Latest model number? 5G or 4/5G?

JMH2026

My 4G Extender failed and Chat Support issued a new one. I need it only for Verizon Mobile because my cabled internet is from Spectrum. After a week of misplaced orders by Verizon Support, I just went to a corporate store and bought a new one. They told me to wait to install until after the transaction shows as completed on my Verizon account.

The store assured me the new one was 5G but the SKU is the same even though the SN and MAC numbers are different. The only relevant difference seems to be in the SW: GA5 16 (new one) and GA5 10 (old one).

Does anyone have any information on the new 5G model?

Accepted answers

SynthpopAddict

Verizon's network extenders are 4G LTE only as far as I know. There is an older Samsung model and a newer Askey model, but I've not heard of either of them being 5G. As for the service the extender provides, it works like a miniature cell phone tower, so is a way to improve Verizon signal in an area where cellular signal is otherwise weak. Your ISP would still be the source for your home internet service and WiFi if you choose to use WiFi.

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SynthpopAddict

JMH2026

After reading your response, I went to Google for more information and realized I may have initially been given an enterprise extender by Chat Support which was not compatible with my "home" account. That's where the trouble started.

The LTE Extender SW: GA5 16 (model ASK-SFE116) is a 4G/5G hybrid device. While it carries the "LTE" name, this Verizon-approved device supports both 4G LTE and 5G connections for better in-building coverage, utilizing bands such as Band 13.

Key Details of the ASK-SFE116 (GA5 16):
Technology: Supports both 4G LTE and 5G.
SKU/Version: Often shares SKU numbers with older models, but the GA5 16 software version denotes the newer 5G-capable hardware.
Coverage: Up to 7,500 sq. ft..
Capacity: Supports up to 16 simultaneous users.
Connection: Requires a wired broadband internet connection.
Verizon
Verizon

Verizon offers both 4G LTE and 5G network extenders, depending on the model and whether they are intended for residential or enterprise use. While many standard consumer models are primarily designed for 4G LTE, newer enterprise models broadcast both 4G LTE and 5G NR signals simultaneously.
www.waveform.com
www.waveform.com

Types of Verizon Extenders

4G & 5G LTE Network Extender (Consumer/Small Business)
Models like the ASK-SFE116 are advanced indoor signal boosters that create a coverage area for both 4G and 5G LTE frequencies.
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Coverage: Up to 7,500 square feet.
Capacity: Supports up to 16 active users.
Mechanism: Connects to an existing broadband internet service to broadcast a dedicated cellular signal.
Frequency Support: Specifically supports Band 13 (700MHz) and other Verizon 4G/5G LTE frequencies.
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
5G Network Extender (Enterprise)
The Verizon 5G Network Extender 4 for Enterprise is a next-generation model designed for large-scale facilities like corporate offices and hospitals.
www.waveform.com
www.waveform.com
Dual Broadcasting: It broadcasts both a dedicated 5G NR (Bands n48, n77) and 4G LTE (Bands 4, 13, 66) signal.
Higher Capacity: Supports up to 64 active users and 300 idle users.
Expanded Coverage: Covers 10,000 sq. ft. with internal antennas and up to 50,000+ sq. ft. with external antennas.
www.waveform.com
www.waveform.com
Wi-Fi Extenders
Verizon also sells Wi-Fi Extenders (e.g., E3200), which are distinct from cellular network extenders. These do not broadcast a cellular signal; instead, they expand the range of a 5G Home Internet or Fios Wi-Fi signal using Wi-Fi 6 technology.

Key Differences and Requirements
Internet Connection:
All Verizon network extenders require an always-on broadband internet connection (such as Fios, cable, or fiber) to function. They generally require minimum speeds of 10–20 Mbps download and 5–10 Mbps upload.
Device Compatibility:
Cellular extenders work with HD Voice (VoLTE) devices, including most iPhones (iPhone 6 and newer) and Samsung Galaxy S5 and later.
GPS Requirement: They require a clear GPS signal for timing and location verification, often requiring a GPS antenna to be placed near a window.
Verification:
Users can dial #48 on their mobile device to confirm if they are currently connected to a network extender.

jav6

My active Askey SFE116 (4G) LTE Network Extenders are running software GA5.18 V0.5.018.1894. They provide a 4G cellular signal for service and connect to the Verizon network via the internet provided by my broadband service providers.

If the reps at the store said it was 5G perhaps they were confusing it with the home internet service provided via a 5G cellular network which is a different device.

I'm don't have experience with the small business version but I'm not sure it provides a 5G signal.

AI Overview

The Verizon Askey ASK-SFE116 is primarily a 4G LTE network extender designed for indoor coverage. While often marketed for improved voice and data, it mainly supports LTE; 5G-capable phones connecting to it frequently fall back to LTE mode rather than accessing true 5G speeds, according to user reports on Alibaba.com.

Key Details regarding the ASK-SFE116:

Function: It is a 4G LTE Network Extender, not a 5G broadcast node, despite sometimes being marketed within the 5G era.
5G Device Compatibility: 5G-capable phones can connect to it, but they typically utilize the 4G LTE signal for calls and data.
Performance: It provides enhanced 4G LTE signal for voice, text, and data, ideal for areas with poor coverage.

For true indoor 5G coverage, a different solution, such as a Verizon 5G Home Router, is usually required.

SynthpopAddict

Thanks for the awesome post! That's unfortunate that whomever you were chatting with could not get an order for a new extender processed, as I've heard of Verizon supplying network extenders for free to those in known weak signal areas. If the old extender which died on you was supplied free of charge, I'd try explaining it to Verizon about the order issues and see if you can be credited for having to buy the "correct" extender for your account.

I have read older posts from some users saying the older Samsung extender may or may not still be available…there have been times when there are months-long backorders for them. So it could also be that someone kept on trying to order you a Samsung model and either they aren't available or there is some other supply chain problem.