NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.

Forum Discussion

Lethal57's avatar
Lethal57
Guide
Apr 07, 2019

Extending coverage

Hi, I have placed my R6400V2 next to the ISP supplied modem/router, which wont cover more than 5 metres (poor tech choice by isp). They seem to work ok together  (bandwidth/frequency wise).   W...
Lethal57's avatar
Lethal57
Guide
Apr 08, 2019

Hi   michaelkenward , Apologies, I may have confused when trying to answer questions both from yourself and others.

 

I like the idea of a RBK30 next to the isp modem (which would still be powered to service the voip).

 

As far as putting the r6400v2 as the router...it current coverage is not quite there (though as you stated, this could be due to having TWO routers).

 

You stated about applying a bit more effort before buying a rbk30....how would you do this...I have already moved and reconfigured many associated items (like a power line adapter, foxtel service)...and as mentioned I currently need the sagemcom (  'gateway 3864 v3 AC   ) for VOIP.

 

My aim is to extend the coverage of the current 'config'...the NBN (in australia) is a mandated (by govt) connection...that has congestion and regular drop outs...(hope this clarifies my issue and intention).

FYI I have a single storey, four bedroom house on a 540 Sq.Meter block

Looking forward to further advises

 

michaelkenward's avatar
michaelkenward
Guru - Experienced User
Apr 08, 2019

 

You stated about applying a bit more effort before buying a rbk30....how would you do this...I have already moved and reconfigured many associated items (like a power line adapter, foxtel service)...and as mentioned I currently need the sagemcom (  'gateway 3864 v3 AC   ) for VOIP.

 

If the sagemcom is this thing:

 

Sagemcom Gateway F@ST 3864 - Optus

 

it looks like a modem/router, with all those LAN ports on the back.

 

If you put that together with the R6400V2 that is a recipe for trouble This could explain why you have problems with your wifi.

 

You have two routers trying to manage your wifi connections.

 

You say "current coverage is not quite there". Unfortunately, this does not tell us much. Are there areas with no wifi? Does the connection keep dying?

 

Given that you want to use the Sagemcom as a "gateway", then you might find it easiest to turn off the wifi on the Sagemcom and then to put the R6400V2 into AP mode. That would leave the Sagemcom managing the network connections but not confusing wifi clients.

 

It seems that you cannot put the Sagemcom in to modem only mode.

 

 

Bridging a SageMCom F@st 3864 Modem-Router on NBN - Yes Crowd

 

This is another reason for thinking that AP mode is the best option.

 

If this still does not solve your wifi problems, then an Orbi system would work, but there too you will have to put it into AP mode. There would also be little point in using the R6400V2  alongside an Orbi system.

 

 

 

 

  • Lethal57's avatar
    Lethal57
    Guide
    Apr 08, 2019

    Thanks  michaelkenward ...that DOES make a bit of sense (espec to THIS lay-person).

     

    1 - The sagemcom shown in your link is close to what Optus have provided.

    2- I had to place the r6400v2 near the sagecom (front of the house) to get coverage to my main pc (middle of the house)...as the sagemcom only has about 5 meters in wifi coverage....this is what I meant by 'not quite there'.

    3- Without the r6400v2 I would have no wifi to the middle or back part of the house.

     

    I will certainly try your suggestion about R6400v2 in AP Mode, and turn of the wifi in the sagemcom.

     

    If later I had to invest in the Orbi...I may use the r6400v2 as an extender/AP ...as I am not confident of getting whole of house coverage (as mentioned earlier the orbi has a 3500 sqm maximum.

     

    I assume I can get info on how to turn the r6400v2 in AP mode on the site....

     

    regards

    • michaelkenward's avatar
      michaelkenward
      Guru - Experienced User
      Apr 08, 2019
      Lethal57 wrote:

       

      I assume I can get info on how to turn the r6400v2 in AP mode on the site....

       

       

      There is support for the R6400v2, including documentation and firmware, here:

       

      >>>> R6400v2 | Product | Support | NETGEAR <<<<

       

      See the section Use the Router as a Wireless Access Point.

      • Lethal57's avatar
        Lethal57
        Guide
        Apr 10, 2019

        Hi  michaelkenward,

         

        I was able to successfully change the netgear r6400v2 to AP mode. However my wifi tongle did not and could not detect the router when the wps button was used (whilst being 3 feet away).

         

        This is crucial as it is the only source of wifi for my main PC.

         

        I could connect the dongle when ap mode was checked.

         

        Further, it turns out that the sagemcom modem/router had wifi turned off in it settings anyhow, despite the external wifi light being lit!!

         

        Long communication with optus and i am going to get a THIRD one of these modems (as the external button should turn it on and off, yet only resets it)...that's if it was enabled in settings!

        Confusing a little...YES

         

        I am still negitiating with optus for a AVM FRITZ!Box AVM7490.

         

        looking forward to your advises