14 DAY TRIAL // Wi-Fi routers can be truly powerful, capable of broadcasting signal to and from several devices at once, all the while maintaining a strong link to the Internet through an equally wireless access point or 3G router, or a physical connection.
However, walls and furniture invariably affect the strength of the signal, which leads to certain parts of a home or larger household being outside the reach of the router.
That, or the signal strength is so weak that using any PC or phone feature reliant on it is nothing but an exercise in frustration. That's where range extenders come in.
TRENDnet has just released one such range extender, one that also integrates a Home Smart Switch capability.
Called THA-101, it needs to be placed in an area where the Wi-Fi signal is of at least 2 bars. Then, you have to install an app and the integrated N300 wireless extender broadcasts signal to previously unreachable zones of your home.
The integrated switch functionality allows you to plug a light or fan into the electrical outlet (located on the front of the THA-101). After that, the special app associated with the THA-101 will let you turn it on or off from any mobile device with an Internet connection.
The app also displays real-time energy consumption info like current (in mA), voltage, power (in Watts), and total energy use (in kW).
Unfortunately, TRENDnet did not specify a price for the THA-101 range extender and switch combo device.
