EX6100 WiFi Range Extender Installation Guide
Getting Started The NETGEAR WiFi Range Extender increases the distance of a WiFi network by boosting the existing WiFi signal and enhancing the overall signal quality over long distances. An extender repeats the signals from an existing WiFi router or access point. WiFi Range Extender Boosts the range of your existing WiFi and creates a stronger signal in hard-to-reach areas. Existing WiFi Sometimes your router does not provide the WiFi coverage you need.
Meet Your Extender Before you install your extender, familiarize yourself with its LEDs, buttons, and ports.
LED Descriptions Router Link LED This LED indicates the connection between the extender and the router or access point. • Solid green. Best connection. • Solid amber. Good connection. • Solid red. Poor connection. • Off. No connection. Client Link LED This LED indicates the connection between the extender and a computer or mobile device. • Solid green. Best connection. • Solid amber. Good connection. • Solid red. Poor connection. • Off. No connection. Power LED • Solid amber. The extender is booting.
Install the WiFi Extender Place the extender, apply power, and connect it to your WiFi network. Place the Extender and Apply Power 1. Place your extender in the same room as your WiFi router. Note: Proximity to the WiFi router is required only during the initial setup process. 2. Plug the extender into an electrical outlet. The Power LED lights green. If the Power LED does not light, press the Power button. 3. Make sure that the switch on the extender is set to Extender.
Connect with WPS Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) lets you join a secure WiFi network without typing the network name and password. The WPS button is a physical button on the router or access point. WPS does not support WEP network security. If you are using WEP security, see Connect with NETGEAR genie Smart Setup on page 8. To connect with WPS: 1. Press the WPS button on the side panel of the extender. The WPS LED blinks. 2. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router or access point.
4. Find the new extender network name. The extender’s wireless network name (SSID) changes to your existing WiFi network name, with _2GEXT or _5GEXT at the end of the name, depending on whether the extender is connecting to your WiFi network in 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. For example: • Existing WiFi network name. MyNetworkName • New extended network name. MyNetworkName_2GEXT or MyNetworkName_5GEXT 5. Connect your existing WiFi devices to the new extended network.
Connect with NETGEAR genie Smart Setup 1. Make sure that the switch on the extender is set to Extender. 2. Use a WiFi network manager on a computer or mobile device to find and connect to one of the extender WiFi networks. The extender is dual band, so it has two WiFi networks: • 2.4 GHz network. EX6100_NETGEAR_2GEXT • 5 GHz network. EX6100_NETGEAR_5GEXT After the connection with the computer or mobile device is established, the Client Link LED lights solid green. 3.
4. Select a 2.4 GHz WiFi network to extend and click the Continue button. 5. Type the network password (also called passphrase or security key) in the Password field, and click the Continue button. 6. Select a 5 GHz WiFi network to extend and click the Continue button. If your router does not support the 5 GHz band, click the Skip button. 7. Type the network password (also called passphrase or security key) in the Password field, and click the Continue button. 8.
9. Enter names (SSIDs) for your new extender WiFi network in the Name (2.4G SSID) and Name (5G SSID) fields and click the Continue button. Note: You can use the same security settings as your existing network by selecting the check box.
10. Use a WiFi network manager on the computer or mobile device to connect to the extender’s newly created WiFi network. Use your password to connect. 11. Select the check box and click the Continue button. 12. Unplug the extender and move it to a new location closer to the area with a poor WiFi signal. The location you choose must be within the range of your existing WiFi router network. 13. Plug the extender into an electrical outlet and wait one minute. The Power LED lights green.
Find the Best Location If the WiFi signal is weak, the first time you join the extender network, an arrow LED blinks for two minutes. If this happens, adjust the position of the extender. No arrow LEDs are lit. The extender is in a good location. Left arrow blinks. Move the extender closer to the router. Right arrow blinks. Move the computer or mobile device closer to the extender. Extender Performance These extender LEDs indicate a WiFi connection: WiFi signal between the router and the extender.
Connect an Ethernet-Enabled Device After the extender is connected to your existing WiFi network, you can use the extender to connect a device wirelessly to your WiFi router or access point.
To connect an Ethernet-enabled device to your WiFi router or access point: 1. Set up the extender. For more information, see Place the Extender and Apply Power on page 5. 2. Connect the extender to an existing WiFi network. For more information, see Connect to an Existing WiFi Network on page 5. 3. Plug the Ethernet cable from an Ethernet-enabled device to the Ethernet port on the extender.
Install the Extender as an Access Point You can also use the extender as a WiFi access point, which creates a new AC750 WiFi hotspot within your local network.
To install the extender as an access point: 1. Set the Access Point/Extender switch to Access Point. 2. Plug the extender into an electrical outlet near a router Ethernet LAN port or a remote Ethernet jack that has access to your local area network (LAN). 3. Use an Ethernet cable to connect the extender to the router Ethernet LAN port or the remote Ethernet LAN jack with LAN access. The extender joins the LAN and creates a WiFi hotspot. 4.
Access Extender Settings After installation, you can log in to the extender to view or change the extender’s settings. To log in to the extender after the initial setup: 1. Connect a computer or mobile device to the extender’s network. 2. Launch a web browser and enter www.mywifiext.net in the address field. A login screen displays. 3. Enter admin for the user name and password for the password.
Frequently Asked Questions You can find more information about your product in the user manual, which is available at http://support.netgear.com. The web browser setup guide keeps asking me for my network security key (passphrase), and I am sure I have entered the correct passphrase. What can I do? The extender is probably placed at the borderline of the range covered by the router or access point. For more information, see Place the Extender and Apply Power on page 5.
I am connected to EX6100_NETGEAR_2GEXT or EX6100_NETGEAR_5GEXT and launched a browser. Why can’t I see the web browser setup genie? Try these troubleshooting steps: • • • Make sure that your computer is set up to use DHCP (most are). Make sure that the Client Link LED is green and that you have a valid IP address. Relaunch the web browser and type www.mywifiext.net or www.mywifiext.com in the address field of the web browser. Enter admin for the user name and password for the password.
Support Thank you for selecting NETGEAR products. After installing your device, locate the serial number on the label of your product and use it to register your product at https://my.netgear.com. You must register your product before you can use NETGEAR telephone support. NETGEAR recommends registering your product through the NETGEAR website. For product updates and web support, visit http://support.netgear.com. NETGEAR recommends that you use only the official NETGEAR support resources.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender Model E X6100 User Manual April 2014 202-11307-03 350 East Plumeria Drive San Jose, CA 95134 USA
AC750 WiFi Range Extender Support Thank you for selecting NETGEAR products. After installing your device, locate the serial number on the label of your product and use it to register your product at https://my.netgear.com. You must register your product before you can use NETGEAR telephone support. NETGEAR recommends registering your product through the NETGEAR website. For product updates and web support, visit http://support.netgear.com. Phone (US & Canada only): 1-888-NETGEAR.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender Contents Chapter 1 Get to Know Your Extender Front Panel and Side Panel LEDs and Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . When to Use Your Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How the Extender Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Use as a WiFi Range Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AC750 WiFi Range Extender View Wired and Wireless Network Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Chapter 5 FAQs and Troubleshooting FAQs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Cannot Log In to the Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Cannot Join an Extender WiFi Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1. Get to Know Your Extender 1 This chapter covers the following topics: • Front Panel and Side Panel LEDs and Buttons • When to Use Your Extender • How the Extender Works • Support for the 802.11ac Networking Standard For more information about the topics covered in this manual, visit the support website at http://support.netgear.com. Firmware updates with new features and bug fixes are made available from time to time on downloadcenter.netgear.com.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender Front Panel and Side Panel LEDs and Buttons The front panel has LEDs. The side panel has a switch, buttons, and an Ethernet port. Router Link LED Router Arrow LED Client Arrow LED Client Link LED Power LED WPS LED Access Point/Extender switch Power On/Off button WPS button Factory Reset button Ethernet port Figure 1. Extender front panel and side panel Table 1.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender Table 1. LEDs (continued) LED Description WPS LED • • • Solid green. WiFi security is enabled (WPA or WPA2). Blinking green. The extender is making a WPS connection. Off. WiFi security is not enabled. Router Arrow If the Router Arrow or Client Arrow LED blinks, see Find the and Client Arrow Best Location on page 14. If no arrow LEDs are lit, the extender is in a good location.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender Use as an Access Point You can connect the extender to your router or gateway with a wired connection and use the extender as an 11ac access point. Figure 3. Extender as an access point Support for the 802.11ac Networking Standard The extender supports the 802.11ac networking standard. This new standard offers better speed, improved reliability, and more range than older WiFi networking standards. The extender is backward compatible with earlier WiFi standards.
2.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender Install the Extender as a Range Extender The extender connects to your network’s WiFi signal and then rebroadcasts that signal to extend the WiFi signal coverage. Place the Extender NETGEAR recommends that you place the extender near the router during initial setup. Then you can move it farther away from the router as needed to increase the area that has a WiFi signal. To place the extender: 1. Place your extender in the same room as your WiFi router. 2.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender 3. If your WiFi router supports the 5 GHz band, repeat steps 1 and 2 to connect the extender to the 5 GHz band. 4. Find the new extender network name. The extender’s wireless network name (SSID) changes to your existing WiFi network name, with _2GEXT or _5GEXT at the end of the name, depending on whether the extender is connecting to your WiFi network in 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. For example: • Existing WiFi network name. MyNetworkName • New extended network name.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender Note: If you are not automatically directed to NETGEAR genie, launch a web browser and enter www.mywifiext.net in the address field. Enter admin for the user name and password for the password. Smart setup detects the position of the extender switch. The extender finds the 2.4 GHz wireless networks in your area and displays a list. 4. Select a 2.4 GHz WiFi network to extend and click the Continue button. 5.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender 9. In the Name (2.4G SSID) and Name (5G SSID) fields, type names (SSIDs) for your new extender WiFi network and click the Continue button. Note: You can use the same security settings as your existing network by selecting the check box. The settings are applied and the following screen displays: 10. Use a WiFi network manager on the computer or mobile device to connect to the extender’s newly created WiFi network. 11. Use your password to connect. 12.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender The location you choose must be within the range of your existing WiFi router network. 14. Plug the extender into an electrical outlet and wait one minute. The Power LED button. lights green. If the Power LED does not light, press the Power 15. Use the Router Link LED on the front panel to help you choose a spot where the extender-to-router connection is optimal.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender To connect a computer to the extender Ethernet port: 1. Install the extender so that it is connected to your existing network with a WiFi link. 2. Connect an Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on the extender and to an Ethernet port on your computer. The computer connects to the extender. Your computer might display a message notifying you of an Ethernet connection. To connect a device to the extender Ethernet port: 1.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender Install the Extender as an Access Point You can also use the extender as a WiFi access point, which creates an AC750 WiFi hotspot within your local network. Figure 5. Extender as an access point To install the extender as an access point: 1. Set the Access Point/Extender switch to Access Point. 2. Plug the extender into an electrical outlet near a router Ethernet LAN port or a remote Ethernet jack that has access to your local area network (LAN). 3.
3.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender Log In After Initial Setup After installation, you can log in to the extender to view or change its settings. To log in to the extender after the initial setup: 1. Connect a computer or mobile device to the extender’s network. 2. Launch a web browser and enter www.mywifiext.net in the address field. A login screen displays. 3. Enter admin for the user name and password for the password.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender You are prompted to enter a user name and password. If you do not see the login prompt, make sure to include http:// when you type http://www.mywifiext.net in your browser. 3. Type admin for the user name and type your password. If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password. 4. Select Maintenance > Set Password. 5. (Optional) Select the Enable Password Recovery check box. NETGEAR recommends that you enable password recovery.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender 4. Select Maintenance > Set Password. 5. Select the Enable Password Recovery check box. 6. Select two security questions and provide answers to them. 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. For information about how to recover the password, see Recover the admin Password on page 35. Use Smart Setup to Connect the Extender to a Network The first time that you use a browser to connect to the extender to install it, the NETGEAR genie installation wizard displays.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender The extender finds the 2.4 GHz wireless networks in your area and displays a list. 5. To select the network you want the extender to join, do one of the following: • Select the radio button for the network. • Select the Manually input my wireless SSID radio button and type the name of the network. 6. Enter the security settings for the network that you selected. The extender finds the 5 GHz WiFi networks in your area and prompts you to select a 5 GHz WiFi network. 7.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender 9. Click the Continue button. You are prompted to name the extender networks. By default, the extender network names are the same as the networks that you selected with _2GEXT and _5GEXT at the end. 10. Either change the names or leave them as they are and click the Continue button. The settings are applied and the following screen displays: 11. Use a WiFi network manager on the computer or mobile device to connect to the extender’s newly created WiFi network. 12.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender Add a WPS Client to the Extender Network The WPS Wizard helps you add a wireless computer or device to the extender’s WiFi networks without typing the WiFi password. WPS does not support WEP network security. If you are using WEP security, see Connect with NETGEAR genie Smart Setup on page 11. Note: For instructions about how to use the physical WPS button on the extender, see Connect with WPS on page 10. To add a WPS client: 1.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender 4. Select Setup > Wireless Setup. 5. In the Region list, select your region. In some locations, you cannot change this setting. 6. To change the network name (SSID), type a new name in the Name (SSID) field. The name can be up to 32 characters long and is case-sensitive. The default SSID is randomly generated and is on the product label. If you change the name, make sure to write down the new name and keep it in a safe place. 7.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender devices cannot use WPA2. By default, the WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK [AES] radio button is selected so that new or old computers and wireless devices can connect to the WiFi network by using either WPA2 or WPA security. To change the WiFi security setting: 1. Connect a computer or mobile device to the extender’s network. 2. Launch a web browser and enter http://www.mywifiext.net in the address field. A login screen displays. 3.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender View or Change Advanced Wireless Settings Use care when changing the wireless settings. Incorrect settings might disable the extender’s WiFi networks unexpectedly. To view or change the advanced wireless settings: 1. On your computer, launch a web browser. 2. In the address field of your browser, enter http://www.mywifiext.net. You are prompted to enter a user name and password. If you do not see the login prompt, make sure to include http:// when you type http://www.mywifiext.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender extender uses 40 MHz mode unless a nearby WiFi network is using 40 MHz mode. If that happens, the extender uses 20 MHz mode to coexist with that network. • Enable Wireless Access Point (5 GHz). When this check box is selected, the extender allows WiFi connections in the 5 GHz band. Clearing this check box prevents wireless devices from connecting to the extender in the 5 GHz band. LAN devices can still connect to the extender over an Ethernet cable.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender • To prevent PIN compromise... By default, this check box is selected. This feature lets you specify the maximum number of times someone can try to enter the extender’s PIN to connect with WPS before the extender disables its PIN. • Keep Existing Wireless Settings (2.4 GHz b/g/n). By default, this check box is selected so that the SSID and passphrase stay the same when you use WPS to connect to the 2.4 GHz band. NETGEAR recommends that you leave this check box selected.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender 3. Enter admin for the user name and enter your password. If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password. 4. Select Advanced > Wireless Settings and click the Setup Access List button. The Wireless Card Access List screen displays. 5. Click the Add button. The screen adjusts. 6. In the Device Name field, type a name for the wireless device. 7. In the MAC Address field, type the MAC address of the wireless device. 8. Click the Apply button. 9.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender 3. Enter admin for the user name and enter your password. If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password. 4. Select Setup > Internet Setup. 5. In the Internet IP Address section, select a radio button. 6. If you selected the Static IP Address radio button, complete the fields with the details of your connection. 7. Click the Apply button. Your changes are saved.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender 4. Select Setup > LAN Setup. 5. Select the Enable NAT (for more secure connections to the Internet) check box. 6. Click the Apply button. Your change takes effect. Manage Profiles Each time the extender connects to a new network, the extender automatically saves the wireless network connection settings in a profile. The first profile is named wifi_profile_001. If the extender connects to more networks, each new profile name is assigned in numerical order.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender 6. Click the Edit button. 7. Change the details of the profile as needed. 8. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. To delete a profile: 1. Connect a computer or mobile device to the extender’s network. 2. Launch a web browser and type http://www.mywifiext.net in the address field. A login screen displays. 3. Enter admin for the user name and enter your password. If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password. 4. Select Profile.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender To view or change the operating mode: 1. Connect a computer or mobile device to the extender’s network. 2. Launch a web browser and enter http://www.mywifiext.net in the address field. A login screen displays. 3. Enter admin for the user name and enter your password. If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password. 4. Select Advanced > Operating Mode. By default, the Internet Surfing radio button is selected. 5.
4.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender Recover the admin Password If you changed the password to access the extender and set up password recovery, you can recover your password if you lose it. For information about setting up password recovery, see Set Up Password Recovery for admin on page 19. If you did not set up password recovery and lose your password, you must reset the extender to factory default settings (see Return the Extender to Its Factory Settings on page 37).
AC750 WiFi Range Extender 3. Enter admin for the user name and enter your password. If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password. 4. Select Maintenance > Backup Settings. 5. Click the Backup button. You are prompted to specify where to save the file. 6. When prompted, click the Save button. Your browser saves the configuration file from the extender.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender 5. Click the Browse button. 6. Locate and select the previously saved backup file. By default, the name of the backup file is NETGEAR_EX6100.cfg. CAUTION: After you click the Restore button, do not try to go online, turn off the extender, shut down the computer, or do anything else to the extender until it finishes restarting! 7. Click the Restore button. A confirmation pop-up screen displays. 8. Confirm your decision. The extender restarts. This process takes about one minute.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender Erase the Settings and Return to Factory Settings CAUTION: This process erases any settings that you have configured in the extender. To erase the extender’s current settings: 1. On your computer, launch a web browser. 2. In the address field of your browser, enter http://www.mywifiext.net. You are prompted to enter a user name and password. If you do not see the login prompt, make sure to include http:// when you type http://www.mywifiext.net in your browser. 3.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender To check if new firmware is available and update the firmware: 1. On your computer, launch a web browser. 2. In the address field of your browser, enter http://www.mywifiext.net. You are prompted to enter a user name and password. If you do not see the login prompt, make sure to include http:// when you type http://www.mywifiext.net in your browser. 3. Enter admin for the user name and enter your password.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender You are prompted to enter a user name and password. If you do not see the login prompt, make sure to include http:// when you type http://www.mywifiext.net in your browser. 3. Enter admin for the user name and enter your password. If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password. 4. Select Maintenance > Attached Devices. For each wired and wireless device, the IP address, device name, and MAC address display. 5. (Optional) Click the Refresh button.
5.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender FAQs This section provides answers for difficulties you might experience with the extender. 1. Question. Will the extender work if I connect it to my wireless router with an Ethernet cable? It depends. If the switch is set to Extender, the extender connects to the router over WiFi. If the switch is set to Access Point, the extender connects to the router with an Ethernet cable. 2. Question. What are the user name and default password to log in to the extender? Answer.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender Answer. The extender cannot detect if the WEP passphrase is correct. If you entered the wrong passphrase, your wireless device cannot get the IP address from the extender. You must reset the extender to the factory settings to get the IP address back. 7. Question. I have enabled a wireless MAC filter (wireless access control or ACL) on my wireless router. What should I do when installing the extender? Answer.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender Cannot Join an Extender WiFi Network To join a WiFi network, you must know its network name (also called the SSID) so that you can select it. If the network is secure, you must know the passphrase or key. If the extender does not connect to the network that you select, the following message displays: Connection was not established to the selected network.
A.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender Factory Default Settings The following table includes the factory settings for the extender. You can use the Factory Reset button or the Erase feature to return the extender to these settings. (See Return the Extender to Its Factory Settings on page 37.) Table 2.
AC750 WiFi Range Extender Table 3. Technical specifications (continued) Feature Default behavior Environmental • • • Interface • • Operating temperature: 32° to 140°F (0° to 40°C) Operating humidity: 90% maximum relative humidity, noncondensing Electromagnetic emissions: Meets requirements of FCC Part 15 Class B. Local: 10BASE-T, 100/1000BASE-Tx, RJ-45 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.
