The Archer T4e vs T6e- Best Wi-Fi routers offering the wide-area coverage
Good Wi-Fi routers offer internet coverage over long ranges, some will cover several offices in a building while the ones used at home will effectively cater to a few rooms that are close to the router.
Having your router placed in an appropriate place in your home or office doesn’t require any technical knowledge, something that I had to learn fast the moment I started experiencing signal problems with my home router. Well, in the excerpt below we will sample the Archer T4e and the T6e to establish which of the two offers the best coverage.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between the Archer T4e and the T6e?
Model |
Archer T4e |
Archer T6e (Winner) |
Security |
WPA/WPA2,WEP,WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK |
WPA/WPA2encryption standards |
Speeds (Long range) |
867-Upload speeds
300-download speeds |
867-Upload speeds
400-Download speeds |
Antenna |
2 Dual-Band detachable antennas |
2 dual-band detachable antennas |
Warranty |
2-year warranty plus 24/7 technical support |
2-year Limited warranty not covering software products, cables, packaging, and technical data |
Archer T4e Vs Archer T6e- how do they compare?
Capacity
Archer T4e comes equipped with the advanced 5G Wi-Fi standards (802.11ac), the above feature allows users to enjoy faster internet speeds whether uploading or downloading material or just browsing the web. Bandwidth intensive applications have also been catered to by the fast 5GHz, which can be used by the gaming enthusiasts, or during the high definition (HD) streaming in whichever device that you choose to use.
The Wi-Fi router is equipped with the advanced beamforming technology that prevents the Wi-Fi signals from roaming where they are not being utilized and instead they are directed to devices that are connected to the network to encourage a stable connection and to boost connectivity range. The two external antennas also enhance network stability and at the same time boost coverage because they utilize the latest wireless technology.
Archer t4e also utilizes the 2×2 MIMO (Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output), which means that the router can provide an internet connection to more than one users simultaneously or even transfer data to a network client via the multiple data streams at one go, by doing the above the speed at which data is transferred is increased inadvertently.
Archer T6e operates on a high Wi-Fi speed of up to 1300mbps and that is (867mbps on 5GHz band) and (400mbps on 2.4 GHz band). When compared to Archer T4e’s 1200mbps we establish that there is a slight difference in the download speeds as we are presented with up to (300mbps on 2.4 GHz band), which is less than the Archers T6e (400mbps on 2.4GHz).
Despite the low download speeds of the Archer T6e, the router is a 5G Wi-Fi enabled dual-band meaning it can effectively handle the high bandwidth operations. Both Archer T4e and T6e seem to be twinning when it comes to coverage and capacity, and the only difference is the slightly lower download speeds of the Archer T4e.
Position in relation to signal strength
The positioning of your Wi-Fi router will very likely affect its signal strength especially if it is not made with the parameters to cover a wide area. The archer T4e can only cover up to 122m and this has been determined by the 802.11ac protocol that it runs. Wi-Fi routers operating on the 2.4 GHz are required to at least reach up to 46 meters while indoors, which will, in turn, ensure that everyone who is connected to the network is well sufficed.
Still under the 2.4 GHz band, when outdoors the router should be able to cover at least 92 meters, Archer T4e therefore, operates on 300mbps download speeds and 867 Mbps upload speeds with a range of 122meters when utilized indoors. The router has thus surpassed the recommended 46 meters and users can expect their Wi-Fi signals to be deployed in almost every room in their homes. And given the high coverage, its positioning should be considered to help boost signal range and strength.
Both routers need to positioned appropriately given that they utilize almost the same parameters in signal strength and range, only that T4e offers AC1200 while T6e offers 1300.
Fixed Antennas
To get good internet coverage with your Wi-Fi router then you have to position them in areas that they will experience minimal distractions. Archer T4e has incorporated two external antennas that use the current wireless technology to ensure that users can enjoy stable connections complete with wide coverage whether in the office or at home.
So unlike the Archer T4e, Archer T6e has been equipped with an external advanced antenna, which is a step up from the basic antennas utilized by the T4e. Archer T6e has, therefore, been designed to ensure that users can achieve the best Wi-Fi signals even in longer distances.
Wi-Fi routers working on 5GHz band tend to be sensitive to obstacles; therefore if their antennas are blocked by a wall then the signal will be lost or interfered with. This, therefore, means that the Wi-Fi router will only be able to transmit at shorter ranges because of the higher frequency.
Tp-Link installation and Application
Both Archer T4e and T6e are in the form of adapters, their design is far from your normal Wi-Fi router and therefore, their installation and application will differ. The commonly designed Wi-Fi routers can be operated from the ios and Android devices but with the Archer T4e and the T6e, you will need a PC.
So for starters ensure that you have a windows operating system then initiate the installation process which will only take three simple steps. The first thing that you need to do is to download the latest driver from the Tp-link website, and while doing this you will be able to also find out the operating system that your adapter is compatible with.
So now that you have the download ready, it’s time to get your pc ready first by powering it down and then open up the case to install the adapter. However, if you have the latest PC designs that are tool-less then things will be much easier as you will only need to install the adapter. On the opened PC you will then install the adapter on its respective slot and then cover it.
You will then power the PC back up and locate the downloaded driver and install it. After the latter process, you can now restart your PC and connect it to your wireless network and you are good to go. The above process applies to both the Archer T4e and T6e routers.
Security and Operating System
Archer T4e and the T6e both utilize operating systems, so the issue of compatibility will naturally arise. Both units are compatible with similar and different operating systems, for one they can both use windows 10/8.1 /8 and 7. Now, T6e can also use windows XP and will also support WPA/WPA 2 encryption standards meant to offer protection to the wireless connections from hackers.
Security features for the T4e seem pretty advanced from what T6e has to offer, you will, therefore, get Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) or WPA 2, then there is WPA2-PSK, WEP, and WPA-PSK. The above are all encryption standards designed to keep user’s data safe from external threats.
Structure and Design
The structure and design of the Archer T4e and the Archer T6e are almost similar with subtle differences in the equipment that have been used to make up the unit. For example, while the T4e utilizes the common basic antennas, the T6e has been equipped with some of the most advanced antennas to encourage long-range coverage and faster speeds.
To properly benefit from the router you will have to install it on a PC, to which end the T6e has been equipped with an extra low profile bracket in addition to the already existing standard bracket. The purpose of the low profile bracket is to make it easy for people to use the router in the mini-tower computer cases.
The Archer T4e Vs T6e- A comparison overview
The Archer T4e
- Lightning fast speed: upgrade your Wi-Fi Card to 1200Mbps Wi-Fi speeds
- More stable performance: heat sink technology distributes heat away from core components to improve...
Archer T4e is a type of Wi-Fi router designed to handle the heavy computing activities, such as streaming 4k ultra HD videos and carrying out various online gaming activities. And given that the unit is to be used on a PC, it has incorporated the necessary safety features that will ensure it gives users a long time service.
The adapter in its manufacture has incorporated the heat sink feature that dissipates the thermal energy generated by the adapter. The feature lowers the high temperatures that would otherwise harm the product and in the long run, extends its lifespan.
Archer T4e utilizes 5G Wi-Fi technology and when combined with the two external Wi-Fi antennas it offers extended coverage and excellent Wi-Fi signals. And to prevent the internet from buffering, and enable it to offer a stable connection and boost the internet range, the machine utilizes the beamforming technology, which helps focus Wi-Fi signals to the connected devices.
Pros
- Setting it up doesn’t involve a steep learning curve
- Equipped with an extra low profile bracket
- Data is protected with the advanced security measures
- The heat sink feature encourages durability
Cons
- Users experience problems when using 5G
- Users experience cut-outs frequently
The Archer T6e
- Lightning Fast speed: upgrade your Wi-Fi Card to 1300Mbps Wi-Fi speeds
- More stable performance: heat sink technology distributes heat away from core components to improve...
The archer T6e offers users super high Wi-Fi speeds and increased range coverage that has been facilitated with the incorporated external detachable antennas. The router also offers users advanced security options when compared to the Archer T4e and the operating system is compatible with the various versions of the window.
The unit also fronts some impressive security features but ones that rarely match up with what Archer T4e offers. Durability is also enhanced with the advanced heat sink capabilities which also enhances the performance of the unit and encourages stability.
Pros
- Offers high internet speeds
- Supports various operating systems
- The incorporated heat sink technology increases stability and reliability
Conclusion
Both Archer T4e and T6e are great performing routers with significant differences that cannot be ignored, which means that you have to evaluate your needs before you settle with either. One very notable difference that might be costly if you are not careful is the incorporated low profile bracket in the T4e that would comfortably be accommodated on the mini-tower computer cases.
Verdict; So which is better: Archer T4e or T6e
Archer T6e does have some very advanced technological features meant to enhance user experience. However, some rather notable features seem to be missing and ones that are very vital to the overall performance of the unit. For example, the unit has not been equipped with the beamforming feature that restricts Wi-Fi signals to the devices that are connected to the network.
Archer T4e, on the other hand, does have the Beamforming feature so users can be sure of enjoying better long-range coverage. Another notable missing feature in the T6e is the advanced security options equipped in the T4e. The former only offers users two security options which are the WPA/WPA 2 encryption standards. Archer T6e on the other hand, offers its users the WPA-PSK, WEP, WPA/WPA2, WPA2-PSK encryption standards.
The T4e has also been equipped with an additional low profile bracket and that is in addition to the already equipped standard bracket this, therefore, means that you can use the T4e router with the mini tower computers, the same can, however, not be said for the T6e.
In conclusion is that the Archer T6e takes the lead over the archer T4e
FAQs
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How do I check if I have installed the driver for my T4e adapter successfully?
On your PC, right-click on the Computer icon and head to manage, click open the device manager and scroll down to the network adapters, locate the corresponding Archer T4e adapter, then right-click it and scroll to properties. Click the latter and a dialog box will appear showing you the device status, so if it is “working properly” then that is the message that will be displayed to you.
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How can I improve the speeds of my Archer T4e?
Ensure that no obstacle might interfere with the radio signals, either a wall, ceiling or a surface made of metal. Always place your antennas straight out and parallel to the floor, or at 45 degrees. Lastly, use 5G when conducting network activities because 2.4GHz frequency is at times too crowded to convey signals.
