Review on 🔌 TP-Link Archer A20: Advanced AC4000 Smart WiFi Router with MU-MIMO, VPN Server, and Antivirus/Parental Control by Christopher Lott

This Archer AC4000, Archer A20, V1.0 router was easy to set up. I was set up in about 20 minutes from unboxing to speed testing. I set up and tested the speed on 3 other devices in about 15 minutes. It's large, about 8 inches square and about 4 inches from the table to the top of the antennae. They recommend wall mounting for better coverage. It worked great for a week. There was a thunderstorm, then I had problems. The first problem seems to be: 1) Port 1 of the router connects to my laptop 2) The wired connection shows up as my 2.4G WiFi name The router is connected to a UPS system which then turns on to with high-quality surge protection. My cable modem, NAS and external drive are also connected to the UPS system. My laptop is plugged into a surge protector. The coaxial cable does not go through the surge protector. It may be lightning through the coax, but I expect other problems with the modem and other network connections from the router to my NAS. I spent 40 minutes with the helpdesk and encountered difficulties because 1) the language barrier 2) the operator was in a hurry to end the call. My 2.4G connection delivers around 94Mbps, while two 5G and one direct network connections get around 480Mbps. My provider plan is up to 400 Mbps down and 20 up. I usually get 480 on the LAN and 20-24 on top. The agent tried to give me 94 Mbps over ethernet, even though I told him my other laptop got 480 Mbps over WiFi. On the plus side, they have two replacement options: get a new block first, then return the old one, or vice versa. I received a new, non-refurbished device. As I've only had it a week I might be able to exchange it with the supplier, but I would like to deal with TP-Link if the problems persist beyond the supplier's return time. At least using a different network port works for my laptop and the WiFi works. I have to wait a day for a call back and then 3-5 business days to get a new device. Update: I didn't get a call back from the returns department and didn't see I had 2 junk emails. Emails asking for proof of purchase. I discovered this a few days later when the router lost connection several times a day. The representative on the phone was only partially right. He said I would get a return label so I didn't have to pay, but he didn't tell me I had to pay to have the new unit shipped to me. After several emails to the RMA department that I was refusing to pay for shipping the router, which took less than a week, they finally found a way to charge me and then credit me immediately. I received the second version. Several reviews have stated that the Revain vendors shipped the first version with issues and to ensure you get the second version. When I saw that I had received the first version I called TP-Link and they told me they only make the first version. So I didn't return it to the seller thinking that this was another case of Revain mixing reviews of different products. The version 2 replacement router was more difficult to set up as only 2.4 Wi-Fi is available. I tried calling support but they have limited time. After further research I got all but one device to view and connect to 5G. I checked all my speeds again and none of them hit the 480Mbps download I used to have. My phone gets better downloads compared to my laptops, which isn't usually the case. When setting up a new router, I was no longer able to access the router's web pages using the Chrome browser. The tech said I need to use a different browser which means I need to install the password app in a different browser or always go to Chrome to get it. After further research I still couldn't find a place to change the admin password after I originally set it. The tech said her instructions are the same and she didn't see that option either so there must have been an update and the instructions haven't updated yet. I had to end the chat and wait for the email once they found the answer. After 5 days still no email. Every aspect of interacting with TP-Link was excruciatingly painful and slow. I just want to return the router to Revain and buy a different brand. I hope this review helps someone else! You still have not received the device back and if it is not received (not shipped and received by you) within 25 calendar days of the RMA being issued, you will be billed for the entire device! I can only imagine being charged based on our past interactions!