TP-Link Archer BE230 BE3600 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router

Description

The TP-Link Archer BE230 BE3600 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router is an affordable, entry-level Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) router designed for small to medium homes, offering next-generation connectivity at a budget-friendly price. It delivers combined dual-band speeds of up to 3.6Gbps, with 2882Mbps on the 5GHz band and 688Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, ideal for 4K/8K streaming, online gaming, and multi-device households. Powered by a 2.0GHz quad-core CPU, 512MB RAM, and 128MB flash, it supports up to 60–70 devices with low latency, leveraging 2×2 MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and Multi-Link Operation (MLO) for simultaneous band usage, 4K-QAM for 120% more data packing, and Multi-RUs for optimized spectrum efficiency.

Equipped with four adjustable external antennas and beamforming, the Archer BE230 provides reliable coverage for small homes or apartments (up to ~1500 sq.ft.), though its range weakens at longer distances due to the absence of a 6GHz band. It features multi-Gig connectivity with 1× 2.5Gbps WAN port, 1× 2.5Gbps LAN port, and 3× 1Gbps LAN ports, supporting high-speed ISPs and wired devices like NAS or gaming PCs. A USB 3.0 port enables fast file sharing and personal cloud storage via external drives.

Security is robust with TP-Link HomeShield, offering IoT protection, malicious site blocking, and parental controls (some features require a subscription). It supports WPA3, WPA2, and guest networks for secure access. EasyMesh compatibility allows integration with EasyMesh routers/extenders for seamless whole-home Wi-Fi, eliminating dead zones. Setup is user-friendly via the Tether app or web interface, with Dynamic DNS, QoS, and VPN client/server (OpenVPN, PPTP) support. The compact design (approximately 272.7 × 147 × 41.7 mm, black plastic with mesh top) includes LED indicators for power, Wi-Fi, internet, Ethernet, USB, and WPS, with buttons for WPS, Wi-Fi, LED, power, and reset. Powered by a 12V DC / 1.5A adapter, it operates from 0°C to 40°C and comes with a 1-year warranty. While it lacks 6GHz and 320MHz channels, its affordability and Wi-Fi 7 features make it a compelling choice for budget-conscious users.

Specifications

• Wireless Standards: IEEE 802.11be/ax/ac/n/a (5GHz), IEEE 802.11n/b/g (2.4GHz)

• Wireless Speed: Up to 2882Mbps (5GHz) + 688Mbps (2.4GHz) = 3570Mbps Total

• Frequency: Dual Band (2.4GHz and 5GHz, no 6GHz)

• Antennas: 4× Adjustable External Antennas

• Ports: 1× 2.5Gbps WAN Port, 1× 2.5Gbps LAN Port, 3× 1Gbps LAN Ports, 1× USB 3.0 Port

• Processor: 2.0GHz Quad-Core CPU, 512MB RAM, 128MB Flash

• Security: WPA, WPA2, WPA3, WPA/WPA2-Enterprise, HomeShield (IoT Protection, Parental Controls), SPI Firewall, Guest Networks

• Features: 2×2 MU-MIMO, OFDMA, MLO, 4K-QAM, Multi-RUs, Beamforming, EasyMesh, Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS), Target Wake Time, QoS, VPN (OpenVPN, PPTP), DDNS

• Management: Tether App, Web Interface

• Buttons: WPS, Wi-Fi On/Off, LED On/Off, Power On/Off, Reset

• Dimensions: 272.7 × 147 × 41.7 mm

• Power Supply: 12V DC / 1.5A

• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C

• Certifications: FCC, CE, RoHS

• Additional Features: USB Sharing (Media Server, FTP), Port Forwarding, UPnP, DMZ, IPv6, 1-Year Warranty

• Package Contents: Router, Power Adapter, Cat 6A Ethernet Cable, Quick Installation Guide, Wi-Fi Info Card