TP-Link has unveiled its first Wi-Fi 8 router, the Archer 8, despite the next-generation wireless standard not being expected to be finalised until 2028.

The company says the Archer 8 is designed to focus less on headline speeds and more on stability, coverage and lower latency in busy homes where multiple devices are connected at once.

TP-Link claims early internal testing of Wi-Fi 8 against Wi-Fi 7 in simulated home environments showed stronger long-range performance, better multi-floor coverage and improved stability when several devices are online.

The company said results included up to 33% better performance at longer range, a 30% improvement for single-device connections across floors, and a 10% to 20% uplift in multi-device environments.

“Wi-Fi has always been sold on peak speed, but that is not what households experience day to day,” said Neville Wang, Managing Director of TP-Link Australia and New Zealand.

“What people actually notice is the dropout in the back bedroom, the lag when the whole family is on at once, the video call that freezes when someone else hits a stream.”

The Archer 8 is expected to launch in October, although Australian pricing, final specifications and local availability have not yet been confirmed.

TP-Link is also preparing a broader Wi-Fi 8 range, including a Deco 8 mesh system, Roam 8 travel router, range extenders and adapters.

Wi-Fi 8, based on the emerging IEEE 802.11bn specification, is currently expected to be finalised in 2028.