WAC120 weak signal - replace or get a an extender?

[nikleb]

I got a Netgear WAC120 access point. It fixed my issues with my Wifi that I encountered after upgrading the FW on my Netgear 3700. However, the signal strength (measured with insider) is a bit weaker than expected. Doing A/B tests between the WAC120 and 3700 shows that the WAC120 is somewhat weaker at the same spots. In most spots of my house I will find stronger signals from neighbors.

Should I replace the WAC120 with a Asus 68 or Netgear R7000 or get an extender like Netgear EX6200? Both options would cost about the same.

 

[L&LD]

I would always buy / try a full blown router than a narrow use device such as an extender. Especially at similar cost.

 

[stevech]

see responses at
http://forums.smallnetbuilder.com/showthread.php?t=21333


Laws of physics: Higher speed = shorter range.
More range-> force your router to avoid higher speeds.

 

[nikleb]

Ok. Only curious why some of the neighbors signal in my house is stronger than mine.

I am concluding that you recommend using an extender. If I go with an extender will I be able to roam in the house without reconnecting? i.e. same SSID, can connect with a device in one corner of the house and roam around?
Also, will the extender use the MAC access filtering from the access point?