AC1900 WiFi Mesh Extender€¦ · UserManual AC1900WiFiMeshExtender EssentialsEdition ModelEX6420...

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User Manual AC1900 WiFi Mesh Extender Essentials Edition Model EX6420 NETGEAR, Inc. 350 E. Plumeria Drive January 2019 San Jose, CA 95134, USA 202-11976-01

Transcript of AC1900 WiFi Mesh Extender€¦ · UserManual AC1900WiFiMeshExtender EssentialsEdition ModelEX6420...

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User Manual

AC1900 WiFi Mesh ExtenderEssentials EditionModel EX6420

NETGEAR, Inc.350 E. Plumeria DriveJanuary 2019San Jose, CA 95134, USA202-11976-01

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SupportThank you for purchasing this NETGEAR product. You can visithttps://www.netgear.com/support/ to register your product, get help, access the latestdownloads and user manuals, and join our community. We recommend that you useonly official NETGEAR support resources.

Compliance and ConformityFor regulatory compliance information including the EUDeclaration of Conformity, visithttps://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory/.

See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply.

Trademarks©NETGEAR, Inc., NETGEAR, and the NETGEAR Logo are trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc.Any non-NETGEAR trademarks are used for reference purposes only.

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Contents

Chapter 1 Overview

LEDs........................................................................................................6Side and bottom panels.......................................................................8When to use your extender.................................................................9How the extender works......................................................................9

Chapter 2 Get started

Install your extender in extender mode...........................................11Place the extender and apply power..........................................11Connect the extender to an existing WiFi network...................11

Connect with WPS.....................................................................11Connect with the NETGEAR installation assistant.................13

Install your extender in access point mode.....................................14Connect a device to the extender network.....................................16

Connect a device to the extender network using WiFi.............17Connect an Ethernet-enabled device to the extender.............18Connect a device to the extender network using WPS.............18

Log in to the extender after installation...........................................19Run the Smart Setup installation.......................................................19

Chapter 3 Maintain and monitor the extender

Change the extender login user name and password..................22Turn password protection off and on..............................................23Recover a forgotten user name or password..................................24Automatically adjust for daylight saving time.................................25Manually set the extender clock.......................................................25Back up and manage the extender configuration..........................26

Back up the configuration settings..............................................27Restore the configuration settings...............................................28

Return the extender to its factory default settings.........................29Use the Reset button.....................................................................29Log in and reset the extender to factory settings......................29

Update the extender firmware..........................................................31Check for new firmware and update the extender....................31Manually upload firmware to the extender................................32

Restart the extender from the extender web interface..................33

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Chapter 4 Extender Network Settings

Enable or disable One WiFi Name...................................................36Enable or disable smart connect......................................................37View connected devices....................................................................38View WiFi settings...............................................................................39Change the WiFi network name.......................................................40Turn off the SSID broadcast to create a hidden network..............41Disable or enable the WiFi radios....................................................42Change the WiFi speed.....................................................................43Use WPS to add a computer to the extender’s WiFi network.......44

Use WPS with the push button method......................................44Use WPS with the PIN method.....................................................45

Deny access to a computer or WiFi device.....................................47Set up an access schedule.................................................................48Change the extender’s device name...............................................49Set up the extender to use a static IP address................................50Configure a router with advanced MAC settings to work with yourextender...............................................................................................51Boost your video streaming with FastLane technology.................52Enable or disable 20/40 MHz coexistence......................................54

Chapter 5 FAQs and troubleshooting

FAQs.....................................................................................................57Find the extender’s IP address..........................................................58Cannot connect to the extender.......................................................59Cannot join a WiFi network and receive an error message..........59Cannot access mywifiext.net.............................................................60

Chapter 6 Supplemental information

Factory default settings......................................................................63Technical and environmental specifications...................................64

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1Overview

The WiFi Range Extender boosts your existing network range and speed, deliveringtri-band WiFi.

This chapter covers the following topics:

• LEDs• Side and bottom panels• When to use your extender• How the extender works

Note: For more information about the topics covered in this manual, visit the supportwebsite at support.netgear.com.

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LEDs

Figure 1. LEDs

The following table describes the LEDs on the extender.

Table 1. LED descriptions

DescriptionLED

This LED indicates the WiFi connection between the extender and the router.• Solid white. Best connection.

• Solid amber. Good connection.

• Solid red. Poor connection.

• Off. No connection.

Router Link LED

• Off. The extender is in a good location.

• Blinking. Move the extender closer to the router.

Router Arrow LED

This LED indicates the connection between the extender and a WiFi-enabledcomputer or mobile device.• Solid white. Best connection.

• Solid amber. Good connection.

• Solid red. Poor connection.

• Off. No connection.

Client Link LED

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Table 1. LED descriptions (Continued)

DescriptionLED

• Off. The extender is in a good location.

• Blinking. Move yourWiFi client, such as aWiFi-enabled computer ormobiledevice, closer to the extender..

Client Arrow LED

• Solid green. The extender is powered on.

• Solid amber. The extender is booting.

• Off. The extender is powered off.

Power LED

• Solid green. WiFi security is enabled (WPA or WPA2).

• Blinking green. A WPS connection is being established.

• Off. WiFi security isn’t enabled.

WPS LED

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Side and bottom panels

A switch and buttons are located on the side panel. An Ethernet port is located on thebottom panel.

Figure 2. Side and bottom panel

The side panel contains the following components:

• Factory Reset button. Pressing this button resets the extender. If the Factory Resetbutton is pressed for at least seven seconds, the Power LED blinks amber, and theextender returns to its factory settings.

• Power On/Off button. Press the Power On/Off button to provide power to theextender. The Power LED lights green when the extender is ready.

• WPS button. Use this button to connect WPS-enabled devices to the extender.

• Access Point/Extender switch. Use this switch to set your extender in access pointmode or extender mode. To use your extender in access point mode, set the switchtoAccess Point. To use your extender in extendermode, set the switch to Extender.

• Ethernet port. Use an Ethernet cable to connect a router or Ethernet-enabled deviceto the Ethernet port on the extender.

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When to use your extender

We recommend that you connect through the extender network only when your WiFidevice is in a “dead zone” where connection from the existing network is poor ornonexistent. Data traffic routed through the extender is inherently slower than trafficrouted directly from the network.

How the extender works

The extender works like a bridge between a WiFi router (or a WiFi access point) and aWiFi-enabled device outside the range of the WiFi router. The extender performs twomain jobs:

• The extender connects to a working WiFi network.When the extender connects over WiFi to an existing network, it functions as anetwork client, similar to how a WiFi-enabled device connects to a network.

• The extender acts as an access point for WiFi-enabled devices.The extender broadcasts its own WiFi network that WiFi devices can join. In its roleas an access point, the extender performs tasks that WiFi routers do, such asbroadcasting its network name (SSID).

The extender must do each of these jobs so that both ends of the bridge are in place.

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2Get started

This chapter covers the following topics:

• Install your extender in extender mode• Install your extender in access point mode• Connect a device to the extender network• Log in to the extender after installation• Run the Smart Setup installation

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Install your extender in extender mode

To install your extender in extender mode, you must set the Access Point/Extenderswitch to Extender.

Place the extender and apply powerTo place the extender and apply power:1. Set the Access Point/Extender switch to Extender.2. For the initial setup, place your extender in the same room as your WiFi router.

3. Plug the extender into an electrical outlet.

4. Wait for the Power LED to light amber and then turn green.

This might take up to twominutes. If the Power LED does not light, press the PowerOn/Off button on the extender.

Connect the extender to an existing WiFi networkTo extend the range of your WiFi network, you must connect the extender to yourexisting WiFi network.

Note: If your router’s WiFi security is set to WPA enterprise or WPA2 enterprise, yourextender can’t connect to your router. You must change your router’s WiFi securitysetting.

You can connect the extender in one of two ways:

• Connect with WPS. For more information, see Connect with WPS on page 11.

Note: WPS does not support WEP network security or a hidden SSID network. Ifyour router WiFi network uses WEP security or its SSID is hidden, follow theinstructions in Connect with the NETGEAR installation assistant on page 13.

• Connect with web browser setup. For more information, see Connect with theNETGEAR installation assistant on page 13.

Connect with WPSWi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) lets you join a secure WiFi network without typing thenetwork name and password. For help with theWPS button on your WPS-enabled

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device, check the instructions or online help that came with that device. Some olderequipment cannot use WPS.

Note: WPS does not support WEP network security or a hidden SSID network. If yourexisting WiFi network uses WEP security or its SSID is hidden, follow the instructions inConnect with the NETGEAR installation assistant on page 13.

To use WPS to connect the extender to your WiFi router:1. Press theWPS button on the extender.

The WPS LED blinks.

2. Within two minutes, press theWPS button on your router or access point.When the extender connects to your existing WiFi network, the WPS LED on theextender lights solid white and the Router Link LED lights.

If the Router Link LED lights solid green, the connection between your router andextender is good. If the Router Link LED doesn't light, move the extender closer tothe router and try again.

If it still does not light, see Connect with the NETGEAR installation assistant on page13.

Note: If your router supports the 5 GHz band and your extender didn’t connect tothat band, repeat the WPS process.

3. Unplug the extender and move it to a new location that is about halfway betweenyour router and the area with a poor router WiFi signal.

The location that you choose must be within the range of your existing WiFi routernetwork.

4. Plug the extender into an electrical outlet and wait for the Power LED to light green.

5. Use the Router Link LED to help you choose a spot where the extender-to-routerconnection is optimal.

6. If the Router Link LED doesn’t light amber or green, move the extender closer to therouter and try again.Keepmoving the extender closer to the router until the Router Link LED lights amberor green.

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7. Connect your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device to the extended network.Your extender uses the sameWiFi name as your router, based on theWiFi band thatit connects to first.

Extender WiFi namefor 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz

Extender connects tothis network first

Dual-band routerWiFinames

MyWiFiExampleMyWiFiExampleMyWiFiExample

MyWiFiExample-5G

MyWiFiExample-5GMyWiFiExample-5GMyWiFiExample

MyWiFiExample-5G

Connect with the NETGEAR installation assistantYou can use theNETGEAR installation assistant to connect your extender to your existingWiFi router network. To use the NETGEAR installation assistant, you must launch a webbrowser on your computer or mobile device.

To use the NETGEAR installation assistant to connect the extender to your WiFirouter:1. Make sure that your computer or mobile device is set up to obtain an IP address

automatically from a DHCP server.

2. Connect a computer or mobile device to the extender using a WiFi or Ethernetconnection:

• WiFi.On yourWiFi-enabled computer ormobiledevice, open theWiFi connectionmanager and locate and connect to the extender network calledNETGEAR_EXT.When yourWiFi-enabled computer ormobile device is connected to the extender,the Client LED lights solid white.

• Ethernet. Use an Ethernet cable to connect the Ethernet port on your extenderto an Ethernet port on your computer.

3. Launch web browser.

4. Enter http://www.mywifiext.net.The NETGEAR installation assistant displays.

5. Follow the prompts to connect your extender to your existing WiFi network.

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6. Unplug the extender and move it to a new location about halfway between yourrouter and the area with a poor WiFi signal.

7. Use the Router Link LED to help you choose a spot where the extender-to-routerconnection is optimal.

8. If the Router Link LED doesn’t light amber or green, move the extender closer to therouter and try again.Keepmoving the extender closer to the router until the Router Link LED lights amberor green.

9. Reconnect your computer or mobile device to the new extender WiFi network.

Install your extender in access point mode

You can use the extender as a WiFi access point, which creates a new WiFi hotspot byusing a wired Ethernet connection. The following instructions assume that this is thefirst time you're setting up the extender.

Figure 3. Extender in access point mode

To install your extender in access point mode:1. Make sure that your computer or mobile device is set up to obtain an IP address

automatically from a DHCP server.

2. Set the Access Point/Extender switch to Access Point.3. Plug the extender into an electrical outlet.

4. Wait for the Power LED to light amber and then turn green.

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This might take up to twominutes. If the Power LED does not light, press the PowerOn/Off button on the extender.

5. Connect a computer or mobile device to the extender using a WiFi or Ethernetconnection:

• WiFi connection to the extender. Connect your computer to your extender witha WiFi connection.

a. On yourWiFi-enabled computer ormobile device, open theWiFi connectionmanager and connect to the extender network called NETGEAR_EXT.When your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device is connected to theextender, the Client LED lights solid green.

b. Launch a web browser and visit www.mywifiext.net.When you join the network, the Client Link LED lights to show that you areconnected.The NETGEAR installation assistant displays.

c. Use an Ethernet cable to connect your router to an Ethernet port on theextender.

Note: Do not connect your extender directly to your DSL or cable modem.The extender does not function as a router. If your network includes a DHCPserver, you can connect the extender to a switch or hub that is connected tothe DHCP server.

d. Return to the NETGEAR installation assistant and follow the prompts to finishsetting up your extender as an access point.

• Ethernet connection directly to the extender. You can connect your computerdirectly to your extender using an Ethernet connection. When the setup iscomplete, you must disconnect the Ethernet cable that is connected to yourcomputer so that your extender can connect to your router with an Ethernetconnection.

a. Use an Ethernet cable to connect your computer's Ethernet port to yourextender's Ethernet port.

b. Launch a web browser and visit www.mywifiext.net.The NETGEAR installation assistant displays.

c. Follow the prompts to set up your extender in access point mode.At the end of the installation, the NETGEAR installation assistant displays theextender's WiFi network credentials.

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d. Connect your computer to the extender using the extender'sWiFi credentialsthat display in the NETGEAR installation assistant.

e. Disconnect the Ethernet cable from your computer and connect the Ethernetcable to your router.Your router and extender are connected using an Ethernet connection, andyour computer and extender are connected using a WiFi connection.

Note: Do not connect your extender directly to your DSL or cable modem.The extender does not function as a router. If your network includes a DHCPserver, you can connect the extender to a switch or hub that is connected tothe DHCP server.

• Ethernet connection to the extender using a router. You can connect bothyour computer and extender to your router with an Ethernet connection.

Note: Do not connect your extender directly to your DSL or cable modem. Theextender does not function as a router. If your network includes a DHCP server,you can connect the extender to a switch or hub that is connected to the DHCPserver.

a. Use an Ethernet cable to connect your computer's Ethernet port to an Ethernetport on your router.

b. Use another Ethernet cable to connect your extender's Ethernet port to anotherEthernet port on your router.

c. Launch a web browser and visit www.mywifiext.net.The NETGEAR installation assistant displays.

d. Follow the prompts to set up your extender in access point mode.At the end of the installation, the NETGEAR installation assistant displays theextender's WiFi network credentials. Use the extender's WiFi credentials toconnect your WiFi-enabled devices to the extender network.

Connect a device to the extender network

After you complete the setup process, you can connect all your devices to the newextender network using a WiFi, wired, or WPS connection.

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Connect a device to the extender network using WiFiIf you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, your extender uses the same WiFi networkname and password as your router. The following is an example of what your WiFinetwork names might look like if One WiFi Name is enabled:

• Router 2.4 GHz WiFi network name. MyWiFiExample

• Router 5 GHz WiFi network name. MyWiFiExample-5G

• Extended 2.4 GHz WiFi network name. MyWiFiExample

• Extended 5 GHz WiFi network name. MyWiFiExample-5G

If you set up your extender using WPS, your extender uses the same WiFi networksettings as your router for its 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz extended networks. For example, ifyour extender connects to the router’s 2.4 GHz WiFi band, your extender uses yourrouter’s 2.4 GHz WiFi settings for both its networks:

• Router 2.4 GHz WiFi network name. MyWiFiExample

• Router 5 GHz WiFi network name. MyWiFiExample-5G

• Extended 2.4 GHz WiFi network name. MyWiFiExample

• Extended 5 GHz WiFi network name. MyWiFiExample

If your extender connects to the router’s 5 GHz WiFi band, your extender uses yourrouter’s 5 GHz WiFi settings for both its networks:

• Router 2.4 GHz WiFi network name. MyWiFiExample

• Router 5 GHz WiFi network name. MyWiFiExample-5G

• Extended 2.4 GHz WiFi network name. MyWiFiExample-5G

• Extended 5 GHz WiFi network name. MyWiFiExample-5G

Since your router and extended networks share the sameWiFi network name, only oneWiFi network name is broadcast.

To connect to the extender WiFi network:1. On your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device, open the WiFi connection

manager that manages your WiFi connections.The WiFi connection manager scans for WiFi networks in your area.

2. Find and select your WiFi network name (SSID) and enter your WiFi password.This is the SSID and password that you set up during the installation process.

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Connect an Ethernet-enabled device to the extenderAfter the extender is connected to your existingWiFi network, you can connect a wireddevice to the extender using an Ethernet cable.

ON/STANDBY

OPEN?CLOSE PLAY STOP

P-SCAN

POWERDVD PLAYER

PROGRESSIVE SCAN

Figure 4. Ethernet LAN port

Connect a device to the extender network using WPS

For help with theWPS button on your WPS-enabled device, check the instructions oronline help that came with that device. Some older equipment cannot use WPS.

To connect to the extender using a WPS connection:1. Press theWPS button on the extender.

The WPS LED blinks white.

2. Within two minutes, press theWPS button on your WPS-enabled device.If your WPS enabled device successfully connects to extender, the WiFi connectionmanager on your device will show connection status.

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Log in to the extender after installation

After installation, you can log in to the extender to viewor change the extender’s settings.

To log in to the extender:1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your

extender network.

2. Log in to your extender:

• If you did not enable the OneWiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/in the address field of the browser.

• If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:

- Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/

- Mac computers and iOS devices. http://mywifiext.local/

- Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,http://192.168.1.3/)For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Findthe extender’s IP address on page 58.

Run the Smart Setup installation

You can use the Smart Setup to change the extender settings. This is an easy way toconnect the extender to a different router or to change the extenderWiFi network name(SSID) or WiFi password.

To run the Smart Setup:1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your

extender network.

2. Log in to your extender:

• If you did not enable the OneWiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/in the address field of the browser.

• If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:

- Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/

- Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/

- Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,http://192.168.1.3/)

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For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Findthe extender’s IP address on page 58.

A login page displays.

3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.The Status page displays.

4. Click the SMART SETUP button.

5. Follow the prompts.

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3Maintain andmonitor the extender

This chapter covers the following topics:

• Change the extender login user name and password• Turn password protection off and on• Recover a forgotten user name or password• Automatically adjust for daylight saving time• Manually set the extender clock• Back up and manage the extender configuration• Return the extender to its factory default settings• Update the extender firmware• Restart the extender from the extender web interface

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Change the extender login user name andpassword

You can change the admin user name and password that you use to log in to theextender.

To change the extender's login user name and password:1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your

extender network.

2. Log in to your extender:

• If you did not enable the OneWiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/in the address field of the browser.

• If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:

- Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/

- Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/

- Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,http://192.168.1.3/)For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Findthe extender’s IP address on page 58.

A login page displays.

3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.The Status page displays.

4. If your browser displays theMenu icon , click it.The extender menu displays.

5. Select Settings > Password.The Password Settings page displays.

6. To change the admin user name, enter a new user name in the New User Namefield.Your admin user name can be a name or email address.

7. To change the admin password, enter a new password in the New Password fieldand the Verify Password field.

8. Select questions and enter the answers.

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9. Click the SAVE button.Your settings are saved.

Turn password protection off and on

We recommend that you leave password protection on to help keep your networksecure. You can turn password protection off and on.

To turn password protection off or on:1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your

extender network.

2. Log in to your extender:

• If you did not enable the OneWiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/in the address field of the browser.

• If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:

- Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/

- Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/

- Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,http://192.168.1.3/)For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Findthe extender’s IP address on page 58.

A login page displays.

3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.The Status page displays.

4. If your browser displays theMenu icon , click it.The extender menu displays.

5. Select Settings > Password.The Password Settings page displays.

6. Select the Password Off or Password On radio button.

7. Click the SAVE button.Your settings are saved.

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Recover a forgotten user name or password

If you changed the password that you use to access the extender and you set uppassword recovery, you can recover your password if you lose it.

To recover your password that you use to access the extender:1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your

extender network.

2. Log in to your extender:

• If you did not enable the OneWiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/in the address field of the browser.

• If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:

- Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/

- Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/

- Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,http://192.168.1.3/)For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Findthe extender’s IP address on page 58.

A login page displays.

3. Click the Username & Password Help link.A page displays requesting the answers to your security questions.

If you forgot the answers to your security questions, restore the extender’s factorysettings and set up your login credentials again. See Return the extender to its factorydefault settings on page 29.

4. Enter the saved answers to your security questions.

5. Click the NEXT button.Your admin user name address and password are displayed.

6. Click the BACK button.A login page displays.

7. Log in to the extender.

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Automatically adjust for daylight saving time

To set up the extender to automatically adjust for daylight saving time:1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your

extender network.

2. Log in to your extender:

• If you did not enable the OneWiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/in the address field of the browser.

• If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:

- Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/

- Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/

- Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,http://192.168.1.3/)For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Findthe extender’s IP address on page 58.

A login page displays.

3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.The Status page displays.

4. If your browser displays theMenu icon , click it.The extender menu displays.

5. Select Do More > Access Schedule.The Access Schedule page displays.

6. Select the Automatically adjust for daylight savings time check box.

7. Click the SAVE button.Your settings are saved.

Manually set the extender clock

If you turnedon the access schedule, you can set the extender clock. The extender clockmakes sure that the WiFi access schedules are accurate.

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To manually set the extender clock:1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your

extender network.

2. Log in to your extender:

• If you did not enable the OneWiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/in the address field of the browser.

• If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:

- Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/

- Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/

- Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,http://192.168.1.3/)For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Findthe extender’s IP address on page 58.

A login page displays.

3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.The Status page displays.

4. If your browser displays theMenu icon , click it.The extender menu displays.

5. Select Do More > Access Schedule.The Access Schedule page displays.

6. In the Extender Clock section, select theManual radio button.

7. To specify the time, complete the fields or click the SyncClockbutton to synchronizethe extender time to the time on the computer or mobile device that you are using.

8. Click the SAVE button.Your settings are saved.

Back up and manage the extenderconfiguration

When the extender works correctly after initial setup, we recommend that you back upthe extender configuration settings. After you back up the settings, if you change the

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extender configuration settings but are not contentwith the new settings, you can restorethe extender configuration to the backed-up settings.

Back up the configuration settingsYou can back up the configuration file of the extender.

To back up the extender configuration settings:1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your

extender network.

2. Log in to your extender:

• If you did not enable the OneWiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/in the address field of the browser.

• If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:

- Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/

- Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/

- Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,http://192.168.1.3/)For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Findthe extender’s IP address on page 58.

A login page displays.

3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.The Status page displays.

4. If your browser displays theMenu icon , click it.The extender menu displays.

5. Select Settings > Other.The Other Settings page displays.

6. Click the BACKUP button.Your browser extracts the configuration file from the extender. The backup file usesa .cfg extenstion.

7. If your browser is not set up to save downloaded files automatically, locate whereyou want to save the file.

8. Click theOK button.The extender configuration settings are backed up.

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Restore the configuration settingsYou can restore the configuration settings of the extender to a previously savedconfiguration file.

To restore the extender configuration settings:1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your

extender network.

2. Log in to your extender:

• If you did not enable the OneWiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/in the address field of the browser.

• If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:

- Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/

- Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/

- Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,http://192.168.1.3/)For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Findthe extender’s IP address on page 58.

A login page displays.

3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.The Status page displays.

4. If your browser displays theMenu icon , click it.The extender menu displays.

5. Select Settings > Other.The Other Settings page displays.

6. Click the BROWSE button.

7. Locate and select the previously saved backup file.The backup file uses a .cfg extension.

Caution: After you click the RESTORE button, do not try to go online, turn off theextender, shut down the computer, or do anything else to the extender until it finishesrestarting.

8. Click the RESTORE button.

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A confirmation pop-up window opens.

9. Confirm your decision.The extender configuration is restored and the extender restarts. This process takesabout one minute.

Return the extender to its factory defaultsettings

Under some circumstances (for example, if you lose track of the changes that youmadeto the extender settings), you might want to erase the configuration and reset theextender to factory default settings.

To reset the extender to factory default settings, you can either use the Reset buttonon the back panel or log in to the extender and reset it.

Use the Reset button

Caution: This process erases any settings that you configured in the extender.

To use the Reset button to return the extender to its factory default settings:1. Insert a straightened paper clip into the hole of the Reset button and hold it for

about seven seconds.

2. Release the button.

Caution: Do not try to go online, turn off the extender, shut down the computer, ordo anything else to the extender until it finishes restarting!

The extender resets and restarts. This process takes about one minute.

Log in and reset the extender to factory settings

Caution: This process erases any settings that you configured in the extender.

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To log in to the extender and reset the extender’s factory settings:1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your

extender network.

2. Log in to your extender:

• If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enterwww.mywifiext.net inthe address field of the browser.

• If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:

- Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext or http://mywifiext.local

- Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext. local

- Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address> (for example,http://192.168.1.3)For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Findthe extender’s IP address on page 58.

A login page displays.

3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.The Status page displays.

4. If your browser displays theMenu icon , click it.The extender menu displays.

5. Select Settings > Other.The Other Settings page displays.

Caution: After you click the RESET button, do not try to go online, turn off theextender, shut down the computer, or do anything else to the extender until it finishesrestarting.

6. Click the RESET button.A confirmation pop-up window opens.

7. Confirm your decision.The extender returns to its factory settings and restarts. This process takes aboutone minute.

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Update the extender firmware

You can log in to the extender and check to see if new firmware is available, or you canmanually load a specific firmware version to your extender.

Check for new firmware and update the extenderUnless you changed the settings in the Firmware Update page previously, the extenderis set up to check for new firmware automatically at login.

To check manually for new firmware and, if available, update the firmware:1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your

extender network.

2. Log in to your extender:

• If you did not enable the OneWiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/in the address field of the browser.

• If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:

- Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/

- Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/

- Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,http://192.168.1.3/)For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Findthe extender’s IP address on page 58.

A login page displays.

3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.The Status page displays.

4. If your browser displays theMenu icon , click it.The extender menu displays.

5. Select Firmware Update.The Firmware Update page displays.

6. Click the CHECK ONLINE button.

7. If new firmware is available, follow the onscreen prompts to update the firmware.

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Note: Youmight need to unzip the firmware file. The firmware update process takesabout two minutes.

Manually upload firmware to the extenderIf you want to upload a specific firmware version, follow these instructions.

To manually upload a firmware file to your extender:1. Download the firmware file for your extender from the NETGEARDownload Center,

save it to your desktop, and unzip the file if needed.

Note: The correct firmware file uses an .img extension.

2. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to yourextender network.

3. Log in to your extender:

• If you did not enable the OneWiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/in the address field of the browser.

• If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:

- Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/

- Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/

- Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,http://192.168.1.3/)For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Findthe extender’s IP address on page 58.

A login page displays.

4. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.The Status page displays.

5. If your browser displays theMenu icon , click it.The extender menu displays.

6. Select Firmware Update.The Firmware Update page displays.

7. Click the BROWSE button.

8. Locate and select the new firmware file.

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The firmware file name ends with a .img extension.

9. Click the UPLOAD button.

Caution: After you click the UPLOAD button, do not try to go online, turn off theextender, shut down the computer, or do anything else to the extender until it finishesrestarting.

The firmware update starts and the extender restarts. The firmware update processtakes about two minutes.

Restart the extender from the extender webinterface

You can log in to the extender and restart it. When the extender restarts, all computersandWiFi devices that are connected to itsWiFi network are automatically disconnected.

To restart the extender from the extender web interface:1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your

extender network.

2. Log in to your extender:

• If you did not enable the OneWiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/in the address field of the browser.

• If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:

- Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/

- Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/

- Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,http://192.168.1.3/)For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Findthe extender’s IP address on page 58.

A login page displays.

3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.The Status page displays.

4. If your browser displays theMenu icon , click it.The extender menu displays.

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5. Select Settings > Other.The Other Settings page displays.

6. Click the RESTART button and click the Yes button to confirm.The extender restarts, which takes about two minutes.

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4Extender Network Settings

This chapter covers the following topics:

• Enable or disable One WiFi Name• Enable or disable smart connect• View connected devices• View WiFi settings• Change the WiFi network name• Turn off the SSID broadcast to create a hidden network• Disable or enable the WiFi radios• Change the WiFi speed• Use WPS to add a computer to the extender’s WiFi network• Deny access to a computer or WiFi device• Set up an access schedule• Change the extender’s device name• Set up the extender to use a static IP address• Configure a router with advanced MAC settings to work with your extender• Boost your video streaming with FastLane technology• Enable or disable 20/40 MHz coexistence

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Enable or disable One WiFi Name

TheOneWiFiName feature enables your extender to use the sameWiFi network settingsas your router.

If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, your extender uses the same WiFi networkname and password as your router.

The following is an example of what your WiFi network names might look like if OneWiFi Name is enabled:

• Router 2.4 GHz WiFi network name. MyWiFiExample

• Router 5 GHz WiFi network name. MyWiFiExample-5G

• Extended 2.4 GHz WiFi network name. MyWiFiExample

• Extended 5 GHz WiFi network name. MyWiFiExample-5G

Note: If you enable the One WiFi Name feaure and your router's 2.4 GHz and 5 GHznetworks use different network names, you cannot enable the Smart Connect feature.

To enable or disable the One WiFi Name feature:1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your

extender network.

2. Log in to your extender:

• If you did not enable the OneWiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/in the address field of the browser.

• If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:

- Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/

- Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/

- Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,http://192.168.1.3/)For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Findthe extender’s IP address on page 58.

A login page displays.

3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.The Status page displays.

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4. If your browser displays theMenu icon , click it.The extender menu displays.

5. Select Settings > Wireless.The Wireless page displays.

6. To enable the One WiFi name feature, select the Yes radio button.If this is the first time you’re enabling the One WiFi Name feature, you must run theSmart Setup. Go to the Status page and click the SMART SETUP button to run theSmart Setup.

7. To disable the One WiFi Name feature, select the No radio button.If you disable this feature, you can set a new SSID and password for the extender’s2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks in the Network Name (SSID) andWiFi Passwordfields on this page.

8. Click the SAVE button.Your settings are saved.

Enable or disable smart connect

The Smart Connect feature selects the fastestWiFi band for yourWiFi devices to connectto. To enable the Smart Connect feature, your extender's 2.4 GHz and 5 Ghz networksmust use the same network name and password.

Note: If you enabled the OneWiFi Name feature and your router's 2.4 GHz and 5 GHznetworks use different network names, you cannot enable Smart Connect. You can onlyenable Smart Connect if your extender's 2.4GHz and5GHzWiFi networks use the samenetwork name.

To enable or disable the Smart Connect feature:1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your

extender network.

2. Log in to your extender:

• If you did not enable the OneWiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/in the address field of the browser.

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• If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:

- Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/

- Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/

- Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,http://192.168.1.3/)For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Findthe extender’s IP address on page 58.

A login page displays.

3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.The Status page displays.

4. If your browser displays theMenu icon , click it.The extender menu displays.

5. Select Settings > Wireless.The Wireless page displays.

6. To enable the Smart Connect feature, select the Yes radio button.

Note: For you to use this feature, the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks must use thesame SSID and password.

7. To disable the Smart Connect feature, select the No radio button.If you disable this feature, you can set a new SSID and password for the extender’s2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks in the Network Name (SSID) andWiFi Passwordfields on this page.

8. Click the SAVE button.Your settings are saved.

View connected devices

You can view a list of devices that are connected to the extender network.

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To view connected devices:1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your

extender network.

2. Log in to your extender:

• If you did not enable the OneWiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/in the address field of the browser.

• If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:

- Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/

- Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/

- Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,http://192.168.1.3/)For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Findthe extender’s IP address on page 58.

A login page displays.

3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.The Status page displays.

4. If your browser displays theMenu icon , click it.The extender menu displays.

5. Select Settings > Connected Devices.The Connected Devices page displays. The devices connected to the extenderdisplays on the page.

View WiFi settings

To view the WiFi settings:1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your

extender network.

2. Log in to your extender:

• If you did not enable the OneWiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/in the address field of the browser.

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• If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:

- Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/

- Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/

- Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,http://192.168.1.3/)For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Findthe extender’s IP address on page 58.

A login page displays.

3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.The Status page displays.

4. If your browser displays theMenu icon , click it.The extender menu displays.

5. Select Settings > Wireless.The Wireless page displays the WiFi settings.

Change the WiFi network name

To change the WiFi network name:1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your

extender network.

2. Log in to your extender:

• If you did not enable the OneWiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/in the address field of the browser.

• If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:

- Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/

- Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/

- Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,http://192.168.1.3/)For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Findthe extender’s IP address on page 58.

A login page displays.

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3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.The Status page displays.

4. If your browser displays theMenu icon , click it.The extender menu displays.

5. Select Settings > Wireless.The Wireless page displays.

6. In the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Network Name (SSID) field, type a new network name.

7. Click the SAVE button.Your settings are saved.

Turn off the SSID broadcast to create ahidden network

By default, the extender broadcasts itsWiFi signal so that itsWiFi network names (SSIDs)are easy for you to find and connect to from your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Youcan turn off the SSID broadcast to create a hiddenWiFi network. To connect to a hiddennetwork you must know its SSID and password and manually enter them.

To turn off the SSID broadcast to create a hidden network:1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your

extender network.

2. Log in to your extender:

• If you did not enable the OneWiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/in the address field of the browser.

• If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:

- Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/

- Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/

- Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,http://192.168.1.3/)For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Findthe extender’s IP address on page 58.

A login page displays.

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3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.The Status page displays.

4. If your browser displays theMenu icon , click it.The extender menu displays.

5. Select Settings > Wireless.The Wireless page displays.

6. Clear the Broadcast the Network Name (SSID) check box.7. Click the SAVE button.

Your settings are saved.

Disable or enable the WiFi radios

By default, the extender’sWiFi radios broadcast signals in the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.If you disable the WiFi radios, then no one can connect with WiFi to the extender.

To enable or disable the WiFi radios:1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your

extender network.

2. Log in to your extender:

• If you did not enable the OneWiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/in the address field of the browser.

• If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:

- Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/

- Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/

- Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,http://192.168.1.3/)For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Findthe extender’s IP address on page 58.

A login page displays.

3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.The Status page displays.

4. If your browser displays theMenu icon , click it.

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The extender menu displays.

5. Select Settings > Wireless.The Wireless page displays.

6. Select or clear the Enable 2.4 GHz WiFi check box.7. Select or clear the Enable 5 GHz WiFi check box.8. Click the SAVE button.

Your settings are saved.

Change the WiFi speed

The extender's 2.4 GHz network WiFi speed is set to a specific speed after it connectsto the router. You can change only the 5 GHz WiFi speed.

To change the WiFi speed:1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your

extender network.

2. Log in to your extender:

• If you did not enable the OneWiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/in the address field of the browser.

• If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:

- Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/

- Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/

- Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,http://192.168.1.3/)For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Findthe extender’s IP address on page 58.

A login page displays.

3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.The Status page displays.

4. If your browser displays theMenu icon , click it.The extender menu displays.

5. Select Settings > Wireless.

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The Wireless page displays.

6. In the 5 GHz networkWiFi Speedmenu, select a speed.

7. Click the SAVE button.Your settings are saved.

Use WPS to add a computer to theextender’s WiFi network

WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) lets you connect a computer orWiFi device to the extender’snetwork without entering the WiFi network passphrase or key. Instead, you use aWPSbutton or enter a PIN to connect.

If you use the push button method, the WiFi device that you are trying to connect mustinclude a physical button or a software button. If you use the PIN method, you mustknow the PIN of the WiFi device that you are trying to connect.

WPS supports WPA andWPA2WiFi security. If your extender network is open (noWiFisecurity is set), connecting with WPS automatically sets WPA + WPA2 WiFi security onthe extender network andgenerates a randompassphrase. You can view this passphraseon the WiFi Settings page (for more information, see View WiFi settings on page 39).

Use WPS with the push button methodFor you to use the push button method to connect a WiFi device to the extender’s WiFinetwork, the WiFi device that you are trying to connect must include a physicalWPSbutton or an onscreenWPS button that you can click.

To use WPS to add a WPS-enabled device to the extender’s WiFi network:1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your

extender network.

2. Log in to your extender:

• If you did not enable the OneWiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/in the address field of the browser.

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• If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:

- Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/

- Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/

- Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,http://192.168.1.3/)For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Findthe extender’s IP address on page 58.

A login page displays.

3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.The Status page displays.

4. If your browser displays theMenu icon , click it.The extender menu displays.

5. Select Settings > Do More > Connect Devices (WPS).The Connected Devices (WPS) page displays.

6. Leave the Push Button (recommended) radio button selected.

7. Click theWPS button.For two minutes, the extender attempts to add the computer or WiFi device to itsWiFi network.

8. Within two minutes, go to the computer WiFi device and press or click itsWPSbutton.

9. To verify that the WiFi device is connected to the extender’s WiFi network, selectSettings > Connected Devices.The WiFi device displays onscreen.

Use WPS with the PIN methodTo use the PIN method to connect a WiFi device to the extender’s WiFi network, youmust know the PIN of the WiFi device that you are trying to connect.

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To add a computer or WiFi device to the extender’s WiFi network:1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your

extender network.

2. Log in to your extender:

• If you did not enable the OneWiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/in the address field of the browser.

• If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:

- Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/

- Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/

- Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,http://192.168.1.3/)For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Findthe extender’s IP address on page 58.

A login page displays.

3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.The Status page displays.

4. If your browser displays theMenu icon , click it.The extender menu displays.

5. Select Settings > Do More > Connect Devices (WPS).The Connect Devices (WPS) page displays.

6. Select the PIN Number radio button.The page adjusts.

7. Type the PIN of the WiFi device in the field.

8. Click the NEXT button.For four minutes, the extender attempts to find the computer or WiFi device.

9. Within four minutes, go to the WiFi device and use its WPS software to join the WiFinetwork.

10. To verify that the WiFi device is connected to the extender’s WiFi network, selectSettings > Connected Devices.The WiFi device displays onscreen.

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Deny access to a computer or WiFi device

By default, access control is disabled so that it is easy for you to connect to the extender’sWiFi networks.

You can deny network access to specific computers and WiFi devices based on theirMAC addresses. Each network device is assigned a MAC address, which is a unique12-character physical address, containing the hexadecimal characters 0–9, a–f, or A–Fonly, and separated by colons (for example, 00:09:AB:CD:EF:01). Typically, the MACaddress is on the label of theWiFi device. If you cannot access the label, you can displaythe MAC address using the network configuration utilities of the computer. You mightalso find the MAC addresses on the Connected Devices page (see View connecteddevices on page 38).

To use WiFi access control to deny access:1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your

extender network.

2. Log in to your extender:

• If you did not enable the OneWiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/in the address field of the browser.

• If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:

- Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/

- Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/

- Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,http://192.168.1.3/)For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Findthe extender’s IP address on page 58.

A login page displays.

3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.The Status page displays.

4. If your browser displays theMenu icon , click it.The extender menu displays.

5. Select Settings > Connected Devices.The Connected Devices page displays.

6. In the WiFi Devices section, select the Enable Access Control check box.

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TheWiFi devices table displays the names and MAC addresses of WiFi devices thatare connected to the extender.

7. Select the Deny check box for the device.

8. Click the SAVE button.Your settings are saved and that device cannot connect to the extender’s WiFinetwork.

Set up an access schedule

You can control access by all users during specific periods of the day. You can set upan access schedule that prevents the extender’s wireless or wired connection to therouter based on the times that you set.

To set up an access schedule:1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your

extender network.

2. Log in to your extender:

• If you did not enable the OneWiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/in the address field of the browser.

• If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:

- Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/

- Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/

- Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,http://192.168.1.3/)For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Findthe extender’s IP address on page 58.

A login page displays.

3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.The Status page displays.

4. If your browser displays theMenu icon , click it.The extender menu displays.

5. Select Do More > Access Schedule.The Access Schedule page displays.

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6. Select the Access Schedule On radio button.The page adjusts.

7. In the Daysmenu and the Timemenu, select the day and time when you want todisable the extender’s wireless or wired connection to the router.

8. Click theAddTimebutton to add the time that you specified to the Scheduled Timestable.

9. Click the SAVE button.Your settings are saved.

Change the extender’s device name

The default device name is the extender's model number.

To change the extender’s device name:1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your

extender network.

2. Log in to your extender:

• If you did not enable the OneWiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/in the address field of the browser.

• If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:

- Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/

- Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/

- Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,http://192.168.1.3/)For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Findthe extender’s IP address on page 58.

A login page displays.

3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.The Status page displays.

4. If your browser displays theMenu icon , click it.The extender menu displays.

5. Select Settings > Wireless.The Wireless page displays.

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6. Scroll down and click the IP Address heading.The page expands.

7. In the Device Name field, type a name.

8. Click the SAVE button.Your settings are saved.

Set up the extender to use a static IP address

The extender comes set up to use a dynamic IP address, which is the correct setting formost home networks.

To set up the extender to use a static IP address:1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your

extender network.

2. Log in to your extender:

• If you did not enable the OneWiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/in the address field of the browser.

• If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:

- Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/

- Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/

- Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,http://192.168.1.3)/For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Findthe extender’s IP address on page 58.

A login page displays.

3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.The Status page displays.

4. If your browser displays theMenu icon , click it.The extender menu displays.

5. Select Settings > Wireless.The Wireless page displays.

6. Scroll down and click the IP Address heading.

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The page expands.

By default, the Dynamically get IP Address from Router radio button is selected.

7. Select the Use Static IP Address radio button.

8. Complete the fields to specify the IP network IP addresses.

9. Click the SAVE button.Your settings are saved.

Configure a router with advanced MACsettings to work with your extender

If you enabled aWiFiMAC filter,WiFi access control, or access control list (ACL) on yourrouter, when a WiFi device connects through the extender to your router, the MACaddress of the WiFi device shown on the router is translated to another MAC address.

If your router’s MAC filter, WiFi access control, or ACL is enabled, the WiFi deviceconnects to the extender but cannot get an IP address from the extender and cannotaccess the Internet.

To allow the WiFi device to receive an IP address from the extender and access theInternet, you must provide translated MAC address to the router.

To add a translatedMAC address to your router and reserve an IP address for yourextender1. Log in to your router and disable the MAC filter, WiFi access control, or ACL.

For more information about how to disable your router’s MAC filter, WiFi accesscontrol, or ACL, see your router’s documentation.

2. Power on the extender and connect all of your WiFi devices to the extender.

3. Make sure that the Router Link LED remains lit.

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4. Log in to your extender:

a. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected toyour extender network.

b. Log in to your extender:

• If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enterhttp://mywifiext.local/ in the address field of the browser.

• If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:

- Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/

- Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/

- Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,http://192.168.1.3/)

A login page displays.

c. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.The Status page displays.

5. Select Settings > Connected Devices.TheConnectedDevicespagedisplays theMACaddresses and virtualMACaddressesfor computers and WiFi devices that are connected to the extender network.

6. On the router, add the extender’s virtual MAC address and all the virtual MACaddresses connected to the extender network to your router’s MAC filter table.

Note: To reserve a specific IP address for the extender, you must specify the firstvirtual MAC address that displays for your extender’s 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz network inyour router’s IP reservation table. (The first virtualMACaddress that displays for yourextender’s 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks is the same.)

7. Enable the router’s MAC filter, wireless access control, or ACL.

Boost your video streaming with FastLanetechnology

Get the most out of your HD entertainment with FastLane technology. With FastLanetechnology, the extender connects to your router using one band and connects to yourdevices using another band. Because a band is dedicated to each function, performanceis enhanced.

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If all your devices and yourWiFi router support only the 2.4GHz band, or all your devicesand yourWiFi router support only the 5GHz band, do not enable FastLane Technology.

When you enable FastLane Technology, two options are available:

• Use the 2.4 GHz band to connect the extender to the WiFi devices and use the 5GHz band to connect the extender to the WiFi router. Use this mode if your WiFirouter supports the 5GHz band but the devices that you want to use for gaming andstreaming support the 2.4 GHz band.

• Use the 5 GHz band to connect the extender to the WiFi devices and use the 2.4GHz band to connect the extender to the WiFi router. Use this mode if the devicesthat you want to use for gaming and streaming support the 5 GHz band but yourWiFi router supports the 2.4 GHz band.

To activate FastLane mode:1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your

extender network.

2. Log in to your extender:

• If you did not enable the OneWiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/in the address field of the browser.

• If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:

- Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/

- Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/

- Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,http://192.168.1.3/)For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Findthe extender’s IP address on page 58.

A login page displays.

3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.The Status page displays.

4. If your browser displays theMenu icon , click it.The extender menu displays.

5. Select Do More > FastLane.The FastLane Technology page displays.

6. Select the FastLane Technology radio button.The page adjusts and displays two more radio buttons.

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7. Select a radio button:

• Router-to-Extender in 2.4 GHz only and Extender-to-Device in 5 GHz only• Router to Extender in 5 GHz only and Extender-to-Device in 2.4 GHz only

8. Click the SAVE button.Your changes are saved.

Enable or disable 20/40 MHz coexistence

By default, 20/40 MHz coexistence is enabled to prevent interference between WiFinetworks in your environment at the expense of theWiFi speed. If no otherWiFi networksare present in your environment, you can clear the Enable 20/40 MHz Coexistencecheck box to increase the WiFi speed to the maximum supported speed.

To enable or disable 20/40 MHz coexistence:1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your

extender network.

2. Log in to your extender:

• If you did not enable the OneWiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/in the address field of the browser.

• If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:

- Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/

- Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/

- Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,http://192.168.1.3/)For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Findthe extender’s IP address on page 58.

A login page displays.

3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.The Status page displays.

4. If your browser displays theMenu icon , click it.The extender menu displays.

5. Select Settings > Wireless.The Wireless page displays the WiFi settings.

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6. Enable or disable 20/40 MHz coexistence:

• To enable 20/40 MHz coexistence, select the Enable 20/40 MHz Coexistencecheck box.

• To disable 20/40 MHz coexistence, clear the Enable 20/40 MHz Coexistencecheck box.

7. Click the SAVE button.Your settings are saved.

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5FAQs and troubleshooting

This chapter contains the following topics:

• FAQs• Find the extender’s IP address• Cannot connect to the extender• Cannot join a WiFi network and receive an error message• Cannot access mywifiext.net

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FAQs

This section provides answers for difficulties you might experience with the extender.

The web browser setup keeps asking me for my network password (passphrase)or security key, and I am sure that I entered the correct password. What can I do?

The extender is probably placed at the borderline of the range covered by the routeror access point. To improve your signal strength, move your extender closer to yourrouter and make sure that the Router Link LED lights solid white or amber.The LED lights as follows:

• Solid green. Best connection

• Solid amber. Good connection

• Solid red. Poor connection

• Off. No connection

If you are using WEP security, make sure that you are typing the network password inthe correct field.

My router security is WEP, and I entered the wrong password or security key onthe extender. I cannot access the extender anymore. What can I do?

The extender cannot check to see if the WEP password is correct. If you entered thewrong password, your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device is not able to get theIP address from the extender. Youmust reset the extender to its factory default settingsto get the IP address back.

Can I set up the extender in extender mode if I connect it to the router or accesspoint with an Ethernet cable?

No. The extender is designed to connect wirelessly to the router or access point if it isin extender mode. If the extender is in access point mode, you can connect it to therouter or access point with an Ethernet connection. For more information about accesspoint mode, see Install your extender in access point mode on page 14.

I am connected toNETGEAR_EXT and launched a browser and I can’t I see thewebbrowser setup guide. What can I do?

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Try these troubleshooting steps:

• Make sure that the Client Link LED is white and that you are using a valid IP address.

• Relaunch thewebbrowser and enterwww.mywifiext.net in the address field. Enteryour admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.

• If you are installing the extender as an access point,make sure that you are connectingyour computer or WiFi device to the extender through aWiFi connection instead ofan Ethernet connection.

• Make sure that your computer is set up to use DHCP (most are).

I forgot my admin user name address and password. What can I do?

On the login window, click theUsername& Password Help link to answer the securityquestions that you set up during the initial setup. For more information, see Recover aforgotten user name or password on page 24.

To restore factory settings:1. Use a sharp object such as a pen or paper clip to press and hold the Reset button

on the extender for seven seconds until the Power LED lights amber.

2. Release the Reset button and wait for the extender to reboot.The extender resets and returns to the factory default settings.

Find the extender’s IP address

If your extender and router use the same WiFi network name (SSID) and you want tolog in to your extender using anAndroid device, youmust use the extender’s IP address.You can log in to your router to find your extender’s IP address. If you own a NETGEARrouter, use the following procedure to find the extender’s IP address. If you do not owna NETGEAR router, see your router's documentation.

Note: The following instructions might not apply to your NETGEAR router. For moreinformation, see your NETGEAR router’s user manual.

To log in to your extender and find your extender’s IP address:1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the

router network.

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.A login window opens.

3. Enter the router admin user name and password.

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The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first timethat you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Attached Devices.A list of devices connected to your router displays.

5. Find your extender in the list and note your extender’s IP address.

Cannot connect to the extender

If you cannot connect to the extender, determine what prevents you from connecting:

• If you cannot access www.mywifiext.net, see Cannot access mywifiext.net on page60 for more information.

• If you forgot your user name or password, click the Username & Password Helplink. For more information, see FAQs on page 57.

• If your browser displays an error page, include http:// in the address field of yourbrowser by typing http://www.mywifiext.net.

• If you already set up the extender but can no longer connect to it over WiFi, checkto see if the Client Link LED is off.

• If you cannot get aWiFi connectionworking, you can use an Ethernet cable to connectyour computer to the extender.

Cannot join a WiFi network and receive anerror message

To join a WiFi network, you must know its network name (also called the SSID) so thatyou can select it. If the network is secure, you must know the passphrase or key. If theextender does not connect to the network that you select, the cause might be one ofthe following:

• It is possible that you typed the network name, passphrase, or key incorrectly. Usethe Smart Setup (see Run the Smart Setup installation on page 19) to select a WiFinetwork and retype the passphrase or key. The passphrase or key is case-sensitive.For example, PASSWORD25 is not the same as Password25 or password25.

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• If the extender cannot detect your WiFi network, check to see if your WiFi networkis still working. Make sure that the WiFi router is turned on. If possible, move theextender closer to the WiFi router.

• If the extender Client Link LED is red, the WiFi connection between the WiFi routerand the extender is poor. You can establish the best connection with a clear line ofsight between the extender and theWiFi router.Make sure that no physical obstaclesexist between the extender and theWiFi router, and try tomove the extender closerto the WiFi router.

If you use the Smart Setup, and the extender does not connect to theWiFi router, doesnot connect to the Internet, or cannot get an IP address from theWiFi router, the SmartSetup displays a message to notify you that the extender is not configured.

To run the Smart Setup again, click theYESbutton. Tomanually configure the extender,

click the NO, CONFIGURE MANUALLY button.

Cannot access mywifiext.net

When you try to access www.mywifiext.net to set up your extender, you might receivean error message that says you are not connected to the extender's WiFi network. Thiswebsite is not a regular Internet website. It is a local web address used to log in to theextender web interface and view the extender’s settings.

Your computer ormobile devicemust be connected to your extender network to accesswww.mywifiext.net.

Try these troubleshooting tips to connect to www.mywifiext.net:

• If you’re trying to access www.mywifiext.net for the first time to set up your extender,see Connect with the NETGEAR installation assistant on page 13 and follow theinstructions.

• After you connect your computer or mobile device to the extender network, makesure that the extender’s Client Link LED is solid white.If the Client Link LED is not lit, open your computer’s or mobile device’s WiFiconnectionmanager andmake sure that your device is still connected to the extendernetwork.

• Launch a web browser and enter the extender’s default IP address, which is192.168.1.250.If this IP address does not work, it is possible that your extender’s IP address mighthave changed. You can log in to your router to view your extender’s IP address. Formore information, see Find the extender’s IP address on page 58.

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• If your extender and router use the same WiFi network name (SSID), enterhttp://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example, http://192.168.1.3/).For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find theextender’s IP address on page 58.

• Clear your web browser’s cache and browsing history and try again.For more information, see the help content for your web browser.

• Try using another web browser.

• Assign a static IP address to your computer.Before you changeanynetwork settings, note your currentDefault gateway (Windows)or Router (Mac) address. Use the IP address 192.168.1.249 and the subnet mask255.255.255.0.For more information, see your computer’s documentation.

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6Supplemental information

This appendix covers the following topics:

• Factory default settings• Technical and environmental specifications

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Factory default settings

To reset the extender to factory default settings, you can use the Factory Reset buttonon the side panel or you can log in and click the onscreen RESET button. For moreinformation, see Return the extender to its factory default settings on page 29.

The following table shows the factory default settings.

Table 2. Factory default settings

Default SettingsFeature

EnabledSmart Setup

EnabledWiFi communication

NETGEAR_EXTWiFi network name (SSID)

DisabledSecurity

Auto1Transmission speed

Varies by regionCountry/region

802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11aOperating mode

Max 450 MbpsData rate in the 2.4 GHz band

Disabled by default(When enabled the max data rate is 1733 Mbps)

Data rate in the 5 GHz band

Server and client are enabledDHCP

1MaximumWiFi signal rate (IEEE Standard 802.11). Actual throughput can vary. Network conditions and environmental

factors, including volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, and network overhead lower actual

data throughput rate.

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Technical and environmental specifications

The following table shows the technical and environmental specifications.

Table 3. Technical specifications

Technical Specifications

Data and routing protocols: TCP/IP, DHCP server and client, DNS relayNetwork protocol andstandards compatibility

Dimensions: 6.34 x 3.2 x 1.75 in (161 x 81.4 x 44.5 mm)Weight: 0.66 lb (0.3 kg)

Physical specifications

Operating temperature: 32° to 104°F (0° to 40°C)Operating humidity: 90% maximum relative humidity, noncondensing

Environmental

Local: 10BASE-T, 100/1000BASE-Tx, RJ-45802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11b

Interface

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