A WiFi range extender (WiFi booster or WiFi repeater) is a device that relays the WiFi signal from your main WiFi router access point to expand wireless coverage. A NETGEAR WiFi extender can significantly improve wireless signal quality and speed.
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How Does a WiFi Range Extender Work?
A WiFi range extender is typically set up midway between your WiFi router and the zone you want to improve with better WiFi coverage. NETGEAR dual-band WiFi 6 range extenders automatically connect to your router and devices. Download the NETGEAR App on your smartphone or computer for a guided range extender setup.A good WiFi signal should cover a large living room and the surrounding rooms. For greater WiFi coverage up to 660 sq. m. and speeds up to 27Gbps, consider a NETGEAR Orbi 970 WiFi 7 whole-home mesh WiFi system.
How Do I Set Up My NETGEAR WiFi Range Extender?
NETGEAR WiFi range extenders are a breeze to set up. Plug the range extender in, then press the WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) buttons on your router and extender. Experiment with the position of your router, modem, and range extender to optimise connection quality with your laptops, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and other network devices. Wherever possible, the WiFi signal shouldn’t pass through concrete walls and other hard surfaces to reach your devices.
Who Needs a WiFi Extender?
WiFi range extenders are perfect in small homes and units. A good WiFi signal should cover a large living room and the surrounding rooms. But before investing in a new WiFi extender, it’s worth investigating your current WiFi router placement and wireless network’s 360° WiFi signal coverage. NETGEAR Orbi whole-home WiFi 7 mesh systems are the better alternative for large homes and expansive smart home layouts.
WiFi Extender Capabilities
WiFi extenders are a great way to improve WiFi coverage, as long as the extender matches your router and wireless network capabilities. A new NETGEAR WiFi range extender will even function with an older wireless router, but it won’t improve that router’s performance. Every new WiFi standard has dramatically improved upon previous standards. NETGEAR solutions include WiFi extenders in desktop or wall plug-in styles with LAN Ethernet port adapters for the fastest available Ethernet cable connection speeds.
Selecting the ideal WiFi Extender
Desktop WiFi extenders are powerful wireless devices, often with Ethernet ports included. The best plug-in extenders also feature an Ethernet port and a power-thru so you can continue to use the powerpoint. Range extenders use the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radio frequencies. Some of the most popular NETGEAR range extenders include:
AX1600 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender (EAX12) Dual-band WiFi 6 Mesh Extender, 1.6Gbps, Wall-plug, Internal Antenna.
AC1200 WiFi Mesh Extender (EX6110) Dual-band WiFi Range Extender, 1.2Gbps, Wall-plug, Internal Antenna.
AC1900 WiFi Mesh Extender (EX6400) Dual-band WiFi Mesh Extenders – Essentials Edition, 1.9Gbps, Wall-plug, Internal Antenna.
AC1750 WiFi Mesh Extender (EX6250) Dual-band WiFi Mesh Extender, 1.7Gbps, Wall-plug, Internal Antenna.
NETGEAR dual-band WiFi extenders are designed to meet performance expectations. These devices include powerful internal antennas for impressive gigabit speeds and improved WiFi coverage. You will experience better connections and enjoy faster WiFi network performance.
Detailed Manual WiFi Extender Setup
Download the Nighthawk App on your Apple or Android smartphone or your computer. Then, follow these steps for easy setup of your new WiFi range extender.
1. Power-Up: Plug in your extender. Look for the Power LED to light up.
2. Connect: Use your computer or mobile device to connect to the extender’s WiFi network.
3. Access the Setup Page: Open your app or Windows/Apple browser New Extender Setup page.
4. Admin Credentials: Agree to the admin credential terms and pick a unique password.
5. Security Questions: Choose and answer two password recovery security questions.
6. Connect to your network: Follow the prompts to connect to the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
7. Configure Extender Network: Set up SSIDs and passwords for your extender.
8. Apply Settings: The extender will apply your settings once your password is entered.
9. Connect Devices: Note down the network name (SSID) and connect your devices to the network.
10. Finalise Setup: Check the confirmation box and click CONTINUE.
Congratulations, your NETGEAR Range Extender is now enhancing your home WiFi network!
WiFi Range Extender Advantages
WiFi extenders are a convenient way to improve your broadband or WiFi network signal reach. NETGEAR Nighthawk range extenders are the number one choice in Australia for many reasons:
- NETGEAR WiFi range extenders work with your existing router.
- An extender will significantly increase your network WiFi range.
- You can target priority devices with the range extender signal.
- Range extenders are a cost-effective way to improve WiFi network performance.
- Range extenders don’t take up much room.
A WiFi range extender setup midway between the router and target space can be the ideal way to transform a dead zone into a strong WiFi signal space. However, range extenders do have their limitations. For better wireless range, the fastest available WiFi speeds, and tri-band or quad-band performance, it’s worth considering NETGEAR Orbi whole-home mesh WiFi 6E or WiFi 7 with multiple satellites for extending the signal upstairs and downstairs, from the front door to the backyard.
Future-Proofed NETGEAR Performance
NETGEAR has been a global WiFi system leader since the 1990s, and we remain committed to creating the most innovative and transformative wireless networking products on the market. NETGEAR has the solutions for future-proofed 21st-century networking devices of today and tomorrow.
