![]() For purposes of testing the WiFi extender, I wanted to see if it could improve my streaming experience in a nearby room while a number of other devices were connected to my router. I also turn on as many Internet-connect devices that I have. With the all-on test, I turn on all three TVs and stream in either HD or 4K HDR. I own a NVIDIA Shield, a couple of laptops, a desktop PC, an iPad, a few Amazon Echo devices and various other web-connected devices. For streaming devices, I use a couple of different ones, a Roku Express 4K+ and a Fire TV Cube. I bought the TP-Link RE200 with my own money.Ī number of what I call “all-on” tests was performed. The TP-Link RE200 was set up in a 2,600 square foot condo that has three floors. So you can improve streaming by making a Roku or Fire TV device a priority over another Internet-needy device in your home. Netgear and other top brand routers usually has a simple interface that lets you assign or tweak your Internet traffic priorities. QoS features have been around for a while. 4) Check for QoS Settingsįor a cord cutting household, being able to assign a high priority to Netflix or YouTube is a nice option to have. Some WiFi extenders (including the TP-Link RE200) and mesh networks systems have Ethernet ports that you can use to improve speeds for streaming, gaming and surfing the web. An Ethernet connection always delivers faster Internet speeds than WiFi. Give some serious consideration to whether you can hardwire your streaming device, laptop or other device to an Ethernet cord. Making sure you’re up to date on the basic software is also crucial for security too. There are also ways to modify your router software to improve its performance. Some models will update firmware automatically, but you shouldn’t assume that automatic software updates are happening. 2) Update Router Firmwareīelieve it or not, a lot of people will buy a router, plug it in and never think about a software update again. But a TV picture that constantly locks up while streaming Netflix or live TV is a lot worse. Sure, a router isn’t the appealing thing to look at. Keep your router off the ground and not hidden in a closet. If your router is located in one corner of the house, that may be why you’re not be getting the best reception in a bedroom or home office on the opposite side of your home. Put your router at the center of your house. Making a few small changes to your current wireless router can improve or expand WiFi, and the quality of streaming in your bedroom or office. How to Expand WiFi Coverageīefore you buy anything, you should go over this checklist to ensure your current WiFi setup is operating under the best possible conditions. See my reviews of the Nova Whole Home Mesh Wifi system and Tenda’s MW5 mesh router. If you’re looking for more heavy-duty uses like expanding WiFi for a series of security cameras alongside your streaming needs, then you’re better off using a mesh WiFi network. Picking this up for about $30 is a reliable solution, especially if you already own a dual-band router that performs well in the main part of your home. Let’s say you just need a better WiFi signal for a bedroom television or an entertainment room in the basement. The TP-Link RE200 is a good buy if you’re looking for an inexpensive way to improve streaming in a single area of your home. Over the last two years, I’ve been able to test a wide variety of WiFi systems, including range extenders, WiFi routers, power line adapters and mesh networks. The aim is provide a solution or two for people to expand and improve a WiFi signal using simple techniques, not technical prowess. ![]() This review has some tips on improving WiFi signals in your home. If you’re a cord cutter like me, you’ll want a strong WiFi signal that can handle HD or 4K streaming on Netflix in one room, and some fast-paced gaming in another. To get the most out of this range extender, make sure your streaming device operates on an AC bandwidth. Take note that this is an AC extender, so it should be paired with an AC router. This range extender is usually priced around $25 on Amazon, and unlike a number of extenders on the market, it won’t toll your bandwidth. But if you’re not ready to spend $200 or more for a mesh network, then the TP-Link RE200 might be just what you need. The TP-Link RE200 is the best WiFi extender for improving streaming in HD or 4K on a TV in your bedroom, or if you’re live streaming on a smart phone or PC.Ī mesh Wifi router is generally a better option for expanding WiFi throughout a home.
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