Two routers

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Two routers

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Two routers
Two routers
2021-06-08 03:51:19
Model: Archer A20  
Hardware Version: V2
Firmware Version: 1.1.1 Build 20190827 rel.78773(5553)

I have a Home Network consisting of 11 wired devices through unmanaged switches, 2 5GHz clients (TV, AV Rcvr) a tablet that i use at both 5 GHz and 2.4 Ghz and about 25 smart home devices using the 2.4 GHz. I have an Archer C9 that I was using until it started dropping the smart home connections. I purchased a refurb A20 (C4000) and installed it and it is working well. The wired devices are 3 laptops and 8 AV units (TV's, AV Rcvr, Roku). I'm considering putting the C9 as the router connected to my 250 Mbps cable internet modem and using it for the wired connections. I would wire the A20 to the C9 and use it for all the wifi connections. I'm pretty sure this is doable, but would like to have opinions on how well this would work. Would it take some load off the A20 by using the C9 as the wired connection...

 

Obviously not all TV's, receivers, laptops are in use at the same time, so maybe I'm looking at a solution for a problem that doesn't exist. However, I think getting all my smart home devices (Google and works with) separated out could be beneficial.

 

I appreciate any comments.

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#1
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4 Reply
Re:Two routers
2021-06-08 12:06:34 - last edited 2021-06-08 12:08:02

@UpperNW 

 

IMHO, I would not do it unless there is a specific issue you need to resolve.

 

It just makes things more complicated and if you encounter any issues in the future, it can make it harder to determine what the issue is. Think of it as more things that can go wrong.

 

You will only be as fast as the slowest link in your network. Adding more to the mix adds processing overhead and I do not see where you would gain anything. All the data would still pass through a router before going to the AP.

 

I would save the old router as a back up router in case the new one dies.

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#2
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Re:Two routers
2021-06-08 12:19:07

@ArcherC8 I'm somewhat concerned about the number of devices connected to the A20. In researching the number, I found conflicting opinions. Some said 32 was the absolute max, another said each wifi band could handle 32, another said specifically that the A20 could handle 50. I'm over the 32 and slightly less than the 50 and no more than 24 on the 2.4 GHz band. That's the main reason I've been considering it.

 

It would be nice if I could get a definitive answer on the number of devices on the A20.

 

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#3
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Re:Two routers
2021-06-08 22:44:45

@UpperNW 

 

I have never found a difinitive number of devices for a router, number for each WIFI band, or number if you use an AP for most routers.

 

Maybe one of the TP Link techs such as @Carl or @Tony can get the answer.

 

 

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#4
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Re:Two routers
2021-06-09 02:31:38

@ArcherC8 Tony is the source for the 32 per band number. Here's his reply to another's question:

 

2020-05-21 07:28:45 - last edited 2020-07-08 10:16:35
Re:Archer AC4000 Max Number of Devices? -Solution

@RyanC780 

 

The max amount of clients:


2.4GHz: 32
5GHz-1: 32
5GHz-2: 32

 

The max amount of address reservations is 32.

 

So I guess I can abandon the project. The reason it has bothered me is in the A20 web management app, the network map only ever shows a total of 32 clients. Mine currently shows 5 wired and 26 wi-fi, so you can see why I've been wondering.

 

Thanks for your replies. I'll quit worrying.

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#5
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