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Both display the extender’s current status, and you can choose between wireless WPA, WPA2, WPA/WPA2, or WEP. The Android and iOS mobile app called Tether easily controls the app. It’s better than no extension at all and for anyone but intense users, it does the job fine. Still, this is a budget WiFi amplifier that’s extending coverage. Performance-wise, it’s not good at multitasking or targeting devices directly with its signal due to a lack of MU-MIMO and beamforming technology. You’ll get around 115Mbps at close range, 70Mbps at 25 feet, and less than 50Mbps when you pass the 50ft mark. Compared to other models it doesn’t quite hold up. Meanwhile, at 25 feet, it’s no more than 35Mbps, and at 50 feet speed throughput drops below 30Mbps.ĥGhz is obviously faster, but it should be. In practise, in close proximity, you can expect up to 80Mbps at 2.5Ghz. Maximum data rates are 300Mbps and 433Mbps receptively. The 2.4Ghz band deserves all the praise but both are extended well by the RE220. Therefore, let’s see what’s under the hood: Features and Performance 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz Bands Firstly, it has great 2.4Ghz performance and is very easy to use. What extenders can’t do is increase your data speed unless it’s wired to the router.The RE220 by TP-Link is a competent and affordable way to extend WiFi range across your home. Extenders have amplified antennas, so if you get a -80 dBm signal from your router while standing next to the bookcase, a Wi-Fi extender in that spot may broadcast a -38 dBm signal, which is far better-the closer to zero, the stronger the signal. This term applies to all Wi-Fi extenders because they “boost” your Wi-Fi range. This mode has the fastest data throughput if you use a wired connection, but it ties up the Ethernet port.
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It creates a new Wi-Fi network, so you must manually connect your wireless devices upon first use-they reconnect when you move outside the router’s range. With the access point mode enabled, the extender connects to your router using Wi-Fi, an Ethernet cable, or a coax cable. But your data throughput doesn’t increase in speed because there’s no wired connection to the router. It then captures and repeats your router’s Wi-Fi through amplified antennas, so you don’t need to manually disconnect and reconnect as you roam.
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To set it up, press the WPS button or log in to your Wi-Fi network through the repeater’s app or web interface. We’ll explain both modes and how an extender can boost your Wi-Fi.īy default, an extender connects to your router using Wi-Fi. Most Wi-Fi extenders now have two modes you can toggle from the bottom or the side: repeat and extend. All three terms apply to the same thing: a standalone device for capturing your network signals and sending them into areas your router can’t reach.
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