TP-Link Archer GX90 Review | The comparison

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• TP-Link Archer GX90 Review | The comparison

2 minute review

TP-Link's Archer line remains a good choice for people looking for an affordable upgrade to their home router. However, there are also some high-performance models available in the lineup, including the recently released Archer GX90. Datasheet Wireless connectivity: WiFi 802.11 (IEEE 4ax), tri-band XNUMX GHz + XNUMX GHz + XNUMX GHz
Processor: one with five GHz, 4 cores
Memory: five hundred and twelve MB
Storage: XNUMX MB flash memory
Beamforming: explicit for 4 GHz, XNUMX GHz and XNUMX GHz
Ports: 1x two.5 Gigabit Ethernet, 4x Gigabit Ethernet, 1x USB thirty, 1x USB two.0
Dimensions (HxWxD - antennas included): 90 x 3 x 802.11 mm, 6 kg Retailing at €90, the GX90 is strongly focused on the gaming market , giving 90-band Wi-Fi six (also known as 329.99ax) with a maximum speed of 6 Gbps. That's not a bad price for a high-end router like this, and the GX90 offers a number of additional features that will especially appeal to serious gamers looking for a competitive edge. The GX802.11 costs AU$XNUMX for Australian customers, but interestingly, the US goes for a different model called the AXXNUMX, which looks slightly different but offers similar features and performance for $XNUMX. You'll need a computer or other mobile device that supports Wi-Fi XNUMX to get the most out of the GXXNUMX, but the router will still be compatible with existing devices that also use XNUMX Wi-Fi. Ac.

Design and functionality

(Image credit: Avenir) As all the drivers for games, the GX90 is adorned with an intimidating variety of large antennas and points (ocho, for more precision) than wearing a Battlestar Galactica Cylon battlecruiser. It's big and bulky, and it will take some space around it to give these antennas a clear view to transmit the Wi-Fi signal to the farthest parts of the solar system (or your upstairs bedroom - depending on la más cercana).

(Image credit: Avenir) There are three Gigabit Ethernet ports to provide a wired connection for a laptop, game console, or set-top box, as well as a fourth Gigabit Ethernet port that can function as a wired connection or to connect to your existing modem or router. to use your Internet connection. And, if you're lucky enough to have really fast broadband, there's a fifth Ethernet port that also supports 2,5Gb connections. The GX90 router also supports TP-Link's OneMesh technology, allowing you to form a larger mesh network with other TP-Link routers or range extenders like your new RE650X. There are other Wi-Fi 6 routers now available that offer similar tri-band performance, but the GX90 stands out with a number of distinctly gaming-focused features. Instead of simply creating 2 networks on the 2,4GHz and 5,0GHz bands, the GX90 allows you to create a third network using the second 5,0GHz band and assign that third network to your "game band" . Dedicated, with a speed of 4,8 Gbit / s only for this band. There is a QoS (Quality of Service) option that allows you to prioritize tasks like gaming, video streaming, or downloading large files. And, if you don't mind exploring the router's web browser interface, there are diagnostic tools that can help you monitor your gaming performance and also prioritize allocated bandwidth to individual devices, like a game console or PC. The GX90 also provides good parental controls, with scheduling options to limit children's Internet use and content filters to block adult websites or other inappropriate content. But, if managing three separate Wi-Fi networks seems a bit intimidating, there's a "smart connect" option that lets you merge them into a single network and automatically connect your devices to the fastest frequency band. They can take over. Image 1 of 2

(Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Avenir)

Performance and start-up

References Ookla Speed ​​Test - 2,4 GHz (upload / download)
Within 5 feet, unobstructed: 100 Mbps / 11 Mbps
Within 30 feet, three partitions: 100 Mbps / 11 Mbps Ookla Speed ​​Test - 5.0 GHz
Within 5 feet, unobstructed: 100 Mbps / 11 Mbps
Within 30 feet, three partitions: 100 Mbps / 11 Mbps Ookla Speed ​​Test - 5.0 GHz (gaming band)
Within 5 feet, unobstructed: 100 Mbps / 11 Mbps
Within 30 feet, three partitions: 100 Mbps / 11 Mbps 20 GB Steam Download - 2,4 GHz
Within 5 feet, unobstructed: 12,5 MB / s
Within 30 feet, three partitions - 12,5 MB/s 20 GB Steam Download - 5,0 GHz
Within 5 feet, unobstructed: 12,5 MB / s
Within 30ft Three Partitions - 12,5MB/s 20GB Steam Download - 5.0GHz (Gamband)
Within 5 feet, unobstructed: 13 MB / s
Within 30 feet, three partitions: 13MB/s We encountered a few small issues using the TP-Link Tether app to get started. Once the router is plugged in and connected, the app allows you to scan a QR code printed on the router so it can automatically connect to your new Wi-Fi network. It worked without a problem, but we kept getting messages. Error messages telling us that the router was not connected to the Internet, even though we had already connected it to our existing broadband router. It wasn't until after some more digging through the app that we found an option that requires you to specify which of the router's two available Ethernet ports, 1Gb or 2.5Gb, is used for the Internet connection. This really should be part of the initial login process, and the app's habit of using jargon like “MAC address” and “dynamic IP” could also be a bit confusing for new users. However, more experienced users and gamers will appreciate the web browser interface that really allows you to dive into your network settings and tweak your game's performance. The GX90 does not disappoint on this point either. We tested all three of their Wi-Fi networks, and as expected, all three bands performed well with the Ookla speed test, hitting 100 Mbps download and 11 Mbps download for devices in the same room as the router, which our broadband connection.

(Image credit: Avenir) Steam download performance has also been excellent in this room, effortlessly scaling up to the maximum 12,5MB/s supported by our office broadband connection, and the third "game pool" sometimes goes as high as 13 MB / s. Not surprising, but we were delighted to find that the GX90's performance remained strong on all three bands, even as we moved into our back office, where questionable Wi-Fi normally forces us to rely on it. quite. A high-end router like this will likely be overkill for home users who just want to watch Netflix and make the occasional Zoom call for work, but if you're serious about gaming, the GX90's speed and features will win. their lives. keep.

(Image credit: Avenir)

Buy it if...

You have crazy skills
The GX90 is a fast and versatile router, but its real focus is gaming, with a dedicated 5GHz 'gaming band' that lets you make the most of your home bandwidth and additional tools for fine-tuning your router performance. game. money is not an object
The GX90 isn't too expensive for a high-end Wi-Fi XNUMX router, but it's still pretty expensive for most people. In fact, it's much faster than most home broadband services, so it's not essential unless you have very fast fiber broadband. Your children also play
Surprisingly, the GX90 manages to provide good parental controls, as well as all its gaming features. There are content filters to block inappropriate content, with predefined profiles for children of different ages. You can also create a schedule to limit internet use on school nights.

Don't buy it if...

You have a budget
Most national broadband services cap between 100 and 150 Mbps, so a router capable of 6,6 Gbps will be well above that for most of us. There are plenty of cheaper routers out there, including routers that still employ the older version 802.11ac of Wi-Fi (aka Wi-Fi 5), that can handle some pretty decent gaming action. you are not a player
The GX90 is heavily geared towards gaming, and its speed and specialized features will be overkill for more mundane tasks like watching Netflix and making Zoom calls. Most of us also don't have Wi-Fi 6-enabled computers or mobile devices yet. you're a little tight
The GX90 is big and bulky, and its array of sharp antennas is designed to provide Wi-Fi coverage for larger homes with up to 4 bedrooms. There are cheaper models in the Archer range that are more suitable for smaller homes.