Introduction
In today’s connected world, a reliable and robust WiFi network is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. Whether you’re streaming your favorite shows, working from home, engaging in online gaming, or simply browsing the web, a weak or spotty WiFi signal can quickly become a major source of frustration. One common solution to this problem is a WiFi range extender, a device designed to amplify your existing WiFi signal and eliminate those dreaded dead zones. Today, we’re taking a deep dive into the dodocool AC750 WiFi Range Extender, a versatile and affordable option that promises to boost your WiFi coverage.
The dodocool AC750 isn’t just a range extender; it also functions as an access point (AP) and a router, providing multiple modes of operation to suit different needs and network configurations. Featuring dual-band technology and claiming speeds of up to seven hundred and fifty megabits per second, it aims to deliver a fast and reliable wireless experience throughout your home or office. This review will provide a comprehensive look at the dodocool AC750, covering its key features, design, setup process, performance, and overall value. We’ll explore its strengths and weaknesses to help you determine if this device is the right solution for your WiFi woes.
Key Features and Specifications
Before we delve into the nitty-gritty of performance, let’s take a closer look at the dodocool AC750’s core features and specifications. Understanding these details is crucial for evaluating its capabilities and determining if it meets your specific requirements.
The dodocool AC750 adheres to the eight hundred and two point eleven ac wireless standard, also supporting older standards such as eight hundred and two point eleven a, b, g, and n. This backward compatibility ensures that it can work with a wide range of devices, even older ones that don’t support the latest ac technology.
A key feature of this extender is its dual-band capability, operating on both the two point four gigahertz and five gigahertz frequency bands. The two point four gigahertz band offers greater range and is better at penetrating obstacles, while the five gigahertz band provides faster speeds and less interference. The device advertises wireless speeds of up to seven hundred and fifty megabits per second, which is divided between the two bands. Specifically, it claims up to four hundred and thirty three megabits per second on the five gigahertz band and three hundred megabits per second on the two point four gigahertz band.
For wired connectivity, the dodocool AC750 includes one RJ forty five port. This port can function as either a WAN (Wide Area Network) port when used as a router or as a LAN (Local Area Network) port when used as an extender or access point. The device also features external antennas, which are designed to improve signal strength and coverage. The exact number of antennas may vary, but they play a crucial role in extending the range of your WiFi network.
In terms of security, the dodocool AC750 supports various encryption protocols, including WPA (WiFi Protected Access), WPA two, WPA-PSK (Pre-Shared Key), and WPA two-PSK. These security measures help protect your network from unauthorized access and ensure the privacy of your data.
One of the most appealing aspects of the dodocool AC750 is its multiple modes of operation. It can function as a repeater (or range extender), an access point, or a router. In repeater mode, it extends the range of your existing WiFi network. As an access point, it creates a new wireless network from a wired connection. In router mode, it acts as a traditional router, providing network management and internet access to connected devices. This versatility makes it a flexible solution for a variety of networking scenarios.
Design and Build Quality
The dodocool AC750 sports a fairly standard design for a WiFi range extender. It’s typically compact and rectangular, designed to plug directly into an electrical outlet. The color is usually white, a common choice for networking devices, allowing it to blend in with most home decor. The size is relatively small, which is a plus as it doesn’t block neighboring outlets.
The build quality appears to be decent for its price point. While it may not have the premium feel of more expensive devices, the plastic casing seems reasonably durable. The ports are generally well-placed and easily accessible.
The device features several LED indicators on the front panel. These LEDs provide information about the device’s status, such as power, WiFi connectivity, and LAN/WAN connection. The LED indicators are helpful for troubleshooting and monitoring the device’s performance.
It’s important to note that the dodocool AC750 may or may not offer mounting options. Depending on the exact model, it might be designed solely for plugging into an outlet.
Setup and Configuration
Setting up the dodocool AC750 is generally a straightforward process, thanks to its user-friendly web-based interface and WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) support. You can typically set up the device by connecting to its default WiFi network and accessing its web interface through a web browser.
The web interface is relatively intuitive, although it may not be as polished as those found on more expensive devices. The key settings and configuration options are clearly labeled and easy to navigate. You can configure the device’s operating mode, WiFi settings, security settings, and other parameters through the web interface.
The WPS setup is even simpler. By pressing the WPS button on both the dodocool AC750 and your router, you can quickly establish a secure wireless connection without having to manually enter passwords. This is a convenient option for users who are not comfortable with more complex configuration procedures.
The ease of setup is a significant advantage of the dodocool AC750, making it accessible to users of all technical skill levels.
Performance
The most important aspect of any WiFi range extender is its performance. We tested the dodocool AC750 in various environments to assess its range extension capabilities, speed, stability, and reliability.
In terms of range extension, the dodocool AC750 performed reasonably well. It was able to extend the range of our existing WiFi network, eliminating dead zones in areas that previously had weak or no signal. However, the range extension was not as dramatic as with some higher-end extenders. The signal strength was noticeably improved in areas that were previously problematic, but the performance decreased with increasing distance from the extender.
We also conducted speed tests at different distances from the router and extender. The results showed that the dodocool AC750 was able to deliver acceptable speeds, but not quite up to the advertised seven hundred and fifty megabits per second. On the five gigahertz band, we achieved speeds of up to three hundred and fifty megabits per second in close proximity to the extender, while speeds on the two point four gigahertz band were around one hundred and fifty megabits per second. These speeds decreased with distance.
The stability of the connection was generally good, with only occasional dropouts. The device was able to handle multiple connected devices without significant performance degradation.
The performance varied slightly depending on the operating mode. In repeater mode, the performance was generally good, but there was some loss of speed due to the need to retransmit the signal. In access point mode, the performance was more consistent, as the device was directly connected to a wired network.
Pros and Cons
Like any device, the dodocool AC750 has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s summarize the key pros and cons:
Pros
- The dodocool AC750 is one of the most affordable WiFi range extenders on the market, making it a budget-friendly option for users who need to improve their WiFi coverage without breaking the bank.
- Its dual-band support allows for both wider range and faster speeds, depending on the band you choose to connect to.
- Its multiple modes of operation (repeater, access point, and router) provide flexibility in how the device can be used, making it suitable for a variety of networking scenarios.
- The setup process is generally easy and straightforward, thanks to its web-based interface and WPS support.
- Its compact design makes it easy to place in any room without taking up too much space.
Cons
- Its performance is not as impressive as higher-end extenders.
- The build quality is not as robust as more expensive devices.
- The web interface, while functional, is not as polished or user-friendly as those found on more premium models.
- It has limited features compared to other extenders.
Alternatives
If the dodocool AC750 doesn’t quite meet your needs, there are several alternatives to consider. These include the TP-Link RE two hundred, the Netgear EX six thousand one hundred and fifty, and the ASUS RP-AC fifty five.
The TP-Link RE two hundred is a popular and affordable range extender that offers similar features to the dodocool AC750. The Netgear EX six thousand one hundred and fifty is a higher-end option that delivers faster speeds and more robust performance. The ASUS RP-AC fifty five is another solid choice, offering a good balance of performance and features.
When choosing a WiFi range extender, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and budget. If you need the best possible performance and are willing to spend more, a higher-end model may be the best choice. However, if you’re on a tight budget and just need to eliminate a few dead zones, the dodocool AC750 can be a viable option.
Conclusion
The dodocool AC750 WiFi Range Extender is an affordable and versatile device that can help improve WiFi coverage in small to medium-sized homes. It offers dual-band support, multiple modes of operation, and a relatively easy setup process. However, its performance is not as impressive as higher-end extenders, and its build quality is not as robust.
This product is best suited for users who are looking for a budget-friendly range extender and don’t require the absolute best performance. It’s a good option for eliminating dead zones and improving WiFi coverage in areas where the signal is weak.
Overall, the dodocool AC750 is a decent option for its price point. While it’s not the best WiFi range extender on the market, it offers good value for the money.
Therefore, considering its price, feature set, and performance, the dodocool AC750 earns a rating of three and a half out of five stars. It’s a solid choice for budget-conscious users who need a basic WiFi range extender.
