TP-Link Archer C90 AC1900 Review

The TP-Link Archer C90 AC1900 is a dual-band wireless router designed to provide fast, stable, and reliable Wi-Fi for home and small office networks. Supporting the 802.11ac standard, it offers a balance of performance, coverage, and features suitable for streaming, gaming, and general internet use. This review explores the key specifications, performance, pros, and cons of the Archer C90 to help you decide if it meets your networking needs.

Introduction to the TP-Link Archer C90 Router

The Archer C90 delivers combined wireless speeds up to 1900 Mbps, with 600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. Equipped with four external antennas and dual USB ports, it aims to provide broad coverage and convenient network resource sharing. The router also includes Gigabit Ethernet ports and supports modern technologies like MU-MIMO for improved multi-device performance.

In this review, we will break down its features and real-world performance to give you a comprehensive understanding of what the Archer C90 offers.

Key Features of the TP-Link Archer C90 Router

1. Dual-Band Wi-Fi with 802.11ac Standard
   Supports combined speeds up to 1900 Mbps for fast and smooth wireless connections.

2. MU-MIMO Technology
   Allows simultaneous communication with multiple devices to reduce lag and improve network efficiency.

3. Four External High-Gain Antennas
   Enhance Wi-Fi signal strength and extend coverage over larger areas.

4. Dual USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 Ports
   Facilitate network sharing of external storage devices and printers.

5. Gigabit Ethernet Ports
   Four Gigabit LAN ports ensure fast and stable wired connections.

6. TP-Link Tether App
   Provides easy setup and network management from smartphones or tablets.

7. Comprehensive Security Features
   Includes WPA/WPA2 encryption, guest network access, and parental controls.

Performance and User Experience

The Archer C90 offers robust wireless performance on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The 2.4 GHz band provides good range for everyday devices, while the 5 GHz band offers higher speeds with less interference for bandwidth-intensive tasks like streaming and gaming. MU-MIMO technology enhances multi-device handling by enabling simultaneous data streams, reducing slowdowns in busy networks.

Thanks to four external antennas, the router delivers strong and consistent coverage, helping to eliminate Wi-Fi dead zones in medium to large homes. Dual USB ports add flexibility by enabling media and printer sharing over the network. The TP-Link Tether app simplifies installation and ongoing management, making it accessible even to less technical users.

Pros of the TP-Link Archer C90 Router

• Fast wireless speeds up to 1900 Mbps support high-demand applications
• MU-MIMO technology improves efficiency for multiple connected devices
• Four external antennas provide wide Wi-Fi coverage
• Dual USB ports (3.0 and 2.0) enable convenient device sharing
• Gigabit Ethernet ports offer reliable wired connectivity
• User-friendly TP-Link Tether app for easy setup and management
• Strong security features including guest networks and parental controls

Cons of the TP-Link Archer C90 Router

• Bulky design may not fit well in small spaces
• Firmware updates may require manual intervention
• Lacks some advanced QoS and mesh networking capabilities found in premium models

Tips to Maximize Your TP-Link Archer C90 Router

1. Place the router in a central, elevated location to maximize Wi-Fi coverage.
2. Use the 5 GHz band for devices that require higher speeds such as gaming consoles and streaming devices.
3. Utilize the USB ports to share media files or printers across the network.
4. Regularly update firmware to maintain security and performance.
5. Set up guest networks and parental controls to safeguard and manage network access.

Conclusion

The TP-Link Archer C90 AC1900 router is a solid choice for users seeking fast and reliable Wi-Fi with broad coverage and useful sharing options. Its MU-MIMO support and four antennas ensure good multi-device performance and extensive range. While it doesn’t offer some of the high-end features of more expensive routers, its ease of use, robust speeds, and comprehensive security make it an excellent option for most home and small office environments.

If you want a dependable, feature-rich router that balances performance and affordability, the Archer C90 is well worth considering.