Extend coverage of my RT-AC86U

[MakeItEasy]

Hello

Is it still worth it nowadays to buy a second RT-AC86U (vs buy a new and more recent router) to extend the Wi-Fi coverage on the second floor of my house ? (my daughters's phones often switch to 4G because WIFI signal is too weak)

Can I place it somewhere without a wired connection (at 5 meters from the other but behind a wall ie) ? Or is placing it in one of my two daughters' bedrooms with a wired connection a better option ?

Thanks for your feedback

 

[Tech9]

Is it still worth it nowadays to buy a second RT-AC86U

No. It's End-of-Life model with history of hardware and software issues. Plan A - get an new RT-AX86U Pro or better, test with the new router only first. If the coverage is still not enough - use your old RT-AC86U as AiMesh node, wired (better) or wireless (acceptable). Plan B - get an AC-class extender, TP-Link has variety of different models starting from $20. Plug it in close to the room, it will be good enough for few mobile devices around.

 

[MakeItEasy]

Thanks for the feedback.

Great to know that I will still be able to use my RT-AC86U as an AiMesh node with the new model RT-AX86U Pro.

However, I have no experience of how an extender works.
Does it only need a power plug, is it easy to setup and secure ?
I will do some research...

 

[Tech9]

What is commonly called Extender or Repeater connects wirelessly (some have LAN ports for wired connection) to the parent AP/Router and repeats (or creates a different one) the wireless network extending the coverage area. Extenders run own operating system with GUI settings just like home routers. Wireless AiMesh node works the same way, just has fancier marketing name and can extend one Guest Network as well. The end result is about the same.

 

[Tech9]

See one example currently under $20 (Amazon US price):

And the GUI emulator for this model (RE220):

Opening...

emulator.tp-link.com

Not the greatest, but cheap, compact and good enough for a few mobile devices around it.

 

[MakeItEasy]

Thanks Tech9 for the quick summary on repeaters/extenders...I still had to reread it several times to be sure I understood everything ...it's all become so complicated now!

I admit that I have not yet taken the time to learn as much as I would like on the subject...

Is wireless the only connection option for repeters/extenders ?
What are the ports on the repeaters/extenders used for: can they be used to connect to the ASUS router switch to provide wireless Internet access or are they only used to allow to connect a device like a PC for Internet access ?

By the way, is there any particular reason to recommend tp-link and not Asus since it is an Asus router ?

I discussed today with a friend who have two tp-link deco m4 used in Mesh: the first one is connected with a cable to the router and the other one is connected wirelessly to the first one. I think this would work for me too although in my case it seems to me I would only need one to connect by cable in the room that needs to be served wirelessly.

The specific room I want to increase the wifi signal in (or add a new wifi network) has a dual RJ45 socket like most rooms in my house. Maybe it would be better to take advantage of this when choosing which device to buy, no ?

 

[Tech9]

Is wireless the only connection option for repeters/extenders ?

This type of devices usually have at least one LAN port and offer different operation modes. Repeater/Extender Mode is wireless only and the LAN port can be used for wired client device. Access Point Mode is always wired and the LAN port is used for connection to the main router. Example below.

 

[Tech9]

tp-link deco m4

This specific model was quite popular, good Qualcomm hardware inside. Simple, cheap and effective. Wireless does ~500Mbps from the main unit and ~250Mbps from the satellite, wired does ~500Mbps from both main unit and satellite. Ethernet connected devices get ~900Mbps. I have installed one (wireless) for a non-tech friend of mine and it works very well. Was purchased in 2-pack for about $100 as I remember. Drawback for some users - App Control only and single SSID only (band steering, like Asus Smart Connect), no WebUI. For non-tech users is perfect. Can be used for Wi-Fi only to another router in Bridge Mode (Access Point Mode). Not sure if this model is still available though, it's been around for years, AC-class.