Question 1

Once the ranger extender handshakes with router, does it need to be done again every time I move the extender to another part of the house and plug it into another outlet?  Or does it handshake the first time and keeps that setting in memory.  I would like to sync it initially, unplug it, then be able to take it outside to my garage for usage out there or outside on my back deck, etc.

Accepted Answer

My router is up in the third floor of the house, and it was where I initially set the extender up. I then move the extender to the 2nd floor, plugged it back to the power outlet, and it was automatically synced up. I later moved it to different outlet to optimize the connection, and it once again synced up automatically. Short answer: No, you don't have to set it up again after the initial set up.

Question 2

Will using this device force me to change from one wireless network (from the access point) to another (the extender) when I move from one room to another or is it all part of the same network?

While most of my devices are stationary, I lose my cell phone wifi when I go upstairs.  I'd like to keep it without having to change over to another network.

Accepted Answer

This Range Extender will extend the range of one SSID (using that same SSID as the access point name).  As you will be connecting to the same internet access point, the connection will be seamless as long as the extender is placed in the right location (unit comes with clear instructions on this).  We use this unit at our church, and it does a wonderful job of providing seamless internet to the whole back part of the building, using the exact same network as the front of the church.

Question 3

My router does not have WPS button.  Can this extender be used with such router?

Accepted Answer

I didn't use the WPS to configure my extender.  You can connect directly to the extender using an ethernet cable, or wirelessly.  I had to open a command prompt and type:

ipconfig /flushdns

before I could connect to the extender by its address.

The quickstart guide is on their website.

Question 4

does unit plug into electical socket?

Accepted Answer

Yes just plug it into any convenient electric socket in a locatoin where you want to extend your WiFi.  I have had it for a couple of years and can't remember how hard it was to set up, but it works perfectly for me, recovers immediately after power outages etc.

Question 5

does it  plug in to back of computer?

Accepted Answer

No.  It plugs into a power outlet.  Think of it like walkie talkies with a one mile range.  Say your friend is two miles away--you would not be able to talk to them.  But if you added a second friend in between, you could talk to your second friend, and the second friend can relay the message to your first friend.  This device is the second friend.

Question 6

I have a Netgear Pro-Safe wireless access point and have trouble losing signal in my house. I was looking at this as a solution to try and increase my range but everything I see says router. Would this work with an access point?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  For this purpose, a router and an access point are essentially the same thing, and the TP-Link Range Extender should work just fine with your Netgear access point.

I have had my TP-Link for about a month now and have not suffered any dropouts or problems of any kind.  I have mine in a hallway and, at night, the thing serves as a nightlight.  The blue LEDs on this thing are REALLY bright.

Note that you should try and position it at a distance from your access point where you can still maintain at least 2 bars on the TP-Link display. It will then provide a consistent and reliable signal to the area that it covers.

Question 7

If it has a US plug, can this be used in countries where the input voltage is ~230V? i.e. does it have a 110-230V input (worldwide) or is it for 110V (US) only? Thanks.

Accepted Answer

Yes it can be used on both 110-240V, you just have to get adapter, since the one I bought can only be plugged-in in US outlet

Question 8

The internal WIFI card on my Macbook is busted, but the ethernet port works great.

Can I connect this to my Mac's ethernet port, and then connect the Mac to my current WIFI network?

Accepted Answer

Yes, although it will also create a wifi hotspot at your location.  For a portable solution that would travel easily with your Macbook, you might consider the TP Link TL-WR702N, which is a full featured mini-router that can act as an access point to replace your built in wifi and be powered by a USB port on your Mac.

Question 9

I have No Access to the router to press it's button (it is in the bosses office). Will it still work the same ?

Accepted Answer

Device is very similar to cell-phone or 2-way radio. One sends, the other receives. Your problem is one is sending---the other is not receiving... you called, they didn't answer.

In your situation, the receiving device would be the Router in boss office. Push button on TP-Link... unit will "send" 1 to2 minutes. Within that time-frame the Router WPS button must be press.
Once accomplished, all inter-action will be automatic (does not have to be reset thereafter).

Caution...Both "send" and "receiving" owners must be aware of the of such devices, wired or wireless... if not, then know you have broken a Federal Law punishable via prison sentence.

Question 10

Hello! Might be a dumb question, but do I plug it in closer to my router or closer to my computer to pick up the signal? Thanks!

Accepted Answer

This is the range extender. That means you should put it towards the edge of your router's coverage to extend the wi-fi. If your computer is located in a different room than the router, try put the extender somewhere in between with less direct blockage from the router. You may do try-and-error to locate the best place for it.

Questions & Answers