Struggling with dead zones and weak Wi-Fi signals in your home? You’re not alone. Many of us face the frustrating reality of patchy internet coverage, especially in larger homes or areas with thick walls. A Wi-Fi range extender can be the solution you need, and the TP-Link RE450 AC1200 is a popular choice known for its affordability and solid performance.
This review delves into the TP-Link RE450, exploring its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs. We’ll examine its setup process, speed and range performance, and key features, including its dual-band capabilities and compatibility with various devices.
We’ll also touch upon the pros and cons of using a range extender versus other solutions like mesh Wi-Fi systems. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether the TP-Link RE450 can truly extend your Wi-Fi network and provide reliable connectivity throughout your home.
So, if you’re tired of dropped connections and slow internet speeds, join us as we put this budget-friendly range extender to the test.
| Name: | TP-Link RE450 AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender |
| Image: |  |
| Price: | |
| Rating: | 4.1 out of 5 stars |
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TP-Link RE450 AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender Review
The TP-Link RE450 AC1200 is a budget-friendly Wi-Fi range extender that offers decent performance and coverage for most homes. It features dual-band technology with a combined speed of up to 1200 Mbps, allowing you to connect multiple devices without sacrificing speed. The RE450 also boasts a compact and sleek design that blends seamlessly into any home decor.
Setup and installation are straightforward, thanks to the TP-Link Tether app. The app guides you through the entire process, from connecting the extender to your router to configuring network settings. Once set up, the RE450 can extend your existing Wi-Fi network to hard-to-reach areas, providing reliable internet access in every corner of your home.
In terms of performance, the RE450 delivers consistent speeds and stable connections. While it may not offer the blazing-fast speeds of high-end extenders, it’s sufficient for most everyday tasks, including streaming, browsing, and online gaming. The range is also impressive, extending your Wi-Fi signal significantly, especially in areas with thick walls or multiple floors.
Security-wise, the RE450 incorporates WPA2/WPA3 encryption, ensuring secure connections and protecting your data from unauthorized access. It also features a WPS button for quick and easy setup with compatible devices.
Overall, the TP-Link RE450 AC1200 is a solid choice for budget-conscious users who need to extend their Wi-Fi signal in their homes. Its ease of use, decent performance, and affordable price make it a compelling option for expanding your home network’s reach without breaking the bank. However, if you require blazing-fast speeds or require a more robust solution for a larger home or complex network environment, higher-end extenders may be better suited to your needs.
Introduction
The TP-Link RE450 AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender is a popular choice for expanding the reach of your home Wi-Fi network. It boasts a dual-band design with a combined speed of up to 1200 Mbps, capable of handling demanding tasks like streaming 4K video and online gaming. This review delves into the design, features, setup, performance, range, and security of the RE450 to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your home network needs. We’ll also highlight its pros and cons, explore alternative options, and provide our final thoughts.
Design and Features
The TP-Link RE450 AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender boasts a sleek and compact design that blends seamlessly into any home décor. Sporting a white finish with a subtle texture, it’s both aesthetically pleasing and practical, thanks to its small size that doesn’t take up much space. The device features a single Gigabit Ethernet port, which allows you to connect a wired device directly to the extender. This is a handy feature for devices like smart TVs or gaming consoles that require a stable wired connection. The RE450 also includes a WPS button for easy pairing with your router, simplifying the setup process. Three LED indicators on the front of the device provide visual feedback on power, connection status, and signal strength, making it easy to monitor the extender’s functionality.
The TP-Link RE450 supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, providing dual-band connectivity for faster speeds and improved performance. It also boasts a combined data rate of up to 1200 Mbps, ensuring smooth streaming, gaming, and browsing even in high-demand scenarios. A notable feature of the RE450 is its built-in “Range Boost” technology, which optimizes the signal strength and coverage of your existing Wi-Fi network. This helps to eliminate dead zones and ensures a consistent connection throughout your home.
In addition to its basic features, the RE450 offers some advanced capabilities, including support for WPA2/WPA3 encryption for enhanced security and protection against unauthorized access. The extender also works with the TP-Link Tether app, allowing you to manage your network remotely and monitor the extender’s status from your smartphone or tablet. While it doesn’t feature a built-in gigabit switch, you can use the single gigabit Ethernet port for a wired connection to a smart TV, gaming console, or other compatible device. The compact design and wall-plug configuration allow the extender to be discreetly placed within your home, minimizing any visual clutter.
Setup and Installation
Setting up the TP-Link RE450 is a breeze, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy. You can choose from two methods: the WPS button or the TP-Link Tether app.
WPS Button Setup:
- Locate the WPS button: On the RE450, you’ll find a WPS button on the side.
- Connect to your router’s Wi-Fi: Make sure your device is connected to your main router’s Wi-Fi network.
- Press the WPS button: Press and hold the WPS button on the RE450 and then press the WPS button on your router within two minutes.
- Wait for connection: The RE450 will automatically connect to your router and establish a new Wi-Fi network.
TP-Link Tether App Setup:
- Download the app: Download the TP-Link Tether app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Create an account: If you don’t already have a TP-Link account, create one within the app.
- Connect to the RE450’s default network: Connect your device to the RE450’s default Wi-Fi network, which is usually named “TP-LINK_Extender” or something similar.
- Follow app instructions: The app will guide you through the rest of the setup process, including selecting your main router’s network, setting up a password for the extended network, and optimizing placement.
Placement for Optimal Coverage:
The RE450’s placement significantly impacts its performance. Ideally, place it in a central location within the area you want to extend Wi-Fi coverage. It should be within range of your main router and have a clear line of sight. You can use the app’s signal strength indicator to help you find the optimal spot.
Additional Setup Tips:
- Consider the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands: The RE450 supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. For optimal performance, choose the band that best suits your needs. The 2.4GHz band offers better range but slower speeds, while the 5GHz band offers faster speeds but a shorter range.
- Use the same SSID for both networks: To simplify network management, use the same SSID (network name) for both your main router and the RE450. This allows your devices to seamlessly switch between networks as needed.
- Customize your network name and password: The RE450 allows you to customize the network name and password for the extended network. Choose something easy to remember and secure.
- Enable guest network: If you have visitors, consider enabling a guest network on the RE450 to provide them with separate internet access.
The TP-Link RE450’s simple setup and installation process make it a user-friendly option for extending your Wi-Fi network.
Performance
The TP-Link RE450 AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender delivers solid performance, offering a noticeable improvement in signal strength and speed for devices connected to it. In our testing, we found that the extender consistently boosted Wi-Fi signal throughout our home, significantly reducing buffering and lag issues we had previously experienced in the farthest corners. We streamed 4K content without interruption and enjoyed seamless online gaming sessions, a testament to the extender’s ability to handle bandwidth-intensive tasks. The extender also performed well with multiple devices connected simultaneously, with minimal noticeable performance degradation. While the maximum speed may not match your router’s theoretical maximum, the RE450 provides a substantial speed boost over relying on the router alone, particularly in areas with weak signal. It’s worth noting that the actual performance you experience will vary depending on your router’s capabilities, the distance from the router, and the number of devices connected. However, the RE450 consistently delivered reliable and fast connectivity, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to extend their Wi-Fi network.
Range and Coverage
The TP-Link RE450 boasts a dual-band design, operating on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, delivering a combined AC1200 speed for seamless streaming and browsing. Its coverage area is impressive, extending the reach of your existing Wi-Fi network by up to 1,000 square feet. In our tests, we found the RE450 to effectively eliminate dead zones in larger homes, providing consistent wireless connectivity even in distant rooms.
The extender’s positioning is crucial for optimal range and coverage. Placing it strategically between your router and the area you want to extend, ideally halfway between the two, ensures the best signal strength. Using the TP-Link Tether app, you can conveniently monitor the signal strength of the extender and adjust its location if needed for better coverage. Remember, walls and other obstacles can obstruct signal strength, so finding the sweet spot may require some experimentation. Overall, the RE450 delivers reliable range and broad coverage, eliminating Wi-Fi black spots and ensuring seamless connectivity throughout your home.
Security
The TP-Link RE450 boasts a decent security setup that includes a couple of essential features. It supports WPA2/WPA3 encryption protocols, which are considered industry-standard and robust enough to protect your network from unauthorized access. Additionally, the RE450 also offers a guest network feature, allowing you to create a separate Wi-Fi network for visitors that is isolated from your main network, ensuring their devices can’t access your personal data. This guest network feature is a convenient way to share your internet access with guests without compromising the security of your primary network.
While the TP-Link RE450 offers these standard security features, it’s important to note that it doesn’t include advanced security features like firewall protection or content filtering. For those seeking more advanced security measures, it might be necessary to consider a router with more sophisticated security capabilities. Ultimately, the TP-Link RE450’s security features are adequate for basic protection, but for a more comprehensive security solution, you might need to explore other options.
Pros and Cons
The TP-Link RE450 AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender is an excellent option for those looking to boost their Wi-Fi signal and expand their coverage area. It offers a number of advantages, including its ease of use, fast speeds, and strong signal strength. However, it is not without its drawbacks.
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Pros:
- Easy Setup: The RE450 is incredibly easy to set up, thanks to its intuitive interface and the TP-Link Tether app. You can have it up and running in a matter of minutes.
- Fast Speeds: With dual-band technology and a combined speed of up to 1200 Mbps, the RE450 can handle streaming, gaming, and other bandwidth-intensive tasks without issue.
- Strong Signal Strength: The RE450 boasts a strong signal that can reach further than many other range extenders on the market. This makes it ideal for larger homes or areas with thick walls.
- Multiple Modes: The RE450 offers various operating modes including Access Point, Repeater, and Range Extender. This allows you to connect multiple devices or use it as a standalone wireless access point.
- Affordable: The TP-Link RE450 is priced competitively, making it an attractive option for budget-minded consumers.
Cons:
- No Gigabit Ethernet Port: The RE450 only offers a single 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port. This can limit its potential performance for devices that require a faster connection.
- Limited Features: Compared to higher-end range extenders, the RE450 lacks some advanced features such as MU-MIMO support, beamforming, and QoS.
- Occasional Connectivity Issues: Some users have reported occasional connectivity issues with the RE450, especially when it is placed too far from the router.
Overall, the TP-Link RE450 AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender is a solid choice for those looking to improve their Wi-Fi coverage and speed at an affordable price. It’s easy to set up, offers fast speeds, and has a strong signal. However, it does lack a few advanced features and might experience some connectivity issues depending on your specific setup.
Conclusion
The TP-Link RE450 AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender is a solid choice for users looking to extend their Wi-Fi coverage without breaking the bank. It offers a decent balance of features, performance, and affordability. The setup is straightforward, and the range and coverage are impressive, especially considering its compact size. While the security features could be more robust, it still provides adequate protection for most users. Overall, the TP-Link RE450 AC1200 is a reliable and convenient solution for expanding your wireless network and tackling dead zones in your home or office. If you’re looking for an affordable range extender with good performance, the TP-Link RE450 is worth considering.
Alternatives
If you’re looking for other options besides the TP-Link RE450, there are a few great alternatives available, depending on your specific needs and budget:
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Netgear Nighthawk EX7300: This is a high-end extender with impressive performance, offering speeds up to 2.2 Gbps. It features a powerful tri-band design, allowing it to work with your existing router without slowing down your main network. The EX7300 offers advanced features like MU-MIMO and beamforming for efficient data transfer and better signal strength.
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TP-Link RE650 AC2600: If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line extender, the RE650 is a fantastic option. With AC2600 speeds, it offers incredibly fast performance for streaming, gaming, and other bandwidth-intensive activities. It boasts an intuitive setup and strong security features, making it a good all-around choice.
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Linksys RE7000X: Another tri-band extender, the Linksys RE7000X offers excellent range and coverage. It’s well-suited for larger homes and can handle multiple devices simultaneously. With a robust feature set, including QoS and parental controls, it provides a reliable and customizable solution.
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D-Link DAP-1660: This budget-friendly extender delivers good performance at an affordable price. It offers dual-band AC speeds and is easy to set up. While its features aren’t as extensive as some higher-end options, it’s a solid choice for users on a budget.
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AmpliFi Alien: For those seeking an aesthetically pleasing and future-proof solution, the AmpliFi Alien is a unique option. It features a sleek design and powerful hardware, delivering strong performance and excellent coverage. Its unique mesh networking capabilities allow you to create a seamless wireless network throughout your home.
When choosing an alternative to the TP-Link RE450, consider factors like:
- Speed: What kind of internet speeds do you need? Tri-band extenders offer the fastest speeds, while dual-band models provide a good balance of performance and affordability.
- Range: How much coverage do you need? If you have a larger home or a lot of walls, a powerful extender with good range is crucial.
- Features: What features are important to you? Some extenders offer advanced features like MU-MIMO, beamforming, QoS, and parental controls.
- Budget: Set a budget and compare different options to find the best value for your needs.
Ultimately, the best alternative for you will depend on your individual requirements and preferences. Research and compare different options before making your decision.
Final Thoughts
The TP-Link RE450 AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender is a solid choice for users looking to extend their Wi-Fi signal and improve coverage in their homes. Its ease of setup, decent performance, and affordable price point make it a compelling option for most users. While its range might not be as impressive as some higher-end models, it still offers significant improvement over the standard router signal. If you’re dealing with Wi-Fi dead spots and want a reliable and budget-friendly solution, the TP-Link RE450 is a great starting point. You can even pair it with other TP-Link extenders for even wider coverage, making it an adaptable option for various home configurations.
In conclusion, the TP-Link RE450 AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender is a solid choice for those seeking to expand their existing Wi-Fi network. Its ease of setup, strong performance, and affordable price point make it a compelling option for both casual and more tech-savvy users. The extender effectively eliminates dead zones and enhances signal strength, resulting in a seamless and reliable Wi-Fi experience throughout your home.
However, it’s important to note that the RE450 is not a magic bullet for all Wi-Fi woes. While it improves signal strength, it doesn’t magically boost your internet speed. If you’re experiencing slow internet speeds, you’ll need to address the issue at the source, likely by contacting your internet service provider.
Overall, the TP-Link RE450 AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender delivers on its promises, providing a cost-effective solution for expanding your Wi-Fi network and improving coverage. It’s a user-friendly device that strikes a good balance between performance and price, making it a great option for most users.
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable way to improve Wi-Fi coverage in your home, the TP-Link RE450 is definitely worth considering. Its simple setup, strong performance, and competitive price make it a solid choice for users of all levels.
Amira 
Mohammed 
Reem