As I said in one of my previous reviews, buying technical products based on Amazon ratings can be pretty frustrating. NETGEAR EX6100 AC750 is a great example of why that is. Most of the complaints that you'll find in 1 star reviews are based on misunderstanding on how this type of product works. If you'll use this piece of hardware to extend your WiFi coverage - expect 50% less bandwidth when you connect to it since it uses that 50% to communicate with router.
If you need 100% speed, you do have alternatives:
1. This devices supports Access Point mode. Simply move slider from Extender to Access Point, connect LAN cable to this device and then use same SSID and password for WiFi.
2. If you don't want to spend time laying LAN cable, you can use one band (2.4 GHz) to communicate with router and other one (5 GHz) to communicate with devices. This can be problematic because most of the devices support only 2.4 GHz... and 5 GHz band signal will tie you closer to router.
3. Finally, you can try with other devices like TP-LINK AV500 that utilize powerline:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AWRUICG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00AWRUICG&linkCode=as2&tag=codeproject-20&linkId=5LNJ5PAFCLAMLAIG
In my case, this product was the best option because even with 50% dropdown in communication I get 15 MBit/s Internet (instead of 30 MBit/s Internet). And when I have time to spare I'll connect it with LAN cable. On the other hand, TP-LINK AV500 would require me to connect WiFi router / buy WiFi add-on at endpoint (since it is powerline + LAN).
So, if you have problems with WiFi coverage, this is probably the BEST solution for you. If you need to connect just one device using LAN cable in some remote place in your home, powerline may work (it depends on how your power lines are installed, I had really bad experience with powerline tech).
Just whatever you do, do not buy extra antennas for your router. I've left two detailed reviews on products that I've tried out and their price ($20+) is way too much for what they offer. Here are the reviews I mention, they contain more recommendations on EX6100:
Asus WL-ANT-157 Antenna:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R17FRD2FTCRJIB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B005UBNJ48&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&tag=codeproject-20&linkId=DGRPI7ZB4KW6LULE
3 x 9dBi 2.4GHz 5GHz Dual Band WiFi RP-SMA Antenna:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R1R1FM9PYRM8VM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8linkCode=ur2&tag=codeproject-20&linkId=TUFLTMG2TA7W7DYR&ASIN=B00DMJI9TA&camp=1789&creative=390957&
Speaking of price, another VERY important point - buy REFURBISHED EX6100 (~$40). Devices like this are highly unlikely to malfunction - because of low heat generation and no mechanical parts. If they work within 90 days (refurbished guarantee period)... it's highly likely they'll work for years without problems.
Let that be it for this review. If you have any questions, feel free to leave comment and I'll try to answer. For example, I see few reviews mention that EX6100 doesn't allow you to setup same SSID/password as your primary network, and have your devices autoswitch. That's simply untrue - you can easily setup same SSID/password in EX6100 administration. Finally, if this review helped you, I would appreciate marking it as helpful. Whatever you decide, good luck with your WiFi network!
| Wireless Type | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
|---|
