TP-Link Archer AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 vs TP-Link Wired Gigabit VPN Router: Spec Comparison
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When you compare the tp link ax1800 wifi 6 router vs er605, you are looking at two distinct networking tools from TP-Link. Both devices include robust security features and VPN server capabilities to protect your network. The main difference lies in their primary function. The Archer AX1800 is a wireless router designed to broadcast Wi-Fi signals to your devices. The ER605 is a wired router with no built-in wireless access point, focusing on port flexibility and enterprise-grade security.
Key differences
| Aspect | TP-Link Archer AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 Router | TP-Link Wired Gigabit VPN Router |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 | Not listed |
| Speed Rating | AX1800 | Gigabit |
| Wireless Coverage | Dual-Band with 4 antennas | No wireless radio |
| Port Configuration | Standard home ports | 5 Gigabit ports (3 WAN/LAN) |
| VPN Connections | OpenVPN and PPTP | Up to 20 IPsec, 16 OpenVPN, 16 L2TP, 16 PPTP |
Which one should you choose?
Choose TP-Link Archer AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 Router if
- You need to wirelessly connect multiple devices like phones and laptops
- You want the efficiency and capacity of Wi-Fi 6 technology
- You prefer a single device that handles both routing and wireless broadcasting
Choose TP-Link Wired Gigabit VPN Router if
- You require multiple WAN ports for bandwidth optimization or backup
- You need extensive VPN connection limits for remote access or site-to-site links
- You are building a wired network and already have separate wireless access points
Verdict: Choose the Archer AX1800 if you need a standard home router that provides wireless coverage for everyday devices. Select the ER605 if you prioritize wired connectivity, multiple internet uplinks, and advanced VPN management for a more complex network setup.
Archer AX21 vs ER605 Specs
Wi-Fi standard
The TP-Link Archer AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 Router supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). This standard offers greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to previous generations. It uses OFDMA technology to communicate more data to more devices simultaneously. The TP-Link ER605 is a wired gigabit VPN router. The data does not list any Wi-Fi standard for this device. It is designed as a wired gateway. Therefore, the Archer AX21 is the only option if you need wireless connectivity for your devices. The ER605 requires separate access points for wireless coverage.
Speed rating
The Archer AX21 carries an AX1800 speed rating. This provides up to 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth. Specifically, it offers up to 1200 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and up to 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. Performance varies by conditions and distance. The ER605 is rated for Gigabit port speeds. It features one Gigabit WAN port and two Gigabit LAN ports. The data does not provide a combined wireless speed rating for the ER605, as it lacks Wi-Fi. For wireless throughput, the Archer AX21 provides the higher specified numbers.
Frequency bands
The Archer AX21 operates on dual-band frequencies. It utilizes both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The data notes that dual-band Wi-Fi routers do not support the 6 GHz band. This allows you to connect devices to the most appropriate frequency for their needs. The ER605 is a wired router. The provided specifications do not mention any frequency bands for wireless transmission. It focuses on wired connections via its Gigabit ports. If you need dual-band wireless distribution, the Archer AX21 is the necessary choice.
Number of ports
The ER605 offers five Gigabit ports. This includes one dedicated Gigabit WAN port, two Gigabit WAN/LAN ports, and two Gigabit LAN ports. This configuration allows for up to three WAN ports, which can optimize bandwidth usage. It also includes a USB WAN port for mobile broadband backup via 4G/3G modems. The Archer AX21 is a wireless router. The data does not list the specific number of Ethernet ports for this model. For users requiring multiple wired connections or WAN redundancy, the ER605 provides explicit port counts and flexibility.
VPN capabilities
Both routers support VPN server functions. The Archer AX21 supports OpenVPN Server and PPTP VPN Server. It is designed with security as a core requirement, following CISA pledges. The ER605 offers more extensive VPN connections. It supports up to 20 LAN-to-LAN IPsec connections, 16 OpenVPN connections, 16 L2TP connections, and 16 PPTP connections. It also includes advanced firewall policies and DoS defense. For users needing high-volume or multiple simultaneous VPN tunnels, the ER605 provides superior specifications.
Choose the right TP-Link router for you
Home users needing wireless coverage
You need Wi-Fi 6 for better device capacity and reduced congestion. The Archer AX1800 offers dual-band speeds up to 1.8 Gbps. It uses OFDMA to handle multiple devices simultaneously. Beamforming and four high-gain antennas focus signal strength for better coverage. This router connects to your modem to provide wireless access throughout your home.
Small offices requiring wired VPN
You need a wired router with extensive VPN support. The ER605 handles up to 20 LAN-to-LAN IPsec, 16 OpenVPN, and 16 L2TP connections. It features five Gigabit ports for stable wired connections. Advanced security includes SPI firewall and DoS defense. This device is ideal for securing site-to-site connections without Wi-Fi radios.
Users wanting mobile broadband backup
You need a backup internet source via USB. The ER605 supports 4G/3G modems on its USB WAN port for WAN backup. It offers flexible port configurations with three usable WAN ports. This setup ensures your network stays online if your primary connection fails. The wired design prioritizes stability and security features over wireless convenience.
The products compared
TP-Link Archer AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 Router
Best for: basic Wi-Fi 6 homes with separate modems
- Wi-Fi Standard
- Wi-Fi 6
- Speed Rating
- AX1800
- Frequency Bands
- Dual-Band
- Max Port Speed
- Gigabit
- Features
- Mesh
- Dimensions
- 10.3 × 5.3 × 1.61 inches
View on Amazon: TP-Link Archer AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 Router Affiliate link
The TP-Link Archer AX21 is a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router delivering up to 1.8 Gbps of total bandwidth. It uses OFDMA to handle multiple devices simultaneously and beamforming with four high-gain antennas for broader coverage. This model includes Open VPN and PPTP server support. It requires a separate modem and works with most major internet service providers.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard for reduced congestion
- Dual-band speeds up to 1.8 Gbps total
- Built-in Open VPN and PPTP server support
- Four high-gain antennas with beamforming technology
Cons
- Does not support the 6 GHz band
- Requires a separate modem for internet access
- No mention of Ethernet port count in data
Good fit if
- You need basic Wi-Fi 6 speeds for streaming and gaming
- You want to set up a VPN server on your router
- You have a standard home setup with a separate modem
Skip if
- You require tri-band Wi-Fi or 6 GHz connectivity
- You need an all-in-one gateway without a separate modem
- You are looking for a mesh system node
Verdict: TP-Link Archer AX21 Wi-Fi 6 Router offers solid dual-band performance and VPN capabilities for users who already own a modem. It suits those who prioritize Wi-Fi 6 efficiency and secure tunneling over high-end throughput.
TP-Link Wired Gigabit VPN Router
Best for: Secure wired networking with VPN support
- Max Port Speed
- 1 Gbps
- Features
- VPN
- Dimensions
- 6.22 × 3.94 × 1 inches
- Weight
- 12.6 ounces
View on Amazon: TP-Link Wired Gigabit VPN Router Affiliate link
The TP-Link ER605 is a wired gigabit router designed for users who need robust security and flexible connectivity without Wi-Fi. It features five gigabit ports, including support for three WAN inputs, and allows for mobile broadband backup via a USB port. The device offers extensive VPN capabilities, supporting up to 20 LAN-to-LAN IPsec connections. It suits those who prioritize network security and wired performance over wireless coverage.
Pros
- Five gigabit ports with support for up to three WAN connections
- Supports mobile broadband backup via USB WAN port
- Highly secure VPN with up to 20 LAN-to-LAN IPsec connections
Cons
- No built-in Wi-Fi capability
- Limited to wired gigabit speeds only
- No mention of app control or remote management
Good fit if
- You need a dedicated wired router for security-focused setups
- You require multiple WAN inputs for bandwidth optimization
- You want VPN support without wireless interference
Skip if
- You need Wi-Fi coverage for your home
- You want a simple plug-and-play wireless router
- You require mobile app management for network settings
Verdict: The TP-Link ER605 Wired Gigabit VPN Router is a specialized tool for users who need secure, wired connectivity with advanced VPN features. It fits those who prioritize network security and flexible WAN options over wireless convenience.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | TP-Link Archer AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 Router | TP-Link Wired Gigabit VPN Router |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 | not stated |
| Speed Rating | AX1800 | not stated |
| Frequency Bands | Dual-Band | not stated |
| Max Port Speed | Gigabit | 1 Gbps |
| Frequency Band | Dual-Band | not stated |
| Features | Mesh | VPN |
| Port Speed | Gigabit | Gigabit |
| Dimensions | 10.3 × 5.3 × 1.61 inches | 6.22 × 3.94 × 1 inches |
| Weight | 1.1 pounds | 12.6 ounces |
| Size | AX1800 | not stated |
| Color | Black | silver |
| Model | Archer AX21 | ER605 |
Frequently asked questions
Can the TP-Link Archer AX1800 replace the ER605 for wireless needs?
Yes, if you require wireless connectivity. The Archer AX1800 provides Wi-Fi 6 coverage for your devices. The ER605 lacks wireless radios entirely. It is designed only for wired connections. You must choose the AX1800 if you need to connect laptops or phones without cables. The ER605 only connects devices via Ethernet ports.
Does the ER605 support Wi-Fi 6?
No, the ER605 does not support Wi-Fi. It is a wired-only router. It connects to your modem via an Ethernet cable. It distributes internet to other devices through its Gigabit LAN ports. The TP-Link Archer AX1800 is the model that supports Wi-Fi 6. It broadcasts wireless signals for your mobile devices.
Is the ER605 suitable for a mesh WiFi setup?
No, the ER605 is not a mesh node. It is a standalone wired router. It does not broadcast wireless signals. You cannot add it to a mesh system as a wireless unit. The Archer AX1800 offers Wi-Fi 6. It can serve as a wireless access point or main router in a home network.
Which router is smaller and lighter?
The ER605 is smaller and lighter. It weighs 12.6 ounces and measures 6.22 inches long. The Archer AX1800 weighs 1.1 pounds and measures 10.3 inches long. The ER605 fits easily in a rack or small space. The AX1800 is larger to accommodate its internal antennas and Wi-Fi 6 hardware.
Can I use the ER605 without a modem?
No, the ER605 requires a modem. It connects to your ISP modem via an Ethernet cable. It does not have a built-in modem. The Archer AX1800 also needs a separate modem for internet access. Both devices act as routers. They manage traffic but do not connect directly to the phone line or fiber input.
Does the Archer AX1800 include VPN server features?
Yes, the Archer AX1800 includes VPN capabilities. It allows you to create secure tunnels for your network. The ER605 also supports VPN server functions. Both devices prioritize network security. You can use either router to encrypt traffic. The AX1800 adds this to its wireless networking capabilities.