支持新的 Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)无线标准(wireless standard)的设备正在慢慢入侵无线路由器市场。但是，这些设备价格昂贵，如果您没有500 Mbps或更高速度的快速(Mbps)互联网连接(internet connection)，它们就是浪费钱。这就是为什么在Digital Citizen，我们仍然对使用成熟的 Wi-Fi 5（802.11ac Wave 2）标准的TP-Link Archer C5400X等无线路由器感兴趣。(wireless router)阅读这篇评论，看看这款无线路由器(wireless router)能提供什么：
TP-Link Archer C5400X：它对谁有好处？
该无线路由器(wireless router)适用于：
- 经常玩网络游戏的玩家
- 想要 4K 流媒体而不打嗝的用户
- 想要从任何地方远程控制路由器的人
- 想要使用Alexa 语音(Alexa voice)助手控制家庭网络的用户(home network)
- 希望通过IFTT（如果这样，那么那样）从无线路由器获得(wireless router)任务自动化(task automation)服务的人
- 想要一个安全的智能家居，具有适当的防病毒和防火墙保护的用户(antivirus and firewall protection)
- 希望对家庭网络(home network)进行有效家长控制的父母
优点和缺点
以下是我们喜欢TP-Link Archer C5400X 的地方(TP-Link Archer C5400X)：
- 在 5 GHz WiFi 频率(GHz WiFi frequency)上表现出色
- 它有八个以太网(Ethernet)端口和链路聚合(Link Aggregation)
- 有用的基于云的安全功能和家长控制
- 它可以从互联网上的任何地方远程控制
- 该移动应用程序有用且易于使用
- 用户文档(user documentation)制作精良，一键即可
- 管理界面(administration interface)有多种语言版本
- 它与Amazon Alexa 和 IFTTT(Amazon Alexa and IFTTT) (If This Then That)集成
- 它可以安装在墙壁和其他表面上
还有一些缺点需要考虑：
- 使用三年后，您必须为内置的杀毒软件付费
- 2.4GHz无线(GHz wireless)频段的可变性和稳定性(variability and stability)值得提升
- USB 3.0端口不如其他高级路由器快
- TP-Link 应为其云帐户实施两步验证
判决
TP-Link Archer C5400X是一款功能强大的无线路由器(wireless router)，有可能成为市场上最快的 Wi-Fi 5 路由器。两个 5 GHz 频段(GHz band)的性能非常出色，非常适合无缝 4K 流媒体和快节奏的在线游戏(online gaming)。此外，该路由器还包括一流的安全性和家长控制功能(security and parental controls)，适用于智能家居和有孩子的家庭。将(Couple)这些功能与用于远程控制的有用移动应用程序和大量端口相结合，您就会明白我们为什么喜欢这款路由器。但是，在 2.4 GHz 频段(GHz band)上仍有一些错误需要解决。如果 TP-Link 发布带有修复的固件更新，TP-Link Archer C5400X可能成为您可以购买的最好的 Wi-Fi 5 路由器。
TP-Link Archer C5400X 无线(TP-Link Archer C5400X wireless)路由器开箱
与同一家公司制造的其他路由器相比， TP-Link Archer C5400X 无线(TP-Link Archer C5400X wireless)路由器的包装更具侵略性，并且针对游戏玩家。在正面，您可以看到所购买设备的图片，在侧面，您可以看到有关Archer C5400X功能的详细信息。
在包装盒内，您可以找到以下物品：路由器本身、八根可拆卸天线、电源适配器(power adapter)、以太网线(Ethernet cable)和快速安装指南(installation guide)。
TP-Link Archer C5400X提供的开箱体验快速而愉快。这款无线路由器的包装以及外观都是针对游戏玩家的。(The unboxing experience offered by TP-Link Archer C5400X is quick and pleasant. The packaging, as well as the looks of this wireless router, are aimed at gamers.)
硬件规格和设计
TP-Link Archer C5400X是一款功能强大的无线路由器(wireless router)，具有运行频率为 1.8 GHz的四核Broadcom BCM4908处理器和 1 GB RAM。它支持 Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac Wave 2 ) 网络标准和 4x4 MU-MIMO 传输，并带有八个可拆卸的大型外部天线。天线只能放置在一个位置，如下图所示，与其他路由器不同，您可以更改它们的角度和方向(angle and orientation)。在路由器的顶部，您可以看到通风格栅，以及一个带有TP-Link 标志(TP-Link logo)的 LED，它以不同的颜色亮起，以指示路由器的状态。
背面有Internet 端口(Internet port)和 8 个工作速率为 1 Gbps的(Gbps)以太网(Ethernet)端口。其中两个可用于链接聚合(Link Aggregation)，当您想要将NAS（网络附加存储(Network Attached Storage)）连接到网络时，它们非常有用。您还可以将一个LAN 端口(LAN port)与Internet 端口聚合，以使 Internet(Internet port)连接速度(internet connection speed)提高一倍。在TP-Link Archer C5400X的背面，还有电源插孔(power jack)，以及电源(Power)和重置(Reset)按钮。
在一侧，您会看到两个USB 3.0端口，用于连接USB硬盘驱动器或打印机等设备。
另一方面，您有三个小按钮，用于控制WPS 功能(WPS feature)、WiFi 广播(WiFi broadcast)和路由器顶部的LED 。
在Archer C5400X的底部，有更多的通风网格、一张带有您购买的产品详细信息的贴纸、四个橡胶支脚以及用于将其安装在墙壁和其他表面上的孔。
TP-Link Archer C5400X是一款三频无线路由器(wireless router)，总最大带宽划分(bandwidth split)如下：
- 2.4 GHz 频段为 1000 Mbps
- 它广播的两个 5 GHz频段中的每一个都为2167 Mbps
它是一款相当大的无线路由器(wireless router)，宽度、深度和高度为 9.47 x 9.47 x 2.18 英寸或 240.5 x 240.5 x 55.3 毫米。它的重量也为 7.2 磅或 3.3 公斤。
如果您想详细了解这款无线路由器(wireless router)的官方规格，请访问此页面：TP-Link Archer C5400X 规格(TP-Link Archer C5400X Specifications)。
设置和使用TP-Link Archer C5400X 无线(TP-Link Archer C5400X wireless)路由器
TP-Link Archer C5400X 无线(TP-Link Archer C5400X wireless)路由器的设置可以通过网络浏览器(web browser)和移动应用程序进行。我们使用了网络浏览器和 TP-Link(web browser and TP-Link)的快速设置向导(setup wizard)。涉及的步骤与其他路由器类似：您设置管理员密码(administrator password)、您所在地区的时区、互联网连接类型和连接详细信息(internet connection type and connection details)，然后您决定WiFi的名称和密码(name and password)。
您还可以将路由器连接到您的TP-Link 云(TP-Link cloud)帐户，以便您可以通过iOS和Android的(Android)TP-Link Tether应用程序远程管理它。与安全相关的一个缺点是TP-Link不为其(TP-Link)云帐户(cloud account)提供两步验证，他们应该考虑实施它，因为他们的更多设备连接到云。
用于管理路由器的用户界面(user interface)分为两个选项卡：基本(Basic)和高级(Advanced)。基本(Basic)选项卡是“For Dummies ”风格，只有基本设置按逻辑分组。每个人都应该能够使用它轻松地建立自己的家庭网络(home network)。
高级(Advanced)选项卡是知识渊博的用户应该访问的，特别是如果他们想要配置此路由器必须提供的丰富功能。用户文档是一键式的，通过右上角的问号访问。(question mark)单击它会显示当前页面上所有设置的描述。这样，即使您不是技术用户，也应该能够配置TP-Link Archer C5400X的更高级功能。
另一个好处是多语言支持：TP-Link Archer C5400X的固件有十几种语言版本，使用右上角的下拉列表可以轻松切换它们。
TP-Link Tether移动应用程序也易于使用。但是，它提供对一组有限配置选项的访问。将其视为基于 Web 的用户界面中(user interface)基本(Basic)选项卡的免费替代品，而不是高级(Advanced)选项卡。即便如此，当您想要远程控制家庭网络(home network)、诊断问题、与客人共享WiFi等时，它还是很有用的。(WiFi)
我们将大约二十台设备连接到由TP-Link Archer C5400X管理的网络，包括两台台式电脑、笔记本电脑、平板电脑、几部智能手机、一台无线打印机(wireless printer)、两个智能插头、一个智能灯泡(smart bulb)、一个机器人(robot vacuum)吸尘器和一个Xbox One控制台. 然后，我们开始共享数据并在设备之间进行传输。5 GHz 频段(GHz band)上的WiFi运行良好，而且一直都很快。4K视频流对于这款(video streaming)无线路由器(wireless router)来说不是问题，在线游戏快速且令人满意。但是，2.4 GHz存在一些稳定性和可变性问题(stability and variability issues)。首先(First)，我们测量了该频段上WiFi传输的稳定性。(WiFi)下面，您会看到与路由器在同一个房间进行的传输。
这是同一频段的另一次传输，在与路由器一墙之隔的房间内进行。如您所见，可变性增加了很多，并且在转移结束时我们的下降幅度很大。此类问题应在未来的固件更新中修复。
另一个问题是，网络客户端有时会在 2.4 GHz 频段上没有(GHz band)互联网连接(internet connection)，持续几秒钟或几分钟，然后恢复正常。这个问题在 5 GHz上没有被注意到，它可以通过固件升级(firmware upgrade)来修复。我们已将有关这些问题的反馈发送给TP-Link，希望我们能够获得修复这些问题的固件升级(firmware upgrade)。
如果您想查看有关此路由器无线性能的详细信息，请转到本评论的下一页，进行详细的测量和比较。
TP-Link Archer C5400X review: One of the fastest Wi-Fi 5 routers!
The market for wireless routers is slowly being inνaded by devices with support for the new Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) wireless standard. However, thosе devices are expensive, and if you do not have a fast internet connectіon with spеeds of 500 Mbps or more, they are a waste of money. That's why, at Digital Citizen, we are still interested in wireless routers like the TP-Link Archer C5400X, which works using the mature Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac Wave 2) standard. Read this review and see what this wireless router has to offer:
TP-Link Archer C5400X: Who is it good for?
This wireless router is a suitable choice for:
- Gamers who play a lot of online games
- Users who want 4K streaming without hiccups
- People who want to remote-control their router from anywhere
- Users who want to control their home network using the Alexa voice assistant
- People who want task automation services from their wireless router, through IFTT (If This, Then That)
- Users who want a secure smart home, with proper antivirus and firewall protection
- Parents who desire efficient parental controls for their home network
Pros and cons
Here are the things we like about TP-Link Archer C5400X:
- Outstanding performance on the 5 GHz WiFi frequency
- It has eight Ethernet ports and Link Aggregation
- Useful cloud-based security features and parental controls
- It can be remotely controlled from anywhere on the internet
- The mobile app is useful and easy to use
- The user documentation is well-made and one click away
- The administration interface is available in multiple languages
- It is integrated with Amazon Alexa and IFTTT (If This Then That)
- It can be mounted on walls and other surfaces
There are some downsides to consider too:
- After three years of use, you have to pay for the built-in antivirus
- The variability and stability of the 2.4 GHz wireless band is worth improving
- The USB 3.0 ports are not as fast as on other premium routers
- TP-Link should implement two-step verification for their cloud accounts
Verdict
TP-Link Archer C5400X is a powerful wireless router that has the potential to become the fastest Wi-Fi 5 router on the market. The performance on the two 5 GHz bands is excellent, perfect for seamless 4K streaming, and fast-paced online gaming. Also, this router includes top-notch security and parental controls, useful for smart homes and families with children. Couple these features with a useful mobile app for remote control and a generous number of ports, and you understand why we like this router. However, there are a few bugs left to be ironed out, on the 2.4 GHz band. If TP-Link releases firmware updates with fixes, TP-Link Archer C5400X might become the best Wi-Fi 5 router that you can buy.
Unboxing the TP-Link Archer C5400X wireless router
The packaging used for the TP-Link Archer C5400X wireless router is more aggressive and aimed at gamers, when compared to other routers made by the same company. On the front side, you have a picture of the device that you are purchasing, and on the sides, you see detailed information about the features of Archer C5400X.
Inside the box, you find the following: the router itself, eight detachable antennas, the power adapter, an Ethernet cable, and the quick installation guide.
The unboxing experience offered by TP-Link Archer C5400X is quick and pleasant. The packaging, as well as the looks of this wireless router, are aimed at gamers.
Hardware specifications and design
TP-Link Archer C5400X is a powerful wireless router that has a quad-core Broadcom BCM4908 processor running at 1.8 GHz, and 1 GB of RAM. It has support for the Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac Wave 2) networking standard and 4x4 MU-MIMO transfers, and it comes with eight large external antennas, that are detachable. The antennas can only be placed in one position, as shown in the picture below, unlike other routers, where you can change their angle and orientation. On the top side of the router, you see the ventilation grids, and a LED with the TP-Link logo that lights up in different colors, to signal the status of the router.
On the back, there are the Internet port and eight Ethernet ports that work at 1 Gbps. Two of them can be used for Link Aggregation, making them useful when you want to attach a NAS (Network Attached Storage) to the network. You can also aggregate one LAN port with the Internet port to double the internet connection speed. On the back of the TP-Link Archer C5400X, there are also the power jack, and the Power and Reset buttons.
On one of the sides, you see two USB 3.0 ports for connecting things like USB hard drives or printers.
On another side, you have three small buttons for controlling the WPS feature, the WiFi broadcast, and the LED on top of the router.
On the bottom of the Archer C5400X, there are more ventilation grids, a sticker with details about the product you bought, four rubber feet, and holes for mounting it on walls and other surfaces.
TP-Link Archer C5400X is a three-band wireless router, with a total maximum bandwidth split as follows:
- 1000 Mbps for the 2.4 GHz band
- 2167 Mbps for each of the two 5 GHz bands that it broadcasts
It is a sizeable wireless router, with 9.47 x 9.47 x 2.18 inches or 240.5 x 240.5 x 55.3mm in width, depth, and height. It also weighs 7.2 pounds or 3.3 kg.
If you would like to learn more about the official specifications of this wireless router, go to this page: TP-Link Archer C5400X Specifications.
Setting up and using the TP-Link Archer C5400X wireless router
The setup of the TP-Link Archer C5400X wireless router can be performed both from a web browser and a mobile app. We used the web browser and TP-Link's quick setup wizard. The steps involved are similar to other routers: you set the administrator password, the time-zone for your region, the internet connection type and connection details, and then you decide the name and password for the WiFi.
You can also connect the router to your TP-Link cloud account, so that you can manage it remotely, through the TP-Link Tether app for iOS and Android. One security-related downside is that TP-Link does not offer two-step verification for their cloud account, and they should consider implementing it, as more of their devices get connected to the cloud.
The user interface for administering the router is split into two tabs: Basic and Advanced. The Basic tab is "For Dummies"-style with only the basic settings grouped logically. Everyone should be able to use it to set up their home network with ease.
The Advanced tab is what knowledgeable users should access, especially if they want to configure the wealth of features that this router has to offer. The user documentation is one-click-away, accessed through the question mark in the top-right corner. Clicking on it displays a description of all the settings on the current page. This way, even if you are not a technical user, you should be able to configure the more advanced features of TP-Link Archer C5400X.
Another positive is the multilingual support: the firmware for TP-Link Archer C5400X is available in more than a dozen languages, and switching between them is easy, using the drop-down list in the top-right corner.
The TP-Link Tether mobile app is also easy to use. However, it offers access to a limited set of configuration options. Think of it as a free alternative to the Basic tab from the web-based user interface, not the Advanced one. Even so, it is useful when you want to remote control your home network, diagnose problems, share the WiFi with your guests, and so on.
We connected about twenty devices to the network managed by TP-Link Archer C5400X, including two desktop PCs, laptops, tablets, several smartphones, one wireless printer, two smart plugs, one smart bulb, one robot vacuum cleaner, and an Xbox One console. Then, we started sharing data and making transfers between devices. The WiFi on the 5 GHz band worked well, and it was fast at all times. 4K video streaming is not an issue for this wireless router, and online gaming is fast and satisfying. However, the 2.4 GHz had some stability and variability issues. First, we measured how stable WiFi transfers are on this band. Below, you see a transfer made in the same room with the router.
Here is another transfer, on the same band, made in a room separated by one wall from the router. As you can see, the variability increased a lot, and we had quite a significant drop at the end of the transfer. This kind of problems should be fixed in future firmware updates.
Another issue is that, at times, network clients would get no internet connection on the 2.4 GHz band, for a couple of seconds or minutes, and then get back to normal. This issue was not noticed on the 5 GHz, and it can be fixed with a firmware upgrade. We have sent our feedback about these issues to TP-Link, and hopefully, we are going to get a firmware upgrade that fixes them.
If you want to see the details about the wireless performance of this router, go to the next page of this review, for detailed measurements and comparisons.
