The TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender RE305 is one of the most popular Wi-Fi range extenders on the market. It promises to extend your Wi-Fi coverage and eliminate dead zones, providing fast and reliable internet throughout your home. We decided to put it to the test to see if it lives up to its promises.

Design

The RE305 is a small, rectangular device that comes with two antennas that can be adjusted to optimize the signal strength. It has a white matte finish with a series of ventilation holes that allow for airflow to keep the device cool during prolonged use. It also features LED lights that show the status of the device and the connection to your router.

Installation

Setting up the RE305 is simple and straightforward. It can be installed using the WPS button or through the TP-Link Tether App, which guides you through the process step-by-step. Once connected, it automatically syncs with your existing Wi-Fi network and creates a new network with the same name, but with ‘_EXT’ at the end. This allows you to seamlessly connect to the extended network without the need for switching between networks manually.

Performance

The RE305 promises to deliver speeds of up to 1200Mbps – 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 867Mbps on the 5GHz band. In our tests, we found that it was able to deliver consistent speeds throughout our home office, which is typically a dead zone due to the distance from the router. We were able to stream HD videos, make video calls, and browse the internet without any interruption or lag.

The RE305 uses a feature called ‘Smart Signal Indicator’ to help you find the optimal location for the device. This feature uses LED lights to indicate the signal strength between the extender and your router. We found this to be helpful in finding the best spot for our RE305.

Final Verdict

Overall, the TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender RE305 is a great device for extending your Wi-Fi coverage. It is easy to set up, delivers consistent speeds, and has helpful features to optimize your placement. If you are looking for a simple and affordable solution to eliminate dead zones in your home, this device is definitely worth considering.