Comprehensive comparison review between two leading TP-Link WiFi Routers, the Archer A6 V2.8 and Archer A6 V3. We’ll delve into four critical specifications: Wireless capabilities, Security features, Hardware components, and Software functionalities, aiding you in choosing the perfect router for your needs.
Archer A6 V2.8 vs. Archer A6 V3 Specifications
| Specifications | Archer A6 V2.8 | Archer A6 V3 |
| WIRELESS | ||
| Standards | Wi-Fi 5, IEEE 802.11ac/n/a 5 GHz, IEEE 802.11n/b/g 2.4 GHz | Wi-Fi 5, IEEE 802.11ac/n/a 5 GHz, IEEE 802.11n/b/g 2.4 GHz |
| WiFi Speeds | AC1200, 5 GHz: 867 Mbps (802.11ac), 2.4 GHz: 300 Mbps (802.11n) | AC1200, 5 GHz: 867 Mbps (802.11ac), 2.4 GHz: 300 Mbps (802.11n) |
| WiFi Range | 3 Bedroom Houses, 4× Fixed High-Performance Antennas, Multiple antennas form a signal-boosting array to cover more directions and large areas, Beamforming, Concentrates wireless signal strength towards clients to expand WiFi range | 3 Bedroom Houses, 4× Fixed High-Performance Antennas, Multiple antennas form a signal-boosting array to cover more directions and large areas, Beamforming, Concentrates wireless signal strength towards clients to expand WiFi range |
| WiFi Capacity | Medium, Dual-Band, Allocate devices to different bands for optimal performance, MU-MIMO, Simultaneously communicates with multiple MU-MIMO clients | Medium, Dual-Band, Allocate devices to different bands for optimal performance, MU-MIMO, Simultaneously communicates with multiple MU-MIMO clients, Airtime Fairness, Improves network efficiency by limiting excessive occupation |
| Working Modes | Router Mode, Access Point Mode | Router Mode, Access Point Mode |
| SECURITY | ||
| Network Security | SPI Firewall, Access Control, IP & MAC Binding, Application Layer Gateway | SPI Firewall, Access Control, IP & MAC Binding, Application Layer Gateway |
| Guest Network | 1× 5 GHz Guest Network, 1× 2.4 GHz Guest Network | 1× 5 GHz Guest Network, 1× 2.4 GHz Guest Network |
| VPN Server | OpenVPN, PPTP | OpenVPN, PPTP |
| WiFi Encryption | WPA, WPA2, WPA3 | WPA, WPA2, WPA3, WPA/WPA2-Enterprise (802.1x) |
| HARDWARE | ||
| Processor | Qualcomm CPU | Dual-Core CPU |
| Ethernet Ports | 1× Gigabit WAN Port, 4× Gigabit LAN Ports | 1× Gigabit WAN Port, 4× Gigabit LAN Ports |
| Buttons | WPS/Wi-Fi Button, Power On/Off Button, Reset Button | WPS/Wi-Fi Button, Power On/Off Button, Reset Button |
| Power | 12 V ⎓ 1 A | 12 V ⎓ 1 A |
| SOFTWARE | ||
| Protocols | IPv4, IPv6 | IPv4, IPv6 |
| OneMesh™ | OneMesh™ Supported, Without replacing your existing devices or buying a whole new WiFi ecosystem, OneMesh™ helps you create a more flexible network that covers your entire home with TP-Link OneMesh™ products. | OneMesh™ Supported, Without replacing your existing devices or buying a whole new WiFi ecosystem, OneMesh™ helps you create a more flexible network that covers your entire home with TP-Link OneMesh™ products. |
| Parental Controls | URL Filtering, Time Controls | URL Filtering, Time Controls |
| WAN Types | Dynamic IP, Static IP, PPPoE, PPTP, L2TP | Dynamic IP, Static IP, PPPoE, PPTP, L2TP |
| Quality of Service | QoS by Device | QoS by Device |
| NAT Forwarding | Virtual Servers, Port Forwarding, Port Triggering, DMZ, UPnP | Virtual Servers, Port Forwarding, Port Triggering, DMZ, UPnP |
| IPTV | IGMP Proxy, IGMP Snooping, Bridge, Tag VLAN | IGMP Proxy, IGMP Snooping, Bridge, Tag VLAN |
| DHCP | Address Reservation, DHCP Client List, Server | Address Reservation, DHCP Client List, Server |
| DDNS | NO-IP, DynDNS | TP-Link, NO-IP, DynDNS |
| Management | Tether App, Webpage | Tether App, Webpage |
1. WIRELESS
Both the Archer A6 V2.8 and Archer A6 V3 adhere to Wi-Fi 5 standards, offering impressive speeds and coverage. With AC1200 speeds, including 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, these routers are suitable for medium-sized homes. Equipped with four fixed high-performance antennas and beamforming technology, they ensure extended coverage and signal strength optimization. Additionally, both models support MU-MIMO technology for efficient communication with multiple devices simultaneously.
2. SECURITY
When it comes to Security features, both routers provide robust protection for your network. Featuring SPI Firewall, Access Control, IP & MAC Binding, and Application Layer Gateway, they safeguard your data and privacy. Moreover, both models offer guest networks and support various encryption standards like WPA, WPA2, and WPA3, ensuring secure connections for your devices.
3. HARDWARE
In terms of Hardware components, there are subtle differences between the Archer A6 V2.8 and Archer A6 V3. While both routers feature a Gigabit WAN port and four Gigabit LAN ports, the Archer A6 V2.8 is powered by a Qualcomm CPU, whereas the Archer A6 V3 boasts a more powerful Dual-Core CPU. However, both models come with identical button configurations and power specifications.
4. SOFTWARE
Finally, let’s explore the Software functionalities offered by these routers. Both the Archer A6 V2.8 and Archer A6 V3 support IPv4 and IPv6 protocols, ensuring compatibility with modern networks. Additionally, they feature advanced functionalities such as OneMesh™ support, Parental Controls with URL Filtering and Time Controls, and Quality of Service (QoS) by Device. Furthermore, they offer various WAN types, NAT forwarding options, IPTV support, DHCP management, and Dynamic DNS services for enhanced network management.
Conclusion
Both the TP-Link Archer A6 V2.8 and Archer A6 V3 routers offer impressive performance and essential features for your home network. The choice between them ultimately depends on your specific requirements, whether it’s the need for a more powerful CPU, additional security features, or specific software functionalities. We hope this comparison has provided valuable insights to help you make the right decision for your networking needs.