Introduction
Are you frustrated by weak WiFi signals in certain areas of your home or office? Do you experience buffering videos, dropped video calls, or lag while gaming because your WiFi doesn’t reach every corner? Millions face this problem, and the TP-Link AC750 WiFi Range Extender offers a potential solution. This compact device promises to boost your existing wireless network and provide a stable connection where you need it most. But does it live up to the hype?
This review provides an in-depth look at the TP-Link AC750 WiFi Range Extender, specifically focusing on its capabilities as both a range extender and an Ethernet bridge. We’ll examine its key features, setup process, real-world performance, and overall value to help you determine if it’s the right solution for your WiFi woes. While there are different models in the series (like the RE200 or RE205), they all share similar functionalities that we’ll be covering.
Understanding the TP-Link AC750
The TP-Link AC750 is designed to expand the coverage of your existing WiFi network. It receives the signal from your router and retransmits it, effectively extending the range of your wireless network. This makes it ideal for homes with multiple floors, thick walls, or large layouts where the router’s signal struggles to reach.
Key Specifications and Features
The TP-Link AC750 WiFi Range Extender operates on both the two point four GHz and five GHz bands, offering speeds up to AC750 (four hundred thirty three Mbps on five GHz and three hundred Mbps on two point four GHz). Keep in mind that actual speeds will vary depending on your internet connection, router capabilities, and environmental factors.
A particularly useful feature is the Ethernet port. This transforms the device into a WiFi bridge, allowing you to connect wired devices like smart TVs, game consoles, or desktop computers to your wireless network. This eliminates the need for long Ethernet cables and provides a convenient way to add WiFi connectivity to devices that don’t have it built-in.
The design is compact and unobtrusive, allowing you to plug it into a wall outlet without blocking other sockets. It also features a Smart Signal Indicator, which helps you find the optimal location for the extender, ensuring the strongest possible connection to your router. Compatibility is broad, working with almost all wireless routers or access points.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Inside the box, you’ll find the TP-Link AC750 WiFi Range Extender itself, a quick installation guide, and some basic documentation. The device feels solid and well-built, with a clean and simple design. Its small size is a definite advantage, as it won’t take up much space. The single button on the front is for WPS (WiFi Protected Setup), which simplifies the setup process. The smart signal indicator lights up to show how strong the signal from the router is and lets you position the range extender where it’ll work best.
Simple Setup and Configuration
Setting up the TP-Link AC750 WiFi Range Extender is a straightforward process, and TP-Link offers two main methods: using the WPS button or the web browser interface.
WPS Method
The WPS method is the simplest:
- Plug the extender into a power outlet near your router.
- Press the WPS button on your router, followed by the WPS button on the extender.
- Wait for the extender’s signal LED to turn solid, indicating a successful connection.
Web Browser Interface Method
For those who prefer more control or whose routers don’t support WPS, the web browser interface offers a more customizable setup:
- Plug the extender into a power outlet and wait for it to power on.
- Connect to the extender’s default WiFi network using a computer or mobile device.
- Open a web browser and enter the extender’s default IP address (usually listed in the manual).
- Follow the on-screen instructions to select your existing WiFi network and enter the password.
Regardless of the method you choose, the setup process is generally user-friendly, even for those with limited technical experience. The instruction manual is clear and concise, providing helpful guidance. If you encounter any issues, TP-Link’s website offers helpful FAQs and troubleshooting tips.
For managing your TP-Link devices easily, there’s the TP-Link Tether App. The app allows you to control the range extender from your smartphone, including changing the WiFi name, password, checking performance and updating firmware. The Tether app can be useful to remotely manage the device.
Performance in the Real World
To evaluate the TP-Link AC750 WiFi Range Extender Ethernet Bridge effectively, we conducted tests in various environments, including a two-story home and a small office space. We measured signal strength and WiFi speeds before and after installing the extender to determine its impact on coverage and performance.
Extending Your Wireless Range
In our tests, the TP-Link AC750 WiFi Range Extender significantly improved WiFi coverage in areas where the router’s signal was weak or non-existent. For instance, a bedroom on the second floor that previously had a weak signal now had a strong, reliable connection. The Smart Signal Indicator proved valuable in identifying the optimal placement for the extender, maximizing its effectiveness.
Speed Testing and Analysis
While the TP-Link AC750 WiFi Range Extender effectively extends WiFi coverage, it’s important to understand that range extenders can sometimes introduce a slight reduction in speed. This is due to the process of receiving and retransmitting the WiFi signal.
In our speed tests, we observed a slight decrease in download and upload speeds when connected to the extender compared to connecting directly to the router. However, the speeds were still significantly better than having no signal or a very weak signal. The trade-off between range and speed is often a worthwhile compromise for those struggling with WiFi dead zones.
Ethernet Bridge Functionality
The Ethernet bridge function worked flawlessly. Connecting a smart TV to the extender’s Ethernet port provided a stable and fast connection for streaming videos. Similarly, connecting a game console resulted in improved online gaming performance compared to relying on a weak WiFi signal.
Stability and Reliability
Throughout our testing, the TP-Link AC750 WiFi Range Extender proved to be generally stable and reliable. We experienced only occasional connection drops, which were easily resolved by restarting the extender. However, it’s worth noting that some users have reported experiencing more frequent connection issues in certain environments. This can be influenced by factors such as interference from other wireless devices or the distance between the extender and the router.
The Pros: Where the TP-Link AC750 Excels
- Improved WiFi Coverage: Effectively extends the range of your existing WiFi network, eliminating dead zones.
- Effortless Setup: The WPS button and web browser interface make setup quick and easy.
- Budget-Friendly: Offers excellent value for its price.
- Versatile Ethernet Bridge: Provides wired connectivity to devices that lack built-in WiFi.
- Space-Saving Design: Compact and unobtrusive, blending seamlessly into any environment.
The Cons: Areas for Improvement
- Speed Reduction Potential: Range extenders inherently introduce a slight decrease in speed.
- Limited Advanced Features: Doesn’t offer the advanced features found in higher-end models.
- Susceptibility to Interference: Like all wireless devices, it can be affected by interference.
Exploring Alternatives
While the TP-Link AC750 WiFi Range Extender Ethernet Bridge is a solid choice for many users, it’s worth considering alternatives, especially if you have a very large home or require advanced features. Mesh WiFi systems, such as those offered by Netgear Orbi or Linksys Velop, provide seamless WiFi coverage throughout your home by creating a unified network. However, mesh systems tend to be more expensive than range extenders. For those needing more features and range, a better router might be an option.
Is It Right for You?
The TP-Link AC750 WiFi Range Extender is an excellent option for individuals who need to extend their wireless network in a small to medium home. It’s an ideal solution for users who want a simple, cost-effective, and reliable way to eliminate WiFi dead zones. If you need to connect a wired device to your WiFi network, the Ethernet bridge functionality is a valuable bonus. People with only one or two ‘dead spot’ areas in their homes would benefit the most from this.
Final Verdict
The TP-Link AC750 WiFi Range Extender Ethernet Bridge offers a compelling combination of performance, features, and value. While it may not be the fastest or most feature-rich option on the market, it delivers on its promise of extending WiFi coverage and providing reliable connectivity. If you’re looking for an affordable and easy-to-use solution to eliminate WiFi dead zones, the TP-Link AC750 is definitely worth considering. It is a very handy device.
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