Fiber company is Nailing me for Wifi extenders? Best option???

Hey guys,

I recently got a "free" upgrade from my fiber optic internet provider to their 300/300 Mbps plan.

It was only after they installed it that I noted my $10/month charge for 2 wi-fi extenders was increased to $25/month (for 2).

I called and asked if I could replace those with my own equipment to eliminate the charge and they said "sure". Problem is, I have no idea what would be a good option.

I have ethernet cables installed between the main unit (included in my monthly charge, so I don't think I need to replace it) and each of the extenders.

Existing base is: Calix GigSpire Blast Model u6x GS4227
Existing Extenders are: Calix Model GS4220E

Each of the wifi extenders is being used to stream television though Firesticks as well as providing Wifi in the house, garage, and yard.

What I think I need are 2 wifi extenders that can plug into my existing ethernet in place of the rental units. $25/month X 12 Months per year X forever works out to a lot of cash.

Thanks for any help all!

 

Been reasonably happy with my Asus ax minis. You need a compatible base router (modern Asus) to manage them though. Got them all for a steal for under $300 by buying Amazon refurbs

I'll add that I have 3 + the router in a single story 1100 sqft house. Link speeds between them are commonly above 1Gbit/s (better than wired) because I have them as line of sight as possible, then the one closest to the router has a 1G physical tie to it. What I like the most is you can allow them to roam, or set a static path. From the one near my office window, I can get my wifi from the pool, about 3.5 houses down. Only reason I ever drop below 4-5 bars is because the signal is still so strong from the other end of the house that they don't see the need to switch to a different AP. One is dedicated to my Rpi4 pihole + Home Assistant server, so all my DNS traffic flows through it without even noticing it's wireless.

 

Ive had the Netgear Mk63 for maybe 3-4 years now, main router downstairs, 1 hub upstairs, and 1 hub in garage. ~1300 square feet. Never had an issue at all.

 

I have used this one for 2-3 years? They work super easy. I had them going from my shop to my house, so through two walls one being brick and one being steel.

 

Just closing the loop on this thread.

I bought identical Calix Model GS4220E extenders from a seller on eBay. These units are not normally available for retail sale, but eBay seller was selling some brand new still in boxes. I plugged them in, one at a time, in place of the units my fiber provider supplied and they self-programmed.

Took the old ones back to the fiber office and my bill was lowered by $25/month. It will take 10 months to break even.

$25/month X (Forever - 10 months) = a buttload of $