Tp-Link Range Extenders

[PBComputer]

Has anyone has any luck with them?

I have being testing them recently to install a few for a couple of customers. At the moment i’m trying to set a couple up, then going to approach a couple of good customers who I know would not being a guinea pig while I iron out a few issues I’ve found. So far I’m testing them at home.

So far I have found the following.

• They keep dropping the link to the Routers AP
• Ping times are massive around 5000-15000ms
• They are really good door stops

So far I have done the following.

• Tried them with the original firmware
• Updated the firmware
• Setup manually
• Setup via the auto mode.

There is no other WiFi networks in the area to causes interference, The houses I’m looking to install them in are all very old houses. around 800+ years old. Normally build with cobbles, Sandstone, granite and another stones lying around at the time. The walls are all around 10” (inch) + think, I have seen some around 85-100cm!!! So this will make it make a few issues, Installing CAT 5/6 is not an option. The only way I can see is to install Access Points are use Power Line adapters. but this will create different WiFi networks which I’m trying not to do.

 

[Martyn]

Paul the wiring in the old houses sometimes isn't good enough for the Powerline adaptors. You could try these and test via speedtest.net from the computer or laptop.

http://uk.tp-link.com/products/details/?categoryid=2244&model=TL-WPA4226KIT

These are pretty good for the thick walls especially if there is just one wall.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-TL-...d=1396193055&sr=8-2&keywords=tp+link+wireless

I carry them as tests because it really is hit and miss with the old houses. I don't think I have any like your though.

 

[smashedbotatos]

That is the thing about living in the US. Oldest houses you encounter are at max 200 years old and not that big of a pita.

I don't find tp-link to be very reliable. If at all possible look in to using Ubiquiti extenders.

 

[PBComputer]

I have missed Ubiquiti extenders, I really like there equipment but sadly not many people will allow me to install there access points.



I'm off to have a look at them now.
Paul

 

[wardoursecure]

I had nothing but drop outs with TP Link range extenders.

If I need to use them I have started to use DLink or Solwise both have been stable and work well.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

H
[*]They are really good door stops
.

I don't even think TPStink makes for a good door stop, only thing they do is add to the contents of a garbage can.

For buildings such as you describe....with thick walls made mostly of stone, likely some thick plaster, and likely metal mesh behind lots of that plaster....you won't have much success getting an AP to blast through a wall very well, not to mention several walls.

The approach I take in these difficult setups is to tackle it with density...lots of access points, low power. Place like...1 per room Low power! Don't saturate a small area with lots of high power access points. Low power!

Connect via ethernet if you can....get ethernet run. Yes powerline will also work...but you can do this neater with ethernet (especially if you're using PoE APs....so you can leave the injectors in the network closet...or use a PoE switch).

OpenMESH products are good for on a budget. They come with their Cloudtrax cloud controller...so you can manage all your clients from there. They are inexpensive...work pretty well. Not for "heavy users"...OK for average residential use.

Ubiquiti makes great quality hardware, for a fantastic price! Their "Unifi" range would be good for this. Their standard Unifi AP model. The setup is a little more complicated...for their Unifi products you don't log onto the unit itself to set it up, and it doesn't come with an instant cloud controller like OpenMESH does...but the software to make your own controller is free for download. I built a virtual cloud server up in our Rackspace account and install Ubiquitis cloud controller there..so we can manage our clients.

I happen to be doing a wireless setup at a large...very old estate next month. I'l be using 8x maybe 12x Ubiquiti Unifi AP, an outdoor Unifi, conduit to a guest house, and powering it through Ubiquitis smart switch (the double unit).

Having units that support repeating (or mesh) is a nice option....you can have 1x unit repeat from a wired one....if it's impossible to run ethernet over to its location. Both OpenMESH and Ubiquiti support that. But you don't want to have too many units repeating...and don't want to repeat from another one that already repeats.

 

[HCHTech]

I happen to be doing a wireless setup at a large...very old estate next month. I'l be using 8x maybe 12x Ubiquiti Unifi AP, an outdoor Unifi, conduit to a guest house, and powering it through Ubiquitis smart switch (the double unit).

Wow, awesome setup - that's gotta be a few bucks . I'd love to get a chance to work on something like that - neat stuff. Let us know how it goes!

 

[PBComputer]

I've just ordered some Ubiquiti AirRouter Indoor AP and will test these and see how they perform. I expect them to be miles bette than TP-Link. (I have one of there AP's in the office.

I also treated myself to a Ubiquiti UniFi UAP AC 1300Mbps 802.11ac 2.4Ghz/5Ghz Access Point For testing purposes you understand.

 

[GCS]

Stick with ubiquiti, I would avoid powerline adapters.

Powerline adapters interfere with part 97 communication, if you live in an area where there are a lot of amateur radio operators (there are in most places) you will put yourself in bad standing with them.

Amateur radio operators are usual a big part of local communities as they often provide emergency communications.