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Forum Discussion
Automation13
Jul 27, 2025Aspirant
Fritzbox 7530 AX and Netgear EAX20
Hi, can anyone please tell me if the Fritzbox 7530 AX and the Netgear EAX20 are compatible? Where the Fritzbox is the master / router and the Netgear device is being used as a Wifi extender?
4 Replies
- CrimpOnGuru - Experienced User
Yes, and.... "it's technical".
The EAX20 will connect to any brand of WiFi router, and function as a WiFi Extender.
The Fritzbox 7530 AX is a WiFi6 router and the EAX20 is a WiFi6 extender.
Please note that Fritz touts the ability of their 7530 to create a WiFi "mesh".
https://en.fritz.com/products/fritzbox/fritzbox-7530-ax
A mesh would be created by connecting Fritz repeaters. The difference between WiFi extenders and "Mesh WiFi" is that with mesh, mobile devices (phones, tablets, laptops) will roam seamlessly between the access points without the user taking any action or even being aware that it is happening. With WiFi extenders, mobile devices may remain 'stuck' to either the primary router WiFi or to the extender WiFi and not switch. Users may notice performance dropping, or even erratic performance. The simple 'cure' is to turn WiFi off and back on. That will cause the device to select the stronger signal.
This behavior of WiFi extenders is what caused manufacturers to create "mesh" WiFi a decade ago.
WiFi extenders are fantastic when the goal is to extend WiFi coverage for devices that are not mobile (speakers, cameras, printers, garage door openers, etc.) Not so great for mobile devices.
- Automation13Aspirant
Hi, thankyou for your reply. I have both devices linked together over WIFI and have been unable to extend my network. When my laptop is connected to the Netgear extender, It does not have Internet access. Having gone through all the Fritzbox tabs, looking for that one Goldilocks setting, this thing has me stumped. Annoying it worked before with a BT home hub. Does anyone a step by step guide or instructions. Please save my sanity!
- CrimpOnGuru - Experienced User
Netgear publishes an installation guide:
https://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/EAX20/EAX20_QSG_EN.pdf
And a User Manual:
https://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/EAX20/EAX20_UM_EN.pdf
I would probably start by logging into both the Fritzbox and the EAX20 web management and display the list of "connected devices". I would think they both should show the laptop as connected and having the same IP address.
There are several choices that users make with the EAX20. What 'mode' to be in. Whether to support "one name". Etc.
- Automation13Aspirant
Hi, thankyou I already have the manuals, and been through all of the options.