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Network Extender

General Information

  1. What is Verizon Wireless' Network Extender?

    The Verizon Wireless Network Extender enhances indoor cellular coverage to provide more reliable wireless service. The Network Extender is compatible with all Verizon Wireless phones and works like a miniature cell tower in your home or home office. Easy to install, the Network Extender plugs into your existing high-speed Internet connection to communicate with the Verizon Wireless network.

    Note: The Network Extender is not a router and therefore is not Wi-Fi capable.

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  2. Where can I buy a Network Extender?

    You can purchase a Network Extender online or by calling (800) 256-4646. You must be an existing Verizon Wireless subscriber in order to purchase a Network Extender.

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  3. Where can I use my Network Extender?

    Network Extender will operate anywhere within the Verizon Wireless Enhanced Services coverage area. Not available in the Extended Enhanced Services coverage area or outside of the United States. Refer to Verizon Wireless coverage maps for details.

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  4. What type of Internet connection do I need for my Network Extender?

    Your Verizon Wireless Network Extender will work with most broadband or DSL connections (from Verizon or another Internet service provider). A minimum broadband speed of 1 Mbps is required. The Network Extender is not supported for use with EVDO, satellite or wireless broadband service.

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  5. Can I connect my landline phone to the Network Extender?

    No. The Network Extender is designed to work with Verizon Wireless phones.

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Network Extender Setup

  1. How do I know that my Network Extender set up and installation is complete?

    You can confirm that the Network Extender set up is complete in a couple of ways.

    • You can verify that the various Network Extender components are functioning properly by checking that the four LED lights on the front of the device are a steady blue (the WAN light may be either steady or blinking):
    PWR Power
    SYS System
    GPS GPS Signal*
    WAN WAN (Ethernet) Connection

    *Note: It may take up to 1 hour to acquire a GPS signal and get a steady blue light. Turning off the Network Extender will restart the GPS signal process and may prolong the setup. If the Network Extender does not acquire a GPS signal after 1 hour, please call Customer Service at (800) 922-0204.

    • You can also dial #48 on your Verizon Wireless phone and listen for the announcement “You are on the Network Extender” to verify the Network Extender if functioning properly and you are registered on it.

    When the Network Extender set up is complete, you may also want to establish priority access for up to 50 Verizon Wireless phone numbers by visiting My Verizon.

    Please refer to the User Guide that came with your Network Extender for additional details on device setup and troubleshooting. You may also watch a short video about how to set up the Network Extender.

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  2. Do I need to apply any settings to my mobile phone in order to connect to my Network Extender?

    No. The Network Extender is compatible with all Verizon Wireless mobile phones. You do not need to change any settings on your mobile phone.

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  3. Why does the Network Extender need to be placed near a window?

    Placing the Network Extender close to a window will assist in acquiring a GPS signal. If your Network Extender cannot be placed near a window or has trouble receiving a GPS signal, refer to the User Manual for instructions on installing the external GPS antenna cable.

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  4. Why does a Network Extender require Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) service?

    The Network Extender uses GPS service to obtain time and the device location information. Location information is used to support Emergency (E911) service.

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  5. Is the external GPS antenna cable required for my Network Extender?

    No. The external GPS antenna cable is provided in the event that you are unable to acquire a GPS signal with the embedded GPS card.

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  6. How do I install the external GPS antenna cable for my Network Extender?

    Instructions are included in the User Guide. You may also watch a short video about how to set up the Network Extender.

    Please note that you must screw the external antenna back on and rotate it up after you complete the installation of the GPS antenna cable.

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  7. Does the GPS provide any additional services for my Network Extender?

    No. The GPS is used strictly for Emergency 911 services. It does not:

    • Provide Location Based Services like VZ Navigator or Family Locator.
    • Track where you are within your home.

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  8. Can I move my Network Extender within my house after it has acquired a GPS signal and set up is complete?

    Yes. The Network Extender can be moved within your home. However, the GPS Signal LED must remain steady blue.

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Network Extender Management and Security

  1. Can I manage and secure access to my Network Extender?

    Yes. Only the Network Extender account owner can sign into My Verizon to manage device settings. You can set your Network Extender for open or managed access. Open Access allows any Verizon Wireless phone within range to use your Network Extender. Under Managed Access, you have the ability to prioritize access to your Network Extender to up to 50 Verizon Wireless callers you select. Where a compatible cell tower is unavailable, callers that do not appear on your managed access list may access the Network Extender when not in use by priority callers. All callers may access the Network Extender for emergency (E911) calls.

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  2. Does the Network Extender require a computer?

    No. The Network Extender requires a broadband Internet connection, but it does not require a computer in order to provide wireless coverage. However, you do need a computer (or other web-enabled device) to manage your device access settings via the My Verizon website. Your computer is not required to be powered on to enjoy the benefits of your Network Extender.

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  3. Do specific ports need to be enabled on my router or firewall for a Network Extender to work?

    A Network Extender uses standard ports to make its connection through the Internet. It should not require any special port configuration. In those rare instances in which the Network Extender is unable to connect to the Verizon Wireless network, you may need to open ports 500, 4500, 53, and 52428. Contact your ISP, Network Administrator, or switch/router/firewall manufacturer for detailed instructions on how to open ports on your equipment.

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  4. Will users of my Network Extender be able to intercept or listen into each other’s conversations?

    No. All calls using the Network Extender are private and secure for all callers (even those not on the Manage Access List). Callers using the Network Extender benefit from the same security and privacy as the Verizon Wireless network.

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Using Network Extender

  1. How do I connect to the Network Extender network?

    • First, your Verizon Wireless phone must be within 15 feet* of the device in order to establish an initial connection and register with the Network Extender network.
    • Once you have connected to the Network Extender network, you can move within a broader coverage area (40 feet from the Network Extender or up to a 5,000 square foot area). You simply make and receive calls as usual as long as you stay within the Network Extender coverage area.

    * The coverage area required to establish an initial connection and the broader coverage area of the Network Extender cannot be guaranteed and may vary due to environmental factors such as physical structures and the strength of external cell tower coverage.

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  2. How do I know if I am connected to the Network Extender network?

    You can verify that you are connected to the Network Extender network by either dialing #48 and pressing "Send" to receive an audio announcement or by detecting a short double tone on your wireless phone whenever making or receiving a call.

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  3. Will my phone disconnect when I move from my Network Extender coverage area to an outside area?

    No. Your call will continue uninterrupted when you move outside of the Network Extender coverage area (provided sufficient signal strength from your nearest compatible cell tower exists at your location).

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  4. Will a call placed outside of the coverage area transfer to the Network Extender network?

    No. Calls initiated outside of the Network Extender coverage area are not transferred when entering the range of the Network Extender network. You will need to end the current call in order to connect to the Network Extender.

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  5. Will my wireless phone pick up the Network Extender network or the Verizon Wireless network based on signal strength?

    Yes, your phone will automatically connect to the network with the best signal.

    If you are registered with the Network Extender and are within the Network Extender coverage area when you initiate or receive a call, your wireless phone will use the Network Extender network. (Note: If you move beyond the Network Extender coverage area, your call will seamlessly transfer to the Verizon Wireless network.)

    If you are registered with the Verizon Wireless network when you initiate or receive a call, your wireless phone will use the Verizon Wireless network.

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  6. Will the Network Extender affect the number of bars that appear on my wireless device?

    Yes. Once your wireless device has registered with the Network Extender, you will notice the number of bars for the 1X icon and EV icon may increase.

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  7. Can I take my Network Extender with me when I travel?

    Yes. The Network Extender will operate anywhere Verizon Wireless offers wireless service, provided that there is a compatible broadband Internet connection. Refer to the Verizon Wireless coverage maps for details.

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  8. Can I make international calls with Network Extender?

    You can place and receive international calls while connected to the Network Extender. However, the same Verizon Wireless policies and rates that apply to international calls on the Verizon Wireless network also apply to Network Extender.

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  9. Does the Network Extender place less drain on my mobile phone battery?

    Yes. When connected to the Network Extender, you may experience less drain on your mobile phone battery.

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  10. What happens my Network Extender if I lose my connection to the Internet?

    The Network Extender requires an active broadband Internet connection. You will not be able to utilize Network Extender functionality until your Internet connection is restored. When your Internet connection is restored, the Network Extender will reestablish its connection.

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  11. Does a Network Extender affect a customer’s broadband performance?

    The impact on broadband performance varies depending on the Internet service provider and the broadband speed. A Network Extender utilizes approximately 40 Kbps of upload and download capacity per call. EVDO data can use more bandwidth than a voice call and has the potential for greater impact on the broadband performance. 

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  12. Will my call quality be impacted if I am uploading or downloading large files while using the Network Extender?

    Call quality can be affected when your broadband connection is being used simultaneously by bandwidth intensive applications (e.g. emailing large attachments). Factors such as the type and speed of your broadband connection will influence the impact to call quality.

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  13. Can I use Directory Assistance (411 Search) with Network Extender?

    Yes. Directory Assistance (411 Search) is available when calling inside the Network Extender coverage area. Calls are billed at standard 411 Search rates.

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  14. Can I use more than one Network Extender in the same home?

    Placing multiple Network Extenders in a single home is not advised. Interference can occur when devices are placed within close proximity of each other.

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  15. What does it mean when I get the “All Circuits Busy” message when I try to make a call using the Network Extender?

    The “All Circuits Busy” message means that all six available channels on your Network Extender are in use. We recommend that you set up your Managed Access List to provide priority access to your household members.

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Billing

  1. Do I have to pay additional fees to use a Network Extender?

    No. There are no additional costs to use just the Network Extender. You can simply purchase the unit and enjoy the benefit of enhanced in-home coverage. All rates and policies associated with your chosen calling plan will apply when connected to the Network Extender.

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Network Extender for Business

  1. Is the Network Extender the same device as the Network Extender for Business?

    No, these two devices are different:

    • The Network Extender is designed to enhance the wireless coverage within a residential home.

    • The Network Extender for Business is intended to support the specific calling and data needs of a business environment.
    For more information on the Network Extender for Business, see our Network Extender for Business FAQ page.

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