NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Extender EAX12, Adds up to 960 sq ft, 1.6 Gbps

Was a bit concerned as there seems to be a few horror stories on setup. I have a WPS button on my (BT Homehub 3) router and so opted to try that method. - Note that the supplied instructions for WPS setup in the booklet are good. - Plug in the extender relatively near to your hub/router. Power button is amber at first and then turns green. Don't be tempted to plug it in where you have the reception problem! - Press the WPS button on the extender. The WPS LED on the extender will flash green - Then press the WPS button on the router. The wireless LED on the router then flashes orange (this will be router specific but valid for the BT hub in question) - First time nothing much else happened. After about 2 mins nothing had connected and everything had reverted back to the way it was). - Repeated the exercise and this time the wireless LED on the router illuminated blue (as it should be in normal use). On the extender the WPS LED was now solid green and the router LED was now illuminated (solid green). - You can now unplug the extender and move it. Placement obviously depends on your circumstances (and whether you are using multiple extenders) but for one extender then find a socket about half way between your router and the dead zone - Now this is where it is easy to think job done. I assumed the extender would simply extend the use the same SSID as the hub and authenticate automatically any device that had accessed the hub's wifi. But on each wireless device you want to connect, you have to manually select the SSID of the extender. It will be the name of your hub with _EXT appended to the name. If you forget this step then your devices will simply be trying to connect to the hub as before and so you have achieved nothing! Note this is explained in the instruction booklet. No excuses! - Enter your normal hub/router password and the device joins the new network - Remember that the extender and the hub/router wireless operate as two separate WiFi networks and so your device will not see it as one network and connect to whichever has the stronger signal as you move around. In fact for me my extender is very central and so now generally works from anywhere - If I am connected to the hub's wifi network and then move to the dead zone then I will see my device temporarily lose wifi and then connect to the extender's wifi (so for example on a mobile phone then the wifi symbol reverts to 3G/4G and then about 20 seconds later will pick up the extender - You can check signal strength (to test for optimal placement) both on your device (e.g. signal strength bars) and at the extender where there is a device LED that should glow green (or amber). If red then move the extender. I guess optimally you want it green - The extender does take about a minute to restart and reconnect if you unplug it and move it and so if you are experimenting with placement then be patient for it to complete its restart and reconnect - 5 stars? - well I have only been using it for an hour! We will see - Not sure what happens if you have multiple of these. Do they each get a new SSID? e.g _EXT, _EXT_1 etc. I presume that Netgear has thought of this! UPDATE: has been working well for 18 months. Had to set it up on a different router (this time Virgin Media V6 Hub). So first step is to reset the extender by inserting a paper clip into small hole in underside). Took me a couple of goes to force it to reset but you can check it is reset as the SSID reverts to “NETGEAR_EXT”. Then repeat the WPS setup. For me this did not work but then I realised the repeater works with 2.4Ghz only and my router was 5Ghz. So I would either have to turn on 2.4Ghz on the router or use manual setup which does let you repeat any 2.4Ghz WiFi it can see rather than just the one coming from the router. For some reason the manual setup process requires you create an account. No idea why. And each time you do a reset you have to create a new account. The manual process seemed prone to have to repeat some steps but stick with it and it will ask for your SSID passcode. Then the extender appears as before with the name of “your chosen SSID_EXT”. OK so not perfect but worthy of 5 stars as excellent fix to WiFi black spots for little money.

I am relatively tech-savvy, but I made the rare mistake of reading and (trying to) follow the installation instructions, which caused me a good hour of headaches and nearly resulted in the unit being returned. Now it is up and running it is great - have it about ten metres from the router in an area where the signal is quite weak due to thick walls in an old house, but it is linked well and provides an excellent signal at the rear of the house and into the garden, all of which was pretty much a deadsport previously. Following the supplied instructions and trying to install via a browser window (page 10 of manual) I was unable to access the router - the address was not recognised and I kept being redirected to a "support page". After an online "chat" I was given a free-phone number to contact Netgear support - this worked easily enough, but the support was next to useless - told me I would not be able to use the extender without purchasing additional software!!! I then did what I (and probably 80% of the population) normally do and tried to install it without referring to the manual......2 minutes later all sorted and working perfectly!!!! Hopefully you will not have these issues, but if you do need any help, here is how I did it; -Plug unit into socket close to router and power on - orange light will show and after 30 seconds (approx) will turn green. -Press WPS button on left side of unit - second light on unit will start to flash green. -On your computer look for available wi-fi networks, the Netgear extender will show, click to connect. -This will automaticaaly open a browser tab (I had the browser open already) with the login page for the extender. -follow the on page instructions to enter account and security / logon details. Router light will illuminate on extender. -when this is complete, unplug extender and position in area of house between router and (as close as possible to) deadspots you wish to eliminate. Unit will power up as before. -On laptop / phone / tablet etc search wi-fi connections for your newly named network and log on. -hopefully, as for me, it will now work a treat! Hope this helps! Edit 14 October 2017 - Thank you to all for your kind comments, I am so glad my review has been helpful and really appreciate you taking the time to let me know. I apologise for not replying to your individual comments. I have amended my review from 4 stars to 5 stars as the unit has now been plugged in for nearly 4 months and has performed without fault. It has not had to be unplugged / reset and has given me an excellent signal throughout this time.

It's a great device and provides excellent wifi coverage in what were 'dead spots' in parts of our house. The superb review posted by Timotei on 27 June 2017 showed how to install this extender. I have added a couple of extra notes to what was written based on my experience: -Plug unit into socket close to router and power on - orange light will show and after 30 seconds (approx) will turn green after the unit has booted up -Press WPS button on left side of unit - the second WPS light on unit will start to flash green. -On your computer look for available wi-fi networks, the Netgear extender will show as Netgear_EXT, click to connect to this network -This may automatically open a browser tab (have the browser open already) with the login page for the extender. -If the page does not open automatically, enter the mywifiext (dot) net address in the browser URL bar -Click on Extender Setup, and fill in your account details on the next page -The next pages allow you to enter account and security / logon details. The green Router light will illuminate on the extender -You'll then be asked to connect a device to the _EXT network and click continue. You're already connected, so hit continue ! -The green Device light on the extender will illuminate, and the set up should finish. You should now be connected to the Internet via your _EXT network -However, the set up may NOT finish ok, but give you 404 page not found errors. If you check on you network connection status it will say 'No Internet, Secure'. This will happen even if all the green lights are on. If you run the network troubleshooter it will say no valid IP address. To solve the issue, switch your router off and back on again, your router should then recognize the extender and you'll be on the Internet -when all this is complete, unplug the extender and position it in an area of house between router and (as close as possible to) dead spots you wish to eliminate. Unit will power up as before and the router will recognize it -On your laptop / phone / tablet etc search for wi-fi connections for your newly named network and log on. If you register your product and use the Netgear support site to get through to Netgear technical support you'll be wasting your time. After waiting in a queue for a long time, you'll quickly realize that the agent knows as much about the issue as you do. They'll keep putting on hold while they check the Netgear help pages - something you could have done without phoning them. They won't solve the connection issue and will tell you to return the faulty unit. Then you'll call your ISP with the non-connection problem and they'll tell you about turning the router off and on !

Seems like a nice WiFi Extender with good coverage and functionality. However, you need to persevere with the setup but fortunately, there is a setup wizard (genie) that can give guidance. I like the slim unit and just plugs into an electrical socket.

I have paid full price for this item so as such it is an unbiased review. Having read the varied reviews for this wifi extender I was a little dubious about committing to it but having bit the bullet I have no regrets as it does exactly what it says on the tin. The provided instruction, 'Quick Start', booklet is very easy to follow but just in case you are having any doubts or need convincing how easy it is I have compiled this simple to follow guide with photos (Please note that my guide is for WPS set up only but this device can be set up manually for WEP using the instructions in the Quick Start booklet) . 1. Plug the extender into a power outlet as close to your router as is possible, please note that it is a three pin UK plug. 2. Press the WPS button on the side of the extender (See photo #3) and the WPS LED should blink (See photo #4). 3. You must now press the WPS button on your router within two minutes. 4. The WPS LED will continue to blink until it has connected with your router it will then be a solid green light (be patient as this can take a minute or so) and the Router Link LED (See photo #5) will be solid green. If you don't get a solid green light (WPS LED) repeat stages 2-3. If it still does not work revert to the Quick Start guide, page 10, for WEP set up as you may have security enabled on your router. 5. Now unplug the extender and plug it into a power oulet mid way between your router and the area where you want to improve wifi coverage. 6. Wait for the Power LED to turn green (photo #1). 7. Ideally you want the Router Link LED (photo #5) to turn solid green (best signal strength) or amber (slightly weaker). 8. If it fails to turn green or amber relocate the extender closer to your Router and repeat stages 5-7. Repeat until you get a green or amber Router Link LED. (My router is located upstairs and I have positioned my extender in the living room downstairs with two brick internal walls and a floorboarded level between them and my wifi has more than doubled in signal strength.) 9. Once you have achieved stage 7 you will need to log your devices (mobile, laptop, Xbox etc) into the Extender. Go into the relevant device settings>wifi and find the relevant network name. It will be your usual router network name i.e. PLUSNET-ABCD with _EXT at the end i.e. PLUSNET-ABCD_EXT. When you are prompted for the security password enter your usual wifi router password. It's as easy as that, mine took literally minutes to set up and I'm no IT geek. It's early days as I only got my extender four days ago but it has been running constantly since then and has drastically improved my wifi downstairs. The unit does run a little bit warm but nothing to get concerned about. For the price I don't think you can better this extender and I have no qualms in recommending this device to family and friends.

NETGEAR EX2700-100UKS 300 Mbps Wi-Fi Range Extender (Wi-Fi Booster) Silver Sold and Dispatched by Amazon I live in a big house with ground floor, floor 1 and floor 2. The original internet router given by my Internet Service Provider, was too far away from my devices (laptop, smartphone) when I was on the top floor. I was getting 1 bar internet signal and many of the times no signal/internet at all! Then, I knew I had to get a Wi-Fi extender and found this!- The "#1 Best Seller in Wireless Access Points" on Amazon and I agree. The item was delivered quick and packed adequately. It's a good size and fits a UK 3-pin socket. Installation was easy-peasy. All I had to do was plug it close to my current router, switch it on, and press the "WPS" on the Wi-Fi extender and then press the "WPS" on the router (you can also connect via browser. Instructions given). Waited a minute and it was connected. Then, I unplugged the Wi-Fi extender and moved it to a location where the Wi-Fi signal is weak (top floor). Then, I had to connect my devices (smartphone, laptop...) by searching for the Wi-Fi device and connecting to it... The Wi-Fi-Extender would be named [***Your existing Wi-Fi network name***_EXT]. For example, "TalkTalk1234_EXT". You'll be asked to enter password your current Wi-Fi password. All of this (the name and the password to access the Extender can be changed via [www. mywifiext.net]. Username: admin, Password: password. This can be changed to. Note, you must be connected to the extender to change these settings. All of these instructions are included. So, I connected the extender on the top floor (where it was 0-1 bar signal with the previous router) and the internet was good for a few minutes. I then realise that although I had excellent/highest signal, Internet was not working. Many others experienced this problem and returned it. I then plugged the extender on the 1st floor, where the signal would normally be 2-3 bars with the router. Then, it worked. No internet problem or loss of connection for more than a month. I RECOMMEND PLACING THE EXTENDER IN AN AREA WHERE YOU WOULD NORMALLY GET 2-3 SIGNAL BAR STRENGTH IF YOU WERE USING YOUR ROUTER PROVIDED BY YOUR INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER. If you place the extender in an area where you normally get NO Wi-Fi signal or only 1 bar (weak) signal, it will not work. You can check this by using your smartphone- move to a location where you get 'medium signal' when connect to your main router, and then place the extender there. So I placed mine on the 1st floor instead of the top floor. Works brilliantly. No problems. If your device does not support Wi-Fi but can have internet on it, then you can get an Ethernet cable and plug it into the Ethernet port located at the bottom of the extender and connect it to your device. When I go to sleep, I sometimes switch the extender off. Next morning, put it back on, No problem (no setting the extender all over again or anything. Turns on within a minute.) 100% recommend this Wi-Fi Extender. I will give an update after a year. And remember, when buying electrical devices (and even other expensive items) such as smartphones, laptops, network adapters, DVD players, even USBs, etc... Always buy from "Sold and Dispatched by Amazon". - avoid third party sellers and even "fulfilled" sellers as it would reduce the chance of you getting a defect, less hassle if a problem was to occur and getting a genuine product. -----------UPDATE-------------(After 1 year) Nothing to report other than it's work absolutely fine. I'm getting the same Internet speed as if I was connected to the main router. I have changed the log-in password for the Extender and the main router- which I recommend everyone doing to increase security. : If you let ANYONE use your Wifi (i.e. your friend), they can use the default log-in info and change the router settings and mess things up- then you have to call out a network engineer to fix it= incur costs. Also, anyone would be able to block you from the Wifi using the device's Media Access Control (MAC) address, which is a unique identifier for a network device. This Extender has the ability to do this via an Access Control List (ACL). Sounds complicated but it can be done. All good so far. Internet connection never went down. Still recommend. ------------------------------------- Any questions regarding about this item, please leave a comment and I'll get back to you ASAP. I really hope this helps you :)

After seeing that it was the most bought product on Amazon in it's section, I bought with confidence presuming it would do it's job. I needed it to extend the router's connection from the kitchen downstairs up to the attic, and for the first couple of weeks, it did just that. I had read a few other reviews before hand which stated that it wasn't the best of products, and it did have a tendency to turn off randomly. However, seeing that these were in the minority, I decided I'd test my luck. Anyway, it arrived on time, packaged nicely, with all the components and manuals I needed. I set it up without a problem, switched on my computer and away I was, the Internet was as quick as ever in the attic, just as I had expected. Move on a couple of weeks, I wake up one morning and the Internet won't work on my computer. Completely fine on my phone and laptop connected to the main router, but just dead on my computer. The extender is obviously the problem. I turn it on and off and it worked again. 10 minutes later, the signal drops. After a prolonged battle with me and the extender I give up and factory reset it. Switching it back on, it won't even connect at all. The power button comes on, but the WPS button is also a solid green, so I can't press it to connect to the actual router. And, it has stayed like this for about a week now. Got it working a couple of times but for no longer than 5 minutes. Also, the reboot times have become longer and longer. Must have wasted hours of my life getting it to work, and still to no prevail. Been pulling out hair for the past week. Now, I'm definitely not the most tech-savvy person, but I like to think I know my way around. Building my own computer from scratch and pretty much spending my entire life looking at some form of screen gives me some sort of experience. Either way, back to the product, I've looked everywhere for fixes- scouring every corner of the Internet in the hope of getting this back up and running. Despite my struggles, still not found a fix. Contacted NETGEAR customer service and got nothing back. Just seems like a bit of a joke. Spent that many hours trying to fix it, I've got to the point of giving up. My advice, stay away from this product, not worth your time or money. Maybe I just got unlucky because their are plenty of positive reviews, but it seems to me as if it's just a lucky dip, half of them work and the other half don't. Now- after ranting about how bad this one is in the hope of deterring others, I'm off to purchase another, probably more expensive WiFi extender, and hopefully this one actually works. Would give it 0 stars if I could. Was good for the first week, nothing more than a waste of space after that. I suppose you get what you pay for.

Superb, followed instructions on leaflet and it seamlessly connected to my wifi network and has increased the range of my wifi in the house. Cheaper than doing a mesh system, well worth the money

I still face minor issues

Only okay.

Item arrived, all good,

Doesn't make that differene for s home that has walls and partion, good in the open space more.

It is a fantastic product, easy to setup.