TP-Link Archer VR200v in the test

With TP-Link there is finally again a manufacturer, which offers a possible alternative to the market-dominant “all-in-one” router Fritzbox. The TP-Link Archer VR200v has integrated a VDSL2 modem. If necessary, the fourth LAN port in the router’s gigabit switch can also be used as a WAN port. Or you can use a surfstick on one of the two USB 2.0 hosts, where the mobile access can also be set up as a “backup Internet access”


TP-Link Archer VR200v


The USB ports of the TP-Link Archer VR200v can also be used as SMB, FTP, media or print server with external memory or USB printer. A connected USB memory (NTFS) can be read at almost 10 MB / s in the LAN. In operation as a DSL modem router, the device supports VLANs so that LAN ports and WLAN accesses can be arbitrarily "mapped" into virtual, separate subnets with their own network identification.


Phone calls


The Archer VR200v has integrated a DECT base station for up to six mobile phones and offers two ports for analog phones. The base station supports the DECT Eco mode. You can also enter several VoIP connections, which can be assigned to specific numbers or telephones via call rules. Convenient: An answering machine is available as well as call barring or call forwarding.


Weak Access Point


Although the dual-band capable access point of the TP-Link Archer VR200v transmits to 802.11ac, but only with a stream in the 5 GHz band and thus a link rate of a maximum of 433 Mbit / s. At the same time, we are able to achieve a net transfer rate of 215 Mbit / s in the test, but in the worst case the non-existent MIMO is noticeable in the 5 GHz band under worse conditions.


Apparently, TP-Link also saves the DFS certification and can therefore only use channels 36 to 48. An online help is searched in the completely Germanized user interface of the router unfortunately in vain, and also firmware updates have to be carried out by hand. The power consumption of the router is only around 9 watts.


Despite the gritty WLAN equipment and minor flaws, TP-Links convinced us of VoIP-capable VDSL modem router Archer VR200v because of its extensive functionality and equipment.


Conclusion