WiFi Extenders

We all have a dead zone in our homes, an area where the WiFi suddenly disappears, not allowing us to use the internet anymore. For this problem to be long gone, WiFi extenders have appeared, these devices extending the reach of the signal to ensure that you will enjoy using the internet no matter where you are in your home. As you have probably already noticed, we have rounded up the best models on the market and ranked them according to their performance in the comparison table above. Also, in the rest of the article, we have created different sections where we talk more about these products in order to help you better understand their role and importance.

Top 5 WiFi Extenders Comparison

	1. NETGEAR N300 EX2700	2. NETGEAR AC1900 EX6400	3. NETGEAR AC1200 EX6120	4. TP-Link N300 TL-WA850RE	5. Linksys AC1200 RE6500
	BEST MODEL	OUR CHOICE	BEST PRICE
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price
Physical Specifications
Dimensions (inches)	2.64 x 2.17 x 1.34	6.34 x 3.2 x 1.75	2.17 x 2.64 x 1.54	4.3x 2.6 x 3.0	1.69 x 0.45 x 6.06
Weight (pounds)	0.22	0.66	0.29	0.58	0.35
Manufacturer	NETGEAR	NETGEAR	NETGEAR	TP-LINK	LINKSYS
Technical Specifications
WiFi Technology	802.11n	802.11ac	802.11ac	802.11n	802.11a/b/g/n
WiFi Tech and Range	N300 Range	AC1900 Dual Band Range	AC1200 Dual Band Range	Dual Band Range	AC1200 Dual Band Range
WiFi Performance	N300M	AC1900	AC1200	11n: Up to 300Mbps, 11g: Up to 54Mbps, 11b: Up to 11Mbps	AC1200 867Mbps
WiFi Band	2.4GHz	Dual Band 2.4&5GHz	Dual Band 2.4 & 5GHz	2.4~2.4835GHz	Simultaneous Dual Band
Number of Ethernet Ports	One fast Ethernet Port	One 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Port with auto-sensing technology	One 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet Port	One 10/100M Ethernet Port	4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
Security	WiFi Protected Access and WEP	WiFi Protected Access and WEP	WiFi Protected Access and WEP	64/128/152-bit WEP, WPA-PSK / WPA2-PSK	WiFi Protected Access and WPS
Ease of Use	CD-Less Setup, Push ‘N’ Connect using Wi-Fi Protected Setup(WPS)1	CD-Less Setup, Push ‘N’ Connect using Wi-Fi Protected Setup(WPS)1	CD-Less Setup, Push ‘N’ Connect using Wi-Fi Protected Setup(WPS)1	Range Extender Button, Reset Button	One Reset Button
Standards	IEEE 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz Fast Ethernet port	IEEE 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz, IEEE 802.11 a/n/ac 5GHz	IEEE 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz, IEEE 802.11 a/n/ac 5GHz	IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b	IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11ac
System Requirements	802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz Wireless Router or Gateway, Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0, Firefox 2.0 or Safari 1.4 or Google Chrome 11.0	2.4 or 5GHz 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wireless Router or Gateway, Microsoft Internet Explorer 8.0, Firefox 20, Safari 5.1 or Google Chrome 25.0	2.4 or 5GHz 802.11ac & b/g/n Wireless Router or Gateway, Microsoft Internet Explorer 8.0, Firefox 20, Safari 5.1, or Google Chrome 25.0	Microsoft Windows 98SE, NT, 2000, XP, Vista or Windows 7, 8, 10, Mac OS, NetWare, UNIX or Linux	2.4 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi Router or Gateway, Microsoft Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista SP1, Windows 7, Windows 8, Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.8, Snow Leopard 10.6.1 , Lion 10.7, or Mountain Lion 10.8 OS
Features
	Boost N300 WiFi	Boost WiFi	Boost AC1200 WiFi	Range Extender Mode	Cross-Band Technology
	External Antennas	FastLane Technology	Two WiFi Modes	Ethernet port	Gigabit Ethernet Ports
	Fast Ethernet Port	Ethernet Port	Simultaneous Dual Band WiFi	Tether App	Audio Capability
		Simultaneous Dual Band WiFi	Ethernet Port	Night Mode	Simultaneous Dual Band
		Secure Setup	FastLane Technology
		Two WiFi Modes	External Antennas
Package Contents	WiFi Range Extender (EX2700), Installation Guide	AC1900 (EX6400), Quick Start Guide	AC1200 (EX6120), Quick Start Guide	300Mbps Universal TL-WA850RE, RJ-45 Ethernet Cable, Resource CD, Quick Installation Guide	AC1200 MAX RE6500, AC/DC Power Supply, 2 Dipole Antennas, Ethernet Cable, Quick Installation Guide
Warranty&Support
Warranty	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year
Customer Support

WiFi Boosters Reviews

Due to the fact that there are a lot of products of this kind on the market, it is difficult to take a decision that can fulfill all of your needs. Therefore, in order to help you, we have gathered some of the greatest units according to their technology and features, and ranked them properly to make your choice a lot easier.

1. NETGEAR N300 EX2700

This is one of the most efficient WiFi range extenders because it boosts the existing network range and speed, delivering wireless speeds of up to 300Mbps. Its external antennas are able to provide coverage and higher speed, while its convenient wall-plug was created to save space. If you are thinking about purchasing such a unit, you should know that it works with any standard router as well. Also, it is just perfect for video gaming and streaming. Besides all these aspects, it’s important to know that it features a fast Ethernet port that can connect a wired device such as a Blu-ray player, TV or game console to your network as well. Furthermore, this unit is easy to use thanks to its CD-less setup that is great for mobile devices, and the Push ‘N’ Connect that uses WiFi Protected Setup (WPS). In addition, the NETGEAR N300 EX2700 comes with a 1-year warranty that covers all the damages and reparations.

PROS	CONS
High speed Ethernet port	It only operates in the 2.4 ghz band
It comes with an advanced N300 Technology
Ergonomic design
It is equipped with LED indicators
VERDICT
If you are looking to purchase a WiFi range extender with a wide range of impressive yet useful features, the NETGEAR N300 EX2700 is exactly what you need. Although it does not have a USB port and it is a single band, it still is one of the most efficient range extenders on the market. More than that, for those of whom, do not seem to have any problem regarding the policy of limited 1-year warranty provided by the manufacturer, then this model can be a great addition.

2. NETGEAR AC1900 EX6400

Nowadays, there are plenty of devices that can provide a strong and reliable wireless internet connection, and the EX6400 is one of those units. In order to improve your home signal without being necessary to make any complicated technical adjustments, you can confidently choose this model. The EX6400 model provides performance, durability, and a great price. Moreover, it is incredibly easy to use, all that you have to do being to plug it in the area where you don’t have wireless internet access and you want to have additional coverage. Before buying this model, it’s good to know that it combines both the 2.4 and 5 gigahertz bands that provide a lot of available bandwidth for both channels, offering up to 1.9 gigabits of data transferring speed. Additionally, it uses the FastLane technology that was designed to improve the bandwidth speeds by combining both bands into a stronger, single dual-band signal. When it comes to compatibility, the NETGEAR AC1900 EX6400 is capable of connecting to any new 802.11ac units, including some devices that require a wireless protected setup protocol, such as wireless printers.

PROS	CONS
Simultaneous dual band WiFi	It is not as powerful as the previous version
Two WiFi modes
Secure setup
It works with all standard routers or gateways
High-power amplifiers
VERDICT
The NETGEAR AC1900 EX6400 is exactly what you need to boost your existing network range. It delivers AC dual band WIFI up to 1900 Mbps. It is perfect for HD video streaming and gaming. Best of all, this range extender is very easy to install and use. All you have to do is to plug it in an area where you do not have wireless internet access and you need additional coverage. Also, it comes at a reasonable price and a 1-year warranty.

3. NETGEAR AC1200 EX6120

The EX6120 model is one of those range extenders that can help you boost the existing network, delivering AC dual band WiFi of up to 1200 Mbps. This small and discreet unit works with any standard router, and most people use it for HD video streaming and gaming. Furthermore, if you are looking to purchase such a unit, you should know that it comes with a lot of impressive features such as two wireless modes that can extend the existing connection or create a new wireless access point, simultaneous dual bands that extend 2.4 and 5GHz WiFi up to 1200 Mbps and reduce interference, external antennas used for better coverage and more speed, an Ethernet port that can connect a wired device, including a TV or game console to your network, and the FastLine technology that is designed to use both bands in order to create one high-speed connection.

PROS	CONS
Dual band WiFi up to 1200Mbps	1-year warranty
Easy to install
Secure setup
It uses FastLane Technology
VERDICT
In spite of how good the others are, we still placed the NETGEAR AC1200 EX6120 on our list. It comes with features that you may not find on other extenders. Plus, it comes with a reasonable price and an easy installation. It uses FastLine technology to establish one super high-speed connection. More than that, it is ideal for HD gaming and streaming.

4. TP-Link N300 TL-WA850RE

The TL-WA850RE is the best choice that you can make if you own an apartment or a small house that has a WiFi dead zone. These days, most people buy this product because it’s easy to install and configure. Moreover, it provides a good signal at up to 75 feet away from the router. If you are thinking about buying it, you should know that it is a dual-band unit that supports up to 300Mbps throughput. Also, it comes with an interesting package that contains an RJ-45 cable, a quick installation guide, and a resource CD. If you want to test it first, you can use WPS, but only if your router supports it. You have to plug in the extender and turn it on, press the WPS button on both the router and the extender, and the connection should be established. There are other methods that you can use, but they are quite complicated and they can take a little longer. However, if you want to improve your wireless signal, you can confidently choose the TL-WA850RE as it is more affordable than other units.

PROS	CONS
Easy to configure	No Gigabit speed supported on Ethernet port
Great price
It provides good WiFi signal at up to 75 ft. from the router
VERDICT
The TP-Link N300 TL-WA850RE is one of the best WiFi range extenders we tested. Although it is not as powerful as the NETGEAR EX2700 model, it still is an option you need to consider. The TL-WA850RE is designed to improve the signal strength of an existing wireless network. More than that the Ethernet port of the device allows it to act just as a wireless adapter to turn a wired device into a wireless one. Overall, it is a WiFi extender that will surely meet your expectations.

5. LINKSYS AC1200 RE6500

As you already know, Linksys is one of the most important brands in the home networking market, especially in the wireless segment. The RE6500 model is an amazing extender that does a great job and that exceeds all expectations, showing the quality of the manufacturer’s work. Its most useful feature is the 3.5mm headphone jack that can be used to stream music through media players that support DLNA or Apple’s AirPlay. This device uses a MediaTek MT7621A processor that is a dual-core 880MHz SoC. Its 5GHz band is powered by MediaTek’s MT7612E controller, while the 2.4GHz radio uses the MT7602E. Also, it features the Cross-Band technology that maximizes the simultaneous use of both bands. This means that it maximizes the use of high-speed data transfer and uninterrupted streaming and gaming. Besides this, it has audio capabilities as well. As such, you will be able to connect the stereo system or audio speaker to the range extender and stream your music from a smart device or computer.

PROS	CONS
Compact yet powerful device	It works slowly when enabling 2.4 GHz mode for data transfer
Simultaneous dual band WiFi	The light stays on with no way of turning it off.
No installation requires for AC1200 Max
Easy to assemble
VERDICT
After reviewing several models of extenders, we can truly confirm that the LINKSYS AC1200 RE6500 is one of the best wireless network range extenders out there. Like the previous model, it has simultaneous Dual band WiFi. This means that it is able to support two deference kind of wifi network at once such as 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Additionally, it is very easy to assemble with all the required parts and extremely easy to use.

6. TP-Link AC1200 RE305

If the WiFi signal tends to be weak, a perfect device to turn to in order to improve it is the TP-Link AC1200 RE305. This compact WiFi extender is compatible with all standard routers and gateways, being a guarantee that it will improve the internet on your devices. This makes it ideal for those who play many online games and who need a good internet connection as well as for those who stream on YouTube or on other platforms. One of the biggest highlights of the product is the fact that it improves the signal to Alexa and Echo devices, iOS and Android smartphones, and PlayStations among other devices. What makes it one of the most convenient choices of the moment is the fact that it features the innovative Intelligent Signal Indicator that helps you determine the best location for the extender to have as wide of a reach to your devices as possible. It’s easy to use, all that you have to do to expand its range being to press the Range Extender button. Due to the fact that it supports the AP mode, you will be able to create a new Wireless Access point whenever you want. It boasts a universal compatibility, being able to work with all 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac routers or access points. Best of all, it’s accompanied by a 2-year warranty that ensures the manufacturer will fix or replace it free of charge during this period of time.

PROS	CONS
Dual-Band for good speed	No USB port
Easy setup	No pass-through outlet
Smart LED indicator
Inexpensive
VERDICT
The TP-Link AC1200 RE305 is one of the most inexpensive range extenders on our list. However, it still is a good option worth taking into consideration. It has a dual-band WiFi which means that it can easily support both 2,4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. It can easily eliminate the dead sport from your house, providing a great connection wirelessly all over the house. Also, it has LED indicators which announce you about the status of the connections and much more. Overall, it is a good option and it will surely do a great job in your home.

7. TP-Link AC1750

Looking for an affordable router that performs like a more expensive one? Then the TP-Link AC1750 is the one. It is a dual-band device capable of reaching speeds of up to 1300Mbps on the 5GHz band and 450Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. We really like this unit as it works extremely well with any wireless access point and any Wi-Fi router. It is equipped with three adjustable external antennas thanks to which it is able to deliver great coverage and strong WiFi connections. With the dimensions of a 6-inch smartphone, this device is very easy to install and its Gigabit Ethernet port is like a wireless adapter that can be connected to your network at gigabit speed. Compared to the above models, it comes with a great price, a 2-year warranty and 24/7 technical support. Overall, it is a great option to consider while looking for a quality extender.

PROS	CONS
Easy setup	Bulky
It works great with any Wi-Fi router or wireless access point
It comes with three adjustable external antennas
2-year warranty
VERDICT
The TP-Link AC1750 is one of the most efficient WiFi range extenders available in the current market. It comes with a high-speed mode and an intelligent signal indicator that allows you to find the best place to install the RE450. It is an exceptional extender that can be connected to your existing wireless network in minutes.

8. OptiCover WiFi Router

Looking for an affordable router to extend WiFi to your devices? The OptiCover is an advanced model that claims to boost your existing network range. According to the manufacturer’s specification, it is able to deliver AC dual band WiFi up to 300 Mbps. With its WPS button, it provides a super easy connection. With its three modes, such as Repeater, AP and Router mode, the OptiCover extender can easily meet three kinds of needs. While the Repeater mode can boost your existing wireless network, the AP mode will cover a wireless with a wired network. The third mode, the Router mode will create a private wireless network. With this incredible device, you will eliminate dead zones in your home. It is known for delivering blazing-fast dual-band WiFi across your home for 4K streaming in any corner of the house.

PROS	CONS
It boosts your existing network range
Three WiFi modes
It eliminates dead zones
Easy setup
It delivers fast and strong signal
VERDICT
If you are looking to purchase a router that is compatible with any router or access point, this option could be exactly what you need. It delivers a strong and stable signal up to 300 Mbps. It eliminates dead zones in your room and boosts the existing network range.

About WiFi Range Repeaters

Nowadays, most people are using WiFi extenders because they can improve the home signal. The internet connection can be ruined by a poor home network setup, but a quality extender that can provide a fantastic performance is able to solve this problem. Actually, these small devices can catch a wireless signal and rebroadcast it, helping to strengthen the signal from a router on a different floor of the house.

The devices should be placed in a central location, near the main router. In fact, the perfect spot for an extender is halfway between your main router and the intended wireless devices because as you already know, it is just boosting the signal. However, if they are placed far away from it, the speed of your connection to the rest of the network and to the Internet will be reduced. Also, you should know that the main cause of low coverage and poor wireless performance is the number of walls and doors between you and your router. For example, if you live in a house with thick walls, it is crucial to have such a unit because even if you have a great router, it won’t be able to provide top-notch performance up a floor.

There are plenty of devices that can improve your internet signal, including WiFi enhancers, Powerline network adapters, USB dongles, and router advice. Each of these devices may have the same purpose, but they won’t work in the exact same way. However, WiFi enhancers are the best choice that you can make because they are the only units that deliver a solid performance at an attractive price.

Benefits of Home WiFi Booster

In order to get rid of wired systems, WiFi is the only solution that you have. When it comes to wireless and internet connection, the major problem is with large areas because you have to cover the signal all over it. In this case, such a product can be a real aid, coming with a lot of advantages and benefits.

• Boosting Signal Strength

The main purpose of using a Wifi range extender is that it can enhance signal strength without requiring you to move your PC or other devices that are connected to the Internet. The further a PC is from the switch that it interfaces with, the weaker its remote flag will have a tendency to be. Therefore, if you are thinking about placing such a product between the PC and the switch that it interfaces with, it will empower the PC in order to get a more grounded flag, prompting a better speed when cruising the Internet.

• Cost

When it comes to the money that you have to spend, it is good to know that these units are not very expensive. Actually, their prices depend on their features, meaning that some are very cheap while others come at a more expensive price. Obviously, they are used to improve the range of your existing network. As such, whether it is an expensive model or a cheap one, it has the same purpose. However, some products come with an amazing technology, such as the FastLane technology that is ideal for HD streaming and gaming because it uses both bands in order to establish one super high-speed connection. Also, most devices have some impressive features of their own, like an Ethernet port that is able to connect a wired device such as a game console or a smart TV to your existing network, or the Tether App that allows easy access and management using any mobile device.

• Defeating Obstructions

Another advantage of using a WiFi booster is that it is able to diminish the effect of several deterrents that can affect the remote association. There are plenty of strong metal items such as file organizers and various apparatuses that can debilitate remote signals and have an adverse effect on the remote network. As such, placing an extender in an area where few articles rest between it, the switch, and the PC can allow the signal to pass to the PC without going through many items.

What to Look for When Buying a WiFi Repeater

Range extenders are the most effective and affordable way to improve your WiFi connection in your home. Basically, when it comes to range extenders, you should know that there is no wiring involved. However, there are several things you need to take into account when purchasing such a unit.

• Do you really need such a device?

Before buying this type of appliance, first, you should check out your existing router. If you have an old router, think about investing in a new one and use the old unit as an extender for it. However, they will need a wired connection and their set up can be absolutely challenging. On the other hand, if your router is new and you still need an extender, your purchase has to be the same standard as the original network or better. For example, if you already have an AC1200 router, you need to buy an appliance that can support the standard connection. Keep in mind that generally, it only extends one frequency band at a time. Therefore, you might need two separate extenders, because it is better to extend both the 2.4GHz and the 5GHz bands in a dual-band network.

• Check the compatibility with your WiFi

When you are looking to purchase such a device, you need to consider the compatibility with your WiFi. As such, it is important to know that the original WiFi standard was IEEE 802.11. These days, the manufacturers just added A, B, G, N, and AC to the standard model. Keep in mind that is not important to buy a sophisticated unit with the latest standard if your router doesn’t support it. However, we suggest you check your router first and after buy the device. Plus, you need to know that speeds are displayed in Mbps, so you won’t gain an advantage if your unit supports a faster speed than your router, because it can only rebroadcast what it receives.

• Design

There are hundreds of models available on the market and each one of these items comes with its own design. Some of them look a lot like routers with aerials and they have their own power supply, while others are just some simple plastic blocks designed to plug directly into a wall outlet. You can choose an extender which is not so bulky, but you need to know that a larger one has more feature than a smaller one. However, it is important to choose a device which is able to satisfy your needs.

Top 3 Brands on the Market

When it comes to shopping, most people are thinking about making a purchase from a valuable brand. The truth is that an important brand is able to provide a lot of things, including quality, performance, durability and the clarity that their products are efficient.

• NETGEAR

NETGEAR is an American company which develops products that are built on a variety of technologies, such as wireless, powerline and Ethernet. Their range of easy-to-use products can provide a good signal and help you watch almost everything on your PC, without buffering. In fact, NETGEAR provides networking, storage and security solutions which are affordable and easy to install and maintain. Moreover, this valuable company is trying to keep its customers satisfied and loyal.

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• TP-LINK

TP-Link is one of the most important manufacturer of computer networking products in the world. This Chinese company has created various products, including wireless routers, ADSL, IP cameras, wireless adapters, range extenders and powerline adapters. It tries to keep its loyal customers closer by providing them with excellent products and services. Moreover, all their products represent the highest standard in innovation and execution. Since entering the international market TP-LINK is constantly expanding and they won’t stop developing and promoting innovations in order to provide their customers with great services.

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• LINKSYS

Have you ever heard about Linksys? This is an American company which is selling various data networking hardware products including wired and wireless routers, Ethernet switches, wireless Internet video cameras, audiovisual products and network storage systems. Actually, this brand along with two others, such as Belkin and WeMo, is part of Belkin International which is one of the most valuable brands in the world. Their products are renowned for their simplicity and ease of use.

How We Rated our Models

When it comes to WiFi range extenders, it is good to know that there are various models available on the market and each one of this model has its own features which provide a lot of benefits. However, in order to find the most suitable product for you, you need to consider several factors.

• Single or Dual-Band

The 802.11n WiFi standard also has a dual-band support and it covers the long-used 2.4GHz band. However, it can also provide the 5GHz band. The 2.4 GHz band has a longer range, but when it comes to the 5GHz band, you need to know that it supports faster speeds. Furthermore, for those people who already have a dual-band router, the dual-band extender is the best option because it has to be a connection between the two. The single-band model can just extend 2.4GHz to the rest of your home. However, it can connect to the original router with 5GHz where it does offer coverage. Moreover, the single-band unit is also cheaper than a dual-band one.

• Security

Security standards represent an encryption method which can prevent anyone without the original password from connecting to the network. The WiFi Protected Access, which is WPA2-PSK (AES) is the latest version appeared on the market. As such, if you have a router that doesn’t support WPA, you should think about upgrading it.

• Ease of use

The router’s network name or SSID, as well as the password or key, is very important to set up a connection. As such, you need to know all these information that can be found on the back or underside of the router. Most models can provide WiFi Protected Setup (WPS), so their installation will be easier. You just have to press the button on your wireless extender and the one on your router and they will connect. It will receive the relevant data from the router, so it will be able to recognize the information in the future without you having to do anything at all.

• Ethernet ports

There are a lot of features that a wireless extender can offer, and the Ethernet port is one of them. It allows you to plug in a device that has a wired connection, in order to get better speed and a reduced number of devices which are trying to connect wirelessly. If you need an extension that can serve a game console, DVR and TV that are all placed together, then a unit which has at least three Ethernet ports should be the best choice. Additionally, there are a few products which will also provide audio streaming capabilities. You can choose and stream music from your smartphone because they will boost a port to connect headphones and speakers.

• System requirements

It is quite important to know that whether you are moving the router or not, its connectivity won’t be better. In fact, you won’t solve any problem by doing this. You just have to adjust its connectivity settings on its computer. Windows 7 and Mac OS X can help you adjust any OS or software settings, which can interfere with the Internet connection because they have connection repair tools.

• Warranty

Like so many other appliances, these products come with a one-year warranty. There are also manufacturers that offer longer warranties, but most of them will provide a standard warranty. Moreover, some of these warranties will also cover the damages caused by the product or your time and expense in getting the damage repaired.

If you are looking to expand the reach of a wireless LAN, a WiFi repeater could be extremely useful in this situation. Their main purpose is to connect wirelessly to the access point and boost the existing signal in your home. As mentioned above, there are so many models and devices available on the market that it is quite difficult to find exactly what you need. In order to help you make the best decision, we have gathered 6 of the best models out there, but our favorite model is by far the one that we placed it in the third position.

The NETGEAR AC1200 EX6120 is one of the most efficient extenders out there. Although it comes in a small size, it is extremely powerful and does a great job helping you boost the existing network. As compared to its competitors, it is equipped with a dual band that extends 2.4 and 5GHz WiFi up to 1200 Mbps. Additionally, it uses the FastLine technology that was specially designed to use both bands so it can create a high-speed connection.