TP-Link RE200 AC750 WiFi, Wireless Range Extender

By / September 21, 2024

TP-Link RE200 AC750 Wi-Fi Range Extender is designed to extend the coverage of your home Wi-Fi network, providing a stable connection for devices located farther from the router. Here’s a detailed review of its features, pros, and cons.

TP-Link RE200 AC750

Design and Build

The RE200 has a compact and sleek design, making it easy to plug into any power outlet without obstructing adjacent sockets. The minimalist look complements most home setups. On the front, it features a signal indicator light that helps users find the optimal placement spot. The light changes color based on signal strength—green for a good connection and red for poor.

Setup and Configuration

Setting up the RE200 is relatively simple and quick. The device supports WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), which allows for seamless pairing with a compatible router. Users need only press the WPS button on their router and the one on the RE200 to create a connection. For routers without WPS, the setup can be done through a web browser or the TP-Link Tether app, which provides an intuitive interface for configuration and management.

One of the standout features is the ability to manage the device using TP-Link’s Tether app, which is available for both Android and iOS. Through this app, users can monitor the extender’s performance, manage connected devices, and adjust settings, all from their smartphone.

Performance

The RE200 is a dual-band extender, meaning it operates on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. The 2.4GHz band offers a maximum speed of 300Mbps, while the 5GHz band supports speeds of up to 433Mbps, providing a combined speed of 750Mbps. This makes it ideal for medium-sized homes with moderate internet usage, such as streaming HD content, online gaming, and browsing.

However, while the extender improves Wi-Fi coverage, it’s important to note that it doesn’t necessarily boost internet speed beyond what your router provides. In some cases, especially with lower-end routers or crowded networks, users may experience slower speeds when connected to the extender, particularly on the 5GHz band.

The RE200 works best when placed in areas with moderate signal strength from the router. Placing it too far from the main router could lead to signal degradation, as the extender relies on receiving a good-quality signal to extend it effectively. The device’s signal strength indicator light makes it easy to find the optimal spot for the best performance.

Ethernet Port

The RE200 comes with a built-in Fast Ethernet port, allowing users to connect wired devices like gaming consoles or smart TVs for a more stable connection. However, it is a Fast Ethernet port, meaning its speed is capped at 100Mbps, which might be limiting for those with faster internet connections.

Compatibility

The extender is compatible with most Wi-Fi routers, including those that support 802.11ac, making it a versatile option for a variety of network setups. It can also be used in Access Point mode, converting a wired connection into a wireless signal for areas that need coverage.

Pros

  1. Easy Setup: WPS support and the TP-Link Tether app make setup simple for both tech-savvy users and beginners.
  2. Compact Design: Its sleek and space-saving design ensures it fits neatly in any power outlet.
  3. Dual-Band Support: With support for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, the RE200 offers flexibility for different devices and usage scenarios.
  4. Signal Strength Indicator: The built-in indicator light makes it easy to find the optimal placement for the best signal extension.
  5. Ethernet Port: The Ethernet port allows for wired connections, which can be beneficial for devices that require a stable connection.
  6. Affordable: Compared to other extenders on the market, the RE200 offers a good balance of performance and price.

Cons

  1. Limited Speed: The 100Mbps Ethernet port might be a bottleneck for users with high-speed internet plans.
  2. 5GHz Performance: While the RE200 supports the 5GHz band, performance can be inconsistent, especially when the extender is placed far from the router.
  3. Signal Loss: As with many extenders, some signal loss occurs when the Wi-Fi is transmitted through the RE200, leading to a reduction in speeds.
  4. No MU-MIMO Support: The extender lacks Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MU-MIMO) technology, meaning it may struggle with multiple devices using high bandwidth simultaneously.
  5. Not Ideal for Large Homes: While it works well for medium-sized homes, larger spaces may require more powerful extenders or mesh systems for comprehensive coverage.

Conclusion

The TP-Link RE200 is a solid choice for users looking to extend their Wi-Fi coverage in medium-sized homes or apartments. It is easy to set up, offers dual-band support, and includes helpful features like a signal strength indicator and an Ethernet port. While it may not be ideal for large homes or high-speed internet users, it is a great budget-friendly solution for those needing to boost their Wi-Fi in specific areas.

For more information or to purchase, you can check the Amazon product page.

 

BUY ON AMAZON

 

 

Scroll to Top