TP-Link AC1200 Archer A6 v3.0 or 2.0

drshreenivaas

drshreenivaas

Messages
58
Location
Kolhapur
ISP
BSNL
Hi friends, I a getting BSNL FTTH connection tomorrow and I am in market for a decent router. Till now I had ADSL connection and don't have any prior experience with FTTH. I am getting UTSTARCOM ONT 4842W-I modem with installation and have had shortlisted TP-Link AC1200 Archer C6 and A6 routers by skimming through this forum.
Right now, I am getting TP-Link A6 v2.0 for Rs. 2040 on Flipkart and A6 v3.0 for Rs. 2249 on Amazon. I have placed order for both as I don't know which will be better.
As per info available on net, v2.0 has a internal antenna which v3.0 lacks resulting in little bit drop in range.
v3.0 comes with dual core Mediatek processor, whereas v2.0 comes with single core QUALCOMM processor. Also v3.0 comes with DDR3 RAM instead of DDR2. This results in faster boot, better memory management, less heating and less reboots.
v3.0 also comes with Airtime Fairness feature which according to TP-Link website, Improves network efficiency by limiting excessive occupation.
I want to know if anybody has used both routers in real life and if possible, has compared them?
Plz help me as my both orders will be delivered in three days and I have to cancel one of them, but I don't know which one.
Thanks in advance.
 
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The photo for V3 on Amazon is correct for the link you shared . But the problem is , as @Sushubh said you can receive either v2 or v3 depending upon the seller . So you should make sure with the seller what he is sending you
 
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Yes, Appario @ Amazon usually always gets latest stock for Electronics.
My friend bought C6 last month and got V2 and date was September 2020
So i guess its depends on location from where you're getting.

Damn, wish i could get replacement for V3 from Amazon of my V2, Its look nic though 😀
By the way, does TP-Link change/Replace to higher Hardware?
 
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@drshreenivaas The differences that you're claiming are on the basis of customer reviews?
No official source? Can't find any difference except single core CPU on C6 and dual core on A6. TP-Link website doesn't even mention if the dual core is Mediatek or not.
 
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@MadAxe, I do agree that my observations are based on FAQs and I am not claiming they are true. What I am interested in is that I am getting both versions via flash deals and which one should I accept. Till date I have used D-Link ADSL 2750U modem cum router along with Mi 3C router as another access point to boost coverage on upper floor. BSNL has just launched FTTH in my town and I am one of the earliest adopters. I am getting UTSTARCOM ONT 4842W-I modem with 2.4 GHz wifi and want to purchase another router to boost coverage and security. But I am NOOB and have never once have purchased these routers. Being physician, all these terms are going over my head and I want knowledgeable and experienced senior members to help me to choose a good version to have troublefree experience
 

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Where did you find the specs for V3? If the specs are indeed true, and you're limited to only these devices I would suggest you to get V3. The range of 5Ghz is abysmal in these devices, so if you need to cover couple of rooms with concrete walls you'd be pretty much limited to 2.4GHz. Beamforming and MU-MIMO are pretty much useless in this scenario. They work in 5Ghz range and will only work if the client devices also support it. These devices have much better 2.4GHz range than your D-Link ADSL 2750U modem cum router and it may be possible for you avoid using the MI 3C as an access point.
 
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@nathan_ad, the details are available on TP-Link Canada website. Plz select US v3.0. An Emulator is also available on support page.
Reviews and few recent YouTube video posters are saying range is little bit less as compared to V2.0 due due to omission of internal antenna.
The v3.0 will be delivered first and I will test it and decide about coverage. You are correct in saying that 2.4GHz will matter most. Let's hope for best.
 
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drshreenivaas said:
Hi @imdarkray, below are the links.
TP-Link AC1200 Archer A6 v3.0
Amazon.in: Buy TP-Link AC1200 Archer A6 Smart WiFi, 5GHz Gigabit Dual Band MU-MIMO Wireless Internet Router, Long Range Coverage by 4 Antennas, Qualcomm Chipset Online at Low Prices in India | TP-Link Reviews & Ratings
TP-Link AC1200 Archer A6 v2.0
TP-Link Archer A6 1200 Mbps Router - TP-Link : Flipkart.com
Click to expand...

@drshreenivaas - I saw the same discprenacy.

en.techinfodepot.shoutwiki.com

TP-LINK Archer A6 v2.x - TechInfoDepot

The TP-LINK Archer C6 v2.x is likely identical. The Firmware Emulator for the A6 still calls itself a C6 in some places. The FCC Radio Test Report documents call the C6 the series model and the A6 the test model.
en.techinfodepot.shoutwiki.com en.techinfodepot.shoutwiki.com
en.techinfodepot.shoutwiki.com

TP-LINK Archer A6 v3.0 - TechInfoDepot

TP-Link Archer C6 v3.0 is externally the same.
en.techinfodepot.shoutwiki.com en.techinfodepot.shoutwiki.com

How about we all get together and run some actual tests like SNB does?

www.smallnetbuilder.com

How We Test Hardware Routers - SmallNetBuilder

http://forums.smallnetbuilder.com/forumdisplay.php?f=19
www.smallnetbuilder.com www.smallnetbuilder.com

I got the v3 from AMZN IN for 2249 lightning sale.
I'd love to do an actual set of performance comparatives & technicals rather than what we read on the box. But I think I missed the FK sale.

Since this is one of the largest selling AC / value routers in India, it behooves us to do so. Game on?
 
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igloo said:
If openwrt is not a requirement then better buy mercusys AC1900 a sub brand of TP-Link


Source
Click to expand...

So this guy likes the SPIDER shape as it looks cooler? 😀 The shape of tech reviews in India.

I ordered yesterday TP-link archer c6 but want other cuz of its colour | I want to buy a...

And someone wants a VIOLET colored router here instead - Why not just put Glitter Stickers or Shiny wrapping stickers/ decals on it?
Or Spray Paint at the nearby Auto/ Modding shop.. while he's making a Purple DC car for Mallya or someone.
 
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I am expecting delivery of v3.0 today. Its being postponed as I stay in rural area and delivery shedule is not being followed despite me being prime member. On the other hand, BSNL has delayed FTTH installation as some machine to attach cables is not available with local BSNL office.
Plz guide me when I will lay hand on this router, so I will post more details.
 
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