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Forum Discussion
Netgear Ranger extender EX2700 or WN3000RP?
Hello, newbie here My first ever post, I haven't spotted this query anywhere in other posts. I need to buy a ranger extender as I have drop out in my sitting room which is the furthest room a...
The EX2700 and WN3000RP are very similar. Allegedly, the WN3000RP has better electronics and provides extra help when setting up. That doesn't necessarily mean the WN3000RP will be much faster than the EX2700 because both are N300 extenders. The WN3000RP is considerably more expensive.
You should consider getting a dual-band extender that supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz in order to take advantage of the 5 GHz band provided by your Bright Box 2. While 5 GHz does have less range, a weaker signal does not necessarily mean that it will be slower. Fewer people use 5 GHz, wider Wi-Fi channels are available to carry more bandwidth and superior Wi-Fi protocols are available. In the last case, if your Bright Box 2 supports 802.11ac, then speeds could be much, much faster.
Regardless of the extender, it will be best to hard wire the TV to it.
Thank you for your swift reply.
Having swept the net last night I see that dual band extenders can rise quite steeply very quickly but now I am like a kid in a sweet shop
which one to have.
I see the cheaper end moving upwards as follows, EX3700, AC750, EX6150-100, WN3500RP then at the top end of my budget the Nighthawk7000 can you assist me please. If I went with the Nighthawk 7000 would that be like cracking a nut with a sledgehammer as one of the cheaper ones would do the same job.
Best wishes
Hari
There are a few things to consider:
- The speed of your Internet service. It sounds like it's 20 Mbps.
- The Wi-Fi capabilities of your Bright Box 2. It looks like it's an AC1200 class router.
- The Wi-Fi capabilities of your devices. Are they 2.4 GHz only or dual band?
- The number of Wi-Fi devices.
- Planned uses for Wi-Fi. Will it strictly be for Internet access or also for heavy-duty data transfers between devices at home (e.g. streaming video off of a NAS to a smart TV or laptop)?
- Your budget.
Your answers will determine what you should get. The EX7000 would exceed the capabilities of the Bright Box 2, so it might not be the best choice unless you need the range provided by its large antennas, you plan to perform heavy-duty data transfers, or you just want something that will not be the next bottleneck as you upgrade other components. An AC1200 class extender would match the Bright Box 2. Or you could go lower end if you only plan to do Internet; your Internet service would most likely be the bottleneck. Personally I would not go any lower than any of the AC750 class device since it really pays to take advantage of the 802.11ac capabilities built into the Bright Box 2.
Hope this helps.
Good afternoon
Answers to your questions:
There are a few things to consider:
- The speed of your Internet service. It sounds like it's 20 Mbps. - Yes EE fibre optic promised 20 Mbps download
- The Wi-Fi capabilities of your Bright Box 2. It looks like it's an AC1200 class router. - Yes I believe this is correct AC1200 class
- The Wi-Fi capabilities of your devices. Are they 2.4 GHz only or dual band? - No it offers both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
- The number of Wi-Fi devices. - Smart TV, 2 x Ipads and occasional a laptop
- Planned uses for Wi-Fi. Will it strictly be for Internet access or also for heavy-duty data transfers between devices at home (e.g. streaming video off of a NAS to a smart TV or laptop)? - We want to watch Netflix but that has an app, you tube and possible films/football from the Ipad, Sky Go, Facetime when my children call us.
- Your budget. - upto £100
Best wishes
Hari
Any of the AC750 extenders and a few of the AC1200 extenders would fit your budget. Make your purchase from a place that has a good return policy.