Extending your home Wi-Fi network can be a real game-changer, and after spending several weeks testing the Mi WiFi Range Extender RA75/RC04/DVB4348GL/AC1200 (hereafter referred to as the RA75), I’m ready to share my comprehensive review. This AC1200 extender promises to eliminate dead zones and boost speeds, but does it deliver on its promises?

The RA75 boasts a sleek, black design that blends seamlessly into most home environments. Its compact size makes it easy to place discreetly, and the color-coded indicator lights are a helpful guide for optimal placement. Beyond aesthetics, the key features include dual-band support (2.5GHz and 5GHz), an Ethernet port for wired connections, and relatively simple setup.

My testing involved placing the RA75 in various locations within my home, measuring speeds in areas with traditionally weak signals. I conducted speed tests using Ookla’s Speedtest.net, both with and without the extender. In areas where my router struggled, the RA75 provided a significant boost – I saw an average increase of 30-40% in download speeds on the 5GHz band. However, the improvement was less dramatic on the 2.5GHz band, which is expected. Streaming 4K video was smooth and lag-free even in previously problematic areas, proving its effectiveness for bandwidth-intensive tasks. The Ethernet port proved invaluable for connecting my smart TV, providing a consistently stable connection compared to relying solely on WiFi.

One minor drawback I noticed was that, despite its “AC1200” label and a claimed max data transfer rate of 867 Mbps, real-world speeds were generally lower. This is fairly common with WiFi extenders, however. While not reaching the theoretical maximums, performance was still a considerable improvement over the existing Wi-Fi network in less-than-ideal areas.

Pros:

• Significant speed improvements in areas with weak Wi-Fi signals.
• Simple setup and intuitive color-coded indicator lights.
• Compact and unobtrusive design.
• Useful Ethernet port for wired connections.
• Reliable performance for streaming and other bandwidth-intensive applications.

Cons:

• Real-world speeds don’t always match the advertised maximum.
• Slight range reduction compared to expectations based on advertised speeds.

Overall, the Mi WiFi Range Extender RA75/RC04/DVB4348GL/AC1200 is a solid performer that successfully addresses the issue of Wi-Fi dead zones. While its real-world speeds may not hit the theoretical maximums, the performance gains are substantial enough to justify its purchase for most users. The ease of setup and the inclusion of an Ethernet port further enhance its value. I would recommend this extender to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable solution to extend their home Wi-Fi network.