AVM Fritz!WLAN Repeater

This is the AVM Fritz!WLAN Repeater N/G, a wireless network range extender that has some clever tricks up its sleeve, not least the display on the front.

Installation is simpler than we have come to expect from a wireless device, although you will need an adapter for European plug. This also makes it stick out more from the wall.

It’s easiest to install with a router that supports WPS such as the routers from AVM. Press the WPS button on the router and plug the repeater in. The two will connect automatically.

And they really do, against my expectations. A WPS button is not essential as the Repeater can be set up without one.

The settings are remembered after it is unplugged. So I was able to have the repeater, router and computer in the same place just in case the setup got complicated. Settings on the repeater can be changed with the browser-based tool.

When connected the Repeater displays the signal strength and network information on the display. It’s very bright and maybe a little on the blocky side, but it’s useful for keeping an eye on what’s happening on your network.

What really sets this apart is that the Repeater can be used to play music from your computer over the network. You can connect the Repeater in one of three ways, a standard 3.5mm jack socket, digital output or a short-range FM transmitter.

Rather than play music from the network itself, the Repeater works by installing some software in Windows that makes the Repeater look like some USB speakers. Music can then be played in Windows Media Player and listened to on the speakers connected to the Repeater.

We found the WLAN Repeater on the Amazon Marketplace for around £90. It's expensive for a wireless repeater but better value if you also want the audio player.