Network Extender FAQs

General Information

What is Verizon Wireless' Network Extender?

The Verizon Wireless Network Extender enhances indoor coverage to provide more reliable service. The Network Extender is compatible with all Verizon Wireless devices and works like a miniature tower in your home or home office. The Network Extender plugs into your existing high-speed Internet connection to communicate with the Verizon Wireless network and it's easy to install.

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

Back to top

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.

Back to top

Where can I use my Network Extender?

Network Extender will operate anywhere within the Verizon Wireless Enhanced Services coverage area. Service for it isn't available in the Extended Enhanced Services coverage area or outside of the United States. Refer to our Verizon Wireless coverage maps for details.

Back to top

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

Your 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 isn't supported for use with EVDO, satellite or wireless broadband service.

Back to top

Can I connect my landline phone to the Network Extender?

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

Back to top

Network Extender Setup

How do I know that my Network Extender setup and installation is complete?

You can confirm that the Network Extender setup is complete in either of the following ways.
- 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
  
  It may take up to one 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.
- Dial #48 on your Verizon Wireless phone and listen for the announcement “You are under Network Extender coverage” to verify the Network Extender is functioning properly and you're registered on it.
When the Network Extender setup 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.

Back to top

What are the meanings of the LED Status Indicators on my Network Extender?

The LED status indicators on your Verizon Wireless Network Extender device tell you if your device is functioning correctly. For more information refer to Meaning of LED Status Indicators on the Verizon Wireless Network Extender page.

Back to top

Do I need to apply any settings to my mobile device in order to connect to my Network Extender?

No. The Network Extender is compatible with all Verizon Wireless mobile devices. You don't need to change any settings on your mobile device.

Back to top

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 guide for instructions on installing the external GPS antenna cable.

Back to top

Why does a Network Extender require 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.

Back to top

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.

Back to top

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.

Note: You must screw the external antenna back on and rotate it up after you complete the installation of the GPS antenna cable.

Back to top

Does GPS provide any additional services for my Network Extender?

No. GPS is used strictly for Emergency 911 services. It does not do any of the following:
- Provide location-based Services like VZ Navigator® or Family Locator
- Track where you are within your home
Back to top

Can I move my Network Extender within my house after it has acquired a GPS signal and setup is complete?

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

Back to top

Network Extender Management and Security

Can I manage and secure access to my Network Extender?

Yes. Only the Network Extender Account Owner can sign in to My Verizon to manage access settings. You can set your Network Extender for Open Access or Managed Access.
- Open Access: Any Verizon Wireless phone within range can use your Network Extender.
- Managed Access: Prioritize access to your Network Extender for up to 50 Verizon Wireless callers you select. Where a compatible tower is unavailable, callers that don't 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.
Back to top

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.

Back to top

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 shouldn't 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.

Back to top

Will users of my Network Extender be able to intercept or listen in on 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.

Back to top

Using Network Extender

How do I connect to the Network Extender network?

First, your mobile device must be within 15 feet* of the Network Extender 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 tower coverage.

Back to top

How do I know if I'm connected to the Network Extender network?

There are two ways to verify that you're connected to the Network Extender network:
- Calling #48 to receive an audio announcement
- Listening for a short double tone on your mobile phone whenever making or receiving a call
Back to top

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 tower exists at your location).

Back to top

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.

Back to top

Will my mobile device 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're registered with the Network Extender and are within the Network Extender coverage area when you initiate or receive a call, your mobile phone will use the Network Extender network. If you move beyond the Network Extender coverage area, your call will seamlessly transfer to the Verizon Wireless network.

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

Back to top

Will the Network Extender affect the number of bars that appear on my mobile device?

Yes. Once your mobile device is registered with the Network Extender, you'll notice the number of bars for the 1X icon and EV icon may increase.

Back to top

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

Yes. The Network Extender will operate anywhere we offer wireless service, provided there's a compatible broadband Internet connection. Refer to the Verizon Wireless coverage maps for details.

Back to top

Can I make international calls with Network Extender?

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

Back to top

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

Yes. You may experience less drain on your mobile phone's battery when connected to the Network Extender, .

Back to top

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

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

Back to top

Will using a Network Extender affect my broadband performance?

The impact on broadband performance varies depending on your Internet service provider and the broadband speed. A Network Extender uses 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.

Back to top

Will my call quality be impacted if I'm 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 apps (e.g., emailing large attachments). Factors such as the type and speed of your broadband connection will influence the impact to call quality.

Back to top

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

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

Back to top

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.

Back to top

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 settings in My Verizon to provide priority access to your household members.

Back to top

Billing

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

No. There are no additional costs to use 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 calling plan will apply when connected to the Network Extender.

Back to top

Network Extender for Business

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.

Back to top

PWR	Power
SYS	System
GPS	GPS Signal*
WAN	WAN (Ethernet) Connection