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jtbhall's avatar
jtbhall
Aspirant
Apr 29, 2020

Wifi Mesh Extender vs Mesh Wifi Systems

I have a Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router C7000v2 and need to improve the wifi coverage in my 7000+ sqft home. I have tried to research the best product to augment my system and cannot find good answers. I have tried to speak with someone at Netgear to ask for a recommendation and cannot get through to anyone. 

 

I don't understand the difference between a Wifi Mesh extender, like the EX7000 and the Wifi Mesh System like the Orbi Wifi System RBK14 AC1200 or the Nighthawk Mesh Wifi System 6 MK63 or the Orbi Wifi System RBK53. 

 

Based on my research it seems like the Wifi Mesh Extender and the Wifi Mesh system would ultimately work the same with a single wifi network, improved whole home coverage, etc. but it is not clear to me if one has advantages over the other.

 

Will somebody please help me know what is the best product to pair with my router?

 

We also seem to receive very inconsistent internet speeds over wifi in our home. We have comcast internet and have spoken to comcast a couple of times to see if the issue was on their end. They have assured us that it is not. Please let me know if there are any trouble shooting things we can do with our modem/router to ensure more consistent speeds even when sitting right next to the router.

 

I am also considering other products like the Deco X60 which could possibly replace the netgear system if I can't get this figured out. 

 

 

 

2 Replies

  • plemans's avatar
    plemans
    Guru - Experienced User
    Apr 29, 2020

    I wouldn't go with a mesh extender. I'd go with a full mesh system because of the size of your home. A simple extender works well when you only need 1 extender. If you need more than 1, its a better option to use a full mesh system like orbi. 

     

    • jtbhall's avatar
      jtbhall
      Aspirant
      Apr 29, 2020

      Thank you for responding to my question. Do you have any insight into which mesh system I should use given the size of my home and existing modem/router?

       

      • Orbi WiFi System (RBK14) AC1200 (199.99)
      • Orbi RBK53S Whole Home Mesh WiFi System up to 7,500 sqft (369.00)
      • Orbi WiFi System (RBK44) up to 8000 sqft ($470 out of stock)
      • NIGHTHAWK® MESH WIFI 6 SYSTEM (MK63)
      • Deco X60 AX3000 Whole Home Mesh WiFi System Wi-Fi 6 ($329.99)

      Thanks,

       

      Jeff