The article will discuss one interesting device - TP-Link TL WA850RE. Reviews about this device let you know how well it works, what its performance is. What is this technique? This is a repeater, which is also known as a repeater and repeater. It is necessary in order to increase the range of the existing wireless network. Further - in detail about the device.
Equipment
The device is sold in a white-green box. It shows the repeater itself, its characteristics and connection methods.
In the envelope that comes with the kit, there is a disk with all descriptions and special software, there is also a manual for TP-Link TL WA850RE and documentation for the device. In general, such a set is unnecessary, since the repeater setup process does not even take a minute. Also included is a gray network cable.
Reasons for use
Repeater is used quite often. A popular reason for buying a repeater is not a very high-quality router, whose signal is not enough for distant rooms or other floors. TP-Link TL WA850RE repeater, reviews of which are given later in the article, will easily and without any problems solve this situation. Of course, you can change the settings of the router, try to use a more powerful device, but nothing will give such a result as installing a repeater. The cost of the device is small, but the benefits from it are huge.
Essence of the work
How exactly does the repeater function? When a router is installed that sends a signal a short distance, a repeater is used. The device must be activated in a place where the network is still stable. You should configure the latter. A second access point will be created, which is a copy of the first. When moving to a place where the signal is weak, the networks will be reconnected automatically. If desired, you can create a point with a different name and password, which the TP-Link TL WA850RE repeater will distribute. How to configure and how to use is described below.
Appearance
The design of the repeater is quite simple, there are notes of minimalism. All lines are smooth, the body is white. The device does not resemble a rectangular “brick”.
The device is made of glossy plastic. Repeater TP-Link TL WA850RE, reviews about which are quite good, small, has compact dimensions.
On the front surface you can see a button around which a ring of various inductors is installed. They are responsible for power, connecting via a network cable, activating the repeater mode and working with the access point. An indicator is also installed that displays the signal reception from the router. It is best to place the repeater where at least three light bulbs are lit. Then the connection will be excellent and stable.
There is an electric plug, which many consumers note in the reviews.
In general, the design is not bad and most owners like it. This is evidenced by reviews. The TP-Link TL WA850RE Wireless Repeater fits seamlessly into any decor.
Filling
The repeater runs on an Atheros controller. It is he who gives the right to operate in networks of type b / g / n. Available for use 32 MB of memory. The maximum network speed is 100 Mbps.
You cannot work with external antennas, since they are not there, but two things are installed inside.
TP-LINK TL-WA850RE Repeater Setup
How to configure TP-Link TL WA850RE? Carrying out the process of repeater optimization, it is necessary to choose its location correctly. The device should be installed where the Internet speed will be stable without loss and distortion. You also need to think about its localization so that the received signal can cover all the necessary places in the house or apartment.
Repeater setup is fast, in just a couple of minutes. Just plug it in, find the WPS button on the router and click on it. After that, on the repeater, you should find a large key, on which there is a picture of the castle. How to understand that the device is working? The special RE code indicator lights up. The repeater will connect to the router in a second and start working.
In order to understand the signal level supplied by the router, you can pay attention to the built-in indicators. If there are at least three divisions, then the network is high-quality. For the most stable and convenient operation, it is necessary that the router shows at least two “sticks”.
When working with a repeater, the consumer does not even notice the device. The only noticeable indicator is a stronger Internet signal, which in certain places had not even appeared before.
When you turn off the device from power and carry it will not have to re-configure the device. All this is confirmed by reviews. Signal Amplifier TP-Link TL WA850RE remembers all the networks to which the owner connected it.
At the bottom, consumers can notice a special port needed to work with the network. It is suitable for interaction with a computer or TV that does not have the ability to connect to a wireless network.
Device connection
Connecting to a repeater is pretty easy. Simply click on the appropriate button, as everything starts to function.
But there are other ways to connect (without the WPS key). Each device has its own control panel. It will be needed to get a stable connection if the specified button is not on the router.
Next, we’ll talk about how to enter the settings for completing all the necessary processes with TP-Link TL WA850RE. The firmware allows you to perform such manipulations in seconds.
To open the control menu of this repeater, you will need to connect to it. This can be done both by cable and wirelessly. Immediately after that, the access point (factory) will appear, without a password. Even if the repeater has already been used (settings are saved), you can still enter the panel only when connected.
Next in the browser you need to register the address tplinkrepeater.net. To log into your account, you should refer to the instructions or see the data on the official website. As a rule, they are standard and the same: admin.
Enter repeater settings
After entering the control menu, you need to pay attention to the main page. It will show all the data about the repeater and its status. If the repeater is configured, the owner will see the relevant information.
If the router does not have a WPS key, then the settings should be made through this menu. You need to find the item "Wizard of instant options." This is where access to the quick setup TP-Link TL WA850RE is located. You need to go to the appropriate tab and click "Next". There you should choose a region. The repeater will quickly find all the networks that are nearby and among them you need to find your own. Then - click "Next."
Connecting a TP-LINK repeater to a Wi-Fi network
After searching for your network, you need to specify a password from it. It is allowed to make a clone of this point, you can also rename it. After you need to click on the “Next” button.
You should review all available settings, if they are correct, you must click "Finish". After that, the repeater will reboot. Then it will turn on already connected to the network.
Reset repeater settings
Sometimes there is a need to reset the device. The cause may be many problems with the TP-Link TL WA850RE. This is done in two different ways. The first is the easiest - just click on the desired button on the repeater. It is enough to turn it on, take a knitting needle or some other sharp improvised item and click on the RESET key. After that, the owner will see that the indicators light up. The repeater will reboot and the reset process will be completed.
Using the control panel to make this manipulation is also easy. It is enough to enter the menu "System Tools", "Factory Settings". There will be a “Restore” button. A reboot will occur.
If the Internet does not work
Sometimes in reviews of TP-Link TL WA850RE a problem is described that there is a problem with the signal. Often the repeater does not see the network, it happens that the connection is happening, but there is no access to the Internet. This problem is quite easy to solve in several ways.
You need to install the repeater closer to the router. As a rule, the problem is in the wrong location if a weak signal occurs. If the problem is that there is no Internet connection or the network itself, then you need to reset the settings. How exactly this is done is described a little higher. Next, restart the device again and try to connect to the router.
If there are problems when making settings via WPS (for example, the router does not see the TP-Link TL WA850RE), then use the control panel. This process is also described above. You can also upgrade the firmware as an experiment. Sometimes this solves the problem.
Another way is to change the channel of the wireless network.
Repeater Availability
This repeater can be purchased for a small amount - 1150 rubles. The cost is justified for such a device. This explains the popularity of the described repeater.
Testing
The article will also consider the operation of the device in practice. Perhaps additional flaws will be revealed that the reviews are not talking about. TP-Link TL WA850RE is excellent at testing. But more on that later. The feeding network, its stability and speed are also described below. All data was obtained when working with a router from Zyxel. Its maximum speed is 150 Mbps. Repeater and device are compatible. A computer and a laptop work with the network.
To obtain more accurate data, it is necessary to change the operating conditions of the repeater. Three most relevant selected.
- Functioning in one room.
- Work with a distance of 20 meters from the router, there is an obstacle in the form of a single brick wall. The signal is lost by about half.
- Outdoor use. The parent point is set at a distance of 30 meters, between it and the repeater are two brick walls. The signal is almost 100% lost.
Being in the same room, the repeater and the router work at the same level, giving an excellent signal without failures and interference. At a small distance from each other, they can interact with additional equipment (TV), which is connected via the LAN port. Video works fine even in streaming mode and from a flash drive. When operating with a loss of 50% of the signal, the picture freezes. The problem can be eliminated only by connecting a SmartTV to the Internet. Then there will be no interference.
The last, third point is of interest. How did the repeater handle this situation? We get a stable and fast Internet, even if it was previously lost on a laptop. If during direct work with a router the data transfer rate was no more than 10 Mbps, then with a repeater this figure increases to 35.
It should be noted that in all cases the level of access to the network does not change. The difference is only in quality and its loss. It changes in three situations upward. The repeater did a great job with all the conditions.
Unfortunately, due to the fact that it is not possible to function complete with external antennas, the repeater does not provide an extensive space in which you can work with it. Ideally, it covers only one room. If an obstacle appears in the form of a brick wall, the signal decreases to the level of 80 dB, two - 50 dB. If there is a need to work with wireless access points, then you need to consider this nuance.
Summing up the testing, it should be noted that in all the cases presented, the signal and communication quality as a whole have clearly improved. That is why we can say with confidence that the repeater is doing its job with a bang.
Reviews
Reviews about the device are positive. Sometimes there are negative opinions. What are they connected with? Some complain about a decrease in network speed and signal loss. Often this problem is the result of an improper installation. The repeater needs to be located where it will receive the maximum speed from the parent point, since the same will begin to transmit. Sometimes the cause of this problem is incompatibility with the router. All this needs to be checked before purchase.
Another drawback that a small percentage of users see: the repeater does not work with Android devices. Its connection method is not suitable for such equipment, the system is not adapted for them, therefore the repeater is useless for tablets and mobile phones.
Consumers note that there is a slight error in speed. This is due to the specifics of the device, but the disadvantage is that this is not mentioned in the instructions for the TP-Link TL WA850RE. Otherwise, this device is excellent and does not cause complaints in operation. No one is talking about any failures or malfunctions.
Summary
The repeater is simple, intuitive. It is perfect for any interior, leaving a good impression. The setup is quite simple, easy and carried out in a few minutes, even if the owner does not have experience with such devices. Due to the fact that the LAN port is integrated, it makes it possible to interact with devices that can not connect to the Internet via air.
As the reviews make it clear, TP-Link TL WA850RE is a repeater that has proven itself as a great device. It gives a stable signal as a result and deprives the room of "dead" zones.
The advantages of the repeater are in a small size, nice design, easy setup, the presence of a port for working with other devices. What do consumers attribute to cons? There is no way to connect an external antenna to enhance communication, but in general it is not so needed. In addition, this disadvantage is completely covered by the advantages.