Verizon Network Extender Review

B

Brenna F

New member
The network extender seemed to be a great invention, now I disagree.

Here's a standard review of it:


  • Set-Up Time: >20 minutes
This device, out of the box, has a great design. It looks like something that really could help you.

I followed all the steps exactly. I couldn't receive standard GPS in my house, so I decided to connect the GPS extender and place it in a nearby window. GPS signal had taken about 20 minutes, not bad. Once GPS and System signals were acquired, I tried to connect all of my three devices to this thing. My Versa, worked great. The Samsung Gleam...agh...and the LG 5400 worked horribly and will not connect.

How is the signal? Not great. I get better signal from the nearest tower. I drop calls constantly when using the standard system but with the network extender, I can see the number of dropped calls increasing. The network extender has great signal...within 5 feet of the thing. Once you walk away, you slowly notice the signal decreasing. I don't get any signal at the back of my house...I'm certain I'm within the range. I notice signal decreasing less than 15 feet away. I dialed #48 and it says I'm connected.

Now I'm on the phone with Verizon, on hold for a while, trying to get to someone who can help. Estimated wait is 30 minutes for tech support since there is an outage somewhere.

Here's my short review. If you have any questions, post them in this thread. I'll keep you posted on the status.
 
After a long chat with Tech support, we determined that it's hopeless...

Just kidding.

He said that it may be a device issue (the network extender) or it may be the fact the frequency is set in the system automatically and they may need to boost it...

He issued a trouble ticket where the techs can investigate it and try and fix it. He said the technicians can "expand" it's range.

Also, I found out something I didn't know about it. It really only covers you for 39 or so feet in any direction...that makes about 5,000 square feet, according to the guy.
 
Well, I got tired of waiting for my trouble ticket to be resolved.

I'm an impatient person, so I went to a Verizon Wireless store today.

I hooked up my device like it was supposed to be. Followed everything down to the word.

When I hooked it up, every single wireless phone in the living room (where the device is installed) was immediately connected once GPS signal was found! Even my sister (who was visiting) had her Metro PCS phone automatically pick up the signal! It was amazing.

Then I wondered through the house, looking at my phone. It had at least 3 bars in every room. Most of the rooms had 4 bars, which is full. Every phone in our house was connected instantaneously. Great call quality as well.

We haven't been able to see if the LG 5500 connects, since my son was gone at the moment. We'll see. I then took a car trip downtown. The network extender kept us going (even with weak signal) all the way to the corner of our street, which is a bit over a half a block.


What I did is I visited a Verizon Wireless store with the device. Complained and got it replaced!

Set up this time: >10.

Remaining issues:

  • Tower handoff. It refuses to handoff your call to the nearest cell tower whenever one is available. I was on the phone, using the network extender, driving down the road, and when we reached the corner (I told you about above), it dropped the call...no handoff, even though I know coverage exists.
 
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