TP-Link Archer AX21

Length x Width x Height

- Length: the longest side of the device

- Width: the shorter side of the device

- Height: the vertical dimension of the device

The physical weight of the device, typically measured in grams (g) or ounces (oz).

Weight can be important for installation considerations, especially for wall-mounted or battery-powered devices.

High-performance Wi-Fi standard focused on the 5 GHz band, offering faster speeds, better throughput, and improved performance for streaming and modern applications.

Designed for high-density environments, Wi-Fi 6 improves efficiency, reduces latency, and delivers better performance when many devices are connected simultaneously.

An extension of Wi-Fi 6 that adds support for the 6 GHz band, enabling cleaner spectrum, wider channels, and lower interference for next-generation wireless devices.

The latest Wi-Fi generation, delivering extremely high speeds, ultra-low latency, and advanced features designed for gaming, VR, and future high-bandwidth applications.

The maximum theoretical Wi-Fi speed on the 2.4 GHz band, in Mbps. Real-world speeds are lower, but a higher figure means more headroom on that band.

The maximum theoretical Wi-Fi speed on the 5 GHz band, in Mbps. Routers with two 5 GHz radios list both. Real-world speeds are lower.

The maximum theoretical Wi-Fi speed on the 6 GHz band, in Mbps. Available on Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 routers; real-world speeds are lower.

The mesh technology the router uses to combine multiple units into one seamless network. EasyMesh is a cross-vendor Wi-Fi Alliance standard, while OneMesh, Omada Mesh, or a brand's proprietary mesh only pair with devices from the same ecosystem.

WPA3 is the latest Wi-Fi security standard, providing stronger encryption and improved protection against password guessing and unauthorized access. It enhances privacy on both home and public networks by using modern cryptography and more secure authentication methods.

Access Point (AP) mode turns off the router's routing functions so it broadcasts Wi-Fi behind an existing router or ISP gateway, extending the network instead of replacing it. Useful when you already have a router and just want to add faster or wider Wi-Fi.

How many physical network ports the router has to connect devices.

Link aggregation (LAG) bonds two LAN ports into a single, faster link to a device that also supports it, such as a NAS or a switch, raising local throughput beyond what one port allows.

Use two or more internet connections at the same time, spreading traffic across them (load balancing) for more combined bandwidth or to keep separate links for different uses.

Automatically switch to a backup internet connection if the primary one goes down, keeping the network online without manual intervention.

Use the built-in 4G/LTE cellular modem as a backup internet connection when the main wired WAN fails.

A Thread Border Router is a device that connects your Thread mesh network to your home IP network (Ethernet or Wi-Fi), letting Thread devices communicate with apps, hubs, and the internet. It doesn't control Thread by itself, it acts as the bridge that enables setup, remote access, and cross-network communication.

A Matter Controller commissions and controls Matter devices on your network, letting you add them to your smart home and manage them from a compatible app or voice assistant. It works directly with Matter-over-Wi-Fi devices, and reaches Matter-over-Thread devices when the router also acts as a Thread Border Router.

Dynamic DNS (DDNS) keeps a fixed hostname pointed at your home's changing public IP address, so you can reach your network from outside by name, for example to connect to a VPN server, NAS or cameras even after the ISP changes your IP.

A local web interface lets you manage the router from a browser on your own network, without depending on a mobile app or the manufacturer's cloud. Handy for advanced settings and for administering the router when the app or internet is unavailable.

An Android app to set up and manage the router from an Android phone or tablet. On most consumer mesh systems the app is the primary way to control the network.

An iOS app to set up and manage the router from an iPhone or iPad. On most consumer mesh systems the app is the primary way to control the network.

A command-line interface for configuring and automating the router over a console or SSH session, aimed at advanced users and network administrators rather than everyday setup.

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) lets network-monitoring tools read the device's status, such as traffic, CPU, port state and uptime, for centralized observability. It is common on business and enterprise gear rather than home routers.

The maximum number of devices the manufacturer states the router can keep connected at once. Higher numbers suit busy smart homes with many simultaneous devices, though real-world capacity also depends on bandwidth and usage.

MLO is a Wi-Fi 7 feature that allows a device to use multiple frequency bands at the same time (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and/or 6 GHz) instead of switching between them.

Assign your favorite devices to have the fastest connections for top performance.