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Netgear WiFi Range Extender with Ethernet Port

Netgear WiFi Range Extender with Ethernet Port

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There are many situations where a WiFi range extender with a Ethernet port or two might be what you need to simply solve poor wireless signal problems.

The WiFi Dead Zone

No matter how strong your router’s WiFi signal is, invariably there will be areas of your home or yard where the wireless signal is weak or disappears completely. This is because WiFi signals don’t travel well through various objects, such as dense walls, metal objects such as appliances, etc. Electrical interference from microwave ovens, cordless phones and similar devices also weaken the WiFi signal strength.

Boost Your WiFi From Your Wireless Router

Before buying a wireless range extender or other WiFi amplifier, you’ll want to be sure your existing WiFi signal is optimized. If your router is several years you should probably upgrade to a newer model. Modern routers use better technology such as dual and tri-band, and beamforming to provide faster WiFi to multiple devices. Choose a central location for your router, preferably up high and away from other electrical devices. Also, make sure that you have set a complex WiFi password. This will prevent neighbors from slowing your Internet connection by stealing your bandwidth.

Connect stationary devices to your router via Ethernet cables. This will free up your wireless signals for the portable devices that require WiFi. If it is not practical to run Ethernet cables to your equipment, then powerline network adapters would be a good alternative. Powerline network adapters utilize your existing electrical wiring to extend an Ethernet connection.

My WiFi Is Still Slow

OK, so you followed the tips above to speed up your WiFi and it is still slow or drops out completely in certain locations in your home. You are a candidate for wireless range extenders and/or WiFi range extenders with Ethernet port(s). These are also called wireless signal boosters, Internet boosters or WiFi amplifiers and are sold by many leading electronics suppliers such as Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, Securifi, D-Link, TrendNet, Amped Wireless and more. This review will focus on Netgear WiFi Range Extenders with Ethernet Ports.

WiFi Extenders vs Powerline WiFi Extenders

Either of these devices can dramatically increase your WiFi range without running any Ethernet cabling. If you can easily run Ethernet cables to problem areas, then I would recommend using WAPs (Wireless Access Points) instead. WAPs connect to your router via Ethernet and then broadcast a WiFi signal.

WiFi Extenders

A WiFi extender boosts your wireless coverage area by receiving your existing WiFi signal from your router amplifying and repeating it using its own wireless radio. WiFi extenders should be located midway between your router and the area where the WiFi signal is weak.

NETGEAR AC1900 WiFi Range Extender – Essentials Edition (EX6400)

The Netgear EX6400 is a top rated dual band wireless range extender that boosts your existing wireless network range, utilizing dual band 801.11 AC WiFi that delivers up to 1900 Mbps. The Netgear EX6400 is ideal for HD video streaming and gaming and works with any standard WiFi router.

With over 15,000 customer reviews the EX6400 gets 4 out of 5 stars which is an excellent rating.

Ideal for extending WiFi to devices like the iPhone 6S, Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, iPad Air 2, and MacBook Pro
Extreme dual band Wireless speed – up to 1.9 Gbps
High-power amplifiers & internal antenna array increases wireless range
MU-MIMO for simultaneously streaming to multiple devices
FastLane Technology – Use both WiFi bands to establish one super high-speed connection; ideal for HD streaming & gaming
Works with any standard router or gateway

Check the current price for the NETGEAR AC1900 WiFi Range Extender at Amazon by clicking below.

Wi-Fi Extender Installation

Advantages of WiFi Extenders

Easiest Installation
Lowest Cost WiFi Booster
Quick Wireless Speed Boost

Disadvantages of WiFi Extenders

Susceptible to Interference
Must Be Able to Pick Up Existing WiFi Signal
Typically Slower than Powerline Extenders

Powerline WiFi Extenders

Netgear PLW1010 Essentials Edition

Powerline WiFi extenders are sold as a set. One connects to your router via Ethernet and the other plugs into the area where you want to boost the WiFi coverage. They are typically more expensive than standard wireless extenders, but can be located anywhere that is powered by the same electrical panel as the base unit. They use your existing electrical wiring for network communications and thus don’t require a WiFi signal from the router. They are also immune from WiFi interference issues, since they don’t rely on a WiFi connection to your router.

Note: Plug the powerline wireless extender directly into a electrical outlet. Do not use surge suppressing power strips as they can interfere with full speed operation of the device.

NETGEAR PowerLINE 1000 Mbps WiFi, 802.11ac, 1 Gigabit Port – Essentials Edition (PLW1010-100NAS)

The is a Netgear PLW1010-100NAS is top rated Powerline Wireless Extender with 801.11 AC WiFi and a Gigabit Ethernet port. With over 1200 Amazon customer reviews this booster also gets a excellent 4 stars.

Increased WiFi Connectivity for Mobile Devices

Gigabit PowerLINE WiFi speed.
Perfect for connecting smart TVs, streaming players and game consoles.
Ideal for 4K streaming & lag-free gaming.
Pick-a-plug LED for highest possible performance.
Sets up in minutes, no need to install software.
Secures the network connection with the touch of a button.
Energy saving – powers down when not connected.
Creates a new WiFi hotspot anywhere in your house.

Check the current price for the NETGEAR PLW1010 Powerline Wireless Range Extender at Amazon by clicking below.

Advantages of Powerline WiFi Extenders

Immune from WiFi Interference
Existing WiFi Signal Not Needed
Usually Faster Than Wireless WiFi Boosters

Disadvantages of Powerline WiFi Extenders

More Expensive
Requires a Minimum of 2 Units
Must Have Access to Router Ethernet LAN Port

WiFi Range Extenders with Ethernet Ports

Regardless of which type you buy, you’ll want the models that include Ethernet ports in addition to the wireless extender.

The Ethernet port enables you to connect devices such as video game consoles, smart TVs, etc. to your extended wireless network via Ethernet to minimize the number of WiFi connections and traffic. Some models include multiple Ethernet ports or you can connect a multi-port Ethernet switch to a WiFi range extender with one Ethernet port.

Slow Internet Speed

Remember, if your Internet speed from your ISP is slow than no router, booster, amplifier or other device regardless of speed and cost will increase your Internet speed. The only way to speed up a slow Internet connection is to get a faster Internet speed package or change to a faster Internet service provider.

I had Cox Gigablast Internet Installed and the speeds are amazing.