Netgear
WiFi Range Extender
AC1200 2.4 and 5Ghz band WiFi range extender
Works with any WiFi router
$100
Orbi mesh systems
| Orbi model | specs | RRP |
|---|---|---|
| AX1800 (RBK352) | 600 1200Mbps, 2 antennas, 3 LAN ports | $380 for 2 pack |
| AX5400 (RBK762S) | 600 2400 2400Mbps, 4 antennas, 3 LAN ports | $600 for 2 pack |
| AX6000 (RBK852) | 2400 2400 1200Mbps, 8 antennas, 4 LAN ports | $900 for 2 pack |
| AX11000 (RBK862SB) | 4800 2400 2400 1200Mbps, 12 antennas, 3 LAN ports | $1499 for 2 pack |
All Orbi systems support 2.4 and 5GHz WiFi and share the same WiFi features, security, Quad-Core 1.4GHz processor, Netgear Armor, and control app. AX models also support 6GHz, often referred to as WiFi 6. Models vary by speed due to the number of antennas and amplifiers.
Differences between cheaper and more expensive models are minimal unless you have over 10 simultaneous devices connected to WiFi and an NBN plan with speeds over 100 Mbps. The AX6000, for example, should handle up to 100 simultaneous devices. But you would need NBN speeds close to 1Gbs to note the advantage.
Antivirus in Netgear
Underrepresented Netgear Armor is a Bitdefender antivirus built into a router. It protects all devices on your WiFi network, whether PC, Mac, iPhones, Androids, printers, or TVs. The price of the Bitdefender licence for the router is around A$100/year. However, not all Netgear routers are with Armor. Orbi has one.
AC1200 means combined 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi bandwidths up to 1200 Mbps, while AXE4200 means speeds up to 4200 Mbps with an additional 6 GHz band. AC represents Wi-Fi 5, and AX represents Wi-Fi 6 standard. If an AC device connects to an AX router, the connection falls back to the AC slower band. See phone and router WiFi compatibility.
Google WiFi Nest
The other popular mesh system is Google WiFi, now called Nest. Google does not make extenders for other routers, which makes sense to achieve maximum performance with fewer third-party issues. It is recommended to bridge your existing modem-router and use Google WiFi as the router.
You may buy them in a set for mesh or add them later as needed. They are all controlled with the same app for Android or iPhones - Google Home. Here is the specification comparison. Minor differences were omitted, such as size and materials.
| WiFi | Nest router | Nest Wifi Pro | Nest point |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAN and LAN Gigabit ports | no ports, wireless mesh with Nest router or Google WiFi only | ||
| AC1200 | AC2200 BT | AXE5400, BT 5.0 | AC1200, Speaker, 3 far-field microphones. BT 5.0, touch controls |
| 512 MB ram 4 GB flash | 1 GB ram 4 GB flash | 768 MB ram 512 MB flash | |
| $100 | $200 | $300 | $130 |
Google WiFi Specifications
The following specs are the same for all models: beamforming, 802.11k/v client roaming, up to 100 connected devices, Bluetooth, WPA3 encryption, automatic security updates.
Google WiFi, Nest Pro and Nest routers can work as an access point or router or join the mesh. Nest Point can only join Google Mesh. Nest is compatible with older Google WiFi, while Nest Pro is not.
Ubiquiti
UniFi AC Lite WiFi
This device is a dual WiFi band access point with speeds up to 300Mbps at 2.4GHz and 867Mbps at 5GHz, known as AC1200. It's easy to install on the ceiling, wall, or shelf using PoE through the network cable. Combined with other Ubiquiti access points, it creates a seamless WiFi reception area across multiple rooms and floors, automatically switching to mesh without Ethernet cables. It can handle over 250 simultaneous users and costs $165.
Ubiquiti extender
Are you looking for a Ubiquiti extender? There is Ubiquiti's Amplifi router and extender line. However, Amplifi though beautifully designed, needs to be better supported in the Australian market and costs around $750 for three devices. We support them but do not install brand-new ones.
Outdoor WiFi
For private outdoor installations, such as backyards, verandas and house extensions, Ubiquiti has UAP-AC-M. It provides a speed of 300Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 867 Mbps on 5GHz, which is sufficient for a dozen simultaneous devices. It is designed for pole or wall installations, providing coverage within a 180-meter radius. Ideally, it should be connected with a PoE network cable, but it can also work as a mesh in a few units or linked with an UniFi non-Mesh AP. Price $200
FAQ
Fix or buy a new Ubiquiti?
If access points are over 4-5 years old and you have just a few of them, replacing them is quicker than fixing them. Up to 3 APs are cheaper than spending hours troubleshooting, resetting and updating firmware. Ether resetting or new, you still need UniFi control panel with WiFi network settings.
How to reset Ubiquiti WiFi password
UniFi settings, including WiFi password, WiFi network name, firmware updates etc., are controlled via the panel on either:
- A device called Cloud Key from $390 or UniFi router with console from $450
- A remote Cloud Console for a monthly fee of US$30.
- A free software application on a local computer or mobile.
The last one is a usual installation method for small setups like in private houses. Losing access to the control panel will not stop the WiFi, but changing the WiFi password, updating the firmware, etc., won't be possible.
You can set up a new control panel. Then reset all points and adopt them into the WiFi network in the new UniFi control panel.
AP vs WiFi Extender
The Access Point requires Ethernet cabling, but the extender does not. Extender or, in other words, repeater piggybacks to an existing master WiFi network. WiFi extended via repeater is slower and less stable than the master WiFi network; thus, WiFi repeater is the cheap way of extending WiFi. Some WiFi repeaters can work as access points and vice versa. The mode of the network devices is chosen during the initial setup or changed later.
TP-Link extender and router
TL-WR841N is a router, Access Point or Range Extender. The maximum WiFi speed of this device is standard 300Mbps at 2.4GHz. Why is it so cheap? The number of simultaneous connections is limited due to the cheap CPU. However, it is sufficient for up to a dozen people using WiFi simultaneously. $26
Antivirus in TP-Link Deco
TP-Link also offers Antivirus built into the mesh routers. The cheapest one is TP-link Deco X20-DSL router for $250. Free Antivirus in TP-link devices is a part of the network security suite with comprehensive features and control called HomeShield.
updated Mar 2024
We recommend the Ubiquiti, Google mesh or TP-Link extenders based on hundreds of installations, all with positive feedback. These devices offer good value for money and deserve five stars.
How to buy
WiFi extenders and other products supplied with WiFi installations in Sydney, predominantly Northern Beaches.