TP-Link Archer C3150是一款较旧的无线路由器(wireless router)，最近进行了更新。我们测试了它的V2 版本(V2 variant)，我们对它的硬件规格和美观印象深刻。此外，TP-Link对其固件进行了一些重大改进，其中现在包括与Trend Micro合作生产的高级安全工具。如果您对TP-Link Archer C3150是否值得购买感到好奇，请阅读此评论并了解：
TP-Link Archer C3150：它对谁有好处？
该无线路由器(wireless router)适用于：
- 没有很多厚墙的中型公寓和办公空间
- 希望在其无线路由器中内置安全性的用户
- 需要高级家长控制的有孩子的人
- 想要快速无线网络的用户(wireless network)
- 具有许多设备的家庭网络需要具有强大硬件的无线路由器
优点和缺点
TP-Link Archer C3150 v2具有以下优点：
- 改进的固件包括高级安全工具和家长控制
- 2.4 GHz 无线(GHz wireless)频段的出色覆盖范围和速度(coverage and speed)
- 5 GHz 无线(GHz wireless)频段上的出色速度
- 它有一个令人愉快的设计
- 强大的多语言支持
- 它可以使用移动应用程序进行远程控制
- 它可以安装在墙上
- USB 3.0 端口非常快
这款无线路由器(wireless router)也有一些弱点：
- 使用三年后，您必须为路由器内置的杀毒软件付费
- 您的 TP-Link Cloud 帐户(Cloud account)不受两步验证和其他安全措施的保护
- 5GHz频段(GHz band)上的无线覆盖范围(wireless coverage area)可提升
- 我们在无线网络(wireless network)上遇到了一些小的稳定性问题，但仅限于我们的智能手机。
判决
TP-Link Archer C3150的第二个版本配备了更新的硬件，支持最新的无线网络(wireless networking)标准，并且在两个WiFi频段上都具有令人印象深刻的速度。它在 5 GHz 频段上的(GHz band)速度潜力(speed potential)给我们留下了深刻印象。固件得到了许多改进，现在包括由Trend Micro提供支持的高级安全工具和家长控制。该移动应用程序易于使用，即使您不在家也可以管理路由器。如果您没有大公寓，墙壁很多，那么TP-Link Archer C3150是您下一个无线路由器(wireless router)的可靠选择。
TP-Link Archer C3150 无线(TP-Link Archer C3150 wireless)路由器开箱
TP-Link Archer C3150采用漂亮的包装盒，具有TP-Link最近重新定义的品牌标识(brand identity)的新视觉效果。在顶部，您会看到路由器的图片，以及它的一些最重要的功能。
在盒子的背面，有一个更详细的介绍是什么让这个模型特别。打开盒子，首先看到的是无线路由器(wireless router)和电源适配器(power adapter)。
拆箱后，你会发现以下物品：路由器、一根短网线(network cable)、一个像笔记本电脑一样的大电源适配器(power adapter)、四个可拆卸的外置天线(external antennas)、技术支持信息(support information)、快速安装指南(installation guide)和其他传单.
拆箱体验短暂而愉快。在包装内，您拥有设置和使用此无线路由器所需的所有元素。(The unboxing experience is short and pleasant. Inside the packaging, you have all the elements required to set up and use this wireless router.)
硬件规格和设计
TP-Link Archer C3150是较旧的型号，最初于 2015 年推出。但是，它已经过更新，我们测试了2.0(version 2.0)版本，更新了规格和硬件。2.0 版(version 2.0)具有双核Broadcom BCM4709C0 处理器(Broadcom BCM4709C0 processor)，运行频率为 1.4 GHz ，固件(GHz)存储空间(storage space)为32 MB ， RAM为 256 MB 。TP-Link还吹嘘提供两个独立的协处理器，每个无线频段(wireless band)一个：Broadcom BCM4366用于 5 GHz 频段(GHz band)，Broadcom BCM4366用于 2.4 GHz 频段(GHz band)。
四个外部天线是可拆卸的，有助于在 5 GHz 无线频段上提供 2167 (GHz wireless)Mbps的总最大带宽，在 2.4 GHz 频段(GHz band)上提供 1000 Mbps的总带宽。由于这是一个更新的型号，它支持最新的 802.11ac Wave 2标准和 4x4 MU-MIMO 无线传输。它还支持较旧的 802.11b/g/n 无线标准。
路由器看起来不错。它具有优雅的设计，带有隐蔽的LED灯，几乎看不见。它的顶盖有一半是光滑的，另一半有用于冷却路由器的通风网格。有光泽的部分是指纹磁铁。在底部，有两个孔用于将其安装在墙壁和其他通风网格上。
在背面，您可以找到以下元素：互联网端口(internet port)、四个以 1 Gbps工作的(Gbps)以太网(Ethernet)端口、电源插孔(power jack)和电源按钮(power button)。
在左侧，您有一个用于打开和关闭WiFi的按钮、(WiFi)重置插孔(Reset jack)、WPS 按钮(WPS button)、一个USB 2.0端口和一个USB 3.0端口。
路由器相对较大，尺寸为 10.4 x 7.8 x 1.5 英寸或 263.8 x 197.8 x 37.3mm 的宽度、深度和高度。它还重 72 盎司或 2035 克。
如果您想阅读该产品的所有官方规格，请访问此页面：TP-Link Archer C3150 规格(TP-Link Archer C3150 Specifications)。
设置和使用TP-Link Archer C3150 无线(TP-Link Archer C3150 wireless)路由器
TP-Link Archer C3150的设置向导(setup wizard)很友好。您首先要更改管理路由器的默认用户名和密码(default username and password)，这是一个很好的安全预防措施(security precaution)。然后，您设置时区(time zone)，并选择您正在使用的互联网连接类型。
输入(Enter)连接互联网所需的详细信息（如果有），然后您可以设置无线网络名称(wireless network name)和密码。最后，您会看到您的设置摘要，您可以测试互联网是否正常工作。
完成快速设置向导(setup wizard)后，访问路由器的管理用户界面以进行更详细的更改是个好主意。管理界面(administration interface)看起来很棒，它分为基本(Basic)和高级(Advanced)设置。休闲用户将主要使用基本设置，而知识渊博的用户则希望直接跳到高级设置。
所有设置都按逻辑组织，找到自己的方式很容易。高级设置很多，可让您个性化有关此路由器操作的所有内容。
虽然用于所有设置的语言并不复杂，但一些高级设置却很复杂。如果您需要任何帮助，文档随时可用。只需单击或点击(Just click or tap)右上角显示的问号，您就会看到屏幕上所有设置的说明。这样，更容易知道你在做什么。
多语言支持也很好，管理用户界面(administration user interface)有十五种语言可供选择。
中端和高端TP-Link 无线(TP-Link wireless)路由器的一个积极趋势是它们现在包含来自趋势科技(Trend Micro)的高级安全工具，其中包括：恶意内容过滤器(content filter)、入侵防御系统(intrusion prevention system)和受感染设备隔离(device quarantine)。我们尝试在不受传统防病毒软件保护的设备上访问恶意网站，路由器在阻止它们方面做得很好。不幸的是，此保护在三年后到期，之后您需要购买此服务的订阅。目前尚不清楚此订阅将花费多少。
完成路由器配置后，开始将无线设备连接到网络。我们可以毫无问题地加入各种小工具，包括智能手机、平板电脑、笔记本电脑、智能插头、无线打印机、无线摄像头(wireless camera)和Xbox One 游戏机(gaming console)。
我们享受快速的速度，尤其是在 5 GHz 无线(GHz wireless)频段上。在靠近路由器的房间里，通过WiFi的网络传输非常稳定。您可以在笔记本电脑上看到通过网络传输数据时制作的图表，该笔记本电脑放置在与路由器一墙之隔的房间中。如您所见，传输时速度变化不大，这很棒。
然而，当我们搬到与路由器隔着两堵墙的中型阳台(Medium balcony)时，WiFi几乎无法使用。我们无法在那个房间里执行我们的一些测试，而其他测试则有效，但速度差异和下降显着，如下面的屏幕截图所示。
我们遇到的另一个小问题是，在我们一周的测试中，我们有两次无线连接(wireless connection)掉线，但只是在我们的智能手机上。我们的笔记本电脑和Xbox One 控制台(Xbox One console)能够使用网络，而智能手机则不能。我们重新启动路由器，一切恢复正常。这种类型的故障应该由TP-Link在未来的固件更新中修复。
TP-Link 改进了他们的固件，包括有用的安全工具和功能。我们喜欢他们所做的改进，而且我们在一周的测试中也享受到了快速传输。但是，一些小的稳定性问题应该在未来的固件更新中得到修复。(TP-Link has improved their firmware to include useful security tools and features. We liked the improvements they made, and we also enjoyed fast transfers during our week of testing. However, some minor stability issues should be fixed in future firmware updates.)
如果您想了解有关此路由器无线性能的确切详细信息，请转到本评论的下一页。
Reviewing the TP-Link Archer C3150 v2: Is the new version a significant upgrade?
TP-Link Archer C3150 is an older wireless router that has received a recent refresh. We tested its V2 variant, and we were impreѕsed by its hardware specifications, and good looks. Also, TP-Link has made some serious improvements to their firmwаre, which now іncludes advаnced security tоols produced in collaboration with Trend Micro. If you are curious whether TP-Link Archer C3150 is worth buying, rеad thiѕ review, and find out:
TP-Link Archer C3150: Who is it good for?
This wireless router is a suitable choice for:
- Medium-sized apartments and office spaces without many thick walls
- Users who desire security built into their wireless routers
- People with children who need advanced parental controls
- Users who want a fast wireless network
- Home networks with many devices that require a wireless router with powerful hardware
Pros and cons
TP-Link Archer C3150 v2 has the following positives:
- The improved firmware includes advanced security tools and parental controls
- Excellent coverage and speed on the 2.4 GHz wireless band
- Excellent speed on the 5 GHz wireless band
- It has a pleasant design
- Great multi-lingual support
- It can be remote-controlled using a mobile app
- It can be mounted on walls
- The USB 3.0 port is very fast
This wireless router also has some weaknesses:
- After three years of use, you have to pay for the antivirus built into the router
- Your TP-Link Cloud account is not protected with two-step verification and other security measures
- The wireless coverage area on the 5 GHz band can be improved
- We encountered some minor stability issues with the wireless network, but only on our smartphones
Verdict
The second version of the TP-Link Archer C3150 comes with updated hardware, support for the latest wireless networking standards, and impressive speeds on both WiFi bands. It impressed us with its speed potential on the 5 GHz band. The firmware has received many improvements, and it now includes advanced security tools and parental controls, powered by Trend Micro. The mobile app is easy to use and allows you to manage the router even when you are not at home. If you do not have a large apartment, with many walls, then TP-Link Archer C3150 is a solid choice for your next wireless router.
Unboxing the TP-Link Archer C3150 wireless router
TP-Link Archer C3150 comes in a good looking box, featuring the new visuals of TP-Link's recently redefined brand identity. On the top, you see a picture of the router, alongside some of its most important features.
On the back side of the box, there is a more detailed presentation of what makes this model special. Open the box, and you first see the wireless router and the power adapter.
When you unbox everything, you find the following items: the router, a short network cable, a large power adapter like those you find on laptops, the four external antennas which are detachable, technical support information, the quick installation guide, and other leaflets.
The unboxing experience is short and pleasant. Inside the packaging, you have all the elements required to set up and use this wireless router.
Hardware specifications and design
TP-Link Archer C3150 is an older model that was initially launched in 2015. However, it has been refreshed, and we tested the version 2.0 variant, that has updated specs and hardware. The version 2.0 has a dual-core Broadcom BCM4709C0 processor, running at 1.4 GHz, 32 MB of storage space for the firmware, and 256 MB of RAM. TP-Link also brags about offering two separate co-processors, one for each wireless band: Broadcom BCM4366 for the 5 GHz band, and Broadcom BCM4366 for the 2.4 GHz band.
The four external antennas are detachable and help it provide a total maximum bandwidth of 2167 Mbps on the 5 GHz wireless band, and of 1000 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. Since this is a refreshed model, it comes with support for the latest 802.11ac Wave 2 standard and 4x4 MU-MIMO wireless transfers. It also supports the older 802.11b/g/n wireless standards.
The router looks good. It has an elegant design, with discreet LED lights that are barely visible. Half of its top cover is glossy, and the other half has ventilation grids for cooling the router. The glossy part is a fingerprint magnet. On the bottom, there are two holes for mounting it on walls and further ventilation grids.
On the back, you find the following elements: the internet port, four Ethernet ports working at 1 Gbps, the power jack, and the power button.
On the left side, you have a button for turning the WiFi on and off, the Reset jack, the WPS button, a USB 2.0 port and a USB 3.0 port.
The router is relatively large, having a size of 10.4 x 7.8 x 1.5 inches or 263.8 x 197.8 x 37.3mm in width, depth, and height. It also weighs 72 ounces or 2035 grams.
If you would like to read all the official specifications of this product, go to this page: TP-Link Archer C3150 Specifications.
Setting up and using the TP-Link Archer C3150 wireless router
The setup wizard for the TP-Link Archer C3150 is a friendly one. You start by changing the default username and password for administering the router, which is a great security precaution. Then, you set the time zone, and choose the type of internet connection that you are using.
Enter the necessary details for connecting to the internet (if any), and then you can set the wireless network name(s) and password(s)s. In the end, you are shown a summary of your settings, and you can test whether the internet works or not.
After you are done with the quick setup wizard, it is a great idea to access the router's administration user interface, to change things in more detail. The administration interface looks great, and it is split into Basic and Advanced settings. Casual users will fiddle mostly with the basic settings, while knowledgeable ones will want to skip straight to the advanced stuff.
All the settings are logically organized, and finding your way is easy. The advanced settings are many, and allow you to personalize everything about this router's operation.
While the language used for all the settings is not that complex, some advanced settings are complicated. If you need any help, documentation is readily available. Just click or tap on the question-mark shown on the top-right corner, and you see the description for all the settings that are on your screen. This way, it is easier to know what you are doing.
The multi-lingual support is also good, and the administration user interface is available in fifteen languages.
One positive trend with mid-range and high-end TP-Link wireless routers is that they now include advanced security tools from Trend Micro, which include: a malicious content filter, an intrusion prevention system, and infected device quarantine. We tried accessing malicious websites on devices that were not protected by a traditional antivirus, and the router did a great job at blocking them. Unfortunately, this protection expires after three years, after which you need to purchase a subscription for this service. It is unclear at this point, how much this subscription will cost.
Once you are done configuring the router, start connecting your wireless devices to the network. We had no issues joining all kinds of gadgets, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart plugs, wireless printers, a wireless camera and an Xbox One gaming console.
We enjoyed fast speeds, especially on the 5 GHz wireless band. In the rooms that were close to the router, the network transfers through WiFi were very stable. You can see a graph made when transferring data through the network, on a laptop that was placed in a room separated by one wall from the router. As you can see, the speed did not vary much while the transfer was made, which is great.
However, when we moved to the Medium balcony, which is separated by two walls from the router, the WiFi was barely usable. We could not perform some of our tests in that room, and others worked but with significant speed variances and drops, like in the screenshot below.
Another minor issue that we encountered is that, in our week of testing, we had two occasions when the wireless connection dropped but only on our smartphones. Our laptops and the Xbox One console were able to use the network, while the smartphones were not. We rebooted the router, and everything resumed to normal. This type of glitch should be fixed by TP-Link in future firmware updates.
TP-Link has improved their firmware to include useful security tools and features. We liked the improvements they made, and we also enjoyed fast transfers during our week of testing. However, some minor stability issues should be fixed in future firmware updates.
If you want to know exact details about the wireless performance of this router, go to the next page of this review.
