TP-Link has expanded its range of Wi-Fi 6 devices with two new Wi-Fi 6 extenders that use the TP-Link OneMesh system.
What is TP-Link OneMesh?
OneMesh allows you to mix and match products within the TP-link range allowing you to expand the system as your requirements change. It is also a good way to use one the high-performance routers while still having the benefits of whole home coverage with a mesh system.
Cheaper than Netgear EasyMesh extenders
It is a similar idea to how the Netgear Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Extenders work. However, they use EasyMesh, which aims to be an open standard that’s compatible between different companies. The Netgear Wi-Fi 6 options start at £132 or £275 for the flagship Nighthawk EAX80.
TP-Links new models are much more affordable, with an RRP of £59.99 & £79.99.
TP-Link RE505X vs RE605X Wi-Fi Range Extenders
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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TP-Link AX1800 Dual Band Wi-Fi 6 Range Extender,… | £59.40 | Buy on Amazon |
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TP-Link RE505X AX1500 Dual Band Wi-Fi 6 Range Extender,… | £59.99 | Buy on Amazon |
There is barely any difference between the TP-Link RE505X & RE605X. The RE505X is rated for 300Mbps on the 2.4Ghz frequency, while the RE605X provides the full Wi-Fi 6 speeds of 574 Mbps.
Normally, I would say just to get the cheaper RE505X; however, Amazon being Amazon, already has the RE605X for 50p less than the lower-spec model. So you may as well get that.
Both devices include a single gigabit port which can either be used to provide wired connectivity to a device such as a console or allow the extender to work in access point mode for superior Wi-Fi performance.
TP-Link OneMesh Routers
If you are looking for a router that would work with these new extenders, you have some excellent choices.
The new high end AX6600 Tri-Band Router (Archer AX90) is a particularly appealing choice being a tri-band router with one band compatible with 160Mhz channel width offering 4804 Mbps (4×4) or 2400Mbps for 2×2 clients. It then has 1× 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port + 1× 1 Gbps WAN/LAN port so most normal households can use the gigabit port for the WAN, then the faster 2.5GbE for the LAN (which makes much more sense than competing brand designs). You also get another 3x gigabit ports.
Other routers include the AX6000 Next-Gen Wi-Fi Router (Archer AX6000) and AX1800 Dual-Band Router (Archer AX20), with more firmware upgrades planned in the coming months. The latest routers added to the OneMesh family feature alongside the TP-Link Archer C7, Archer A7, Archer C6 and Archer A6 to deliver a flexible and cost-effective mesh Wi-Fi solution for the modern home.
Full Press Release:
TP-Link has announced the UK expansion of its whole-home mesh offering —TP-Link OneMesh, a flexible and cost-effective whole-home networking solution. The roll-out coincides with the launch of two new and OneMesh compatible Wi-Fi 6 Range Extenders to deliver a complete offering to customers in the region. TP-Link OneMesh offers consumers more choices and options to experience whole-home Wi-Fi, without replacing existing devices or purchasing a whole new Wi-Fi ecosystem.
OneMesh provides a complete solution that allows TP-Link router users to enjoy a mesh experience by upgrading their router’s firmware and adding a OneMesh compatible Wi-Fi range extender to their existing devices. Simply connect a OneMesh range extender or Powerline extender to a OneMesh router, and the mesh network is formed to blanket the home in best in class WiFi.
Seamless coverage for the whole home
OneMesh eliminates dead zones and boosts signal strength via a single Wi-Fi network that covers every corner of the home, so users no longer have to wander around in search of a stronger signal or faster connection. OneMesh also intelligently connects mobile devices to a router or extender based on whichever provides the best connection. The OneMesh router and extenders create a seamless network under a single Wi-Fi name to ensure that users can stay online with the best connection levels as they roam from room to room, enjoying uninterrupted streaming, downloading, and more throughout their homes.
OneMesh features APS (Adaptive Path Selection) and Band Steering, which keeps the network running at top speed by intelligently choosing the fastest connection path for user data. Additionally, OneMesh’s self-healing feature ensures a stable Wi-Fi network to keep all devices connected, even when a Wi-Fi path has an issue. The network system automatically reroutes the data to fill gaps in coverage to keep users connected and online at all times.
Managing a OneMesh network is also extremely simple. Once created, users can manage their whole-home Wi-Fi by managing the central node via the Tether app or Web UI. Through these applications, users can easily adjust and customise wireless settings, including the Wi-Fi network name and password, to make their connectivity experiences easy, flexible and secure.
Bringing OneMesh to the UK
Amongst the OneMesh products available in the UK are the new AX1500 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE505X) and AX1500 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE605X). These products join the first OneMesh Wi-Fi range extender, the AC1200 Dual Band RE300, which, features up to 300 Mbps at 2.4 GHz and 867 Mbps at 5 GHz**. Equipped with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 6, for faster speeds, greater capacity, and reduced network congestion, the two new AX range extenders with OneMesh can support a single Mesh network, by connecting to a compatible router for seamless whole-home coverage.
OneMesh ready routers include the new Wi-Fi 6 routers, the AX6600 Tri-Band Router (Archer AX90), AX6000 Next-Gen WiFi Router (Archer AX6000) and AX1800 Dual-Band Router (Archer AX20), with more firmware upgrades planned in the coming months. The latest routers added to the OneMesh family feature alongside the TP-Link Archer C7, Archer A7, Archer C6 and Archer A6 to deliver a flexible and cost-effective mesh Wi-Fi solution for the modern home.
As the roll out progresses, more TP-Link products will support OneMesh capabilities, including wireless routers, range extenders, XDSL, 3G/4G routers, powerline adapters. All OneMesh compatible products in the TP-Link range currently available to UK customers can be found here: https://www.tp-link.com/uk/onemesh/product-list/
“Seamless, whole-home wireless coverage has never been more important especially as post-pandemic hybrid working from home arrangements are going to be more common. Our mix and match OneMesh solutions enable users to enjoy a high speed reliable wireless connection in every corner of their home. We’re extremely proud to add a second mesh solution to our range giving customers the opportunity to customise their network to provide a total solution as we continue to rely on connectivity for work, education and entertainment.” Commented Will Liu, Managing Director at TP-Link UK.
For more information, please visit https://www.tp-link.com/uk/.
Posted by Mighty Gadget Blog: UK Technology News and Reviews
