Reddit reviews NETGEAR WiFi Range Extender EX6120 - Coverage up to 1200 sq.ft. and 20 devices with AC1200 Dual Band Wireless Signal Booster & Repeater (up to 1200Mbps speed), and Compact Wall Plug Design

With that in mind, it might be better to go with a couple range extenders if you don't need to cover a very large area. Also, I forgot to ask, but what will you be connecting to the WiFi, laptops and phones? Access Points aren't terribly hard to configure (must be done via their software or web portal) and can be setup by being plugged into a modem/router, but are typically seen in a larger networked environments where 20+ users are connecting all over the building. You would plug them into those wall ports (which connect to a switch or modem) so they can broadcast the signal out. However, in your case something like this NETGEAR Range Extender might be a better option. You simply plug it into the wall and it boosts your signal.

EDIT: Sorry, there is some configuration to the range extenders as well.

Here are your options for home wifi networking:

1. Buy a super strong wifi router and you're good to go even in a large home - as long as you don't live in a repurposed bomb shelter. An example of a "super strong" router: here
   
2. Buy a normal router or your current one and add access points. An example of a "normal" router: here . An access point (AP) is not a wifi extender. You must run a cable (CAT 5E/ CAT 6) from your router to the location where you need improved wifi signal, there you plug in the AP and attach the Ethernet cable from the router. The AP simply turns a wired connection into a wireless one and broadcasts the same network as that coming from your router. An example of an AP: here .
   
3. Buy a normal router or your current router and use a wifi extender(s). I wifi extender receives packets from your wireless router, ups the signal strength, and then forwards them to a nearby host. If you are having poor signal at point B and the router is at point A then put the extender directly in the middle of the 2; I have seen so many people make the mistake of putting the extender at point B, which defeats the whole purpose because it is just your host device's antenna vs the extender's.
   
4. An extender/AP all in one device. An example: here
   
5. A mesh wifi system. It can be difficult to distinguish a multi-AP/ multi-extender setup from a mesh system, but the main differences are that the mesh will be easier to setup and more "polished" in general. A mesh system will automatically detect the SSID (network name) from the wifi router and extend it. Want to add a signal booster? With mesh you can buy another matching unit and use WPS for a one button setup. The mesh is also smart in identifying when you move from one area to another ans switching to the closer device to server you your packets. Now, this is seen in some higher end APs and extenders such as here , but its not as seamless and usually more expensive in the long run. An example of a mesh system: here
   
   APs are generally more stable (UBIQUITI makes great ones) due to the wired connection. I like using APs because I can buy as I need more and set some up on different VLANs and hide SSIDs, but those are more advanced options. For most people who do not want to run cable or go with more of a permanent networking setup, the easiest and most effective solution is generally a mesh system. The TP-Link one is great as well as Google WiFi.
   
   EDITED: Because the bot thought I was using affiliate links...

Unfortunately I don't think any router can carry signal in a house that large. You have a few options here, Get a strong router such as the Nighthawk that can carry 5GHZ over long distances(and 2.4 even longer) with minimal loss in signal.

However you are going to need wifi extenders, I'd personally recommend stuff like this to work on getting the signal to the dead spots in your house. As for loss in signal with having so many I'm not exactly sure at what point those multiple signals start to interfer.

If you're willing to go down another route you can try Eero which works great for my friends house. But do your research and find what you think will work for you and your skill level.

I use one of these https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-AC1200-WiFi-Range-Extender/dp/B014YN7LVE/ref=sr_1_10?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1479571101&sr=1-10&keywords=wifi+extender

You need to hop onto the extended network, which kind of sucks (mybigbuttwifi_5g_ext) but I just set my devices over there (tv, ps4, etc) to always be on it, and my phone/laptop will.. sometimes migrate themselves when mybigbuttwifi_5g gets out of range.

Works great! Never have any problems ever! I had a usb adaptor as well and it was pretty shitty.

Currently have two WiFi extenders but only use: TP-Link AV1200 Powerline Ethernet Adapter - Gigabit Port, Plug&Play, Power Saving(TL-PA8010 KIT) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EO5A4TI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5kF5Cb7P6XHCS

For my pc. Hook one to your router than other to your pc with Ethernet.


Other one I have works great to but doesn’t beat being plugged into your computer. Still works wonders and can have multiple devices connected wirelessly

NETGEAR Wi-Fi Range Extender EX6120 - Coverage up to 1200 sq.ft. and 20 devices with AC1200 Dual Band Wireless Signal Booster & Repeater (up to 1200Mbps speed), and Compact Wall Plug Design https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014YN7LVE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ynF5CbZJSAZT3

Ah. So you want to use it as an extender. Since you have an iPhone 7 and the iPhone 6s will just always be on, I don't see why not. But if you can't figure it out, consider a Wi-Fi extender - https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Wi-Fi-Extender-Essentials-EX2700/dp/B014YN7LVE?th=1

Nothing too expensive, just a:

NETGEAR WiFi Range Extender (EX6120) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014YN7LVE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_4yMvCb7SW7CE6

EDIT: it's $5 cheaper than what I paid when I bought it but at least the $10 coupon is still in effect

I actually have two of these if that's the same thing as what you're talking about. I'll probably just try using those instead if the Extreme. Thanks for your suggestion

Unfortunately they would not likely do that, but it may be worth asking them. Would adding an adapter before the router like you linked me eliminate some of the speed loss since I assume it's freeing the router from having to grab the signal? I'm having a hard time wrapping my brain around how that's different that just using the router as the wifi grabber and extender though (I guess since it's doubling the number of antennaes?)

Would a device like this one: https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Wi-Fi-Extender-Essentials-EX2700/dp/B014YN7LVE/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1511931830&sr=1-3&keywords=wireless%2Bbridge&th=1 serve the same purpose as the one you linked--or is there something I should be looking for in a wireless bridge that makes it a better choice?

Thanks again for your insight!

There are a few scenarios here:

1. Is the wireless broadcast protected (WPA, WPA2)? If yes, take note.
   
2. Is other authentication needed beyond that (captive portal)? If yes, take note.
   
   You will need the answer to these two questions. If 'yes' only to number one above you are good to go. If 'yes' to both number one and two you will likely need to get your new wireless repeater approved by the network admin first.
   
   NOTE: I own a company in Arizona that provides WiFi services specifically to Apartment properties and Hospitality
   
   If you're in AZ let me know the name of the property maybe my company services it. If not, we can make it better.
   
   A device like this should do the trick (it needs to have a good signal from the nearest access point to work properly):
   https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Wi-Fi-Extender-Essentials-EX2700/dp/B014YN7LVE/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1484879755&sr=1-3&keywords=wireless%2Brepeater&th=1