The Chinese company TP-Link has been offering quality wireless solutions for Internet reception in homes and businesses for many years. Among its catalog we find the TP-Link Archer C1200, a device focused on speed and security .
Today we need to enjoy our bandwidth to the fullest, operating with different devices at the same time without problems. The TP-Link Archer C1200 seeks to optimize this consumption using two frequencies and offering a speed of up to 1200 Mbps . Also, with the Tether app, setup is much easier. Besides, its current price is cheap, 50 euros. Let's see this device in more detail.
Design
In this TP-Link Archer C1200 we find a fairly traditional design, far from the gamer look of other models. In black, with the three antennas placed at the rear and the signs illuminated in green in front. Its measurements are 243 x 160.6 x 32.5 millimeters, which make it a fairly manageable terminal.
The buttons available are three: a Power button, another WPS / Wireless button and a Reset button button. As for the ports, integrated in the back, we find 4 Ethernet input ports, an Internet port, and finally a USB 2.0 port . This port is designed to connect external devices and share them with the entire network. For example, printers, hard drives, cameras, or flash drives.
TP-Link Archer C1200 datasheet
Antennas | 3 external antennas | |
Ports | 4 10/100 / 1000Mbps LAN Ports 1 10/100 / 1000Mbps WAN Port 1 USB 2.0 Port | |
Wireless standards | IEEE 802.11ac / n / a 5GHz IEEE 802.11n / g / b 2.4GHz | |
Frequency | 5GHz and 2.4GHz | |
Signal rate | 5GHz: Up to 867 Mbps 2.4 GHz: Up to 300Mbps | |
Security | Encryption WEP 64/128-bit, WPA / WPA2, WPA-PSK / WPA2-PSK | |
Dimensions | 243 × 160.6 × 32.5mm | |
Other functions | Wireless Radio On / Off, WMM, Wireless Statistics | |
Launching | Available | |
Price | 50 euros |
Signal
The key to the operation of the TP-Link Archer C1200 router is in the dual band. From two frequencies, 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz, the signal is distributed so that we can dedicate it to the most opportune activity. Thus, the 5 GHz network supports up to 867 Mbps, while the 2.4 GHz network supports up to 300 Mbps . In total, 1267 Mbps.
In practice, the user will find two lines to connect to. 5 GHz connection is designed for activities that require greater bandwidth consumption, such as displaying a streaming in HD or play games online . On the other hand, the 2 GHz connection has a recommended use for simple Internet browsing: social networks, checking email, online shopping, etc.
In this way, we can get the most out of a 1200 Mbps connection , and never get hung up on our favorite series or in the most complicated phase of the game.
software
In addition to signal reception, the TP-Link AC1200 router has its own software that allows us to perform some more actions. For example, it allows us to adjust parental control parameters for the different devices that may have connected to the network.
We can also create a guest network , independent of the main network, so that we can guarantee limited use without having to reveal confidential passwords. This is a really useful function that makes the connection process easier for guests of all kinds, from friends of our children to potential clients we receive at home.
Tether app
These procedures can be carried out through the TP-Link Tether app. It is available for free for both Android and iOS. In both cases, it offers us a simple and visual interface, from which we can view all the devices of the two networks .
It is easy in this way to differentiate recognized devices from those that are not. What happens in these cases? If we find an intruder device connected to any of our networks, we just have to drag it out of the circle and the app will block Internet use for that terminal . In case we made a mistake, we have an area within the app where all the blocked devices are located, from which we can easily unlock.
The TP-Link Tether app allows us to customize both the name of the network and that of all devices . In this way, it is easier to recognize possible interference and not make mistakes. We can specify if it is an iPhone, Android phone, if it is a tablet, a desktop computer, a laptop or a Smart TV.
By easily visualizing which one of the devices is, we can also easily establish parental control patterns, through a specific section for it. By selecting the personalized profiles of the children, we will include them in a list where we can specify what type of content they can connect to from the home network, as well as a connection time . A simple and quick measure that will reassure parents, especially when they are away from home.
As for the guest network, we have the option to choose if we want it to be a 2.4 GHZ or 5 GHz one, with its own password, or even without any , if we want to make it easier.
System Requirements
In order to install the TP-Link Archer C1200, we must have a Microsoft Windows 98SE, NT, 2000, XP, Vista or Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 10 operating system . Other supported operating systems are MAC OS, NetWare, UNIX, or Linux.
Availability and price
This router originally went on sale at a price of 90 euros, but currently we can find it for almost half the price on the Internet. For example, Amazon is selling it for [amazon_link asins = 'B01LLAK1SI' template = 'PriceLink' store = 'tuexpertocom-21 ′ marketplace =' ES 'link_id =' 9c1badd4-a763-11e7-be31-69b21152f77e ']. It is a very good opportunity to get hold of this powerful router that guarantees a safe use of the network making the most of the connection .