Totolink AC1200 EX1200L is a dual band WI-FI 802.11ac extender with two high performance antennas. The device can be used both in 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. Dual-band operation ensures a stable and fast wireless network. The E1200L can be seen as a better version of its predecessor - EX750. In the next part of the article we will take a closer look at Totolink EX1200L.
Specification and Design
The
Totolink EX1200L signal booster is designed to plug directly into a wall socket. The device is black and white in colour and has a built-in display that shows the connection status and signal strength when switched on. Totolink EX1200L can be used in every location as well as in various designs of houses or apartments. It should be mentioned that the EX1200L is slightly thinner and more compact than its predecessor, the EX750. The design of the unit has been significantly improved and the positioning of the indicator lights and buttons has also been improved from the previous version.
Special Features:
Dual-band Wi-Fi 1167 Mbps:
- 2.4 GHz band for basic applications such as email, web browsing and music.
- 5 GHZ band for gaming, 4K streaming and bandwidth-hungry applications.
Two external antennas:
The Totolink EX1200L is equipped with 2 high-performance dual-band antennas that guarantee data transfer rates of up to 1167 MB/s, making the device capable of providing internet throughout your home.
Smart Display:
The intelligent display shows the signal strength between the main WI-FI router and the EX1200L. This feature allows you to test the most optimal location for receiver installation and signal transmission.
On the right side of the device we will find a handy button to manually turn the device on and off when it is at rest. Below you will find LAN port with 10/100Mbps data transfer rate, we have to admit that it has been placed in a smart way. Such placement of the port allows you to connect the device even in a narrow location. On the other side there is double WPS button (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).
Configuration and Installation of Totolink EX1200L
The configuration process is actually very simple, but the firmware interface can seem a bit confusing. The Totolink EX1200L allows users to configure it in many different ways. Among others, quick connection via the WPS button, manual connection with a smartphone, or through Totolink applications. Today, we will focus on the configuration via a mobile application.
Installation via mobile application
During configuration the user has to remember that the device has the repeater (relay, extender) function set by default. The device is configured according to the included quick start guide via a mobile device.
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- Connect the device to the power supply.
- 2. set up a WIFI connection to the device on the mobile device.
3. connect to the address given in the manual for the device: 192.168.0.254.
Then choose the Repeater Mode and frequency. In the next step, we connect to our Wi-FI network.
The last step is to enter the password for the network from which Totolink EX1200L will obtain connection.
Speed tests
The test device was a MacBook ProA1502 with an embedded AirPort Extreme wireless adapter (Broadcom BCM4360 3x3, 1.3 Gbps PHY) running 802.11a/b/g/n/ac. We performed speed tests using WiFiPerf software, and the speed test server was iperf3 software.
Measurement point 1 - Download 50 Mbps / Upload 63 Mbps
Measurement point 2 - Download 49 Mbps / Upload 22 Mbps
Measurement point 3 - Download 49 Mbps / Upload 48 Mbps
Measurement point 4 - Download 41 Mbps / Upload 13.37 Mbps
Measurement point 5 - Download 16 Mbps / Upload 1 Mbps
Measurement point 6 - Download 48 Mbps / Upload 57 Mbps
Signal Map
We used AirSurvey software to make the signal map. For correct reading of the signal levels, please pay attention to the color legend at the bottom of the picture.
The location of Totolink AC1200 EX1200L is marked with an icon.
Summary
To sum up,
Totolink EX1200L is just a cheap and easy way to extend WI-FI coverage in our home. Devices of this type are able to do the job quite well, but we cannot expect mindblowing results from them. This is a common feature of any such range extender. EX1200L is a simple device worth recommending, designed to extend the network without any advanced functions to support the connection.