Page 5 - Conclusion
When my kids read this review in the future, they probably will be looking at this and wondering how we survived with such slow Internet. Of course by then, they will be experiencing Gigabit speeds, while their computers will be smaller than I can imagine. For today's terms, the TP-Link Archer C3150 is a great router loaded with the features I like. Starting with the build quality and aesthetics, the Archer C3150 looks nice and feels solid. Despite its plastic body and shell, it is sturdy enough. I am not a huge fan of the glossy finish, but you probably will not be handling your router as much once set up, so it is not a big deal. The layout of lighting and ports however is great, and the flexible design to wall mount the router or lay it flat is nice to see. When it comes to usability, the TP-Link firmware is quite easy to use and configure. While it may not have the most in-depth options, it definitely provides most users with what they need. Finally, when it comes to performance, the TP-Link Archer C3150 has shown it can keep up with the venerable Linksys WRT3200ACM, as it traded blows with the competition in various areas and produced an impressive 500Mbps download at optimal conditions. It is obvious the TP-Link router is optimized for some situations, but the Archer C3150 provided great results all around. As for changes, I think TP-Link could improve their next iterations by increasing the clearance between the bottom vents and the ground for better airflow. I also wish the router was a bit smaller overall. As well, I hope the development of the open source firmware for this router completes soon, as it will open up more customization to next-level users. When it comes to pricing, the TP-Link Archer C3150 comes in around $180 USD, which is cheaper than the Linksys WRT3200ACM we benchmarked against. Overall, the TP-Link Archer C3150 has impressed me with performance and ease of use, such that I can speak about it for the generations to come, or at least until the next wireless standard is released.
TP-Link provided this product to APH Networks for the purpose of evaluation.
APH Review Focus Summary:
8/10 means Definitely a very good product with drawbacks that are not likely going to matter to the end user.
7/10 means Great product with many advantages and certain insignificant drawbacks; but should be considered before purchasing.
-- Final APH Numeric Rating is 7.5/10
Please note that the APH Numeric Rating system is based off our proprietary guidelines in the Review Focus, and should not be compared to other sites.
The TP-Link Archer C3150 offers excellent performance and easy to use firmware at a competitive price.
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Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. Physical Look - Hardware
3. Configuration and User Interface
4. Performance Tests
5. Conclusion
