RE vs. PLC vs. Mesh-Find Your Best Wi-Fi Dead Zone Killer

Expanding Wi-Fi coverage is a problem that troubles many users, but it’s one that’s easy to solve with TP-Link’s various solutions for Wi-Fi extension. TP- Link offers range extenders, powerline adapters, and mesh devices to upgrade your home network without buying a new router. But you may have different needs when it comes to expanding your Wi-Fi range, so let’s take a look at the options available to get an idea of which one is best for you.

RE (Range Extender)

Range extenders are a great solution for insufficient Wi-Fi coverage since they work with your router(s) via wireless connection to extend the router’s transmission range. Just place the range extender about halfway between your router and the Wi-Fi dead zone. The extender will capture and repeat the Wi-Fi signal from your router to the surrounding areas to expand your wireless network coverage. Your devices can connect to the network either through your router or extender as you move around your house. So sudden signal drops or Wi-Fi dead zones become a thing of the past.

One thing to note, however, is that if you’re trying to greatly extend network coverage by connecting range extenders to one another, there is a slight amount of loss in signal strength that can add up the further you boost the signal away from the router. Besides, like wireless routers, range extenders also suffer from interference from obstacles such as concrete walls, metal objects, and microwaves. So avoid such obstacles for the best wireless performance. All TP-Link range extenders have Signal LED lights to indicate the signal strength a range extender gets from the main router, which can help you find the best location for your extender.

To select appropriate range extenders for your home network, refer to https://www.tp-link.com/en/home-networking/range-extender/.

PLC (Powerline Adapter)

PLC (Powerline Adapter) uses electrical wires to transmit data and provide internet connectivity to places with power outlets. This is nice as it extends your network coverage without the need of Ethernet cables all over your home. This can provide you with a super-fast “Ethernet-like” home network, as walls and similar obstacles aren’t an issue the way they might be with a range extender. The thing to be aware of, however, is that both powerline adapters will need to be on the same electrical circuit. If your home is wired on multiple circuits, you’ll need to check that the section of you home with the router and the section you want to add coverage to are on the same circuit.

Powerline adapters can provide a better solution for Wi-Fi coverage extension than range extenders in some special environments. As previously mentioned, walls aren’t such a problem, so if a wall in your house is thick enough to influence the signals, you might still have some Wi-Fi dead-zones in your home. Since powerline adapters run the signal through the electrical circuit, the signal doesn’t need to go through the walls to ensure a more stable connection. If you want to bring internet to your basement, garage, or the far corner of your house where Wi-Fi can’t reach, a powerline network can deliver reliably fast speeds.

To select appropriate powerline adapters for your home network, refer to https://www.tp-link.com/en/home-networking/powerline/.

Mesh

If you are tired of setting up and managing multiple range extenders or powerline adapters, or if you still encounter Wi-Fi dead-zones when walking around your home, you can count on TP-Link’s whole-home mesh Wi-Fi solutions. Mesh Wi-Fi is a lot easier to use and manage since it comes with a specific app that provides a quick and simple way to get all the wireless devices working together. To know more about it, refer to https://community.tp-link.com/en/home/stories/detail/407.

TP-Link currently provides two mesh Wi-Fi solutions:

• Deco: Whole new mesh ecosystem

Setting up a whole new Wi-Fi system is a good choice if you want to have a  new and high-quality system.

To select a whole new Wi-Fi system, refer to https://www.tp-link.com/en/home-networking/deco/.

• OneMesh^TM: Cost-effective mesh network with existing TP-Link devices

Set up a OneMesh^TM network if you are not willing to spend a lot or to discard your existing wireless devices.

To know more about a OneMesh^TM network, refer to https://community.tp-link.com/en/home/stories/detail/716.

To select a OneMesh^TM product, refer to https://www.tp-link.com/en/onemesh/compatibility/.

Which one is the best Wi-Fi dead zone killer for you?

Choosing the appropriate device not only successfully eliminates Wi-Fi dead zone, but also saves money and improves convenience for future management. Refer to the following summary and your house situation to choose the best Wi-Fi dead zone killer.