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Expires 10/31 for 100,000 Times Viewed # 1 Recommended GIGABIT ROUTER; $116 at Target TP-Link Archer AX3000 Dual Band WiFi 6 MU-MIMO Router

$116.00
+52 Deal Score
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Update: This post has been viewed approx. 100,000 times on Slickdeals.

Target price of $129 less the 10% coupon is $116. Coupon Expires 10/31

#1 Rated by the New York Times.
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutte...fi-router/

You can get the AX3000 (Archer AX 50) for $116 at TARGET (see below)
https://www.target.com/p/tp-link-...A-79847621

HOW TO GET IT FOR $116 AT TARGET (2 WAYS)
New price is $129 and then apply the 10% off one electronic item (Target circle coupon). Total came to $116 and change. If you are a target Redcard member get additional 5% Redcard discount[/QUOTE]

10% coupon can be found here (Expires October 31):
https://slickdeals.net/?sdtid=14448551&sdop=1&sdpid=141342461&sdfid=30&lno=1&trd=https%20www%20target%20com%20offers%20targ&pv=&au=&sdtrk=SiteSearchV2Algo1&u2=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Foffers%2Ftarget-circle[/QUOTE]

At Walmart, you can get the $99 AX1800 (Archer AX 20) model. Note that "PeteyTheStriker" who is very knowledgeable on routers has commented extensively on this thread has recommended the upgrade from the AX20 to AX50 if you can afford it. Through Target (see above, you can get the AX 3000 for $116)

WALMART
$99 AX1800 (Archer AX 20)
https://www.walmart.com/ip/TP-Lin.../210201077

FOR ONLY $17 More (Target), you can upgrade from the Archer AX20 (AX1800) to the TP-LINK Archer AX50, i.e., AX 3000,
https://www.target.com/p/tp-link-...A-79847621

COMPARISON OF AX20 ($99) VS AX50 ($129) [ Thanks - zpeedster_m ]; Note that "PeteyTheStriker" who is very knowledgeable on routers has commented extensively on this thread has recommended the upgrade from the AX20 to AX50 if you can afford it.
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutte...fi-router/

TP-Link Archer AX50
The best Wi-Fi router
In our tests the TP-Link Archer AX50 created a speedy, responsive network even from across a medium house. You have to spend a lot more on a router—or a mesh kit if you have a very large home—to get anything even a little better. It's our first WI-Fi 6 (802.11ax) router pick.

The TP-Link Archer AX50 is reasonably priced, yet it can handle a growing selection of laptops and smart devices while surpassing the performance of routers that cost twice as much. It's generally speedy and able to reach long range, it has little lag even when the network is busy, and it's a great choice if you have a high-performance internet service plan. It's compatible with Wi-Fi 6, the latest wireless standard, and it comes with built-in security in the form of a lifetime subscription to updates.

TP-Link Archer AX20
If our main pick is unavailable
The Archer AX20 offers fewer features than our pick for a slightly lower price, but in most cases it can keep up in throughput, responsiveness, and ease of setup.

If our pick is out of stock or its price is more than $30 higher, you should consider the TP-Link Archer AX20 instead. The AX20 looks like the AX50 and offers a strong, responsive network that's nearly as good, especially if your house isn't larger than our 2,300-square-foot-test home. But it's not quite as fast at longer ranges, and TP-Link sacrifices a few advanced features and settings in its administration interface to meet the lower price

REVIEWS (Thanks "PeteyTheStriker")
https://play3r.net/reviews/networ...er-review/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXVGRKgaxYo

https://www.blacktubi.com/review/...cher-ax50/

https://techprojournal.com/tp-lin...ink_AX3000

Overall if you want a entry level to medium end router, you cant go wrong.[/QUOTE]

OTHER THINGS TO NOTE:

1. Donknows has a review on the AX3000 (Archer AX 50) this has thoroughly been discredited on this thread.

Quote from PeteyTheStriker :
As was mentioned by me and a few others, that DONGKNOWS review is poorly done. It is not an apples to apples comparison, he used a router with a brand new firmware comparing to an identical router with firmware over 6 months old which had major problems just like any other router around that time. It takes time to work out the bugs and TP-Link, Netgear, Asus to name a few all put out routers with bugged performance with their first set of Wifi 6 routers. So yeah..... Important to make apples to apples instead of reading something without understanding the testing. If he did it the correct way he would have had both side by side on the same firmware.The routers are identical outside USB 3.0 port and Homecare included on one, so you will get identical performance results with the same firmware.

2. CAT7, a CAT 6 or CAT5e cable is needed for gigabit Ethernet. Most cables made for the last 10 years are already 5e, so just saying that cables are usually never a bottleneck.
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Joined Mar 2006
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> bubble2 3,806 Posts
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nightanole
10-15-2020 at 06:52 AM.
10-15-2020 at 06:52 AM.
Quote from odie91 :
What setting should one change the renewal interval to? Google isn't really helping me out....
Longer, 24 hours to weekly. At 2 hours literally every device is doing an ip shuffle every 90 minutes. That is fine if you are running a coffee house, not so good if you have 20-30 devices that are seen by the router every day or so. "hey Mr mac addy 3532523t2t34t3 i see you left for work and came back, here is your old ip address back, i kept it safe just for you"

VS "its been an hour, why are you still here? Give me that ip back, im running out of reserves, here you can have a fresh one"
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CosmologicalConstant
10-15-2020 at 07:06 AM.
10-15-2020 at 07:06 AM.
Quote from PeteyTheStriker :
The SB6141 is a Modem not a router. The SB6141 is older but its still a Docis 3.0 device that should be able to get up to around 300 Mbps so there is no reason I can think of why you are only getting 85Mbps on a wired connection. I want to confirm when you say wired connection, do you have the Ethernet cable, looks like a larger version of the phone line going into your SB6141 then directly to your computer for your testing? Or do you have the ethernet cable going from the SB6141 going into your Archer A7 then from the A7 into your computer for your tests? You want to be using minimum a catergory 5 ethernet cable. They are extremely common and most ethernet cables are catergory 5 and the ones that come with the modem and router are all minimum catergory 5/5e if not 6 so that should not be an issue. There are higher levels of cable but it gets complicated to explain, and should not real impact you.

The only real way to get an accurate speed test is to run a cable from the modem to the computer and not use a router. That will give you the real number for you speeds.

As for the A7 for your service level, size apartment, and usage I believe it will suit you fine, especially for $50. I am assuming you primarily, surf, check emails, and stream movies?
Thanks you for your informative message. I will get back to you and much appreciate your explaining this so thoroughly.
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Joined Apr 2007
Rollin on two
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BrentH560
10-15-2020 at 07:14 AM.
10-15-2020 at 07:14 AM.
should i sell my ASUS Dual-band Wireless-AC1900P and get this?
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Joined Jul 2006
L8: Grand Teacher
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HomerJay
10-15-2020 at 07:21 AM.
10-15-2020 at 07:21 AM.
Does this support vpn client?
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Joined Dec 2007
L10: Grand Master
> bubble2 10,688 Posts
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Original Poster
CosmologicalConstant
10-15-2020 at 07:54 AM.
10-15-2020 at 07:54 AM.
Quote from PeteyTheStriker :
The SB6141 is a Modem not a router. The SB6141 is older but its still a Docis 3.0 device that should be able to get up to around 300 Mbps so there is no reason I can think of why you are only getting 85Mbps on a wired connection. I want to confirm when you say wired connection, do you have the Ethernet cable, looks like a larger version of the phone line going into your SB6141 then directly to your computer for your testing? Or do you have the ethernet cable going from the SB6141 going into your Archer A7 then from the A7 into your computer for your tests? You want to be using minimum a catergory 5 ethernet cable. They are extremely common and most ethernet cables are catergory 5 and the ones that come with the modem and router are all minimum catergory 5/5e if not 6 so that should not be an issue. There are higher levels of cable but it gets complicated to explain, and should not real impact you.

The only real way to get an accurate speed test is to run a cable from the modem to the computer and not use a router. That will give you the real number for you speeds.

As for the A7 for your service level, size apartment, and usage I believe it will suit you fine, especially for $50. I am assuming you primarily, surf, check emails, and stream movies?
Here is some data:
1. Yes. I am aware the SB 6141 is just a modem. I relied on the phone rep who told me that the SB 6141 could only accommodate around 120GBS vs the 200GBS that Spectrum provides on my line.

2. I haven't plugged the SB 6141 directly into my computer (without the router). I will try it tonight and test the speed.

3. My PC has a wireless card but also ethernet. I am assuming my internet speed is through the wired connection as at the bottom right corner of my screen there is an icon for "network internet access" as opposed "wifi". Wouldn't a wifi icon appear there if the internet is accessed through wifi?

4. My Netflix connection is slow (and hanging up) on my TV which accesses the internet connection over wifi.

5. I have no idea what CAT cable I have. I will look for markings.

6. I have yet to substitute the Archer 7 with the SB 6141.

7, My wifi speed for my phone is 20 to 28 mbs based on the speedtest that I take. My computer gets 50 to 85 mbs depending on which speed test I take. So I am assuming higher 50 to 85 mbs speed on the PC is because of the wired connection.

8. I also have an Arris TM602g/115 but the cable company says this device is only used for the cable phone line and doesn't interfere with anything else.

Thanks.
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Last edited by JoyTan October 15, 2020 at 09:01 AM.
Joined Nov 2016
L3: Novice
> bubble2 277 Posts
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Joedelalinea
10-15-2020 at 07:58 AM.
10-15-2020 at 07:58 AM.
Quote from jacure :
What if my modem already comes with wireless internet? Do i need another one?

Was the modem/router given to you by your internet provider?
Usually they give basic modems and routers you will end up getting more speed by installing your own modem and router
I went from 60mb to 110 by getting my own stuff
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Joined Aug 2011
L2: Beginner
> bubble2 83 Posts
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ipn
10-15-2020 at 08:39 AM.
10-15-2020 at 08:39 AM.
How does this compare with TP-Link Archer AX3000 $129?
@PeteyTheStriker - Thanks for all your informative posts
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Joined Nov 2010
L10: Grand Master
> bubble2 10,985 Posts
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PeteyTheStriker
10-15-2020 at 09:01 AM.
10-15-2020 at 09:01 AM.
Quote from JoyTan :
Here is some data:
1. Yes. I am aware the SB 6141 is just a modem. I relied on the phone rep who told me that the SB 6141 could only accommodate around 120GBS vs the 200GBS that Spectrum provides on my line.

2. I haven't plugged the SB 6141 directly into my computer (without the router). I will try it tonight and test the speed.

3. My PC has a wireless card but also ethernet. I am assuming my internet speed is through the wired connection as at the bottom right corner of my screen there is an icon for "network internet access" as opposed "wifi". Wouldn't a wifi icon appear there if the internet is accessed through wifi?

4. My Netflix connection is slow (and hanging up) on my TV which accesses the internet connection over wifi.

5. I have no idea what CAT cable I have. I will look for markings.

6. I have yet to substitute the Archer 7 with the SB 6141.

7, My wifi speed for my phone is 28 mbs. My computer gets 90 mbs. So I am assuming higher 90 mbs speed on the PC is because of the wired connection.

8. I also have an Arris TM602g/115 but the cable company says this device is only used for the cable phone line and doesn't interfere with anything else.

Thanks.
One thing I still need to clarify cause I am slightly confused. Your SB6141 is a modem only it does not have wifi and it is not a router so it cant give internet to multiple devices. What are you currently using as your router? You said you haven't installed the Archer A7 yet, that is a router and it still needs to work with a modem in this case the SB6141 so you would need both pieces of hardware. So what is your current router?

#1 Its very common for service providers to blame old equipment such as modems and force upgrades but it usually is for the better. Still your existing SB6141 modem looking at its specification sheet should work with your current service level, unless spectrum is doing something crazy in their line engineering.

#2 yes please do that, that is the only way to see what actual speeds you are getting. You should never judge your speeds through your router, cause the routers have something called QoS which manage your speeds by themselves and can give you modified incorrect results.

#3 the Icon if hardwired will look like a TV/computer monitor with a cable next to it. If its on wifi it would show the wavy lines extending out of circle and it would list connected and your network name when you hover over it.

#4 Is your TV a pretty good distance from your wireless router, if that the case thats probably why, you might also have a very basic wireless router.

#6 Look above for my question, cause you cant substitute the Archer A7 with your SB6141 you would use both of them together.

#7 I am skipping cause there is confusion on what your current wifi router is and I want to be clear on this.

#8 That would be a very old telephony modem so yes that would handle your phone service. As for not causing an issue that all depends if your main home line coming from the outside hits a splitter first then goes into both of these modems, or if each of these modems has a independent line running from the outside. Splitter can go bad and cause poor internet speeds.
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Joined Dec 2007
L10: Grand Master
> bubble2 10,688 Posts
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Original Poster
CosmologicalConstant
10-15-2020 at 09:06 AM.
10-15-2020 at 09:06 AM.
Quote from PeteyTheStriker :
One thing I still need to clarify cause I am slightly confused. Your SB6141 is a modem only it does not have wifi and it is not a router so it cant give internet to multiple devices. What are you currently using as your router? You said you haven't installed the Archer A7 yet, that is a router and it still needs to work with a modem in this case the SB6141 so you would need both pieces of hardware. So what is your current router?

#1 Its very common for service providers to blame old equipment such as modems and force upgrades but it usually is for the better. Still your existing SB6141 modem looking at its specification sheet should work with your current service level, unless spectrum is doing something crazy in their line engineering.

#2 yes please do that, that is the only way to see what actual speeds you are getting. You should never judge your speeds through your router, cause the routers have something called QoS which manage your speeds by themselves and can give you modified incorrect results.

#3 the Icon if hardwired will look like a TV/computer monitor with a cable next to it. If its on wifi it would show the wavy lines extending out of circle and it would list connected and your network name when you hover over it.

#4 Is your TV a pretty good distance from your wireless router, if that the case thats probably why, you might also have a very basic wireless router.

#6 Look above for my question, cause you cant substitute the Archer A7 with your SB6141 you would use both of them together.

#7 I am skipping cause there is confusion on what your current wifi router is and I want to be clear on this.

#8 That would be a very old telephony modem so yes that would handle your phone service. As for not causing an issue that all depends if your main home line coming from the outside hits a splitter first then goes into both of these modems, or if each of these modems has a independent line running from the outside. Splitter can go bad and cause poor internet speeds.
EQUIPMENT: My router is Tp-Link / TL-WR841N 6.0/7.0; Modem SB 6141; Arris TM602g/115 but the cable company says this device is only used for the cable phone line and doesn't interfere with anything else; contracted with Spectrum for 200mbps

TV is close to router...no more than 10 feet away.

Speed tests (with router connected) is:
50 to 85 mbs via confirmed wired depending on speed test. (Icon is hardwired and look like a TV/computer monitor with a cable next to)
20 to 28 mbs via wifi depending on speed test

Need to do speed test without router.
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Last edited by JoyTan October 15, 2020 at 09:15 AM.
Joined Oct 2012
L4: Apprentice
> bubble2 314 Posts
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austinxxpipo
10-15-2020 at 09:13 AM.
10-15-2020 at 09:13 AM.
Is this router good for gigabit internet? Live in 2 floor, 2000sq ft house.
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PeteyTheStriker
10-15-2020 at 09:16 AM.
10-15-2020 at 09:16 AM.
Quote from JoyTan :
My router is Tp-Link / TL-WR841N 6.0/7.0
Ooh man thats a really old router, and definitely part of your issue. N300 routers are not really made to handle speeds over 100Mbps especially with multiple devices. You should see a significant difference from the Archer A7 in terms of both speeds and coverage.

I would still run a cable directly into your modem and to your computer to verify what speeds you are getting from your internet service provider, but I believe the A7 will fix most of your problems.

The TL-WR841N is a bare minimum router which is great for low usage lower speeds when it first launched but that was over 6 years ago I believe so now its very heavily outdated.

If you plan on keeping your next router for quite a few years you might want to consider the additional $50 and get this AX deal cause you will not have to upgrade for a few years with it. With your A7 even for your speed and usage level you will for sure have to upgrade and replace it within 3 years to get inline with the new standards and new devices.
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Last edited by PeteyTheStriker October 15, 2020 at 09:19 AM.
Joined Nov 2010
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PeteyTheStriker
10-15-2020 at 10:08 AM.
10-15-2020 at 10:08 AM.
Quote from BrentH560 :
should i sell my ASUS Dual-band Wireless-AC1900P and get this?
It would definitely be a step up from your current device. The real question is though are you really having problems with your current setup that you need to upgrade? If you are not in a rush this router might fall in price even more during the Holidays as I think $99 is their new normal price.

Also if you are buying new devices nice to have the wifi 6 router to match the wifi 6 devices to get the real benefits. Older laptops and desktops can be upgraded to wifi 6 for about $20 and 15 minutes of labor in most cases.

Quote from ipn :
How does this compare with TP-Link Archer AX3000 $129?
@PeteyTheStriker - Thanks for all your informative posts
Sorry did not see this, if you @ someone it does not notify them, you usually have to quote or direct reply to them for them to get notified.

If you are not on a budget and okay with spending a bit more, yes the AX50/AX3000 is well worth it for $30 more, you get more total bandwidth, you get homecare which provides anti virus and parental control features, you get more robust QoS options. Its definetly a worth wild upgrade in my opinion, if your needs are pretty basic than stick with the AX20/AX1800.

Quote from austinxxpipo :
Is this router good for gigabit internet? Live in 2 floor, 2000sq ft house.
From other reviewer tests on wireless within the same room using a wifi 6 client you will get around 800 Mbps 30feet out about 450Mbps. So for the most part with wireless you will pretty much utilize all your gig internet. Just set proper expectations this is a entry level router, so its missing some frills such as custom QoS controls. For price to performance ratio its hard to beat if you want a router that just works and wont cost an arm and a leg. If you want something more robust look above I guess the AX3000 series is on sale for $130 somewhere so it would get you more out of your connection.

Quote from HomerJay :
Does this support vpn client?
Per the manufacture direct,

VPN Server OpenVPN
PPTP
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Joined Apr 2007
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> bubble2 1,925 Posts
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tomdc
10-15-2020 at 10:15 AM.
10-15-2020 at 10:15 AM.
Quote from sovandara_chea :
It drops devices and sometime reboot the whole 2.4 GHz band. Frankly, my next upgrade will be a mesh wifi-6 . I am waiting for the black friday deal for them. Another thing to note for the wifi-home-automators, if you don't want your love ones to pull their hair from wifi dropping, make sure they are using the 5 GHz Smilie.
I have a $5 timer on my router that turns it off and back on after 30 minutes at 4am. I found this solved most of my problems with many connected devices like security cams. I also have mesh but it doesn't help as much as the daily router reboot.
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Delearious02
10-15-2020 at 10:15 AM.
10-15-2020 at 10:15 AM.
I see people saying they got decent speeds out of this but I am only able to pull high 200s where my crappy router that came with my cox service will pull 450. I will say setup was a breeze and the router does feel sturdy for a low end router. Sometimes the range bugs out and reads low for a few seconds even though I am 10 feet from it but then seems to get a handle and goes to full signal again.
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Joined Nov 2010
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PeteyTheStriker
10-15-2020 at 10:22 AM.
10-15-2020 at 10:22 AM.
Quote from Delearious02 :
I see people saying they got decent speeds out of this but I am only able to pull high 200s where my crappy router that came with my cox service will pull 450. I will say setup was a breeze and the router does feel sturdy for a low end router. Sometimes the range bugs out and reads low for a few seconds even though I am 10 feet from it but then seems to get a handle and goes to full signal again.
This router has real basic QoS (quality of service) entry level router so its expected. As for your speeds to really get the high end speeds you need an AX 2x2 client to see speeds of 500Mbps+.

One of the few reviews I could find on this model showed impressive speeds.

https://www.blacktubi.com/review/...cher-ax20/

Also when speed testing you have to make sure your connected to 5Ghz and not 2.4Ghz which I think you already know and probably are. Very interesting that your only pulling 200Mbps, my only current guess is the QoS might be doing it.
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