helps with your decision!, Kathryn.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2020
Comes with: Router, one USB cable, power cord, quick start guide.
On mine, there is the cable going from TP-Link router to my Spectrum modem. There is another cable going from my TP-Link to my ADT security modem. Yours may vary. Then there is the power cord. That’s it for me, though there are 4 USB ports, I only need one.
Relatively small. It’s thinner than my old D-Link and Linkseys. Though you will need top room for the 3 antennae.
The Tether App is free. There you can configure your wireless.
WPA2/WPA3 NOTE! If you are looking to change from WPA2 to WPA3 then you need to log in to tplinkwifi dot net - there you will find the Wireless area in the Advanced tab to change from WPA2 to WPA3 - see above photo—if you look for it in the Tether App you probably won’t find it there. Using tplinkwifi . net takes you to where you can do more configuring of your router. So, again, go to that link, look for ‘Wireless’ and that will give you a dropdown menu where you will see WPS—click on WPS and then click on the Advanced tab at the top of the page—you’ll see where to change your WPA status there. Save and you are done.
Once you save the WPA2 to WPA3, your iPhone should not show that Weak Security message. Mine immediately went away once I saved the WPA3 in the TP-Link website I wrote above.
For setup, I used the Quick-Start guide, but I also scanned the QR code to go to the Tether App. Really, for me, a combination of the Quick Start guide, the APP, and going to the link above did the trick. All three of these allowed me to familiarize myself with what the router will do.
My old workhorse laptop does seem to be loading things faster. My old D-Link router was pretty old so replacing it has given me more speed. As well, I have more wireless devices pulling on my router so this TP-Link will be great for that.
My iPhone 8Plus and my old iPad Air 2 immediately recognized and connected. As well, my old laptop recognized and connected, immediately. Zero problems. My Samsung Smart TV recognized the TP-Link immediately as well. My Smart Watch, etc. All seem to be working great.
As for customer service—well, not as good as I’d like but not awful. Don’t try to call as you will only be frustrated. An email got me a response within about 24-36 hours—not good if you want instant help. So a chat session netted me an answer to my question very quickly; however, I got lucky and only 2 people were ahead of me, but when I’d tried the night before there were 22 people ahead of me—lawd!
They do have a ‘community’ where you can look for your question, but you have to dig around in there. There’s a FAQ page as well, but again, you have to dig.
Despite the customer service being a little difficult, I’m super happy I took the plunge with the TP-Link. I’ve had Netgear (many years ago), Linkseys, and D-Link and while those were fine, this one just may be my favorite as far as how easy it was to set up, the APP experience, etc.
NOTE: Don’t forget to look for firmware updates. These, if any, are located in the Tether App—look under ‘Tools’ and then scroll down to ‘System’ and there you will see ‘Firmware Update’ - there you will see if you need to do an update.
In the App you can also do Parental Controls but I don’t need that. You can create a Guest Network. There’s diagnostics in there. And etc.
One cool thing is you can set you LED lights (under LED Control) to go off at night. This would be great if you have your router in a room where you don’t want to see the lights. My lights are hidden from me at night, but I still use it and it works.
And, if all you want to do is have a router for wireless and not do anything else, you can do that.
I’m quite pleased with it. I highly recommend.
Thank you for reading; hope it helps with your decision!, Kathryn.
Looking for WPA3 to get rid of that ‘Weak Security’ Message? This has it!
Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2020
Easy to set up. Note: be careful with your cables as I apparently messed up one of mine and spent hours trying to connect to the internet thinking it was the router malfunctioning. I almost put the TP-Link back in the box to return until I reconnected my old router and it had the same problem. I tried a new cable and problem solved. So just be sure your cables are sturdy and in working order.Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2020
Comes with: Router, one USB cable, power cord, quick start guide.
On mine, there is the cable going from TP-Link router to my Spectrum modem. There is another cable going from my TP-Link to my ADT security modem. Yours may vary. Then there is the power cord. That’s it for me, though there are 4 USB ports, I only need one.
Relatively small. It’s thinner than my old D-Link and Linkseys. Though you will need top room for the 3 antennae.
The Tether App is free. There you can configure your wireless.
WPA2/WPA3 NOTE! If you are looking to change from WPA2 to WPA3 then you need to log in to tplinkwifi dot net - there you will find the Wireless area in the Advanced tab to change from WPA2 to WPA3 - see above photo—if you look for it in the Tether App you probably won’t find it there. Using tplinkwifi . net takes you to where you can do more configuring of your router. So, again, go to that link, look for ‘Wireless’ and that will give you a dropdown menu where you will see WPS—click on WPS and then click on the Advanced tab at the top of the page—you’ll see where to change your WPA status there. Save and you are done.
Once you save the WPA2 to WPA3, your iPhone should not show that Weak Security message. Mine immediately went away once I saved the WPA3 in the TP-Link website I wrote above.
For setup, I used the Quick-Start guide, but I also scanned the QR code to go to the Tether App. Really, for me, a combination of the Quick Start guide, the APP, and going to the link above did the trick. All three of these allowed me to familiarize myself with what the router will do.
My old workhorse laptop does seem to be loading things faster. My old D-Link router was pretty old so replacing it has given me more speed. As well, I have more wireless devices pulling on my router so this TP-Link will be great for that.
My iPhone 8Plus and my old iPad Air 2 immediately recognized and connected. As well, my old laptop recognized and connected, immediately. Zero problems. My Samsung Smart TV recognized the TP-Link immediately as well. My Smart Watch, etc. All seem to be working great.
As for customer service—well, not as good as I’d like but not awful. Don’t try to call as you will only be frustrated. An email got me a response within about 24-36 hours—not good if you want instant help. So a chat session netted me an answer to my question very quickly; however, I got lucky and only 2 people were ahead of me, but when I’d tried the night before there were 22 people ahead of me—lawd!
They do have a ‘community’ where you can look for your question, but you have to dig around in there. There’s a FAQ page as well, but again, you have to dig.
Despite the customer service being a little difficult, I’m super happy I took the plunge with the TP-Link. I’ve had Netgear (many years ago), Linkseys, and D-Link and while those were fine, this one just may be my favorite as far as how easy it was to set up, the APP experience, etc.
NOTE: Don’t forget to look for firmware updates. These, if any, are located in the Tether App—look under ‘Tools’ and then scroll down to ‘System’ and there you will see ‘Firmware Update’ - there you will see if you need to do an update.
In the App you can also do Parental Controls but I don’t need that. You can create a Guest Network. There’s diagnostics in there. And etc.
One cool thing is you can set you LED lights (under LED Control) to go off at night. This would be great if you have your router in a room where you don’t want to see the lights. My lights are hidden from me at night, but I still use it and it works.
And, if all you want to do is have a router for wireless and not do anything else, you can do that.
I’m quite pleased with it. I highly recommend.
Thank you for reading; hope it helps with your decision!, Kathryn.
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
Gonzalo Villanueva
Justo lo que necesitaba.
Reviewed in Mexico on May 26, 2019
Gonzalo Villanueva
Reviewed in Mexico on May 26, 2019
Images in this review
Dimitri S
I am soo satisfied with this Router
Reviewed in Canada on January 26, 2021Gustavo Vega Vazquez
Excelente cobertura y velocidad WFI
Reviewed in Mexico on June 14, 2019Dan
Firmware update has solved all disconnect issues
Reviewed in Canada on March 26, 2021