TP-Link TL-WA855RE 300Mbps Wi-Fi Range Extender

Description

The TP-Link TL-WA855RE 300Mbps Wi-Fi Range Extender is an affordable, compact 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 MU-MIMO, suitable for basic tasks like web 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 is universally compatible with any standard Wi-Fi router, gateway, or access point.

Equipped with two external high-gain antennas, the TL-WA855RE extends Wi-Fi coverage up to 800 sq.ft. (environment-dependent, tested under normal conditions), ideal for small apartments or single-story homes. An intelligent signal light (blue for good connection, red for too far from router) aids optimal placement. The single 10/100Mbps Ethernet port enables wired connections to devices like smart TVs, PCs, or gaming consoles, and supports Access Point (AP) Mode to convert a wired connection into a Wi-Fi hotspot. The wall-plug design (80 × 77.8 × 77.3 mm, white) is compact but lacks mains passthrough, occupying the socket. Power consumption is low at 3.6W max.

Setup is straightforward 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. Additional features include LED control for scheduling or disabling LEDs (night mode), access control to restrict devices, power scheduling for energy saving, and coverage control to adjust Wi-Fi range. Reviews praise its affordability ($20–$30), ease of setup, and reliable performance (e.g., 200–250Mbps at close range, up to 75ft), but note limitations like single-band 2.4GHz operation (prone to interference in crowded areas) and non-Gigabit Ethernet. Some users report inconsistent performance with non-standard router firmware.

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× External High-Gain Antennas

• 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: 3.6W Max

• Dimensions: 80 × 77.8 × 77.3 mm (3.15 × 3.06 × 3.04 in)

• Weight: 0.35 lbs (160g, estimated)

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

• Features: 2×2 MU-MIMO, Access Point Mode, Intelligent Signal Indicator (Blue/Red LEDs), QoS (WMM), LED Control (Night Mode), Access Control, Power Schedule, Wireless Statistics

• 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 800 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-WA855RE Wi-Fi Range Extender, Quick Installation Guide

• Warranty: 2 Years (region-dependent)