After my TP-LINK N300 wireless extender started to fail, I decided it was time to upgrade to a more reliable wifi extender. One of the first websites I check for tech product reviews is The WireCutter. I decided to purchase the NETGEAR AC1200 WiFi Extender from their review. Overall I’ve been happy with the range and performance. I did have trouble with the first time setup because I was using my iPhone and couldn’t click some buttons. Once I tried from my laptop I was able to get everything setup.
I would only recommend a wifi extender if:
- You can’t move your current wireless router to a central location
- Own a high end wireless router but still have dead spots
- Running ethernet is not an option
A few additional thoughts:
- The NETGEAR AC1200 WiFi Extender has 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports and one of them can be used to wire your extender to your router. I would recommend this if you can run ethernet to the extender.
- If you interested in a more expensive option, I’d recommend the Eero Home WiFi System
- Wired networks will always be more reliable than wireless
- Wireless extenders work well for streaming and web browsing but are not great for copying large files
- If possible several wired access points would be a better option than a wifi extender.
- If you have an older wireless router, I’d recommend upgrading your router first.
Thanks for reading. Make sure you follow me on Twitter to stay up to date on the progress of my side projects T.LY, Weather Extension, and Link Shortener Extension. If you are interested in the tech I use daily, check out my uses page.
Tim,
Thank your for sharing – WiFi coverage at home / office is always an open issue and seems no one single solution can fit all.
Thank you and keep them coming.