It offers basic access to a number of your router's features, including setting up and managing parental controls. When there are only two devices connected, the internet speeds may not be affected. Wi-Fi 6 is a component of a mesh system rather than a competitor. The easiest, most secure method is merely changing your Wi-Fi networks password on your router. By taking the time to do your research, you can be sure youre getting the best possible deal on the product you want. However, some dual-band routers support only one WiFi network, so you need to choose either the 2.4GHz or 5GHz frequency. Nice thing about the RAX200 is that its triband so there's multiple 5ghz radios. How to Use Instagram Live to Boost Your , What Is the Difference Between MLA and A, The Ultimate Resolution Showdown: 1080p , A 5-step Quick Guide to Fix Unknown Publ, What types of healthcare software are us, Key Benefits Of Using A VPN For Amazon F, Better Technology means Better Business . It improves wifi usage so that you dont have to experience poor or slow internet connection while carrying out day-to-day online activities. On Snbforums.com, people shared their thoughts about the same. Five minutes later it was done. Simply enter the username and your password. This can give you a good idea of what to expect from the product and can help you decide if its the right fit for your needs. Most doorbells/phones are 1x1 antennas so the router could talk to multiples at the same time. In most situations, the user name is , Click on Wireless and the Wireless Setup page will display. Replace them if you do. So you'll need to point a web browser there while connected to the network your router is broadcasting. If there is low signal on the 5 GHz band, it switches to the 2.. NY 10036. There are many people that have shared their thoughts on Netgear Smart Connect. The user name is admin. View ProductSaleBestseller No. Whats the point of a buying guide if you dont know what factors to consider before purchasing netgear smart connect good or bad? The process of enabling or disabling the Smart Connect Feature on the Router is very easy. Change them to something more memorable and unique, remembering to click apply before you leave. The benefit you would see in enabling smart connect is needing to only connect to one band. N speed will connect to both 2.4 and 5Ghz SSID's. I was expecting that at worst, throughput would stay the same as the throughput on one 5.0 band. SAFE & SECURE: Supports WPA2 wireless security protocols. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()). WIRED ETHERNET PORTS: Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and other nearby wired devices with 4 x 10/100 Fast Ethernet ports. In case of any troubles, opt for troubleshooting options available in the internet. This is assuming you want the blazingly fast speeds that will take on several devices in use at the same time. They got so frustrated they shipped out a new Altice mini box out for fee without needing the old returned, in hopes of that somehow fixing the problem. As a result, I cannot get a stabl;e connection in my bedroom, which is at the front of the house and closer to the neighbors. The service includes support for the following: NETGEAR and non-NETGEAR network devices. Its because there are so many things that can go into making your decision, and knowing all of them upfront will help keep any surprises later on in life! If you use both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, and if both bands have the same SSID, then smart connect will try to connect each device to the best band. OFDMA is ideal for low bandwidth applications and results in better frequency reuse, reduced latency, and increased efficiency. The user name is admin. A disadvantage of SmartConnect is that we cant not know easily from the device if we are connected on the 2.4GHZ or 5GHZ band. You can eventually pick the SSID that you want and connect to it. 2 So automatically hand-off will happen from GF and FF for me. AC1900 WIFI SPEEDS Up to 600Mbps on 2.4GHz and 1300Mbps on 5GHz.Standards: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz. Any benefit of using the smart connect on routers or is it better to keep 2.4 and 5.0 signal separate using Wifi, Wifi2.4 names? Mac OS X 10.8.3 or later, MULTIPLE OS SUPPORTCompatible with Mac and Windows. Energy efficient design compliant with IEEE802.3az, Extends WiFi range coverage up to 1500 sq ft, and connects up to 25 devices such as laptops, smartphones, speakers, IP cameras, tablets, IoT devices, and more, Provides up to 1200 Mbps WiFi speed using dual band and patented FastLane (TM) technology for video streaming and casual gaming, Works with any wireless router or cable modem with Wi-Fi. 7 It looks like its putting some devices onto the 5Ghz channels that I would think would slow down the more demanding devices. RSSISmart Connect. Im in love. However, it might vary from one Router to the other. If you really want to see the difference between 2.4G and 5G. Here's some quick troubleshooting tips. Is the first time I've heard of that. My first name means: "One with a joyful demeanor." NETGEAR has a fairly easy to use GUI after the initial setup. Weve also come across an individual claiming that she went for the Smart Connect feature as recommended and eventually set 5 devices. NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart Wi-Fi Router, R6700 - AC1750 Wireless Speed Up to 1750 Mbps | Up to 1500 Sq Ft Coverage & 25 Devices | 4 x 1G Ethernet and 1 x 3.0 USB Ports | Armor Security Maximum Range : 1500 Sq FtRecommended for up to 25 devices: Reliably stream videos, play games, surf the internet, and connect smart home devicesWired Ethernet ports: Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and other nearby wired devices with 4 x 1 gigabit Ethernet portsLoaded with advanced technology: Designed with a 1GHz dual core processor, 3 amplified antennas, Beamforming plus, Dynamic QoS, Smart Connect, and moreUSB connections: Share a storage drive or printer with any connected device or create a personal cloud storage to access from anywhere, using the 1 x 3.0 USB port Is Netgear Smart Connect Any good? For more information, see your router user manual. If you want to experience a world of better stability and enhanced speeds, then Netgear Smart Connect will be a great idea. I've seen N Speed devices with a 150Mbps limit, 300, and 600 as well. Netgear Smart Connect is also an automatic feature meaning that it connects automatically to the devices depending on how far they are from the Router. Dated almost a year ago, but that isn't the problem. You could try changing the channel that your Wi-Fi signal is using. A former Project Manager and long-term tech addict, he joined Mobile Nations in 2011 and has been found on Android Central and iMore as well as Windows Central. Many experience slowdowns in the wireless due to Smart Connect. To me, the real value of Smart Connect is for the inexperienced user who doesn't want to manage the devices they have and which band they connect to. They connect to 2.4GHz most of the time and give us slow speed issues (much lower speed when tested with speedtest.net ), buffering etc. If you are interested in Smart Connect and want to use it, a few steps would launch it. Smart Connect balances the 5GHz bands and connects them into two different bands and the Router will be able to choose the radio band that works best for the connected devices. By taking the time to do your research, you can be sure youre getting the best possible deal on the product you want. Its a base model dual band range extender. To perform some essential tasks like videoconference, Zoom meetings ,or even stream, its important to receive the fastest internet speeds possible. Some may only support 2.4 GHz while others might support 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The abbreviation SSID stands for Service Set Identifier. personalize content and ads, and analyze how our sites are used. Some devices might not support all the GHz frequencies. To enable or disable Smart Connect on your NETGEAR router: Launch a web browser from a device that is connected to your router's network. But its a different story when other devices are added. We make use of Big Data and AI data to compile this list, so it is highly accurate. Is there any advantage to using the Smart Connect feature on the RAX200? Havent had any issues so far, but weve only had the router for a couple days now. At this point though, both of us are so frustrated that we cannot wait to call FiOs. Good feedback u/JuelzNYC appreciate all the info on your journey. . From the Nighthawk apps dashboard, you can enable NETGEAR services like NETGEAR Smart Parental Controls and NETGEAR Armor, configure guest WiFi, adjust router settings, and more. Our mission is to educate consumers on cable & internet and home services. The main benefit of OFDMA is that it allows an AP to allocate the whole channel to a single user at a time or it may partition a channel to serve multiple users simultaneously. then don't hesitate to contact us, Home / Router / Netgear Smart Connect Review Updated Guide 2022. Performance & security by Cloudflare. Router is upstairs and is able to supply first floor full coverage without issue on the wifi5 2.4ghz & 5ghz bands. When shopping for a product online, be sure to read the reviews before making a purchase. You may be wondering why you need to consider some factors about a netgear smart connect good or bad before purchasing. Select smart connect option and automatically connect your devices in your network to the best band for optimal speed. Fast dual band 802.11ac WiFi at a combined aggregate speed of 1.2 Gbps (300Mbps at 2.4 GHz and 867Mbps at 5 GHz), Factory tuned external antennas provide superior signal and far reaching WiFi coverage, Advanced Security and Flexible Wireless Configuration - access point, and WDS point-to-point, point-to-multipoint wireless bridge mode. NOTE : Refer to the PDF attached below in Technical Specification for Installation and Troubleshooting Steps My son is now online gaming and his connection will jump between 2.4 and 5g depending on where he is so I might decide on breaking up the signals. https://community.tp-link.com/en/home/forum/topic/171036. If you're a long-term Netgear router user with your own troubleshooting tips be sure to leave them in the comments below. If you are looking for more info about Netgears Smart connect router then our updated 2023 guide will answer all your pressing questions. I love learning new things, and I think that's why I enjoy writing so much - it's a way of learning more about the world around me. NETGEAR WiFi Range Extender EX2800 - Coverage up to 1200 sq.ft. By taking the time to consider your needs and doing your research, you can be sure youre getting the best possible product for your needs. Yes. Smart Connect2.4G5G. I encountered some problem with my Archer C54 and AX1500. UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: Works with any wireless router, gateway, or cable modem with WiFi, and is optimized for all WiFi 6 routers. When Smart Connect is used, the Router will determine which band is best for the device to use. Did I practise something incorrect? u/FourMonthsEarly Yeah that is what my intial thoughts were . the normies would just pick the 2.4ghz name despite 5ghz providing extra bandwidth, they don't know the difference. Now select Wireless and the wireless setup page will pop up. Got yourself a Netgear router? By splitting your devices between 2.4GHz and 5GHz, you can maximize your networks performance. Smart Connect using a single SSID, the 2.4Ghz one and its password. Top 10 Best Patchett Taking Bad Fall Good Reviews & Comparison, Top 10 Best Phish Dry Good Reviews & Comparison, Recommended for up to 25 devices: Reliably stream videos, play games, surf the internet, and connect smart home devices, Wired Ethernet ports: Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and other nearby wired devices with 4 x 1 gigabit Ethernet ports, Loaded with advanced technology: Designed with a 1GHz dual core processor, 3 amplified antennas, Beamforming plus, Dynamic QoS, Smart Connect, and more, USB connections: Share a storage drive or printer with any connected device or create a personal cloud storage to access from anywhere, using the 1 x 3.0 USB port. Our reviews are rigorous and thorough taking all factors into account, including design, features, price-to something else that matters most in making an informed decision before purchasing one of these items! How well does Netgear Smart Connect work? Grab it for your phone from the links below. Smart Connect might not do anything for you. MSRP $99.99 $49.99 at Amazon. For devices that are far, you will only enjoy greater stability with the connection, but the speeds can be compromised. Typically, 2.4GHz is for distance, 5GHz is for performance. I get all the 5ghz. If that describes your setup, combining into one SSID will probably give you good performance without the need to manually switch. Smart Connect can greatly assist routers to ensure Wi-Fi bands are used efficiently. Also, I never like the modems provided by cable ISPs, so we bought our own and installed it--we do not buy modems that have their own wireless routers in them and we disable any onboard address provision that might be on them. Its among the greatest and most useful things from Netgear to the world. How many people in your house? A reviewer on Reddit.com says that she has a GB by AT&T with 15 devices. If you only have one network on your router, chances are that it is actually broadcasting on both the 2.4GHz (good for long range) and 5GHz (best for short range) bands and using a protocol called "band steering" to let your device switch automatically. If youre looking for an unbiased opinion on any product, weve got your back. Understanding Your Modem And Router, The Pros and Cons of Netgear Smart Connect, How to enable and Disable Smart Connect on my Router. Yes, Wi-Fi 6 routers have better range than Wi-Fi 5 routers. FAST WiFi PERFORMANCE: Get up to 1000 sq ft wireless coverage with AC1000 speed (Dual band up to 300 + 700 Mbps). Same number of wifi user, same settings, everything is the same. But, two different Wi-Fi networks running in the same home can interfere, so for the best performance, you need to turn the ISP supplied one off. We have been exhaustive in our search for the perfect netgear smart connect good or bad of 2023. I use 2.4G as backbone for my dual band repeater.. And turn off auto connect to 2.4G network. New York, Its a beast. We get good coverage throughout our 3700 sq ft (built in 2007) 2 story. Wi-Fi configuration: 2.4 GHz band: 600 Mbps (2 x 300 Mbps) 5 GHz band: 4,800 Mbps (4 x 1,200 Mbps) The Nighthawk XR1000 has good speeds for the money, matching the TP-Link Archer AX11000 and AX6000 routers by the time we tested outside at 120 feet. 2.4Ghz AC router can transfer over 800Mbps .. So if youre looking for the best possible deal on Amazon. The update will be displayed with a one-click to download and install the latest firmware to keep your router running at its best. NETGEAR Nighthawk AX4 4-Stream WiFi 6 Router (RAX40) - AX3000 Wireless Speed (up to 3Gbps) | 1,500 Sq Ft Coverage | Coverage for Small-to-Medium Homes | 4 x 1G Ethernet and 1 x 3.0 USB ports (Renewed) Fast WIFI 6 Performance: Get wireless coverage for small-to-medium homes with AX3000 speed (Dual band up to 600 + 2400 Mbps)4 Simultaneous Streams: Provides more capacity so more devices can use WiFi at the same timeWIRED ETHERNET PORTS: Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and other nearby wired devices with 4 x 1 Gigabit Ethernet ports.Loaded with Advanced Technology: Designed with a dual-core processor, 2 amplified antennas, Beamforming+, OFDMA, Amazon Alexa Voice Controls, and moreUSB Connections; Share a storage drive with any connected device, and create a personal cloud storage to access from anywhere, using the 1 x 3.0 USB portsView ProductSaleBestseller No. The idea is to spread out your devices over the two bands so that theres less competition for the same channels. Universal compatibility: Works with any wireless router, gateway, or cable modem with Wi-Fi. #2. ft., and connects up to 30 plus devices such as laptops, smartphones, speakers, IP cameras, tablets, IoT devices, and more..Connectivity protocol:Ethernet,Wi-FiSEAMLESS SMART ROAMING: Uses your existing network SSID name so you never get disconnected as you move around your home or officeAX6000 WiFi SPEED: Provides up to 6Gbps performance using Dual-Band WiFi technology for heavy-duty 4K HD streaming and multi-player gaming.UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: Works with any wireless router, gateway, or cable modem with WiFi, and is optimized for all WiFi 6 routers.WIRED ETHERNET PORTS: Simply plug in game consoles, streaming players, or other wired devices into the four 1 Gigabit ports for maximum speed. Netgear smart connect good or bad. Additionally, be sure to read the fine print before making any purchase, as some retailers may have hidden fees or charges. Improve your WiFi experience with advanced cyber threat protection with NETGEAR Armor and easily manage your kids time online with NETGEAR Smart Parental Controls. This is the unique name that identifies a wireless network. Depends on your internet speed. If you can't move the router to a more central location, there are some things you can do. It indicates updated technology for your home network to use, while the mesh system spreads the signal throughout your home. This will forcibly disconnect all devices from your Wi-Fi networkeven your own. Most really don't know it works. if i enable Smart Connect the 5G connection disappear and only 2.4 uses. Select or clear the Enable Smart Connect check box. Yes. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. The video above uses the BT Smart Hub from the UK as an example, but the basic principle is the same whichever ISP supplied Wi-Fi router you're using. What is More Important: a Good Product or a Good After-sales Service? Instead, it dropped over 80%. Look, I assure you that I have done a thousand different tests and ONLY if I disable SMART CONNECT I return to a normal situation. Your IP: This way, if youre not happy with the product, you can easily return it without any hassle. Sep 20, 2009. Protect your investment from the hassle of unexpected repairs and expenses Connect with experienced NETGEAR experts who know your product the best Resolve issues faster with 24/7 service Learn More I also create different SSID names for main triband router. I personally don't mind it but my family loves it so I leave it on. If the page does not display, see No Internet with new router - MAC spoofing Under Router Status, confirm the router gets a valid IP address. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The main drawback for me with Smart Connect is that in some cases slower devices can be on the same Radio as faster devices due to how the version of Smart Connect works (not sure how TP-Links is implemented). They are said to be 16 times faster than the older generation. Smart Connect has a key factor: improving user experience by allowing access to the fastest internet. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, For all troubleshooting, Netgear uses the www.routerlogin.net web app. The 5GHz band will usually connect to a device that is close to the Router. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one. Basically, it enhances the users experience while they are using the Netgear routers. Why did D-Link make it so that you cannot pick the channel if Smart Connect is on? I have avoided turning it on to avoid problems. $49.99 at Amazon 7/27/2016. Do Wi-Fi routers have better range? Instead, it dropped over 80%. The band steering is also expected to be very different from a dual-band router and it wont help that much. If you look at the router via a browser, and click on Advanced, Wireless, Statistics, you will see the wireless devices you have and WHICH band they connected too. You'll find the option to update in the advanced tab in the app and under the administration section. Smart Connect is supposed to optimize network performance by allowing the router itself to decide which band each device should use. Run a local speed test for your WiFi networks. IEEE 802.11 a/n/ac 5.0GHz, DUAL BAND WIFIFaster connections to more Wi Fi networks.System Requirements: Windows OS or Mac OS computer. What is the difference between WiFi 6E and WiFi 6? depends on wifi 6 or 5 and construction. I really hope that's not still the case. When shopping for a netgear smart connect good or bad online, there are a few things you can do to save money. Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is a built-in feature of many routers that make it easier to connect Wi-Fi enabled devices to a secure wireless network. NETGEAR Nighthawk R7350 AC2400 Router: Fast Beamforming Wi-Fi for Gaming, 4K UHD Streaming. Richard Devine is a Managing Editor at Windows Central with over a decade of experience. Was having issues where devices would switch randomly and slow down my speeds. View ProductSaleBestseller No. What a relief!! No it doesnt. If I try to connect directly to 5G and then I go to find what I am actually connected with I see 2.4 and not 5 then the 5G connection is as if it were not there and ONLY 2.4 works. Insight Service: Content Filtering. And, actually, the firmware update process was even easier because when I logged into it the other day to make change a security setting at the top of the main page was a notification "A firmware update is available". 10 This means that you can easily choose the devices that you want on 5GHz and the ones you need on 2.4GHz. I clicked on it and it walked me right through the update. Do I need a WiFi 6E router to use WiFi 6E products. Therefore, if your main concern is incredible speeds, Netgear Smart Connect might be of great help. Netgear Smart Connect Review Updated Guide 2022, Netgear 20/40 Mhz Coexistence -Easy 3 Step Guide 2023, What Does US/DS Mean? This information is provided to help connect your TV, Blu-ray Disc player, or other supported home video products to a wireless network using WPS. Should you use Smart Connect on Netgear router? I would not rely on what it tells you. We always rely on a downstream router. Use the Netgear Wi-Fi Analyzer app for optimal location. You can enjoy a seamless connection between 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. I have always changed all the defaults on wifi routers we use. From there check the line for kinks, damage, moisture in the line. Where did you get that Utility? Sure, many people have problems. NOTE : Refer to the PDF attached below in Technical Specification for Installation and Troubleshooting Steps, Extended wireless coverage: Adds Wi-Fi range coverage up to 1200 square feet, and connects up to 20 devices such as laptops, smartphones, speakers, IP cameras, tablets, IoT devices, and more..Connectivity protocol:Ethernet,Wi-Fi. Now click on the Apply Button and the settings will be saved. What is Smart Connect? How is the connection in general? I have an ASUS AX88U as router and a AX86U as a node and have the option of dual-band smart connect through the ASUS app. Hence, you should consider Netgear Smart Connect because it fastens your internet connections even when there are tons of devices on the home network. Your choice of 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz will depend on where and how you use your WiFi connection most. and 20 Devices, WiFi Extender AC750 Extended wireless coverage: Adds Wi-Fi range coverage up to 1200 square feet, and connects up to 20 devices such as laptops, smartphones, speakers, IP cameras, tablets, IoT devices, and more..Connectivity protocol:Ethernet,Wi-FiAC750 WI-FI SPEED: Provides up to 750Mbps performance.Universal compatibility: Works with any wireless router, gateway, or cable modem with Wi-Fi.Safe & secure: Supports WEP and WPA/WPA2 wireless security protocols.Simple to setup: Press the WPS button to connect to your router. Any benefit of using the smart connect on routers or is it better to keep 2.4 and 5.0 signal separate using Wifi, Wifi2.4 names? By default, it'll have 5G at the end of the SSID. This means she could connect Smart plugs and a few computers. There was a problem. Denial-of-service (DoS) attack prevention Smart connect is not reliable in my experience. Anyway, I figured out on my own how to separate them again and I did. These are just a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a product. Most of them say that this feature works for them, while others complain that the feature is not the best for them. Much better now but we'll see shin_man 4 yr. ago More posts you may like r/HomeNetworking Join I used SmartConnect to connect upwards my 2.4 and both five.0 bands. View ProductBestseller No. NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Smart Switch (GS108T) - Managed, with 1 x PD Port, Optional Insight Cloud Management, Desktop or Wall Mount, Silent Operation, and Limited Lifetime Protection 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports1 x PD portSmart software with easy-to-use interface offers managed control for secure setup, access, and SNMP (NMS 300) management. Here are some of the steps that you can follow right now to enable Smart Connect on your Router. Keep in mind that although the transfer speed is faster with 5GHz, the range is far less than that of 2.4GHz. Just upgraded our home network to the RAX200 and CM1200. When she went to the devices on the Router, she discovered that 4 of the devices out of five were connected to the 5GHz while one device that was very important to her was connected to 2.4GHz. Something else to keep in mind with the benefits of AX is that it allows radio's to broadcast concurrently. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Themescene.tv is Guss, Jenny, Vanessa, Ursula, and John, lead a team of tech experts who are here to assist you with all of your streaming, internet, and Wi-Fi connection questions and make sense of the complex tech world. If you're using a Netgear router, then first of all, you made a good choice. Smart software with easy-to-use interface offers managed control for secure setup, access, and SNMP (NMS 300) management. If Smart Connect is enabled and for some reason the SSID and password for both radio bands dont actually match, wifi settings for the first 5GHz radio overwrite wifi settings for the second 5GHz radio. As such, whenever you connect to the Router, only one 5GHz SSID is visible, and it connects to both of the 5GHz bands. Youll have access to so many more products in different shapes, sizes, colors, and flavors brands with unbeatable prices. The slow speeds associated with the 2.4 GHz band might trigger buffering issues. makes better sense to. Enter your user name and password. Like everything you can enable this in the web app, but an easier solution is to download the Netgear Genie app for your smartphone. Do I need a WiFi 6E router to use WiFi 6E products? On Netgear routers, you'll see the 5GHz connection as a separate Wi-Fi network in Windows. I would recommend keeping the bands different or leaving the router as is so you know exactly what you are connecting to. This way, you can be sure youre getting the best deal possible. How I long for that kind of speed. Were here for you. How do I turn off Smart Connect on my Netgear router? Somewhat normalization. The default username is set as Admin. We can say that Netgear Smart Connect is the real deal in the technology world. As with any router we test, the speeds you get ultimately depend on your environment, so you may . Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Thanks! Some may only support 2.4 GHz while others might support 2.4GHz and 5GHz. This post has covered a detailed Netgear Smart Connect Review with all the information you needed to know about it. 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz: Which frequency should you choose? The Smart Connect feature will automatically choose bands for connected wifi devices.I see that it is a bonus that with Smart Connect I have only one SSID and one Password. I will switch between the two depending on whether Im inside or in the backyard. It is the functionality that balances 5 GHz WI-Fi connections into different bands. You need to load balance and connect to higher bandwidth 5G band for sure. And the speed of my internet plan isn't the issue because I certainly have enough and don't use all of the devices at once. The NETGEAR Nighthawk app allows you to control and monitor your NETGEAR devices from an iOS or Android mobile device. While having a normal internet connection seems normal for everyone, there are different things that will affect the speeds. Was more just curious as to what everyone whos had the unit does and I take the time now to individually assign each device if needed. IPV6 support for improved performance, EXTENDED WIRELESS COVERAGE: Adds WiFi range coverage up to 2,500 sq. If quality is your main concern, be sure to choose a product that comes from a reputable brand and has good reviews. What is Smart Connect on a Netgear Router? The size of the house will be one contributing factor, as will the positioning of the router. NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender EAX80 - Add up to 2,500 sq. 2. GearHead Technical Support makes it easy to fix issues on not just your NETGEAR purchase but for your entire home network. But is it better to split the bands up and connect to them manually?What would you do? POWERFUL, EASY-TO-USE APP Using the Nighthawk app, you can set your extender up in just minutes. Not specifically for your router, and it runs on these Operating Systems: WinXP/7/8/8.1. Yes, it is always advisable to enable Smart Connect when you have different devices that are released at different times. I have 100mbps internet speed but there's a time that the connection cuts randomly. Press J to jump to the feed. We read user reviews and looked at what buyers think about each product so that your buying experience will be satisfying. If so, you can shut it off and manually selecting which radio you want devices on. Since it is an N Speed device, it can work on the 5Ghz SSID, but connecting it to a 5Ghz SSID would actually slow down the 5Ghz speed on other faster devices when it was 'working' the connection as the SSID slows down to process its data.