If you’ve ever struggled with Wi-Fi dead zones in your home, the TP-Link TL-WA855RE is a compact and budget-friendly range extender that promises to solve those issues. Designed to expand your existing network into areas with weak or no signal, it supports wireless speeds of up to 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. Here’s my honest take after testing this device.
Design and Features
The TL-WA855RE sports a compact design that blends into your home environment without drawing too much attention. Here are its standout features:
- External Antennas: The two external antennas with MIMO technology improve stability and signal strength. In my experience, they helped maintain a consistent connection throughout my testing area.
- Ethernet Port: The device includes an Ethernet port, which allows you to connect wired devices like a desktop PC, gaming console, or smart TV. This feature is especially handy when extending Wi-Fi to rooms with a wired connection for better reliability.
- AP Mode: Beyond extending the range, it doubles as an access point. By plugging it directly into your router via Ethernet, you can create a fresh Wi-Fi hotspot. This feature is useful, especially for older routers that lack strong wireless performance.
- Easy Setup: Setting it up was simple. The WPS button method worked seamlessly with my router, and the signal strength indicator (an LED light) made it easy to find the best spot for placement. For those who prefer a manual setup, the web interface was intuitive and quick.
- Tether App Compatibility: Managing the device through TP-Link’s Tether app was convenient. The app offered basic features like monitoring connected devices and restricting access, which might appeal to parents or users concerned about network security.
Performance
In terms of performance, the TL-WA855RE delivered solid improvements in coverage, especially in areas where my Wi-Fi signal was previously non-existent. The connection was stable and reliable for standard internet activities like browsing, streaming videos, and casual gaming. The Ethernet port also proved useful for connecting devices that benefit from a stable wired connection.
However, I noticed its limitations during data-heavy tasks like large file downloads or streaming in high resolution on multiple devices. Since this is a single-band extender operating solely on the 2.4GHz band, it cannot handle the higher speeds and reduced interference that dual-band devices provide. In crowded environments with numerous Wi-Fi networks, there were occasional slowdowns, especially when multiple devices were connected.
Things to Consider
While the TL-WA855RE does its job well for the price, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Placement Matters: To maintain optimal performance, you need to place it within a reasonable range of your main router. Placing it too far can result in a weak connection that diminishes its effectiveness.
- Single-Band Limitations: Being a 2.4GHz-only device, it’s not ideal for homes with high-speed internet or heavy data demands. If you have a lot of connected devices or want to future-proof your network, a dual-band extender might be a better investment.
Final Thoughts
The TP-Link TL-WA855RE is a solid choice if you’re looking for an affordable and easy-to-use solution to eliminate Wi-Fi dead zones. Its external antennas, Ethernet port, and access point functionality add value, and the user-friendly setup process makes it accessible to tech novices. That said, it’s not perfect for everyone. If you need higher speeds, lower latency, or support for multiple devices, you might want to consider a dual-band option.
In short, this extender delivers what it promises for its price point, making it a practical solution for basic Wi-Fi coverage issues while providing the flexibility of a wired connection where needed.