EX6100v2/AC1200 WiFi extender very undependable

Question

I have been using this range extended for a couple of months. It was easy to set up, found my wifi, accepted the passwords, and created the extension networks. My devices readily log in and see a strong signal. When it si working, I seem to get good throughput.

The good news stops there. On a regular and unpredictable basis, the unit loses Internet access and thus while the device sees a strong connection to the extender, there's no Internet. I can be working on something and literally lose Internet connectivity between pages. It usually reconnects within say 15-30 seconds, but can sometimes take longer. It's confusing as I believe all the lights remain green. I know it is the extender connection because I still have Internet access via a wifi connection to the router. Meanwhile, I believe all the lights on the extender show green. I tried moving it closer to the router (really isn't all that far away and always showed green lights). Nothing changed. I recently read a review of extenders that listed as a con for this model "users report intermitent dropped connections" or something to that effect.

I've factory rebooted several times to redo the setup. Nothing changes.

I'm really disappointed in this product as I've had good experiences with Netgear products. Should I have purchased a different Netgear extender? A different brand?

plemans · Answer

What firmware do you have installed?Have you tried changing wifi channels of your primary router? Maybe there's interference that's happening with the extra distance.Are you using fastlane or extending both wifi channels?&nbsp;&nbsp;https://www.netgear.com/support/product/EX6100v2.aspx

TomNM · Answer

Thanks. I think I did try that a while ago but I’ll look again. I am able to get the signal in my living room directly from the router, but it’s less strong. That’s why I set up the extender. Do you have a suggestion as a channel to try?

I’m extending both WiFi channels. Actually setting up fast lane might be a good idea. Any suggestions about that?

Thanks again.

Tom

plemans · Answer

for the 2.4ghz shoot for channels 1-6-11. theres a bunch of apps, pc programs, mac programs that you can download free to do wifi scanning to see which channels are the least congested. Due to overlap, 1-6-11 are the ideal.

You can also try moving the extender/router laterally. If you're going up a floor, hvac does a great job of blocking signals. Might be something to check into there. The other thoughts are on antenna positioning. You didn't put what router you have but if you're going up floors and not just laterally, if you have external antenna's to your router, try having one vertical and one horizontal. Here's a site that has more info on antenna placment and router placement.

https://rootsaid.com/antenna-placement-positioning/

Fastlane works great depending on how you're using it. 5ghz doesn't travel through material well but has much higher thoroughput. 2.4ghz travesl further and through material better but has a much lower thoroughput. So it all depends on what you're using it for to determine which channel you want talking to the router.

https://kb.netgear.com/24662/What-is-FastLane-Technology-and-how-do-I-configure-it

TomNM · Answer

All one floor. Just walls, but around a corner that results in two external walls.&nbsp;The router is an Asus, also a model AC1200. The settings show auto for the channel selection. I'll try specifying and see if that helps.&nbsp;I tend to use the 5g extension when I'm in my living room (short line of sight to the extender) and teh 2g when I'm out on my patio.&nbsp;Thanks again. I'll report back on the channels after enough time to see if it makes a difference.&nbsp;&nbsp;

TomNM · Answer

Did a scan and attached the resulting table. I'm the Chuckles ones (2, 5, guest, 2ext, 5ext). My "2" networks seem to be the only ones on channel 11 and the "5" networks are the only ones on channel 36.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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EX6100v2/AC1200 WiFi extender very undependable

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