Firmware updated EX8000 keeps dropping Internet

If you are running a non Netgear Router, to the EX8000, I have seen that attempting to use the router in a 5 Ghz pure AC environment will keep or unable the connection to the EX8000 from occurring.  A mixed N/AC mode will allow it to connect.  However this defeats the purpose of the true AC support.   This is especially true using DD-WRT as a router OS.

I "think" I may have gotten it to work again.  After downgrading my EX8000 firmware to 164, I continued having issues.  Previously, this version ran fine, so something else changed.  I looked at my Netgear X4S R7800 router.  It too did a firmware upgrade...I had inadvertantly allowed it to do it automatically.  It was now running version 60.  So, I downgraded that firmware as well, back to 58.  I made sure my repeater remained on a static ip address (which it did), verified my 5 ghz channel remained (140) and ran some tests.  I allowed the repeater to run Smart Setup again, to make sure it locked on the router correctly (mesh network).  So far, it's working again.  I have not had any drops in the last 24 hours.   Keeping my fingers crossed that this may have been the issue: combination of firmware bugs in BOTH the router and the repeater.  

So I was able to return my EX8000 after a long long story.  I was outside the return policy of the retailer I bought it from but I was within the 90 day support of NETGEAR.  To get a full return within the 90 day purchase date was like getting wisdom teeth extracted dealing with NETGEAR, but IT GOT DONE!

Lessons learned:

Buy from a source that allows returns within a reasonable time.  15 days IS NOT REASONABLE to figure out all the bugs with these devices.  Buy it from AMZN or something with at least a 30 day return ploicy.

So weeks later I decided to try another NETGEAR product.  I only need a simple solution and went with a NETGEAR refurb EX6100 sold by WALMART for just $20.  To keep this real short (although it takes time to realize issues) this product is also a fail.  The DL throughput on the 5Ghz network drops drastically after reboot and settles down around 5-8Mbs.  Initially I get 60-70Mbs on a clear 5Ghz channel from a aggregate ISP of 200Mbs.  But then magically it drops to 5-8Mbs.  No QOS involved.

This EX6100 goes back to WALMART tomorrow and I'm done with NETGEAR forever.

So now that we have all have confirmed that Netgear extenders are a piece of junk and we have all return them, what can it be replaced with?  I was thinking of getting 2 of these https://www.asus.com/ca-en/Networking/RT-AC3100/

I don't need a tri-band extender so I just ordered this last night:

https://www.wavlink.com/en_us/product/WL-WN579X3.html

I need at least 2 hardwired ETH ports and this device has them.

Looks like newegg has best deal and a good return policy, which is key when buying stuff like this.  Need enough time to fully test it.

So I bought this device as a replacement for an EX8000 and a refurb EX6100, which both are junk and wasted a lot of my time.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA6PF7AK3743

I have 2 clients hardwired into this, one of which is sending data 24/7.  I have been running this for a few days now and I am completely happy.  Speed is stable and wifi signal is really strong/stable for other clients (ROKUs/phones/laptops).

The setup GUI is obviously Chinese developed but useable.  I'll post an update again one last time later on because sometimes it takes a few weeks to get a final verdict.

I'm still very happy with this Chinese made Wavelink extender.  Excellent range and STABLE!

Unfortunately, after trying for a few days, upgrading, downgrading the firmware.  Rebooting, factory resetting, every time I try to connect my Apple devices to the extender, the wifi network comes crashing down.  It's unfortunate because the Nighthawk router I have works very well, but has a weak signal upstairs.

Ultimately, I ended up going with a Linksys AC3000 Max-Stream Tri-Band Wi-Fi Range Extender.  So far it is working perfectly.  Wish Netgear would fix the issue, they are losing customers.  Not sure why they wouldn't fix such a huge issue with their range extenders.

I threw everything I could along for 6 months with Netgear level 1 support up until they deciding to refund in full after they had sent me a replacement unit. 

I am happy to have rid of the unit has it was taking up most of my time trying to figure out what the issue could have been. 

Thank James408 for the heads up on the Linksys AC3000 Max-Stream Tri-Band Wi-Fi Range Extender! I just purchased one from Amazon and will report back the status.