Are all wireless range repeaters or extenders compatibile with each other?

Question

I currently have a Netgear Wireless router. The wireless signal doesn't reach everywhere in my house. So I wanted to get a Wireless range repeater or extender. Do I have to buy a Netgear repeater or will any brand work?

Answer 1

The newer range extenders, boosters, repeaters should all be compatable with each other. I know of a few older models, such as a Linksys I purchased on ebay, that can only be used with other linksys products.

If you check the requirements of the product it should tell you if it is compatable with only its own name brand or all.

Answer 2

Pretty much any brand should work, but sticking with the same brand is generally a little more trouble-free. You get the same interface on each, with all the settings in the same places in the configuration software. And if you have a problem and call for support, you're dealing with one company instead of two (each of which will tend to assume the other product is the one with the problem). We have a Linksys wireless router, and added a Linksys range extender a while ago because the signal was weak where we needed it. After a bit of head-scratching in the setup (and a helpful call to Linksys support), the thing has worked like a champ.

Hey don't forget to change some default settings and turn on security. You may not keep out determined hackers, but you'll keep out the casual bandwidth thieves.

Here's a link to some hepful setup info on Netgear's site:
http://kbserver.netgear.com/inquira/default.asp?ui_mode=answer&prior_transaction_id=3247797&action_code=5&highlight_info=16777334,46,81&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fkbserver.netgear.com%2Fkb_web_files%2FN101549.asp&answer_id=20361152#__highlight

Answer 3

Presumably any brand will work if it is made for the same signal type (you need a wireless g if you have a wireless g router) though in my experience wireless technology is rather finicky, so you might buy a relay for it that is the same type as your router and it may still not work. If you are using a tower with a wireless pci card an extended antenna will work wonders. Mine brought me from 2 bars on a really good day to full signal at all times on a wireless g and you dont have to know anything about your wireless system. Unfortunately netgear routers tend to not let you put replacement antennas on them so if you use a laptop that option is not open to you as laptop cards seldom have a screw in antenna. You may want to simply upgrade to wireless N if you have the money for a bridge. Placement is important as well, make sure the router is as close to the center of the hosue as possible if you want it to reach every corner and make sure it is not covered by anything or pushed back into a corner. Putting it out in an open area increases signal strength and range a great deal.

Answer 4

Its best to go with the same manufacturer of your wireless router. The reason is because the two units would have been tested to work together. Mixing vendors is never guaranteed to work or produce high performance. There is another way to go. You can use Ethernet cable instead but only if the location is suitable to let you build cable to go up to the second floor. There are tricks to this and I would suggest not doing this yourself but hiring someone to do it. You can have way faster speed eliminating wireless entirely by placing Ethernet outlets in each room. Each cable runs to a fast Ethernet switch (not router). Look into it. It will cost some $$$ for the work but the results are well worth it.

Answer 5

Wifi routers can have a frequency range between 900MHz and 2.8GHz depending on the make and model. Repeaters must be matched with the exact frequency while range extenders do not.

Answer 6

We will recommend to use back the same branding device. At least when there is any problem, you will not throw to and fro by different vendor claiming other party at fault.

It really depend on how big is your place. Try to use wired AP extend the wireless network.

Answer 7

Where do you have the netgear placed, we have on and it works fine. Your computer must be in range with it in order to pick up on the signal though and also back sure that it's in a spot where nothing blocks the signal.