NETGEAR WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender EAX20

Easy to set up and operate. So far, an outstanding ability to extend my existing router signal throughout my home in previous dead spots, without significant degradation of speed. Outstanding product build, quality, reliable Netgear service support – a buy recommendation without hesitation

I selected this extender to supplement my Nighthawk R8000, which covers our 2100 sq ft home very well (x2 with great basement coverage as well), but it struggled to maintain connection with a newly installed exterior garage door video keypad (would disconnect when the garage door was closed). The seamless “mesh” feature was the main feature I was looking for and this one does the job, and gives a MAJOR boost to my network’s WiFi reach… First the negatives: Installation was accomplished without the need to call customer service, but not without having to re-try some steps, after a few mistakes. The install process started out via the login to the Netgear app on my phone, which was previously connected to my router, but required creating a separate login account for this extender from a computer, plus establishing a separate Admin login password for management of the extender (write these down when you create them!). That’s all well & good, but moving further through the installation steps, instructions were not clear when referring to “logging in” as I was left wondering “which account” to log into — it was not always clear which of these THREE accounts it was referring to. Once I got past those issues through trial & error I finally had a successful installation that I can monitor/configure in the phone app — but also had a time figuring which password on the app to get into the Extender from there (thankfully my phone is set to save passwords for future access!). The GOOD (and it’s really good!): I installed the extender half-way between the router and the troubled exterior garage door Video Keypad, high atop a cabinet above our washer/dryer near the entrance to the garage. Not only did this solve our connectivity issue with the video keypad, but surprisingly extended our network’s WiFi coverage well out to into the extremes of back yard on the opposite side of the house! I’m very happy with this unit and would highly recommend it!

Bought this to extend the range of a new Nighthawk router, which is actually very nice device with the newest WiFi-6 technology. The EAX20 extender supposedly also have the same tech, however, it was not possible to make a connection between the two devices, both of the same brand. Followed the instructions to use the Netgear app for installation, but couldn’t pass the point when they actually connect. Tried several times to set the thing up and searched for an answer in the website without success. The support in the website is insufficient, so don’t waste your valuable time browsing there. Then I registered the product and was offered an option to talk with tech service. Tried two times the English option which is quite hard to understand and very slow, they had me on hold in the phone for 40 and 50 minutes respectively, had to hang out as no one connected. The third day I tried the Spanish support option and was faster and quite amicable. We spend two hours troubleshooting the extender to conclude it was a defective unit.

This extender look and has very cheap materials, IMHO doesn’t justify the high price. Before this I had the AC (older gen) Netgear extenders which cost $40 each and worked well.

Since probably had to stick with the same brand for good results, ordered a replacement and will give another try with a new unit. Will make an update to this review based on that, fingers crossed.

Update as posted in the Netgear product website: Bought the AX1800 (EAX20) extender to have the router reach farther, but it didn’t connect at all. Tried two new extenders already and three days on the phone with technical support (about 2 hours each call) and they couldn’t make it work, we tried everything.

The problems start with the instructions in the box which clearly tell you you need to use the Nighthawk phone app to install it (see photo). When followed instructions it didn’t work. When contacted Netgear for technical support they ask you to use the wifiext webpage instead, didn’t work either. The information to connect the device in the Netgear webpage is presented differently than the phone app or the website (www.mywifiext.com). It was clear this product has not been tested properly, regrettably Netgear let the consumers to waste their precious time figuring out how to make their products work.

I am returning a second device and ask for a refund. Since this extender is the only one that fits the Nighthawk RAX 40 router, will have to wait until has been foolproof or is cheaper, or perhaps will return the router as well and try other brands. I choose Netgear because I been using their routers + extender for years, but now that I tried to update to newer technology and it was a huge let down. The high price for this extender is not justifiable.

The install through the app required two calls with tech support. The extender itself works well after the difficult installation