NETGEAR Wi-Fi Range Extender EX6120 Review

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The NETGEAR Wi-Fi Range Extender EX6120 is designed to extend the coverage of your existing Wi-Fi network, allowing you to eliminate dead zones and improve connectivity in areas where your primary router's signal may not reach. With support for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, this device promises to deliver a stable and fast connection across a broader area. This review will cover its design, setup process, performance, and overall value, helping you determine if it’s the right solution for your home or office.
Design and Build Quality
The NETGEAR EX6120 features a compact and unobtrusive design, making it easy to place in any room without drawing too much attention. The device plugs directly into a wall outlet, which helps save space and eliminates the need for additional cables. Its white plastic casing with LED indicators on the front gives it a modern look that blends well with most home interiors.
The extender is equipped with two external antennas that can be adjusted to optimize signal strength. While these antennas contribute to the overall performance, they do add a bit of bulk to the device. However, their ability to rotate and be angled helps in directing the Wi-Fi signal where it's needed most.
Setup Process
One of the main selling points of the NETGEAR EX6120 is its ease of setup. The device offers two methods for installation: using the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) button or through a web browser.
The WPS method is the quickest and simplest. By pressing the WPS button on your router and then on the extender, the two devices automatically sync, extending your Wi-Fi network without any manual configuration. This process takes just a few minutes, making it an excellent option for users who are less tech-savvy.
For those who prefer a more customized setup, the web browser method allows you to manually configure the extender. By connecting to the NETGEAR_EXT network and accessing the setup page, you can choose which band to extend, set security preferences, and even create a separate network name (SSID) for the extended signal. This method is slightly more time-consuming but offers greater control over the extender's operation.
Performance
The NETGEAR EX6120 performs admirably in extending Wi-Fi coverage across a typical home or small office. It supports speeds of up to 1200Mbps, split between the 2.4GHz (300Mbps) and 5GHz (867Mbps) bands. While these speeds are sufficient for most everyday tasks such as browsing, streaming, and video conferencing, it's important to note that the actual performance will depend on various factors, including the distance from the router, interference from other devices, and the layout of your space.
In practice, the EX6120 does a good job of eliminating dead zones and improving signal strength in areas that were previously problematic. For instance, rooms that previously had weak or no Wi-Fi signal can now enjoy a stable connection, allowing you to stream videos or make video calls without interruptions.
However, like many range extenders, the EX6120 does experience a slight drop in speed compared to the main router's output. This is a common trade-off with extenders, as the signal is being relayed rather than directly transmitted. Despite this, the performance boost in previously inaccessible areas is a significant improvement.
Additional Features
The NETGEAR EX6120 also includes an Ethernet port, allowing you to connect a wired device such as a gaming console, smart TV, or desktop computer directly to the extender. This feature is particularly useful for devices that require a more stable and faster connection than what Wi-Fi alone can provide.
Conclusion
The NETGEAR Wi-Fi Range Extender EX6120 is a reliable and effective solution for extending your Wi-Fi network's coverage. Its ease of setup, decent performance, and compact design make it a solid choice for users looking to eliminate dead zones in their home or small office. While it may not offer the same speeds as a direct connection to your router, the overall improvement in coverage and connectivity is well worth the investment, especially for those with larger or more complex spaces.
Positive Points:
Easy setup with WPS button or web browser configuration.
Compact design that plugs directly into a wall outlet.
Dual-band support for better performance on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies.
Ethernet port for connecting wired devices.
Effective at extending Wi-Fi coverage and eliminating dead zones.
Negative Points:
Slight speed reduction compared to direct router connections.
External antennas add bulk to the device.
Performance can vary depending on distance from the router and environmental factors.
May require careful placement for optimal signal strength.