TP-Link AC1600 Archer VR600 / VR600v

Poor wifi range/ Dropouts – Voip capable modem/router. next higher in range to VR 500v. Regular line droputs noted necessitating restart. Three antennas but does not help with wifi coverage and range. Only suitable for small apartment and single storey house. Settings erased when there is a power interruptions. Show details

A really good device for a national disgrace called NBN – The problem: - NBN comes in different flavors: FTTN, FTTB, FTTC, FFTH, HFC, UFO, BLACKJACK, and other jargons - Not all modem routers support all NBN connection types - Not all modem router manufacturers explicitly state NBN compatibility of their devices -Of those modem routers that do support all NBN types, not all provide VoIP phone connection… Read more

over NBN.

The requirements: Need a device that is versatile and just works with any infrastructure installed at any home.

The solution: TP Link VR600v Version 2.0 (EU) Yes indeed, after much research found this device that supports all NBN connection types (clearly noted on the dedicated TP Link NBN Compatibility Checker webpage) and supports VoIP phones and cordless VoIP phones. Ensure you buy the "(EU)" build "Ver. 2.0" or above. To check this, somewhere on the product box you will find a black printed sticker which has the specific product model number and other details. Look for the two keywords mentioned above.

Installation for NBN: Connect your modem router to NBN blackMagic box using an ethernet cable. Ensure ethernet cable is plugged to the LAN/WAN port on your modem.

The out of the box guide tells you how to setup your device, real easy if you read it. Connect your PC/laptop wirelessly to modem using the password provided on a tiny card (check your modem's box), go to 192.168.1.1 (type it in your web browser), assign a username and password for accessing modem settings in future (write it down and keep it safe), and then continue with Quick Setup. The default Quick Setup is a wizard tool for configuring quick DSL connection. Pick some Australian DSL provider when prompted and get over with wizard. For NBN connection, while you are still in modem setup page, select "Advanced" settings, then choose "Operation Mode", then select "Wireless Router Mode" and click Save. Then run Quick Setup again.

During this 2nd round of wizard, you will need to enter 3 details provided by your NBN service provider:

VLAN ID PPP Username PPP Password (Get these from your internet service provider aka ISP)

In case your ISP does not have VLAN ID, you will notice that you cannot disable VLAN during the Quick Setup wizard, no problem! Move on and when wizard has completed, on the menu go to Network >> Internet >> Uncheck VLAN ID.

Done! Reboot your device.

Great WiFi modem for ADSL 2+, ready for NBN (internet yes, *VOIP no) – Wow! What a bargain, $140 from Amazon delivered within a week... compared to $199 in store! I selected the TP-Link AC1600 VR600V because I needed a new WiFi modem and it had to be NBN READY... for when we decide to switch over. Our internet connection had been playing up (disconnecting and restarting frequently plus 10% less speed than normal),… Read more ·  1

after installing this and finding we still had problems, I decided to check the ADSL filter up in our roof space... sure enough, bad crimped connections were the problem and a bit of spraying with DeOxit later, fixed the problem! Anyway this unit on ADSL 2+ is much better than the old AC1200... the AC1600 provides better ventilation and allows the unit to be wall mounted (hooks provided on the bottom)... although I decided to stick with the quality power supply and DC plug that I already had 'cos I don't trust the "cheap" AC adapter they provide with this unit. As for WiFi coverage, I'd suggest using a "WiFi Analyzer" app on your smartphone... you'll probably find on 2.4GHz that channel 1 is used by most of your neighbours, channel 6 is used by Telstra Air and Fon WiFi, so it might be best to select channel 11 on the AC1600 (currently using channel 5) Of course I use 5GHz where possible on devices as there's little interference from neighbours. Otherwise it's easy to setup and get working. *DOG DAMN IT... just found out that this will not work with VOIP as 3rd party modems are not allowed!!!! Guess I'll stay with ADSL 2+ as long as I can! COVID-19 has meant that switch over to NBN has been delayed. Great! I can continue using this until I really, really need to change!

2021 UPDATE: Just found out that a major firmware update is available for V2 (don't rely on the "Check for Upgrades" button in the unit's setup menu, do a Google search of the tp-link website). The beta release came out June 2020 and I checked the reviews... it seems to be fine! It provided a 10% increase in download speed (ADSL 2+) and fixed the problem with our TV having a bad WiFi connection when we used the microwave!

Real Good – Took 15 minutes to set it up, No tweaking or fiddling, The VR600 gets 55mbps on a 50mbps internode connection (FTTP), the old modem (D1500) was lucky to get 20mbps Show details

Great affordable modem + router unit! – This unit is great. I have switched from the ASUS DSL-AC68U model to the TP-link VR600 due to constant wifi dropouts. I am really happy with this unit, its been an absolute workhorse, great wifi performance and provides stable NBN connection. I wish I bought this earlier, it would have saved so much frustration. Great thing about this unit is that it used a Braodcom chipset which is known for its reliability. Highly recommend this one! Show details

Decent performance, nice range of features and excellent value – I bought this TP-Link VR600v / AC1600 router to replace my TP-Link TD-W8970 in preparation for moving to FTTB NBN using VDSL later in the year. It was a cinch to setup for my existing ADSL 2+ account and hasn't dropped the connection in a month. The management interface is well laid out and has a great cross section of features. The dual band… Read more

wireless signal has been robust over a range of 15m and it passes Gigabit Ethernet traffic without a hiccup... I've been streaming from multiple UPnP devices and a TVHeadend server whilst on a video conference call without a problem. The in-built IPv4 firewall is crude and, yeah, the built-in file / media server capability for attached USB devices is too slow for effective use, but all routers in this price range / processor speed are the same. I think the case is attractive and solidly built. It even has a feature to turn off its LEDs at night... nice!

Great speed but can't hardwire to xbox – I have to admit it has great speed and works great from the other end of the house, however the main reason I brought was for the xbox but can't seem to get access to xbox live when the xbox is hardwired to the modem, it will only allow the xbox access by wifi  Show details

Great range and speed. Reaches the sheds! – What I can I say it was cheap and looks great in the kitchen. Has a fantastic range and well out does any NBN bottleneck with fibre to the node connections. Show details

Excellent and good enough for domestic use (5-6 devices) – My previous modem used to be D Link python which was a great device, however after a year and half, it started getting dropouts frequently for some reason. After going through quite a few attempts and checks with D-link technician over the phone, D-link offered me a refund. I had a chat with Mate communicate service tech who recommended me of… Read more

TP-Link VR600V after a couple of questions. I bought this router from Officeworks and since then I haven't looked back.

The router is easy to set up with a very few time dropouts so far (barely 2-3 in last six months).

I would rate this router for ease of set up, reliable and affordability. Five stars from me :)

Perfect! – We live in a area where its sometimes hard to get the network but since we got this everything went the best. I even get coverage from little far from my house. Show details

Awesome router with great WiFi performance – Super fast router, great signal throughout the house, great NBN sync speeds, and super cheap ($100 for this?). Works great on Aussie Broadband FTTN and the ability to turn the lights off is awesome. Show details

Nice – Bought this router modem when I was having an issue with the TPG modem which they provided. now all good. it is working perfectly, smoothly. would recommend anyone to buy and try. Show details

so far so good – i just want to point out buying a new router wont help if the device on the other end have outdated wifi chips and if your isp dont support the speeds your router clams to output then whats the point in Australia really. my provider is LETSBEMATES there really good and with the tp-link i run power line adaptors on my main pc and i get 84 mbps after 6:00pm so far so good Show details

Excellent Router with a good price – Bought this router modem when I was having an issue with the provider supplied model (TPG/Huawei). I was thinking of changing the old modem but unfortunately I will lose my VOIP as I don't have the configuration for this. Instead I use the VR600V in bridge mode and use the old one as a modem only. The quality of the connection did change and much… Read more

better than Huawei, I would like to use the VR600V as my modem-wi-fi but need to research on how to activate/settings of the VOIP.

A great product! – We signed up with TPG for an NBN package and they supplied us with the TP-Link modem. It is an easy to use product where you literally just plug it in. The support service provided by TPG also made tracking the NBN route easier. I can recommend this if you are looking for an easy to use modem.  Show details

General average – Bought a period of time, sometimes will be inexplicable drop line, probably a few minutes. Sometimes a reboot is needed to fix the problem, whether it is a router problem or a carrier problem. When you go to the room and close the door, the signal is very erratic. But it's still a good product, at least for most of my time.  Show details

It's a good choice – The surface is relatively smooth, will absorb dust and leave fingerprints traces, and the phone screen like。Quick settings make it easier, the list of ISPs is selected, it pre-selects various settings for that provider.Great WiFi RangeThe 2.4 and 5GHz WiFi series have been improved, the TP Link theter app is great, it's easy to set up and manage the connection easily.  Show details

Beautiful Outside But Beautiful Inside! – This not only a beautifully designed router, which saves space and delivers the great benefits promised on online reviews. Set up was a breeze when I selected "Basic", no hiccups, no problems at all. Note that I have Comcast/Xfinity Basic Internet service: 3Mbps down and 0.78Mbps Up. Not very fast at all but, when I replaced my older Netgear… Read more

WNR2000v3 ( has was working but I wasn't happy) with this TP Link, it's like I have new pc and higher internet speed.

Great router for the price. Good 2.4/5ghz combo – Simple to set up modem. Quick set up makes it easier (such as choosing from list of Australian ISP's, which preselects various settings for that provider). Option to setup VPN to work with router is a great little feature. Only downside is, whilst our phone line is stable, I do like the idea of having an auto rebooting late night/early morning… Read more ·  1

for a resync (as I find it works a bit better). This modem has the feature. But it is not auto rebooting at all, despite all settings being correct.

EDIT for 2021: TP-Link have released an update for it not auto rebooting when you've turned the modem lights off, works perfect now.

Very reliable – Easy to setup - mater of fact it is preconfigured for a wide selection of aussie ISPs all you need is your ISP username and password. Seems to handle 12+ devices being connected without any issue. Good signal. Had no issues transferring from adsl to nbn FTTN The device very lightweight not sure if this is a pro or a con  Show details

Solid family router works well – This is our family home router and it puts in a solid job. The kids give it a pounding and there is usually somebody streaming something. It answers the call very well and apart from getting a bit warm from time to time, works very well. I have only ever occasionally had to reset it and initial set up was fairly straight forward with a little help. Overall a good performer  Show details

Reliable router - rearely need to restart – I used to have to restart my old router every second day towards the end - it would look if you even looked at it. This has been a dream run by comparison. Its extremely stable and causes meno issues at all. Initaila set up was not too bad, I have a techie brother so he did most of it. I like it when a product "just works"  Show details

Great pickup! – My home is fairly spacious, and with my old modem I experienced a lot of "black spots" where I had no connection to the Wi-Fi. When I bought this modem, I immediately noticed that the speeds were faster, and I had absolutely no dark spots in my house. I would recommend this modem to anyone with a big house who has problems with range.  Show details

Great product! – This modem never misses a beat. Handles streaming from multiple devices with ease and wifi range is incredible. Never had a dropout as a result of the modem, and the UI is easy to understand when configuring options. I've started recommending TP-Link modems to friends looking for a reliable modem.  Show details

Average WiFi signal strength – Replaced my old Netgear N600 as the NBN had been switched on and being FTTN connection I needed a VDSL modem which my old modem wasn't. I bought this one hoping to broadcast a stronger signal, the N600 wasn't a high end modem and old with no external antennas so I reasonably expected a better signal strength. Nope. And my devices often loose the… Read more

connection around the small house and issue I never previously had. I'll be 10 feet away from the WiFi and my iPhone will be using mobile data as it hasn't detected the network! I'm hoping it is a hiberation features or something similar on the TP-Link. Setup was dead simple but performance has been sub par.

Great range – Very easy to set up and use. Great little app that can set up the passwords on your phone or android device. I live in a double storey house and range is actually very good. The fast speed 5G wifi function one is a bit limited to the downstairs area( modem router located downstairs) but the normal wifi range gives a full strength to all my devices.  Show details

Voip won't work – Internet wise, haven't had any drop outs yet and has great range compared to other routers I've used. My only issue is I've been unable to get voip working with my provider Spintel. Neither Spintel or TP-Link could solve the issue. I had a TP-Link VR200V before this and it was working fine voip and all. Pros: -Great Wifi range (although the… Read more

signal strength may seem weak as it shows 1 bar or so on my phone the connection is outstanding)

-VOIP capability

-Has 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz bands

-USB port sharing

-Printer sharing

-Built in answering machine to save to USB and many more phone options

Cons:

-Rather pricey

-Took some time to set up my NBN due to and tricky option 'Operation Mode' that was not set correctly.

-Voip not working with my provider.

Bottom Line: I bought this model for the viop option but are unable to get it working. I'm left with no options now but to return it a second time.

Good Modem / Router for NBN – I have installed this modem and also Tp-link VR900 over 20 times. It’s a very reliable modem, has excellent wifi AC Dual Band range, and the best thing using it with NBN is that it has Broadcom chipset and it will achieve the best Sync rate (download / upload speed)  Show details