What to know
- The TP-Link WR940N sports a compact and sleek design, with a matte black finish and minimal branding.
- The Archer C20, on the other hand, boasts a more angular and aggressive design, with a glossy black finish and dual external antennas.
- If you’re looking for a simple and affordable router for a small space, the WR940N is a solid choice.
The world of wireless networking has evolved rapidly, with TP-Link emerging as a leading provider of affordable and reliable routers. Two of their popular models, the TP-Link WR940N and Archer C20, offer distinct features and capabilities. This comprehensive guide will delve into the key differences between these routers, helping you make an informed decision for your home or office network.
Design and Appearance
The TP-Link WR940N sports a compact and sleek design, with a matte black finish and minimal branding. It features a single external antenna, making it suitable for smaller spaces. The Archer C20, on the other hand, boasts a more angular and aggressive design, with a glossy black finish and dual external antennas. Its larger size and antennas provide enhanced signal range and coverage.
Wireless Performance
Speed and Standards: The Archer C20 outperforms the WR940N in terms of wireless speed and standards. It supports the latest 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard, which offers speeds of up to 750 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. The WR940N, on the other hand, supports the older 802.11n standard, with speeds of up to 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band.
Range and Coverage: The Archer C20’s dual external antennas provide superior range and coverage compared to the WR940N’s single antenna. It can effectively distribute a strong and stable Wi-Fi signal throughout larger homes or offices. The WR940N is more suitable for smaller spaces or close-range connectivity.
Features and Functionality
USB Port: The Archer C20 features a USB 2.0 port, allowing you to connect external storage devices or printers to your network. This enables file sharing, media streaming, and network printing capabilities. The WR940N does not have a USB port.
Parental Controls: Both routers offer robust parental control features. You can set up time limits, filter websites, and restrict access to specific devices. However, the Archer C20 provides more advanced options, such as keyword blocking and device prioritization.
Security Features
Encryption: The Archer C20 and WR940N both support WPA2 and WPA3 encryption standards, ensuring secure wireless connections. WPA3 offers enhanced protection against brute-force attacks and eavesdropping.
Firewall: Both routers have built-in firewalls to protect your network from unauthorized access and cyber threats. The Archer C20’s firewall is more customizable, allowing you to set up specific rules and exceptions.
Setup and Management
Installation: Both routers come with user-friendly web-based interfaces for easy setup. The Archer C20 also supports the TP-Link Tether app, which allows you to manage your network from your smartphone or tablet.
Firmware Updates: TP-Link regularly releases firmware updates for both routers, improving performance and security. The Archer C20 receives more frequent updates and offers more advanced firmware features.
Price and Value
The TP-Link WR940N is a budget-friendly option, typically priced around $20-$30. It provides basic wireless connectivity for small spaces. The Archer C20 is a more premium router, with a price range of $40-$60. It offers faster speeds, better range, and a wider range of features.
Which Router is Right for You?
The choice between the TP-Link WR940N and Archer C20 depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a simple and affordable router for a small space, the WR940N is a solid choice. However, if you require faster speeds, better coverage, and advanced features, the Archer C20 is the superior option.
The Verdict: Archer C20 – The Clear Winner
Overall, the TP-Link Archer C20 emerges as the clear winner in this comparison. Its superior wireless performance, enhanced features, and customizable options make it an excellent choice for most home and office networks. While the WR940N is a budget-friendly option, it falls short in terms of speed, range, and functionality. If you value fast and reliable wireless connectivity, the Archer C20 is the router to choose.
What You Need to Know
Q: Which router has a faster wireless speed?
A: The Archer C20 supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi and offers speeds of up to 750 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band.
Q: Which router has better range and coverage?
A: The Archer C20’s dual external antennas provide superior range and coverage compared to the WR940N’s single antenna.
Q: Which router has a USB port?
A: Only the Archer C20 has a USB 2.0 port for connecting external storage devices or printers.
Q: Which router offers more advanced parental control features?
A: The Archer C20 provides more advanced parental control options, including keyword blocking and device prioritization.
Q: Which router is easier to set up and manage?
A: Both routers offer user-friendly web-based interfaces for easy setup. The Archer C20 also supports the TP-Link Tether app for convenient mobile management.