TP-Link AC1750 Universal Dual Band Range Extender Review

The TP-Link AC1750 Universal Dual Band Range Extender is designed to extend the range and coverage of your existing Wi-Fi network, providing a seamless internet experience throughout your home. Whether you’re struggling with dead zones in your home or need stronger Wi-Fi in distant rooms, this device promises to amplify your signal and ensure consistent performance across all your devices. In this review, we will explore the features, performance, pros, cons, and overall value of the TP-Link AC1750 Range Extender to help you determine if it’s the right solution for your networking needs.

Introduction to the TP-Link AC1750 Range Extender

The TP-Link AC1750 is a dual-band Wi-Fi range extender that supports speeds up to 1750Mbps, offering both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. This model is designed to eliminate weak signal areas in larger homes or spaces with multiple floors, ensuring a stable internet connection across your entire home. By boosting the signal from your existing Wi-Fi router, it allows for uninterrupted streaming, gaming, and browsing, even in areas that were previously underserved.

Let’s take a detailed look at the features, performance, and overall value of this range extender.

Key Features of the TP-Link AC1750 Range Extender

1. Dual-Band Support with Speeds Up to 1750Mbps
   The TP-Link AC1750 operates on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. This dual-band capability allows you to extend your network while providing the flexibility to connect devices to the appropriate band based on their bandwidth requirements. The 2.4GHz band is ideal for standard browsing, while the 5GHz band offers faster speeds for activities like HD streaming and online gaming.

2. Easy Setup and Universal Compatibility
   The range extender is compatible with virtually any Wi-Fi router or access point, ensuring a hassle-free setup. The WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) button enables easy pairing with your existing router in just a few minutes. Alternatively, the TP-Link Tether app allows for convenient setup and management via your smartphone.

3. High-Speed Ethernet Port
   For devices that require a wired connection, the TP-Link AC1750 includes a Gigabit Ethernet port. This allows you to connect devices like game consoles, smart TVs, or desktop computers directly to the extender for a more stable and faster internet connection.

4. Smart Signal Indicator
   The built-in smart signal indicator helps you find the optimal placement for the extender. By guiding you to the best location, it ensures that the extender is positioned in an area where it can get a strong signal from your router while extending coverage effectively.

5. Multiple Operating Modes
   The TP-Link AC1750 supports several operation modes, including Range Extender Mode, Access Point Mode, and Router Mode. This flexibility allows you to use the device in different setups, whether you’re boosting your existing Wi-Fi network or creating a new one entirely.

6. Advanced Security Features
   The range extender supports WPA/WPA2 encryption, ensuring that your network remains secure. The device also features a secure network mode to prevent unauthorized access and help maintain a stable, protected connection.

Performance and Efficiency

In our testing, the TP-Link AC1750 Universal Dual Band Range Extender performed admirably in terms of both range and speed. The dual-band support allowed for flexible device management, with the 2.4GHz band serving as an excellent option for everyday browsing and the 5GHz band providing the speed needed for high-bandwidth tasks like streaming and gaming.

The device significantly improved Wi-Fi coverage in areas that were previously weak or without signal, and it handled multiple devices without noticeable lag or interruption. The built-in signal indicator helped us find the best placement for the extender, maximizing its effectiveness and ensuring that it could relay a strong signal from the router.

The Ethernet port was particularly useful for connecting devices that required a wired connection. We tested a gaming console through the Ethernet port, and it provided a stable, high-speed connection for online gaming without any noticeable delays.

Overall, the TP-Link AC1750 Range Extender succeeded in delivering consistent performance and significantly improved the Wi-Fi experience across the entire house.

Pros of the TP-Link AC1750 Range Extender

• Dual-Band Support with High Speeds: The extender supports both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, providing flexibility and fast speeds of up to 1750Mbps.
• Easy Setup and Universal Compatibility: The simple WPS setup and compatibility with any Wi-Fi router makes it easy to integrate into your existing network.
• Gigabit Ethernet Port: The inclusion of a Gigabit Ethernet port allows for wired connections, perfect for devices that require a stable and high-speed connection.
• Smart Signal Indicator: The signal indicator helps you place the extender in the optimal location to maximize Wi-Fi coverage and performance.
• Multiple Operating Modes: The extender offers flexible operation modes, including Range Extender, Access Point, and Router modes.
• Secure Wi-Fi Network: With WPA/WPA2 encryption, your network remains secure while extending coverage.

Cons of the TP-Link AC1750 Range Extender

• Mediocre Design: While functional, the design of the extender is fairly basic and does not offer the sleek, modern look seen in some higher-end models.
• Limited Features Compared to Mesh Systems: While the TP-Link AC1750 is a great range extender, it doesn’t offer the same seamless experience as a mesh Wi-Fi system, which could be a better choice for large homes with very high demand for connectivity.
• No USB Ports: Unlike some other extenders, the AC1750 does not have USB ports for file sharing or connecting external storage devices.
• Limited Advanced Customization: While the extender offers basic features and modes, it lacks more advanced configuration options like MU-MIMO or beamforming.

How to Get the Best Performance Out of the TP-Link AC1750 Range Extender

1. Find the Optimal Placement: Use the smart signal indicator to place the extender in a location where it receives a strong signal from your existing router while covering the areas with weak signal.
2. Use 5GHz for High-Demand Devices: Connect devices that require high-speed internet, such as gaming consoles or smart TVs, to the 5GHz band for optimal performance.
3. Utilize Ethernet Port for Wired Devices: For devices like desktop computers or gaming consoles, use the Gigabit Ethernet port for a more stable connection.
4. Choose the Right Mode: Select the most appropriate operating mode (Range Extender, Access Point, or Router) depending on your networking needs.

Conclusion

The TP-Link AC1750 Universal Dual Band Range Extender offers an excellent solution for boosting your Wi-Fi coverage in larger homes or areas with weak signals. With its dual-band support, easy setup, and versatile functionality, it delivers solid performance at an affordable price. While it may not provide the advanced features of a mesh system, it’s a great option for users who need reliable Wi-Fi coverage in specific areas of their home. The inclusion of a Gigabit Ethernet port, advanced security features, and a smart signal indicator make it a well-rounded and practical choice for anyone looking to improve their home network.

If you’re looking for an affordable and effective range extender to eliminate Wi-Fi dead zones, the TP-Link AC1750 is certainly worth considering.