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

Forum Discussion

kyelkhunter's avatar
kyelkhunter
Aspirant
Jan 24, 2019

Looking for the best Netgear for my needs

I'm working on a potential wireless project for our church and I need help determining the best Netgear product to meet my needs.  It's an old building with wireless being the easiest option.  We have cable entering the building.  I plan to install a Netgear wireless router in the office.  I plan to have a secure wireless network as well as an open guest network.  Due to the design of the building, I have a need for wireless coverage in three other areas of the building.  The Powerline Networking options are the most appealing but there are several to choose from.  Unfortunately, we will have to support 2.4 as well as 5 GHz.  I would like to broadcast the same SSID's throughout the building.  The user should be able to join the wireless network and travel throughout the building, moving between the devices.  I want to avoid them having to join multiple networks in the buidling if possible.  Hopefully I can sync the three devices with the wireless router, then deploy them throughout the building.

Is this possible with the available products?  I welcome any and all suggestions.

Before You Buy

2 Replies

  • michaelkenward's avatar
    michaelkenward
    Guru - Experienced User
    Jan 25, 2019

    Are you thinking of wifi capable Powerline plugs with built-in Access Points? Or regular Ethernet plugs that then feed a standalone repeater/access point?

     

    Wifi capable APs are unlikely to be as powerful as standalone APs. Then there is the problem that you cannot buy single wifi plugs. They come in twin-packs with one "host" plug and a wifi "guest" plug. (You can use the host as a guest, but without the wifi capability.)

     

    kyelkhunter wrote:

    I plan to have a secure wireless network as well as an open guest network. 

     

    Not sure how easy that we be to set up with Powerline plugs.

     

    I would step back and think about what you want before deciding on Powerline as an option.

     

    Most Netgear stuff is intended for domestic installations whereas you seem to need something more heavyweight. You could see if the Netgear product pages give any clues.

     

    Try plugging your needs into the filters on the product pages:

     

    Wireless Routers for Home | NETGEAR

     

    Then check back here for reports on the things you are considering, but remember that people turn up here with problems, not compliments. So look at reviews on Amazon, for example.

     

    For example,m you may find that the Orbi range is the nearest thing to what you want. I use Orbi on the end of an Ethernet only (no wifi) Powerline link.

     

     

     

     

     

    • kyelkhunter's avatar
      kyelkhunter
      Aspirant
      Jan 25, 2019

      Thanks for your reply.You are reinforcing what I suspected.  I was hoping for an easy solution but it looks like I need to find a more suitable product to meet my needs.

      Thanks again.