TechMatcher's stats
- Review count181
- Helpfulness votes607
- First reviewNovember 3, 2015
- Last reviewOctober 16, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.4
Reviews comments
- Review comment count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentNone
- Last review commentNone
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
- Answer count77
- Helpfulness votes101
- First answerNovember 3, 2015
- Last answerDecember 3, 2021
- Featured answers0
- Best answers12
No more WiFi dead spots. The powerful Nighthawk DST AC1900 WiFi Router along with the DST WiFi adapter eliminates WiFi dead zones. Create additional WiFi coverage right where you want it. The DST Router comes with a year of worry-free set up and support from Geek Squad.
Customer Rating
5
Super for eliminating WiFi Dead spots!
on November 3, 2015
Posted by: TechMatcher
Product: Nighthawk DST AC1900 DST Router & DST Adapter
Model: R7300DST
Purchased at: Received from NETGEAR as part of a product review and test program
Model: R7300DST
Purchased at: Received from NETGEAR as part of a product review and test program
Overview:
This product is a custom solution for Best Buy’s Geek Squad that comes with 24/7 phone and web support for an entire year! The Dead Spot Terminator (DST) is a second device that plugs into an outlet in an area of your home where normal wireless signals may fail – using your homes electrical wiring to talk with the “main” router, then acts as another WiFi hotspot with both 2.4GHz and 5GHz signals!
This product is a custom solution for Best Buy’s Geek Squad that comes with 24/7 phone and web support for an entire year! The Dead Spot Terminator (DST) is a second device that plugs into an outlet in an area of your home where normal wireless signals may fail – using your homes electrical wiring to talk with the “main” router, then acts as another WiFi hotspot with both 2.4GHz and 5GHz signals!
Packaging:
Nicely packaged. Easy, frustration free removal. Router and DST device come in labeled plastic bags indicating SSID, Network Key and Best Buy Geek Squad support ID. The three antennas are individually bagged and placed beside the power cord for the main unit and 2 5ft Ethernet cables. Nice job packaging NETGEAR!
Nicely packaged. Easy, frustration free removal. Router and DST device come in labeled plastic bags indicating SSID, Network Key and Best Buy Geek Squad support ID. The three antennas are individually bagged and placed beside the power cord for the main unit and 2 5ft Ethernet cables. Nice job packaging NETGEAR!
Initial Setup:
The first thing I noticed after screwing in the 3 antennas and replacing my existing home router to perform the test – is that the main router and the DST router did not have similar SSIDs. I would have expected them to be more aligned, but that really not that big of deal as I AWLAYS customize the SSID of my routers anyway – and recommend you do to!
The first thing I noticed after screwing in the 3 antennas and replacing my existing home router to perform the test – is that the main router and the DST router did not have similar SSIDs. I would have expected them to be more aligned, but that really not that big of deal as I AWLAYS customize the SSID of my routers anyway – and recommend you do to!
Installation was a snap:
1. Unpack main router, attach antennas, plug in power cord and plug in network cable from my cable modem.
2. My iPhone 6 saw the SSID of the main router in no time, and I attached using the predefined Network Key. Initial tests of communication between my iPhone and the router on the 5G signal yielded around 300MBs. Router is located in the basement of a 2 story home – and I was stay connected in all areas of the house – albeit the same speed tests at various points of the house did show some degradation (expected as I move from floor to floor and room to room).
3. I chose the second floor of my home to install the DST adapter. I grabbed it from the box, walked upstairs and plugged it in. Nothing. I did see the SSID of the adapter – usually something like NETGEAR##-EXT. Disappointed, I went back downstairs to consult the manual. Lo and behold, after reading a bit, I found my mistake – actually multiple mistakes. The DST adapter uses NETGEAR’s Powerline technology, which means you cannot plug the Main Router or the DST adapter into a surge protector or UPS like device. That was my first problem. I plugged my main router directly into a wall socket. Next, I guess I thought that the main router would just magically connect to the DST adapter. I was wrong. There is a button on the main router you need to press, and a corresponding button on the DST adapter that allows the devices to pair. (A possible suggestion for NETGEAR is to pre-pair these devices). Once I pressed the buttons on each unit – they successfully connected and worked as expected!
1. Unpack main router, attach antennas, plug in power cord and plug in network cable from my cable modem.
2. My iPhone 6 saw the SSID of the main router in no time, and I attached using the predefined Network Key. Initial tests of communication between my iPhone and the router on the 5G signal yielded around 300MBs. Router is located in the basement of a 2 story home – and I was stay connected in all areas of the house – albeit the same speed tests at various points of the house did show some degradation (expected as I move from floor to floor and room to room).
3. I chose the second floor of my home to install the DST adapter. I grabbed it from the box, walked upstairs and plugged it in. Nothing. I did see the SSID of the adapter – usually something like NETGEAR##-EXT. Disappointed, I went back downstairs to consult the manual. Lo and behold, after reading a bit, I found my mistake – actually multiple mistakes. The DST adapter uses NETGEAR’s Powerline technology, which means you cannot plug the Main Router or the DST adapter into a surge protector or UPS like device. That was my first problem. I plugged my main router directly into a wall socket. Next, I guess I thought that the main router would just magically connect to the DST adapter. I was wrong. There is a button on the main router you need to press, and a corresponding button on the DST adapter that allows the devices to pair. (A possible suggestion for NETGEAR is to pre-pair these devices). Once I pressed the buttons on each unit – they successfully connected and worked as expected!
Features:
I’ve owned and reviewed many routers. The DST adapter feature of this router really made this an attractive device. You can even pair a second DST adapter router with this system to further extend your range or get around WiFi blocking metal/concrete walls.
I’ve owned and reviewed many routers. The DST adapter feature of this router really made this an attractive device. You can even pair a second DST adapter router with this system to further extend your range or get around WiFi blocking metal/concrete walls.
Since this router was specially made for Geek Squad and included a support ID, I decided to give them a call and see just what this was all about and how they could help me.
I called Geek Squad around 10:15 PM and was placed in a queue to receive phone support. Hold time was stated to be between 4-7 minutes. I was one the phone for 8 minutes and 50 seconds before I reached a human being. She took some of my contact information to start a ticket and talked me through the process of establishing an online remote control session with a Geek Squad agent versed with the Nighthawk router.
I pretended to not know what I was doing, and once I was able to get my machine on the internet, I was directed to GeekSquad.com > My Geek Squad > Top Secret Passcode web page that would establish a LogMeIn session with her so she could remote control my computer. Before I let that happen, I ‘fessed up that I was reviewing the product and fully believe that they would have been able to configure the routers once on my computer. Nice job Geek Squad! The only thing that I saw to improvement in the process was the hold time – and the wait time I was told would happen before the online Agent session (I was told it would be about a 30-minute wait).
Suggestions:
I have a few suggestions for NETGEAR/Geek Squad regarding the future versions of this product. For my purposes, I’d like to see the following:
I have a few suggestions for NETGEAR/Geek Squad regarding the future versions of this product. For my purposes, I’d like to see the following:
• Pre-pairing of the DST adapter and the main router.
• NETGEAR: More ports on these routers! Don’t be shy! Maybe 8, 12, 16 – we now have so many devices – why not build it in?
• NETGEAR: Mounting options – for mounting on the wall vs requiring the space to place on a shelf.
• NETGEAR: The DST adapter also includes a single LAN port – which I tested and it worked well. Perhaps the DST device could have 4 ports on it like the router.
• GEEK SQUAD: Watch the hold/wait times. Nothing makes an already frustrated person more frustrated than waiting. Maybe the Geek Squad support coupon code bumps me to the front of the line or something…
• NETGEAR: More ports on these routers! Don’t be shy! Maybe 8, 12, 16 – we now have so many devices – why not build it in?
• NETGEAR: Mounting options – for mounting on the wall vs requiring the space to place on a shelf.
• NETGEAR: The DST adapter also includes a single LAN port – which I tested and it worked well. Perhaps the DST device could have 4 ports on it like the router.
• GEEK SQUAD: Watch the hold/wait times. Nothing makes an already frustrated person more frustrated than waiting. Maybe the Geek Squad support coupon code bumps me to the front of the line or something…
OVERALL:
In summary, I was impressed with the ease of setup and performance of this product – but I’ve come to expect that from NETGEAR. During my testing, I had a system that I recently updated to Windows 10 and its wireless adapter was acting flaky, so I simply plugged it into the DST adapter and BOOM – instant signal and much faster than the WiFi I had in Windows 7!
In summary, I was impressed with the ease of setup and performance of this product – but I’ve come to expect that from NETGEAR. During my testing, I had a system that I recently updated to Windows 10 and its wireless adapter was acting flaky, so I simply plugged it into the DST adapter and BOOM – instant signal and much faster than the WiFi I had in Windows 7!
If your home or office has Dead Spots or low signal strength – give the NETGEAR NightHawk with DST a try and Terminate them!
My Best Buy number: 2178905958
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+15points
15of 15voted this as helpful.
TechMatcher's Review Comments
TechMatcher has not submitted comments on any reviews.
TechMatcher's Questions
TechMatcher has not submitted any questions.
Rest easy knowing your home is protected, whether you're there or away with Arlo Pro 4. With no wires, your camera connects directly to your Wi-Fi network so you can easily install in minutes. Spot unique details with color night vision, and see more in dark areas with the integrated spotlight. The advanced lens provides superior image quality and a wider field of view, and allows you to track and zoom on moving objects with clarity. Hear and speak to visitors clearly with two-way audio. Receive notifications and view videos that tell you a package, person, vehicle or even an animal is detected, so you can take quick action like phone a friend, sound an alarm or call emergency services with included trial of Arlo Secure. Personalize what you get notified for and create custom activity zones to ensure you only get alerts for what matters, reducing those that are less important. Arlo Secure includes cloud recordings of video clips at 2K or lower resolution for 30 days. Renewal of an Arlo Secure plan is required to maintain Arlo Secure features, including cloud storage and activity zones.
So I purchase an Arlo 4 to live stream on my wi fi as a SIXTH camera to my already FULL 5 camera account. I get a free smart subscription and everything works. When the subscription expires and I do not wish to renew, my Arlo 4 is useless, correct?
Well - yes. You either pay for the Arlo subscription upgrade, or perhaps you remove one of your older Arlo's and leverage the great camera quality and features of the Arlo Pro4. Unfortunately, that's the way technology goes - replace old stuff with new stuff.
3 years, 10 months ago
by
TechMatcher
Rest easy knowing your home is protected, whether you're there or away with Arlo Pro 4. With no wires, your camera connects directly to your Wi-Fi network so you can easily install in minutes. Spot unique details with color night vision, and see more in dark areas with the integrated spotlight. The advanced lens provides superior image quality and a wider field of view, and allows you to track and zoom on moving objects with clarity. Hear and speak to visitors clearly with two-way audio. Receive notifications and view videos that tell you a package, person, vehicle or even an animal is detected, so you can take quick action like phone a friend, sound an alarm or call emergency services with included trial of Arlo Secure. Personalize what you get notified for and create custom activity zones to ensure you only get alerts for what matters, reducing those that are less important. Arlo Secure includes cloud recordings of video clips at 2K or lower resolution for 30 days. Renewal of an Arlo Secure plan is required to maintain Arlo Secure features, including cloud storage and activity zones.
Can I combine 2 arlo essential and 2 ArloPro4 on the same account?
Yes - I have many version of the Arlo products on my single account.....so should not be a problem!
3 years, 10 months ago
by
TechMatcher
Android TV built-in projector for seamless access to content Powered by Google, watch all your favorite streaming channels including Netflix, Hulu, HBO NOW, YouTube and more. Sit back, relax and watch movies with this Epson video projector. It offers 2.700 lumens of color & white brightness to ensure vibrant, accurate colors, and its HD resolution delivers crisp image quality at 1080p. This Epson video projector lets you also connect a Blu-ray player or gaming console via an HDMI input for smooth streaming of your favorite media.
How many inch android tv with these projector
Not exactly sure what you're asking, but the below graphic should help you understand the recommended screen size display vs the distance the projector is from the screen. The biggest is 120" at 12 feet. Does that help?
3 years, 11 months ago
by
TechMatcher
Illuminate and view 2K video with the powerful wire-free Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera. The multi-functional wire-free floodlight camera cuts through darkness with brilliant LEDs, and an integrated high resolution 2K camera allows you to clearly view live video or recorded clips directly from your phone, with an included trial of Arlo Secure. The sleek design seamlessly integrates a robust security solution into your space. See more with a wide 160-degree field of view. Hear and speak to visitors clearly, with two-way audio. Customize lighting configurations to enhance security. Trigger your built-in siren remotely or automatically to ward off unwanted visitors. Protect your home or business with Arlo.Arlo Secure includes cloud recordings of video clips at 2K or lower resolution for 30 days. Renewal of an Arlo Secure plan is required to maintain Arlo Secure features, including cloud storage.
This is for internal use only. Can i turn off floodlights? I don't want a police-type setup.
Yes - you can control the floodlight on/off - and the brightness as well!
4 years ago
by
TechMatcher
Monitor your surroundings with this Night Owl 16-channel DVR security system. The four Full HD cameras feature L2 Color Boost technology to maintain footage clarity in low-light conditions, while the single sign-on two-step verification ensures secure access. This Night Owl 16-channel DVR security system features a 1TB HDD for ample storage.
Will this DVR system work with other non-night owl cameras (PAL)? I have some really nice wide angle, commercial grade cameras.
From my understanding, it may work - but Night Owl only supports their certified products.
4 years, 2 months ago
by
TechMatcher
Performance meets versatility. From intensive video and graphics files to high-octane gaming, the most powerful Surface laptop yet combines speed, graphics, and long battery life with the versatility of a laptop, tablet, and portable studio. Tackle your biggest demands with quadcore powered 10th Gen Intel Core processors, blazing NVIDIA graphics, and high-resolution PixelSense Display designed for Surface Pen* and touch.
Does the new surface book 3 come with the surface pen or would i need to purchase one separately?
Unfortunately, you would need to purchase it separately. Myself, I plan to get one - specifically to markup drawings and documents during web conferences.
4 years, 3 months ago
by
TechMatcher
Performance meets versatility. From intensive video and graphics files to high-octane gaming, the most powerful Surface laptop yet combines speed, graphics, and long battery life with the versatility of a laptop, tablet, and portable studio. Tackle your biggest demands with quadcore powered 10th Gen Intel Core processors, blazing NVIDIA graphics, and high-resolution PixelSense Display designed for Surface Pen* and touch.
What is "Realistic Battery Life" of the Microsoft Surface Book 3 - 15 inch if it is used mainly to run software like Excel, Word, Microsoft Edge browser, and some YouTube video ? I've seen video reviews which have mentioned as little as 6 hours.
I've already used mine for 12 hours without charging. The Microsoft website claims 16 hours..
4 years, 3 months ago
by
TechMatcher
Performance meets versatility. From intensive video and graphics files to high-octane gaming, the most powerful Surface laptop yet combines speed, graphics, and long battery life with the versatility of a laptop, tablet, and portable studio. Tackle your biggest demands with quadcore powered 10th Gen Intel Core processors, blazing NVIDIA graphics, and high-resolution PixelSense Display designed for Surface Pen* and touch.
What are the differences between Surface Book 2 and Surface Book 3?
Aside from the price (SB3 is obviously more), the SB3 is upgraded with a newer/better CPU, a better GPU, WiFi-6, better battery life, more memory options, etc.
4 years, 3 months ago
by
TechMatcher
Performance meets versatility. From intensive video and graphics files to high-octane gaming, the most powerful Surface laptop yet combines speed, graphics, and long battery life with the versatility of a laptop, tablet, and portable studio. Tackle your biggest demands with quadcore powered 10th Gen Intel Core processors, blazing NVIDIA graphics, and high-resolution PixelSense Display designed for Surface Pen* and touch.
Where is the camera located?
The SB3 has 2 cameras - one on the back in the upper right corner, and in the upper center on the front (screen side). The both work great - used them for Skype, Webex and Zoom calls just today!
4 years, 3 months ago
by
TechMatcher
Performance meets versatility. From intensive video and graphics files to high-octane gaming, the most powerful Surface laptop yet combines speed, graphics, and long battery life with the versatility of a laptop, tablet, and portable studio. Tackle your biggest demands with quadcore powered 10th Gen Intel Core processors, blazing NVIDIA graphics, and high-resolution PixelSense Display designed for Surface Pen* and touch.
Im looking to purchase this for dual purposes. Audio production With Pro Tools, and Digital art with Adobe products. Will the SB 3 Be able to handle both?
Yes - I'm confident the SB3 will be able to handle this. Take a look at the Microsoft web page for the SB3 - they give you some examples that may help to make your decision.
4 years, 3 months ago
by
TechMatcher