TP-Link AC1750 Range Extender Review

The TP-Link AC1750 Range Extender is designed to boost Wi-Fi coverage in your home or office, providing an easy solution for those experiencing weak Wi-Fi signals in certain areas. With its dual-band capabilities and a range of features aimed at improving connectivity, this extender promises to enhance your existing Wi-Fi network. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at its features, performance, pros, cons, and whether it’s the right choice for your needs.

Introduction to the TP-Link AC1750 Range Extender

The TP-Link AC1750 Range Extender (RE450) is a powerful device that helps eliminate Wi-Fi dead zones in your home by extending the reach of your existing router. With support for dual-band Wi-Fi, a combined speed of up to 1750Mbps, and an easy setup process, the RE450 promises to provide a seamless browsing, gaming, and streaming experience throughout your home. Whether you’re looking to extend coverage to a specific room or a larger area, this extender is designed to improve the overall network performance.

Let’s explore the features, real-world performance, and the pros and cons of the TP-Link AC1750 Range Extender.

Key Features of the TP-Link AC1750 Range Extender

1. Dual-Band Wi-Fi Performance
   The TP-Link AC1750 Range Extender supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, providing a combined speed of up to 1750Mbps. The 2.4GHz band offers a stable connection for everyday tasks, while the 5GHz band delivers faster speeds for high-bandwidth activities such as streaming HD or 4K videos and gaming.

2. High-Speed Wi-Fi Extension
   With a strong focus on high-speed performance, the RE450 is designed to extend the range of your Wi-Fi network without compromising speed. The extender offers impressive throughput on both bands, ensuring that users can enjoy smooth connections even at the edge of the router’s range.

3. Gigabit Ethernet Port
   The RE450 comes with a Gigabit Ethernet port, allowing you to connect wired devices such as smart TVs, gaming consoles, or desktop computers. This port provides a stable and fast wired connection, which is ideal for those who require a more reliable connection for activities like online gaming and streaming.

4. Three External Antennas for Optimal Coverage
   Equipped with three external antennas, the RE450 ensures broad and stable Wi-Fi coverage. These antennas help strengthen the signal, improve reliability, and extend coverage, making it ideal for large homes or spaces with thick walls or multiple floors.

5. Easy Setup with WPS Button
   The TP-Link AC1750 Range Extender offers an easy and fast setup process via the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) button. Simply press the WPS button on both your router and extender, and the devices will automatically connect without the need for complex configurations or additional software.

6. Signal Indicator for Optimal Placement
   The extender includes a signal strength indicator that helps you find the best location for optimal coverage. The LED light will change color to indicate the signal strength, helping you position the extender in a place where it will perform most effectively.

Performance and Efficiency

The TP-Link AC1750 Range Extender delivers solid performance across a range of tasks. During testing, the RE450 successfully extended the reach of the Wi-Fi network in both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, offering fast speeds and stable connections. The dual-band functionality ensured that devices connected to the 5GHz band experienced faster speeds and minimal congestion, while those on the 2.4GHz band enjoyed reliable, low-latency connections.

The three external antennas proved effective in increasing coverage in larger spaces, with consistent performance even in areas that previously had weak or no signal. The Gigabit Ethernet port was a nice touch, offering users the ability to connect devices that require wired connections for the best possible performance.

One of the key strengths of the RE450 is its ability to work seamlessly with a variety of routers, making it a versatile option for a wide range of users.

Pros of the TP-Link AC1750 Range Extender

• Dual-Band Wi-Fi with High Speeds: The extender supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, delivering combined speeds of up to 1750Mbps for a smooth browsing and streaming experience.
• Gigabit Ethernet Port: Ideal for users who need a wired connection, the Gigabit Ethernet port offers fast and reliable connectivity for devices like gaming consoles, smart TVs, and desktop computers.
• Three External Antennas: These antennas help enhance signal strength and provide a broader Wi-Fi coverage area, making the extender ideal for larger homes or multi-story buildings.
• Easy Setup with WPS: The simple one-button setup makes it easy for even non-technical users to extend their Wi-Fi network quickly.
• Signal Indicator for Optimal Placement: The LED signal indicator helps users find the best spot for maximum performance, ensuring that the extender is positioned where it can deliver the best possible coverage.

Cons of the TP-Link AC1750 Range Extender

• Limited to Extending Existing Networks: The RE450 doesn’t work as a standalone router; it’s only effective for extending an existing network. If you’re looking for a router with similar features, you’ll need to purchase a separate device.
• Size and Design: While the extender is effective, its bulky design may not be ideal for all users, especially those with limited space or who prefer a more compact device.
• No USB Ports for Storage Sharing: Unlike some other extenders, the RE450 lacks USB ports, meaning you can’t connect a hard drive or printer for network sharing purposes.
• Potential for Signal Degradation in Far-Away Areas: While the extender works well for many homes, the Wi-Fi signal strength can still degrade when used in very large areas or locations far from the extender.

How to Get the Most Out of Your TP-Link AC1750 Range Extender

To ensure the TP-Link AC1750 Range Extender performs at its best, follow these tips:

1. Place the Extender Strategically: Use the signal indicator to find the best placement for the extender. Ideally, place it halfway between your router and the area with weak signal strength.
2. Use the 5GHz Band for High-Speed Activities: For activities like gaming, streaming, and large file transfers, connect devices to the 5GHz band for faster speeds and less interference.
3. Keep the Extender Away from Obstacles: Position the extender away from thick walls or metal objects that may block or interfere with the signal.
4. Connect Wired Devices to the Gigabit Ethernet Port: For the most stable connection, plug high-bandwidth devices such as gaming consoles or smart TVs directly into the extender’s Ethernet port.

Conclusion

The TP-Link AC1750 Range Extender is a reliable and cost-effective solution for extending the reach of your Wi-Fi network. With dual-band Wi-Fi, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and three external antennas, it provides excellent coverage and fast speeds in larger homes or spaces with thick walls. While it doesn’t have advanced features like USB ports or a standalone router function, it is a solid choice for users who need to improve their Wi-Fi range without a complicated setup. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or browsing, the RE450 ensures a stable and seamless Wi-Fi experience throughout your home.