TP Link Archer BE230 Affordable Router

In Q3 2024, TP Link released a new budget-friendly router, the Archer BE230, designed in a smaller, slimmer form factor compared to their Archer BE series. This dual-band WiFi 7 router supports speeds of up to 3.6Gbps, targeting users who are looking for an affordable way to upgrade to the latest WiFi 7 technology without breaking the bank. To keep costs down, the Archer BE230 omits the 6GHz band, making it an ideal option for those who can’t afford more expensive WiFi 7 routers.

The TP Link Archer BE230 router is neatly packed inside the box, wrapped in a rubberized plastic cover to protect it from damage.

Inside the package, you’ll find a quick installation guide, a Cat 5e LAN cable, a power adapter, and the Archer BE230 router.

When you sign up for M1 2.5Gbps fibre internet 2-year plan, you’ll receive a free TP-Link Archer BE230 router, valued at $199.

Technical Specification

Model	TP-Link Archer BE230 (Archer BE3600)
Wi-Fi Bandwidth	Dual-band BE3600
2.4GHz Wi-Fi Specs	2×2 BE Up to 688Mbps
(channel width)	(20/40MHz)
5GHz Wi-Fi Specs	2×2 BE Up to 2882Mbps
(channel width)	(20/40/80/160MHz)
6GHz Wi-Fi Specs	None
AiMesh-ready	Yes (EasyMesh)
Gigabit  Ports	3x LAN
Multi-Gig Ports	1x 2.5Gbps WAN, 1x 2.5Gbps LAN
Multi-Link Operation (MLO)	Yes
Link Aggregation	Yes, LAN 2 and LAN 3
Dual-WAN	No
Operation Mode	Router Mode, Access Point Mode
USB Ports	1 x USB 3.0
Mobile App	TP-Link Tether Apps
Processing	Broadcom BCM6764 Qual-Core 2.0Ghz
Memory	1GB DDR4L RAM
Built-in Online Protection	Yes, Subscription fee
Gaming Features	No
Dimensions	13.52 x 9.25 x 3.90 in
	(34.34 x 23.4 x 9.9 cm)
Weight	1.32 lbs (.6 kg)
Release Date	Q3 2024
Firmware Version	1.1.0 Build 20240729 rel.16363(5347)
SGD Price	$199

The Archer BE230 is equipped with a total of four antennas—two dedicated to the 2.4GHz band and two for the 5GHz band. All antennas support the 802.11be Wi-Fi 7 specification, with both frequency bands configured for 2×2 MU-MIMO transmission. The router also supports MLO (Multi-Link Operation) technology, allowing devices to connect simultaneously to both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. This enhances WiFi speed, stability, and reduces latency, ensuring efficient use of bandwidth without any being occupied or wasted.

Wi-Fi band	transport protocol	streaming channel	channel bandwidth	Maximum bandwidth
2.4GHz	Wi-Fi 7(802.11be)	2	20/40MHz	688Mbps
5GHz	Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)	2	20/40/80/160MHz	2,882Mbps

The 2.4GHz band supports a maximum channel bandwidth of 40MHz with a maximum theoretical speed of 688Mbps. The 5GHz band supports a maximum channel bandwidth of 160MHz, offering a maximum theoretical speed of 2,882Mbps. Combined, these two frequency bands provide a total theoretical bandwidth of 3,570Mbps, which is why the router is labeled with the BE3600 specification.

Hardware: Processor information

The BCM6764 is a dual 2×2 320 MHz Wi-Fi 7 system-on-a-chip (SoC) communications processor that enables low-power, small form factor multi-gigabit access points, routers, repeaters and service provider gateways for residential applications. The SoC features a quad-core ARMv8 CPU with dual 802.11be 2×2 spatial stream 160 MHz WLAN radios and an integrated 802.3-compliant 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet PHY.

The Archer BE230 is powered by the Broadcom BCM6764 SoC with integrated WiFi and a Realtek switch for the Gigabit ports. This is a cost-effective version of the Broadcom BCM6765 SoC, offering similar integrated WiFi capabilities and Realtek switch support for the Gigabit ports, but at a lower price point.

The Archer BE230 router features a sleek black design with a mesh pattern that allows for optimal airflow, helping heat escape through the ventilation holes to keep the router cool during operation.

On the right side of the Archer BE230 router, there are several LED indicator lights that display the status of the router’s connections.

On the rear of the Archer BE230 router, you’ll find various buttons and ports. It features dual 2.5Gbps ports for WAN and LAN 1, along with three 1Gbps LAN ports. Additionally, there’s a USB 3.0 port for storage and Apple Time Machine support. Notably, the router supports 802.3ad Link Aggregation on LAN 2 and LAN 3, allowing for a 2Gbps full connection. This advanced feature is typically found on high-end routers, making it surprising and impressive that TP-Link included it in this budget-friendly model.

TP Link – Web GUI

Default IP 192.168.1.1

 

Benchmark Mesh node: IPhone 15 Pro Max “Wifi 6E” – Layout & information

Below is the floor plan of the 5 rooms BTO layout.

The service provider will utilize M1 Fibre 2.5Gbps, and our primary router is the Archer BE350, but we will be testing the mesh connection. For our WIFI 6E testing, we will be utilizing the latest device from Apple, the Iphone 15 Pro Max and all our devices installed with latest driver and firmware.

Device	Firmware/Software
ASUSTOR AS6604T	4.3.1.R752
TP-Link Archer BE350	1.1.0 Build 20240729 rel.16363(5347)
Iphone 15 Pro Max	iOS 18.1 Build 22B5034e

Living room – Benchmark

The benchmark test results below were obtained in the living room, positioned 5 meters away from the router.

 

Bedroom – Benchmark

The benchmark test results below were obtained in the Bedroom.

Master room – Benchmark

The benchmark test results below were obtained in the Master room.

 

Benchmark: DIY PC “Wifi 7” – Layout & information

For our WiFi 7 testing, we’ll be using the Archer BE350 with an M1 Fibre 2.5Gbps connection. Testing will involve two DIY PCs, with MLO both enabled and disabled to evaluate performance.

To enable MLO, you need Windows 11 Build 24H2. We’re testing two DIY systems: one with the official Windows 11 build and the other with the Windows 11 beta. Only system 2 are enable WiFi 7 MLO technology.

DIY Computers	System 1 MLO Disable	System 2 MLO Enable
Processor	Intel Core i9 13900K	AMD Ryzen 5 3500X
RAM	32Gb DDR5 6000mhz	32Gb DDR4 3600Mhz
GPU	RTX 4080	RTX 2070
Windows Build	23H2 22631.4112	24H2 26120.1542
Wireless chip	Intel BE200 Driver 23.60.1.2	MediaTek MT7927 Driver 5.4.0.2418

 

SYSTEM 1 MLO Disable

 

 

SYSTEM 1 MLO Enable: Link speed 3.5 Gbps

Why should you buy TP-Link Archer BE230?

The TP-Link Archer BE230 is an impressive budget-friendly Wi-Fi 7 router that offers a great balance of performance and affordability. With its sleek design, advanced features like 2.5Gbps ports, support for 802.3ad Link Aggregation, and the inclusion of MLO technology, it stands out in its price range. Although it lacks the 6GHz band, its dual-band setup still delivers solid speeds up to 3.6Gbps, making it an excellent choice for users looking to upgrade to Wi-Fi 7 without investing in more expensive high-end models. Plus, the added value of receiving this router free with an M1 2.5Gbps fibre internet plan makes it an even more attractive option for consumers.