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.
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TP-Link AC1200 Wireless Gigabit Access Point | Desktop Wi-Fi Bridge | MU-MIMO & Beamforming | Supports Multi-SSID/Client/Range Extender Mode (TL-WA1201) (Renewed) $32.99
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From the manufacturer
Superior WiFi with MU-MIMO
Upgrade your home or office network with the advanced 802.11ac Wave 2 AP, which offers dual-band speeds of up to 1200 Mbps. MU-MIMO technology enables the AP to serve multiple devices simultaneously without congestion or latency.
Gigabit Wired Performance
Ensure fast and reliable WiFi speeds from your ISP or experience an ultra-fast connection on wired devices such as PCs, IPTVs, and more.
Flexible Deployment
TL-WA1201 features a Power over Ethernet (PoE) port that allows your Ethernet cable to carry electrical power and data simultaneously, making deployment effortless and flexible. The simple mounting design makes it easy to attach the Access Point to any wall or desktop. Passive PoE Injector is included in the package.
Boosted Coverage
Four external antennas equipped with Beamforming technology concentrate WiFi signals toward your devices, whether near or far, to extend reliable WiFi to every corner of your home or office.
Captive Portal
The Captive Portal provides devices with a convenient, user-friendly authentication interface to grant WiFi access and offers a unique marketing opportunity for small business to promote their brand.
A Mode for Every Use
Access Point Mode (Default)
Extends your existing wired network and makes it wireless, allowing you to connect all of your WiFi devices.
Multi-SSID Mode
Simultaneously supports up to four separate SSIDs and VLANs, making it ideal for offices where different departments share a WiFi network.
Range Extender Mode
Expands coverage and transmits an existing wireless signal into previously unreachable areas.
Client Mode
Acts as a powerful wireless adapter to connect your wired device to a wireless network.
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This Item  TP-Link AC1200 Wireless Gigabit Access Point Desktop Wi-Fi Bridge MU-MIMO & Beamforming Supports Multi-SSID/Client/Range Extender Mode 4 Fixed Antennas Passive PoE Powered (TL-WA1201) |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | -11% $39.99 List: $44.99 | -20% $79.99 List: $99.99 | -20% $19.99 List: $24.99 | -18% $32.99 New Price: $39.99 | -14% $29.99 Typical: $34.99 | -23% $53.99 List: $69.99 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Friday, May 3 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 3 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 3 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 3 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 3 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 3 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| WiFi signal | ||||||
| Easy to install | ||||||
| Value for money | ||||||
| User interface | ||||||
| Tech Support | ||||||
| Sold By | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Quality Photo | JMS Holdings | Amazon.com |
| connectivity tech | Ethernet | Ethernet | Wi-Fi Built In | Ethernet | Wireless | wi fi |
| number of ports | 1 | — | — | 1 | 1 | — |
| data transfer rate | 1200 gigabits per second | 3000 megabits per second | 300 megabits per second | — | 300 megabits per second | 1350 megabits per second |
| wireless standard | 802 11 AC, 802 11 A, 802 11 N, 802 11 G, 802 11 B | 802 11 AX | 802 11 N, 802 11 A, 802 11 B, 802 11 G | 802 11 AC, 802 11 A, 802 11 N, 802 11 G, 802 11 B | 802 11 BGN | 802 11 B |
| frequency band class | dual band | dual band | single band | dual band | dual band | dual band |
| security protocol | — | WPA/WPA2-Enterprise encryptions, WPA2, WPA3 | WPA2-PSK | — | WPA-PSK | — |
