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Need to know capabilities of Modem/WiFi Routers
Does NETGEAR have modem/wifi router which can also act as a repeater?
- It's not entirely unique but it's one of the few Netgear routers that the open source development community has opted to work on. There is work ongoing with the R8000, but it's not as far along. The R7000 has been out long enough that 3rd party firmware is reasonably stable.
Disclaimer: There is always some risk involved with installing 3rd party firmware, including the risk of bricking your router and voiding of warranty. Follow the installation instructions closely.
Can you explain why you need this combination of features?
I know it seems complex but it's not really. I am currently in a dispute with my cable provider, so I've been using my phone as a hotspot for my home network. I was previously paying a monthly rental on a cable modem and WiFi router. I will likely go back to cable company but want to purchase a Modem/WiFi Router . At this moment I need a repeater so that my network works while using the hotspot. So I was hoping to find a device that allows me to keep my options open.
Ok, I understand. Unfortunately, I don't think Netgear has anything to offer. AFAIK, they have been quietly removing wireless repeating functions from their routers (probably to boost sales of their range extenders). Any routers that still have the feature have a crippled version with no support for encryption.
I'm a big proponent of keeping the modem and router separate boxes. If you were to buy a R7000, then you could install 3rd party firmware, like DD-WRT, AsusWRT-Merlin, or Tomato, which has full support for wireless repeating. Then when you get cable service, convert the repeater back to a router.
Thanks for your help.
TheEther wrote:Ok, I understand. Unfortunately, I don't think Netgear has anything to offer. AFAIK, they have been quietly removing wireless repeating functions from their routers (probably to boost sales of their range extenders). Any routers that still have the feature have a crippled version with no support for encryption.
I'm a big proponent of keeping the modem and router separate boxes. If you were to buy a R7000, then you could install 3rd party firmware, like DD-WRT, AsusWRT-Merlin, or Tomato, which has full support for wireless repeating. Then when you get cable service, convert the repeater back to a router.
For NETGEAR is the R7000 unique in that it can be manipulated this way?