NETGEAR recommends installing the router between your connected devices and the router but I don't have that option. The majority of the rooms and devices will need to be between the router and extender instead. Does this arrangement create any issues? Are there problems if the extender has to extend signals back towards the router? Sometimes when we move from room to room in our apartment, we have to disable and enable the wifi option on our devices for it to "catch" one of the extender or router. I sometimes even have to move the device right up to either if it's just not getting any signal. Any help is appreciated.
Its recommended to have it centrally located between devices/router but if it doesn't work for you, then you'll have to place it where you want it and see if it works. Reason its recommended is the extender still needs a decent signal to connect to and rebroadcast. And if its to far away, it isn't going to be that beneficial.
In terms of living in an apartment, try changing what wifi channel you're broadcasting on. Apartments tend to have a ton of interference and if you can choose the least congested channel, its more beneficial for you.
