I have a new Netgear modem and router so we could ditch our ISP’s rental. I was also hoping it would improve our WiFi signal in our bedroom about 70ft away from the router and our downstairs office which is directly situated below our bedroom. Modem is Netgear CM500 and Router is AC 1750.Extender is delivering very slow download speeds even if I have it close to the router. Is the issue because the router is 5.0 and 2.4 and this extender is only 2.4? Do I need a new extender or am I doing something else wrong? Thank you from a novice.

Thanks for your reply. Some comments from yours.2. Did you mean “basic” extender not “back”?Am I better at off buying a new extender with 5ghz capabilities? I’ve moved the extender throughout the house and even ten feet away from the router I’m getting weak signals. For reference the things I need WiFi extended for for is a fire stick in the bedroom (70ft. Away) a WiFi printer and VPN connecting laptop downstairs (70 ft away as well but downstairs directly below the bedroom).Thanks for your help.

A couple things.1. AC 1750 is a speed and not a model.2. You're right in that the EX2700 is a single band device. Its also the most back wireless extender netgear has. 3. something to keep in mind with how extenders work that people don't usually understand. They have to receive and rebroadcast using the same chip. And they can't do both at once. So your throughput (speed) is cut in half if not more. And it increases latency.4. They have to work off a good signal. They can't pickup a bad signal and have it be better just because its there. So take the fastest speed you can get on your 2.4ghz signal where the extender is going to be and cut that speed in roughly half. If you place it in an area with bad coverage, its going to have even worse speeds. 5. 2.4ghz is significantly slower than 5ghz and its more sensitive to interference. For instance, my orbi setup averages around 30-40mbps on 2.4ghz. 5ghz is around 500mbps. 6. this is speed hit is mitigated a bit with tri-band extends as they reserve a wireless radio just for router----extender communication. but they are more expensive and still take a little speed/latency hit. not nearly as much though. 7. there's ways to optimize extenders. Things like placement. Sometimes things in the walls block signals and a simple move a couple feet can make a big difference. Or changing wifi channels if you're on one with interference. So there's a lot to take into account with extenders. they're great at getting signals further away from the router but at the cost of speed and latency.

Yes, basic.What are the interior walls of your home? certain materials block wifi extremely well and extenders aren't always the best option. these include: plaster lathe, adobe, brick, concrete, metal studs/metalWhat speeds were you getting? What speeds can you get from the primary router around the home?

It’s mostly drywall and wooden frames for the interior.I’m getting over 200mbps by the router. The extender best case gets ten if I have it relatively close to the router and 5-6 if it’s downstairs.

what do you get over 2.4ghz from the router? I highly doubt you're pulling 200mbps from 5ghz

EX2700- extender Issues | NETGEAR Communities

19 Replies

plemans
Guru - Experienced User
Apr 27, 2020
A couple things.
1. AC 1750 is a speed and not a model.
2. You're right in that the EX2700 is a single band device. Its also the most back wireless extender netgear has.
3. something to keep in mind with how extenders work that people don't usually understand. They have to receive and rebroadcast using the same chip. And they can't do both at once. So your throughput (speed) is cut in half if not more. And it increases latency.
4. They have to work off a good signal. They can't pickup a bad signal and have it be better just because its there. So take the fastest speed you can get on your 2.4ghz signal where the extender is going to be and cut that speed in roughly half. If you place it in an area with bad coverage, its going to have even worse speeds.
5. 2.4ghz is significantly slower than 5ghz and its more sensitive to interference. For instance, my orbi setup averages around 30-40mbps on 2.4ghz. 5ghz is around 500mbps.
6. this is speed hit is mitigated a bit with tri-band extends as they reserve a wireless radio just for router----extender communication. but they are more expensive and still take a little speed/latency hit. not nearly as much though.
7. there's ways to optimize extenders. Things like placement. Sometimes things in the walls block signals and a simple move a couple feet can make a big difference. Or changing wifi channels if you're on one with interference.

So there's a lot to take into account with extenders. they're great at getting signals further away from the router but at the cost of speed and latency.
- Joe3445
  Tutor
  Apr 27, 2020
  Thanks for your reply. Some comments from yours.
  
  2. Did you mean “basic” extender not “back”?
  
  Am I better at off buying a new extender with 5ghz capabilities? I’ve moved the extender throughout the house and even ten feet away from the router I’m getting weak signals. For reference the things I need WiFi extended for for is a fire stick in the bedroom (70ft. Away) a WiFi printer and VPN connecting laptop downstairs (70 ft away as well but downstairs directly below the bedroom).
  
  Thanks for your help.
  - plemans
    Guru - Experienced User
    Apr 27, 2020
    Yes, basic.
    What are the interior walls of your home?
    certain materials block wifi extremely well and extenders aren't always the best option. these include: plaster lathe, adobe, brick, concrete, metal studs/metal
    What speeds were you getting?
    What speeds can you get from the primary router around the home?

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EX2700- extender Issues