TP-LINK RE550 - Range Extender, White

The TP-Link RE550 Wi-Fi 5 range extender extends wireless coverage by receiving and retransmitting signals from an existing router. Using the Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) standard, it provides a theoretical maximum data transfer rate of 1300 Mbit/s. It supports dual-band connectivity, operating on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies simultaneously. This allows the extender to manage network traffic across separate channels to reduce congestion and maintain efficiency. It is compatible with older standards, including IEEE 802.11a, b, g, and n, and broadcasts the signal to extend the reach of the primary network into rooms with insufficient coverage.

Three external antennas are integrated into the housing to improve signal stability. A Gigabit Ethernet port allows for the connection of wired devices such as smart TVs or gaming consoles at speeds up to 1000 Mbit/s. Setup is managed via a WPS button, providing a direct hardware method to pair with a compatible router. LEDs on the unit display the connection status and signal strength to assist with placement. It also includes a dedicated on/off switch and a reset button. The device is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems and has a maximum power consumption of 10 W.

• MU-MIMO technology — allows the extender to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously to maintain throughput.
• Beamforming support — concentrates the wireless signal toward specific connected devices rather than broadcasting in a general pattern.
• Transmitting power levels of ≤20dBm on 2.4 GHz and ≤23dBm on 5 GHz — ensures consistent signal strength while meeting regulatory standards.
• 64-bit and 128-bit WEP, WPA-PSK, and WPA2-PSK encryption — secures the extended wireless network against unauthorised access.
• 10/100/1000Base-T(X) support — ensures the integrated Ethernet port can handle high-speed data transfers for wired hardware.
• Support for IEEE 802.3, 802.3ab, and 802.3u standards — ensures hardware compatibility with standard wired Ethernet network interfaces.