TP-Link Archer C5是一款老牌经典的无线路由器(wireless router)，在平价路由器市场上很受欢迎。它在销售上的成功说服了该公司创建该模型的新版本，因此他们刚刚推出了TP-Link Archer C5 v4。我们收到了这个新版本进行测试，并通过了我们所有的常规测试和基准测试。如果您想知道TP-Link Archer C5 v4是否适合您的需求以及是否值得购买，请阅读此评论：
TP-Link Archer C5 v4：它对谁有好处？
该无线路由器(wireless router)适用于：
- 拥有中小型公寓的人
- 拥有可使用 802.11ac 无线标准连接到更快 5GHz WiFi网络的较新设备的用户(WiFi)
- 预算有限，不需要高级功能的人
优点和缺点
查看价格：
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TP-Link Archer C5 v4具有以下优点：
- 非常实惠的价格
- 您在 5GHz无线频段(wireless band)上获得的速度非常适合其价格范围内的路由器(price range)
- 它包含了人们需要的大部分基础知识
- 它可以使用 3G/4G USB 调制解调器(USB modem)作为主要互联网连接的备份(internet connection)
- 它可以安装在墙上
- 帮助文档(Help documentation)易于访问
还有一些缺点：
- 它没有智能手机应用程序(smartphone app)，即使同一路由器的旧版本有。这应该通过未来的软件和固件更新来解决(software and firmware updates)
- 该固件仅提供英文版本(English)
- 它在 2.4 GHz 频段(GHz band)上的表现有点不一致
判决
TP-Link Archer C5 v4是一款受欢迎的无线路由器(wireless router)的可喜更新。它支持最新的 802.11ac Wave 2标准、具有一些有趣功能的更新固件，并在 5GHz(Wave 2)无线频段(wireless band)上提供令人满意的用户体验。它的价格是负担得起的，它提供了人们连接公寓所需的大部分基础知识。只要您没有大房子或公寓(home or apartment)和很多设备，TP-Link Archer C5 v4是您下一个无线路由器(wireless router)的不错选择。
拆箱TP-Link Archer C5 无线(TP-Link Archer C5 wireless)路由器
TP-Link Archer C5 v4采用平静的青色盒子(calming cyan box)，顶部有设备的大图。您会看到仅列出了该设备的一些主要特征。
在背面，您可以看到有关该产品的一些营销信息(marketing information)和一些技术信息。打开包装盒后，您立即看到无线路由器(wireless router)，如下图所示。
打开包装后，您会发现以下元素：路由器、电源适配器(power adapter)、以太网线(Ethernet cable)、快速安装指南(installation guide)、固件许可证和保修。
TP-Link Archer C5 v4 提供的拆箱体验快速而轻松。由于这是一款经济实惠的路由器，它提供了让它工作所需的所有基础知识，而无需任何独特的配件。(The unboxing experience offered by TP-Link Archer C5 v4 is quick and painless. Since this is an affordable router, it offers all the basics you need to get it working, without any unique accessories.)
硬件规格和设计
TP-Link Archer C5 v4是对旧款和流行型号的更新。新版本是白色的、浅色的、有光泽的。它是一款双频无线路由器(wireless router)，最大理论带宽为 1200 Mbps，拆分如下：2.4GHz 频段为 300 Mbps ，5GHz 频段为867 Mbps。如下所示，它有四个外部天线。它们相当高，不可拆卸。
TP-Link Archer C5 v4具有适中的单核联发科技 MT7620A 处理器(MediaTek MT7620A processor)，运行频率为 600 MHz，64 MB RAM，固件存储空间仅为 8 MB。这是一款新型号，它支持 802.11ac Wave 2标准和 2x2 MU-MIMO 传输。它还支持较旧的 802.11 b/g/n 标准，这些标准提供较低的速度并与较旧的设备兼容。
在TP-Link Archer C5 v4的背面，您可以找到四个以 1 Gbps工作的(Gbps)以太网(Ethernet)端口、一个WAN 端口(WAN port)（在 1 Gbps）、一个USB 2.0端口、电源按钮(Power button)、电源插孔(power jack)、WPS 按钮(WPS button)和复位插孔(Reset jack)。在其底部，您有两个用于将路由器安装在墙上的孔，一些用户会喜欢这一功能。
路由器并不大——宽x 深(x depth) x 高(x height)9 x 5.6 x 1.4 英寸或 230 x 144 x 37 毫米。它也很轻，重 25 盎司或 719 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 C5 v4 规格(TP-Link Archer C5 v4 Specifications)。
设置和使用TP-Link Archer C5 v4 无线路由器(wireless router)
设置TP-Link Archer C5 v4 无线路由器(wireless router)的工作原理与任何其他WiFi 路由器(WiFi router)一样。当您启动快速设置向导(setup wizard)时，首先会要求您为路由器创建一个密码。这是一种受欢迎的安全预防措施(security precaution)，您不应使用容易猜到的安全预防措施。如果TP-Link(TP-Link)允许我们同时个性化用于管理路由器的用户名，那就更好了。
为您的路由器设置密码后，快速设置向导(setup wizard)会要求您选择 Internet 连接的类型。令人惊讶的是，TP-Link Archer C5 v4不像其他TP-Link路由器那样自动检测互联网的连接类型。(connection type)
一旦您选择了您正在使用的互联网连接类型，您可能需要输入适当的连接详细信息。然后为路由器广播的WiFi(WiFi)频率设置名称和密码。在快速设置向导(setup wizard)结束时，您会看到初始设置的摘要，您可以测试您的互联网连接是否正常。
现在是时候访问管理用户界面了。正如您在下面看到的，它看起来不错，并且使用了平静的颜色。设置分为两个选项卡：
- 基本(Basic)- 它显示网络地图(network map)、基本互联网和无线设置、USB端口和您插入其中的设备的一些共享选项以及家长控制。
- 高级(Advanced)- 这是您想要完全控制和个性化(control and personalization)的地方。
基本设置非常容易设置，许多用户都会对它们感到满意。但是，如果您想改进路由器的工作方式并获得最大的性能和安全性，我们建议您深入研究“高级”选项卡。(Advanced)
我们注意到TP-Link Archer C5 v4的一个不利方面是初始固件不支持多语言。一切都只有英文版(English)。同一家公司以前的 AC1200 无线(Previous AC1200 wireless)路由器提供 7 种或更多语言的固件。我们希望未来的固件版本能够改善这种情况。
与TP-Link(TP-Link)的旧型号保持一致的是帮助(Help)文档。它易于访问，并提供有关您在当前屏幕上看到的所有设置的详细说明。经验(Less)不足的用户会喜欢它。
路由器有一个闪亮的白色表面，是灰尘的磁铁。如果将路由器放在可见的地方，则需要不时对其进行除尘。顶部的LED 灯(LEDs)比较隐蔽，不会惹恼用户。
完成TP-Link Archer C5 v4路由器的设置后，我们将几台设备连接到网络：两台台式电脑、两台笔记本电脑、一台平板电脑、几部智能手机、一个Xbox One控制台、几个智能插头、一个智能灯泡(smart bulb)和无线打印机。它们都可以轻松连接，我们在通过网络传输媒体或共享文件和文件夹时没有任何问题。
我们注意到TP-Link Archer C5 v4 无线路由器在 2.4 (wireless router)GHz 无线(GHz wireless)频段上的性能有点不一致。您可以在下面看到以 2.4 GHz 频率进行的(GHz frequency)网络传输(network transfer)的图形表示，该房间与路由器仅一墙之隔。您可以看到在传输过程中速度变化很大，最大速度和最低速度之间存在显着差异。
然而，TP-Link Archer C5 v4路由器在 5 GHz 频段(GHz band)的性能却完全相反。我们享受快速传输，与 2.4 GHz 频段(GHz band)相比变化更少。5 GHz 频率(GHz frequency)的用户体验要好得多。
TP-Link Archer C5 v4 提供的用户体验总体不错。用户获得了他们需要的所有基础知识，它在 5 GHz 无线频段上的性能出奇的好。但是，也有一些缺点，例如 2.4 GHz 频段的速度不一致，没有多语言固件，以及设置向导不如同一公司的其他无线路由器智能。(The user experience offered by TP-Link Archer C5 v4 is generally good. Users get all the basics they need, and its performance on the 5 GHz wireless band is surprisingly good. However, there are a few downsides too, like some inconsistent speeds on the 2.4 GHz band, no multilingual firmware, and the setup wizard that is a bit less smart than on other wireless routers of the same company.)
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。
TP-Link Archer C5 v4 review: A popular wireless router, refreshed!
TР-Link Archer C5 is an old and classic wireless router, that is popular in the markеt of affordable routers. Its success in sales has convinced the cоmpany to create a new revisіon of this model, so they just launched TP-Link Archer C5 v4. We received this new version for testing, and we took it thrоugh all our usual tests and benchmarks. If you want to know whether TP-Lіnk Archer C5 v4 is a good fit for your needs and whether it is worth buying, reаd this review:
TP-Link Archer C5 v4: Who is it good for?
This wireless router is a suitable choice for:
- People with small or medium-sized apartments
- Users who have newer devices that can connect to faster 5GHz WiFi networks, using the 802.11ac wireless standard
- People on a budget, who do not need advanced features
Pros and cons
See price on:
Buy now
TP-Link Archer C5 v4 has the following positives:
- Very affordable price
- The speed you get on the 5GHz wireless band is excellent for a router in its price range
- It packs most of the basics people need
- It can use a 3G/4G USB modem as a backup for your main internet connection
- It can be mounted on walls
- The Help documentation is easily accessible
There are also a few downsides:
- It does not have smartphone app, even though older versions of the same router do. This should be fixed with future software and firmware updates
- The firmware is available only in English
- Its performance on the 2.4 GHz band is a bit inconsistent
Verdict
TP-Link Archer C5 v4 is a welcome refresh of a popular wireless router. It has support for the latest 802.11ac Wave 2 standard, newer firmware with some interesting features, and it offers a satisfying user experience on the 5GHz wireless band. Its price is affordable, and it offers most of the basics people need for networking their apartments. As long as you do not have a large home or apartment and many devices, TP-Link Archer C5 v4 is a good choice for your next wireless router.
Unboxing the TP-Link Archer C5 wireless router
The TP-Link Archer C5 v4 comes in a calming cyan box, with a big picture of the device on the top. You see listed only a few of this device's main characteristics.
On the back, you see some marketing information about this product and a little technical information. When you open the box, you immediately see the wireless router, just like in the picture below.
When you unpack everything, you find the following elements: the router, the power adapter, an Ethernet cable, the quick installation guide, the license for its firmware, and the warranty.
The unboxing experience offered by TP-Link Archer C5 v4 is quick and painless. Since this is an affordable router, it offers all the basics you need to get it working, without any unique accessories.
Hardware specifications and design
TP-Link Archer C5 v4 is a refresh of an older and popular model. The new version is white, light, and glossy. It is a dual-band wireless router with a maximum theoretical bandwidth of 1200 Mbps, split as follows: 300Mbps for the 2.4GHz band, and 867Mbps for the 5GHz band. As you can see below, it has four external antennas. They are rather tall, and not detachable.
TP-Link Archer C5 v4 has a modest single-core MediaTek MT7620A processor, running at 600 MHz, 64 MB of RAM, and only 8 MB of storage for the firmware. This being a new model, it offers support for the 802.11ac Wave 2 standard and 2x2 MU-MIMO transfers. It also supports the older 802.11 b/g/n standards which offer lower speeds and compatibility with older devices.
On the back of the TP-Link Archer C5 v4, you can find four Ethernet ports working at 1 Gbps, one WAN port (at 1 Gbps), a USB 2.0 port, the Power button, the power jack, the WPS button, and the Reset jack. On its bottom, you have two holes for mounting the router on walls, a feature that will be appreciated by some users.
The router is not large -- 9 x 5.6 x 1.4 inches or 230 x 144 x 37 mm in width x depth x height. It is also rather light, weighing 25 ounces or 719 grams.
If you would like to read all the official specifications of this product, go to this page: TP-Link Archer C5 v4 Specifications.
Setting up and using the TP-Link Archer C5 v4 wireless router
Setting up the TP-Link Archer C5 v4 wireless router works just like any other WiFi router. When you start the quick setup wizard, you are first asked to create a password for your router. It is a welcome security precaution, and you should not use one that is easy to guess. It would have been even better if TP-Link allowed us to also personalize also the username used for administering the router.
After setting up the password for your router, the quick setup wizard asks you to choose the type of your internet connection. It was surprising to see that TP-Link Archer C5 v4 does not auto-detect the internet's connection type like other TP-Link routers do.
Once you choose the type of internet connection that you are using, you may need to enter the appropriate connection details. Then you set the name and the password for the WiFi frequencies that are broadcast by the router. At the end of the quick setup wizard, you are shown a summary of your initial settings, and you can test whether your internet connection is working or not.
Now it is time to access the administration user interface. As you can see below, it looks good, and it uses calming colors. The settings are split into two tabs:
- Basic - it displays a network map, basic internet and wireless settings, some sharing options for the USB ports and the device(s) that you plug into it, and the parental controls.
- Advanced - this is the place to go when you want complete control and personalization.
The basic settings are incredibly easy to set, and many users will be satisfied with them. However, we recommend that you delve into the Advanced tab if you want to improve the way the router works, and get the maximum performance, and security.
One negative aspect that we noticed about the TP-Link Archer C5 v4 is that the initial firmware has no multilingual support. Everything is available only in English. Previous AC1200 wireless routers from the same company offered the firmware in 7 languages or more. We hope that future firmware versions will improve this situation.
A positive that remained the same as on older models from TP-Link is the Help documentation. It is easy to access and offers detailed explanations about all the settings you see on the current screen. Less experienced users will appreciate it.
The router has a flashy white surface that is a magnet for dust. If you place the router somewhere visible, you will need to dust it from time to time. The LEDs on the top are relatively discreet, and will not annoy users.
Once we were done setting up the TP-Link Archer C5 v4 router, we connected several devices to the network: two desktop PCs, two laptops, one tablet, several smartphones, an Xbox One console, several smart plugs, one smart bulb, and a wireless printer. They all connected with ease, and we had no problems in streaming media over the network, or in sharing files and folders.
We noticed that the performance of the TP-Link Archer C5 v4 wireless router was a bit inconsistent on the 2.4 GHz wireless band. You can see below the graphical representation of a network transfer made on the 2.4 GHz frequency, in a room that was separated from the router by just one wall. You can see that the speed varied quite a lot during the transfer, with some significant differences between maximum speed and the lowest.
However, the performance of the TP-Link Archer C5 v4 router on the 5 GHz band was quite the opposite. We enjoyed fast transfers, with a fewer variations than on the 2.4 GHz band. The user experience on the 5 GHz frequency was much better.
The user experience offered by TP-Link Archer C5 v4 is generally good. Users get all the basics they need, and its performance on the 5 GHz wireless band is surprisingly good. However, there are a few downsides too, like some inconsistent speeds on the 2.4 GHz band, no multilingual firmware, and the setup wizard that is a bit less smart than on other wireless routers of the same company.
If you want to know exact details about the wireless performance of this router, go to the next page of this review.
