When will VZ have a Router that can be accessed via an Extender

[Ayesail1]

I have the Actiontec ME424WR GigE Rev I router, and would love to be able to use an Extender to reach my garage, which is two floors below my Unit in an MDU. I was on the verge of ordering Amped Wireless Exterder, either REC10 or SR10000, until I learned from an Amazon chat on same that none of there extenders can be used by any Actiontec router. I'm thinking now that no extender can be used with the Actiontec routers.  Might this be true?                                                     

All Ethernet port are occupied (I have no option to release a port).  Even if I could, I'm not able to drill through two floors to get to the garage.  I can connect wirelessly with my garage computer and my smartphone, but the signal is extremely weak, and drops out often, and the smartphone regularly switches from WiFi to 4G/3G because of this weak signal.

I read posts hear and elsewhere regarding work-arounds (e.g., WAP, etc.), but these are not  options for me.

That said, is any one aware of a near future release of a Router to be released by Verizon that supports the use of extenders, or perhaps, another way to get a WiFi signal and speed down to my garage.

Thanks for any value-add anyone might provide.

[walt178]

Check the following thread.  The solution there may help you.

http://forums.verizon.com/t5/FiOS-Internet/Wireless-Range-Extension-with-Verizon-Quantum-on-Actionte...

[Ayesail1]

Thanks walt178,

I appreciate your help.  I read through the thread you provided.  While some of its posters alluded to using an ethernet port on the Actiontec Router, (I don't have a spare port), one post indicated the Netgear wireless extender - WR3000RP worked for him. Some seem to have issues getting it connected: http://forum1.netgear.com/showthread.php?p=384935   While several places in my search stated my Actiontec router does not support extenders, it seems the Netgear does work for some, albeit, according to the Netgear Forum, some are having significant issues in getting connected to the internet, even though they get strong signals to their devices. I have to assume the statements around extenders not working with the Actiontec routers to be incorrect, based on the thread you provided.

I'll look into ordering the Netgear extender, and hope for the best.  It still would be nice if Verizon were to release a router that is clearly compatible with extenders from other major manufacturers, and let us know when that would happen.

Once again, thanks.

[Ayesail1]

Well, after extensive research and escalated discussions with Verizon's techs and a supervisor, here is what I found:

The Actiontec MI424WR works poorly, if not at all with any extender aside from the Actiontec "The Ultimate Network Extender," "Dual-Band Wireless Network Extender + Ethernet over Coax (MoCA) Kit."

I ordered it, it just arrived and I've yet to install it.  I need to take the time to do so, but will update this thread when I do so.  Here is an image of said Actiontec Network Extender.  

You may wish to search it out on the net, should you be to anxious to know more before I complete the installation.  This device comes with an "Ethernet over Coax Adapter," should you not have an unused Coax providing your TV service.  Of course, mine is Verizon FiOS, which I love.  Supposedly, this network extender avoids the drop in bandwidth experienced by other extenders, even though they provide a stronge signal at the output antenna of the 

extender at the remote location.  The reason being, I understand is that this Actiontec Extender receives the full bandwidth at the device via the coax.  We shall see.  Stand by mates.

Captain  

[Ayesail1]

Edit:

I am unable to correct the original post, however, the Actiontec Router is the "ACTIONTEC MI424WR" not the ME424.  Sorry about that.

I neglected to mention I ordered this Actiontec Extender from Amazon, at a reasonable price, since Verizon does not sell it.  At first I was told Verizon did sell it, and I was transferred to Customer Service/Billing where I was subsequently told this is not sold by Verizon, and they had no clue as to who did sell them.  Alas, to Amazon I went, where I buy googobs of products.  As a note, I found several Extender-like products there that advertised working with "any" router.  You may believe that if you wish, I do not.

The Extender is the "WCB3000N."

Captain

[bmad1]

I am about to order the WCB3000N to be used with my MI424WR Rev.1 router. Did it work out for you. Did you buy direct form Actiontec?

An Actiontec sales rep told me that:

"The WCB3000N and the MI424WR Rev I work perfectly together.  In fact, the WCB3000N will automatically configure itself when it is connected to the MI424WR.

You don’t need the ECB2200V.  Both the WCB3000N and the MI424WR have coax connectors and will establish a link over the coax connection (assuming continuity of the coax outlets).

After installing the WCB3000N, you won’t need a different antenna on the MI424WR as the WCV3000N has multiple antennas (both both 2.4G and 5G radio bands) inside of it and it will illuminate better wifi coverage in your home."

[RobertoV05]

If you have FiOS, what you want is the Dual Band Wireless Network Extender, which s available at the...

https://teleproducts.verizon.com/fios/

[RobertoV05]

I'm having trouble editing my previous post.

What I meant to say is:

If you have FiOS, then what you need is the Dual Band Wireless Network Extender which is available at the  Fios Equipment and Acessories Store for $74.99

[jfalk1]

Just installed this a couple of days ago.  it really is zero-config (on the FiOS network).  It simply reconfigures itself to the WPA parameters of the router.  Less than a 5 minute install and the solution to a wireless extension problem I've had for almost ten years.

I note that this is available in lots of places for $99 (I got mine from Tiger Direct) and from Verizon (braded Verizon, not Actiontec) for $79.  I don't know what's in the Verizon-branded box, but the Actiontec box I got included (to my surprise) a splitter and a small length of coax.  So don't get a splitter before you get the Actiontec.

[Ayesail1]

Sorry about the late response, which is perhaps too little too late. In any event, the addition of the WCB3000N to my guest room has worked out marvelously for that guest room and improved the signal in the garage marginally (I wish it would be better in the garage). While it's the signal to my Droid Razr Maxx is where the signal challenge is, the Dell XPS M1530 Laptop fairs much better. Also, it's too bad I could not have two WCB3000N's installed because the signal signal for the Master Bedroom and it's bath, which is on the opposite side of where the MI424WR is located, continue to experience a weak signal to the Droid Razr Maxx. I would love to be able to install a second Actiontec unit to that area. Perhaps there is another solution for me. I'll continue to look, including reading down this thread, lol. Captain