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TP-Link announces Wi-Fi 8 routers ahead of standard finalization

Confirmed1 source · Sep 1, 2026

TP-Link unveiled its first Wi-Fi 8 hardware at IFA 2026, with preorders for the Archer 8 Ultra opening September 30th despite the IEEE 802.11bn standard remaining unfinalized.

TP-Link announces Wi-Fi 8 routers ahead of standard finalization
Image via The Verge

What happened

TP-Link revealed the Archer 8 Ultra tri-band router and Deco 8 Ultra mesh system at IFA 2026, both targeting the upcoming Wi-Fi 8 standard. The Archer 8 Ultra features 18 internal antennas and delivers wireless speeds up to 19Gbps with 10Gbps wired connectivity; preorders begin September 30th in select regions. The Deco 8 Ultra mesh system offers up to 22Gbps wireless and 10Gbps wired speeds, with a three-pack covering 9,800 square feet and supporting 200+ devices, planned for Q1 2027 availability. Additional Wi-Fi 8 products including range extenders, adapters, and the Roam 8 travel router are scheduled for Q2 2027. TP-Link stated the products focus on addressing connectivity problems rather than speed improvements and use Broadcom, Qualcomm, and MediaTek chipsets with US-led engineering.

Context

The release comes while the Wi-Fi 8 standard (IEEE 802.11bn) remains unfinalized, with official certification not expected until May 2028—roughly four years after Wi-Fi 7 was finalized in January 2024. TP-Link is releasing hardware before the previous Wi-Fi 7 standard has been widely adopted, positioning itself early in what may be the next generation's product cycle. The timing also reflects efforts to navigate the US ban on foreign-made routers by emphasizing US-led hardware and software engineering, though the devices use non-US chipsets.