Best WiFi Extender For Fios
Verizon is not an uncommon name to anyone in the USA. It is one of the main Internet providers in the country. In fact, there are high chances of you having Verizon Fios in your house. The internet speed provided by Verizon is fast. However, there are chances of the Wi-Fi range not reaching some remote parts of your house. And you want a little extra boost.
A Wi-Fi extender enables the Wi-Fi range to reach the dead zones in your house. It ensures that you get fast internet in every corner of your house. With an extender, you won’t have to deal with dropped signals and low range.
How is that possible? Do Wi-Fi extenders actually work? If yes, then how?
Wi-Fi extenders amplify the signals received from the central Wi-Fi router. The signals are then transmitted with more power so that the Wi-Fi range extends to more areas in the house.
There are several factors that have to be considered when buying a Wi-Fi booster. These include:
- The size of your house
- Router
- Coverage area you want
These factors and many others are discussed in detail later in this guide.
No matter what type of Wi-Fi extender you buy, they all have one thing in common: they provide your home with a stronger internet connection and eliminate dead internet zones.
Wi-Fi extenders are a more affordable option than getting another internet connection. They help solve connectivity issues.
There are plenty of different Wi-Fi repeaters or extenders to choose from. They come in different sizes with different features.
Continue reading this article to know the best WiFi extender for Verizon Fios.
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| PHOTO | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
#1 Top Pick  | TP-Link RE300 AC1200 Mesh WiFi Extender TP-Link is well-known for producing high-quality wireless products, and this product is no different. There are only two range extenders with OneMesh capabilities, and the TP-Link RE300 is one of them. | Check Price → |
Best Performance  | Netgear Orbi WiFi 6 (RBK852) The Netgear Orbi RBK852 is a Wi-Fi mesh system that delivers wireless networks to the remotest corners of your house. It looks similar to the previous model, RBK50, which had the fastest Wi-Fi speed in its time. | Check Price → |
Best Overall  | Nighthawk X4 AC2200 Wi-Fi Mesh Extender (EX7300) This Nighthawk range from Netgear is one of the premium Wi-Fi range extenders. Hands down, it is the best WiFi extender for Fios. These are higher-end devices with an extended throughput that enable faster internet in all devices. | Check Price → |
Value For Money  | Verizon/Fios Home Router G3100 This model is a replacement for the Verizon FIOS-G1100. The Wi-Fi speed is much better in this model. You no longer have to worry about informing people to switch SSIDs in different areas of the house. The network coverage and speed are better in this newer version, so you can enjoy 4K UHD streaming and gaming and seamlessly transfer large files. | Check Price → |
Best For Gamers  | Xiaoniubenben Wi-Fi Extenders Xiaoniubenben has four antennae at the top and one control button at the bottom. On the side, there are seven LED indicators to indicate things such as connectivity or security issues. | Check Price → |
Easiest Setup Procedure  | Rockspace WiFi Extender The design of the Rockspace Wi-Fi extender includes a black box with two antennas on either side. On the front, there are three LED indicators for power, security, and receiving signals. The back has one Ethernet port. | Check Price → |
1. TP-Link RE300 AC1200 Mesh WiFi Extender – Top Pick
This device is for people who aren’t planning on buying a mesh system and considering a relatively low-cost solution. It is an affordable alternative to a mesh Wi-Fi system. All you have to do is connect it to a one-mesh router.
Currently, you are able to connect it with the Archer A7 Router only. But the company has stated that more devices will be updated in the future.
TP-Link RE300 is universally compatible with Fios internet, standard routers, and access points. It extends the Wi-Fi signals, eliminating dead zones. Being a dual-band range extender, it supports both 2.4GHz (300 Mb/s speed) and 5 GHz (433Mb/s speed) bands.
Setting up this device is very easy. You can find the optimal placement of this Wi-Fi extender using a feature on the app.
You can use your phone, web browser, or the WPS button on your router to complete the setup procedure.
This Wi-Fi extender boosts the range of your router; however, it doesn’t include all the amazing features of a standalone mesh system.
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- No switching required between EXT and standard networks
- Convenient plug-in design
Cons
- Does not offer the same experience as a true mesh network
- Limited router compatibility makes it a niche product
- No wired backhaul options
2. Netgear Orbi WiFi 6 (RBK852) – Best Performance
The RBK852 is a 2-pack AX6000 (gigabit speed) tri-band system. It has 9 Ethernet ports, including a 2.5 gig LAN port on the main router, which is a nice addition for those who have a 2 gig internet connection. Just like other systems, the Ethernet port system can be used as a wired backhaul, or it can be used to connect your wired devices. This device has a dedicated wireless backhaul channel that allows you to get even faster speeds from the mesh access point.
When we consider this Wi-Fi extender’s performance, Orbi continues to provide the fastest speeds you have ever seen. If you thought that Wi-Fi 5 Orbi was fast, this Wi-Fi 6 is even faster and provides an average download speed of over 800 Mbps.
The RBK852 is costly and doesn’t have some of the key features that we think should be included in such a price. Client-and application-specific QoS settings, anti-malware protection, and age-appropriate parental controls are some of the features we believe should have been included in the device.
Pros
- Great Wi-Fi speed
- Easy to set up and manage
- Excellent wall and ceiling penetration
Cons
- Expensive
- Lots of features missing
3. Nighthawk X4 AC2200 Wi-Fi Mesh Extender (EX7300) – Best Overall
This Wi-Fi mesh extender is a dual-band AC 2200 that can reach speeds of up to 450 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 1,733 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. Some of the mesh features that you can enjoy using this device are smart roaming and one Wi-Fi name. Now, no one in your house will complain about slow Wi-Fi signals in their rooms.
In addition, MU-MIMO and smart connect features ensure that every device has access to the fastest Wi-Fi connection, and data is transmitted to compatible clients not sequentially, but simultaneously. You can use it as a wireless extender or wired access point.
One of the fantastic features of this extender is that you can connect up to 40 devices to the mesh network. So all of your family members can have access to faster and wider internet.
Plus, the parental feature enables you to control the Wi-Fi access and set up schedules using an app. So, you can easily monitor your child and make sure he/she isn’t sneaking around and using the internet when they aren’t supposed to.
The EX7300 delivers great throughput scores as a plug-in range extender, specifically when it operates on the 5GHz band. It is easy to set up and install this bulky device.
Pros
- Extended throughput testing
- Multi-User Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) streaming
- Parental feature
Cons
- No pass-through outlet
- Large
4. Verizon/Fios Home Router G3100 – Value For Money
Verizon Fios has tri-band technology, but it offers the same compatibility as the older version. It is compatible with the Fios Extender Model #E3200 only.
There are 4 LED indicators: one at the front to indicate the status of the Wi-Fi and others at the back to indicate other functions.
There is one Ethernet port and 4 Ethernet LAN ports, as well as one 3.0 USB port for 5V charging.
One of the amazing features of this device is that it provides protection against viruses since it comes with a built-in McAfee system.
In addition, the Fios application enables you to control the Wi-Fi easily.
Pros
- Speed is much better than the previous model (75-175 Mbps at 2.4 GHz and 350-400 Mbps at 5.9GHz)
- Easy to install
- Great user interface
Cons
- Unstable speed
5. Xiaoniubenben Wi-Fi Extenders – Best For Gamers
There are two Ethernet ports that enable you to share web connection, printer, and interconnect computers without using a router. This also allows gamers to play games connecting their computers.
We do not suggest that this is one of the best in the market. However, you can enjoy playing games easily and won’t have to worry about losing the internet connection due to the limited range.
The extender is universally compatible, so you don’t have to worry about it not being compatible with your router. It is also easy to set up. The LED lights will indicate the best place to keep this WiFi extender.
Keep in mind, the WiFi extender has to be plugged into the socket to be used.
Pros
- Compact design
- Universal compatibility
- Increased internet signals and speed
Cons
- It doesn’t have an app that can help install the router
6. Rockspace WiFi Extender – Easiest Setup Procedure
This device has dual-band technology. Dual-band extenders are better than ones with single-band technology because the wider internet coverage doesn’t reduce the internet’s speed. They have advanced processors to overcome the speed loss.
The top speed of this extender is 897 Mbps. It is not the fastest. However, it is enough for everyone to do their work. The Wi-Fi coverage is 2640 sq. ft.
The Rockspace Verizon Wi-Fi extender has two modes:
- Standard repeater
- Access point mode
To set up the access point mode, the device has to be turned on and connected to the router with an Ethernet cable. When setting up using the website, you have to click “mode” and select the access point option.
This router is universally compatible.
Setting up this Wi-Fi booster is the easiest as compared to the rest of the boosters in this list. The signal indicator can tell you the ideal location to place this device. The blue color indicator means the connection is good in that particular place.
The bottom line for this Wi-Fi booster is that it is ideal for anyone looking for a less complicated option. You do not have to further worry about this device after it has been set up.
Pros
- Has two modes: Standard repeater and access point mode
- Great range
- It takes only some seconds to set up
Cons
- Slow speed
Best WiFi Extender for Fios – Buyer’s Guide
It can be overwhelming to decide which Wi-Fi extender is the best for you. As said earlier, the best WiFi extender for anyone depends on several factors, including:
- The size of your house: The size of your house will determine the required coverage area. Different Wi-Fi extenders provide different Wi-Fi coverage. The speed also varies.
- Compatible: You have to check whether the Wi-Fi extender you are buying is universally compatible. If it’s not, you would have to check whether the Wi-Fi extender is compatible with your router.
Take note; Wi-Fi extenders have also been mentioned as Wi-Fi boosters or Wi-Fi repeaters in this guide. They all mean the same and refer to the same device.
Each Wi-Fi booster mentioned in this guide provides value and has unique features. The features can differ from ease of use to compatibility.
The following factors will help you to know what to consider when buying a Wi-Fi extender:
Frequency
Wi-Fi extenders may either include single-band or dual-band technology. Single-band boosters work only on the 2.4 GHz channel frequency. The biggest con of single-band boosters is the loss of speed. Single-band Wi-Fi extenders are a cheaper option. However, your internet’s speed reduces as the internet signals cover more area than before.
This is not a problem with dual-band Wi-Fi extenders. The dual-band’s processors are powerful enough to overcome the speed loss. They receive and retransmit internet signals on different internet channels. That is why a dual-band extender is recommended.
The 5GHz band delivers more bandwidth than 2.4GHz. However, 5GHz doesn’t cover much range than 2.4 GHz. Switch to 2.4GHz mode if you want a higher range.
Range
The most important factor to consider when buying a Wi-Fi extender is its range. A wide range means a big mesh network. A Wi-Fi extender receives existing Wi-Fi signals from its antennae. These signals are amplified and transmitted out. So, it is better that you place your extender towards the edge of your mesh network.
It is said that the wider the range provided by the Wi-Fi extender, the better it is. However, when you are buying an extender for your house, an extender that provides a shorter range might be a perfect choice. Let us explain how:
The maximum range that a Wi-Fi extender can boost is up to 2500 feet. The affordable options do not provide as much coverage. The Wi-Fi extender with the shortest range is also enough for most houses. An internet router in your home provides a range of approximately 150 feet. So, even if the extender has a short range, it will be enough to eliminate dead zones and reach the remote areas of your house.
Ease of setting up and use
Let’s face it, many people aren’t tech-savvy and don’t want the installation process to be complicated. The good news is that many great Wi-Fi extenders are easy to install and take less than five seconds to set up. Even if you come across any issue during the setup/installation process, the problem isn’t rocket science. It’s very easy to solve it on your own.
If your Wi-Fi extender has an app, be assured that the whole setup process will be very easy. So, consider buying a Wi-Fi extender that has a mobile application for easier installation.
What if the Wi-Fi extender that I am buying does not have an application?
Most high-end brands have apps to guide you through the installation procedure and with any issues that you might be having.
However, if your Wi-Fi extender does not have an app, then there are two options:
- NetSpot
This is a subscription-based app that costs as much as the extender itself. It is an incredible application that completely analyzes Wi-Fi signals, hotspots, and routers. It maps the hot spots of your house and also fixes network connection problems.
- Wi-Fi Analyzer
If you aren’t keen on spending money on the app, then we suggest a free alternative. Wi-Fi analyzer shows areas of your house that have great Wi-Fi coverage and the ones where the coverage isn’t good. You can use this app to find the perfect location to place your Wi-Fi extender.
Some extenders have a built-in system, such as LED lights, to guide you about the best place to keep your Wi-Fi extender.
Newer Wi-Fi boosters are way easier to set up and use than the older ones. So, if you particularly want an extender that is easy to use, then check when it was made. If it is an older version, look out for a newer one from the same brand.
It is easy to know whether the Wi-Fi extender you are buying has an easy setup procedure by going through the reviews. You can easily tell whether the device is user-friendly or not.
Compatibility
When you set up your Verizon Fios Internet, you are given a router. So, you have to determine whether the Wi-Fi extender that you are planning to buy is compatible with your existing router or not.
To check the model, simply look at the back of your Fios router. There will be a sticker with one of the following numbers:
802.11a, 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11ac
This is your router’s model number, and you have to compare this to the compatibility of your Wi-Fi extender. This is particularly important if the Wi-Fi extender that you are planning to buy is not universally compatible.
There can be instances when your extender is not compatible, but it is working just fine with your router. However, we do not recommend this because sooner or later, you will have problems with connectivity if the two are not compatible.
Many people also don’t check whether the Wi-Fi extender is compatible with their operating system. If you buy an older extender, it is very likely that you will have to install extra drivers. But as newer extenders are being introduced, this is no longer a problem.
Security
Many extenders will keep you secure to some extent. Newer extenders are more reliable as they have better security protocols in place. The most common safety protocol is WPA2. Some extenders also have a built-in VPN for people wanting to take extra safety measures.
FAQs
Will any Wi-Fi extender work with FIOS?
Yes, you can use third-party Wi-Fi extenders with FIOS. There won’t be any problems.
You just have to make sure that extenders have this wireless ac (also known as Wi-Fi networking standard):
802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) or 802.11ax
This number can be found on the sticker that is found on the back of the extender.
Does FIOS extender work?
Yes, Fios extenders work. The Ethernet establishes a connection between the router and the extender. The extender receives signals from the router, amplifies them, and retransmits them to a wider range. If the extender has dual technology, the speed remains fast and is not affected by a bigger coverage area.
Is a WiFi extender worth it?
Yes, it is worth it to have a Wi-Fi extender. The speed of the WiFi reduces as the Wi-Fi device gets further from the router. But, if you have a Wi-Fi extender in your house, the distance between your Wi-Fi devices and the signals will be reduced. This will enhance each device’s speed and performance.
Key takeaways
Wi-Fi extenders are a great addition to a house with dead zones and poor range issues. Your smart doorbells, surveillance cameras, computers, and printers can receive continuous and stable signals with an extender. You can watch movies in the garden, play games in the garage, and carry out any Wi-Fi-intensive activities with ease. Some of the best WiFi extender for Fios have been discussed in the guide. Hopefully, after considering the factors to buy the right Wi-Fi extender, you can buy the perfect one for your house.
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