Help getting network extender to work

Question

I have spent the last week with constant drop calls and figured out it’s my WiFi extender.  To repair this, have now spent over 2 HOURS on the phone and chat trying to get anyone to help me get my Verizon network extender to communicate with my router.   I’ve had this extender for years, unfortunately we had weather that killed my Spectrum equipment and I needed new router & modem.   Verizon’s extender shows on but won’t communicate with Spectrum’s router!!!!

Spectrum said I needed someone from Verizon to share a port assignment for the extender.  I spoke to no less that FOUR people at Verizon.  I was literally begging for a technical support person and EVERYTIME and  I knew within 15 seconds of each Verizon, that each person had no clue.  It was the MOST ridiculous wasted time ever and SHAME on Verizon!  I know I need to call back today but REALLY dread this phone.

jav6 · Answer

What make/model LTE Network Extender do you have?  The extender has nothing to do with WiFi as it connects via ethernet to your internet router.  Assuming you have WiFi access, have you tried using Wifi calling with your phones?  If the extender is at least getting an IP address from the router its admin page should show you logs of it trying to connect and what it is not liking. IPSec Passthrough in VPN Passthrough is turned on in my router which may be the issue if not in yours.

SynthpopAddict · Answer

Oh man.  Sorry to hear about all of that.  I'm not a techie and simply a customer myself, but there are a few members who are more conversant with the Verizon extenders and/or tech savvy.  A bit of digging around on Verizon's website came up with the following information on what ports the extender needs to have open:

* Review Router Port Settings - Ensure your internet service provider or router is not blocking the necessary ports. The extender requires UDP Ports 500, UDP Ports 4500, and ESP Port 50 to be open for outbound traffic.

So if your extender won't "talk" to the Spectrum router, my suggestion would be to contact Spectrum again and ask how to configure the router to get those ports open.  I too use Spectrum for home internet, and if your setup is like mine, you've got a modem (plugged into the wall via coaxial cable) which has a router connected to it by ethernet cable.  Then all your other equipment using ethernet cable connections are plugged into the router because only the router can hook up to the modem.

Just an FYI, I've heard of people having better luck contacting Verizon via social media:

Instagram: Instagram.com/Verizon (Pre-paid excluded)

Facebook: Facebook.com/verizon

X (Twitter): x.com/verizonsupport