I bought this router in February 2025, with firmware version Archer GE800(EU)_V1_1.1.6 Build 20241120.
(By the way, this is still the only firmware version listed on the Italian TP-Link website — I reported this months ago here on the forum, got the usual “we’ll forward it”, but nothing has changed.)

For several months everything worked perfectly:

• all devices connected without issues (LAN, Wi-Fi, IoT),

• the router was always responsive (web UI + app),

• weekly scheduled reboots worked fine.

First problems — firmware Archer GE800(EU)_V1_1.2.1 Build 20250610

After this update, all devices on the IoT network became unreachable from the main network (HomeKit couldn’t see anything anymore).
The only workaround was disabling the IoT network completely and moving everything to the main SSID. Annoying, but manageable.

Serious problems — firmware 1.3.x series

Starting from Archer GE800(EU)_V1_1.3.0 Build 20250802 (and still present with 1.3.1 and the current 1.3.2 Build 20250929), things got much worse:

1) Router becoming unreachable after scheduled reboot

After the first scheduled reboot:

• LEDs flashing red (as if no internet)

• router unreachable via app, web UI, or even ping

• Wi-Fi networks reset to factory SSIDs

• attempts to reconfigure via the app failed

• even a power cycle didn’t help

• only after the third hard reset the router finally became reachable again
  I restored my saved configuration backup and kept using it.

2) More random freezes after later updates

Same behavior:

• router completely unreachable (LAN + Wi-Fi)

• app setup fails

• only after multiple resets it comes back

• had to restore configuration again from backup

3) After the latest update, issues returned even with a clean setup

This time I configured it from scratch, not using any backup.
After less than a week:

• web UI shows the message “Eccezione ritorno interfaccia” (“Interface return exception”)

• no connected clients displayed (I normally have ~6 LAN devices and ~8 Wi-Fi devices)

• the app shows offline or phantom clients

• manual refresh gives “Operation failed”

4) System logs show nothing at all

No errors or anomalies — completely empty, even when the problem occurs.

My question

At this point I genuinely don’t know:

• Do I have a faulty hardware unit (should I ask for RMA)?

• Or is the firmware simply getting worse with each release?

To get some clarity, I asked ChatGPT / Gemini / Perplexity “What are the known issues of the TP-Link GE800?”
Here is a summary of the problems these models often report across Reddit, reviews, and forums:

Known issues reported by users / reviews

• Noise & overheating

• Device runs hot, especially around the SFP port

• Fan noise often described as loud/annoying

• Moving parts raise reliability concerns

• Firmware instability / software bugs

• Random reboots or complete freezes

• Some firmware versions break Wi-Fi 5/6 GHz with BE mode

• Users reporting daily Wi-Fi drops

• Others complain the router becomes “unresponsive” after updates

• Port forwarding / DMZ problems

• DMZ breaks port forwarding

• Issues with Plex, IPv6, remote access, or mixed mesh setups

• Limited advanced controls

• App too restricted compared to web UI

• Missing advanced networking features compared to competing brands

• USB/hub compatibility issues

• Instability with mesh or IoT

• Random mesh disconnects even with strong signal

• IoT devices becoming unreachable after firmware updates

 

So… it looks like I’m definitely not the only one having serious issues with this router.
But at this point I’d really appreciate guidance:
Is this likely a hardware defect or just bad firmware? Should I request warranty assistance or wait for future updates?