The topic was originally posted by Riley_S in Introducing the Archer Air Router and Range Extender

AX3000 Dual Band Router and AX3000 Range Extender

At CES this year, we were able to show off our latest type of Archer Router and Range Extender, the Archer Air Series. Since then, we have not only seen the release of these devices, but we have seen a great deal of interest in using these devices as EasyMesh extenders.

EasyMesh Compatible

If you already have an EasyMesh network in your home, the Router and Range Extender can be used to extend it and eliminate dead zones.

• Air E5 Can Work to Wirelessly Extend Your Existing Network or EasyMesh Network
• Air R5 Can Create Your EasyMesh Network or work as a Wireless Satellite
• Compatible with EasyMeshCompatible Devices, Even From other Brands

 

 

Streamlined Ultra-Thin Design with Flexible Installation Methods

With both the Air RE and Air Router being thinner than a wall outlet, along with their flexible installation methods, they are the perfect solution to easily and discreetly provide seamless Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home.

The Archer Air series is designed to mount onto walls easily and offers multiple installation methods, using 3M adhesives or the included wall mount bracket.

 

When to Use the R5 Router Compared to the E5 Range Extender

The TP-Link Air R5 and Air E5 are highly versatile and are designed to meet a variety of home connectivity needs. Whether you're looking to establish a robust main network, extend your existing coverage, or create a seamless mesh network, these devices offer flexible solutions.

Air R5 Can Be Used As:

• The Main Router for Your Network (Connecting a TPLink Router to a Gateway with Bridge Mode)
• A Wired Access Point (AP)
• A Wireless EasyMesh Satellite

 

Air E5 is an Ideal Solution As:

• Wireless Range Extender for Your Existing Network,
• As a Wireless EasyMesh Satellite

Note: The Archer Air R5 is a wireless router with 2*1Gbps ports, while the Air E5 is a range extender without Ethernet ports.

	Air R5 Router	Air E5 Range Extender
	AX3000	AX3000
Wireless Speed (Up to 3 Gbps)	2.4 GHz: 574Mbps 5GHz: 2402 Mbps	2.4 GHz: 574Mbps 5GHz: 2402 Mbps
Ethernet Connectivity	1x Gigabit LAN 1x Gigabit WAN	Wireless Only
EasyMesh Connectivity	Main + Wireless Satellite	Wireless Satellite
Modes	Router / AP	Range Extender
Power Source	USB-C	USB-C
Overview	Archer Air R5 - AX3000 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Air Router	Archer Air E5 – AX3000 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Air Range Extender
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Frequently Asked Questions:

Does the Archer Air Series Support a Wired Ethernet Backhaul for EasyMesh

Not Yet.  Wired Backhaul Compatibility has only been added to EasyMesh capable devices recently. However, Ethernet Backhaul will be added to Archer Air R5 in the future. 

 

*Note: EasyMesh is incompatible with Deco Mesh technology and will only extend an EasyMesh Network.

What's the recommended placement location for the Archer Air R5?

For optimal performance of the Archer Air R5 and E5, it is recommended to install the devices by mounting them on a wall, ensuring there are no obstacles in front of them.

The ideal height for installation is between 5-6 feet, which will provide the strongest signal and coverage. Additionally, mounting the Archer Air R5 on a wall helps with heat dissipation, further enhancing its performance.

Can I use TP-Link EasyMesh devices with EasyMesh products from different manufacturers or companies? Are they compatible? 

Theoretically, TP-Link EasyMesh will work with any EasyMesh-certified products due to the standardized EasyMesh technology. However, EasyMesh networking methods can vary depending on the manufacturer.  We recommend using TP-Link EasyMesh products together to ensure the best performance and full compatibility. 

 

Will EasyMesh-Compatible Devices Work Together with Onemesh™, Deco Mesh, or Omada Mesh Devices?

No. Wi-Fi EasyMesh, TP-Link OneMesh™, and Deco Mesh use different technologies and are not able to work together to create a coherent mesh network.

 

Archer Air R5 - AX3000 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Air Router

Archer Air E5 – AX3000 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Air Range Extender