TL-WA850RE 300Mbps Wi-Fi Range Extender

Description

The TP-Link TL-WA850RE 300Mbps Wi-Fi Range Extender is a budget-friendly solution designed to extend Wi-Fi coverage in small homes or offices, eliminating dead zones. Operating on the 2.4GHz band with 802.11b/g/n standards, it delivers speeds up to 300Mbps (40MHz, MCS0-MCS7, NSS 1-2) using 2×2 MIMO, suitable for basic tasks like browsing, email, and light streaming. It supports up to 20–25 devices, making it ideal for low-density environments. Unlike newer models, it does not support OneMesh or EasyMesh, so it cannot form a seamless mesh network with TP-Link routers, but it works with any standard Wi-Fi router or gateway.

Equipped with two internal antennas (4dBi), the TL-WA850RE provides coverage up to 1000 sq.ft. (environment-dependent), extending Wi-Fi to areas like bedrooms or small offices. An intelligent signal light (five LEDs: green for strong signal, blue for moderate, red for weak) aids optimal placement. The single 10/100Mbps Ethernet port allows wired connections to devices like Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, or PCs, and supports Access Point (AP) Mode to convert a wired connection into a Wi-Fi hotspot. The wall-plug design (110 × 65.8 × 75.2 mm, white) is compact but lacks mains passthrough, occupying the socket. Power consumption is low at 3.3W max.

Setup is user-friendly via the TP-Link Tether app (iOS 9.0+, Android 4.4+, 5–10 minute setup), WPS button for one-touch pairing, or a web-based interface (Quick Setup wizard). Security features include 64/128/152-bit WEP, WPA-PSK, and WPA2-PSK encryption, but it lacks WPA3 support. The LED control feature allows scheduling or disabling LEDs for night mode. Reviews praise its affordability ($20–$30), easy setup, and decent performance (e.g., 200–250Mbps at close range, up to 75ft), but note limitations like single-band operation (prone to 2.4GHz interference), non-Gigabit Ethernet, and reduced signal strength beyond 75ft. It’s best for small spaces with basic Wi-Fi needs but less suitable for high-speed or high-density environments compared to dual-band or Wi-Fi 6 extenders.

Specifications

• Wireless Standards: IEEE 802.11b/g/n (2.4GHz)

• Wireless Speed: Up to 300Mbps (2.4GHz, VHT20/40)

• Frequency: Single Band (2.4GHz–2.4835GHz)

• Antennas: 2× Internal Antennas (4dBi)

• Ports: 1× 10/100Mbps Ethernet (RJ-45) Port

• Buttons: WPS/Range Extender Button, Reset Button

• Power Supply: Wall-Plug, 100–240V~50/60Hz 0.3A

• Power Consumption: 3.3W Max

• Dimensions: 110 × 65.8 × 75.2 mm (4.3 × 2.6 × 3.0 in)

• Weight: 0.33 lbs (150g, estimated)

• Security: 64/128/152-bit WEP, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK

• Features: 2×2 MIMO, Access Point Mode, Intelligent Signal Indicator (5 LEDs), QoS (WMM), Wireless Statistics, LED On/Off (Night Mode)

• Management: TP-Link Tether App (iOS 9.0+, Android 4.4+), Web-Based Management

• Wireless Functions: Automatic Channel Assignment, Transmit Power Control (≤20dBm CE, ≤30dBm FCC)

• Receiver Sensitivity: 270M: -68dBm@10% PER, 130M: -68dBm@10% PER, 108M: -68dBm@10% PER, 54M: -68dBm@10% PER, 11M: -85dBm@8% PER, 6M: -88dBm@10% PER, 1M: -90dBm@8% PER

• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)

• Operating Humidity: 10%–90% (Non-Condensing)

• Certifications: CE, FCC, RoHS

• Coverage: Up to 1000 sq.ft. (environment-dependent)

• Device Capacity: 20–25 Devices

• System Requirements: Microsoft Windows 98SE/NT/2000/XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10/11, macOS, NetWare, UNIX, Linux; Internet Explorer 11, Firefox 12.0, Chrome 20.0, Safari 4.0, or other Java-enabled browser

• Package Contents: TL-WA850RE Wi-Fi Range Extender, Ethernet Cable, Quick Installation Guide

• Warranty: 2 Years (region-dependent)