The TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE355) promises to deliver a reliable and powerful solution for expanding your existing wireless network. This dual-band extender boasts a combined speed of up to 1200Mbps, ensuring smooth streaming, gaming, and browsing even in areas with weak Wi-Fi signals. The RE355 is a popular choice among Amazon shoppers, currently ranking high in the best-selling network extenders category.
But does this extender live up to its claims? In this review, we’ll put the TP-Link RE355 through its paces, examining its performance, ease of use, and overall value. We’ll delve into its setup process, test its range and speed, and assess its compatibility with various devices. We’ll also compare it to its competitors and analyze its pros and cons to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of its capabilities.
Whether you’re struggling with dead zones in your home, trying to boost your Wi-Fi signal for a larger space, or simply looking for a more reliable connection, this review will help you determine if the TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE355) is the right choice for your needs.
By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of its strengths and weaknesses, and whether this extender can effectively solve your wireless woes.
| Name: | TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE355) |
| Image: |  |
| Price: | |
| Rating: | 4.2 out of 5 stars |
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TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE355) Review
The TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE355) is a solid choice for boosting your Wi-Fi signal in areas of your home where coverage is weak. It offers a decent combination of features and performance at a reasonable price point. Let’s delve into the details to see if it’s the right fit for your needs.
Unboxing and First Impressions:
The RE355 comes in a compact box with a clear image of the extender and its key features. Inside, you’ll find the extender itself, a power adapter, a quick installation guide, and a network cable. The overall packaging is simple and straightforward, with all the necessary components included.
Design and Features:
The RE355 boasts a sleek, modern design with a glossy white finish. It’s small and compact, making it easy to blend into any decor. On the front, you’ll find three LED indicators for power, Wi-Fi signal strength, and Ethernet connectivity. It features two Gigabit Ethernet ports, enabling you to connect devices like smart TVs or gaming consoles directly to the extender.
Setup and Installation:
Setting up the RE355 is a breeze, thanks to TP-Link’s intuitive app. You can easily connect to the extender’s network and follow the on-screen prompts. The app walks you through the entire setup process, including selecting your primary Wi-Fi network, setting up a secure password for the extender, and optimizing the placement for the best performance.
Performance and Coverage:
With a dual-band AC1200 (300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 867 Mbps on 5 GHz) design, the RE355 delivers reliable and fast Wi-Fi speeds. It effectively extends the range of your existing Wi-Fi network, providing seamless connectivity to devices in hard-to-reach areas. While the extender won’t magically create a new network, it will significantly improve signal strength and reduce dead zones.
Security and Features:
The RE355 incorporates WPA/WPA2 encryption for robust security, safeguarding your network from unauthorized access. It also features a built-in firewall to protect against potential threats. In addition, it supports the latest Wi-Fi standards for optimal performance and compatibility.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Easy Setup and User-Friendly App
- Decent Performance and Coverage
- Dual-Band Connectivity
- Gigabit Ethernet Ports
- Compact and Sleek Design
- Affordable Price Point
Cons:
- Limited Range Compared to More Powerful Extenders
- No Support for Advanced Features like MU-MIMO or Beamforming
- Occasional Disconnections in High-Traffic Environments
Final Verdict and Recommendation:
The TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE355) is a capable and cost-effective solution for boosting Wi-Fi signals in your home. It’s easy to set up, offers decent performance, and provides reliable connectivity. However, it may not be the best choice for users with very large homes or demanding high-traffic environments. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly and user-friendly extender to extend your Wi-Fi coverage, the RE355 is worth considering.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE355) arrived in a compact cardboard box with a minimalist design. The front prominently displayed the device’s image and key features, while the back provided more detailed information. Inside, the packaging was neatly organized, including the range extender itself, a quick installation guide, a network cable, and a power adapter. The RE355 is a small, rectangular device with a sleek white finish, blending seamlessly into most home environments. The front panel features a single LED indicator light, which changes color depending on the extender’s status. On the back, you’ll find the power port, gigabit Ethernet port, WPS button, and reset button. Overall, the unboxing experience was simple and straightforward, showcasing the device’s user-friendliness. First impressions were positive, with the compact size and clean design suggesting a straightforward and hassle-free setup process.
Design and Features
The TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE355) boasts a compact and modern design that blends seamlessly into any home décor. Its sleek white plastic casing features a subtle textured pattern, giving it a premium look. On the front, you’ll find a single LED indicator that displays the extender’s status. The device is surprisingly lightweight, making it easy to place in various locations.
The RE355 is equipped with two external antennas for optimal signal reception and transmission. These antennas are fixed and cannot be adjusted, but they are strategically positioned to ensure wide coverage. On the back of the device, you’ll find the power input, a Gigabit Ethernet port for wired connections, and a WPS button for easy pairing with your router.
One of the standout features of the RE355 is its dual-band technology. It supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, allowing you to choose the best frequency for your needs. The 2.4 GHz band offers better range and is ideal for devices that don’t require high speeds, such as smart home devices. The 5 GHz band provides faster speeds and is perfect for streaming, gaming, and other data-intensive tasks.
The RE355 also supports the latest Wi-Fi standards, including 802.11ac, for fast and reliable wireless connections. It offers a combined wireless speed of up to 1200 Mbps, providing ample bandwidth for multiple devices. Additionally, the extender features advanced features like beamforming, which directs the signal towards your devices for improved performance.
Another notable feature is the RE355’s support for TP-Link’s Tether app. This free app allows you to manage the extender from your smartphone or tablet. With the app, you can easily configure settings, monitor network usage, and even prioritize devices for better performance.
Setup and Installation
Setting up the TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE355) is a breeze, even for tech newbies. You’ll find the process straightforward and hassle-free.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Locate a Suitable Spot: The key to optimal range extension is finding a location for your extender that’s within reasonable range of your main router and the areas where you need better Wi-Fi. Ideally, you want to place the extender halfway between your router and the zone with weak signal.
- Connect the Extender: Plug the extender into a wall outlet near your chosen location.
- Connect to the Extender’s Network: Using your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, find the extender’s Wi-Fi network name (usually starts with “TP-LINK_EXTENDER”). It will typically have a unique password, usually listed on the extender’s label. Connect to this network.
- Launch the Setup Wizard: Open a web browser on your connected device and navigate to the address specified in the setup guide (usually 192.168.0.254).
- Select Your Wi-Fi Network: The setup wizard will guide you through the process. You’ll need to choose your existing Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks and enter its password.
- Configure the Extender: You can customize the extender’s settings, such as its name and password.
- Enjoy Extended Coverage: Once setup is complete, you’ll be connected to the extended network. You should now have improved Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home or office.
Additional Tips:
- Use the “Smart Connection” feature: The RE355 has a “Smart Connection” function that automatically chooses the best Wi-Fi band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) for your devices, ensuring optimal performance.
- Use the “Range Extender” mode: This mode is ideal for extending the range of your existing Wi-Fi network.
- Consider using the “Access Point” mode: If you prefer to create a separate Wi-Fi network with the extender, the “Access Point” mode allows you to do so.
- Use the “Repeater” mode: The RE355 can also function as a repeater, which is useful for amplifying the signal of an existing wireless network.
With its user-friendly setup process and helpful features, the TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE355) makes extending your Wi-Fi a hassle-free experience. You’ll be enjoying a stronger, more reliable connection in no time.
Performance and Coverage
The TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE355) delivers solid performance for extending your home’s Wi-Fi network. I tested it in a two-story house with a combination of brick and wood construction. The RE355 consistently improved Wi-Fi signal strength in areas that previously experienced weak coverage, particularly on the second floor and in the basement.
While the extender doesn’t significantly boost internet speeds, it does a great job at minimizing buffering and lag during streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing. The RE355 also boasts a decent range, covering most of my house and even reaching into the backyard.
During testing, I was able to stream 4K content on multiple devices simultaneously without any noticeable lag or buffering. I also tested online gaming and experienced smooth gameplay with minimal latency. The RE355’s performance was particularly impressive when connected to a 5GHz network, providing faster speeds and more stable connections for demanding tasks.
It’s important to note that the extender’s performance can vary depending on the factors like the quality of your main router, the distance between the router and the extender, and the number of devices connected.
Overall, the TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE355) offers a reliable and affordable solution for extending your Wi-Fi network and improving coverage in hard-to-reach areas. While its performance may not be top-of-the-line, it delivers solid results for everyday use and demanding tasks.
Security and Features
The TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE355) boasts a range of security features designed to keep your network safe and secure. It supports the latest WPA3 security protocol, providing robust encryption and authentication to prevent unauthorized access. The device also features a built-in firewall that helps to block malicious traffic and prevent hackers from accessing your network.
One standout feature is the TP-Link Tether app, a user-friendly mobile application that allows you to manage your extender’s settings, including security configurations. The app lets you set up a guest network with its own password, allowing visitors to access the internet without compromising the security of your primary network. This guest network feature is particularly helpful for homeowners who want to provide internet access to guests without giving them access to their personal files and data.
The RE355 also supports WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), a convenient feature that allows you to quickly and easily connect devices to the extender without having to enter a password. However, it’s important to note that WPS can be a potential security vulnerability if not used properly.
While the RE355 does not include advanced features like parental controls or network traffic monitoring, its basic security features are sufficient for most users. The combination of WPA3, a built-in firewall, and guest network support provides a solid foundation for protecting your home network from common threats.
Pros and Cons
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable: The TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE355) is a budget-friendly option for boosting your Wi-Fi signal, making it a great choice for those on a tight budget.
- Easy Setup: The setup process is straightforward, even for tech novices. The TP-Link Tether app guides you through the process, making it a breeze to connect the extender to your existing network.
- Good Performance: The RE355 offers decent speeds for basic tasks like browsing the web, streaming videos, and online gaming. You can expect to see noticeable improvements in your Wi-Fi signal strength and speed, especially in areas that were previously experiencing weak coverage.
- Dual-Band Support: This dual-band extender supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, allowing you to choose the best option for your needs. The 5 GHz band offers faster speeds but shorter range, while the 2.4 GHz band provides a wider coverage area but with slower speeds.
- Compact Design: The RE355 has a compact and sleek design, making it easy to blend in with your home decor. It’s also lightweight and portable, making it easy to move around as needed.
Cons:
- Limited Range: While it improves the signal strength, the RE355’s range isn’t as impressive as some other extenders on the market. If your home is particularly large or has thick walls, you might need to use multiple extenders to get complete coverage.
- Potential for Slowdowns: If there are too many devices connected to the extender, you might experience some slowdowns in your internet speed. This is common with most extenders and can be mitigated by strategically placing the extender and using a strong main router signal.
- No Gigabit Ethernet Port: The RE355 lacks a Gigabit Ethernet port, which could be a drawback for users who need a wired connection for their devices. This means you’ll need to rely on the wireless connection if you want to connect a device like a smart TV or gaming console.
- Limited Features: The RE355 doesn’t come with some advanced features found in higher-end extenders, such as MU-MIMO technology and beamforming. While this doesn’t necessarily make it a bad product, it’s something to consider if you need those features for optimal performance.
- Occasional Connectivity Issues: Some users have reported occasional connectivity issues with the RE355, such as dropped connections or slowdowns. This seems to be a relatively uncommon issue, but it’s worth keeping in mind.
Final Verdict and Recommendation
The TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE355) is a solid option for extending your Wi-Fi coverage, especially if you’re looking for a budget-friendly solution. It offers decent performance and coverage for most homes, and its ease of setup makes it a good choice for users of all skill levels. The inclusion of features like WPS, guest network access, and the ability to manage devices connected to the extender adds value to the product.
However, if you’re looking for the absolute best performance and coverage, you might want to consider a more powerful and expensive range extender. Overall, the TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE355) is a decent choice for most users, offering a good balance of performance, features, and affordability.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re looking for alternatives to the TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE355), there are a few other options available in the market that you might want to consider. These alternatives offer similar features, performance, and price points, and may be a better fit for your specific needs depending on your budget and requirements.
Here are a few alternatives to consider:
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Netgear Nighthawk EX7300: The Netgear Nighthawk EX7300 is a powerful Wi-Fi range extender with a robust design and impressive performance. It offers dual-band AC2200 Wi-Fi speeds, Gigabit Ethernet port, and Beamforming technology for focused signal delivery. While pricier than the RE355, it provides a more powerful and reliable solution for larger homes or those with heavy internet usage.
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TP-Link RE505X: Another great option from TP-Link, the RE505X is a tri-band Wi-Fi range extender with AC1900 speeds. It offers a dedicated backhaul connection for faster data transfer between the main router and extender, leading to improved performance. It also supports MU-MIMO technology for efficient data transmission to multiple devices simultaneously.
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Linksys RE7000: The Linksys RE7000 is a dual-band AC1900 Wi-Fi range extender with a sleek design and user-friendly interface. It features a Gigabit Ethernet port for wired connectivity and a built-in security suite to protect your network. The RE7000 offers a good balance of performance and features at a competitive price.
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D-Link DAP-1660: The D-Link DAP-1660 is a budget-friendly Wi-Fi range extender with dual-band AC1200 speeds. It’s a compact and easy-to-use device that offers decent performance for extending Wi-Fi coverage in smaller homes. It also features a Gigabit Ethernet port for wired connectivity.
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Amazon eero: If you’re looking for a mesh Wi-Fi system that can seamlessly extend your existing network, Amazon eero is a great option. It offers a simple setup process and reliable performance with full-home coverage. You can purchase individual eero units or a multi-pack for larger spaces.
Before making your final decision, consider your budget, the size of your home, the number of devices you need to connect, and the features you prioritize. Research these alternatives and compare their specs, performance, and user reviews to find the best Wi-Fi range extender for your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE355) compatible with my router?
A: The RE355 is compatible with most routers, including those that support 802.11ac Wi-Fi. However, it’s always best to check the product specifications and your router’s manual to ensure compatibility.
Q: How far can the RE355 extend my Wi-Fi signal?
A: The range of the RE355 depends on factors like your router’s signal strength, the presence of walls, and other electronic devices. Generally, it can extend your Wi-Fi signal by up to 1,000 square feet.
Q: Can I connect multiple devices to the RE355?
A: Yes, the RE355 can support multiple devices simultaneously. It has a dual-band design with a combined speed of up to 1200 Mbps, allowing you to connect multiple devices without noticeable lag.
Q: Does the RE355 have a built-in Ethernet port?
A: Yes, the RE355 features a single Gigabit Ethernet port. This allows you to connect a wired device directly to the extender, providing a faster and more stable connection than Wi-Fi.
Q: How do I configure the RE355?
A: The RE355 can be configured easily using the TP-Link Tether app or web interface. You can follow the on-screen instructions to set up the extender, connect to your router, and customize your settings.
Q: Is the RE355 compatible with mesh Wi-Fi systems?
A: While the RE355 can be used with mesh systems, it is not a dedicated mesh extender. You can use it as an additional node to expand your existing mesh network, but it will not provide the seamless handoff capabilities of a true mesh system.
Q: Can I use the RE355 with a VPN?
A: The RE355 does not support VPN functionality. If you want to use a VPN with your network, you’ll need to configure it on your router or use a VPN client on your devices.
Q: How do I troubleshoot connection issues with the RE355?
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A: If you experience connection issues, try the following:
* Restart the RE355 and your router.
* Check the placement of the RE355. It should be located in a central location with a clear line of sight to your router.
* Make sure the RE355 is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.
* Update the firmware of the RE355.
* Contact TP-Link customer support for assistance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE355) offers a solid and reliable solution for extending your existing Wi-Fi network. Its ease of setup, robust performance, and affordable price make it a compelling option for users seeking to enhance their home Wi-Fi coverage. While it might not be the most feature-rich extender on the market, its simplicity and effectiveness cater well to a wide range of users.
The RE355 excels in boosting Wi-Fi signals to areas where your router’s coverage struggles, effectively eliminating dead zones and improving connectivity throughout your home. Its dual-band technology ensures smooth streaming and online gaming experiences, even with multiple devices connected. The extender’s compact size and sleek design blend seamlessly with most home decor.
Overall, the TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE355) is a recommended choice for users looking for a budget-friendly and dependable solution to enhance their home Wi-Fi network. It offers a balance of features, performance, and affordability, making it an excellent value for money.
In conclusion, the TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE355) offers a compelling solution for extending your existing Wi-Fi network. Its dual-band technology and impressive range provide reliable coverage to previously unreachable areas of your home or office. The setup process is straightforward and user-friendly, making it accessible to users of all technical levels.
While the RE355 doesn’t break any new ground in terms of features, its solid performance, affordability, and ease of use make it a strong contender in the budget-friendly range extender market. It’s a great option for those seeking to expand their Wi-Fi reach without breaking the bank.
However, it’s important to note that the RE355’s performance can be impacted by factors such as the distance from the main router and the presence of walls or other obstacles. Additionally, the lack of advanced features like MU-MIMO or beamforming may not be ideal for users with high-bandwidth demands or a large number of connected devices.
Overall, the TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE355) is a solid performer that offers excellent value for money. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable way to extend your Wi-Fi signal, the RE355 is definitely worth considering.
Amira 
Mohammed 
Reem