Easymesh with Archer C80

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Easymesh with Archer C80

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Easymesh with Archer C80
Easymesh with Archer C80
2023-04-07 11:05:34 - last edited 2023-04-07 12:45:15
Model: Archer C80  
Hardware Version:
Firmware Version:

Hello,

 

I'm planing to upgrade the WiFi in a large house with thick walls.

Currently I'm using a TP-Link Archer C6 v2 router plus several legacy access points all connected via Ethernet to a central gbit switch. The problem with the current setup is that WiFi performance throughout the house is not that great. This makes me think about upgrading the hardware.

 

I'm assuming that the C6 v2 is not upgradeable to mesh with Ethernet backhaul and thus I'm thinking about getting four (or maybe even five) Archer c80 routers and connecting them via Ethernet again. However as far as I can tell the C80 does not offer VPN server functionality which I would prefer to have for use at a later point if I already have to buy new hardware.

 

Is wired-Ethernet backhaul available with Archer C80 routers with the current firmware? Are there any routers with both VPNserver and Easymesh functionality available right now?

The TP-Link website has lots of information, but I'm feeling lost regarding 'mesh' systems and I'm not sure which products are right for my application.

 

Thank you!

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Re:Easymesh with Archer C80
2023-04-07 12:03:57 - last edited 2023-04-07 12:05:29

  @alex5612 

 

Hi,

 

There is a dedicated thread regarding availablility of EasyMesh routers with wired backhaul.

https://community.tp-link.com/en/home/forum/topic/593722

 

 

Currently the Archer AX55 V1 is the only router that offers VPN Server and EasyMesh, but it doesn't support wired backhaul.

https://community.tp-link.com/en/home/forum/topic/589000

 

 

Apparenty the TP-Link Deco X50 V1 has just got a VPN Server feature via a firmware update. However, Deco uses a proprietary Mesh variant, not EasyMesh.

https://www.tp-link.com/en/support/download/deco-x50/v1/#Firmware

 

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Re:Easymesh with Archer C80
2023-04-09 10:13:58

  @woozle Hello,

thanks for your reply.

 

I still think the Archer C80 is the best choice right now in terms of features and price, because unless I get some kind of NAS there is not much point in running a VPN server anyway. And as it turns out many NAS do come with VPN server functionality.

 

Only the V1 version of the Deco X50 offers VPN support? Do I understand this correctly?

Not sure what to make of the Deco series though. The design looks a tad better than many of the routers, but it's sort of a deal breaker that you have to use a mobile app to configure the devices. Wifi6 is nice to have, but as far as I know none of my mobile devices support it...

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Re:Easymesh with Archer C80
2023-04-09 13:48:33

  @alex5612 

 

In case of the Archer C80 make sure you get one of the hardware versions for which EasyMesh firmware updates are available. (as per the first link in my previous post)
If you buy in a physical store you can find the version (Vx.x) printed on a small white label on the retail box. If you buy online, then better make sure they have a good return policy.

 

The Deco series used to be completely without VPN Server functionality, I think. I was only able to find affirmative information for the Deco X50 V1, but perhaps there will be firmware updates that include the VPN Server feature for other Deco models as well in the future.

 

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