TP-Link AC1300 High Gain Review

The TP-Link AC1300 High Gain Wi-Fi Range Extender is designed to enhance Wi-Fi coverage in your home or office by amplifying the signal strength and ensuring better connectivity for all your devices. With a high gain antenna and dual-band support, the AC1300 is aimed at users who require strong Wi-Fi signals in areas that were previously hard to reach. Despite being relatively affordable, it promises solid performance for users who need reliable internet access in all corners of their home. In this review, we will dive into its key features, performance, pros, cons, and overall value to help you determine if it’s the right range extender for your needs.

Introduction to the TP-Link AC1300 High Gain

The TP-Link AC1300 High Gain Wi-Fi Range Extender is engineered to improve wireless coverage in larger homes or office spaces. With a sleek design and powerful hardware, this device boosts your existing Wi-Fi signal and helps eliminate dead zones, allowing for uninterrupted streaming, gaming, or browsing. It supports dual-band Wi-Fi, which ensures seamless performance for devices that demand higher speeds. Whether you’re streaming 4K videos or working from home, the AC1300 is built to enhance your network’s range and stability.

Let’s examine the key features and performance of the TP-Link AC1300 High Gain to see how it stacks up against other Wi-Fi extenders on the market.

Key Features of the TP-Link AC1300 High Gain

1. Dual-Band Wi-Fi
   The AC1300 supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, providing speeds of up to 400Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and up to 867Mbps on the 5GHz band. This dual-band capability ensures that the range extender can handle a variety of tasks, from web browsing to high-demand applications like video streaming and gaming.

2. High Gain Antennas
   Equipped with high gain external antennas, the TP-Link AC1300 offers increased coverage and signal strength. These antennas improve the range and reliability of your Wi-Fi connection, ensuring a strong signal even in hard-to-reach areas of your home.

3. Easy Setup and Management
   The AC1300 comes with an intuitive setup process that allows you to easily extend your Wi-Fi coverage without complicated configurations. Simply plug the extender into a power outlet, connect it to your router using the WPS button, and you’re ready to go. The TP-Link Tether app also enables remote management and monitoring of your network.

4. Smart Signal Indicator
   To ensure optimal placement, the AC1300 includes a smart signal indicator. This feature helps you find the best spot to place the extender by showing you the signal strength, ensuring that your Wi-Fi is extended to areas with strong existing signal strength.

5. Ethernet Port for Wired Connections
   In addition to wireless connectivity, the AC1300 comes with an Ethernet port that allows you to connect wired devices like gaming consoles, smart TVs, or desktop computers. This adds more versatility to the range extender, ensuring that devices that require a stable connection can still benefit from the extended signal.

Performance and Efficiency

The TP-Link AC1300 performs well across a variety of tasks, especially in larger homes or office spaces. In testing, it effectively extended Wi-Fi coverage across multiple floors and areas with weak or no signal. With a solid 2.4GHz performance for everyday tasks like browsing or checking email, and a robust 5GHz band for high-speed activities like HD streaming or online gaming, the AC1300 ensures reliable and fast connections across different types of devices.

The high gain antennas help improve both range and signal strength, allowing you to stream videos, attend video calls, and play online games without interruptions. The device’s simple setup process also ensures that even non-technical users can get it up and running quickly.

However, when compared to newer models, the AC1300’s overall speed and performance may not be as fast in certain environments. While it delivers solid results in most typical home setups, larger households with multiple heavy-use devices may find the speeds a little slower than more advanced models.

Battery Life and Power

As the TP-Link AC1300 is a range extender, it does not rely on batteries, and instead is powered through a standard wall outlet. This ensures consistent power, making it ideal for extended use without the need for recharging.

Pros of the TP-Link AC1300 High Gain

• Dual-band Wi-Fi: Offers speeds of up to 400Mbps (2.4GHz) and 867Mbps (5GHz), providing reliable connectivity for various devices.
• High gain antennas: Ensures better coverage and enhanced signal strength, even in hard-to-reach areas.
• Easy to set up: Quick and user-friendly installation process, including WPS setup and app-based management.
• Smart signal indicator: Helps you find the best placement for maximum performance.
• Ethernet port: Provides wired connectivity for devices that require a more stable connection.

Cons of the TP-Link AC1300 High Gain

• Limited speed for large homes: While the AC1300 is effective for smaller homes, larger households with more demanding internet usage may experience slower speeds compared to higher-end models.
• No mesh support: Unlike some premium range extenders, the AC1300 does not offer mesh network functionality, which can provide better coverage and smoother transitions between devices.
• No USB ports: Unlike other models that feature USB ports for media sharing, this extender does not offer that functionality.

How to Get the Most Out of Your TP-Link AC1300 High Gain

To optimize your experience with the TP-Link AC1300, follow these tips:

1. Place the extender in a central location: Position the AC1300 halfway between your router and the areas that need coverage for the best signal.
2. Use the app for monitoring: The TP-Link Tether app allows you to monitor performance and manage the device remotely.
3. Regularly check for firmware updates: Ensure the extender’s software is up to date for improved performance and security.

Conclusion

The TP-Link AC1300 High Gain Wi-Fi Range Extender is a solid and affordable option for improving Wi-Fi coverage in your home or office. With its dual-band support, high gain antennas, and easy setup process, it provides reliable performance for everyday internet tasks. Although its speed may not be as fast as newer, more expensive models, it still offers good value for smaller homes and users looking for a straightforward Wi-Fi extender.

For those in need of a reliable and simple way to eliminate dead zones, the TP-Link AC1300 High Gain is an excellent choice. While it may not have all the advanced features of premium models, its performance and affordability make it a top contender in the market.