If you’re like me, you’ve probably struggled with weak or non-existent Wi-Fi in some parts of your home, especially when trying to stream your favorite show or join a vital video call. This is where Wi-Fi range extenders come to the rescue. These nifty gadgets capture the Wi-Fi signal from your router, amplify it, and then broadcast the boosted signal to areas that previously suffered from poor connectivity.
The Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Wi-Fi Range Extender (EX7000) is touted as one of the top-tier solutions in this category. It boasts impressive specifications and a slew of advanced features. The Netgear EX7000 promises to eliminate dead zones and deliver high-speed internet to every nook and cranny of your home. But how well does it perform in real-world conditions? Is it worth the investment, or are there better alternatives out there?
This review will describe my experience with the Netgear Nighthawk EX7000.
We’ll start with the unboxing and design, move on to the hardware specifications, and dive into the setup process and user experience. I’ll also share a detailed performance analysis, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses I encountered during my tests.
By the end of this review, you’ll understand what the EX7000 offers and whether it’s the right fit for your home network needs.
Unboxing and Design
Opening the box, the EX7000 was securely nestled in protective foam, with the antennas and power adapter neatly arranged in separate compartments. This level of organization made the unboxing process straightforward, eliminating any confusion about what went where.
The extender includes three detachable antennas, a power adapter, an Ethernet cable, and a quick-start guide. Including an Ethernet cable was a nice touch, as it allowed immediate setup without needing to hunt for a spare.
Lifting the EX7000 out of the box, the first thing that struck me was its weight and build quality. This isn’t one of those lightweight, flimsy extenders you might be tempted to hide behind a potted plant. The EX7000 is a solid piece of kit, exuding durability and reliability.
The device measures 1.2 inches in height, 9.9 inches in width, and 6.9 inches in depth, making it more substantial than many other extenders on the market.
The sleek and modern design has a matte black finish, giving it a professional, high-tech look. Its surface is accented with a subtle pattern, adding a touch of style without being overly flashy.
One of the first things you’ll notice is the array of LED indicators on the front panel. These LEDs provide real-time status updates on power, wireless signals for the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, Ethernet activity, and USB connections. This instant visual feedback helps identify and fix problems and ensure everything works as expected.
On the back of the EX7000, you’ll find a series of ports and connections highlighting its versatility. Five gigabit Ethernet ports are perfect for connecting devices that require a stable, wired connection. Additionally, including a USB 3.0 port allows for network storage solutions, letting you easily share files across your network.
Another key feature of the EX7000’s design is the three detachable antennas. These antennas are adjustable, allowing you to position them for optimal signal coverage based on your home’s layout.
The ability to remove and adjust the antennas adds to the overall robustness of the device, ensuring that it can be tailored to suit various installation scenarios.
The design of the EX7000 allows for easy wall-mounted or desktop placement. The base has rubberized feet to prevent slipping on flat surfaces. Mounting holes on the back allow for easy wall mounting if preferred. The dual placement options add flexibility, making it suitable for various home environments.
Regarding airflow and cooling, the EX7000 features multiple ventilation slots along the sides and back. This is crucial for maintaining performance during extended use, particularly in homes where the device might be operational 24/7.
During my time with the EX7000, it remained cool to the touch, indicating that its cooling system is both efficient and effective.
Hardware Specifications
The Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Wi-Fi Range Extender (EX7000) has impressive hardware specifications that power its strong performance.
At the heart of the EX7000 is a powerful 800MHz dual-core Broadcom processor. This processor ensures that the extender can handle multiple data streams at the same time. This is especially good for homes with much internet activity, like streaming, gaming, or when multiple people are online simultaneously.
The EX7000 can connect to dual-band Wi-Fi, which means it can work with both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands.
It can reach speeds of up to 1900Mbps, with 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1300Mbps on the 5GHz band. This means the extender can handle high-speed internet plans and provide fast, reliable Wi-Fi throughout your home.
Adding to its versatility, the EX7000 has a USB 3.0 port, allowing you to connect a USB storage device for easy access from any device on your network.
On the visual front, the EX7000 has LED lights that show real-time status updates. These lights cover power, 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands, Ethernet activity for each port, and USB connection status. This makes it easy for users to quickly check the extender’s status at a glance for easier troubleshooting and maintenance.
The EX7000 software has impressive features.
It includes beamforming, which directs the Wi-Fi signal straight to connected devices instead of spreading it out evenly. This makes connections more robust and more reliable.
The software also supports MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output) technology. MU-MIMO allows the extender to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, reducing wait times and improving overall network efficiency, especially in households with many connected devices.
Netgear EX7000 Setup and User Experience
Setting up the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Wi-Fi Range Extender (EX7000) is relatively easy, even for non-tech folks.
Step 1: Initial Connection
The first step in the setup process was finding a good place for the extender. In my case, this spot was halfway between my router and where the Wi-Fi was weak. In this spot, I plugged in the EX7000 and turned it on.
The LED lights turned on, with the power light blinking at first and then staying on, which showed that the device was starting up correctly.
Step 2: Connecting to the Extender
With the EX7000 powered on, the next step was connecting a computer or mobile device to its default Wi-Fi network, NETGEAR_EXT.
This network was immediately visible in my list of available networks, which was a promising start.
After selecting NETGEAR_EXT, I opened a web browser, which automatically redirected me to the Netgear genie setup page.
For those who prefer mobile apps, Netgear also offers an app that can guide you through the process, but I found the browser-based setup quite user-friendly.
Step 3: Netgear Genie Setup Wizard
The Netgear genie setup wizard is easy to use and guides you through the configuration step by step.
When I accepted the terms and conditions, I chose my home Wi-Fi network, which I wanted to extend from a list provided by the EX7000. Then, I entered the Wi-Fi password and continued.
Step 4: Configuration Options
The wizard gave me a choice between “Extender Mode” and “Access Point Mode.”
I chose Extender Mode to expand my current network coverage. Access Point Mode, on the other hand, would create a new Wi-Fi network using a wired connection to the router.
After choosing Extender Mode, the EX7000 provided options to customize the extended network’s SSID (Service Set Identifier) and password. I decided to keep these the same as my primary network to ensure a seamless device transition between the router and the extender.
Step 5: Completing Setup
After setting up the network settings, the wizard applied them and checked to ensure everything was connected properly.
This process took a few minutes. Once done, the EX7000’s LEDs showed that the connection was working.
The 2.4GHz and 5GHz LEDs turned solid green, which meant the connection to my main router was strong on both frequency bands. Then, I reconnected my devices to the extended network, which was now being managed seamlessly by the router and the extender.
Personal Insights: Day-to-Day Use
I found the EX7000 easy to use every day. The best improvement was that I no longer had weak Wi-Fi signals in certain areas of my home, like the farthest bedroom and the backyard.
I liked that the device has MU-MIMO capability, as it can handle multiple users and devices simultaneously without any slowdowns, even when many high-bandwidth activities happen simultaneously.
The Netgear Genie interface also has useful tools like the Access Schedule feature, which allows me to control when Wi-Fi is available. This is great for managing my children’s screen time. The Wi-Fi Coverage settings let me adjust the extender’s range to reduce interference and focus the signal where needed most.
The various modes and settings allowed me to customize it to fit my needs.
Performance Analysis
Once I had set up and started using the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Wi-Fi Range Extender (EX7000), it was time to see how well it worked. I tested the signal strength, speed, and overall coverage in my home to evaluate its performance.
Signal Strength Tests
I tested the Wi-Fi signal strength in different parts of my house using a Wi-Fi analyzer app on my smartphone.
The signal was powerful in the room with the EX7000, around -30 dBm.
Moving to the next room, the signal remained good, at around -45 dBm, even with a wall in between.
When I went to the farthest corners of the house, the signal was still decent, around -60 dBm, even through multiple walls.
This significantly improved from before I used the extender when the signal often disappeared in those areas.
Speed Tests
I conducted speed tests using Ookla’s Speedtest.net at different distances from the EX7000.
In the same room as the extender, connected to the 5GHz band, I got download speeds of about 179 Mbps and upload speeds of 22 Mbps. These speeds were almost the same as those directly from my main router, which is impressive for a range extender.
At a distance of 20 feet, the download speeds were consistently about 150 Mbps, and the upload speeds remained steady at around 20 Mbps. This slight decrease in speed was expected, but it still showed good performance, given the distance and obstructions.
The most significant improvement was in the areas where my devices used to struggle to stay connected. Now, I get download speeds of around 105 Mbps and upload speeds of 18 Mbps in these areas.
Coverage Evaluation
The EX7000 provided solid and reliable Wi-Fi coverage throughout my home.
With multiple users and devices needing fast and stable internet, the extender effectively expanded the Wi-Fi’s reach. This ensured that every area of my house, including the backyard, had consistent connectivity.
Personal Observations
I discovered that I could adjust the external antennas of the EX7000 to improve the signal strength in specific areas. By changing the angle of the antennas, I could enhance coverage in particular directions, which helped maximize the extender’s performance in my home.
Additionally, I was impressed by how effectively the EX7000 dissipated heat. After extended use, it maintained a cool temperature, indicating a well-designed internal cooling system. This gave me confidence in its durability and long-term reliability.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Impressive Throughput: The Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 offers stellar performance, especially on the 5GHz band. In-room tests showed up to 179 Mbps speeds, making it almost as reliable as connecting directly to the primary router. The speed remained formidable even in distant parts of my home, providing smooth and stable connectivity.
Easy Installation: Setting up the EX7000 was easy. The intuitively guided setup wizard took less than 10 minutes. Including both “Extender” and “Access Point” modes during setup made it versatile enough to fit various networking needs.
Extensive Coverage: The EX7000 dramatically improved Wi-Fi coverage in my home. Dead zones in remote areas became viable spaces for robust Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing seamless browsing and streaming even in the backyard.
Robust Design: The EX7000’s physical build is solid and premium. The three adjustable antennas provide flexibility in optimizing the signal, and the robust chassis implies durability. The design is built to last, with efficient heat dissipation, keeping the device cool even during prolonged use.
Multiple Connectivity Options: With five Gigabit Ethernet ports and a USB 3.0 port, the EX7000 surpasses typical range extenders. It is ideal for connecting gaming consoles, smart TVs, or even network storage devices, turning it into a small networking hub.
Feature-Rich Interface: The Netgear genie interface is user-friendly and has features. Real-time monitoring of connected devices, the ability to set up an access schedule, and adjusting the Wi-Fi coverage settings were instrumental. The interface is designed to be intuitive, even for users who aren’t tech-savvy.
MU-MIMO Support: The Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) technology is a significant advantage for households with multiple devices. During high-traffic periods, the extender delivered a consistent and strong connection to all devices, showing no lag or speed drops.
Cons
High Price Point: The EX7000 is priced at around $169.99, higher than many other range extenders. While it provides strong performance, the cost might be too high for budget-conscious consumers.
Large Footprint: The size of the EX7000 could be a problem for those with limited space. It’s larger than plug-in extenders and needs a dedicated spot, which might not work well in smaller apartments or homes with limited space.
Less Impressive on the 2.4GHz Band: Performance on the 5GHz band was excellent, but the 2.4GHz band had slightly slower speeds. This could impact older devices that don’t support the 5GHz band, but the coverage and stability have improved significantly.
Placement Sensitivity: Getting the best performance requires trial and error with placement and antenna adjustment. Finding the best spot for coverage and performance might take some patience.
Occasional Reboots Needed: Occasional reboots were needed to restore optimal performance during busy times. Though it didn’t happen often, it was notable, especially during peak usage.
Conclusion
From my experience, the EX7000 significantly improved my home network. It eliminated frustrating dead zones and provided a stable connection for all my devices. Its high speed, comprehensive coverage, and user-friendly setup make it valuable for any home network.
For everyday consumers, especially those with larger homes or many devices, the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Wi-Fi Range Extender (EX7000) not only meets but often exceeds expectations, giving a reliable solution to common Wi-Fi problems.
Who should buy this extender?
Suppose you’re looking for a reliable Wi-Fi range extender. In that case, the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Wi-Fi Range Extender (EX7000) is one you should seriously consider. It is especially beneficial for the following groups of people.
Large Households: The EX7000 provides excellent Wi-Fi coverage for those in larger homes. Its robust range covers multiple floors and extensive square footage, ensuring reliable home Wi-Fi access. The three adjustable antennas can be fine-tuned to maximize coverage in challenging layouts.
Tech-Savvy Users: If you’re a tech enthusiast looking for network control, the EX7000 offers a range of customization options. You can monitor your network in real-time through the Netgear genie interface and gain detailed insights into its performance. You can optimize bandwidth for specific applications or devices, set up access schedules, and monitor data usage. The MU-MIMO support allows multiple devices to operate simultaneously without lag, making it perfect for households with heavy tech usage.
Remote Workers and Students: A dependable internet connection is essential, with more people working and studying from home. The EX7000 ensures you can set up a home office or study space anywhere in your house without worrying about weak Wi-Fi signals.
