The top 4 TP-Link Wi-Fi extenders of 2023: A comprehensive review
by Lazy Pro on Apr 22, 2023
Introduction
If you're experiencing dead spots in your home or office where Wi-Fi signals are weak or non-existent, it might be time to invest in a TP-Link Wi-Fi extender. A Wi-Fi extender, also known as a range extender, is a device that boosts and expands your wireless network's coverage area. TP-Link is a reputable brand that provides affordable and high-quality Wi-Fi extenders that cater to your needs.
The Top 4 TP-Link Wi-Fi Extenders of 2023: A Comprehensive Review
In this article, we'll take a look at the top 4 TP-Link Wi-Fi extenders of 2023, analyzing their features, benefits, and drawbacks to help you make an informed purchase decision.
TP-Link RE450 AC1750
The TP-Link RE450 AC1750 is a high-end Wi-Fi extender that offers impressive speed and coverage area. It's ideal for large homes or offices where Wi-Fi signals struggle to reach every corner. With a dual-band speed of up to 1750Mbps, it can extend your wireless network's coverage by up to 10,000 square feet.
One of the RE450's notable features is its three adjustable antennas that ensure stable wireless connections and maximum coverage area. Its gigabit Ethernet port enables you to connect wired devices, such as gaming consoles and smart TVs, to your network with ease. Its sleek and compact design makes it easy to install and blend with your home or office decor.
However, the TP-Link RE450 AC1750 is relatively pricey compared to other TP-Link Wi-Fi extenders. It also lacks a dedicated Ethernet port for backhaul, which might affect its performance when connecting multiple devices.
TP-Link RE220 AC750
The TP-Link RE220 AC750 is a budget-friendly Wi-Fi extender that offers decent speed and coverage area. It's ideal for small to medium-sized homes or offices that require extended wireless network coverage. With a dual-band speed of up to 750Mbps, it can extend your wireless network's coverage by up to 1200 square feet.
One of the RE220's notable features is its compact design that plugs directly into your electrical outlet, eliminating the need for additional cables or devices. Its smart signal indicator helps you find the ideal location to place the extender for maximum coverage area. Its Ethernet port enables you to connect wired devices to your network, such as printers and desktop computers.
However, the TP-Link RE220 AC750 has a limited speed and coverage area compared to other TP-Link Wi-Fi extenders. Its single Ethernet port might be inconvenient when connecting multiple devices, and it lacks advanced features, such as parental controls and guest networks.
TP-Link RE650 AC2600
The TP-Link RE650 AC2600 is a high-end Wi-Fi extender that offers exceptional speed and coverage area. It's ideal for large homes or offices with multiple floors that require extended wireless network coverage. With a dual-band speed of up to 2600Mbps, it can extend your wireless network's coverage by up to 14,000 square feet.
One of the RE650's notable features is its four external antennas that ensure stable wireless connections and maximum coverage area. Its gigabit Ethernet port enables you to connect wired devices, such as NAS devices and gaming consoles, to your network with ease. Its LED signal indicator helps you find the ideal location to place the extender for maximum coverage area.
However, the TP-Link RE650 AC2600 is relatively bulky compared to other TP-Link Wi-Fi extenders, which might affect its portability and installation. Its price point is also relatively high, which might not suit all budgets.
TP-Link Wi-Fi Extender Voice Control: How to Set Up with Google Assistant
Google Assistant is another popular voice assistant that can control various smart home devices, including TP-Link Wi-Fi extenders. Here's how to set up your TP-Link Wi-Fi extender with Google Assistant:
Step 1: Enable TP-Link Kasa Action
Open the Google Home app and navigate to the "Home Control" section. Search for the "TP-Link Kasa" action and enable it. Log in to your TP-Link Kasa account and link it to Google Assistant.
Step 2: Discover Devices
Once you've enabled the TP-Link Kasa action, tell Google Assistant to discover your devices. It should detect your TP-Link Wi-Fi extender, and you can then give it a custom name for easy identification.
Step 3: Voice Control
Now that your TP-Link Wi-Fi extender is integrated with Google Assistant, you can use voice commands to control it. For example, say "Hey Google, turn on my Wi-Fi extender" to activate it or "Hey Google, turn off my Wi-Fi extender" to deactivate it.
Benefits of TP-Link Wi-Fi Extender Voice Control
Integrating your TP-Link Wi-Fi extender with Alexa or Google Assistant offers various benefits, including:
Hands-Free Convenience
With voice control, you can easily activate or deactivate your TP-Link Wi-Fi extender without lifting a finger. This feature is particularly useful when you're busy with other tasks, such as cooking or cleaning, and you need to extend your wireless network's coverage area.
Customized Commands
You can give your TP-Link Wi-Fi extender a custom name when integrating it with Alexa or Google Assistant. This feature enables you to use personalized voice commands, such as "Alexa, turn on my office Wi-Fi extender" or "Hey Google, turn off my bedroom Wi-Fi extender."
How a TP-Link Wi-Fi extender can improve your gaming experience
When it comes to online gaming, a stable and fast internet connection is essential. Any delay or lag can lead to frustrating gameplay and even result in losing a match or game. A TP-Link Wi-Fi extender can help to reduce latency and improve the overall speed and stability of your internet connection, resulting in a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.
Here are some of the ways a TP-Link Wi-Fi extender can help to improve your online gaming experience:
1. Reduced latency
Latency, or lag, is one of the biggest issues that online gamers face. It occurs when there is a delay between your input and the game's response, resulting in a slower and less responsive gameplay experience. A TP-Link Wi-Fi extender can help to reduce latency by improving the overall signal strength and stability of your Wi-Fi network.
2. Improved speed
Another important factor in online gaming is speed. The faster your internet connection, the smoother and more responsive your gameplay will be. With a TP-Link Wi-Fi extender, you can increase the speed of your Wi-Fi network, allowing for quicker downloads and faster gameplay.
3. Increased coverage area
A TP-Link Wi-Fi extender can also help to extend the coverage area of your home Wi-Fi network, providing a more stable connection in areas that were previously dead zones. This means you can enjoy a faster and more reliable connection throughout your home, even in areas that were previously problematic for gaming.
4. Multiple device support
With the rise of multiple device households, it's essential to have a Wi-Fi network that can support all of your devices, including gaming consoles, smartphones, and tablets. A TP-Link Wi-Fi extender can help to support multiple devices simultaneously, ensuring that everyone in your household can enjoy a fast and reliable internet connection.
Choosing the right TP-Link Wi-Fi extender for gaming
When it comes to choosing the right TP-Link Wi-Fi extender for gaming, there are a few things to consider. Here are some of the factors to keep in mind:
1. Wi-Fi standard
Make sure that the TP-Link Wi-Fi extender you choose supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, which is currently 802.11ac. This standard offers faster speeds and better range than previous standards, making it ideal for online gaming.
2. Dual-band support
A dual-band TP-Link Wi-Fi extender can help to reduce interference and improve the overall speed and stability of your internet connection. Look for a model that supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
Understand the Range of Your Wi-Fi Network
Before you start to look for the ideal location for your extender, you must understand the range of your Wi-Fi network. Every router has a specific range, and if you place your extender beyond that range, it won't be able to amplify the signal. Therefore, it's essential to know the limits of your Wi-Fi network. You can check this by measuring the signal strength at different points in your home or office. If you notice weak or no signal in certain areas, that's where you need to install your TP-Link Wi-Fi extender.
Look for a Central Location
The most effective location for your Wi-Fi extender is a central spot in your home or office. This spot should be in proximity to the areas where you need the strongest signal. This way, the extender can amplify the signal and distribute it evenly across the entire space. A central location also means that the signal won't have to travel too far to reach the devices, reducing signal loss and interference.
Avoid Obstacles
When it comes to Wi-Fi signals, obstacles like walls, doors, and furniture can severely impact the strength and quality of the signal. Therefore, it's essential to choose a location that has fewer obstructions. If you place your extender in a room with multiple walls and doors, the signal will have to travel through those obstacles, leading to signal loss and a weak connection. Instead, select an open space that has minimal barriers between the router and extender.
Keep it Elevated
Another important factor to consider is the height at which you place your TP-Link Wi-Fi extender. The higher the extender, the better the signal distribution. Placing the extender at a higher level can help the signal reach all areas of the room, especially if the signal has to cover multiple floors. You can place your extender on a shelf, a high table, or mount it on the wall.
Avoid Interference
One common problem with Wi-Fi signals is interference. Interference can occur due to other electronic devices, such as microwaves, cordless phones, and Bluetooth devices. These devices operate on the same frequency as Wi-Fi signals, causing interference and reducing signal strength. Therefore, it's important to choose a location that's away from other electronic devices. If possible, choose a spot that's not close to the kitchen, living room, or other areas with many electronic devices.
Problem | Solution |
---|---|
No power | Make sure the extender is plugged into a working outlet and the LED lights are on. |
Can't connect to extender | Check if the extender is connected to the router and that you are within range of the extender's network. Also, try resetting the extender and connecting again. |
Slow connection | Check if the extender is too far away from the router, move it closer. Check if other devices are also using the network and consider upgrading your internet speed. |
Intermittent connection | Check if there are any obstacles or interference between the extender and the router. Adjust the location of the extender or try changing the wireless channel on the router. |
No internet connection | Check if the router is connected to the internet and that the extender is properly connected to the router. Try resetting both devices and connecting again. |
After conducting an in-depth analysis and evaluation of the top TP-Link Wi-Fi extenders of 2023, it is clear that each model has its unique strengths and weaknesses. However, we hope that our comprehensive review has helped you make an informed decision on which TP-Link Wi-Fi extender suits your needs best. Whether you are looking for fast internet speeds, seamless connectivity, or long-range coverage, TP-Link has something for everyone. With their commitment to innovation and quality, TP-Link Wi-Fi extenders are a smart investment for any home or office network.
FAQ:
Q1. Can I use a TP-Link Wi-Fi extender with any router?
A: Yes, TP-Link Wi-Fi extenders are designed to work with any standard router, regardless of the brand.
Q2. Will a Wi-Fi extender slow down my internet speed?
A: While a Wi-Fi extender can slow down your internet speed to some extent, the latest models of TP-Link Wi-Fi extenders use advanced technology to minimize any speed loss.
Q3. How do I set up my TP-Link Wi-Fi extender?
A: TP-Link Wi-Fi extenders come with easy-to-follow instructions, and most models can be set up using a smartphone app. Simply plug in the extender, connect it to your router, and follow the instructions in the app.
Q4. How many devices can a TP-Link Wi-Fi extender support?
A: The number of devices that a TP-Link Wi-Fi extender can support depends on the model and the strength of your internet connection. However, the latest models of TP-Link Wi-Fi extenders are designed to support a large number of devices.
Q5. How far should I place my TP-Link Wi-Fi extender from my router?
A: To get the best performance from your TP-Link Wi-Fi extender, it is recommended that you place it within the range of your existing Wi-Fi network but not too close to the router. Ideally, the extender should be placed at a distance where it can pick up a strong signal from the router and still provide adequate coverage in the area where it's needed.
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