The Best Wireless Extender: Navigating Brand Choices and Model Recommendations

When it comes to enhancing your wireless network's performance, choosing the right wireless extender can make a world of difference. In today's digital landscape, especially with the prevalence of smart home devices, a reliable wireless extender is a must-have for many users. This article aims to guide you through the process by highlighting top-performing brands and models, particularly Netgear Orbi, and offering comprehensive insights to help you make an informed decision.

Top Brand Recommendations: TPLink vs. Netgear

Google the TPLink and Netgear series, both of which offer extensive ranges, catering to a variety of user needs. While both brands provide excellent solutions, my personal preference leans towards Netgear. The ease of use with its user-friendly interface makes it particularly appealing for end-users who prefer a hassle-free setup without the need for extensive technical knowledge.

Review of Top-Performing Wi-Fi Range Extenders

Based on the latest market trends and user feedback, the Netgear Orbi stands out as a top-performing Wi-Fi range extender. As of September 2017, it was noted for its superior backhaul throughput, reliable connectivity, and efficient performance even at higher signal attenuation levels. However, it’s important to understand that the Orbi delivers only half or less of the Wi-Fi throughput compared to many stand-alone routers. Therefore, if you're not strict about the extender route, you might consider a high-power stand-alone router or a paired router with a cabled solution using Ethernet or coaxial cables for double the throughput and comparable range.

Alternative Solutions

For those who find pairing a wireless extender with an underpowered router otherwise inadequate, the following alternative strategies can be explored:

Disable Wi-Fi SSID on the U-verse Gateway: Connect the U-verse gateway via an Ethernet cable to a high-power stand-alone router, using the latter for Wi-Fi instead. High-power routers typically offer 2-5 times the output power of a U-verse router, potentially eliminating the need for an extender altogether. Wi-Fi-over-Coax Kits: Utilize vacant cable outlets with Wi-Fi-over-coax kits to bring wireless networking directly into rooms with poor signal coverage. Meshed Range Extender System: While the Orbi offers reliable throughput between access points, it falls short at around 50% of the throughput from a stand-alone router. Other meshed systems are also available, though the Orbi does not support Fast BSS Transition roaming between access points on the same Wi-Fi SSID.

Recommended Routers with 900 mW Output Power

A selection of high-power routers, recommended as of August 2017, for those looking for a comprehensive wireless solution includes:

ASUS RT-AC1900 ASUS RT-AC1900P ASUS RT-AC3100 ASUS RT-AC3200 ASUS RT-AC5300 ASUS RT-AC66U B1 ASUS RT-AC68U Extreme ASUS RT-AC86U ASUS RT-AC88U D-Link DIR-880L rev A1 Linksys EA6900 v1.1 Netgear R6700v2 Netgear R6800 Netgear R6900v2 Netgear R7500v2 TP-LINK Archer C2600, C3150

Conclusion

In summary, while a Wi-Fi range extender can significantly improve your network coverage and performance, understanding the underlying technology and market trends is key. Netgear Orbi offers a robust solution, but considering your specific needs, a high-power stand-alone router or alternative network solutions might be more cost-effective and efficient. By evaluating your requirements and researching thoroughly, you can make an informed decision that satisfies your wireless networking needs.