User Manual AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Model EAX18 February 2021 202-12208-01 NETGEAR, Inc. 350 E.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Support and Community Visit netgear.com/support to get your questions answered and access the latest downloads. You can also check out our NETGEAR Community for helpful advice at community.netgear.com. Regulatory and Legal Si ce produit est vendu au Canada, vous pouvez accéder à ce document en français canadien à https://www.netgear.com/support/download/. (If this product is sold in Canada, you can access this document in Canadian French at https://www.netgear.
Contents Chapter 1 Overview Unpack Your Extender.........................................................................6 LEDs........................................................................................................7 Back Panel..............................................................................................9 System Requirements........................................................................10 How the Extender Works........................................................
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Set up the extender to use a static IP address................................37 Adjust the WiFi coverage..................................................................38 Enable FastLane technology.............................................................39 Configure a router with advanced MAC settings to work with your extender...............................................................................................
1 Overview The WiFi Range Extender boosts your existing network range and speed, delivering tri-band WiFi. This chapter covers the following topics: • • • • • Unpack Your Extender LEDs Back Panel System Requirements How the Extender Works Note: For more information about the topics covered in this manual, visit the support website at support.netgear.com.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Unpack Your Extender Your package contains an extender and power adapter. Figure 1.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender LEDs The following table describes the LEDs. Figure 2.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Table 1. LED descriptions LED Description Ethernet LED • Solid white. An Ethernet device is connected to an Ethernet port. • Off. An Ethernet device is not connected to the extender. 5 GHz LED • Solid white. The extender’s 5 GHz WiFi radio is operating. • Off. The extender’s 5 GHz WiFi radio is off. 2.4 GHz LED • Solid white. The extender’s 2.4 GHz WiFi radio is operating. • Off. The extender’s 2.4 GHz WiFi radio is off.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Back Panel The back panel of the extender provides a Reset button, Ethernet ports, and a DC power connector. Figure 3. Back panel The back panel contains the following components: 1. Reset button. Pressing this button resets the extender. If the Reset button is pressed for at least seven seconds, the Power LED blinks amber, and the extender returns to its factory settings. 2. Ethernet ports.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender System Requirements You need the following to install your extender: • 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax wireless router or gateway • Compatible web browser: - Microsoft Internet Explorer® 8.0 or higher - Firefox 2.0 or higher - Safari 5.1 or higher - Google Chrome 25.0 or higher How the Extender Works The extender works like a bridge between a WiFi router (or a WiFi access point) and a WiFi device outside the range of the WiFi router.
2 Get started This chapter covers the following topics: • • • • • • • Install the WiFi extender Place the extender and apply power Connect to an existing WiFi network Use the extender in access point mode Connect a device to the extender network Log in to the extender after installation Run the Smart Setup installation 11
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Install the WiFi extender Place the extender, apply power, and connect the extender to your existing WiFi network. Place the extender and apply power To place the extender and apply power: 1. Place your extender in the same room as your WiFi router. Proximity to the WiFi router is required only during the initial setup process. 2. Plug the extender into an electrical outlet. 3. Wait for the Power LED to light solid white.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Connect with the Nighthawk app You can connect your extender to your router using the NETGEAR Nighthawk app. To connect with the Nighthawk app: 1. Download the Nighthawk app on your mobile device. For more information about the Nighthawk app, visit Nighthawk-app.com. 2. On your mobile device, open the WiFi connection manager, then locate and connect to the extender network called NETGEAR_EXT. 3. Launch the Nighthawk app. 4.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender The following tables show an example of what your 2.4 and 5 GHz extender WiFi names might look like if your extender connects to both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi networks from a dual-band router: Table 2. Existing dual-band router WiFi names example Dual-band router WiFi networks Example router WiFi names 2.4 GHz router WiFi network MyWiFiexample 5 GHz router WiFi network MyWiFiExample-5G Table 3.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender If the Router Link LED lights white, the connection between your router and extender is good. If the Router Link LED lights amber or red, move the extender closer to the router and try again. Note: If your router supports the 5 GHz band and your extender didn’t connect to that band, repeat the WPS process. 3. Unplug your extender and move it to a new location. We recommend that the new location be about halfway between your router and the area with a poor WiFi signal.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender For example, if your extender connects to the router’s 2.4 GHz WiFi band only, your extender uses your router’s 2.4 GHz WiFi settings for both its networks. The following tables show an example of what your extender WiFi network names might look like: Table 4. Existing dual-band router WiFi names example Dual-band router WiFi networks Example router WiFi names 2.4 GHz router WiFi network MyWiFiexample 5 GHz router WiFi network MyWiFiExample-5G Table 5.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Note: Since your router and extender networks share the same WiFi network name, only one WiFi network name is broadcast. Connect with the NETGEAR installation assistant You can use the NETGEAR installation assistant to connect your extender to your existing WiFi router network. To use the NETGEAR installation assistant, you must launch a web browser on your computer or mobile device.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Use the extender in access point mode You can use the extender as a WiFi access point, which creates a new WiFi hotspot by using a wired Ethernet connection. Figure 4. Extender in access point mode To use the extender in access point mode: 1. Plug the extender into an electrical outlet. 2. Wait for the Power LED to light amber and then turn white. 3. Connect a computer or mobile device to the extender using a WiFi or Ethernet connection: • WiFi.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Connect a device to the extender network After you complete the setup process, you can connect all your devices to the new extender network using a WiFi or WPS connection. Connect a device to the extender network using WiFi If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, your extender uses the the same WiFi network name and password as your router. To connect to the extender WiFi network: 1.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender 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 One WiFi Name feature, enter http://www.mywifiext.net/ 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.local/ or http://mywifiext/ - Mac computers and iOS devices.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender 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.
3 Extender Network Settings This chapter covers the following topics: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Enable or disable the One WiFi Name feature 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 devic
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Enable or disable the One WiFi Name feature The One WiFi Name feature enables your extender to use the same WiFi network settings as your router. If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, your extender uses the same WiFi network name and password as your router. The following is an example of what your WiFi network names might look like if One WiFi Name is enabled: Table 8. One WiFi network names Router or Extender WiFi Network Name WiFi Network Name Router 2.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender 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 the Menu icon The extender menu displays. , click it. 5. Select Settings > Wireless. The WiFi Settings page displays. 6. Select the Yes or No radio button to enable or disable the One WiFi Name feature: • Yes . Select the Yes radio button to enable the One WiFi name feature.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender To enable or disable Smart Connect: 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, enter http://www.mywifiext.net/ 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.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender View connected devices You can view a list of devices that are connected to the extender network. 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 One WiFi Name feature, enter http://www.mywifiext.net/ in the address field of the browser.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender 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 One WiFi Name feature, enter http://www.mywifiext.net/ 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.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender • 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:/// (for example, http://192.168.1.3/) For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find the Extender’s IP address on page 60. A login page displays. 3.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender • 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:/// (for example, http://192.168.1.3/) For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find the Extender’s IP address on page 60. A login page displays. 3.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender • 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:/// (for example, http://192.168.1.3/) For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find the Extender’s IP address on page 60. A login page displays. 3.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Table 9. Extender backhaul and fronthaul WiFi connection Which extender WiFi backhaul is connected to the root AP? Is the extender's 2.4 GHz fronthaul WiFi speed changeable? Is the extender's 5 GHz fronthaul WiFi speed changeable? Both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz No No 2.4 GHz only No Yes 5 GHz only Yes No No connection Yes Yes To change the extender's WiFi speed: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your extender network.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Your settings are saved. Use WPS to add a computer to the extender’s WiFi network WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) lets you connect a computer or WiFi device to the extender’s network without entering the WiFi network passphrase or key. Instead, you use a WPS button or enter a PIN to connect. If you use the push button method, the WiFi device that you are trying to connect must include a physical button or a software button.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender 3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button. The Status page displays. 4. If your browser displays the Menu icon The extender menu displays. , click it. 5. Select Do More > Connect Devices (WPS). The Connected Devices (WPS) page displays. 6. Leave the Push Button (recommended) radio button selected. 7. Click the WPS button. For two minutes, the extender attempts to add the computer or WiFi device to its WiFi network. 8.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender 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 the Menu icon The extender menu displays. , click it. 5. Select 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.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender 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 One WiFi Name feature, enter http://www.mywifiext.net/ 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.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender 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 One WiFi Name feature, enter http://www.mywifiext.net/ 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.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender 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 One WiFi Name feature, enter http://www.mywifiext.net/ 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.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender 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 One WiFi Name feature, enter http://www.mywifiext.net/ 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.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender be shorter, and the extender uses less power. If you select a high output power percentage, the extender's WiFi range will be longer, and the extender uses more power. For a smaller coverage area, choose a lower output power percentage. For a larger coverage area, select a higher output power percentage. To adjust the WiFi coverage: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your extender network. 2.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender devices using another band. Because a band is dedicated to each function, performance is enhanced. If all your devices and your WiFi router support only the 2.4 GHz band, or all your devices and your WiFi router support only the 5 GHz band, do not enable FastLane Technology. To activate FastLane mode: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your extender network. 2.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender GHz band is used to connect the extender to the WiFi router. Use this mode if your WiFi router supports the 5 GHz band, but the devices that you want to use for gaming and streaming support the 2.4 GHz band. 8. Click the SAVE button. Your changes are saved.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender 4. Log in to your extender: a. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your extender network. b. Log in to your extender: • If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter http://www.mywifiext.net/ 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.
4 Maintain and monitor 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 Back up the configuration settings Restore the configuration settings Return the extender to its factory default settings Update the extender firmware Restart
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Change the extender login user name and password You can change the admin user name and password that you use to log in to the extender. 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 One WiFi Name feature, enter http://www.mywifiext.net/ in the address field of the browser.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender 9. Click the SAVE button. Your settings are saved. Turn password protection off and on You can turn password protection for your extender web interface off and on. We recommend that you leave password protection on to help keep your network secure. 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.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender 6. Select the Password On or Password Off radio button: • Password On: Select this option is you want to turn on password protection for your extender web interface. If you select this option, you are required to enter a password when you log in to the extender. • Password Off: Select this option is you want to turn off password protection for your extender web interface.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender 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. 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.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Manually set the extender clock If you turned on the access schedule, you can set the extender clock. The extender clock makes sure that the WiFi access schedules are accurate. 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 One WiFi Name feature, enter http://www.mywifiext.net/ in the address field of the browser.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Back up and manage the extender configuration When the extender works correctly after initial setup, we recommend that you back up the extender configuration settings. After you back up the settings, if you change the extender configuration settings but are not content with the new settings, you can restore the extender configuration to the backed-up settings. Back up the configuration settings You can back up the configuration file of the extender.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Your browser extracts the configuration file from the extender. The backup file uses a .cfg extenstion. 7. If your browser is not set up to save downloaded files automatically, locate where you want to save the file. 8. Click the OK button. The extender configuration settings are backed up. Restore the configuration settings You can restore the configuration settings of the extender to a previously saved configuration file.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender 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 the extender, shut down the computer, or do anything else to the extender until it finishes restarting. 8. Click the RESTORE button. A confirmation pop-up window opens. 9. Confirm your decision. The extender configuration is restored and the extender restarts. This process takes about one minute.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Log in and reset the extender to factory settings CAUTION: This process erases any settings that you configured in the extender. 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, enter http://www.mywifiext.net in the address field of the browser.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Update the extender firmware You can log in to the extender and check to see if new firmware is available, or you can manually load a specific firmware version to your extender. Check for new firmware and update the extender Unless you changed the settings in the Firmware Update page previously, the extender is set up to check for new firmware automatically at login. To check manually for new firmware and, if available, update the firmware: 1.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Note: You might need to unzip the firmware file. The firmware update process takes about two minutes. Manually upload firmware to the extender If 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 NETGEAR Download Center, save it to your desktop, and unzip the file if needed. Note: The correct firmware file uses an .img or .
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender The firmware file name ends with a .img or .chk extension. 9. Click the UPLOAD button. CAUTION: After you click the UPLOAD 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. The firmware update starts and the extender restarts. The firmware update process takes about two minutes.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender 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. Turn the LEDs On or Off If you turn the LEDs off, the Power LED remains on. To turn the LEDs on or off: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your extender network. 2.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender 7. Click the SAVE button. Your settings are saved.
5 FAQs 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.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender 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 router or access point.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender 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 blinks amber. 2. Release the Reset button and wait for the extender to reboot. The extender resets and returns to the factory default settings.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Cannot Connect to the Extender If you cannot connect to the extender, determine what prevents you from connecting: • If you cannot access the extender settings using the Nighthawk app, you can access the extender using the extender web interface at http://www.mywifiext.net/, see Cannot access mywifiext.net on page 62 for more information. • If you forgot your user name or password, click the Username & Password Help link. For more information, see FAQs on page 59.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender To run Smart Setup again, click the YES button. To manually configure the extender, click the NO, CONFIGURE MANUALLY button. Cannot access mywifiext.net When you try to access http://www.mywifiext.net/ to set up your extender, you might receive an error message that says you are not connected to the extender's WiFi network. This website is not a regular Internet website.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Cannot connect to extender using the Nighthawk app You can use the Nighthawk app to set up your extender and access your extender settings. If the Nighthawk app is unable to connect to your extender, try these troubleshooting tips: • If you're setting up your extender for the first time, make sure your mobile device is connected to the extender WiFi network called NETGEAR_EXT.
6 Supplemental Information This appendix covers the following topics: • • Factory Default Settings Technical and Environmental Specifications 64
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Factory Default Settings To reset the extender to factory default settings, you can use the Reset button on the side panel or you can log in and click the onscreen RESET button. For more information, see Return the extender to its factory default settings on page 51. The following table shows the factory default settings. Table 10.
AX1750 4-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Technical and Environmental Specifications The following table shows the technical and environmental specifications. Table 11. Technical specifications Technical Specifications Network protocol and standards compatibility Data and routing protocols: TCP/IP, DHCP server and client, DNS relay Physical specifications • Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.7 x 2.5 in (241.7 x 169.5 x 63.4 mm) • Weight: 1.1 lb (504.
