An AT&T extender is a great way to expand your internet coverage, even if it doesn’t yet have full compatibility with Xfinity internet. It’s one of the few models on the market that doesn’t come with universal compatibility.
I have used a plethora of different extenders throughout my life. During that time I found numerous ways to expand my internet coverage and gained plenty of knowledge about how to boost or improve a wireless signal.
Throughout the below guide, I cover wireless extender compatibility by looking at AT&T models to see how they work with specific internet types. That sheds light on both the models and the wider extender market as a whole.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- AT&T extenders don’t work with Xfinity, as they are one of the few models only set to a specific network.
- Keeping your extender off the floor in a clean space is one of the best ways to get a clear signal.
- When looking for a solid Xfinity extender, it’s best to purchase a model with wide coverage that’s easy to set up.
Do AT&T Extenders Work With Any Router?
For the most part, WiFi extenders are not restricted to a single brand or device. That’s to say, you don’t need to make any hardware changes to use them. You buy them, bring them back to your home or office, and set them up with any existing router you may have.
That trend holds true with almost all models. However, it’s not necessarily the case when using an AT&T model. That’s because their devices are only equipped to be compatible with AT&T gateways. Anything else simply won’t work.
Luckily, that doesn’t mean you can’t use an extender with Xfinity. There are still plenty of great ways to increase your network’s range.
How to Boost Your Xfinity WiFi Signal
Even the best networks can have spotty coverage. Xfinity is no exception. Though it tends to be reliable, especially when used as an open network, there will inevitably be places where the coverage doesn’t reach or where it doesn’t come in at full strength. There are ways to fix that.
One of the easiest is to move your modem or router to a better spot. Many obstacles, including walls and microwaves, can negatively impact your coverage. Not only that, but putting the extender too close to the floor can lead to weak results as well.
Always place your router in a high spot that’s at least a couple of feet off the floor. In addition, try to put it in a central location away from any clutter or items that may weaken its signal.
If that doesn’t work, note that it’s important to restart your equipment every once in a while as a way to check for important updates. You can also connect any high bandwidth devices directly to your router via an ethernet cable to get a faster speed.
Of course, if those don’t work upgrading is an option too. Though it’s definitely more expensive, getting a faster speed or better package is one of the most efficient ways to improve your signal when things aren’t running in the way you want them to.
Are AT&T WiFi Extenders Worth It?
Most extenders on today’s market will provide you with strong results. They tend to come with wide compatibility and give great results for both small and large spaces. AT&T models don’t quite fall into the same boat.
The devices work extremely well for AT&T home internet, but that’s all they do. They simply aren’t compatible with any other network. As such, it’s easy to figure out if it’s worth it for your specific needs.
The only rule you need to know is if you have an AT&T network they’re great, and if you don’t it’s best to go with something else.
Best Extenders Compatible with Xfinity WiFi
As mentioned, there are many great extenders on the market that are compatible with a wide range of devices or internet companies. While AT&T doesn’t work with Xfinity, there are plenty of other choices for those who want to get a strong signal with the network.
The TP-Link RE650 is a well-rounded device that comes with plenty of premium features including a wide range and easy setup, whereas the Netgear EAX80 is the perfect choice for users whose only focus is power and speed.
Other options to consider for Xfinity are the Netgear EX7300 and the Linksys RE7000. Both of those models are perfect options for anyone who wants a reliable model that doesn’t take a ton of time or energy to set up. They have a wide range too.
FAQs
This section briefly covers some of the most common AT&T extender related questions and answers them succinctly.
Why Won’t My Extender Connect to My Router?
If you’re having issues connecting to your router, it’s likely due to a software or update related problem. Reset your device by pressing the reset button on the back or by turning the extender off for thirty seconds and turning it back on.
How Do I Manually Connect a WiFi Extender to My Router?
If you want to manually connect an extender rather than trying to go through WiFi, an ethernet cable is a way to go. That greatly speeds up your connection and ensures you won’t encounter any problems that plague wireless connections.
Can You Mix and Match WiFi Extenders?
Yes, but it’s not recommended. While there’s no initial issue with using two different extenders from the same brand, that can lead to some problems down the line when it comes to updates or other future changes.
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, AT&T is not the company you want to use for your Xfinity needs. Even so, there are many other great extenders on the market, as well as various ways to boost your signal. Don’t be afraid to shop around and find something that gives excellent results.
Do you have Xfinity Wifi? What extender or tricks do you use to get a better signal? Let us know below!
