Early Access Pre-release Firmware for Archer C80/A8/C6/C86 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 C6 V4
Archer C86 V1
Overview
We hope to offer you a chance to experience the new features added to Archer C80, A8, C6, and C86 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)
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
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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@Kevin_Z any update for TP Link C6 v3....?
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Emmanuel29 wrote
@Kevin_Z Hi.
Thank you very much for your reply.
The measurement is accurate for each client.
What changed is that the update is done every 25 or 30 seconds.
So, since the measurement is no longer in real time, it is not possible to distinguish the consumption or bandwidth for each device.
With the previous firmware 1.13.2 Build 230824, since the update was every 2 seconds, the bandwidth used in real time for each connected device could be correctly seen.
Can this problem be fixed in a new firmware version?
Regards.
@Emmanuel29 As confirmed by the engineering team, this Real-time Rate update interval has been changed to 20s. I guess they have decided to change this but I haven't been informed why.
This Real-time Rate is simply to display the current speed or data transfer rate of the wireless connection between the router and a connected device. As I understand, it won't affect any usage or monitoring requirements whether the update interval is 2s or 20s. Can I know a specific reason why you need to observe the real-time rate timely in seconds? Do you get a limited bandwidth from your provider?
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@Kevin_Z Hi.
Thank you very much for your reply.
The thing is that, by changing this value from 2 seconds to 20 seconds, it is not possible to see if a device is or is not consuming bandwidth.
This affects me specifically because it is not possible to accurately measure the use of a device.
Here is the example: the data consumed will be greater for 20 seconds than the data consumed in 2 seconds. Since it is not in real time as in the previous firmware, it is not possible to know if the device is continuously consuming bandwidth or if it downloaded and finished.
Another issue related to the new firmware 1.14.0 version and that could be a bug is that when you limit the speed of a device in the download data, when setting it to limit to 40 Mbps on the device it is limited to 20 Mbps.
With the previous firmware 1.13.2 Build 230824 when assigning a limitation of 40 Mbps, the device was correctly limited to 40 Mbps.
So with the latest firmware the bandwidth is limited incorrectly.
Do you know if it will be possible to fix these errors in a new firmware to return to the previous state?
Regards.
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@Эммануэль29 Hello Is there a firmware update planned for archer c80 v1? I'm interested in the VPN function
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@Kevin_Z I am trying to update the firmware on my C80 Archer with the Beta version in order to use the new features (Mainly VPN) but the download link shown gives me a .bin file not the expected .zip or correct format? a little frustrated as you can imagine. Is there a way I can get the beta firmware?
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Hi,
The link to the beta firmware is https://static.tp-link.com/upload/beta/2024/202407/20240722/Archer-C80-A8-C6-C86_2024-06-17_14.26.59.bin.zip
If for some reason your web browser renames the file to "Archer-C80-A8-C6-C86_2024-06-17_14.26.59.bin", then just manually rename it back to "Archer-C80-A8-C6-C86_2024-06-17_14.26.59.bin.zip".
Also verify your Windows Explorer is not configured to "Hide known file extensions".
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@woozle Thanks for that I have it now unfortunately the router wont accept the update keeps trying then gives me a 'Failed to update the firmware. Please check the configuration file and try again' Tried a few times but it wont update. I have checked the file etc from the address you gave me and the file name etc is as you said but it just wont update.
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Ok. But you did select the uncompressed "*.bin" file in the "Local Update" section, right?
I've attached TP-Link's "How to upgrade" guide for reference.
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@woozle Yep I sure did. I uncompressed the file from .zip and tried to use the .bin file as suggested. It has tried to update a number of times but always fails after a second or two with the same message. Don't know what to try next.
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Normally this update should work if the following conditions are met:
- The hardware version, as printed on the label on the underside of the Archer C80, must be V2.20 or V2.26
- The router is a regular retail version (i.e. not specially prepared by the Internet Service Provider)
- The router was not bought in Singapore (somehow TP-Link routers sold in Singapore require a unique firmware)
- The firmware update is done via the router's local network (Ethernet or Wi-Fi). Update via remote connection is usually not supported.
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