Better than expected but still not perfect.

Better than expected but still not perfect.

TP-Link RE200 AC750 Dual Band WLAN Repeater (750Mbit / s, LAN port, WPS), supports all 5GHz frequency bands (Accessories)

Customer Review

First of all. I forgive the 5 stars because this product has exceeded my expectations from a technical perspective and ansich works very well. Of course, this product is not perfect. I ask for the price also does not and is not necessarily on the wireless repeater itself, but may also be due to other circumstances. But more on that later.
For me, however, this is no reason to assess worse.

Because: This is what it is in there too. The wireless signal is at least really greatly enhanced in the 2.4 GHz range. Here the TP-Link RE200 really penetrates into the remotest corners of the house. Feels much more than it does the Speedport 724V Telekom. And that provides in every corner for ordinary wireless reception and good transfer rates in different devices.

*** Why? ***
The starting point for the Speedport was really promising. He should be in the hall (EC), which is pretty much the most central place in the house. Unfortunately, this was not because T-Entertain not so clear is when an external switch for the distribution of the signal is in charge (telephone connection and distribution network in the utility room).

The Speedport has not even made it to this central location to ensure throughout the property for a good wireless signal. Gerde upstairs there was from time to time problems.
Is the latest since the Speedport in the utility room, and is thus virtually on dezentralsten place to find in the house, good, wireless reception is no longer an issue.

For laptop and co. was not a big problem because we could take the network connections easily, but nowadays each device is not necessarily equipped with an RJ45 connector (MacBook ...)

We then slammed in Cyber ​​Monday and ordered an appropriate repeater for our AC Qualifying Speedport. Actually I wanted to have two, because I could not imagine that one is enough. I then but kept it only once in a. Firstly, the price has not been really low and secondly I wanted to test what technology will bear only once.

*** Technology ***
Man has indeed spoiled for choice with repeaters. Really AC are eligible but only a few. The TP-Link RE200 offers range increase for both networks, which played a key role.
You have to understand that the two bandwidths function completely differently: The 2.4GHz network has a longer range and the 5 GHz network is faster.
To speak in the wireless coverage of is always sone thing. If 1 & 1 is not just fooled with "Wi-Fi 2.0" humanity, there are physical limits.

But in theory it is. Now you have to ask yourself whether you need the 5 GHz network at all. I have found for my purposes, it may be meaningful only when it comes to video streaming. By the time it's going to HD transmission, the 2.4 GHz network is usually not sufficient really. On the other hand my confidence is so low that I could hardly get the idea to use streaming over Wi-Fi in the wireless network. Since nen normal network cable, even if by means of a power-line adapter, a much faster and more stable variant.

Here, however, appeared to generally already the first problem for the TP-Link RE200. The small device is indeed capable of AC, but you have to be very carefully consider where to place it. Because a wireless repeater can only absorb and pass the signal makes sense if he has good reception. And here, unfortunately, that the 5 GHz network makes much earlier flabby than the 2.4GHz. For us it was so that we have connected the repeater in the hallway, upstairs and the small device thus about 5-6 meters direct air line away from the Speedport router. That's not much distance, but in between the occasional obstacle, a wall on the ground floor, possibly a heating system and in any event an incredible concrete ceiling. The fact is that the TP-Link RE200 no longer even reaches the 5 GHz network. I would therefore want is full speed available on the ground floor and the first floor, but I would have to purchase at least two devices.
We have therefore decided for us that 5GHz network to deactivate completely because it does not make sense to use it in the kitchen, in the guest bathroom and utility room.

Whether this is now on the Speedport (as I believe), or on the TP-Link Repeater, I do not know. However, since the 2.4 GHz network is significantly better from the RE200, than the Speedport, I'm assuming that we have found the culprit.
Although the RE200 upstairs hanging on the wall in the living room I have, again very good on the ground floor reception. And although it goes by the killer-concrete ceiling again.

I have now done with my iPhone in different rooms of the house and speed tests consistently get good results. In the farthest corner of the house I have achieved by TP-Link RE200 values ​​18 to 25 Mbit / sec. This is enough for me over. On Macbook you can stream videos, though not in HD and have all mobile devices at each spot in the house good reception. Thus, the device covers 150sqm good quite reliably and well.

In the summer, I have time to test how it works in the garden. When in doubt, really a second repeater must again be purchased, which is responsible for the outdoors.

Nett is incidentally also the RJ45 output on the repeater. Even if he is completely uninteresting to me, it may well have its uses and therefore gets to me at least his appreciation. The output is just as good as the wireless receiver. If the terminal that is to be connected to it has no or poor wireless receiver, which is a good alternative.

*** *** Design
One has fortunately not ashamed when you hang the device in the socket next to the dining table or anywhere else where it is directly in view. The design is simple and modern. And even if the device is not one of the smallest in its class, it does not bother really. The LEDs are quite bright, but at least the unit will no annoying sounds when something happens. For other devices of this guild you read over and over that do not only visually but also acoustically attention. I would feel very disturbing, precisely because the wireless every now and can be anything.

From the dimensions of the device but still fit behind a dresser or a cabinet and is not much "Dicker" as a great power plug. Thus, you can hide the device in doubt if a does not fit the view.

*** General Operation ***
The decor is very simple indeed. Included is a quick guide on a colored A4 paper and a small manual in all sorts of languages ​​in the world. Interestingly, I got the Quick Start Guide in more detail before, as the actual manual. But ultimately lead both guides the user to the destination. They are described in good German and likely even technology-strangers present any major problems.

You can connect the repeater via the WPS button or using a network cable. I tried the WPS option. Here you have to find (which is not so easy is the current port speed ...) and then also on the repeater router on the corresponding WPS button. The lights blinked on both devices for a while and nothing happened, so I simply connected the network cable and set up the repeater manually.
That goes smoothly and fairly orientation lighting with a rudimentary graphical user interface with the instructions.

There you can find a Quick / Express installation. Actually, you only have its wireless access at your fingertips, then the setup is complete in 2 minutes and can enjoy the enhanced signal.

I have forwarded the signal adjusted so that it is easy to continue using the data of the router. But one also has the opportunity here to enter a different network name. I have not considered meaningful.

Each submenu in this admin tool is well explained and clearly designed. Again, everyone should find their way. A small drawback might be that no special settings can be found. There are one or the other option, but the hardcore technician will thus may not be satisfied. But here is probably not the target audience. So someone will probably grab befitting a proper wireless router and configure it accordingly.

*** CONCLUSION ***
Who wants to quickly and easily extend its existing wireless network to a greater range and thus have more speed, which can be accessed here without hesitation. Visually and technically know the device to inspire quite. For the price you can not do much wrong. Although you can think about whether it makes sense to take up an AC-capable repeater or if you still save a few euros and buys a normal repeater.

beautiful 18 Rank: 4/5
March 22
Simple, effective, fast 1 Rank: 5/5
December 29
great product in 2227 Rank: 5/5
December 27
A breathtaking virtuosity! Rank: 5/5
October 22

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