Netgear EX6150 User Manual
AC1200 WiF Range Extender
Model EX6150v2
User Manual
June 2016
202-11631-01
350 East Plumeria Drive
San Jose, CA 95134
USA
AC1200 WiF Range Extender
Support
Thank you for purchasing this NETGEAR product. You can visit www.netgear.com/support to register your product, get help,
access the latest downloads and user manuals, and join our community. We recommend that you use only official NETGEAR
support resources.
Conformity
For the current EU Declaration of Conformity, visit http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/11621.
Compliance
For regulatory compliance information, visit http://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.
2
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Get to Know Your Extender
Front and Side Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
When to Use Your Extender. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
How the Extender Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Support for the 802.11ac Networking Standard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Chapter 2 Get Started
Use the Extender in Extender Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Place the Extender and Apply Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Connect to an Existing WiFi Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Connect an Ethernet-Enabled Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Use the Extender in Access Point Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Access Extender Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Run Smart Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Chapter 3 Extender Network Settings
View Connected Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Boost Your Video Streaming With FastLane Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Adjust the WiFi Coverage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
View WiFi Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Change the WiFi Network Name. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Turn Off the SSID Broadcast to Create a Hidden Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Disable or Enable the WiFi Radios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Change the WiFi Speed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Use WPS to Add a Computer to the Extender’s WiFi Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Use WPS With the Push Button Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Use WPS With the PIN Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Deny Access to a WiFi Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Set Up an Access Schedule. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Change the Extender’s Device Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Set Up the Extender to Use a Static IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Use the Extender With MAC Filtering or Access Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Chapter 4 Monitor and Maintain the Extender
Change the Extender User Name and Password. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Turn Password Protection Off and On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Recover a Forgotten Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Automatically Adjust for Daylight Saving Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
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AC1200 WiF Range Extender
Manually Set the Extender Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Back Up and Manage the Extender Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Back Up the Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Restore the Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Return the Extender to Its Factory Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Use the Factory Reset Button. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Erase the Settings and Return to Factory Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Update the Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Restart the Extender Remotely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Chapter 5 FAQs and Troubleshooting
FAQs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Cannot Connect to the Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Cannot Join a WiFi Network and Receive an Error Message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Appendix A Factory Settings and Technical Specifications
Factory Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Technical and Environmental Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
4
1. Get to Know Your Extender
The WiFi Range Extender boosts your existing network range and speed, delivering dual-band
WiFi. You can also use the extender in access point mode as a WiFi access point and create a
new WiFi hotspot by using a wired Ethernet connection.
This chapter covers the following topics:
• Front and Side Panels
• When to Use Your Extender
• Support for the 802.11ac Networking Standard
Note: For more information about the topics covered in this manual, visit the
support website at netgear.com/support.
1
Note: Firmware updates with new features and bug fixes are made
available from time to time at
products can regularly check the site and download new firmware, or
you can check for and download new firmware manually.
downloadcenter.netgear.com. Some
5
AC1200 WiF Range Extender
Front and Side Panels
The LEDs are located on the front panel. A switch, buttons, and an Ethernet port are located
on the side panel.
Client Arrow LED
Router Link LED
Router Arrow LED
Client Link LED
Access Point/Extender switch
Power LED
WPS LED
Figure 1. Front and side panels
The following table describes the LEDs.
Table 1. LEDs
LED Description
This LED indicates the connection between the extender and the router or
Router Link
Client Link
access point:
• Solid green. Best connection.
• Solid amber. Good connection.
• Solid red. Poor connection.
• Off. No connection.
This LED indicates the connection between the extender and a WiFi-enabled
computer or mobile device:
• Solid green. Best connection.
• Solid amber. Good connection.
• Solid red. Poor connection.
• Off. No connection.
Power On/Off button
WPS button
Factory Reset button
Ethernet port
Get to Know Your Extender
6
AC1200 WiF Range Extender
Table 1. LEDs (continued)
LED Description
Power • Solid amber. The extender is booting.
• Solid green. The
• Off. The
extender is powered off.
extender is powered on.
WPS
• Solid green. WiFi security is enabled (WPA or WPA2).
• Blinking green. A
• Off. WiFi security is not enabled
WPS connection is being established.
Arrow LEDs help you place the extender. These LEDs work as follows:
• No arrow LEDs are lit.
•
Client Arrow LED blinks. Move the WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device
The extender is in a good location.
closer to the extender.
•
Router Arrow LED blinks. Move the extender closer to the router.
When to Use Your Extender
We recommend that you connect to the extender only when your WiFi network connection is
poor. Data traffic routed through the extender is inherently slower than traffic routed directly
from the network.
How the Extender Works
The extender works like a bridge between a WiFi router (or a WiFi access point) and a
WiFi-enabled device that is outside the range of the WiFi router. The extender performs two
main jobs:
• The extender connects to a working WiFi network.
When the extender connects over WiFi to an existing network, it functions as a network
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-enabled devices can join. In its
role as an access point, the extender performs tasks that WiFi routers do, such as
broadcasting its network name (SSID).
The extender must do each of these jobs so that both ends of the bridge are in place.
Get to Know Your Extender
7
AC1200 WiF Range Extender
WiFi range extender
Boosts the range of
your existing WiFi
and creates a
stronger signal in
hard-to-reach areas
Figure 2. Range extender in a home
Existing WiFi
Sometimes your router
does not provide the
WiFi coverage that you
need
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. However, to get the benefits of
802.11ac, your WiFi router must support the 802.11ac WiFi networking standard.
To learn more about the 802.11ac WiFi networking standard, visit
netgear.com/landing/80211ac/.
Figure 3. Speed comparison between the 802.11n and 802.11ac standards
Get to Know Your Extender
8
2. Get Started
This chapter covers the following topics:
• Use the Extender in Extender Mode
• Use the Extender in Access Point Mode
• Access Extender Settings
• Run Smart Setup
2
9
AC1200 WiF Range Extender
Use the Extender in Extender Mode
In extender mode, the extender repeats the signals from an existing WiFi router or access
point.
Set the Access Point/Extender switch, place the extender, supply power, and connect it to
your WiFi network.
Note: You can also use the extender as a WiFi access point and create a
new WiFi hotspot by using a wired Ethernet connection. See Use the
Extender in Access Point Mode on page 15.
Place the Extender and Apply Power
To place the extender and apply power:
1. Set the Access Point/Extender switch to Extender
2. Place your extender in the same room as your WiFi router
Proximity to the WiFi router is required only during the initial setup process.
3. Plug the extender into an electrical outlet.
Wait for the Power LED
Power LED does not light, press the Power On/Off button on the side of the extender
to light green. This might take up to 100 seconds. If the
.
.
.
Connect to an Existing WiFi Network
To extend the range of your WiFi network, you must connect the extender to your existing
WiFi network. You can do this in one of two ways:
• Connect with WPS. For more information, see Connect With WPS on page 10.
• Connect with the NETGEAR installation assistant. For more information, see Connect
With the NETGEAR Installation Assistant on page 12.
Connect With WPS
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) lets you join a secure WiFi network without typing the network
name and password.
Note: WPS does not support WEP network security. If you are using WEP
security, follow the instructions in Connect With the NETGEAR
Installation Assistant on page 12.
Get Started
10
AC1200 WiF Range Extender
To use WPS to connect the extender to your WiFi router:
1. Press the WPS button on the extender.
The WPS LED
blinks.
2. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router or access point.
The WPS LED on the extender lights solid green, the Router Link LED
lights, and
the extender connects to your existing WiFi network.
If the Router Link LED does not light, try again. If it still does not light, see Connect With
the NETGEAR Installation Assistant on page 12.
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. Unplug the extender and move it to a new location that is about halfway between your router
and the area with a poor router WiFi signal.
The location that you choose must be within the range of your existing WiFi router
network.
DO DON’T
5. Plug the extender into an electrical outlet and wait for the Power LED to light green.
6. Use the Router Link LED
to help you choose a spot where the extender-to-router
connection is optimal.
7. If the Router Link LED doesn’t light amber or green, plug the extender into an outlet closer
to the router and try again.
Keep moving the extender to outlets closer to the router until the Router Link LED lights
amber or green.
8. On your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device, open the WiFi connection manager and
locate and connect to the new extender WiFi network.
The extender creates two new extender WiFi networks. The extender’s new WiFi network
names are based on your existing WiFi network name, with _2GEXT and _5GEXT at the
ends of the names.
For example:
• Existing W
• New extender W
iFi network name. MyNetworkName
iFi network names. MyNetworkName_2GEXT and
MyNetworkName_5GEXT
Use the same WiFi password that you use for your WiFi router.
Get Started
11
AC1200 WiF Range Extender
9. Test the new extended WiFi range by moving your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device
to the area with a poor router WiFi signal:
a. Leave your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device in the area with a poor router
WiFi signal and return to the extender
.
b. Check the Client Link LED
• If the Client Link LED is solid green or amber
on the extender:
, your extender WiFi network reaches
the area with a poor router WiFi signal and your network setup is complete.
• If the Client Link LED is red, your new extender WiFi network does not reach the
area with a poor router WiFi signal.
You must move your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device closer to the
extender until the Client Link LED turns solid green or amber
.
Connect With the NETGEAR Installation Assistant
You can use a web browser to log in to the extender and set up its WiFi connection to your
existing WiFi router.
To connect using the NETGEAR installation assistant:
1. Connect your device to the extender using a wired Ethernet or WiFi connection:
o connect with a wired Ethernet connection, use an Ethernet cable to connect the
• T
Ethernet port on the extender to an Ethernet port on your computer.
• T
o connect with WiFi, on your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device, open the WiFi
connection manager and locate and connect to the extender NETGEAR_EXT (SSID)
WiFi network.
After the connection with your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device is established, the
Client Link LED
2. Launch web browser
3. Enter www
lights.
.
.mywifiext.net in the address field of the browser.
The New Extender Setup page displays.
4. Click the NEW EXTENDER SETUP button.
Get Started
12
AC1200 WiF Range Extender
The first time that you log in to the extender, the Create Account page displays. If the
Create Account page does not display, visit www.mywifiext.net.
5. Complete the fields on the Create Account page and click the NEXT button.
6. V
erify that the Access Point/Extender switch is set to Extender and click the
CONTINUE button.
7. Select a WiFi network to extend and click the NEXT button.
If you do not want to extend both WiFi bands, clear the 2.4 GHz W
iFi Networks or the
5 GHz WiFi Networks check box.
8. In the Password (Network Key) field, type the existing WiFi network password (also called
passphrase or security key) and click the NEXT button.
9. Set the network name (SSID) and password for your new extender WiFi network and click
the NEXT button.
Note: We recommend that you use a network name (SSID) for your extender
that is different from the SSID that your router uses.
Wait for the page to display a list of new extender WiFi networks, which might take up to
one minute.
10. Connect your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device to the new extender WiFi network
using the extender SSID and password that you created in Step 9.
11. Make sure that your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device is successfully connected
before you click the CONTINUE button.
12. Click the CONTINUE button.
A message displays confirming that the extender is connected to the new extender WiFi
network.
13. Click the NEXT button.
The registration page displays.
14. Complete the registration fields and click the FINISH button to complete the setup.
Get Started
13
AC1200 WiF Range Extender
If you do not want to register your extender, click the Skip Registration link. Note that
you must register your extender before you can use NETGEAR telephone support.
The Status page displays.
15. Unplug the extender and move it to a new location about halfway between your router and
the area with a poor WiFi signal.
The location that you choose must be within the range of your existing WiFi router
network.
DO DON’T
16. Plug the extender into an electrical outlet and wait for the Power LED to light green.
17. Use the Router Link LED
to help you choose a spot where the extender-to-router
connection is optimal.
18. If the Router Link LED doesn’t light amber or green, plug the extender into an outlet closer
to the router and try again.
Keep moving the extender to outlets closer to the router until the Router Link LED lights
amber or green.
19. Reconnect your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device to the new extender WiFi network.
20. T
est the new extended WiFi range by moving your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device
to the area with a poor router WiFi signal:
a. Leave your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device in the area with a poor router
WiFi signal and return to the extender
b. Check the Client Link LED
• If the Client Link LED is solid green or amber
.
on the extender:
, your new extender WiFi network
reaches the area with a poor router WiFi signal and your network setup is
complete.
• If the Client Link LED is red, your new extender WiFi network does not reach the
area with a poor router WiFi signal.
You must move your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device closer to the
extender until the Client Link LED turns solid green or amber
.
Get Started
14
AC1200 WiF Range Extender
Connect an Ethernet-Enabled Device
After the extender is connected to your existing WiFi network, you can connect a wired
device to the extender using an Ethernet cable. The device can then access your existing
network through the extender’s WiFi connection.
Figure 4. Connect a device to the Ethernet LAN port
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 5. Extender in access point mode
To use the extender in access point mode:
1. Set the Access Point/Extender switch to Access Point.
2. Plug the extender into an electrical outlet and wait for the Power LED
to light green.
If the Power LED does not light, press the Power On/Off button on the side of the
extender
3. Use an Ethernet cable to connect the Ethernet port on the extender to a router Ethernet LAN
port or a remote Ethernet LAN jack with LAN access.
The extender joins the LAN and creates a WiFi hotspot.
.
Get Started
15
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