NETGEAR N300 Vs N600 – Which WiFi-Extender is better for Internet Bliss in Dead Zones?

Do your Wi-Fi network’s dead zones drive you up the wall? Stay with us for this Netgear N300 Vs N600 WiFi extenders review and drive to internet freedom!

A Wi-Fi/Range Extender or Wi-Fi booster works by repeating your router’s wireless signal thereby expanding its coverage. Before springing for one however, try placing your router in as central a spot as possible, to see if the insufficient Wi-Fi coverage you experience is as a result of skewed router placement. If the problems still persists, remember that to get the best results out of Wi-Fi extenders, it’s always good to get one that matches your router’s capabilities.

So are you grappling with rude internet interruptions when streaming, facetiming or gaming? Or is your biggest regret the fact that the internet signal is weak or even non-existent in that room that would be perfect for your work? And how do you choose the best extender for your needs? We believe this Netgear N300 Vs N600 WiFi-Extenders review will help you navigate the jungle that is Wi-Fi Extenders in their thousands out there!

What are the Differences Between NETGEAR N300 Vs N600 WiFi-Extenders?

NETGEAR N300 Vs N600 – How do they compare?

By rebroadcasting or repeating Wi-Fi signal in both directions, Wi-Fi extenders bridge routers and their end devices like laptops, tablets or smartphones. Let us now see if this rebroadcasting is the same for both the Netgear N300 and the N600:

Performance/Speeds

The N300 extender (WN3000RP) is able to extend Wi-Fi to a range of 800sq ft. This is likened to a medium sized home. In addition, it can support up to 10 devices in this range. The N600 extender (WN3500RP) on the other hand boosts Wi-Fi to the range of a medium to large sized home. By principle, the N600 has higher speeds than the N300. This gives its extender an edge over that of the N300.

A Wi-Fi device’s performanceis determined by the bandwidth and range it supports. The N in a wireless model refers to the maximum speed that model is capable of. The number after N is that maximum speed. This means that the N300 is capable of speeds of up to 300Mbps. Likewise, N600 can deliver maximum speeds of 600Mbps. Of course, these are maximum theoretical speeds. In reality, other factors like band and multiple data streams (spatial streams) also have a bearing on maximum speeds attained by a device.

It is therefore not possible to attain the theoretical top speeds in reality. Nevertheless, the rule of thumb with maximum theoretical speeds is that the more the Mbps, the faster the device. This is due to the increase in bandwidth.  As such, 2000Mbps adapters are faster than 600Mbps adapters, and so on.

Frequency

The N600 extender’s dual band feature boosts Wi-Fi transfer speeds by extending signal on both the 2.4GHz and the 5GHz frequencies. It is therefore not limited by a device’s frequency. Though only operating on a single band, the N300 extender is still able to marshal speeds that are high enough to get most internet tasks completed.

Wi-Fi extenders support either the single band (2.4 GHz) or double band (2.4 and 5 GHz).  Though many extenders use the single (2.4 GHz) frequency spectrum, more advanced ones support both the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies. It is necessary to ensure your Wi-Fi extender matches your router’s network capabilities, to take advantage of all the router has to offer. This is because the booster will still function with a router that has a different network speed, though its output will not be optimal. In essence, this means that if you have a MIMO router, look for a booster with MIMO capabilities.

The 2.4GHz frequency has the benefit of having a wide coverage area. It is also compatible with older network devices. However, it is slow and also prone to congestion. This is noticeable in densely populated areas like office buildings or housing blocks/flats where many people have Wi-Fi on this band.A Dual Band system broadcasts signal on 2 frequencies – the 2.4GHz band and the 5GHz band. The advantage is that the router will connect with compatible devices in both the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies. Whereas the 2.4GHz frequency is readily available, the 5GHz is faster. A dual band gadget therefore performs better all round.

Standards Compatibility

Both the N300 and the N600 extenders are compatible with any standard router.

Standards compatibility is important for integration between a router and the Wi-Fi extender. It is somehow linked to the age and frequency of the router. Routers are either compliant to the IEEE 802.11 b/g/n, the IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n, or the IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac standards. It is always safe to check your router’s specifications and the standards it is compliant with. Alternatively, one could go for a universal extender compatible with any 802.11 a/b/n/ac routers.

Profile

The N300 extender is very pragmatic in its approach to physical attributes. It has 2 external antennas which afford it better Wi-Fi reception and transmission. It has a plug in design, with a pass-through feature. This makes it quite easy to accommodate, because you only need to plug it in a wall, yet still be able to use the socket.

The N600 extender is ingenious in its own way too. It is flexible enough to be used as both a desktop and a plug in, as need may demand. It isn’t as considerate as the N300 one though because it’s larger in size, and doesn’t come with a pass-through feature.

A device’s profile has to do with its physical appearance, hence features like number of antennas, presence of external antenna and even whether it is a desktop or plug in. Wi-Fi extenders come in either socket plug-in or desktop style. Plug in extenders utilize less space, as all they need is a socket on the wall. They may have an Ethernet port, and a pass-through socket feature that enables use of the socket by another device, even when the booster/extender is also plugged in.

Desk-top extenders resemble routers, but are smaller. Advanced extenders favor this design and as a result, they have higher speeds. They usually have a number of Ethernet ports whose advantage is that devices connected directly to the extender maximize internet speeds. Their downside is that their big size requires sitting space on the desk.

Ports

Both the N300 and the N600 extenders only have 1 fast Ethernet ports to connect to home A/V devices to the internet.

There is always need for wired connections because some gadgets like printers, old desktops or IP cameras, can’t access Wi-Fi. Ethernet ports have to be availed on the extender, for this purpose. Majority of plug in extenders have a single, or at most 2 Ethernet ports. Desktop extenders however can have up to 5 such ports.

Security

Both the N300 and N600 extenders work with devices having WPA security systems.

Most extenders support the highly respected WPA2-PSK security protocol. It is always important to confirm that your network is safe and secure.

Setting Up

Setting up of both extenders under review is simple and straight forward. It involves using any web browser. There are no complications to tie you, like installation CDs to use or downloading of some software.

Setting up most extenders is as easy as plugging them in! Pressing the WPS button on both your extender and router makes you ready for internet. Plug the extender where the router’s network signal is strong. However, when this is too close to the router, you may not boost the signal much further than the router already does. The rule of thumb is to plug it halfway between the router and the device you want connected. Some boosters have software that helps in determining the best position for placing it. Just like routers, extenders are affected by interferences like metal objects, concrete walls and microwaves.

After setting up the Wi-Fi booster, remember to manually switch the connection of the device needing stronger signal from the router to the booster.

Smart LED Indicators

Instead of using trial and error to find the best location to plug the extender, N300’s WN3000RP is equipped with a smart feature that uses LED lighting to determine the signal strength, hence the best place for the extender.

N600’s WN3500RP does not have a similar feature, relying instead on the user using his ingenuity, or downloading the app discussed below.

Netgear Wi-Fi  Analytics App

Both the N300 and N600 Extenders can use theNetgear Wi-Fi analytics App by downloading it on any smartphone. The app is useful inoptimizing both the newly extended and the existing Wi-Fi. One can use the App to get: signal strength, network status overview, Wi-Fi channel interference, locational Wi-Fi strength.

FastLane Technology

The N600 extender uses both data transmission frequencies (bands) to establish a single super high-speed connection. The resulting high speeds better supports gaming and HD streaming.

The N300 extender does not have this feature.

NETGEAR N300 Vs N600 – A Comparison Overview

The Netgear N300 (WN3000RP)

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Perhaps you are looking for ways of saving on your monthly mobile data plan. If so, get connected on N300’s WN3000RP extender and game, stream and browse, even in the previously internet-inaccessible corners, at no added cost.

This Wi-Fi extender is ideal for extending Wi-Fi to smartphones, ipads, iphones and play stations. Two external antennas boost the N300 extender’s fast Wi-Fi speeds, ensuring you have a rewarding internet experience. The pass-through socket feature provides full use of all sockets, while still having the extender plugged into the mains.

Installing the extender is as easy as plugging it in, and an inbuilt smart app enables you determine the best area to plug it. The extender also comes with a fast Ethernet port that connects other A/V devices to the internet. This extender is suitable for gaming and video streaming.

Pros

• Easy to install
• Works with standard routers
• Fast speeds
• Ethernet port
• Pass-through feature
• Requires no desk space
• Fairly priced

Cons

• Network congestion due to single band transmission
• Not as fast as other models
• No warranty

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The Netgear N600 (WN3500RP)

NETGEAR N600 WiFi Range Extender (WN3500RP)

• Ideal for extending WiFi to devices like the iPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy S3, iPad 2, and PlayStation 3
• Extends dual band WiFi coverage

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Seeking to wirelessly stream music to your device, without interruptions? The WN3500RPWi-Fi extender works well with standard routers and is compatible with Airplay. It will extend Wi-Fi to your Samsung Galaxy S3, iphone 5, Playstation 3 and ipad 2 at very fast speeds. This is because the dual band, N600 protocol and FastLane technology work together to ensure amazing speeds.

The extender can be used as a desktop or plug in, depending on your need. This flexibility makes it ingenious. The extender is easy to install, has 1 fast Ethernet port that can connect other devices like a Smart TV or gaming console directly to internet. The FastLane technology further improves speed, making the extenderideal for gaming and HD streaming. To crown it, compatibility with Airplay/DLNA takes streaming of music to another level.

Pros

• Easy to install
• Very fast speeds
• Ethernet port
• Works with any standard router
• Compatible with Airplay

Cons

• No warranty
• Needs space on the desk
• No pass-through feature.

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Conclusion

Wi-Fi extenders may well be the next best thing for your total internet bliss. Not only do they bring dead spots to life, they can boost your Wi-Fi signal to places you had resigned to having no network e.g. your garage, backyard or basement. Imagine watching that big game poolside!

Ultimately, choosing between the Netgear N300 and N600 will be determined by your specific needs, since both have relatively high speeds and boosts or extends Wi-Fi to the areas your router signal is weak.  If all you need internet for is personal use in a medium sized establishment, then the N300 extender should be sufficient. On the other hand, the N600 extender is the better choice if your establishment is larger, and you have a few more people besides yourself wanting to connect onto the network. Of course, it will cost you a bit more that the N300.

Verdict: So which is better?  The Netgear N300 or theNetgear N600?

Apart from the cost, the Netgear N600 Wi-Fi extenderhasan edge over the N300. It has faster speeds, longer range, dual band frequency that ensures it connects to devices with either frequency. Moreover,it can be used as either a plug in or a desktop model. Its very high speeds support more intense internet gaming and streaming than the N300. Therefore, even if your internet needs are basic at the moment, there is no harm in arming yourself with a higher capacity extender, for any eventuality. This is my verdict in the Netgear N300 Vs N600 Wireless Extender review!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1:Does Netgear N300 support 5GHz?

Ans: It is important not to confuse N300 with a Netgear model number. N300 refers to Wi-Fi speed. Devices categorized as N300 are supported by a single band (2.4 GHz), so can’t see 5GHz.

Q2: How fast is Netgear N600?

Ans: Netgear N600 Wi-Fi routers have speeds that can top 300 + 300 Mbps. This is enough speed for gaming, streaming and other internet needs for a medium to large home.