Netgear AC1900 WiFi Mesh Extender EX6400

Apparently they work well – when you can get them working! – Purchased this to improve wifi connection to a computer in a room at the other end of the house. Generally it’s got good reviews but I couldn't get it set up and connected. There's a quickstart card included with the unit but there's nothing 'quick' about setting it up. I found the manual on the Netgear web site and worked from that. All the indicators worked when plugged in but you may need an extension cord for set up if you're using a computer for set-up and want the unit on the desk as you work through the set-up instructions.

The instructions read as follows: Place your extender in the same room as your WiFi router. Proximity to the WiFi router is required only during the initial setup process. To extend the range of your WiFi network, you must connect the extender to your existing WiFi network. You can do this in one of two ways: • Connect with WPS. • Connect with the NETGEAR installation assistant.

WPS is Wi-fi Protected Setup that lets you join a secure Wi-fi network without selecting the network name and entering the password. I opted to set up using the installation assistant assuming it provided better security – considering that the wi-fi selector dropdown on my computer shows a large number of other users in the neighbourhood.

You can use wi-fi connection or ethernet cable for set-up – but there is not an ethernet cable included in the box.

The problems start when you want to 'log in to access extender settings' as per page 13 of the manual. There are a number of URLS provided for various platforms – Windows; Mac/IOS/Linux; and Android. NONE OF THE URLS OPENED ANYTHING other than a 'page unavailable' message in the browser.

I'd 'lost' the EXTENDER connection showing in the 'connect wi-fi' drop-down by this time (about 2 hours later), so was unable to configure it.

I'd say this product isn't an easy solution if you're not very very computer savvy. I didn't need a $160+ paperweight so returned it to the store – and showed them to the problem using photos on my phone.