TP-Link Archer AX50 (AX3000) Dual Band Gigabit WIFI 6 Router Review
The TP-Link Archer AX50 is a unique reasonably priced router that sits between high-end and budget routers. In our tests, it had the most up-to-date Wi-Fi 6 technology and consistently excellent throughput speeds. It also has link aggregation, lifetime parental controls, and anti-malware software, which are usually only seen on more expensive models.
Features:
The TP-Link Archer AX50 is a double router with potential limit (theoretical) 2.4GHz and 5GHz speeds of 574Mbps and 2,402Mbps, respectively. It includes OFDMA packet transmissions, MU-MIMO simultaneous data streaming, direct-to-client beamforming, and Smart Connect, as well as the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) technology. The AX50 does not have any multi-gigabit ports, however, it does allow link aggregation. The TP-Link Tether mobile app for Android and iOS smartphones, as well as the web portal, can be used to administer the AX50. Panels for both Wi-Fi radio bands and the guest network are located at the bottom of the home screen. Tap the relevant panel to view 2.4GHz or 5GHz wireless settings.
Design and build:
The TP-Link Archer AX50 features five Gigabit Ethernet connections on the back, including one WAN, four LAN, and a USB 3.0 port, as well as four big adjustable antennae. Because there is no built-in modem, you’ll need to make sure you have an ISP-supplied modem. you can put it in modem mode before connecting everything.
Hardware and specs:
The TP-Link Archer AX50 is a 22-channel WiFi router with OFDMA and MU-MIMO capabilities. It also supports 5Ghz DFS channels with a maximum speed of 160Mhz. It is equipped with an Intel WiFi chipset and an Intel AnyWAN GRX350 SoC, as well as 256MB of RAM. During operation, it does get a little warmer, but this has no bearing on performance.
Setup:
The Archer AX50 is a low-cost WiFi router that connects to the internet using your ISP’s cable modem. The default WiFi name and password are labeled on the device, and you can configure the router using a computer’s web interface. The setup is incredibly easy, and it just takes around 10 minutes to get everything up and running. Connect the Unifi Hypp TV box to the LAN 1 port and then pick the ‘Unifi’ profile during the setup procedure if you want to utilize Unifi.
Solid Throughput and signal strength:
The Tether mobile app or the web console makes it simple to set up the TP-Link Archer AX50. Its 109Mbps speed outperformed the D-Link DIR-LX1870 (100Mbps) and Linksys MR 7350. (78Mbps). The AX50 claimed the top spot, reaching a speed of 42Mbps when measured at a distance of 30 feet. The installation was completed after a brief firmware upgrade. During our throughput testing, the AX50 performed admirably.
However, its speed of 231Mbps on the 30-foot test was the fastest. The write speed of the TP-Link Archer AX50 was 42MBps, which is acceptable but not as fast as the Asus RT-AX86U or Linksys MR-7350. The AX50 provided a robust 2.4GHz signal throughout the majority of our test home, however, the signal weakened in the house’s far corners and garage. The 5GHz radio on the router provided better range, with the signal being pretty strong throughout the home.
Performance:
Wi-Fi 6 is in its initial phases, and most of your household devices are likely equipped with Wi-Fi 5 radios, and that’s a positive aspect. The fastest link speeds I measured were 1201Mbps, implying that in the real world, 2402Mbps should be attainable with the right equipment. The feature set of the TP-Link Archer AX50 is identical to those of other draft-stage WiFi 6 routers released about the same time. Wi-Fi 6 is one of the most innovative technologies to date.
OFDMA divides channel bandwidth into smaller sub-carriers, which are then assigned to particular devices. The more resource units there are, the greater the channel width, and they might be of various sizes. This translates to lower latency and a wider bandwidth range (with WiFi 5). After a quick firmware upgrade, the tether was completed.
Pros:
- Installation is simple.
- Signal strength and throughput are both excellent.
- Parental restraints that are strict
- Anti-malware software
- Aggregation of links
Cons:
- Doesn’t support WPA3 and has mediocre file-transfer speeds.
Conclusion:
The TP-Link Archer AX50 is a cost midrange Wi-Fi 6 router with fast throughput, antivirus software, and lifetime parental controls. It has fast wifi speeds, a good range, and is reliable, as well as a variety of useful features. Coverage is usually good, but it isn’t adequate for large residences; you’ll need to add something to boost the signal.
