The Archer GE800 from TP-Link is a high-performance router designed to leverage ultra high-speed fiber internet, featuring dual 10G ports and an SFP+ port. It supports advanced Wi-Fi 7 technology, promising remarkable speeds and low latency for multiple connected devices. The installation process is user-friendly, facilitated by the TP-Link Tether app. With an eye-catching design, it includes customizable RGB lighting and robust connectivity options. Performance tests indicate excellent stability and throughput across multiple devices, making it ideal for high-demand home networks.
The reason I was eager to put the Archer GE800 to the test is its impressive array of connectivity options, featuring dual 10G ports and a single SFP+ port. This makes it ideally equipped to harness the ultra high-speed fiber offerings from major internet providers, including Orange and Free.
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These robust ports enable users to leverage upstream and downstream speeds of 2, 5, or even 8 Gbit/s, recently rolled out by these ISPs, without any bottlenecks from your networking hardware. For once, your router won’t be the weak link in your home network.
Additionally, I was keen to experience the Wi-Fi 7 capabilities of the TP-Link Archer GE800. The promises of extraordinary speeds, negligible latency, and enhanced management features for all our smart devices piqued my interest. At my home, with consoles, smartphones, and various smart gadgets, we easily have around forty devices connected to our network.
This unit was provided by TP-Link for review purposes.
TP-Link Archer GE800 Easy Installation Process
The installation of the TP-Link Archer GE800 is incredibly straightforward. Simply download the TP-Link Tether app, available for both iOS and Android, and follow the step-by-step guidance. This method is particularly beneficial for those who may not be familiar with network setups.
Upon launching the app, you’ll allow it to detect the router, connect using the default credentials (usually found on the router itself), and customize your settings. The entire setup typically takes around 5-10 minutes.
The app will walk you through every stage, from establishing your internet connection to configuring your Wi-Fi settings, including creating your admin username and password. It automatically identifies the type of internet connection, though manual settings can be configured if needed.
For those who prefer a more advanced approach, the traditional web interface can still be accessed by typing the router’s IP address (commonly 192.168.0.1) into a web browser. This interface provides a more in-depth configuration experience compared to the mobile app.
After installation, one of your first tasks should be checking for firmware updates. Regular updates not only enhance security but also boost performance and compatibility with new devices, which is especially critical with cutting-edge technology like Wi-Fi 7.
TP-Link Archer GE800 Futuristic Design and Ergonomics
The TP-Link Archer GE800 is certainly eye-catching.
With its two vertical “wings” and customizable RGB lighting, it resembles a spacecraft from a science fiction movie. The app allows you to personalize the multicolor RGB lighting (options include rainbow, wave, comet, etc.), injecting a playful element, particularly for gamers. While I chose to keep the lights on, a simple button on the front can turn them off in just two seconds if you prefer a more subtle look.
These wings aren’t just for show; they house eight internal antennas (four per side) that effectively broadcast Wi-Fi signals. The customizable RGB lighting on each wing and the base adds a stylish flair that will appeal to gaming enthusiasts. You can configure these lights via the app to match your setup or to visually display the router’s status.
In terms of dimensions, it is quite large—29 cm in length, 20 cm in depth, and 22 cm in height. Finding the right spot for it is essential, especially since it includes an internal fan to prevent overheating. Speaking of the fan, it does emit a slight noise under heavy load, but it’s not overwhelming in a typical living room setting.
At the rear, the connectivity options are generous, featuring two 10 Gbit/s ports (including one SFP+/RJ45 combo), along with an SFP+. This is a significant advantage for future-proofing your network. These high-speed ports allow for direct connections to next-gen fiber boxes from providers like Orange or Free, supporting speeds of 2, 5, or 8 Gbit/s without any throttling.
You can also easily connect a NAS or a gaming PC for unparalleled data transfer speeds within your home network.
TP-Link Archer GE800 Performance: Advanced Technology and Outstanding Stability
The TP-Link Archer GE800’s primary strength lies in its capability to efficiently handle numerous connected devices at once. With a theoretical total bandwidth of 19 Gbit/s distributed across three frequency bands, this router is designed for households with multiple high-demand activities occurring simultaneously.
The newly introduced 6 GHz band, a standout feature of Wi-Fi 7, showcases remarkable throughput performance. In tests, it achieved speeds of over 3.6 Gbit/s at close range with Wi-Fi 7 compatible devices. Even without Wi-Fi 7 hardware, the 5 GHz band delivers stellar performance, easily reaching 1.9 Gbit/s nearby and maintaining commendable speeds even at greater distances.
The true advantage of Wi-Fi 7 in the Archer GE800 is its MLO (Multi-Link Operation) capability. This technology allows compatible devices to utilize multiple frequency bands simultaneously. Picture it like switching lanes on a highway without experiencing any slowdown. Your device can seamlessly transition between the 6 GHz, 5 GHz, and 2.4 GHz bands based on current conditions, ensuring the best connection at all times.
Stability is another highlight. Even under heavy usage with over 20 devices connected, the router continues to perform consistently without noticeable lag. Thanks to its quad-core processor and 2 GB of RAM, it intelligently manages traffic, prioritizing essential streams, such as online gaming or video calls.
Regarding coverage, results are satisfactory, though performance varies depending on the band. The 2.4 GHz band offers excellent penetration through walls and floors, making it ideal for larger homes. The 5 GHz band experiences slight degradation in farther reaches but remains effective. The 6 GHz band, while powerful, requires closer proximity to the router for optimal performance.
On the wired connection front, the multi-gigabit ports provide a significant advantage. The dedicated 2.5 Gbit/s port for gaming works flawlessly, ensuring minimal latency even when other network activities are ongoing. I was able to test the 10 Giga capability with the Freebox Ultra (via SFP+ cage), and it performed excellently.
The internal fan does get warm under heavy use, and the noise could be distracting in very quiet environments. Additionally, without AFC (a feature to boost the 6 GHz range, which is currently unavailable), coverage could still improve in larger residences.
Tests were conducted on fast.com (Netflix) and