🚀 Elevate your Wi-Fi game—fast, flexible, and future-ready!
The TP-Link TL-WA1201 is a high-performance AC1200 wireless access point featuring MU-MIMO technology for simultaneous multi-device connectivity at speeds up to 1200 Mbps. It supports four versatile modes including Client, Multi-SSID, Range Extender, and Access Point, powered conveniently via Passive PoE. Equipped with four beamforming antennas, it delivers extended, reliable Wi-Fi coverage ideal for professional and home office environments.
Wireless Type | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g |
Brand | TP-Link |
Series | TL-WA1201 |
Item model number | TL-WA1201 |
Operating System | ZyNOS |
Item Weight | 10.6 ounces |
Product Dimensions | 8.86 x 5.73 x 1.46 inches |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 8.86 x 5.73 x 1.46 inches |
Color | White |
Voltage | 12 Volts (DC) |
Manufacturer | TP-Link |
ASIN | B08SBXVSF3 |
Country of Origin | Vietnam |
Date First Available | December 31, 2020 |
I**Y
Flexible, Reliable, and Seriously Underrated
This little beast supports four modes out of the box:Access Point Mode – turn wired into wireless ✔️Range Extender Mode – repeat an existing signal ✔️Client Mode – convert Ethernet-only devices (like a printer or old PC) into Wi-Fi clients ✔️Multi-SSID Mode – create segmented guest networks with VLANs ✔️I ran this in both Access Point and Extender modes in a tricky layout (concrete walls, multi-floor), and it pushed out clean dual-band signal without any noticeable lag or packet loss. Plus, MU-MIMO and beamforming help direct the signal where it matters—great for multi-device households or streaming-heavy setups.What I Like:Dual-band speeds (867 Mbps on 5GHz + 300 Mbps on 2.4GHz)—solid for most streaming and gamingGigabit Ethernet port = no bottleneck on backhaul or client modePassive PoE support—clean mounting, especially if you're running it up a wall or ceilingFour fixed antennas deliver real coverage, not just marketing fluffPro Tips:Pair with a modern router for max benefit—don't bottleneck this thing with an old base stationUse a dedicated SSID in AP mode for clean handoff between routersIn Range Extender mode, place it midway between router and dead zone for best balance of signal vs. speedWhat Could Be Better:Web interface is solid but not quite as slick as newer TP-Link Omada gearFixed antennas = solid signal but less customization of directionNo mesh functionality—if you want seamless handoff, go Deco insteadTL;DR:The TP-Link TL-WA1201 is a super versatile, cost-effective, and stable Wi-Fi extender/access point. Whether you’re bridging old gear, extending signal to a dead zone, or segmenting networks with VLANs—it handles it all quietly and efficiently.No dropped Zoom calls. No gaming lag. Just clean, customizable Wi-Fi wherever you need it.
D**E
Fixed Wifi Problems
Solves signal problem in my house. Using it as an access point for 1/3 of my house. Easy set up. Provides great coverage and much more stable signal.I have a 1980s brick ranch home that's 90' long with sand finish plaster skim coat finish on my walls; the type of construction just kills signals. I was lucky to get a -75 to -85 signal in my office from my hub 40' away; now I'm at -41 and speed is much better too. Even worse in my wife's office at the other end of the house in the room over garage. By dropping access points at both ends, now everything runs much smoother and Ring cameras work much better.
R**F
Stock firmware is unstable on 5GHz, but OpenWRT works great
TL;dr -- this AP is another case of good hardware, awful firmware. The OEM firmware makes this device unusable, but flashing OpenWRT makes it useful again.Full Review:I bought this access point to use as a wireless client bridge for a computer in my house that gets an extremely poor wireless signal. Initially, I was disappointed because I was limited to a 2.4GHz connection, as the 5GHz connection was too unstable to be used. I'd regularly run into issues watching YouTube videos, browsing the web, or making Zoom calls.The solution was to use the 2.4GHz radio instead. This meant that my connection was limited to ~45-60mbps, which pales in comparison to a typical 5GHz connection speed of ~250-300mbps. For reference, my iPhone 11 is able to pull ~560-620mbps when placed next to the hardwired access point.i initially considered returning the AP, but then I found someone online had ported OpenWRT to this access point. Although this may void the warranty, it solved my issue. No longer do I have stability issues with the 5GHz radio, which means that I have both a reliable and fast connection to the Internet again my home office.OpenWRT is great, although it's far more complicated of an interface than the default TP-Link one. I would not recommend using this device in this configuration unless you're familiar with more advanced networking concepts or are willing to learn.Pros:- Inexpensive- Supports wireless client bridge mode.- Supports PoE using the provided injector. This is extremely beneficial to my setup, since I can place the AP where I best receive a signal, even though I don't have a power outlet nearby.- The Qualcomm Atheros QCA9886 802.11acn wireless radio has excellent performance- Gigabit LAN port (to the reviewer claiming it doesn't have one, this is simply not the case; there's no way I'd be able to pull 300mbps if it had a 10/100 interface).- The default firmware supports bridge mode with DHCP & NAT disabled, which means that every device connected through this AP has its real Ethernet MAC address exposed. If you plan to use this on a college campus or want your connected device(s) to be bridged to the parent network, this is very useful. If you use this mode, you can still control the AP's settings using the assign IP address for the access point itself.Cons:- Default firmware means that the 5GHz radio is unstable. I also had problems with controlling the LEDs and updating settings.Bonus Pro-tip:I only used this device with one computer, but you could easily use an Ethernet switch with the single port on the back of this device to connect multiple computers/devices.
Trustpilot
2 days ago
2 months ago