New Amped Wireless Wi-Fi Range Extender Has Pass-Through Power Outlet, USB Port

Amped Wireless began shipping a Wi-Fi range extender in a wall plug design, pitching it as a way for consumers to boost the reach of their Wi-Fi network without having to sacrifice a wall outlet. The $99 REC22P range extender has its own pass-through power outlet, allowing users to plug in a lamp or other device that would otherwise require an extension cord or relocation to accommodate the extender. The device also has a rapid-charge USB port for charging smartphones or tablets, said the company. The REC22P’s design includes eight amplifiers and two high-gain antennas that push the Wi-Fi signal through thick walls, ceilings and doors to eliminate dead spots, said Amped. The extender’s BoostBand technology is said to increase overall speed by prioritizing Wi-Fi traffic over the optimal frequency, it said. The REC22P can extend the range of a standard Wi-Fi router by up to 11,000 square feet, said the company.