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expired Posted by CosmologicalConstant • Oct 15, 2020
expired Posted by CosmologicalConstant • Oct 15, 2020

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

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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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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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Oct 19, 2020
2,215 Posts
Joined Jan 2005
Oct 19, 2020
truckin76
Oct 19, 2020
2,215 Posts
Quote from NuttRN :
How can you tell if your router is struggling?
The New York Times will check it for you, they know all about struggling LMAO
1
Oct 19, 2020
4,546 Posts
Joined Jul 2009
Oct 19, 2020
SlickDillie
Oct 19, 2020
4,546 Posts
Quote from joaoh13 :
I noticed that the AX3000 USB port is black (2.0?) and the AX50 USB port is Blue (3.0?)

I can't confirm the specs on TP Link website, does anyone know?
Yes it is USB 2 for sure
Oct 19, 2020
347 Posts
Joined Sep 2011
Oct 19, 2020
vtlrockz
Oct 19, 2020
347 Posts
Quote from PeteyTheStriker :
Poster above mentioned that the AX20 has it listed in the specification for VLAN ID tagging. When I went to its latest firmware version in the emulator the option is there for the AX20.

So the AX20 can do the setup without a modem from Century Link, I double checked to make sure I didnt miss a newer version on the AX50 but still did not see that option under the AX50 in the emulator. There is newer firmware listed for the AX50 then is listed in the emulator, but I dont see specifically any mention of vlan tagging in the firmware updates, so can always gamble and see if it was added just not mentioned. Tp-Link does mention VLAN tagging under the AX50/AX3000 specification like the AX20, which just adds more confusion.

Very weird that a router one step down can do it, but not the newer more powerful router. Just wanted to give you the heads up, and I adjusted my initial post to prevent confusion.
That is pretty weird, because the same tag vlan is shown in the specs for AX50 as well.
Oct 19, 2020
12,166 Posts
Joined Nov 2010
Oct 19, 2020
PeteyTheStriker
Oct 19, 2020
12,166 Posts
Quote from vtlrockz :
That is pretty weird, because the same tag vlan is shown in the specs for AX50 as well.
Yes I double checked that and its listed, but I dont see anyway to assign a custom tag under IPTV on the AX50. As I mentioned the emulator version is older than what is current firmware on the router, so maybe they added it with firmware, but I looked at firmware notes and did not see at first glance. Only way to know for sure would be probably for someone to buy it and see if its there.
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Oct 19, 2020
10,951 Posts
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Oct 19, 2020
CosmologicalConstant
Oct 19, 2020
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Quote from joaoh13 :
Usually a Blue USB means it's USB 3.0 spec (5Gbit/s data transfer rate) and Black USB means it's USB 2.0 spec (0.48Gbit/s data transfer rate).

If you plan to use an external HDD as a NAS device with your router you want a USB 3.0
Thanks and all the more reason to get the AX50.
Oct 19, 2020
347 Posts
Joined Sep 2011
Oct 19, 2020
vtlrockz
Oct 19, 2020
347 Posts
Quote from PeteyTheStriker :
Yes I double checked that and its listed, but I dont see anyway to assign a custom tag under IPTV on the AX50. As I mentioned the emulator version is older than what is current firmware on the router, so maybe they added it with firmware, but I looked at firmware notes and did not see at first glance. Only way to know for sure would be probably for someone to buy it and see if its there.
Ah I see, thanks for checking. I am moving to a new place, guess I will get the ax20 to be on the safer side and avoid being a few days without internet.
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CosmologicalConstant
Oct 19, 2020
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Quote from themysticseer :
The New York Times will check it for you, they know all about struggling LMAO
and so does Trump.
2

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Oct 19, 2020
258 Posts
Joined Dec 2007
Oct 19, 2020
sunxh163
Oct 19, 2020
258 Posts
i got the price match through target online chat too. they allowed me to apply the 10% target circle coupon to place the order first and refund me the $10 price difference with walmart.

10% coupon can be found here:
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
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CosmologicalConstant
Oct 19, 2020
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Quote from Jsz0301 :

#1: Its more than likely that the AX50 Intel design is equivalent in some way to the Broadcom in the AX20 in terms of power.
tl;dr: Marketing.

#2.
-AC (3x3 + 80mhz blocks) was a pretty big jump relative to wireless N 40mhz limitation. Made dual band 5G mainstream.
-AC wave 2 gave us 4x4 radios and 160mhz.
-AX is a better variation of AC Wave 2 with better signal DBA in current form.
-6E is AX on a whole new 6ghz spectrum with 14 80mhz or 7 160mhz blocks. (compared to 2 80mhz on 5G without DFS) Less congestion and actual valid use of 160mhz. (160mhz on 5G kinda sucks) Will make 2.4g, 5g, 6g Tri-band mainstream.
#1: Thanks for distilling all the information and most importantly, for summarizing.
#2. Excellent information
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Oct 19, 2020
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CosmologicalConstant
Oct 19, 2020
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Quote from sunxh163 :
i got the price match through target online chat too. they allowed me to apply the 10% target circle coupon to place the order first and refund me the $10 price difference with walmart.

10% coupon can be found here:
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
Added to OP. Thanks.
Oct 19, 2020
219 Posts
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Oct 19, 2020
SpicyNuts
Oct 19, 2020
219 Posts
Lots of useful information in this thread. Thanks to OP and contributors for the info. However, is this the normal price for the TP-Link AX-20 / AX-50? Usually, I see a msrp and then a discount...

Looking for a recommendations: my 78yo mom has a 2 story 2200 sqft house. She has Frontier Fios 50/50 with a modem/router that she rents for $10/mo from them. It costs her $35 for the 50/50 but she can bump up to 500/500 for $50/mo but she only checks here email/light web browsing on her ipad/iphone. She also has a Nest doorbell and a Kwikset wifi numeric door lock. No other "smart" or IoT devices. The only time she would need higher speeds is when we and the grandkids visit 3x a year.

She is able to get 35-50 Mb/s on wifi all through the house except for one upstairs room where it drops to 10 Mb/s. Should I get the AX20 or AX50 for her to have better signal / speed everywhere in the house? She has 1 tv for streaming with a 4K firestick and her ipad/iphone. When grandkids visit, theres 5-6 devices in use and possible telework that would use 20-30 Mb/s. We could always increase our service levels when we come visit instead of having the 500/500 level all the time.

The Fios tech recommend installing the Eeros mesh system for her for ease of use and to maximize the wifi signal throughout the house. Should I get a mesh system for her, or should I just get a better wifi router? I realize that a mesh system like the Deco 9 or eero would cost more, but if it means I don't have to troubleshoot her wifi and internet from 2000 miles away, I'll gladly pay the premium.
Last edited by SpicyNuts October 19, 2020 at 01:55 PM.
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Oct 19, 2020
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CosmologicalConstant
Oct 19, 2020
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Quote from SpicyNuts :
Lots of useful information in this thread. Thanks to OP and contributors for the info. However, is this the normal price for the TP-Link AX-20 / AX-50? Usually, I see a msrp and then a discount...

Looking for a recommendations: my 78yo mom has a 2 story 2200 sqft house. She has Frontier Fios 50/50 with a modem/router that she rents for $10/mo from them. It costs her $35 for the 50/50 but she can bump up to 500/500 for $50/mo but she only checks here email/light web browsing on her ipad/iphone. She also has a Nest doorbell and a Kwikset wifi numeric door lock. No other "smart" or IoT devices. The only time she would need higher speeds is when we and the grandkids visit 3x a year.

She is able to get 35-50 Mb/s on wifi all through the house except for one upstairs room where it drops to 10 Mb/s. Should I get the AX20 or AX50 for her to have better signal / speed everywhere in the house? She has 1 tv for streaming with a 4K firestick and her ipad/iphone. When grandkids visit, theres 5-6 devices in use and possible telework that would use 20-30 Mb/s. We could always increase our service levels when we come visit instead of having the 500/500 level all the time.

The Fios tech recommend installing the Eeros mesh system for her for ease of use and to maximize the wifi signal throughout the house. Should I get a mesh system for her, or should I just get a better wifi router? I realize that a mesh system like the Deco 9 or eero would cost more, but if it means I don't have to troubleshoot her wifi and internet from 2000 miles away, I'll gladly pay the premium.
You may wish to reach out to PeteytheStriker who is active on this thread. In another post in this thread, he stated that a good router placed at a strategic location in a house can do as good a job as a mesh system. Maybe the AX50 will be that router.
Oct 19, 2020
993 Posts
Joined Jul 2018
Oct 19, 2020
Jsz0301
Oct 19, 2020
993 Posts
Quote from Bluelight :
I had bought a TP-Link Archer AX3200 Wi-fi 6 Tri-Band MU-MIMO Router from Costco for $179 last week. It is a bit more costly than the OP routers, but appears to provide very good coverage and is a newer model. I guess I'll stick with it.

https://www.costco.com/tp-link-ar...97042.html [costco.com]
I looked up internals.

2.4G and 5G-1 run off the same lower end SoC like the AX1800 (2x2 + 2x2 Radios)

5G-2 has a weird implementation of a 4x4 BCM43684 radio. 1440mbps means QAM256 and QAM1024 are disabled.. which seems extremely weird for a product that is marketed to push 1g internet. Max link should be 720mbps on a 2x2 client. IF you see higher on AX close range, TPLINK simply lies

Marketing claims 160HT can be enabled, but then this isn't a AX3200 product at all.

Regardless, this is the radio you use for long range performance.

The AX3200 is the same product as the AX6600 internally (4800 HT160, 1200 HT80, 600 HT 40) in other parts of the world.

I know ASUS region locks firmware and its impossible to "flash over" modern stuff, but this TPLINK product may be flash-able if you're willing to risk your device and return to Costco if stuff goes wrong. The only issue I see here is regional channels not working for US market. meaning.. youll lose the lower 5G 36-48 band.

Its likely an "AX6600" with some bullshit specs anyway.
Last edited by Jsz0301 October 19, 2020 at 03:15 PM.
Oct 19, 2020
186 Posts
Joined May 2005
Oct 19, 2020
Bluelight
Oct 19, 2020
186 Posts
Quote from Jsz0301 :
I looked up internals.

2.4G and 5G-1 run off the same lower end SoC like the AX1800 (2x2 + 2x2 Radios)

5G-2 has a weird implementation of a 4x4 BCM43684 radio. 1440mbps means QAM256 and QAM1024 are disabled.. which seems extremely weird for a product that is marketed to push 1g internet. Max link should be 720mbps on a 2x2 client. IF you see higher on AX close range, TPLINK simply lies

Marketing claims 160HT can be enabled, but then this isn't a AX3200 product at all. It's actually significantly better than they claim. AX4700..

Regardless, this is the radio you use for long range performance.

The AX3200 is the same product as the AX6600 internally (4800 HT160, 1200 HT80, 600 HT 40) in other parts of the world.

I know ASUS region locks firmware and its impossible to "flash over" modern stuff, but this TPLINK product may be flash-able if you're willing to risk your device and return to Costco if stuff goes wrong. The only issue I see here is regional channels not working for US market. meaning.. youll lose the lower 5G 36-48 band.

Its likely an "AX6600" with some bullshit specs anyway.
Thanks for the breakdown. Long range is definitely what I'm looking for!

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Oct 19, 2020
993 Posts
Joined Jul 2018
Oct 19, 2020
Jsz0301
Oct 19, 2020
993 Posts
Quote from Bluelight :
Thanks for the breakdown. Long range is definitely what I'm looking for!
If you have an AX200/201 card in a laptop or PC, go check the max link rate in windows while close range.

If it reports 1200mbps or 2400mbps (160mhz enabled, requires lower block of channels in most cases) then you have an AX6600 grade router.

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