Verdict
Not every Wi - Fi association needs to run at super speed , and for basic connectivity , a simple , cheap extender will do just ticket . However , while the Qlocom Wi - Fi Range Extender Booster N300 - B - RN1 fits the beak , it ’s difficult to recommend . It did n’t cater many benefits over using the router ’s build up - in 5GHz web – and if you specifically need a 2.4GHz solution , the Mercusys ME30 repeater is cheaper and more versatile .
Pros
Cons
Key Features
Introduction
The Qlocom Wi - Fi Range Extender Booster N300 - B - RN1 is n’t intend for hard-core gamers or telecasting streaming junky . It ’s more suitable for low-toned - bandwidth job , such as continue web reporting for a smart speaker or an appliance in the bedroom or garage .
That means it does n’t require top - tier wireless computer hardware . While most modern gimmick supportWi - Fi 6or6E , Qlocom ’s extender use the much older Wi - Fi 4 standard – also bang as 802.11n . It ’ll still exercise with the latest laptops and phones , but it only operates on the 2.4GHz wireless stripe , with a maximum connection velocity of 300Mbits / sec .
Design and Features
The Qlocom Wi - Fi Range Extender Booster N300 - B - RN1 is one of the smallest extenders I ’ve tested , measuring just 49 mm across – so it should n’t stymy admission to any nearby plug sockets . At the side , there ’s a WPS button and an on / off switching . On the front , you ’ll find three LEDs evidence your connection , WPS and power status . There are no other controls orEthernetsockets – it ’s wireless or nothing .
you could get set up very speedily by simply pushing the Qlocom ’s WPS clit , then doing the same on your router . This tells the extender to duplicate the meshing name and password from your main Wi - Fi web , leave devices to connect without any further form .
Alternatively , you’re able to log into the rather flash management portal and go in your web preferences manually . However , I rule that this prompted the extender to create its own subnet , rather than join the existing meshing . Connected clients still get cyberspace access , but they could n’t intercommunicate with devices connected instantly to the router .
The direction fascia also offers a few usance security options , which you may use to prevent specific devices from connecting or halt certain websites . circumstantially , there ’s support for dynamicDNStoo , for easy entree to the connection dashboard over the internet .
Performance
In my tests , I found that pairing the Qlocom extender with my D - Link R15 Eagle Pro AI router gave me a stronger , faster 2.4GHz sign all around my home . In the bathroom , download rate were raised from 20Mbits / sec to 27Mbits / sec , while the bedroom operate from 19Mbits / sec to 26Mbits / sec . However , this is n’t a huge lift – and the encourage speeds are still low , liken with what I ’m used to determine over a 5GHz connection .
In fact , I did just as well when I ditched the extender and connected directly to the router ’s 5GHz web . This gave me much identical download speeds in the bathroom and bedroom . And in the kitchen and living room , where I had measured average download rates of 18Mbits / sec and 17Mbits / sec from the Qlocom extender , speeds shot up to 44Mbits / sec and 122Mbits / sec , respectively .
This does raise the question of why anyone would opt to use the 2.4GHz banding . The little response is that some impudent home devices want it , and its low-toned - frequency radiocommunication waves have slenderly better scope and incursion .
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Should you buy it?
If you want a compact 2.4GHz extender and do n’t really care about operation , this may be suitable .
If you ’re looking for midway decent Wi - Fi hurrying , there are heap of truehearted options .
Final Thoughts
Even if you demand a 2.4GHz extender , there ’s small reason to take the Qlocom . TheMercusys ME30will do the caper for £ 4 less – and it patronage 5GHz , so you get the adept of both worlds . Check out other alternatives in our guide to thebest Wi - Fi extenders .
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Unlike other sites , we try out every wireless router we review soundly over an extended full point of clock time . We use diligence standard tests to compare feature article properly . We ’ll always severalise you what we find . We never , ever , accept money to go over a product .
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FAQs
No , this machine will extend a 2.4GHz mesh only .
It can act as a habitual criminal only .
