Do you have Wi-Fi dead zones in your home? Well you might want to consider the AC 1900 Wi-Fi Range Extender from TP-Link, and so here is our review.
This is how TP-Link describe the AC 1900 (model RE580D):
“With three external, dual band antennas and 700mW high-powered amplifiers, the RE580D can establish a stable wireless
connection to any Wi-Fi router and augment the network’s coverage by up to 10,000 square feet. The dual core 1GHz processor
provides maximum Wi-Fi performance, keeps your smartphones and tablets connected as you move around your home.”
Features
- Simultaneous 600Mbps on 2.4GHz + 1300Mbps on 5GHz totals 1.9Gbps Wi-Fi speeds
- 3 dual band external antennas and 700mW high-powered amplifiers eliminate “dead zones” and greatly extend your existing wireless coverage
- Beamforming technology delivers highly targeted and efficient wireless connections
- 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports provide gigabit speed for wired connections
- Dual core 1GHz processor ensures no interruption when simultaneously processing multiple wireless or wired tasks
- High Speed mode creates a lightning fast wireless connection for bandwidth-intensive tasks
- Works with any Wi-Fi router or wireless access point
What’s in the Box?
The box contains the router, some paperwork, a power supply, stand, Ethernet cable and 3 removable antenna.
A Closer Look
Configuring the AC 1900
Before you can start using the AC 1900 you need to configure it, which is a very simple job.
You connect to the AC 1900 using either the supplied Ethernet cable or via Wi-Fi then you just work through the steps to get it configured, and that’s it.
Final Thoughts
Wi-Fi dead zones are a real problem for a lot of people and thankfully there is a solution with a wi-fi ranger extender.
When you first take the AC 1900 out of the box you notice that it looks rather flash – its black and silver and it even comes with a stand if you want to have it standing vertically instead of laying horizontally.
As mentioned above, the configuration of the AC 1900 is simple and you just have to work through a few steps to get it up and running – all in all about 5 minutes or less will get it done, then you just have to place it where you need it, and TP-Link recommend about half-way between your main router and the dead zone. You can also move the three antennas to help get that perfect coverage.
Both during the configuration and afterwards you can make a number of changes including changing the SSID or hiding it, updating the firmware, checking the logs, and so on, all from a simple web page.
The AC 1900 also have 5 Ethernet ports on so that you can place it near some of your devices and use a wired connection from it to connect to those devices.
Once I placed the AC 1900 where I wanted it I found that it provided a very fast Wi-Fi connection in areas of my house that before I just either had a very weak and slow signal or more often than not no connection at all. For me the AC 1900 has opened up the ability for me to use Wi-Fi anywhere in my house.
Another nice feature is that you can turn off the LED’s if you don’t want to see them, especially if you are placing the AC 1900 in a bedroom. You can even et it up to only turn off the LEDs after a certain time of the night.
The AC 1900 Wi-Fi Range Extender from TP-Link retails for around £99.99 and is excellent value for money and a must if you have any Wi-Fi dead zones anywhere in your home.
