Netgear R6700 Vs Tp-Link Archer C9- Which is the best router for your office needs
A powerful Wi-Fi router is essential to keep your office running, simply because zero downtimes and faster upload and download speeds will have you accomplish more in less time.
Before you adopt a router for your organization or home use, it is important to first understand your needs and the amount of traffic that the router can handle. Initially, in the office we had installed the dial-up connection and had no problem with it until we renovated and bought some new computers, it is at this time that we established that the dial-up could not work with the new computers and had to switch to Wi-Fi routers.
While searching for the best Wi-Fi router we zeroed in on two, which were the Netgear R6700 and the Tp-Link Archer C9. And since we only need one for the office we will dig into their differences and share with you what we found out, as we determine the best for office use.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between Netgear R6700 and Tp Link Archer C9
Name |
Netgear R6700 (Winner) |
Tp Link Archer C9 |
Antenna |
3 External antennas |
3 External antennas |
Speed |
Download speeds- 450mbps
Upload speeds- 1300mbps |
Download speeds- 600mbps
Upload speeds- 1300mbps |
Warranty |
Limited Hardware warranty |
2-year warranty |
Call to Action |
Netgear R6700 vs Tp Link Archer C9- How do they compare?
Speed
Netgear R6700 and the TP-Link Archer C9 routers are both 5G enabled and this has been determined by the inclusion of the digits 802.11ac representative of 5G Wi-Fi. Important to note is that we also have the 802.11n’s, notice the difference in the last two digits, well the Wi-Fi routers ending with n’s are known to use multiple antennas which are aimed at increasing data rates.
Important to note is that 802.11n’s is an upgrade from 802.11ac that is known to enhance the router’s speeds. Therefore, whenever you are out looking for a router that will offer you faster speeds and signal strength, then better you settle with 802.11ac because it is 5G and only utilizes the 5Ghz band. 802.11n’s, on the other hand, has to use both 54GHz and 2.4GHz.
So how fast is 5G when being used by the wireless devices? Offices or homes that use 5G can achieve download speeds of up to 1000 Mbps or 2.1 Gbps. Users should, therefore, expect their routers to exhibit zero buffering and faster download speeds. Latency rates are at 1ms and if installed in the office then users will be able to conduct real-time analytics.
Range and capacity
The Netgear Nighthawk R6700 covers a whopping 1500 sq ft, it is quite large with a 1 GHz dual-core processor meant to be used in large spaces. When utilizing the 2.4 GHz frequency band, users will be able to get up to 450mbps and if using a 5 GHz frequency band, then they will be provided with speeds of up to 1300mbps.
Tp-Link Archer C9, on the other hand, has incorporated a dual-core Broadcom BCM4709 processor that runs at 1GHz, a feature that goes to show that the router will offer support to the modern working 5G standards including the 802.11n. Tp-Link Archer C9 has thus been equipped with three external antennas to enhance the coverage over a wide area. However, when compared to the Netgear Nighthawk, Tp-Link tends to be slow over short distances
Security features
Wi-Fi routers come equipped with security features necessary to keep the data that you are sharing safe and to protect the people that are connected to the network. Most routers, therefore, utilize access controls to block devices, but this will only restrict them from using the internet as the devices will still be able to access your routers local network and even communicate with the connected devices.
Netgear has thus been equipped with the Netgear Armor that is designed to protect both the connected devices and your network from cyber-attacks. By using the router, your data will be protected with the antivirus feature, and the smart devices connected to the router will also benefit from the data protection feature. Chances of malicious software penetrating your system have also been obliterated by the anti-malware feature.
Routers are at the risk of being infected with viruses if the hacker can penetrate past the initial login screen and proceed to modify the settings of the router. In worst-case scenarios viruses could also modify the embedded firmware controls used in controlling the router’s software.
The Tp-Link Archer C9 has incorporated a cyber-attack protection feature, the Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) firewall and the Denial of Service (DOS) protection. The SPI firewall is designed to validate the traffic that goes through the router as regards protocol.
Therefore, to effectively benefit from the above services, you will have to utilize the default settings and stick to it. DOS, on the other hand, has been designed to protect your home network from DOS attacks that have been known to flood networks with server requests. Tp-Link also allows users to use the Access Control feature to either allow or block specific client devices to access the network.
Tp Link Archer C9 and Netgear R6700 application
Both the Tp Link Archer C9 and the Netgear R6700 are operated with applications provided by the respective manufacturers. Netgear Nighthawk’s application is accessible once you have connected your phone to the router network.
The application allows you to get your router up and running, and after successfully setting it up, you will be able to interact with the application’s intuitive dashboard, where you can run the internet speed test to check on the download and upload speeds in case it buffs. You could also pause the internet on the devices that are connected to the network.
Tp Link Archer C9 is also operated by an application that allows users to remotely access and manage their routers from their iOS or Android phones. A feature that makes it stand out from the Netgear R6700. Now when operating your Archer C9 from your phone, you don’t necessarily have to be within the location as you can manage it even while on vacation.
The application enables users to check the status of their networking devices and configure other personal settings for their networks like setting up parental controls. Tether also enables the router owners to see who is connecting to their networks and block unauthorized users.
The TP-Link Tether also provides alerts on firmware updates, which helps ensure that users interact with an advanced Wi-Fi; all the above services are made available via the Tp-Link cloud service.
Structure and Design
The Netgear R6700 feature a simple and easy to store design with the detachable antennas conveniently located at the back of the unit. To get it up and running you have been provided with the relevant switches at the back and unlike the Tp Link Archer C9 which has been equipped with two USB ports, the R6700 only has one high speed 3.0 USB port.
The Tp Link Archer, on the other hand, features a simple but sophisticated design complete with long-range external antennas that help ensure users get coverage even if more devices are accessing the same network. Ethernet and internet ports have been placed at the back of the unit, for easy connection of the wired devices; the ports also act as gaming routers thus offering workable options for the gaming enthusiasts.
Netgear features a wide surface area that makes it lay low easily with zero chances of falling and breaking, the same cannot be said for the Tp-Link because without proper storage and care the unit can easily fall and break or the antennas could get damaged given their positioning.
The Netgear Nighthawk R6700 vs Tp Link Archer C9- Comparison overview
The Netgear Nighthawk R6700
- Maximum Range : 1500 Sq Ft
- Recommended for up to 25 devices: Reliably stream videos, play games, surf the internet, and connect...
Offices can now automate all their services with the Netgear R6700 given its ability to offer internet coverage of up to 1500 square feet. And to make it even more effective for use in an office setting, the router can comfortably accommodate up to 25 different devices. The above can also work in a home setting and here you will enjoy high speeds as you play games, stream videos and surf the net.
The unit is also Quality of Service (QoS) enabled a feature that helps in the management of data traffic to cut on latency, jitters and packet loss in the network. The QoS control also sets priorities for the specific types of data on the network. Security features have also been enabled to protect the connected devices from cyber threats and to keep data safe.
There are also wireless security protocols installed such as the Guest Wi-Fi access, VPN, Firewall and Dos among others.
Pros
- Setting up is easy with the provided application
- The unit has been equipped with Gigabytes ports for fast wired connections
- The provided circle app enables internet management
- Allows online gaming and HD streaming
Cons
- Some routers transmit unreliable signals
- Users complain of poor service by the Netgear support staff
Tp Link Archer C9
- 1 of wireless routers for Home which is compatible with all Wi Fi devices, 802.11ac and older
- Gigabit router with 4 gigabit LAN ports, fast Access to Multiple connected wired devices, also ideal as...
With the Archer C9 from Tp-Link, we are not specifically informed of the coverage but the one thing that we do know is that it is not at its best in the short distance ranges. However, the unit is very compatible with almost all types of internet-enabled devices, whether wired or wireless and comes equipped with the 5G Wi-Fi technology.
The unit works best when adopted for home use when compared to the Netgear R6700. Archer C9 can serve more than one wired connected device, enabling faster speeds with the 4 gigabit LAN ports. And that is despite facing stiff competitions from devices that do better in short range. Archer C9’s 3 external antennas ensure that the Wi-Fi can comfortably cover long distances.
The Beamforming technology redirects Wi-Fi signals where they are needed the most through smart detecting. The router has also incorporated the fast 3.0 USB port for fast internet speeds and a 2.0 USB port to handle the sharing of media and files over the network. And unlike Netgear where users are having trouble getting through customer support, Tp-Link ensures that their users get 24/7 support.
Pros
- Stronger internet connections have been enabled by the beamforming technologies
- Has been equipped with an intuitive mobile interface
- Allows online gaming, movie streaming, and file download via the 1 GHz dual-core powerful CPU
- The router utilizes both the 2.0 and 3.0 USB ports
Cons
- The unit is not reliable and can die down anytime
- The unit tends to heat up a bit when being uses
Conclusion
The Archer C9 and the Netgear R6700 are both good performing routers only that they have differing competing functionalities that make them suitable to be used in specific settings. For example, when it comes to coverage Netgear R6700 does exceptionally well over long and short distances while Archer C9 does well over long ranges and not the short-range.
Verdict; so which one is better? The Netgear R6700 or the Tp Link Archer C9
Both routers are 5G enabled meaning that whichever you choose will offer you fast internet speeds. However, Netgear stacks up better than Archer C9 first because of coverage, as it can offer fast Wi-Fi performance of over 15,000square feet and can comfortably handle up to 25 different devices.
Tp-Link has not done badly either because it does have impressive security features and provides users with two USB ports which is a plus when compared to Netgear that only has one 3.0 USB port.
FAQs
-
From where can I upgrade my Archer C9?
Upgrading your Archer C9 is very easy as you just need to visit the local Tp-Link official website of the purchase location and upgrade your firmware
-
How soon do I need to upgrade my Netgear R6700?
Routers are made to last 3 to 4 years after which you will have to upgrade to a new router and this goes for the Netgear R6700 too.
