TP-Link RE450 AC1750 Wi-Fi Range Extender

The AC1750 came with 3 ways to set up, with the favored being to download an app and create an account, which is more work than needed, and not necessary. So, I determined the easiest way to set things up, and provide the steps here, which come from the instructions:1. I plugged the AC1750 into an outlet near my router, selected the wps (wi-fi protected setup button) on my router and let the two devices connect wirelessly. I pushed the wps button twice, once for the 2.4GHz band, and one for the 5 GHz band. I confirmed that four lights were lit on the AC1750: power, 1.4GHz, 5.0GHz. and the big, receiving a good signal, circle.2. Then I plugged the AC1750 into a outlet halfway between the router and my computer.3. On my computer, I disconnected from my wireless ... MoreThe AC1750 came with 3 ways to set up, with the favored being to download an app and create an account, which is more work than needed, and not necessary. So, I determined the easiest way to set things up, and provide the steps here, which come from the instructions:1. I plugged the AC1750 into an outlet near my router, selected the wps (wi-fi protected setup button) on my router and let the two devices connect wirelessly. I pushed the wps button twice, once for the 2.4GHz band, and one for the 5 GHz band. I confirmed that four lights were lit on the AC1750: power, 1.4GHz, 5.0GHz. and the big, receiving a good signal, circle.2. Then I plugged the AC1750 into a outlet halfway between the router and my computer.3. On my computer, I disconnected from my wireless router, named MyHomeRouter.4. I searched for available networks, and selected MyHomeRouter_EXT (which was the AC1750).5. I entered the same SSDI password (the router Password) as I had used on MyHomeRouter. The AC1750 had extended my current network and it did not require me to create a new network or new password.Before I connected, I checked my upload and download speeds on speedtest.net and got less than 1 Mbps upload and less than 1 Mbps download. After connecting to MyHomeRouter, I got approximately 90 Mbps upload and 10 download--both considered excellent speeds.

Easy to install and works well if you have a 5 GHz router. However you must be aware of a little flaw that may be a problem for some users. Even though your router is dual band some of them (may be all?) cut the 5 GHz at night to go on 2.4 GHz mode. This reduces the range of WIFI signal and the warning light turns red on the extender to let you know that it does not receive the router signal anymore. In the morning the router goes back to 5 GHz mode automatically and the extender should do the same. But it does not. You have to unplug it and plug it in an outlet closer to your router until the warning signal turn blue, indicating that the extender get the 5 GHz signal again. At that point you can move your extender back to its initial location and it works fine ... MoreEasy to install and works well if you have a 5 GHz router. However you must be aware of a little flaw that may be a problem for some users. Even though your router is dual band some of them (may be all?) cut the 5 GHz at night to go on 2.4 GHz mode. This reduces the range of WIFI signal and the warning light turns red on the extender to let you know that it does not receive the router signal anymore. In the morning the router goes back to 5 GHz mode automatically and the extender should do the same. But it does not. You have to unplug it and plug it in an outlet closer to your router until the warning signal turn blue, indicating that the extender get the 5 GHz signal again. At that point you can move your extender back to its initial location and it works fine again. This is not a big flaw but can be a hassle for some users.

I bought this RE450 extender in addition to a refurbished RE550 (Ac1900). Both give good performance. You can set them up by computer or the "Tether" app. The app gives you more feature control from your phone such as programming on and off times, daylight saving time adjustments, turning off the LEDs for room light control, and evaluating unit placement from the main router. I also wanted the unit for its Ethernet port since my router ports were getting crowded out as well as the area with devices.