NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.
Forum Discussion
TomNM
Aug 05, 2019Aspirant
EX6100v2/AC1200 WiFi extender very undependable
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 str...
plemans
Aug 05, 2019Guru - Experienced User
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?
- TomNMAug 06, 2019AspirantThanks. 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- plemansAug 06, 2019Guru - Experienced User
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
- TomNMAug 06, 2019Aspirant
All one floor. Just walls, but around a corner that results in two external walls.
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.
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.
Thanks again. I'll report back on the channels after enough time to see if it makes a difference.