Vodafone Australia finally launches its 5G network, will offer 5G roaming overseas

Living vicariously through the old adage of 'better late than never', Vodafone has finally fired up its 5G network in Australia, with the telco switching on its first 5G sites today around Parramatta in Sydney's west.

Vodafone's 5G services will be progressively switched on from mid-2020 across parts of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Canberra, with 650 sites planned as part of the telco's first 5G rollout phase, and "thousands more on our roadmap over coming years," according to Vodafone CEO Iñaki Berroeta.

The best part of this announcement? Berroeta also revealed that “When 5G arrives to our customers with 5G devices, they will get 5G network access at no extra charge,” a prospect that should be very enticing to those looking for a reason to upgrade.

Additionally, Vodafone's AU$ 5 international roaming fee will soon extend to 5G, allowing the telco's customers to access super-fast mobile data while travelling in selected 5G-ready countries.

Along with the above announcements, Vodafone Australia also revealed that it will be selling its first 5G enabled devices, namely Samsung's Galaxy S20 range, both in-store and online from tomorrow.

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Best Wi-Fi extenders of 2020: top devices for boosting your WiFi network

The best WiFi extenders don’t just help extend your wireless network to ensure your whole space is covered. These devices also make sure that you’ve got reliable coverage throughout, minimizing slow or dropped connections, wherever you are in your home or office. 

That’s right; you don’t have to resort to spending a ton of cash on costly solutions. The best WiFi extenders will simply pick up where your router starts to lose coverage, and increase your network’s range to give you a significant (and strong) boost in your wireless coverage by repeating that signal.

If you’ve got a large space to cover, and you’re experiencing unreliable connections, you’ve come to the right place. We gathered the best WiFi extenders on the market, so when you’re ready to give your WiFi coverage a boost, you’ll find the best one for you on this list.

Plume Superpods

The Plume SuperPods act as one of the best Wi-Fi extenders straight out of the box.

Needing to increase your network coverage and get network-based cybersecurity as well? The Plume SuperPods will get the job done, though they don’t come cheap. You see, the Plume SuperPods act as one of the best Wi-Fi extenders straight out of the box. But perhaps more importantly, they also come with a subscription service to protect your network from cyber-attacks, as well as remove ads from the internet. Nonetheless, even if you don’t care about the extra software, the excellent performance is more than enough to make this Wi-Fi extender worth your consideration at the very least.

At the time of writing, the Plume SuperPods are only available in the US, so check out our other picks below if they are not available where you are.

Read the full review: Plume SuperPods

Netgear AC1200 WiFi Range Extender EX6150

The Netgear AC1200 WiFi Range Extender EX6150 is a simple device that you can discreetly plug right into any electrical outlet.

Over the last couple years, Netgear has essentially turned itself into a household name in the networking world. And, they’ve put their extensive expertise to impressive use with their AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender EX6150. This terrific extender is a simple device that you can discreetly plug right into any electrical outlet, and definitely has our vote for one of the best Wi-Fi extenders. As an additional bonus, the EX6150 boasts quick and easy installation, free of any hassling installation software. Just follow the easy-to-read instructions and you’ll have fast and dependable Wi-Fi covering your entire home or office.

Netgear Nighthawk X6 EX7700

The Netgear Nighthawk X6 EX7700 lets you stream 4K content, play games and hook up all kinds of devices to your Wi-Fi network without a hitch.

Bring the power and convenience of a mesh network to your home with the Netgear Nighthawk X6 EX7700. Not only does this extend the area of your Wi-Fi network, but it creates a seamless Wi-Fi network throughout your home or office – so you don't need to switch networks while moving around.

Thanks to the powerful hardware inside the Netgear Nighthawk X6 EX7700, you can stream 4K content, play games and hook up all kinds of devices to your Wi-Fi network without a hitch. The included Ethernet ports are also a nice addition for bringing your network to wired devices.

TP-Link RE350 AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender

TP-Link RE350 AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender isn’t just among the best Wi-Fi extenders you can buy right now; it’s also one of the most affordable.

TP-Link is a Chinese networking company that has been steadily gaining popularity in the west, and for good reason. With devices like the TP-Link RE350 AC1200 Wi-Fi Range extender, it’s easy to get why: this extender – among the best Wi-Fi extenders you can buy right now – does the job well, and it’s affordable. It’s not going to be the fastest Wi-Fi extender out there, but with the range this extender provides at the price it’s available at, it’s a steal. Finally, thanks to an LED signal indicator on the front, installation is a breeze.

Linksys RE6500 AC1200 Dual-Band Wireless Range Extender

Linksys RE6500 AC1200 Dual-Band Wireless Range Extender’s tougher design lets Linksys include four gigabit Ethernet ports.

The Linksys RE6500 AC1200 is yet another Wi-Fi extender which could be mistaken for a router. This tougher design lets Linksys include four gigabit Ethernet ports, which basically empowers you to increase your network to internet-connected devices that need an ethernet connection. It also has an audio output jack so it can connect to an audio system, letting you stream digital music from your PC to your audio receiver. This is a pretty robust and versatile product, and one of the best Wi-Fi extenders for the money.

D-Link DAP-1320 Wireless N300 Range Extender

D-Link DAP-1320 Wireless N300 Range Extender is designed well and is built to last.

If you’re needing a reasonably affordable way to beef up your Wi-Fi network, and you’re ok with settling a little on performance and features, then the D-Link DAP-1320 Wireless N300 Range Extender may just be one of the best Wi-Fi extenders for you.

This tiny device comes sans any Ethernet ports, and it doesn't feature dual bands or 802.11ac, which is presently the fastest form of Wi-Fi. However, it is designed well and is built to last. And best of all, it's a fast, easy and cheap way of boosting your Wi-Fi network as long as you don’t expect too much network traffic.

  • This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the TP-Link RE350 

Linksys Velop Wi-Fi extender

Linksys Velop Wi-Fi extender has a user-friendly setup that anyone with a smartphone can easily do.

The Linksys Velop offers a solid argument for a wireless mesh network’s ease of setup. Looking to replace both your router and your now-antiquated range extender, the Velop comes at a time when companies like Google and Netgear are trying to accomplish the same thing. The main way Linksys hopes to stand out from its competitors in the wireless mesh networking space is with a user-friendly setup that anyone with a smartphone can easily do. With just a visit to the App Store or Google Play marketplace, you’ll have the Linksys Velop up and running in a matter of minutes. It's certainly a worthy addition to our list of the best Wi-Fi extenders.

Read the full review: Linksys Velop

Trendnet Wi-Fi Everywhere Powerline 1200 AV2

Trendnet Wi-Fi Everywhere features a clone button that will clone the SSID and WPA key of your network.

If you need a great way to upgrade your network so you can have fantastic coverage anywhere in your house, a powerline adapter is a remarkable option. Not only do they offer the same functionality as the best Wi-Fi extenders, but the Trendnet Wi-Fi Everywhere Powerline might just be a dream come true.

It’s not exactly visually pleasing, and the price tag may be a bit much. However, this unit more than makes up for those issues with sheer performance. And, unlike other powerline adapters, the Trendnet Wi-Fi Everywhere features a clone button that will clone the SSID and WPA key of your network so that it can double as a Wi-Fi extender.

Read the full review: Trendnet Wi-Fi Everywhere powerline 1200 AV2 

  • This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Linksys Velop 
Product Plume Superpods Netgear AC1200 WiFi Range Extender EX6150 D-Link Wi-Fi Dual Band Range Extender DAP-1520 TP-Link RE350 AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender 5. Linksys RE6500 AC1200 Dual-Band Wireless Range Extender D-Link DAP-1320 Wireless N300 Range Extender Linksys Velop Wi-Fi extender Trendnet Wi-Fi Everywhere Powerline 1200 AV2
Bands 802.11b/g/n/ac 802.11ac 5GHz and 2.4GHz 802.11ac 5GHz and 2.4GHz 802.11ac 5GHz and 2.4GHz 802.11ac 5GHz and 2.4GHz 802.11n 2.4GHz 802.11ac 5GHz and 2.4GHz 802.11n (up to 300Mbps) 802.11ac (up to 866Mbps)
Connectivity 2x Gigabit LAN ports 1x Gigabit LAN ports N/A 1x Gigabit LAN ports 4 x Ethernet, Audio Jack N/A 2 x Gigabit Ethernet per unit 3x Gigabit Ethernet ports

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Best wireless routers 2020: the best routers for your home network

You might think that having the best wireless routers isn’t necessary, but you’d be wrong. Especially if you’re a gamer battling opponents from all over the world, a remote worker who works from home or a parent with several kids at home sharing the family network, having a high-quality router is vital for your online connection. 

You don’t want your router to be the bottleneck that’s keeping your internet service chugging along at a snail’s pace. A weak or intermittent connection is more than just frustrating. And, a wireless router that’s extremely reliable will ensure that you won’t get a bad connection in the middle of an intense game on PC, while working on a project with your team or when streaming Netflix on movie night. 

As the options for wireless routers are extensive, we’ve put together a list of the best wireless routers on the market. We’ve tested these devices so you know they’re up to the task. So that when you’re ready to upgrade, you won’t have to spend a lot of time doing research.

Best wireless routers 2020 at a glance

  1. Google Nest Wifi 
  2. Google Wifi
  3. Asus RT-AC86U
  4. Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500
  5. TP-Link Archer C5400 v2
  6. Netgear Orbi Pro
  7. Netgear Orbi AC2200 RBK23
  8. TP-Link Deco M9
  9. D-Link Covr-C1203
  10. Eero Home Wi-Fi System

Google Nest Wifi

Google Nest Wifi takes the Google Wifi and gives it the capabilities of Google Home.

Google kicks things up a notch in its Google Wifi line with its latest installment. Don’t get us wrong; the original Google Wifi is still among the best wireless routers today. However, if you’re all about the smart home life, then you’ll appreciate the pure genius of Google Nest Wifi. This wireless router takes the Google Wifi, gives it the capabilities of Google Home and wraps it all up in an even sleeker and more appealing package. It’s a mesh router and a smart speaker in one, all with the simplicity that Google Wifi is known for.

Read the full review: Google Nest Wifi

Google Wifi

Google Wifi is proof that the mesh revolution is coming.

The days of traditional wireless routers are coming to an end; the age of the wireless mesh routers is here. Google Wi-Fi, alone, is proof that the mesh revolution is upon us, which means that you might be saying goodbye to the days when the only way to have wireless bliss was to install a number of wireless extenders. The idea of Google Wi-Fi is simple: purchase a set of points, put them in strategic places around the house and then scan a QR code. And, just like that, you’re connected anywhere you are in your home. It’s no surprise that this wireless mesh router claims the loftiest spot on our best wireless routers list of 2019, as it’s also the one that’s most effortless to set up and get going.

Read the full review: Google Wifi

Asus RT-AC86U

Asus RT-AC86U easily outclasses practically all the wireless routers on the market.

If you’re well-acquainted with Asus, especially its gaming computers, then you likely have a general idea of what the Asus RT-AC86U brings to the table. This wireless router may look like the lovechild of Doritos and Mountain Dew, if they spent a night together in a router making machine. But, inside that kitschy gaming aesthetic is a wireless router that, for its price, effortlessly outclasses almost all of its rivals on the market. Even better, you’re also not paying a premium for a gaming device, so if you’re looking for a high-speed connection with an affordable price tag, the Asus RT-AC86U should be at the top of your list.

Read the full review: Asus RT-AC86U 

Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500

Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500 is supercharged for your online gaming needs.

The Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500 might be pricey and lacks a broadband modem. However, this is still a router that delivers, especially on getting those pings down. Designed for homes with gamers in-house, it’s supercharged for your online gaming needs, keeping those high “ping” and latency rates down to deliver an excellent connection whether you’re playing Call of Duty or PUBG. If you’re willing to pay a pretty penny – and if you’re a serious gamer, you should be – this is one of the best wireless routers to consider.

Read the full review: Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500

  • This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Google Wifi. 

TP-Link Archer C5400 v2

TP-Link Archer C5400 v2 can bridge consumer and enterprise users by offering high-end functionality at a reasonable price point.

Are you in the market for one of the best wireless routers of 2019 and don’t mind a quirky design. If a ‘90s-inspired sci-fi design sounds like it will fit right in your home, then the TP-Link Archer C5400 v2 might be the best wireless router for you. It’s not exactly the most modern-looking mesh router out there, but it’s unique in that it can bridge consumer and enterprise users by offering high-end functionality at a reasonable price point and with a relaxed setup. It’s peculiar looking, yes; however, if you’re scouring the market for a wireless router that can cover a mid-sized home, you can’t go wrong with this.

Read the full review: TP-Link Archer C5400 v2

Netgear Orbi Pro

Netgear Orbi Pro is a modular Wi-Fi mesh router.

If you need to bring your office’s networking into the modern age with one of the best routers of 2019, then you must seriously consider getting the Netgear Orbi Pro. It’s a modular Wi-Fi mesh router that takes some design and performance inspiration from its business-grade competitors. It’s on the more expensive side. However, if you’re running a business where you cannot afford any lags due to poor Wi-Fi, then it’s absolutely worth every penny.

Read the full review: Netgear Orbi Pro

Netgear Orbi AC2200 RBK23

Netgear Orbi AC2200 RBK23 is an economical alternative for casual users.

When the Netgear Orbi hit the streets, it changed the wireless router scene. Then, in 2019, Netgear released the Netgear Orbi AC2200 RBK23, an economical alternative for casual users who don’t have a grand manor to cover. This makes it a worthy contender for the best wireless routers. Sure, it comes with fewer antennae and ethernet ports than its higher end counterpart. However, it does deliver more than enough to provide very solid network coverage. Plus, the small form factor means that it will have no issues blending in­ – not that you will feel the need to hide it.

Read the full review: Netgear Orbi AC2200 RBK23 

TP-Link Deco M9

TP-Link Deco M9 incorporates IoT smart home support, alongside industry standard speeds and coverage.

The market is now flooded with wireless mesh routers, but it’s hard to complain when the level of coverage these wireless routers brings tops anything we’ve seen before. With devices like the TP-Link Deco M9, one of the best routers of 2020, we can see how they’re only getting better and better. By incorporating IoT smart home support, alongside industry standard speeds and coverage, the TP-Link Deco M9 is, without question, an excellent choice for a smart home supporter. Fair warning though, this router is a tad expensive. However, you’re also getting all these features and an outstanding performance in exchange.

Read the full review: TP-Link Deco M9

D-Link Covr-C1203

D-Link Covr C1203 is one of the best wireless routers if you want to upgrade and save at the same time.

Ready to jump on the mesh wireless router bandwagon, but without breaking open that piggy bank? You’re in luck with the affordable D-Link Covr C1203. It’s one of the best wireless routers, if you want to upgrade and save at the same time. It offers comparable coverage to that of the Google Wi-Fi while also being affordable, and it also looks futuristic in a great way. It’s somewhat slower than Google’s legendary router, but it will still be fast enough for the typical user. It’s no surprise that the D-Link Covr C1203 gets our vote as one of the best wireless routers of 2020.

Read the full review: D-Link Covr-C1203 

Eero Home Wi-Fi System

Eero Home Wi-Fi System gives users total control over their network while touting a secure connection through AI.

If you’re in the market for a wireless mesh router that gives you a lot of control over your network, then the Eero Home Wi-Fi system might just be the answer. It has a price more premium than that of your standard router, but it also gives users total control over their network while touting a secure connection through AI. Even better, the Eero Home Wi-Fi System comes with subscriptions to 1Password, MalwareBytes and Encrypt.me VPN, which should keep everyone linked to your network safe and secure. 

Read the full review: Eero Home Wi-Fi System 

Joe Osborne, Bill Thomas, Gabe Carey and Michelle Uy have also contributed to this article

Images Credit: TechRadar

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