TPLink WiFi Extenders

rmg1

I've just purchased a TPLink Wifi Extender starter kit (to replace what I thought were faulty BT PowerLine extenders) but I'm hitting the same problem.

I've installed the extenders, cloned the WiFi name (the original TPLink SSID has disappeared so I'm assuming that bit went OK) but, when I plug in the extender where I need it, it doesn't look like the WiFi signal is being broadcast (using my mobile, I don't a stronger signal than when the extender is switched off).  The extender is in a different room (where I need it), I did the original setup in the same room as the router.

I've got an EE router (Smart Hub SH30A if that makes a difference) and I used the WPS button to clone the WiFi signal.  I even did a factory reset on the extender and tried again in case I'd done something wrong, but that didn't help.

I did notice, when wandering through the settings on the router, that the WiFi is set to WPA3-Personal-Transition but I'm not sure if that makes a difference either.

I'm not sure what to do next so any help would be greatly appreciated.

PHK

Your post is a bit unclear. 

Do you mean that when the extender is in it's permanent position:

The extender can't see the original signal to boost it 

Or

The extender is not broadcasting the extended wifi

teaselMay

If the extender can't see the original signal then it can't extend it. You may need either a wired connection from the router, to move the router or you could try powerline extenders.

rmg1

@PHK - When the extender is in it's permanent position, the WIFI light is on but I'm getting nothing.  Even if I put it in the room next to the router (where my phone can see the original signal) the extender doesn't rebroadcast it.  I can tell because the WIFI signal on my phone isn't at full strength.

@teaselMay - That's what I've bought.  I've got the "base" next to the router and wired to it (using ethernet) and the extender needs to be in a different room.

flaneurs_lobster

Could you please post the product id of the kit you've bought?

It would probably help the set-up and diagnosis of any problems if you DIDN'T rename the SSID's (the Wi-fi names)  of the new kit, it would make it clear if the TP base/repeater is working or you are only seeing the original router signal.

Not clear to me why having the "base" TP kit next to the router gives any advantage over just using the router and an extender. 

Vitor

Have you bought the AV600 Powerline Wi-Fi Kit?

Mr.Generous

I tried various powerline extenders including including TP and although I got them to work they constantly dropped the signal. Eventually I managed to get a free one from Virgin Media which works a treat, stays on and gives good speeds.

rmg1

In some semblance of order:-
@flaneurs_lobster - I bought this:-
TP-Link TL-WPA4221 KIT AV600 Powerline Adapter WiFi Extender Kit, WiFi N300, Ethernet Ports, TP-Link Powerline Adapter, Powerline WiFi Extender, Powerline Network Adapters, UK Plug, Plug & Play : Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories
I can do a reset of the extender and see what happens (but that will have to be later).  I'm assuming that will show if the wifi emitter is working?  It's a powerline so need to be plugged in to the router via ethernet

@Vitor - I've just posted a link to what I bought

@Mr.Generous - We can't get Virgin Media where we live

Vitor

Download the TP-Link Tether App and/or login to the adaptor to check the WiFi status, including signal strength and connected devices. That'll give a full diagnosis, better than looking at LEDs

flaneurs_lobster

Once you've got the thing in place, do you have a laptop you can plug into the remote adaptor to test the internet speed that's being fed to the adaptor over your ring main. If that's OK then you can check out the Wi-fi signal.

Newcad

Just to note that you would not normally rename the wifi signal (SSID) from an extender* to be the same as the wifi signal (SSID) from the hub/router.

If you do that then your devices (and you) will be confused about which one they should be connecting to, or which one they are connected to.
They need to be different names, that's why the extender one usually has "_EXT" added to the original wifi name.
And yes- that means your device will need to change which name it connects to as you move it about.

*Unless it's a special type known as a 'Mesh' network which is meant to use the same name, normal extenders aren't meant to do that so each non-Mesh extender you use should have different names.
For more info on regular extenders vs Mesh see: https://www.netgear.com/uk/hub/technology/wifi-extender-vs-mesh-wifi/