Early Access Pre-release Firmware for Archer C80/A8/C6/C86/C88 Brings a Host of New Features and Optimizations
This Article Applies to:
Archer C80 V2.20/V2.26
Archer A8 V2.20/V2.26
Archer C88 V2.20
Archer C6 V4
Archer C86 V1
Overview
We hope to offer you a chance to experience the new features added to Archer C80, A8, C6, C86 and C88 router via firmware update in advance, and also give us TP-Link the opportunity to fully test the firmware in your real network environment and scenarios before the official release. This update brings a host of new features and optimizations that enhance security, improve user experience, and expand functionality. In this post, we'll walk you through the major changes and what they mean for you.
New Features and Modifications:
L2TP/IPSec VPN Server Functionality
This update adds support for L2TP/IPSec VPN servers, allowing you to set up secure remote access to your home network. Whether you need to connect to your home devices while traveling or require a secure connection for remote work, this feature provides a robust solution.
IPv6 Firewall
Enhanced security with the addition of IPv6 firewall capabilities. This ensures that your network remains protected as more devices and services migrate to IPv6.
EasyMesh, Auto Update, and TP-Link ID in AP Mode
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EasyMesh: Simplify network expansion with EasyMesh technology, allowing seamless integration of multiple units.
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Auto Update: Automatic firmware updates ensure your router is always up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.
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TP-Link ID: Integrate your TP-Link cloud services for easy management and access.
Static IP and DNS Settings in AP Mode
Enhanced configuration options for static IP addresses and DNS settings, providing greater flexibility and control over your network setup.
Parental Control Improvements
The parental control feature now includes a content whitelist, giving you more precise control over the content accessible to your family members.
Access Control Enhancements
You can now manually enter MAC addresses in the access control settings, allowing for more precise network access management.
Client List Management
The client list has been optimized with new filtering rules, making it easier to manage and organize connected devices.
Other Modifications
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Support for WPA3-SAE encryption in WDS mode enhances the security of your wireless distribution system connections.
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Various improvements have been made to ensure more stable and reliable wireless connections.
Notes
This version of firmware cannot be degraded to the previous version.
Firmware Download
Before the Upgrade
(1) Please be sure you have read the Beta Test Agreement before upgrading the Pre-release firmware!
(2) For the sake of insurance, it's always recommended to save a copy of the router Backup Config file before upgrading or downgrading.
(3) You may follow the guide to upgrade the firmware of your router. How to Upgrade the Firmware on the TP-Link Wi-Fi Routers.
Direct Firmware Download Link
Archer C80_V2.20/V2.26_1.14.0 Build 240617 (Pre-Release Version)
Archer A8 V2.20/V2.26_1.14.0 Build 240617 (Pre-Release Version)
Archer C6 V4_1.14.0 Build 240617 (Pre-Release Version)
Archer C86 V1_1.14.0 Build 240617 (Pre-Release Version)
Archer C88 V1_1.14.0 Build 240617 (Pre-Release Version)
Additional Information
As always, we value your feedback. If somehow you encounter an issue during or after the router firmware upgrade, it's suggested to comment below with the following info. Your input helps us continue to improve and provide the best possible products and support.
- Model, hardware version, and firmware version of your router.
- Detailed issue description, and provide more information on the specific conditions that seem to trigger the problem.
Update Log
Aug 12th, 2025:
Added a download of firmware for Archer C88 V2.20.
Jul 22th, 2024:
Release of the post
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EasyMesh Is Available When Wi-Fi Routers Work in AP Mode as A Controller
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Hi @Koushik7788
Thank you for replying back to me.
I've just heard back from TP Link service support this morning again, whereupon the problem has been escalated.
They've requested additional information from me as to the problem, so will send this over to them again. Although I'm going to enquire as to a replacement router from TP Link.
As to be honest much like you said there seems to be no immediate concern to solve the problem, but rather it feels as if they just keep going round in circles requesting & reviewing the same information. Also I'm not sure why we're having to chase TP Link support up in relation to this problem, as there is obviously a possible problem as reported in this beta... which needs to be solved prior to releasing the beta for everyone. I'd of thought there would be more requests for information here in this forum, because they want to solve or make sure there will be no problems prior to release.
However again thank you for letting me know in the meantime as to your progress, I will also keep you up to date and continue posting here as soon as I hear back from TP Link Support again.
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Thank you for your reply and trying to assist us with this.
Unfortunately it's the VPN that I need in this new beta, which means that rolling back isn't ideal for me.
I was the person that originally posted & started a request for a VPN to be added in the feature request forum... all the way back on the 06/06/2023... almost 2 years ago now.
As all other versions in the series had VPN's already.
However following your advice and recent contact from TP Link support, will see if I can request a replacement router in the meantime.
Again thank you for your help.
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Hi @Tristen89
If We replace the router, will the problem be solved? I doubt it will be okay or not. What do you think should be done?
If we replace my router, will I get a refurbished product?Or will I get a new product?
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Hi @Koushik7788
I heard back from TP-Link support this morning.
They stated that another router wouldn’t resolve the issue. However, I have since informed them that a different router model or version (with similar specifications) might work, as it would be running different firmware.
Their engineers have requested log information from my router, but providing this is difficult. As use a VPN to connect to work, and the router freezes randomly when the extender is on, so the VPN connection could drop without warning while working.
I’ve written back to them this afternoon and am awaiting their response, but will keep you updated on their reply.
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@Kevin_Z May I please know when this firmware will be available to the general public — specifically, the timeline from pre-release to full release for the C6 V4?
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crazy_banana wrote
@Kevin_Z May I please know when this firmware will be available to the general public — specifically, the timeline from pre-release to full release for the C6 V4?
@crazy_banana Apologize that I haven't received a notice of that yet.
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Hi, @Tristen89
Did you find a solution to the problem?
I am using a C80 router. A few days ago I was checking with My friends two month old C6 v4 router to see if there was a problem with my router. After checking, it turned out that there was no problem with the router, with the C6U v4 router was having the same problem. This is not a router problem.
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Please add open vpn function in archer c6 v4 @Kevin_Z
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@Kevin_Z it has major issue in c6 v4 that it disconnect from internet again and again
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@Kevin_Z and I can't rollback from this version to earlier version, and it has issues also why it's not listed in the official download page why i have to come here in the forum to download it
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