In this article, let’s see the Netgear WN2500RP WiFi Extender N600 Review in detail. Before going for it, make sure you read the main points of the buying guide.
A number of years ago, we purchased the Netgear WN2500RP dual-band N600 WiFi range extender. In the garage and around the backyard swimming pool, we got it to improve wireless network coverage.
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Problems that the Netgear WN2500RP WiFi Extender Solves
1. Weak and Spotty WiFi
From that point on, the main house’s WiFi signal became weaker. In the open air, it faded completely after about 100 feet.
Even shorter distances would cause the WLAN speed to sink to a crawl. The WiFi signal was sensitive to motion even at a distance of a few feet from the house under strong signal conditions. E.g. The setup was successful as long as you keep the device still. Even a small nudge from the client would cause it to slow down.
WiFi was only available within a few feet of the kitchen door in the garage. If only the bit rate is low enough (less than 3 Mbps). There was no connection at all with the smart TV outside in the garage. We couldn’t stream Netflix videos instantly. It was not possible to run an Ethernet cable from the DSL router to a hundred feet or so away.
2. It boosts WiFi signal with the Netgear WN2500RP
This was resolved somewhat by the Netgear WN2500RP WiFi extender. As a result, the fringe areas moved further away from the house as well. Certainly, the problem was resolved when it came to our pool and garage networks. In my experience, it made a big difference in boosting the weak signals at the deep end of the pool.
When streaming internet radio stations through a portable radio device, the WN2500RP eliminates dropouts, pauses, stutters, and lost links.
Although this device does not require physical connectivity to the main DSL router, it does assist with network management. In spite of the inherent bandwidth loss of repeating range extenders, this allowed us to stream Internet radio stations while watching Netflix movies in the garage. As well as this, we could watch Internet radio in the garage with little to no buffering delays. When configured to repeat your main wireless network, the WN2500RP can be a cheap, simple, and simple to use networking solution. We were impressed that its FastLane technology is able to enhance the quality of streaming video.
Pros of the Netgear WN2500RP WiFi Extender
1. Straight forward Setup
The package includes an Installation Guide that is well illustrated. Also available at the Netgear support website is a User’s Guide with instructions for setup. You can find the link in the references below.
2. Defers need to Upgrade Router
This is true. By purchasing a higher-power WAP/router, you can greatly extend the range of your primary router. These usually cost hundreds of dollars. Moreover, if you have been provided your router by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and it is not an upgradeable unit, you may not be able to upgrade it. In contrast, this alternative achieves the wireless range extending about as well as the $1000 solution, but much less expensively. You can get increased range and reliability without having to buy a new router because you can use your old one as a secondary.
3. Internal Antennas
You won’t find any loose, flopped-over, or lost antennas.
4. Lots of Status Lamps on the Netgear WN2500RP
Both 2.4GHz and 5GHz devices feature multicolor lights. This router is connected to the extender via network extensions to show how well the connection is working. Furthermore, there is power, wireless link status, bright LEDs by each LAN port that glow green if there is a wired connection, and a WPS lamp that blinks when the extender is waiting for a WPS client.
5. Few Buttons
On the back panel of the device are all buttons and switches such as the WPS and RESET buttons, as well as the power on and off switch.
6. Dual-Band WiFi
Receiving and transmitting with 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. Using both bands simultaneously.
7. Repeater Function
In the Netgear WN2500RP WiFi extender, data is retransmitted via a powerful yet sensitive radio that re-transmits the data it receives through its antennas.
8. Bridging Function
Through the wireless link established between this unit and your main WAP, Ethernet-based devices like wired Internet radios, desktop computers, and DVRs can be connected to your main WAP. This works great for connecting the Internet into a remote office that is too far to run Ethernet cable from your main Wi-Fi source, but close enough to receive all the Wi-Fi you need.
WiFi Setup
Netgear WN2500RP WiFi extenders can be configured using the Genie website. E.g. You can use the WN2500RP to connect wirelessly (tablets and smartphones) to it, and to run setup (mywifiext.net). You can also access its setup pages once you have connected to this extender’s SSIDs.
Install the Netgear WN2500RP WiFi Extender using the Genie Website
Consumer-grade Netgear products include the Genie web server, which looks and works the same across all of the company’s wireless devices. When you’re comfortable setting up a Netgear router or another Netgear device, such as the WN2500RP, the WN2500RP will be no problem to program.
Has Four Ethernet Ports
The switch operates in the same way as a 4-port Ethernet switch, but with wireless capabilities. Locally connecting Ethernet-bound devices, such as PCs, radios, etc. But also extending your main Ethernet hub through the wireless link that it establishes with your primary Wireless Access Point.
Works from Any In-Range Location
The WN2500RP can be moved closer to an area where you need a better WiFi signal if you wish to extend your wireless network in a different direction. After configuring the extender, your primary WAP is rebroadcast from any location that remains within range. The extender is also very portable.
Netgear WN2500RP WiFi extenders are easy to install. You just unplug them from the AC outlet, take them where you need to be improved WiFi, and plug them in.
Supports Wifi Protected Setup (WPS)
A range extender can host wireless networks if your wireless devices support WPS. Although you can connect the extender to the extender, you cannot connect the extender to your primary wireless networks via WPS. SSIDs and passwords must be selected explicitly, as well as each is entered correctly.
Secure WiFi Links Throughout
The range extender’s links to the primary Wi-Fi network, as well as those back to it, are secured, as well. There are four security options available on this unit’s output SSIDs: WEP, WPA, and WPA2.
The Netgear WN2500RP WiFi Extender Extends Both 2.4 and 5 GHz WiFi Networks at the Same Time
There are two SSIDs created – one for 2.4 GHz and one for 5 GHz – by the Netgear WN2500RP WiFi extender. When setting up each of these, you need to input their names (SSIDs).
Popular AC Power Supply
A 12-volt, 1-amp switch power adapter is included. In case it fails, you can replace it easily.
Silent Running
Dust and noise are not drawn in by fans. There is very little noise.
Fast Boot Up
Usually, within a minute of turning on the unit, the wireless extension networks appear.
Two Year Warranty
Drawbacks of the Netgear WN2500RP WiFi Extender
1. Small Footprint
It stands on its thin side, vertically as shown in the picture, which makes it easy to knock over. We suggest placing this device within a lockable cabinet or behind a couch or entertainment center that won’t be easily reached by foot traffic. This limitation is limited by the unit’s snap-on feet, however.
2. Not a Router
There are no other features on this device. Local clients do not receive IP addresses from it, but NAT and firewall functionality are not provided. It calls the primary Wi-Fi network instead when attempting these functions.
3. No Gigabit Ethernet Support
There are four RJ45 ports on the back of the panel that can connect to 10/100BASE-Tx only.
4. Extension and extended networks cannot be cross-connected
It is therefore not possible to extend 2.4GHz. The 5 GHz band is more efficient. This extension cannot extend 2.4GHz. In order to repeat 2.4 GHz, SSID extensions need to be configured. Main network. 5 GHz as well. There is a limit of 5 GHz that can be re-broadcast through an extensive network. WiFi network.
If the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies could be connected, that would be great. Both for the primary network and extension networks. Yet such a feature might be confusing for novice users.
Final Rating for the Netgear WN2500RP WiFi Extender
It is designed to be “set it and forget it” like all Netgear WiFi N600 WN2500RP range extenders. You just need to put it somewhere safe once you’ve set it up. The place just keeps going as long as it’s well ventilated. The status lamp can be ignored by those who seldom glance at them.
The unit is rarely needed by casual network users. This extender may work as designed if you can identify the network extension SSIDs on your WiFi devices. It seems to recover well from primary network outages, and we have not observed it locking up or crashing. Once the primary WiFi network is once again active, it gets automatically reconnected.
Even though this is a slower connection than directly connecting to the primary network, it is still highly useful; especially in areas where the primary signal is weak. As a result, bandwidth and performance may even increase. We, therefore, like this unit for its effectiveness. As a result, we rate the WN2500RP as 96 out of 100.
Review from recent user
Several of these were purchased by us in 2013. Neither their performance nor stability has ever been an issue. This was the first product to enable the usage of one WiFi band as an access point while the other band served as a dedicated internet connection for many years. The repeater problem has been fixed, as this fix prevents the repeater from losing more than half its speed. As a result of the firmware updates, my other products began to offer these… at first, they were more expensive but now we are able to offer four of them for a reasonable price. A wired AP can even be operated with an RP2 now.
Although these only come with WiFi-N, they also have 4x100Mbps wired ports for Home Entertainment Centers, printers, and any other equipment with an ethernet port. This results in fewer directly connected WiFi networks and better network responsiveness. My router primarily uses the 5G band for those and reaches out to the 2.4G band for local access.
The 2.4Ghz connections are now significantly faster than the 2.4Ghz connections found on the original router shared by all of the 2.4G devices. My speed test results consistently exceed 40Mbps even when multiple devices are attached and used at each AP and ethernet port. 4 other APs and 3 other RP units are also on the same 50Mbps connection at the same time.
In addition to the ease of access, these devices also significantly increase the coverage of internet WiFi at home.
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