TP-Link Archer AX90 Review

The TP-Link Archer AX90 is a AX6600 tri-band Wi-Fi 6 router offering speeds up to 6600Mbps (4804 Mbps over 5 GHz, 1201 Mbps over 5 GHz and 574 Mbps over 2.4 GHz).

All three frequencies use 802.11ax wireless output and the router’s built-in 1.5GHz quad-core processor helps enhance the router’s load capacity and wireless performance.

While most routers mainly adopt dual-band specifications (a 5GHz and a 2.4GHz), including the AX10 and AX50 which we reviewed earlier, the Archer AX90 uses three bands. There are two 5GHz and one 2.4GHz respectively. One 5GHz has a speed of 4804Mbps, and the other 5GHz has 1201Mpbs.

Devices are allocated to the different bands depending on requirements. For example, devices that require faster connection speeds such as game consoles, TVs or mobile phones can be connected to the faster 5GHz, while smart-home devices can be connected to 2.4GHz. This helps reduce signal interference between different wireless devices.

The Archer AX90 also supports TP-Link OneMesh, which can be combined with other TP-Link OneMesh extenders to form a seamless mesh network.

What is Wi-Fi 6?

Wi-Fi 6 or 802.11ax is the new standard for wireless networks. It is roughly 30% faster than the old 801.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) standard and offers improved network performance when multiple devices are connected to the same network.

TP-Link AX90 Features

• AX6600 Tri-Band Wi-Fi – 4804 Mbps (5 GHz) + 1201 Mbps (5 GHz) + 574 Mbps (2.4 GHz).
• Connectivity – 1× 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port + 1× 1 Gbps WAN/LAN port + 3× Gigabit LAN ports and two USB ports ensure max flexibility and boosted throughput.
• Coverage – Eight high-gain antennas equipped with Beamforming ensure vast coverage.
• Connect More Devices – OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology deliver data to multiple devices, simultaneously.
• TP-Link HomeCare – Enhanced security defends against the latest cyber threats.
• Powerful CPU – 1.5 GHz quad-core processor ensures fast transmission speeds and smooth operation of numerous devices and applications.
• Refined Security – WPA3 reinforces Wi-Fi encryption for improved security.
• Supports OneMesh – Create a full coverage Wi-Fi network
• Easy Setup – Tether app helps you complete setup and update in minutes.
• Alexa Compatible – Use voice commands to control your router with with Amazon Alexa.
• Guest network – Dedicated Wi-Fi for guests
• Smart Connect – Allocates devices to be on the most compatible network

Specifications

Packaging

The TP-Link Archer AX90 arrives in a large TP-Link branded box with details and specifications on the sides. The router is well protected by foam, accessories are organized into cardboard compartments to prevent damage.

The package includes:

• Wi-Fi Router Archer A950
• Power Adapter
• RJ45 Ethernet Cable
• Quick Installation Guide

Design & Build

While the design language is similar to AX60, the Archer AX90 is a much larger device with 8 antennas. Unfortunately, the antennas are built-in and cannot be replaced.

It is made of a combination of matt and glossy plastics. The build quality is good but the glossy plastic parts tend to scratch easily and quickly collect fingerprints and dust.

There is a lot of connectivity options on the AX90. On the left is a USB 3.0 port. All the other ports are located behind the router, this includes one USB 2.0, power adaptor and power switch, a reset button, a 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port and a 1 Gbps WAN / LAN one channel, and 3 more 1 Gbps LAN ports.

The USB ports allows connecting to external storage devices to share files over the network, provide SMB or FTP access, and supports Apple Time Machine backup. Unfortunately, it cannot be used to share a USB printer.

At the front are three discreet buttons for Wi-Fi, Power and WPS. At the bottom are the cooling vents. There are also two hooks for wall mounting here and there are four small plastic stands on each corner.

Software & Features

Once connected by cables or Wi-Fi, the router will prompt you for the initial setup when you start your Internet browser. Alternatively, just enter the internet address tplinkwifi.net in the address bar.

You can also use the Tether app, which works on the local network, for configuration and management. It is available for both smartphones and tablets on iOS and Android. Tether works on the local network. You also have the option to register a TP-Link account ID during installation, which will enable access to cloud services. From there, you can control your entire network remotely.

The settings are divided into basic and advanced, with the most essential options at the top. We really liked the new GUI as it has all the vital information in the basic section which is all the average user really needs.

OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies are also worth mentioning. Traditional routers that use the older SU-MIMO standard serve only one user at a time, while other users have to wait, which reduces performance and overall capacity.

MU-MIMO technology solves this problem by creating several simultaneous connections serving multiple users at the same time, even when gaming online, watching 4K videos or sending large files.

The router allows us to configure the different networks, which can work separately or as a combined network. With Smart Connect, the router automatically assigns the network depending on what the connecting device supports. It also offers an option to setup a Guest Wi-Fi network, with or without a password.

With TP-Link OneMesh Extender, users can build a Wi-Fi mesh network and use a single SSID to form a huge Wi-Fi network without blind spots.

Archer AX90 also supports Amazon Alexa voice control function. Users can control different functions on the Archer AX90 by voice, once fully setup.

And finally, The Archer AX50 comes with an additional feature – the HomeShield suite which includes Antivirus, network security scanning, advanced QoS and parental controls. The HomeShield network security function requires a TP-Link ID to be used.

Performance

The TP-Link Archer AX90 offers tri-band Wi-Fi 6, featuring a 160 MHz bandwidth and 1024-QAM, for a total bandwidth of up to 6.6 Gbps (AX6600). For wireless coverage, the router uses 8 external high-performance antennas in order to match the 802.11ax extremely fast transmission with range boost, beamforming technology, and airtime fairness technology.

On the hardware side, the TPLink AX50 has a 1.5GHz Quad Core Intel processor and 1GB of RAM.

When it comes to smart home systems, Archer AX90 also supports Target Wake Time (TWT) technology. The router can determine when and how often devices wake up to effectively send or receive data.

For the performance test, we connected three devices from three different areas.

• The first device was connected closest to the router in straight line, the throughput was able to reach about 900Mbps.
• The second device was connected from a distance of 10 meters but without any obstructions. The throughput was able to reach 720Mbps.
• The final device was also tested about 10 meters apart with a wall barrier and the throughput was able to reach 630 Mbps.

Conclusion

The TP-Link Archer AX90 is a high-end Wi-Fi 6 router built for large homes and office spaces and is about three times the price of the Archer AX50 (although, cheaper than many other AX6000 alternatives).

If you are looking for a powerful router to cover a large area with high-speed Wi-Fi and 2.5Gbps wired network for connecting multiple devices at the same time, this is a good recommendation. For a more affordable Wi-Fi 6 experience, we recommend the AX50 or AX10 for smaller spaces.