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Trendnet TEW-941APBO specifications and in-depth review

Trendnet TEW-941APBO

Manufacturer: Trendnet

The Trendnet TEW-941APBO is a dual-band Wi-Fi extender built around the Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard, making it a capable option for extending wireless coverage in environments that demand modern connectivity. With support for both 802.11ac and 802.11n as well, it maintains compatibility with a broad range of client devices. Its combined wireless throughput reaches 1800 Mb/s, distributed across two frequency bands to help manage varied network demands.

On the feature side, the TEW-941APBO includes MU-MIMO and beamforming, two technologies that work together to direct wireless signals more efficiently toward connected devices. Security is covered through WPA, WPA2, and WPA3 protocols, with the newest WPA3 standard offering stronger protection for modern networks. The unit houses four external antennas and has a physical footprint of 205 mm in height, 122 mm in width, and 45 mm in thickness, with an overall volume of roughly 1125 cm³. A single LAN port is available for wired connections, and a dedicated smartphone app is included for management purposes. Operating power consumption is rated at 25W.

Pros
  • Supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) along with Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 4, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of client devices
  • Combined wireless speed of 1800 Mb/s across dual bands provides substantial throughput capacity
  • WPA3 support offers the most current standard in wireless security alongside backwards-compatible WPA and WPA2
  • MU-MIMO and beamforming are both present, enabling more efficient signal distribution to multiple devices simultaneously
  • A dedicated smartphone app is included, allowing for convenient device management
  • Four external antennas contribute to the unit's wireless signal handling across both bands
Cons
  • Mesh Wi-Fi is not supported, limiting its ability to integrate into mesh network setups
  • Only a single LAN port is available, restricting wired connectivity options
  • No WPS button is included, which may complicate quick-connect setup for some users
  • At 25W operating power consumption, energy draw is relatively notable for an extender
Who is this for?

This unit is well-suited for users looking to extend wireless coverage in environments where Wi-Fi 6 performance and modern security standards are priorities. The combination of MU-MIMO, beamforming, and dual-band operation makes it a practical fit for spaces with multiple simultaneously connected devices. Its WPA3 support also makes it a reasonable choice for users who place particular emphasis on up-to-date wireless security, and the dedicated smartphone app adds convenience for those who prefer mobile-based network management.

Who is this NOT for?

Users intending to build or expand a mesh network setup will find this unit unsuitable, as mesh Wi-Fi is not supported. Those who need multiple wired connections will also be limited by the single LAN port, making it a poor fit for setups that require connecting several devices via Ethernet. Additionally, users who rely on WPS for quick and straightforward device pairing will need to look elsewhere, as no WPS button is present on this unit.

General info:

Wi-Fi version Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
Wi-Fi speed 1800 Mb/s
Wi-Fi bands Dual-band
operating power consumption 25W
LAN ports 1

The TEW-941APBO operates across dual frequency bands and supports three Wi-Fi generations — Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), and Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) — ensuring broad compatibility with a wide range of wireless clients. Its combined Wi-Fi speed reaches 1800 Mb/s, reflecting the throughput capacity available across both bands. A single LAN port is provided for wired device connections, and the unit draws 25W during normal operation.

Features:

has MU-MIMO ✓
supports mesh Wi-Fi ✕
has beamforming ✓
Wi-Fi security protocols WPA, WPA2, WPA3
Has a dedicated smartphone app ✓
has a WPS button ✕

The TEW-941APBO includes both MU-MIMO and beamforming, allowing it to handle multiple simultaneous connections while directing wireless signals more precisely toward client devices. Security is handled through WPA, WPA2, and WPA3 protocols, with WPA3 providing the most current level of wireless protection. A dedicated smartphone app is available for device management, while mesh Wi-Fi and a WPS button are not supported on this unit.

Design:

external antennas 4
volume 1125.45 cm³
height 205 mm
width 122 mm
thickness 45 mm

The TEW-941APBO features four external antennas, which contribute to its wireless transmission capabilities. Its physical dimensions measure 205 mm in height, 122 mm in width, and 45 mm in thickness, resulting in a total volume of 1125.45 cm³ — a relatively compact footprint for a unit equipped with this antenna configuration.

Final Verdict

The Trendnet TEW-941APBO is a dual-band Wi-Fi extender that brings a meaningful set of modern wireless capabilities to its category, most notably Wi-Fi 6 support with MU-MIMO and beamforming, which together make it a competent choice for environments with multiple active devices and a need for current security standards like WPA3. Its limitations — particularly the absence of mesh Wi-Fi support, a single LAN port, and no WPS button — mean it is best suited for straightforward extension scenarios rather than complex or expanding network architectures. For users whose primary goal is reliable Wi-Fi 6 coverage with solid security and manageable setup via a smartphone app, the TEW-941APBO delivers a focused and technically relevant feature set.