Archer X10 in AP mode negotiates uplink at 10 Mbps despite Gigabit ports and CAT7/CAT8 cables

Archer X10 in AP mode negotiates uplink at 10 Mbps despite Gigabit ports and CAT7/CAT8 cables

Archer X10 in AP mode negotiates uplink at 10 Mbps despite Gigabit ports and CAT7/CAT8 cables
Archer X10 in AP mode negotiates uplink at 10 Mbps despite Gigabit ports and CAT7/CAT8 cables
2025-12-30 04:28:01 - last edited 3 weeks ago
Model: Archer AX10  
Hardware Version: V3
Firmware Version: 1.2.2 Build 20250812 rel.75732(5553)

Hello TP-Link support team,

I would like to report and get guidance on a very specific network issue involving two TP-Link Archer X10 routers.

Network topology:

  • ISP cable modem/router (main gateway, DHCP enabled)

  • TP-Link Archer X10 #1 connected to the ISP modem via LAN

    • Works perfectly at 500 Mbps symmetric

  • TP-Link Archer X10 #2 connected from Archer X10 #1

    • Configured as Access Point

Issue description:

The second Archer X10 (AP) severely limits the connection speed to 10 Mbps, even though:

  • All Ethernet ports are Gigabit (1000 Mbps)

  • The interface shows LAN ports at 1000 Mbps

  • Only the uplink / internet connection is negotiated at 10 Mbps

Even when manually changing or forcing negotiation settings, the interface does not update and the uplink remains capped at 10 Mbps.

What I have already tested:

  • Tested two different Ethernet cables:

    • CAT7

    • CAT8
      Both cables were verified and deliver full 500 Mbps when connected directly to Archer X10 #1 or a PC.

  • Switched all LAN ports on both routers

  • Disabled DHCP server on the second Archer X10

  • Connected LAN-to-LAN (not WAN)

  • Assigned different LAN IP addresses:

    • Archer X10 #1: 192.168.0.1

    • Archer X10 #2: 192.168.0.61

  • Confirmed there is no double NAT

  • Factory reset and reconfigured the second Archer X10

  • The issue persists regardless of port or cable

Key observation:

  • Archer X10 #2 is correctly detected as a client / AP

  • LAN ports show 1000 Mbps

  • However, the uplink is locked at 10 Mbps, which caps the entire AP performance

Question:

Is this a known issue related to:

  • Auto-negotiation bugs?

  • Hardware revision or faulty Ethernet port behavior?

  • Firmware limitations when running Archer X10 as an Access Point behind another Archer X10?

Any guidance, firmware recommendation, or confirmation of a hardware defect would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time and support.

Best regards.

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#1
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1 Accepted Solution
Re:Archer X10 in AP mode negotiates uplink at 10 Mbps despite Gigabit ports and CAT7/CAT8 cables-Solution
2026-01-06 09:39:18 - last edited 3 weeks ago

Hello @Fidel123300 ,

Welcome to our community.

 

Have you tried to change the second router to wireless router mode?

Alternatively, connect the second Archer AX10 directly to the ISP modem router, bypassing the first Archer AX10.

Also, you mentioned that the uplink speed is slow. Are there any specific network activities that might be affected? Please also enable QoS and set a priority for the second Archer AX10.

 

If convenient, you can also swap the roles of the two Archer AX10s:

First, configure Archer AX10-2, originally in AP mode, to connect directly to the ISP modem.

Then, change Archer AX10-1, originally connected to the ISP modem, to AP mode and connect it to Archer AX10-2.

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#2
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Re:Archer X10 in AP mode negotiates uplink at 10 Mbps despite Gigabit ports and CAT7/CAT8 cables-Solution
2026-01-06 09:39:18 - last edited 3 weeks ago

Hello @Fidel123300 ,

Welcome to our community.

 

Have you tried to change the second router to wireless router mode?

Alternatively, connect the second Archer AX10 directly to the ISP modem router, bypassing the first Archer AX10.

Also, you mentioned that the uplink speed is slow. Are there any specific network activities that might be affected? Please also enable QoS and set a priority for the second Archer AX10.

 

If convenient, you can also swap the roles of the two Archer AX10s:

First, configure Archer AX10-2, originally in AP mode, to connect directly to the ISP modem.

Then, change Archer AX10-1, originally connected to the ISP modem, to AP mode and connect it to Archer AX10-2.

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