Can the Archer C64 replace my ISP's modem-router?
No, it is not a modem: it needs a cable or DSL modem upstream, connected to its Gigabit WAN port, and a subscription with an Internet service provider. It then handles routing and Wi-Fi for the whole home.
Are the Ethernet cable and power supply included with the router?
Yes: the Archer C64 router, its 12 V / 1 A power adapter, an RJ45 Ethernet cable and the quick installation guide. Nothing else to buy for the router, and it stays compact: 120 × 120 × 27.9 mm.
Are all five Ethernet ports really Gigabit?
Yes, all five: 1 WAN port and 4 LAN ports at 10/100/1000 Mbps. None is capped at 100 Mbps: a wired link to a desktop PC, a console, a set-top box or a NAS is therefore never limited by the router itself.
Do I need to create two separate Wi-Fi networks for 2.4 and 5 GHz?
No. The Smart Connect feature combines both bands under a single network name and automatically steers each device to the most suitable band. You only manage one SSID; the guest network remains separate and is available on both bands.
Will I really get 867 Mbps over Wi-Fi?
No: 867 Mbps on 5 GHz and 400 Mbps on 2.4 GHz are theoretical physical data rates derived from the IEEE 802.11 standard. The actual speed depends on building materials, obstacles, the volume and density of traffic, and the capabilities of your own devices.
Will WPA3 protect all my devices?
Only those that support it: WPA3-SAE requires a compatible client device. The router also accepts WPA and WPA2 (WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK) for older equipment. The SPI firewall and IP/MAC address binding complete the protection on the local network side.
Does MU-MIMO speed up every device in the home?
It only benefits devices that also support it. With those, the router serves several devices at once instead of handling each in turn, which reduces waiting times. Beamforming also focuses the signal towards the detected position of your devices.
Can I restrict children's internet access and open a guest Wi-Fi network?
Yes, both. Parental controls restrict the times and content available on children's devices, and the guest network, available on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, keeps visitors isolated from your main network. QoS also lets you prioritise one type of use.
Does it work with an Internet plan that requires PPPoE credentials?
Yes. The WAN port supports dynamic IP, static IP, PPPoE (dual access), PPTP and L2TP connections. You enter your credentials from the web interface or the Tether app, and the router supports both IPv4 and IPv6.
Can a camera or server on the network be accessed from outside?
Yes. The router supports port forwarding, port triggering, UPnP and a DMZ, as well as dynamic DNS (DynDNS, NO-IP, TP-Link) so you can reach your network even when your public IP address changes. Remote management and DHCP address reservation are also provided.
How do I set it up if I know nothing about networking?
With the TP-Link Tether app on a smartphone, which lets you manage all the network settings from your phone, or through the router's web interface. The latter opens in a standard browser on Windows, macOS or Linux.
Is the Archer C64 router new and under warranty?
Yes:
new, sealed and supplied with its invoice, which serves as the warranty document for
1 year. It carries
CE and RoHS certification and operates between 0 and 40 °C. Full specifications are given in the
TP-Link datasheet (PDF).