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Nighthawk WiFi Mesh Extender AC1900 EX7000 Review

Product Rating

80%
83%
77%
80%

Reliability

Easy to Use

Price

Durability

Total Rating

80 %

 

The Netgear WiFi mesh range extender EX7000 first came to my attention when a reader asked about this router extender. And since I’ve tried several Netgear routers in the past, I figured that this would be a good product to try.

It took me quite a while to write this review because the mesh range extender was out of stock when I first went to buy it. And, it is expensive product, so I wasn’t sure if I want to spend the money to give this extender a try when I already had plenty that worked well in my house.

Netgear Nighthawk EX7000 Features and Specs

  • Covers up to 2,100 square feet
  • Speeds up to 1900 Mbps
  • Universal compatibility with all routers and cable modems
  • Connect up to 30 devices
  • FastLane technology for HD streaming and online gaming
  • Built-in wired ports for maximum speeds and better connectivity
  • WPA/ WPA2 wireless security protocols
  • WEP support
  • One button WPS setup
  • Parental control options
  • 3 antennas
  • 5 gigabit ethernet ports

My Netgear Nighthawk EX7000 Review


I always try to keep WiFi safe because I do a lot of banking and other business-related activities on my computer and my WiFi devices. When I first started using the Netgear WiFi range extender, I was happy to see that they had to follow the leading wireless security protocols so that you can enjoy truly secure WiFi extension.

Set up was very easy, and you do have a lot of different configuration options, including a parental control option panel.

If you are a parent, this is a great feature to have because you can limit how much Internet activity your kids are subjected to. This means that you can ensure that they’re going to bed on time and that they’re not spending their entire day chatting with their friends on social media.

And there are great speeds with excellent throughput on both of the bands available.

With the generous settings options, it is a very high-end WiFi extender that can work in a home or office setting.

Powerful Hardware


The Netgear Nighthawk dual band AC1900 runs on very powerful hardware offering a 1 GHz dual-core processor, 802.11ac WiFi and speeds up to 1,900 Mbps. You will only be able to achieve these speeds using the dual band option that allows for:

  • 2.4 GHz to run at 600 Mbps
  • 5 GHz to run at 1,300 Mbps

You’ll notice that there’s a WPS button right on the front of the extender as well as the reset button. You can quickly connect to your router if it does have WPS connectivity. There is a really nice USB 3.0 port on the front of this extender.

While we would have liked to see a dual USB port setup, this single board does allow you to connect either a USB storage device directly to your extender and share these two other devices on the network.

Or, you can choose to attach a printer to this USB device so that you can have a printer connected for all devices that do connect to this WiFi extender.

Netgear really went all out and provided superior hardware and equipment so that you can have one of the higher-end extenders in terms of technology and ease of functionality.

Easy Configuration


Netgear offers a user-friendly web-based management system that allows you to build the strength of both of your WiFi bands using a color-coded system. You’ll also be able to view connection information, region, WiFi speed and use these smart setup button to configure your extender or an access point.

There are quick and easy ways to update the firmware, control parental controls, and change your password or channel.

Far Extension Capabilities


Utilizing three antennas, you’re able to extend your WiFi range up to 2100 square feet. Extensive amount of space and will often allow you to have a better connection outside of your home, too. But, you’ll have to install this extender, which is quite bigger than competing models.

This is a very bulky extender, and the major reason for this is that there are three antennas that can be used for greater control over your WiFi connection and direction of your extender.

Speeds are exceptional, with the signal being able to go through thicker walls and dealing with interference with greater ease than competing models.

What Could Have Been Better


There’s a lot to love about the Netgear AC1900 mesh WiFi extender, but there are two main issues that I want to point out. From reading reviews, because I haven’t personally experienced this, people do say that the low frequency band tends to slow down and even stop working over time.

Other users state that on the low frequency band, they will eventually have their Internet drop multiple times a day.

There was also a time when the firmware update rendered the WiFi extender unusable. While this may have been fixed, it is a concern that the company didn’t find this issue before they released it to the public.

Pros

  • HD and streaming technology for better performance
  • Reliable connection, especially on higher bands
  • Large coverage area to eliminate dead zones all throughout the house and outside
  • 5 gigabit ports perfect for hardcore gamers

Cons

  • Low frequency band tends to die over time
  • Updates have made the product less reliable

My Verdict


Rating: 80%

I like the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900. Netgear is a good company, and they make a decent home WiFi booster. While the Nighthawk is a great extender, there are few issues that make it lower on our list of the top boosters.

The product is often out of stock, and this is a major issue because it’s really hard to purchase.

You’ll find that while the coverage is great, it is also out of the normal coverage range that the average person will need. You’re paying a real lot of money for this product, but only a few people with extremely large houses will be able to benefit from the extent of the added WiFi coverage available.

For the price, I do recommend other range extenders that work just as well and save you money.


September 7, 2020

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