US
TP-Link

TP-Link N300 Wi-Fi Range Extender TL-WA850RE

  • 300 Mbps wireless N
  • 2.4 GHz only, 802.11b/g/n
  • Smart Signal Indicator for placement
  • RJ45 Ethernet port, cable included
  • 100 g, 2.96 x 2.6 x 3 inches
  • 2-year warranty

Updated 23 days ago · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.

Our verdict

A small single-band range extender that repeats a router's signal into a weak area, with an indicator light to help placement. It is not a router and does not extend a second band.

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ASIN: B00E98O7GCModel: TL-WA850RE

Overview

A far bedroom or office at the edge of your router's coverage is where this TP-Link extender earns its place, repeating the router's single-band signal. Its Ethernet port also lets a wired device join the network.

Choose it for pushing a basic wireless signal into a dead spot with little setup, since the signal indicator guides where to plug it in. The listing shows no range figure, and a tri-band entry in the specs contradicts the single-band text.

Who it's for

A room that barely reaches the router and a few wireless devices suit a plug-in extender. Buyers who need fast streaming throughout a big home should consider a mesh system instead.

Pros and cons

Pros
  • Smart Signal Indicator guides placement
  • Ethernet port for a wired device
  • Compact white body
  • Cable and quick guide included
Cons
  • Range figure not listed
  • Single band only
  • Tri-band entry contradicts the text
  • Extends a router, does not replace one

Performance notes

An extender receives the router's signal and rebroadcasts it, so its speed is limited by how strong the incoming signal is. Plugging it midway between the router and the dead spot gives better results than at the edge. The indicator light shows whether the placement receives a good signal.

Specifications

BrandTP-Link
ModelTL-WA850RE
Dimensions & fit
Item Dimensions D X W X H2.96"D x 2.6"W x 3"H
Item Weight100 g
Capacity & performance
Rangefeet
Construction & materials
ColorWhite
Compatibility & installation
Compatible DevicesRouter
Included components
Unit Count1 Count
Warranty & support
Warranty Description2-year
Other details
Connector TypeRJ45
Data Transfer Rate300 megabits_per_second
Frequency2.4 GHz
Frequency Band ClassTri-Band
Mfr Part NumberTL-WA850RE
Special FeaturesSmart Signal Indicator
Wireless Compability802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n

Frequently asked questions

Is the TP-Link TL-WA850RE a router?

No. It is a range extender that works with an existing router and has one Ethernet port for a wired device.

Does the TP-Link TL-WA850RE support 5 GHz?

No. The frequency is listed as 2.4 GHz only, although one field reads tri-band.

What comes with the TP-Link TL-WA850RE?

The extender, an RJ-45 Ethernet cable, a resource CD and a quick installation guide.

How do I find a good spot for the TP-Link TL-WA850RE?

The listing names a Smart Signal Indicator for placement but gives no steps.