The TP-Link Archer C1200 is a dual band, wireless gigabit router that appears to be an update to the Archer C5. It’s designed to provide enough bandwidth for the smooth streaming of games and videos. If you’re a fan of watching movies or television online, this router promises to help stream videos clearly and without hiccups during your viewing. If you’re a gamer, TP-Link believe that the C1200 will give you fast performance without any noticeable lagging, which can mean the difference between victory and defeat.
It certainly appears to be a robust device and comes with the usual inclusion of 4 gigabit ports. Like all the TP-Link routers we’ve seen, it’s also easy to install and maintain, even for the least tech savvy individual. The included Tether app will help guide you through the installation process and help you manage your Wi-Fi settings from the convenience of your mobile device.
The rear ports on the TP-Link Archer C1200
Underneath the Archer C1200
Our standard wireless tests were run to assess the wireless performance of the TP-Link Archer C1200 against the Archer VR600. The wireless signal was checked before we connected to the access point from 5 different locations:
Same floor next room separated by a void
Same floor opposite end of house
Signal strength summary of the TP-Link Archer C1200
Endpoint located one floor up and opposite corner of building
Endpoint located in the same room
Endpoint located on the same floor but at the opposite corner of building
Endpoint located on the same floor but in the next room
Endpoint located on the same floor but outside
We tested at the same locations again, after establishing a connection to the 5Ghz band on the C1200:
Endpoint located one floor up and opposite corner of building
Endpoint located in the same room
Endpoint located on the same floor but at the opposite corner of building
Endpoint located on the same floor but in the next room
Endpoint located on the same floor but outside
Finally, we conducted some basic file copy tasks over the wireless network using the in-built Wireless N on our Intel NUC and two Wireless AC USB adapters. As you can see from our results, you can still get a lot of variance even amongst the Wireless AC devices:
Copying 4K video samples across the TP-Link Archer C1200 wireless network using a D-Link DWA-192 AC1900 USB adapter
Copying 4K video samples across the TP-Link Archer C1200 wireless network using a Netgear A6210 AC1200 USB adapter
Copying 4K video samples across the TP-Link Archer C1200 wireless network using the Wireless N adapter in our Intel NUC
Out of the box, the Archer C1200 is ready to go with a combination of convenience and good performance. This is the perfect budget device to add to any home. Within minutes of taking it out of the box, you’ll have fast, house wide internet access.
The 3 antennas that are stationed behind the unit help amplify your wireless signal to cover wide areas. When you’re walking around your home with your phone or tablet, you won’t have to worry about losing connection to your Wi-Fi network.
We did have issues with performance on a Wireless N device (Intel NUC) but those went away when we connected via Wireless AC adapters. That said, there was a significant difference in speed between the Netgear and D-Link adapters with our file copy tests.
If you are after a budget wireless router for the home, the TP-Link Archer C1200 is one to add to your consideration basket.
TP-Link Archer C1200 AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Router Reviewed The TP-Link Archer C1200 is a dual band, wireless gigabit router that appears to be an update to the Archer C5.