Are you tired of those frustrating dead zones in your home where your Wi-Fi signal simply vanishes? Do you struggle to stream videos, work remotely, or even browse the web reliably due to a weak Wi-Fi signal? Many of us face this problem, and thankfully, solutions exist to amplify and extend your existing wireless network. The dodocool AC750 WiFi range extender, access point repeater router offers a potential answer, promising to boost your Wi-Fi coverage and eliminate those frustrating dead spots. This review dives deep into its features, performance, and overall value to help you determine if it’s the right solution for your needs.
This compact device aims to deliver reliable Wi-Fi to areas your existing router can’t reach. With its dual-band capabilities and multiple modes – repeater, router, and access point – it seems versatile enough for a variety of setups. But does it live up to its promises? We put the dodocool AC750 through its paces to see if it truly delivers on its claims of improved range and speed. This review is specifically geared towards home users, small office owners, and anyone struggling with weak Wi-Fi signals who is looking for an affordable and easy-to-setup solution. Let’s find out if this device is worth the investment.
Unboxing and Design Aesthetics
The dodocool AC750 arrives in a fairly standard, compact cardboard box. Inside, you’ll find the range extender itself, a quick installation guide, and a short Ethernet cable. The packaging is functional and protects the device adequately during shipping.
The extender itself is relatively small and lightweight. Its dimensions make it unobtrusive, blending easily into most environments. It’s primarily constructed from plastic, which feels reasonably sturdy but not exceptionally premium. The white color keeps it discreet, and it won’t stand out too much in your home.
On the front, you’ll find LED indicators that display the power status, Wi-Fi signal strength, and Ethernet connectivity. These lights are helpful for troubleshooting and understanding the device’s operating status.
The sides and back of the device feature ventilation slots to help dissipate heat. On the bottom, there’s a label with the device’s default SSID and password, which you’ll need for initial setup. The back also houses the physical ports and buttons.
These ports include a single Ethernet port, which can be used to connect the extender to your existing network in access point mode, or to connect a wired device to the extended network. There’s also a WPS button for quick and easy setup and a recessed reset button to restore the device to its factory settings. The WPS button is especially useful for users who want a hassle-free installation experience.
Overall, the design is practical and functional. While the plastic construction doesn’t scream luxury, it’s perfectly adequate for its intended purpose. The compact size and discreet design make it easy to place in any room without being an eyesore. My initial impression is that it seems like a straightforward and user-friendly device.
Features and Technical Specifications
The dodocool AC750 WiFi range extender access point repeater router supports the latest wireless standards including wireless AC/A/B/G/N protocols. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices, from older laptops and smartphones to newer smart TVs and gaming consoles. It operates on both the two point four GHz and five GHz frequency bands, allowing you to choose the band that best suits your needs.
The combined wireless speed is up to seven hundred fifty Mbps, which is distributed between the two bands. The two point four GHz band offers speeds up to three hundred Mbps, while the five GHz band can reach speeds up to four hundred fifty Mbps. The actual speeds you experience will depend on your internet connection, the distance from the extender, and the number of devices connected.
A key feature is its versatility in terms of operating modes. It can function as a repeater, router, or access point.
Repeater Mode
This is the most common use case, where the extender amplifies your existing Wi-Fi signal. It connects wirelessly to your main router and rebroadcasts the signal, extending the coverage area. This mode is ideal for eliminating dead zones in homes or offices.
Router Mode
In router mode, the extender acts as a standalone router, creating a new wireless network. You can connect it to your modem using the Ethernet port and set up a separate Wi-Fi network. This mode is useful for creating a guest network or separating your home and work networks.
Access Point Mode
In access point mode, the extender connects to your existing router via Ethernet cable and creates a new wireless access point. This is useful for adding Wi-Fi to a wired network or for improving the performance of an existing wireless network.
The device incorporates internal antennas. While external antennas often provide better range, internal antennas keep the design compact and streamlined. The device also supports WPA/WPA2 encryption, ensuring that your wireless network is secure from unauthorized access. The Wi-Fi Protected Setup feature further simplifies the connection process.
Setup and Easy Configuration
Setting up the dodocool AC750 is a relatively straightforward process, although I encountered a minor hurdle in identifying the correct initial webpage for configuration. The quick start guide points you towards a specific IP address, which didn’t work immediately in my test environment. However, a quick search online solved the problem and I was directed to use ‘re.dodocool.com’ instead.
Once connected to the extender’s default Wi-Fi network (as indicated on the device’s label), accessing the web interface is quite intuitive. The interface is basic but functional, allowing you to configure the extender in repeater, router, or access point mode.
Repeater Mode Setup
To set it up as a repeater, you simply select the repeater mode in the web interface and then scan for available Wi-Fi networks. You then select your existing network, enter the password, and the extender connects and rebroadcasts the signal. The configuration wizard is easy to follow, and the entire process takes just a few minutes.
Router Mode Setup
Setting it up as a router involves connecting the extender to your modem via Ethernet cable, and then configuring the WAN settings. The web interface guides you through the process of setting up a DHCP server, configuring wireless settings and choosing a password.
Access Point Mode Setup
Access point mode is also simple. Connect the extender to your existing router via Ethernet cable, and select access point mode in the web interface. You then configure the wireless settings, and the extender creates a new wireless access point.
The WPS button offers an even simpler setup option. Simply press the WPS button on your router and then press the WPS button on the extender, and the two devices will automatically connect. I found the WPS setup to be the fastest and easiest method.
The web interface itself is fairly basic, but it provides all the necessary settings for configuring the extender. You can change the SSID, password, security settings, and other advanced options. The interface is responsive and easy to navigate.
Performance Metrics Under Pressure
To assess the dodocool AC750’s performance, I conducted several tests in different scenarios. I focused on range extension, speed, and stability.
Range Extension Testing
I tested the range extension by placing the extender in a location where the Wi-Fi signal from my main router was weak. I then measured the Wi-Fi signal strength in various locations throughout my home, both with and without the extender.
I found that the extender significantly improved the Wi-Fi signal strength in areas where it was previously weak or non-existent. The coverage area was noticeably expanded, allowing me to stream videos and browse the web without interruptions in previously dead zones.
Speed Testing Protocol
I used speedtest.net to measure the internet speed with and without the extender. I conducted tests on both the two point four GHz and five GHz bands.
The speed tests revealed that the extender did reduce the internet speed slightly compared to connecting directly to my main router. However, the speed was still adequate for most tasks, such as browsing the web, streaming videos, and working remotely. The five GHz band offered significantly faster speeds than the two point four GHz band.
Stability Analysis
I tested the stability of the connection by connecting multiple devices to the extender and running various bandwidth-intensive tasks simultaneously. I streamed videos, downloaded files, and played online games.
The connection remained stable throughout the testing process, with no noticeable dropouts or interruptions. The extender was able to handle multiple connected devices without any issues.
Heat Dissipation Assessment
I monitored the temperature of the device during operation. It did get warm, but not excessively so. The ventilation slots seemed to effectively dissipate heat.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the dodocool AC750:
The Pluses
Good Wi-Fi coverage extension, effectively eliminating dead zones.
Remarkably affordable price point, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
Versatile operation with repeater, router, and access point modes.
Relatively easy setup, especially using the WPS button.
Compact and discreet design that blends easily into any environment.
The Minuses
Performance is limited compared to high-end extenders, especially in terms of speed.
The plastic build quality feels a little cheap.
Web interface is basic and lacks some advanced features.
Achieved speeds were lower than the maximum advertised.
Exploring Alternatives
Several competing Wi-Fi range extenders are available on the market. Some popular alternatives include the TP-Link RE220, Netgear EX6120, and Linksys RE7000. These extenders offer similar features, but they vary in terms of price, performance, and build quality.
The TP-Link RE220 is a budget-friendly option that offers decent performance. The Netgear EX6120 is a mid-range extender that provides a good balance of performance and features. The Linksys RE7000 is a high-end extender that offers the best performance, but it’s also the most expensive.
Someone might choose a different product if they need faster speeds, better build quality, or more advanced features. However, the dodocool AC750 remains a compelling option for users on a tight budget who need a simple and effective way to extend their Wi-Fi coverage.
Concluding Remarks
The dodocool AC750 WiFi range extender access point repeater router is a solid option for users looking to boost their Wi-Fi coverage without breaking the bank. It offers good range extension, versatile operation modes, and relatively easy setup. While its performance isn’t on par with high-end extenders, it’s more than adequate for most home users.
Overall, I would give this device a rating of four out of five stars. It’s a good value for the price, and it effectively addresses the problem of Wi-Fi dead zones. It’s best suited for users with smaller homes or apartments who need to extend their Wi-Fi coverage to a few specific areas.
If you’re struggling with weak Wi-Fi signals and you’re looking for an affordable and easy-to-use solution, the dodocool AC750 is definitely worth considering. Before purchasing, double check that the official webpage for configuration is ‘re.dodocool.com’.
You can find the dodocool AC750 WiFi range extender on various online retailers. I encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences with this product in the comments below. Have you used it? What are your impressions? Your feedback will help other users make informed decisions.
