Archer C2600 (Image Source: TP-Link)
TP-Link have launched the Archer AC2600 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router built on the Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) technology from Qualcomm. The Archer AC2600 is a significant step forward in the existing range of TP-Link Archer routers which have previously been based on Single-User MIMO (SU-MIMO) technology.
SU-MIMO based routers are limited to serving a single device at a time when allocating bandwidth resulting wasted or underutilised capacity. On the other hand, MU-MIMO enables the AC2600 router to serve multiple devices simultaneously which allows for full consumption of available capacity. For example, a SU-MIMO router capable of supporting 1300Mbps @ 5Ghz with a connected device supporting a maximum of 400Mbps would leave 900Mbps of unusable capacity at the router. Utilising MU-MIMO, the Archer AC2600 is able to bridge this gap through serving multiple devices simultaneously.
The next generation of Wireless AC technology, Multi-User MIMO, lets the Archer C2600 serve several mobile devices at the same time for speeds up to 3X faster performance for all devices on the network. Unleash the full power of your high-performance PCs, smart TVs, and consoles by using the router to seamlessly stream 4K HD video and game online across multiple devices at once with MU-MIMO, powered by Qualcomm® MU | EFX.
Source: TP-Link, 2015
Image gallery courtesy of TP-Link:
Specifications
| Archer C2600 | Archer C9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Class | AC2600 | AC1900 |
| Processor | 1.4Ghz Dual-Core | 1Ghz Dual-Core |
| MU-MIMO | Yes | No |
| Beamforming | Yes | Yes |
| External Ports | 4 x 10/100/1000Mbps LAN Ports, 1 x 10/100/1000Mbps WAN Port 2 x USB 3.0 Ports | 4 x 10/100/1000Mbps LAN Ports, 1 x 10/100/1000Mbps WAN Port 1 x USB 3.0 Port + 1 x USB 2.0 Port |
| Buttons | Wireless On/Off Button Power On/off Button LED On/off Button WPS Button Reset Button | WPS/Reset Button Wireless On/Off Button Power On/off Button |
| Wireless Standards | IEEE 802.11ac/n/a for 5GHz IEEE 802.11n/g/b for 2.4GHz | IEEE 802.11ac/n/a for 5GHz IEEE 802.11n/g/b for 2.4GHz |
| Wireless Speeds | Up to 1733Mbps @ 5GHz Up to 800Mbps @ 2.4GHz | Up to 1300Mbps @ 5GHz Up to 600Mbps @ 2.4GHz |
| Antenna | 4 Detachable antennas | 3 Detachable antennas |
| DHCP | Server, Client, DHCP Client List,Address Reservation | Server, Client, DHCP Client List,Address Reservation |
| QoS | WMM, Bandwidth Control | WMM, Bandwidth Control |
| Port Forwarding | Virtual Server, Port Triggering, UPnP, DMZ | Virtual Server, Port Triggering, UPnP, DMZ |
| Dynamic DNS | DynDns, NO-IP | DynDns, NO-IP |
| Dimensions | 263.8 (L) X 197.8 (W) X 37.3mm (H) | 221mm (L) x 86mm (W) x 168.5mm (H) |
Key Features
- 4 dual band antennas for maximum coverage with beamforming technology
- 2 USB 3.0 ports to provide high speed data transfer for USB 3.0 connected devices
- Powerful dual-core processor for improved multitasking abilities
- Multiple devices supported and serviced simultaneously through MU-MIMO
- Gigabit ethernet included for support of high speed wired connections
- Support for TP-Link Tether App
Performance
The Archer AC2600 performance was tested against the Archer D9 (AC1900) Wireless Dual Band Gigabit ADSL2+ Modem Router. A key part of the testing was to see how the AC2600 compared to the AC1900 for range. Range was tested in a regular home use type scenario – same room as the router, opposite corner of the home, one floor up and outside the home.
AC2600 Performance One Floor Up
AC2600 Performance Outside
AC2600 Performance Same Floor Opposite Corner
AC2600 Performance Same Room
As expected the Archer AC2600 performed as well or better than the AC1900 based Archer D9. Considering that the Archer AC2600 also supports higher speeds and MU-MIMO, this new model definitely performs better than its predecessor.
Summary
With increased demand in streaming services such as Netflix, Spotify and Apple Music combined with the proliferation of portable devices, it’s not unimaginable that consumers will start to hit the limits of older wireless routers in the home. This will be alleviated as we start to see more devices utilising technology such as MU-MIMO.
The TP-Link Archer AC2600 wireless router is an elegantly designed and built device for the home or small office user. Like all TP-Link routers, it comes feature packed and includes remote management capabilities via their tethering app on Android or iOS. For anyone looking for something powerful with both wireless AC and gigabit ethernet, it provides an immediate and user friendly option for a MU-MIMO based router.
