Poor coverage and substandard performance on wireless networks are among the most common complaints of internet users. A high-performance router is essential, but optimal placement is also crucial (though not always aesthetically ideal). Furthermore, the construction of your home plays a significant role; thinner walls of wood and plasterboard are more conducive to signal propagation than concrete or similar dense materials. Wi-Fi technology itself presents limitations. While current 802.11AC speeds are impressive under ideal conditions (and even AD, with close proximity and compatible devices), the 5GHz AC signal is inherently weaker than the 2.4GHz signal (which offers lower speeds). The forthcoming AX technology may offer improvements in this area; we anticipate further developments in 2019.
Netgear’s Nighthawk X4S Tri-Band Wifi Range Extender aims to address these issues using current technology. This Wi-Fi extender is a rectangular, white device that plugs directly into an electrical outlet (positioned strategically to maximize signal extension). It can seamlessly extend your existing network using the same network ID (many extenders create a new network name with a “-EXT” suffix). The X4S’s tri-band capability provides a dedicated 5GHz channel for communication with the main router, potentially offering more efficient and better-performing 2.4 and 5 GHz channels for connected devices. While promising in theory, its real-world performance involves complexities and limitations.
The combination of X4S and Nighthawk R7000 did not work well at all with WPS.
The X4S (EX7500) is designed for easy synchronization with an existing router via WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). We attempted this in close proximity to our Nighthawk R7000 multiple times, but encountered difficulties. It occasionally synced, but only on the 2.4 GHz band. More often, the devices failed to connect, despite resets and software updates. We ultimately resorted to manual configuration via the X4S’s web interface, which, while providing comprehensive control, may be considered moderately complex for experienced users and challenging for novices. The WPS failure, particularly between two Netgear devices, raises concerns about ease of setup for less technical users.
After some effort, we established connectivity on both channels. However, achieving full 5 GHz speed required changing the router’s 5 GHz channel to a value above 100 (clearly indicated in the interface). The subsequent challenge involved finding the optimal placement for the extender. The reliance on a power outlet necessitates a trial-and-error approach, requiring reboots after each adjustment. Initial placements resulted in either no signal or a weak signal, with the third attempt proving successful (within a 3-5 meter range). Once properly positioned, the extender provided excellent coverage over approximately 100 square meters in an apartment with primarily concrete walls, effectively doubling the coverage area. However, the intermittent deactivation of the 2.4 GHz indicator light caused confusion, potentially signaling either infrequent usage or a complete loss of the 2.4 GHz signal from the router.
Seamless network integration using a single network name functioned effectively, with fast and smooth handovers (likely due to the tri-band and built-in mesh functionality). This approach is more efficient than manually switching networks or relying on devices to search for alternative connections when the primary connection is lost.
The Nighthawk X4S EX7500 is a substantial device that maintains a presentable appearance when plugged into a wall socket. However, it occupies considerable space, potentially obstructing the adjacent socket in vertically oriented installations. The EX7500 also lacks Ethernet ports, a notable omission given the preference for wired connections in many scenarios (e.g., online gaming). Including one or two ports would have been a valuable addition, particularly considering its price point.
Summary: The Netgear Nighthawk EX7500 X4S is a capable product once configured, but its initial setup process is unnecessarily complex and its feature set doesn’t fully justify its price. While we were ultimately satisfied with its coverage and performance, achieving optimal results required a degree of technical proficiency. Users seeking a simple solution for improving Wi-Fi coverage in a guest house, for example, might find the process frustrating. The Tri-band design and One Wifi Name feature offer tangible benefits, but cheaper (and potentially simpler or more complex) alternatives exist, such as utilizing an older router in access point or repeater mode (our legacy Asus AC66 serves this purpose, providing four Ethernet ports, albeit without tri-band capability). The Nighthawk X4S is a competent extender that fulfills its core function upon successful installation, but its value proposition is diminished by its price, lack of Ethernet ports, and somewhat involved setup, preventing it from reaching the exceptional standards we typically associate with Netgear products.
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