Comprehensive WLAN coverage with the new mesh extenders from Netgear

Until recently, mesh extenders were mainly used for high-performance, wide-area business networks. However, they are increasingly finding their way into the private sector - not least due to falling prices.

WLAN is great, but it also has its pitfalls. In particular, the range in many flats and houses leaves a lot to be desired - depending on the construction, stone walls can prevent coverage of even a single floor.

Thanks to advancing technology, the problems are gradually disappearing. Virtually every Wi-Fi chip now also supports the 5 GHz frequency band, which offers a broader frequency spectrum compared to 2.4 GHz. This brings more stability to the network, but has no positive effect on the range of the signal. On the contrary: the higher the radio frequency, the shorter the range.

WLAN right into the last corner of your home

In recent years, people who wanted to increase their range usually used a Wi-Fi repeater. This increases the network coverage, but also halves the available bandwidth. Repeaters are also susceptible to interference if your neighbour also has one. Disadvantages that can quickly spoil the joy of an extended signal. A mesh extender does not have such problems. Because the way it works is significantly different:

In contrast to the repeater, which only forwards a single signal, the mesh extender creates a completely new network. It acts as an autonomous relay station for its own area, but runs under the same SSID. It is also possible to integrate wired devices into a new mesh network. This allows you to move freely around the house or flat and watch a YouTube video without interruption, while the mesh network ensures a smooth transition from the router to the extender in the background.

Mesh extender from Netgear

Netgear is one of the most important players when it comes to network technology. Netgear products are generally durable and deliver what they promise. The two new additions to the team are the EX8000 Nighthawk X6S and the EX7500 Nighthawk X4S. Both are not only compatible with Netgear routers, but also with routers from other manufacturers. They can be easily integrated into existing networks. Either via WLAN or - if available - via Ethernet.

Routers

Netgear Nighthawk X6S mesh extender

136

• Tri-band WLAN 802.11ac
• FastLane3 technology
• Can be connected via WLAN or Ethernet
• 1.7 Gbit/s wireless, combined up to 3 Gbit/s
• Quad-core processor
• Compatibility with numerous WLAN routers or ISP gateways
• 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports

WiFi repeaters

Netgear Nighthawk X4S Mesh Extender

866 Mbit/s, 400 Mbit/s

57

• Tri-band WLAN 802.11ac
• FastLane3 technology
• 866 MBit/s wireless, combined up to 2.2 GBit/s
• Does not require a separate power supply thanks to socket design
• Compatibility with numerous WLAN routers or ISP gateways
• 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports