Netgear EX6200 User Guide

Download

Page 1

AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

Model EX6200

User Manual

January 2015

202-11298-05

350 East Plumeria Drive

San Jose, CA 95134

USA

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AC1200 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.

Phone (Other Countries): Check the list of phone numbers at http://support.netgear.com/general/contact/default.aspx.

Compliance

For regulatory compliance information, visit http://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory.

See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply.

Trademarks

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Chapter 1 Overview

Unpack Your Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Top Panel LEDs and Front Panel USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Rear Panel Ports, Buttons, Antennas, and Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Attach the Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Attach the Rubber Feet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Retrieve and Display the Product Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

When to Use Your Extender. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

How the Extender Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Support for the 801.11ac Networking Standard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Chapter 2 Get Started

How to Position the Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Connect the Extender to Your WiFi Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Connect the Extender with WPS to a WiFi Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Access the Extender over WiFi and Use Smart Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Access the Extender over Ethernet and Use Smart Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Chapter 3 Manage the Extender Network and Security Settings

Change the Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Set Up Password Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Connect the Extender to a WiFi Network Without Using Smart Setup. . . . . . . 39

Connect the Extender to a Hidden WiFi Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Use WPS to Add a Computer to the Extender’s WiFi Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Use WPS with the Push Button Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Use WPS with the PIN Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Manage the Extender WiFi Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Configure WPA, WPA2, or WPA + WPA2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Configure WEP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Change the Extender IP Address and Device Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Manage Advanced WiFi and WPS Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Manage a WiFi Access List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Set Up and Enable the Access List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Disable the Access List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Change a Device on the Access List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Remove a Device from the Access List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Set the Operating Mode to FastLane Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Run Smart Setup Again After Initial Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

Connect Ethernet-Enabled Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Chapter 4 Maintain and Monitor the Extender

Recover the admin Password. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Back Up and Manage the Extender Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Back Up the Configuration Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Restore the Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Return the Extender to Its Factory Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Use the Restore Factory Settings Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Erase the Extender Configuration Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Update the Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

View the Status and Traffic Statistics of the Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

View the Wired and WiFi Network Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Chapter 5 Share a USB Drive That Is Attached to the Extender

USB Drive Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Access a USB Drive on the Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Back Up Windows Computers with ReadySHARE Vault. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Back Up Mac Computers with Time Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Set Up a USB Hard Drive on a Mac. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Prepare to Back Up a Large Amount of Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Use Time Machine to Back Up onto a USB Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Control Access to the USB Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Use FTP Within the Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

View Network Folders on a USB Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Add a Network Folder on a USB Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Change a Network Folder on a USB Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Approve USB Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Safely Remove a USB Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Chapter 6 Use the Extender as a Media Server

Specify ReadyDLNA Media Server Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Play Media from a USB Drive on TiVo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Chapter 7 Share a USB Printer Through the Extender

Install the Printer Driver and Cable the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Download the ReadySHARE Printer Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Install the ReadySHARE Printer Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Use the Shared Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

View or Change the Status of a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Use the Scan Feature of a Multifunction USB Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Change NETGEAR USB Control Center Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

Chapter 8 FAQs and Troubleshooting

FAQs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

You Cannot Connect to the Extender. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

You Cannot Join a WiFi Network and Receive an Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Improve the Connection Between the Extender and the WiFi Router. . . . . . . 121

Appendix A Factory Settings and Technical Specifications

Factory Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Technical and Environmental Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

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1. Overview

This user manual is for the NETGEAR® AC1200 WiFi Range Extender, model EX6200, which is

referred to as the extender.

This chapter covers the following topics:

• Unpack Your Extender

• Top Panel LEDs and Front Panel USB Port

• Rear Panel Ports, Buttons, Antennas, and Connector

• Attach the Stand

• Attach the Rubber Feet

• Retrieve and Display the Product Label

• When to Use Your Extender

• How the Extender Works

• Support for the 801.11ac Networking Standard

Note: For more information about the topics covered in this manual, visit the

support website at support.netgear.com.

Note: Firmware updates with new features and bug fixes are made

available from time to time on products can regularly check the site and download new firmware, or you can check for and download new firmware manually. If the features or behavior of your product does not match what is described in this guide, you might need to update your firmware.

Note: In this manual, the terms wireless and WiFi are interchangeable.

downloadcenter.netgear.com. Some

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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

Unpack Your Extender

Your box contains the following items:

• AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

• Power adapter

• Snap-on stand

• Four rubber feet

• Installation guide

• Do More booklet

Top Panel LEDs and Front Panel USB Port

Use the LEDs during installation to find the best location for the extender or to monitor the extender performance. The following figure shows the extender in upright position, with the stand attached. (For information about attaching the stand, see Attach the Stand on page 10.)

2.4 GHz Link Rate LED 5 GHz Link Rate LED

Device to Extender LED

LAN LEDs (1 through 5)

USB LED

USB 3.0 port (on the front panel)

Figure 1. Top panel LEDs and front panel USB port

The following table describes the LEDs.

Overview

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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

Table 1. Front panel LEDs

LED Description

2.4 GHz Link Rate LED

5 GHz Link Rate LED

Green. router is optimum.

Note: If you press the WPS button on the rear panel of the extender, the LED

blinks green for two minutes.

Amber. router is good.

Note: This LED also lights amber during the startup process of the extender.

After about one minute, the LED lights green or turns off, depending on the WiFi connection between the extender and the WiFi network.

Red. is poor.

Off.

Green. is optimum.

Note: If you press the WPS button on the rear panel of the extender, the LED

blinks green for two minutes.

Amber. is good.

Note: This LED also lights amber during the startup process of the extender.

After about one minute, the LED lights green or turns off, depending on the WiFi connection between the extender and the WiFi network.

The 2.4 GHz WiFi connection between the extender and the WiFi

The 2.4 GHz WiFi connection between the extender and the WiFi router

The extender and the WiFi router do not have a 2.4 GHz WiFi connection.

The 5 GHz WiFi connection between the extender and the WiFi router

LAN LEDs (1 through 5)

Device to Extender LED

Red.

The 5 GHz WiFi connection between the extender and the WiFi router is

poor.

Off.

Off. No Ethernet device is connected to the LAN port.

Amber.

Off.

The extender and the WiFi router do not have a 5 GHz WiFi connection.

Green. An Ethernet device is connected to the LAN port.

Green. The extender is connected to a computer or WiFi device.

Note: If you press the WPS button on the rear panel of the extender, the LED

blinks green for two minutes.

The extender is starting or is applying WiFi settings. After about one

minute, the LED turns green. During the startup process, both Link Rate LEDs also light amber. After about

one minute, these LED light green or turn of connection between the extender and the WiFi network.

Note: The Device to Extender LED blinks amber during a firmware update.

The extender is not connected to a computer or WiFi device.

f, depending on the WiFi

Overview

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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

Table 1. Front panel LEDs

LED Description

USB LED Solid green. A USB device is connected to the USB port.

Off. No USB device is connected to the USB port.

Rear Panel Ports, Buttons, Antennas, and Connector

The following figure shows the ports, buttons, antennas, and connector on the rear panel of the extender.

Two preinstalled 5dBi antennas

Power connectorOn/Off button

WPS button

Figure 2. Rear panel

Ethernet LAN ports

Restore Factory Settings button

The antennas are preinstalled. In the unlikely situation that an antenna has loosened, you must tighten it. (A loose antenna could affect the performance of the extender.)

Overview

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 To tighten an antenna:

1. Straighten the antenna.

2. T

urn the antenna clockwise until tightened.

After you have tightened the antenna, you can change its position.

AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

Attach the Stand

If you prefer to place the extender in upright (vertical) position, attach the stand that comes with the extender.

Although the extender functions well in either horizontal or vertical position, a horizontal

position might give a better performance.

Figure 3. Attaching the stand

Overview

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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

 To attach the stand:

1. Place the stand on a flat surface.

2. Hold the extender in upright position with the left side of the extender pointing down. (The

left side has three rectangular openings.)

The top panel of the extender and the three vertical support posts of the stand must face the same direction.

3. Lower the extender onto the stand until the support posts of the stand snap into the

rectangular openings of the extender.

Attach the Rubber Feet

If you prefer to place the extender in horizontal position, you can attach the rubber feet that come with the extender.

Figure 4. Attaching the rubber feet

 To attach the rubber feet:

1. Place the extender upside down, with the red panel facing you.

bottom.)

2. In each corner

, attach a rubber foot in such a way that it covers the triangle.

Overview

(The red panel is the

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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

Retrieve and Display the Product Label

The product label that you can retrieve from the bottom panel of the extender contains the preset login information, serial number, security pin, MAC addresses of the radios, and other information.

 To retrieve the product label from the extender:

1. Place the extender upside down, with the red panel facing you.

(The red panel is the

bottom.)

2. Locate the label handle that has NETGEAR printed on it, and pull out the product label.

Label handle

Figure 5. Pulling out the product label

Preset login information

Figure 6. Product label

Serial number

Security pin

MAC address of the 2.4 GHz radio

MAC address of the 5 GHz radio

Overview

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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

When to Use Your Extender

NETGEAR recommends that you connect to the extender only when your existing home network connection is poor. Data traffic routed through the extender is inherently slower than traffic routed directly from the network.

NETGEAR recommends that you connect through the extender network only when the WiFi device is in a “dead zone” where connection from the existing network is poor or nonexistent.

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. The extender has two main jobs:

• The extender connects to a WiFi network that is up and running.

When the extender connects over WiFi to an existing network, it functions as a network client, similar to how a WiFi device connects to a network.

• The extender acts as an access point for WiFi devices.

The extender has its own WiFi network that WiFi 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.

WiFi Range Extender

Boosts the range of your existing WiFi and creates a stronger signal in hard-to-reach areas.

Figure 7. Range extender in a home

Existing WiFi

Sometimes your router does not provide the WiFi coverage you need.

Overview

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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

Support for the 801.11ac 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

http://www.netgear.com/landing/80211ac/.

Figure 8. Speed comparison between the 802.11n and 802.11ac standards

Overview

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2. Get Started

This chapter covers the following topics:

• How to Position the Extender

• Connect the Extender to Your WiFi Router

• Connect the Extender with WPS to a WiFi Network

• Access the Extender over WiFi and Use Smart Setup

• Access the Extender over Ethernet and Use Smart Setup

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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

How to Position the Extender

The ideal location to place the extender is halfway between your WiFi router and your WiFi device.

Figure 9. Range extender location

The best connection is established with a clear line of sight between the extender and the WiFi router and a clear line of sight between the extender and the WiFi device that you are using. If a thick wall or other materials block this straight path, move the extender to a different location halfway between the WiFi device and the WiFi router.

Depending on the location that you decide on, either place the extender horizontally or attach the stand and place the extender vertically horizontal or vertical position, a horizontal position might give a better performance.

When you make the initial connection between the extender and the WiFi router, place the extender close to the WiFi router extender and the WiFi router, move the extender to the location where you intend to use it. (You might need to unplug the extender, plug it in again at its new location, and restart it.) Use the Link Rate LEDs on the extender to choose the location where the connection between the extender and the WiFi router is optimal. These steps are described in detail in the sections that describe how to connect the extender to a WiFi network.

. After you have established a connection between the

. Although the extender functions well in either

Connect the Extender to Your WiFi Router

To connect the extender to your WiFi router and find the best location for the extender, use one of the following methods:

• WPS. Use the extender’s WPS button to establish a WiFi connection between the

extender and the WiFi router (see Connect the Extender with WPS to a WiFi Network). Use this method if your WiFi router supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS).

• W

iFi. Use a computer or WiFi device to join the extender’s default WiFi network, then

launch a web browser to set up the connection between the extender and a WiFi network (see Access the Extender over WiFi and Use Smart Setup). Use this method if your WiFi router does not support WPS.

• Ethernet. Use an Ethernet cable to connect a computer to the extender, then launch a

web browser to set up the connection between the extender and a WiFi network (see

Access the Extender over Ethernet and Use Smart Setup). Use this method if you have

difficulty establishing a WiFi connection to the extender.

Get Started

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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

Connect the Extender with WPS to a WiFi Network

The easiest way to connect the extender to a WiFi network is by using Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). For this method to be successful, your WiFi router must support WPS.

If your WiFi router does not support WPS, see one of the following sections:

• Access the Extender over WiFi and Use Smart Setup on page 19

• Access the Extender over Ethernet and Use Smart Setup on page 27

WPS lets you join a secure WiFi network without typing the network name and password. The WPS button is a physical button on the rear panel of the extender. might have a physical WPS button, a software WPS button, or both.

WPS does not support WEP network security. If you are using WEP security, follow the instructions in Access the Extender over WiFi and Use Smart Setup on page 19.

 To connect the extender with WPS to a WiFi router and find the best location for the

extender:

Your WiFi router

1. Place the extender close to the WiFi router.

Note: In a later step in this procedure, after you have established a connection

to the WiFi router, you can place the extender at its permanent location.

2. Plug the extender into an electrical outlet.

3. If necessary

, press the Power button.

The Device to Extender LED and the two Link Rate LEDs light amber during the startup process.

After about one minute, these LEDs turn off.

You are now ready to connect the extender to your WiFi router.

4. Press the WPS button on the rear panel of the extender.

Both Link Rate LEDs

and the Device to Extender LED blink green for two

minutes.

5. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your WiFi router.

After a few seconds, the extender connects to your existing WiFi network. Because you placed the extender close to the WiFi router

, the 2.4 GHz Link Rate LED on the extender

lights green, indicating a good connection between the WiFi router and the extender.

If the 2.4 GHz Link Rate LED does not light green, try Step 4 and Step 5 again. If it still does not light green, see Access the Extender over WiFi and Use Smart Setup.

6. If your WiFi router supports the 5 GHz band (not all routers do), and you want to extend that

band, repeat Step 4 and Step 5 and check that the 5 GHz Link Rate LED lights green to confirm the connection.

7. Now that the extender is connected to the WiFi router

, move it to a location where you can

boost your WiFi range.

The location you choose must be within the range of your existing WiFi router network.

Get Started

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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

8. Plug the extender into an electrical outlet at the new location and restart the extender.

Unless the extender is outside the range of your WiFi router, the extender connects automatically to the WiFi router

The Link Rate LEDs help you choose a spot where the extender-to-router connection is optimal. The following tables describe how the LEDs show the quality of the connection.

2.4 GHz LED Status LED Color Performance

Both the Link Rate LED and the Device to Extender LED are green.

The Link Rate LED is amber and the Device to Extender LED is green.

The Link Rate LED is red.

The Link Rate LED is off. The extender cannot function.

5 GHz LED Status LED Color Performance

Both the Link Rate LED and the Device to Extender LED are green.

The Link Rate LED is amber and the Device to Extender LED is green.

The Link Rate LED is red.

The Link Rate LED is off. The extender cannot function.

and The extender provides the best performance.

and The extender provides a workable performance.

The extender provides a poor performance.

and The extender provides the best performance.

and The extender provides a workable performance.

The extender provides a poor performance.

If the Link Rate LED is off, the extender cannot connect to the WiFi router. If the Link Rate LED is red, the extender has a poor connection to the WiFi router.

9. If the extender has no connection or a poor connection, move the extender closer to your

WiFi router and try again until the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Link Rate LED is green, or at least amber.

10. Use a WiFi network manager on the computer or mobile device to connect to the extender’

newly created WiFi network.

By default, the extender adds _2GEXT to the end of the 2.4 GHz network name and _5GEXT to the end of the 5 GHz network name, for example:

• Existing network name. MyNetworkName

• New extended 2.4 GHz network name. MyNetworkName_2GEXT

• New extended 5 GHz network name. MyNetworkName_5GEXT

11. Select the new network and use your WiFi router password to connect.

You are now using your extended WiFi network.

Get Started

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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

Note: If your computer or mobile device cannot join the new WiFi network of

the extender, see

Improve the Connection Between the Extender and

the WiFi Router on page 121.

Access the Extender over WiFi and Use Smart Setup

If your WiFi router does not support WPS, access the extender over WiFi and use the browser-based NETGEAR genie network.

The extender has a default NETGEAR_EXT WiFi network name (SSID) in the 2.4 GHz band so you can access it over WiFi. After you have used Smart Setup to connect the extender to an existing WiFi network, the extender changes its default NETGEAR_EXT network name to the name of the existing WiFi network and adds _2GEXT to the end of the 2.4 GHz network name and _5GEXT to the end of the 5 GHz network name, for example:

• Existing network name. MyNetworkName

• New extended 2.4 GHz network name. MyNetworkName_2GEXT

• New extended 5 GHz network name. MyNetworkName_5GEXT

Smart Setup to connect the extender to an existing WiFi

 To access the extender over WiFi and use Smart Setup to connect the extender to an

existing WiFi network:

1. Place the extender close to the WiFi router.

Note: In a later step in this procedure, after you have established a connection

to the WiFi router, you can place the extender at its permanent location.

2. Plug the extender into an electrical outlet.

3. If necessary, press the Power button.

The Device to Extender LED and the two Link Rate LEDs light amber during the startup process. After about one minute, these LEDs turn off.

4. Make sure that your computer or mobile device is not connected to an Ethernet network.

If the computer or mobile device is already connected to an Ethernet network, you might not be able to connect to the extender.

5. Open a WiFi network manager on your computer or mobile device to find and connect to the

default NETGEAR_EXT WiFi network of the extender.

Get Started

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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

You can use any WiFi network utility on a computer, tablet, or smartphone to find and connect to the NETGEAR_EXT WiFi network of the extender. The following figure shows an example of a WiFi network utility.

After the connection with the computer or mobile device is established, the Device to Extender LED

lights solid green.

6. Open a web browser window from the same computer or mobile device.

The browser takes you directly to the NETGEAR genie Smart Setup start screen.

Note: If you are not automatically directed to the NETGEAR genie Smart

Setup start screen, go to www.mywifiext.net, and enter admin for the user name and password for the password.

Smart Setup searches for existing WiFi networks automatically and displays the networks in the 2.4 GHz band.

Get Started

Page 21

AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

7. Select a 2.4 GHz WiFi network to extend, and click the Continue button.

8. Enter the security settings for the existing 2.4 GHz network:

• If the network uses WP

A-PSK, WPA2-PSK, or a combination of these options, do the

following:

a. In the Password (network key) field, type the network passphrase (also called

a password or network key).

b. Click the Continue button.

• If the network uses WEP

, do the following:

a. From the Encryption Strength menu, select the encryption strength (64 bit or

128 bit).

b. Select the radio button that corresponds to the key that you want to use (Key 1,

Key 2, Key 3, or Key 4).

c. Next to the selected radio button, enter the network WEP key

d. Click the Continue button.

Get Started

Page 22

AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

If Smart Setup detects any networks in the 5 GHz band, it displays them.

9. Select a 5 GHz WiFi network to extend, and click the Continue button.

Note: If your router does not support the 5 GHz band (not all routers do) or

you want to set up the 5 GHz extender network later, click the Skip button, and go to Step 11 on page 23.

10. Enter the security settings for the existing 5 GHz network:

• If the network uses WP

A-PSK, WPA2-PSK, or a combination of these options, do the

following:

a. In the Password (network key) field, type the network passphrase (also called

a password or network key).

b. Click the Continue button.

• If the network uses WEP

, do the following:

a. From the Encryption Strength menu, select the encryption strength (64 bit or

128 bit).

Get Started

Page 23

AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

b. Select the radio button that corresponds to the key that you want to use (Key 1,

Key 2, Key 3, or Key 4).

c. Next to the selected radio button, enter the network WEP key

d. Click the Continue button.

Smart Setup displays the network names and adds _2GEXT to the end of the 2.4 GHz network name and _5GEXT to the end of the 5 GHz network name.

11. Use the default extension names, or, in the Name (2.4GHz SSID) field, and, if you have set

up a 5 GHz network, in the Name (5GHz SSID) field, enter new network names for your extender WiFi networks, and click the Continue button.

Note: If you do not want to use the same security modes for your extender

networks as you use for your existing networks, clear the check box before you click the Continue button. You then can configure the security settings for the extender networks. However, you can also change the security settings later.

The extender applies the settings.

12. Wait a couple of minutes while the extender creates the WiFi networks.

Get Started

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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

When the extender is ready, Smart Setup summarizes the extender networks.

13. Use a WiFi network manager on the computer or mobile device to connect to the extender’s

newly created 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz WiFi network.

Note: Unless you entered a new network name in Step 11, the extender

changes its default NETGEAR_EXT network name to the name of the WiFi network to which you connected the extender and adds _2GEXT to the end of the 2.4 GHz network name and _5GEXT to the end of the 5 GHz network name.

Note: If your computer or mobile device cannot join the new WiFi network of

the extender, see Improve the Connection Between the Extender and

the WiFi Router on page 121.

14. Select the My wireless devices are connected to the Extender network check box, and

click the Continue button.

Get Started

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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

Smart Setup describes the color of the Link Rate LED on the front of the extender. Because you placed the extender close the WiFi router, the Link Rate LED is green.

15. Click the Finish button.

A pop-up screen displays.

16. T

o bookmark the URL of the extender, click the OK button.

17. If you are prompted to enter a user name and password, type admin for the user name and

password for the password.

The NETGEAR registration screen displays. You are now online.

18. T

o register the extender, enter your information in the fields onscreen, and click the

A message displays, congratulating you that you have extended your network.

19. Close your browser

20. Now that the extender is connected to the WiFi router and you can connect a computer or

mobile device to the extender’

s WiFi network, move it to a location where you can boost

your WiFi range.

The location you choose must be within the range of your existing WiFi router network.

21. Plug the extender into an electrical outlet at the new location and restart the extender.

Unless the extender is outside the range of your WiFi router, the extender connects automatically to the WiFi router

Get Started

Page 26

AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

The Link Rate LEDs help you choose a spot where the extender-to-router connection is optimal. The following tables describe how the LEDs show the quality of the connection.

2.4 GHz LED Status LED Color Performance

Both the Link Rate LED and the Device to Extender LED are green.

The Link Rate LED is amber and the Device to Extender LED is green.

The Link Rate LED is red.

The Link Rate LED is off. The extender cannot function.

5 GHz LED Status LED Color Performance

Both the Link Rate LED and the Device to Extender LED are green.

The Link Rate LED is amber and the Device to Extender LED is green.

The Link Rate LED is red.

The Link Rate LED is off. The extender cannot function.

and The extender provides the best performance.

and The extender provides a workable performance.

The extender provides a poor performance.

and The extender provides the best performance.

and The extender provides a workable performance.

The extender provides a poor performance.

If the Link Rate LED is off, the extender cannot connect to the WiFi router. If the Link Rate LED is red, the extender has a poor connection to the WiFi router.

22. If the extender has no connection or a poor connection, move the extender closer to your

WiFi router and try again until the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Link Rate LED is green, or at least amber.

23. Use a WiFi network manager on the computer or mobile device to reconnect to the

extender’

s WiFi network.

Note: Unless you entered a new network name in Step 11, the extender

24. Select the new network and use your WiFi router password to connect.

You are now using your extended WiFi network.

Get Started

Page 27

AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

Access the Extender over Ethernet and Use Smart Setup

If your WiFi router does not support WPS, you can use an Ethernet cable to connect your computer to one of the LAN ports of the extender. Then use the browser-based NETGEAR genie Smart Setup to connect the extender to an existing WiFi network.

After you have used Smart Setup to connect the extender to an existing WiFi network, the extender changes its default NETGEAR_EXT WiFi network name (SSID) in the 2.4 GHz band to the name of the existing WiFi network and adds _2GEXT to the end of the 2.4 GHz network name and _5GEXT to the end of the 5 GHz network name, for example:

• Existing network name. MyNetworkName

• New extended 2.4 GHz network name. MyNetworkName_2GEXT

• New extended 5 GHz network name. MyNetworkName_5GEXT

Note: After you have set up the extender, you can also connect

Ethernet-enabled devices such as gaming consoles and printers to the Ethernet LAN ports of the extender. For more information, see

Connect Ethernet-Enabled Devices on page 73.

 To access the extender from a computer over Ethernet and use Smart Setup to

connect the extender to an existing WiFi network:

1. Place the extender close to the WiFi router.

Note: In a later step in this procedure, after you have established a connection

to the WiFi router, you can place the extender at its permanent location.

2. Plug the extender into an electrical outlet.

3. If necessary, press the Power button.

The Device to Extender LED and the two Link Rate LEDs light amber during the startup process. After about one minute, these LEDs turn off.

4. Make sure that your computer is not connected to a WiFi network or Ethernet network.

If the computer is already connected to a WiFi network or Ethernet network, you might not be able to connect to the extender.

5. Connect your computer to the extender with an Ethernet cable.

Get Started

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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

You can use any of the five Ethernet LAN ports of the extender.

CAUTION:

Do not use an Ethernet cable to connect the extender to a WiFi router. If you do so, the extender does not work because it is designed to use only a WiFi connection to a WiFi router.

6. If you have trouble connecting, try the following:

ait a couple of minutes.

• W

If you start your computer, connect the Ethernet cable to the extender, and launch your browser quickly

, the computer might still need a couple of minutes to recognize

the Ethernet LAN connection before you can connect.

• Make sure that your Ethernet cable is securely connected to the extender and the

computer

, and that the extender Device to Extender Connection LED lights.

If the LED is not lit, reconnect the Ethernet cable, and relaunch your Internet browser.

7. Open a web browser window from the same computer

The browser takes you directly to the NETGEAR genie Smart Setup start screen.

Note: If you are not automatically directed to the NETGEAR genie Smart

Setup start screen, go to www.mywifiext.net, and enter admin for the user name and password for the password.

Get Started

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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

Smart Setup searches for existing WiFi networks automatically and displays the networks in the 2.4 GHz band.

8. Select a 2.4 GHz WiFi network to extend, and click the Continue button.

Get Started

Page 30

AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

9. Enter the security settings for the existing 2.4 GHz network:

• If the network uses WP

A-PSK, WPA2-PSK, or a combination of these options, do the

following:

a. In the Password (network key) field, type the network passphrase (also called

a password or network key).

b. Click the Continue button.

• If the network uses WEP

, do the following:

a. From the Encryption Strength menu, select the encryption strength (64 bit or

128 bit).

b. Select the radio button that corresponds to the key that you want to use (Key 1,

Key 2, Key 3, or Key 4).

c. Next to the selected radio button, enter the network WEP key

d. Click the Continue button.

If Smart Setup detects any networks in the 5 GHz band, it displays them.

10. Select a 5 GHz WiFi network to extend, and click the Continue button.

Note: If your router does not support the 5 GHz band (not all routers do) or

you want to set up the 5 GHz extender network later, click the Skip button, and go to Step 12 on page 32.

Get Started

Page 31

AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

11. Enter the security settings for the existing 5 GHz network:

• If the network uses WP

A-PSK, WPA2-PSK, or a combination of these options, do the

following:

a. In the Password (network key) field, type the network passphrase (also called

a password or network key).

b. Click the Continue button.

• If the network uses WEP

, do the following:

a. From the Encryption Strength menu, select the encryption strength (64 bit or

128 bit).

b. Select the radio button that corresponds to the key that you want to use (Key 1,

Key 2, Key 3, or Key 4).

c. Next to the selected radio button, enter the network WEP key

d. Click the Continue button.

Smart Setup displays the network names and adds _2GEXT to the end of the 2.4 GHz network name and _5GEXT to the end of the 5 GHz network name.

Get Started

Page 32

AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

12. Use the default extension names, or, in the Name (2.4GHz SSID) field, and, if you have set

up a 5 GHz network, in the Name (5GHz SSID) field, enter new network names for your extender WiFi networks, and click the Continue button.

Note: If you do not want to use the same security modes for your extender

The extender applies the settings.

13. Wait a couple of minutes while the extender creates the WiFi networks.

When the extender is ready, Smart Setup summarizes the extender networks.

14. Use a WiFi network manager on the computer or mobile device to connect to the extender’s

newly created 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz WiFi network.

Get Started

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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

Note: Unless you entered a new network name in Step 12, the extender

Note: If your computer or mobile device cannot join the new WiFi network of

the extender, see Improve the Connection Between the Extender and

the WiFi Router on page 121.

15. Select the My wireless devices are connected to the Extender network check box, and

click the Continue button.

Smart Setup describes the color of the Link Rate LED on the front of the extender. Because you placed the extender close the WiFi router

, the Link Rate LED is green.

16. Click the Finish button.

A pop-up screen displays.

17. T

o bookmark the URL of the extender, click the OK button.

18. If you are prompted to enter a user name and password, type admin for the user name and

password for the password.

The NETGEAR registration screen displays. You are now online.

19. T

o register the extender, enter your information in the fields onscreen, and click the

A message displays, congratulating you that you have extended your network.

20. Close your browser

21. Disconnect the Ethernet cable from the computer and the extender.

22. Now that the extender is connected to the WiFi router and you can connect a computer or

mobile device to the extender’

s WiFi network, move it to a location where you can boost

your WiFi range.

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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

The location you choose must be within the range of your existing WiFi router network.

23. Plug the extender into an electrical outlet at the new location and restart the extender.

Unless the extender is outside the range of your WiFi router, the extender connects automatically to the WiFi router

The Link Rate LEDs help you choose a spot where the extender-to-router connection is optimal. The following tables describe how the LEDs show the quality of the connection.

2.4 GHz LED Status LED Color Performance

Both the Link Rate LED and the Device to Extender LED are green.

The Link Rate LED is amber and the Device to Extender LED is green.

The Link Rate LED is red.

The Link Rate LED is off. The extender cannot function.

5 GHz LED Status LED Color Performance

Both the Link Rate LED and the Device to Extender LED are green.

The Link Rate LED is amber and the Device to Extender LED is green.

The Link Rate LED is red.

The Link Rate LED is off. The extender cannot function.

and The extender provides the best performance.

and The extender provides a workable performance.

The extender provides a poor performance.

and The extender provides the best performance.

and The extender provides a workable performance.

The extender provides a poor performance.

If the Link Rate LED is off, the extender cannot connect to the WiFi router. If the Link Rate LED is red, the extender has a poor connection to the WiFi router.

24. If the extender has no connection or a poor connection, move the extender closer to your

WiFi router and try again until the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Link Rate LED is green, or at least amber.

25. Use a WiFi network manager on the computer or mobile device to reconnect to the

extender’

s WiFi network.

Note: Unless you entered a new network name in Step 12, the extender

26. Select the new network and use your WiFi router password to connect.

You are now using your extended WiFi network.

Get Started

Page 35

3. Manage the Extender Network and

Security Settings

This chapter covers the following topics:

• Log In to the Extender After Initial Setup

• Change the Password

• Set Up Password Recovery

• Connect the Extender to a WiFi Network Without Using Smart Setup

• Connect the Extender to a Hidden WiFi Network

• Use WPS to Add a Computer to the Extender’s WiFi Network

• Manage the Extender WiFi Settings

• Change the Extender IP Address and Device Name

• Manage Advanced WiFi and WPS Settings

• Manage a WiFi Access List

• Set the Operating Mode to FastLane Technology

• Run Smart Setup Again After Initial Setup

• Connect Ethernet-Enabled Devices

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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

Log In to the Extender After Initial Setup

You can log in to the extender to view or change the extender’s settings.

If you connect to the extender before it has been set up, the browser automatically goes to http://www.mywifiext.net and displays the NETGEAR genie Smart Setup screens, which step you through the setup process. For more information, see

Use Smart Setup on page 19 or Access the Extender over Ethernet and Use Smart Setup on

page 27.

 To log in to the extender after initial setup:

1. On your computer, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft

Internet Explorer.

2. In the address field of your browser, enter www.mywifiext.net.

You are prompted to enter a user name and password.

3. Type admin for the user name and password for the password.

Access the Extender over WiFi and

Note: NETGEAR recommends that you set a more secure password after you

The Status screen displays (see the following figure). Menu selections display on the left. The Status screen shows the current settings for the extender. The firmware version displays below the language menu.

For more information about the Status screen, see View the Status and Traffic Statistics

of the Extender on page 81.

For information about upgrading firmware, see Update the Firmware on page 80.

4. To change your language, select a language from the menu in the top right of the screen.

By default, the language selection is Auto, which means that the extender uses the language that it detects from the browser that you use.

Manage the Extender Network and Security Settings

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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

Manage the Extender Network and Security Settings

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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

Change the Password

The user name to access the extender is admin, and its default password is password. NETGEAR strongly recommends that you set a more secure password.

 To change the password for the extender:

1. On your computer

Internet Explorer.

2. In the address field of your browser

You are prompted to enter a user name and password.

3. T

ype admin for the user name and password for the password.

If you already changed the password and want to change it again, type your personalized password.

4. Select Maintenance > Set Password.

5. Type the old password.

6. T

ype the new password twice.

7. Click the Apply button.

, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft

, enter www.mywifiext.net.

Your settings are saved.

Set Up Password Recovery

NETGEAR recommends that you enable password recovery if you change the password for the extender. Then you can recover the password if it is forgotten. This recovery process is supported in the Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Chrome browsers, but not in the Safari browser.

 To set up password recovery:

1. On your computer

Internet Explorer.

2. In the address field of your browser

, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft

, enter www.mywifiext.net.

Manage the Extender Network and Security Settings

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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

You are prompted to enter a user name and password.

3. T

ype 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. Select the Enable Password Recovery check box.

6. Select two security questions and provide answers to them.

7. Click the Apply button.

Your changes are saved.

Connect the Extender to a WiFi Network Without Using Smart Setup

If you want to change the extender connection to another WiFi network, you can do so without using NETGEAR genie Smart Setup.

Note: You cannot use the following procedure to change the network names

or security options for your extender WiFi networks. For information about how to change these settings, see Manage the Extender WiFi

Settings on page 49.

 To change the extender connection to another WiFi network without using Smart

Setup:

1. On your computer, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft

Internet Explorer.

2. In the address field of your browser

, enter www.mywifiext.net.

You are prompted to enter a user name and password.

3. T

ype admin for the user name and type your password.

Manage the Extender Network and Security Settings

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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password.

4. Select Settings > Connect to Existing Network.

The extender scans for existing WiFi networks and displays the networks in the 2.4 GHz band.

If your WiFi network is functioning but not on the list, your WiFi network might be hidden, or the connection between the WiFi router and the extender might be poor. For more information, see the following sections:

• Connect the Extender to a Hidden WiFi Network on page 43

• Improve the Connection Between the Extender and the WiFi Router on page 121

5. Select the radio button for the 2.4 GHz network to which you want to connect the extender,

and click the Continue button.

Manage the Extender Network and Security Settings

Page 41

AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

6. Enter the security settings for the existing 2.4 GHz network:

• If the network uses WP

A-PSK, WPA2-PSK, or a combination of these options, do the

following:

a. In the Password (network key) field, type the network passphrase (also called

a password or network key).

b. Click the Continue button.

• If the network uses WEP

, do the following:

a. From the Encryption Strength menu, select the encryption strength (64 bit or

128 bit).

b. Select the radio button that corresponds to the key that you want to use (Key 1,

Key 2, Key 3, or Key 4).

c. Next to the selected radio button, enter the network WEP key

d. Click the Continue button.

If the extender detects any networks in the 5 GHz band, it displays them.

• Connect the Extender to a Hidden WiFi Network on page 43

• Improve the Connection Between the Extender and the WiFi Router on page 121

7. Select the radio button for the 5 GHz network to which you want to connect the extender,

and click the Continue button.

Note: If your router does not support the 5 GHz band (not all routers do) or

you do not yet want to change the 5 GHz network to which the extender connects, click the Skip button, and go to Step 9 on page 71.

Manage the Extender Network and Security Settings

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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

8. Enter the security settings for the existing 5 GHz network:

• If the network uses WP

A-PSK, WPA2-PSK, or a combination of these options, do the

following:

a. In the Password (network key) field, type the network passphrase (also called

a password or network key).

b. Click the Continue button.

• If the network uses WEP

, do the following:

a. From the Encryption Strength menu, select the encryption strength (64 bit or

128 bit).

b. Select the radio button that corresponds to the key that you want to use (Key 1,

Key 2, Key 3, or Key 4).

c. Next to the selected radio button, enter the network WEP key

d. Click the Continue button.

9. W

ait about two minutes while the extender changes the WiFi network or networks.

10. Use a WiFi network manager on the computer or on a mobile device to reconnect to the

extender’s WiFi network.

Note: If your computer or mobile device cannot join the new WiFi network of

the extender, see You Cannot Join a WiFi Network and Receive an

Error Message on page 120.

11. Click the I have connected to the Extender network button.

The WiFi network settings for the extender are saved and the Status screen displays.

Manage the Extender Network and Security Settings

Page 43

AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

Connect the Extender to a Hidden WiFi Network

You can manually connect the extender to a hidden WiFi network without using NETGEAR genie Smart Setup.

Before you start the following procedure, you must know the name of the hidden WiFi network, the type of security that the network uses, and the key or passphrase to connect to the network.

Note: You cannot use the following procedure to change the network names or

security options for your extender WiFi networks. For information about how to change these settings, see Manage the Extender WiFi Settings on page 49.

 To connect the extender to a hidden WiFi network without using Smart Setup:

1. On your computer

Internet Explorer.

2. In the address field of your browser

You are prompted to enter a user name and password.

3. T

ype admin for the user name and type your password.

If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password.

4. Select Settings > Connect to Existing Network.

The extender scans for existing WiFi networks and displays the networks in the 2.4 GHz band.

, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft

, enter www.mywifiext.net.

Manage the Extender Network and Security Settings

Page 44

AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

5. Select the Manually input my wireless SSID radio button, and click the Continue button.

The screen adjusts.

6. In the Name (SSID) field, enter the name of the 2.4 GHz network to which you want to

connect the extender.

7. From the Security menu, select the security setting for the 2.4 GHz network.

The screen adjusts.

8. Enter the security settings for the 2.4 GHz network:

• If the network uses WP

A-PSK, WPA2-PSK, or a combination of these options, do the

following:

a. In the Password (network key) field, type the network passphrase (also called

a password or network key).

b. Click the Continue button.

• If the network uses WEP

, do the following:

a. From the Encryption Strength menu, select the encryption strength (64 bit or

128 bit).

b. Select the radio button that corresponds to the key that you want to use (Key 1,

Key 2, Key 3, or Key 4).

c. Next to the selected radio button, enter the network WEP key

d. Click the Continue button.

If the extender detects any networks in the 5 GHz band, it displays them.

9. Select the Manually input my wireless SSID radio button, and click the Continue button.

Manage the Extender Network and Security Settings

Page 45

AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

Note: If your router does not support the 5 GHz band (not all routers do) or

you do not want to connect the extender to a hidden 5 GHz network, click the Skip button, and go to Step 13 on page 46.

The screen adjusts.

10. In the Name (SSID) field, enter the name of the 5 GHz network to which you want to

connect the extender.

11. From the Security menu, select the security setting for the 5 GHz network.

The screen adjusts.

12. Enter the security settings for the 5 GHz network:

• If the network uses WP

A-PSK, WPA2-PSK, or a combination of these options, do the

following:

a. In the Password (network key) field, type the network passphrase (also called

a password or network key).

b. Click the Continue button.

• If the network uses WEP

, do the following:

a. From the Encryption Strength menu, select the encryption strength (64 bit or

128 bit).

b. Select the radio button that corresponds to the key that you want to use (Key 1,

Key 2, Key 3, or Key 4).

c. Next to the selected radio button, enter the network WEP key

d. Click the Continue button.

Manage the Extender Network and Security Settings

Page 46

AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

13. Wait about two minutes while the extender connects to the hidden WiFi network or networks.

14. Use a WiFi network manager on the computer or on a mobile device to reconnect to the

extender’s WiFi network.

Note: If your computer or mobile device cannot join the new WiFi network of

the extender, see You Cannot Join a WiFi Network and Receive an

Error Message on page 120.

15. Click the I have connected to the Extender network button.

The WiFi network settings for the extender are saved and the Status screen displays.

Use WPS to Add a Computer to the Extender’s WiFi Network

WPS (Wi-Fi 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 have a physical push button or a software push button. If you use the PIN method, you must know the PIN of the WiFi device that you are trying to connect.

WPS supports WPA and WPA2 WiFi security. If your extender network is open (no WiFi security is set), connecting with WPS automatically sets WP extender network and generates a random passphrase. You can view this passphrase on the Wireless Settings screen (for more information, see Manage the Extender WiFi Settings on page 49).

A + WPA2 WiFi security on the

Note: For information about using WPS to connect the extender to a WiFi

network during setup, see Connect the Extender with WPS to a WiFi

Network on page 17.

Manage the Extender Network and Security Settings

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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

Use WPS with the Push Button Method

To use the Push Button method to connect a WiFi device to the extender’s WiFi network, the WiFi device that you are trying to connect must have a physical push button or a software push button.

 To let a WiFi device join the extender’s WiFi network using WPS with the Push Button

method:

1. On your computer

, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft

Internet Explorer.

2. In the address field of your browser

, enter www.mywifiext.net.

You are prompted to enter a user name and password.

3. T

ype admin for the user name and type your password.

If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password.

4. Select Add WPS Client.

The screen displays a description of the WPS method.

5. Click the Next button.

By default, the Push Button (recommended) radio button is selected.

6. Either click the

button onscreen or press the WPS button on the rear panel of the

extender.

Both Link Rate LEDs and the Device to Extender LED blink green for two minutes.

For two minutes, the extender attempts to find the WiFi device (that is, the client) that you want to join the extender’s WiFi network.

7. Within two minutes, go to the WiFi device and press its WPS button (to join the extender’s

WiFi network without entering a password.

8. T

o verify that the WiFi device is connected to the extender’s WiFi network, select

Maintenance > Attached Devices.

The WiFi device displays onscreen.

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Use WPS with the PIN Method

To use the PIN method to connect a WiFi device to the extender’s WiFi network, you must know the PIN of the WiFi device that you are trying to connect.

 To let a WiFi device join the extender’s WiFi network using WPS with the PIN method:

1. On your computer

, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft

Internet Explorer.

2. In the address field of your browser

, enter www.mywifiext.net.

You are prompted to enter a user name and password.

3. T

ype admin for the user name and type your password.

If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password.

4. Select Add WPS Client.

The screen displays a description of the WPS method.

5. Click the Next button.

On the screen that displays, the Push Button (recommended) radio button is selected by default.

6. Select the PIN Number radio button.

7. In the Enter Client's PIN field, enter the PIN number of the WiFi device.

8. Click the Next button.

For four minutes, the extender attempts to find the WiFi device (that is, the client) that you want to join the extender’

s WiFi network.

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

without entering a password.

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10. To verify that the WiFi device is connected to the extender’s WiFi network, select

Maintenance > Attached Devices.

The WiFi device displays onscreen.

Manage the Extender WiFi Settings

You can change the network name (SSID) for the extender’s network and set up WiFi security. If you did not change these settings already during initial setup, the network name is NETGEAR_EXT, and the network is open (no WiFi security is set up).

Note: Although the WiFi security of the extender’s network can be different

from the WiFi security of the network that the extender is connected to, you typically would select the same type of WiFi security for both networks.

In some regions, not all channels are available. Do not change the channel unless you experience interference (shown by lost connections or slow data transfers). If this happens, experiment with different channels to see which is the best.

When you use more than one WiFi router or access point, it is better if adjacent routers or access points use different channels to reduce interference. NETGEAR recommends a channel spacing of four channels between adjacent routers or access points (for example, use Channels 1 and 5, or 6 and 10).

Note: You can change the channel only if you have enabled FastLane

Technology. For more information, see

FastLane Technology on page 67). In normal operating mode (also

referred to as Internet Surfing mode), you cannot change the channel.

Note: You can change the wireless mode in one radio band only if the

extender is connected to the WiFi router in the other radio band. For example, you can change the wireless mode in the 2.4 GHz band only if the extender is connected to the WiFi router in the 5 GHz band. If the extender is connected to the WiFi router in the 2.4 GHz band, you cannot change the wireless mode in the 2.4 GHz band because the extender adapts the wireless mode that the WiFi router functions in.

Set the Operating Mode to

 To change the WiFi settings for the extender’s network:

1. On your computer, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft

Internet Explorer.

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2. In the address field of your browser, enter www.mywifiext.net.

You are prompted to enter a user name and password.

3. T

ype admin for the user name and type your password.

If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password.

4. Select Setting > W

ireless.

5. Change the WiFi settings as described in the following table:

Setting Description

Region Selection

Region From the Region menu, select the region in which you operate the extender.

Note: If you purchased the extender in the United States or Canada, the selection

from the Region menu is North America. You cannot change this selection.

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Setting Description

Ethernet ports to WiFi use the following band

My EX6200 wireless network (2.4GHz)

Name (SSID) In the Name (SSID) field, type a new name or use the name that the extender

Channel From the Channel menu, select Auto for automatic channel selection, or select

Specify if the Gigabit Ethernet ports on the rear panel of the extender connect to the 2.4

GHz band or the 5 GHz band by selecting one of the following radio buttons:

• 2.4GHz. The Gigabit Ethernet ports connect to the 2.4 GHz WiFi band. This is

the default setting.

• 5GHz. The Gigabit Ethernet ports connect to the 5 GHz WiFi band.

assigns by default:

• Existing network name. MyNetworkName

• New extended 2.4 GHz network name. MyNetworkName_2GEXT

If more than one extender operates in your neighborhood, changing the SSID makes it easier to identify the extenders.

an individual channel.

Note: You can change the channel only if you have enabled FastLane

Technology. For more information, see Set the Operating Mode to FastLane

Technology on page 67.

Note: In some regions, not all channels are available. Do not change the channel

unless you experience interference (shown by lost connections or slow data transfers). If this happens, experiment with different channels to see which is the best.

Wireless mode From the Wireless mode menu, select one of the following modes:

• Up to 54 Mbps. Legacy mode. This mode allows 802.11n, 802.11g, and

802.11b devices to join the network, but limits 802.11n devices to function at up to 54

Mbps. If your network security is WEP, you must use the Up to

Mbps mode.

• Up to 145 Mbps. Neighbor friendly mode for reduced interference with

neighboring wireless networks. This mode allows 802.11n, 802.11g, and

802.11b devices to join the network, but limits 802.11n devices to function at up to 145

Mbps. This mode is the default mode in the 2.4 GHz band.

• Up to 300 Mbps. Performance mode. This mode allows 802.11n, 802.11g,

and 802.11b devices to join the network, and allows 802.11n devices to function at up to 300

Note: You can change the wireless mode in the 2.4 GHz band only if the extender

is connected to the WiFi router in the 5 GHz band. If the extender is connected to the WiFi router in the 2.4 GHz band, the extender adapts the wireless mode that the WiFi router functions in and the Wireless mode menu is disabled.

Note: WPA-PSK security supports speeds of up to 54 Mbps. Even if your devices

are capable of a higher speed, WPA-PSK security limits their speed to 54 Mbps.

Mbps.

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Setting Description

Security Options (2.4GHz)

Select the type of WiFi security that you want to use for the extender’s 2.4 GHz WiFi network:

• None. An open WiFi network that does not provide any security. Any WiFi device can join the network.

• WEP. WEP is an older standard, and is less secure than WPA or WPA2. WEP limits the wireless mode

to Up to 54 Mbps. WEP uses encryption keys and data encryption for data security. Select 64-bit or 128-bit encryption and enter a key. To join the extender’s WiFi network, a user must enter the key. For more information, see

• WPA-PSK [TKIP]. WPA is more secure than WEP. Enter a passphrase. For more information, see

Configure WPA, WPA2, or WPA + WPA2 on page 54.

• WPA2-PSK [AES]. WPA2 is even more secure than WEP, but some older WiFi devices do not detect

WPA2. Enter a passphrase. To join the extender’s WiFi network, a user must enter the passphrase. For more information, see

• WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PASK [AES]. When your network includes WiFi devices that support either

WPA or WPA2, select WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PASK [AES] security. Enter a passphrase. To join the extender’s WiFi network, a user must enter the passphrase. For more information, see

WPA2, or WPA + WPA2 on page 54.

Configure WEP on page 55.

Configure WPA, WPA2, or WPA + WPA2 on page 54.

Configure WPA,

My EX6200 wireless network (5GHz)

Name (SSID) In the Name (SSID) field, type a new name or use the name that the extender

assigns by default:

• Existing network name. MyNetworkName

• New extended 5 GHz network name. MyNetworkName_5GEXT

If more than one extender operates in your neighborhood, changing the SSID makes it easier to identify the extenders.

Channel From the Channel menu, select Auto for automatic channel selection, or select

an individual channel.

Note: You can change the channel only if you have enabled FastLane

Technology. For more information, see Set the Operating Mode to FastLane

Technology on page 67.

Note: In some regions, not all channels are available. Do not change the channel

unless you experience interference (shown by lost connections or slow data transfers). If this happens, experiment with different channels to see which is the best.

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Setting Description

Wireless mode From the Wireless mode menu, select one of the following modes:

• Up to 54 Mbps. Legacy mode. This mode allows 802.11ac, 802.11an, and

802.11a devices to join the network, but limits 802.11ac and 802.11n devices to function at up to 54 the Up to 54 Mbps mode.

• Up to 174 Mbps. Neighbor friendly mode for reduced interference with

neighboring wireless networks. This mode allows 802.11ac, 802.11an, and

802.11a devices to join the network, limits 802.11ac to function at up to 174

Mbps, and limits 802.11an devices to function at up to 150 Mbps.

• Up to 400 Mbps. Performance mode for networks with many 802.11n

devices. This mode has a bandwidth of 40 MHz, allows 802.11ac, 802.11an, and 802.11a devices to join the network, limits 802.11ac to function at up to 400 Mbps, and allows 802.11an devices to function at up to 300

• Up to 867 Mbps. Performance mode for networks with many 802.11ac

devices. This mode has a bandwidth of 80 MHz, allows 802.11ac, 802.11an, and 802.11a devices to join the network, allows 802.11ac devices to function at up to 867 Mbps, and allows 802.11an devices to function at up to 300

Mbps. This mode is the default mode in the 5 GHz band.

Mbps. If your network security is WEP, you must use

Mbps.

Note: You can change the wireless mode in the 5 GHz band only if the extender

is connected to the WiFi router in the 2.4 GHz band. If the extender is connected to the WiFi router in the 5 GHz band, the extender adapts the wireless mode that the WiFi router functions in and the Wireless mode menu is disabled.

Note: WPA-PSK security supports speeds of up to 54 Mbps. Even if your devices

are capable of a higher speed, WPA-PSK security limits their speed to 54 Mbps.

Security Options (5GHz)

Select the type of WiFi security that you want to use for the extender’s 5 GHz WiFi network:

• None. An open WiFi network that does not provide any security. Any WiFi device can join the network.

• WEP. WEP is an older standard, and is less secure than WPA or WPA2. WEP limits the wireless mode

• WPA-PSK [TKIP]. WPA is more secure than WEP. Enter a passphrase. For more information, see

Configure WPA, WPA2, or WPA + WPA2 on page 54.

• WPA2-PSK [AES]. WPA2 is even more secure than WEP, but some older WiFi devices do not detect

WPA2. Enter a passphrase. To join the extender’s WiFi network, a user must enter the passphrase. For more information, see

• WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PASK [AES]. When your network includes WiFi devices that support either

WPA or WPA2, select WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PASK [AES] security. Enter a passphrase. To join the extender’s WiFi network, a user must enter the passphrase. For more information, see

WPA, WPA2, or WPA + WPA2 on page 54.

Configure WEP on page 55.

Configure WPA, WPA2, or WPA + WPA2 on page 54.

Configure

CAUTION:

If you use a WiFi device to change the extender’s WiFi settings, you are disconnected when you click the Apply button. To reconnect, you must select the new network name that you created, and enter the passphrase or WiFi security key that you set up.

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6. Click the Apply button.

The extender applies your settings, which might take up to one minute.

7. If you are disconnected, reconnect your WiFi device to the extender’s network with its new

settings.

Use a WiFi network manager on the computer or on a mobile device to reconnect to the extender’s WiFi network.

Note: If your computer or mobile device cannot join the new WiFi network of

the extender, see

You Cannot Join a WiFi Network and Receive an

Error Message on page 120.

8. Click the I have connected to the Extender network button.

The WiFi network settings for the extender are saved and the Status screen displays.

Configure WPA, WPA2, or WPA + WPA2

Both WPA and WPA2 provide strong data security. WPA2 with AES is a hardware implementation. If you want to use WPA2 security, make sure that all devices in your WiFi network support WPA2 security. If you are not sure, use WPA + WPA2 security.

Note: WPA-PSK security supports speeds of up to 54 Mbps. Even if your

devices are capable of a higher speed, WPA-PSK security limits their speed to 54 Mbps. NETGEAR recommends that you use WPA2-PSK security, which supports the maximum speed that your devices are capable of.

The process to configure WPA, WPA2, or WPA + WPA2 security is the same for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

 To configure WPA, WPA2, or WPA + WPA2 in the extender:

1. On your computer, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft

Internet Explorer.

2. In the address field of your browser, enter www.mywifiext.net.

You are prompted to enter a user name and password.

3. Type admin for the user name and type your password.

If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password.

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4. Select Settings > Wireless.

AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

5. Scroll down to either the Security Options (2.4GHz) section (shown in the previous figure) or

the Security Options (5GHz) section, and select the WPA-PSK [TKIP], WPA2-PSK [AES], or WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK [AES] radio button.

6. I

n the PassPhrase field, enter the passphrase.

7. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

8. If you are disconnected, reconnect your WiFi device to the extender’

settings.

Smart Setup can guide you through this process. For more information, see Run Smart

Setup Again After Initial Setup on page 69.

s network with its new

Configure WEP

WEP is legacy WiFi security that limits the wireless mode to the Up to 54 Mbps selection, irrespective of whether you use the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz band. Unless your WiFi network includes devices that do not support WPA2 or WPA security, NETGEAR recommends that you use WPA2, WPA, or WPA + WPA2 security.

Note: WPS does not support WEP security. If you change the security to

WEP, you can no longer let WiFi devices join the extender’s WiFi network by using WPS.

The process to configure WEP security is the same for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

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 To set up WEP:

1. On your computer, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft

Internet Explorer.

2. In the address field of your browser

, enter www.mywifiext.net.

You are prompted to enter a user name and password.

3. T

ype admin for the user name and type your password.

If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password.

4. Select Settings > W

ireless.

5. Scroll down to either the Security Options (2.4GHz) section (shown in the following figure) or

the Security Options (5GHz) section, and select the WEP radio button.

6. From the Encryption Strength menu, select the encryption strength setting:

• 64 bit. Requires an encryption key of 10 hexadecimal digits (any combination of 0–9,

a–f, or

A–F) or a string of five characters.

• 128 bit. Requires an encryption key of 26 hexadecimal digits (any combination of

0–9, a–f, or

A–F) or a string of 13 characters.

7. Specify the active key by selecting the Key 1, Key2, Key3, or Key 4 radio button.

Only one key can be the active key.

8. Enter a key next to the selected radio button.

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The size of the key depends on your selection from the Encryption Strength menu (64

bit or 128 bit). The key values are not case-sensitive.

9. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

10. If you are disconnected, reconnect your WiFi device to the extender’s network with its new

settings.

Smart Setup can guide you through this process. For more information, see Run Smart

Setup Again After Initial Setup on page 69.

Change the Extender IP Address and Device Name

By default, the extender receives its IP address automatically from the WiFi router to which it connects. If the WiFi router does not have a DHCP server or its DHCP server is disabled, you can assign a static IP address to the extender.

Before you assign a static IP address, you must know the IP address range, subnet mask, gateway IP address, and primary DNS server of your network.

CAUTION:

NETGEAR recommends that you change the IP address of the extender only if you are technically experienced or have a technically experienced person to help you. Incorrect configuration can prevent you from connecting to the extender and might require you to reset the extender to factory default settings.

You can also change the extender device name, which is the name by which the extender is known in the network.

 To change the IP address of the extender to a static IP address and specify a new

device name:

1. On your computer, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft

Internet Explorer.

2. In the address field of your browser, enter www.mywifiext.net.

You are prompted to enter a user name and password.

3. Type admin for the user name and type your password.

If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password.

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4. Select extender Settings > IP Address.

5. To change the name, type a name in the Device Name field.

By default, the device name is EX6200.

6. Select the Use Static IP

7. Specify the static IP address settings:

• IP Address. The static IP address to be assigned to the extender.

• IP Subnet Mask.

• Gateway IP

• Primary DNS.

8. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved, and you are disconnected from the extender.

9. T

o continue to configure the extender, reconnect to the extender using the new IP address.

Address. The IP address for the gateway for your WiFi network.

Address radio button.

The subnet mask associated with the IP address.

The primary domain name server (DNS) for your WiFi network.

Manage Advanced WiFi and WPS Settings

The extender is already configured with the optimum settings. Do not change the advanced settings unless directed by NETGEAR support. Incorrect settings might disable the extender unexpectedly.

 To view or change the advanced WiFi and WPS settings:

1. On your computer

Internet Explorer.

2. In the address field of your browser

, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft

, enter www.mywifiext.net.

You are prompted to enter a user name and password.

3. T

ype admin for the user name and type your password.

If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password.

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4. Select Advanced > Wireless Settings.

5. View or change the following settings as described in the following table:

Setting Description

Advanced Wireless Settings

Enable Wireless Access Point (2.4GHz)

Enable SSID Broadcast (2.4GHz)

Enable Wireless Access Point (5GHz)

Enable SSID Broadcast (5GHz)

By default, the extender functions as a WiFi access point in the 2.4 GHz band. Clear the Enable W prevent WiFi devices from connecting to the extender in the 2.4 GHz band. LAN devices can still connect to the extender over an Ethernet cable.

By default, the extender broadcasts its WiFi network name (SSID) for the 2.4 GHz band. Clear the Enable SSID Broadcast (2.4GHz) check box only to hide the network name of the extender in the 2.4 GHz band. In such a situation, the network name of the extender does not display in a WiFi network manager who wants to join the hidden WiFi network of the extender must know its network name.

By default, the extender functions as a WiFi access point in the 5 GHz band. Clear the Enable W WiFi devices from connecting to the extender in the 5 GHz band. LAN devices can still connect to the extender over an Ethernet cable.

By default, the extender broadcasts its WiFi network name (SSID) for the 5 GHz band. Clear the Enable SSID Broadcast (5GHz) check box only to hide the network name of the extender in the 5 GHz band. In such a situation, the network name of the extender does not display in a WiFi network manager wants to join the hidden WiFi network of the extender must know its network name.

ireless Access Point (2.4GHz) check box only if you want to

. A user

ireless Access Point (5GHz) check box only if you want to prevent

. A user who

WPS Settings

Extender’s PIN This is a fixed field that shows the extender’s PIN.

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Setting Description

Enable Device’s PIN By default, the Enable Device's PIN check box is selected and the extender’s PIN

is enabled. For enhanced security, you can disable the extender’s PIN by clearing the Enable Device's PIN check box. However, when you disable the extender’s PIN, WPS is not disabled because you can still use the physical WPS button.

Note: The PIN function might temporarily be disabled when the extender detects

suspicious attempts to break into the extender’s WiFi settings by using the extender’s PIN through WPS.

Prevent PIN compromise

Keep Existing Wireless Settings (2.4GHz b/g/n)

Keep Existing Wireless Settings (5GHz a/n/ac)

By default, automatic disabling of the PIN is turned on, and the PIN is disabled after three failed PIN connections. In this situation, the WPS LED blinks slowly. When you restart the extender, the PIN is reenabled.

To turn off automatic disabling of the PIN, clear the check box below the Enable Device’s PIN check box. You can change this setting only when the PIN is enabled.

To change the number of times that a PIN connection is allowed to fail, enter a number in the field. You can change this number only when the PIN is enabled.

By default, the settings on the Wireless Settings screen remain the same when you use WPS to establish a WiFi connection in the 2.4 GHz band. Clear the Keep Existing Wireless Settings (2.4GHz b/g/n) check box only if you want to allow the WPS process to change the SSID and passphrase for access in the 2.4

GHz band on the Wireless Settings screen.

By default, the settings on the Wireless Settings screen remain the same when you use WPS to establish a WiFi connection in the 5 GHz band. Clear the Keep Existing Wireless Settings (5GHz a/n/ac) check box only if you want to allow the WPS process to change the SSID and passphrase for access in the 5

GHz band on the Wireless Settings screen.

Note: If you clear a Keep Existing Wireless Settings check box and use

WPS to add a computer or WiFi device to the extender’s network, the SSID and passphrase are automatically generated and other devices that are already connected to the extender’s network might be disconnected. You can view the SSID and passphrase on the Wireless Settings screen (see

Manage the Extender WiFi Settings on page 49).

NETGEAR recommends that you keep the Keep Existing Wireless Settings check boxes selected.

6. Click the Apply button.

Your changes are saved.

Manage a WiFi Access List

By default, any WiFi device that is configured with the correct network name (SSID) can access the WiFi network of the extender. For increased security, you can restrict access to the WiFi network of the extender to allow only specific WiFi devices based on their MAC addresses. Devices that are not on the access list cannot join the WiFi network of the extender.

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Each network device has a MAC address, which is a unique 12-character physical address, containing the hexadecimal characters 0–9, a–f, or A–F only, and separated by colons (for example, 00:09:AB:CD:EF:01). Typically, the MAC address is on the label of the WiFi device. If you do not have access to the label, you can display the MAC address using the network configuration utilities of the computer. You might also find the MAC addresses on the Network Devices screen (see View the Wired and WiFi Network Devices on page 85).

CAUTION:

If you use a WiFi device to set up the access list, add your WiFi device to the access list. Otherwise, you are disconnected when you click the Apply button. To avoid this situation, use a computer with a wired connection to access the extender.

Set Up and Enable the Access List

Before you can enable the access list, you must add the MAC addresses of the WiFi devices that you want to grant access to the WiFi network of the extender.

 To set up and enable the access list:

1. On your computer

, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft

Internet Explorer.

2. In the address field of your browser

You are prompted to enter a user name and password.

3. T

ype admin for the user name and type your password.

If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password.

4. Select Advanced > W

ireless Settings.

, enter www.mywifiext.net.

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5. Click the Setup Access List button.

If you have not yet added any WiFi devices, the Wireless Card Access List is empty.

6. Click the Add button.

The Available Wireless Cards table displays the name and MAC address of WiFi devices that are connected to the extender.

7. Select a device by one of the following methods:

• Select a device from the table by selecting its associated radio button.

The Device Name and MAC Address fields are automatically populated.

• Enter a device name and MAC address manually:

a. In the Device Name field, type a name for the WiFi device.

b. In the MAC Address field, type the MAC address of the WiFi device.

8. Click the Apply button.

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The WiFi device is added to the Wireless Card Access List.

9. To add more WiFi devices, repeat Step 6 through Step 8.

10. Select the T

urn Access Control On check box.

CAUTION:

If you use a WiFi device to set up the access list, add your WiFi device to the access list. Otherwise, you are disconnected when you click the Apply button.

11. Click the Apply button.

Now only WiFi devices that are in the Wireless Card Access List can access the WiFi network of the extender.

Disable the Access List

If you decide that you no longer need an access list on the extender, you can disable the access list.

 To disable the access list:

1. On your computer

Internet Explorer.

2. In the address field of your browser

You are prompted to enter a user name and password.

3. T

ype admin for the user name and type your password.

If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password.

, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft

, enter www.mywifiext.net.

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4. Select Advanced > Wireless Settings.

5. Click the Setup Access List button.

6. Clear the Turn Access Control On check box.

7. Click the Apply button.

Now any WiFi device can access the WiFi network of the extender.

Change a Device on the Access List

You can change the name or MAC address of a device on the access list.

 To change a WiFi device on the access list:

1. On your computer

Internet Explorer.

2. In the address field of your browser

You are prompted to enter a user name and password.

3. T

ype admin for the user name and type your password.

If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password.

, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft

, enter www.mywifiext.net.

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4. Select Advanced > Wireless Settings.

5. Click the Setup Access List button.

6. Select the radio button to the left of the device that you want to change.

7. Click the Edit button.

8. Change the name of the device or the MAC address.

9. Click the Apply button.

The changed settings display in Wireless Card Access List.

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Remove a Device from the Access List

If you no longer want to grant a device access to the WiFi network of the extender, you can remove the device from the access list.

 To remove a WiFi device from the access list:

1. On your computer

, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft

Internet Explorer.

2. In the address field of your browser

, enter www.mywifiext.net.

You are prompted to enter a user name and password.

3. T

ype admin for the user name and type your password.

If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password.

4. Select Advanced > W

ireless Settings.

5. Click the Setup Access List button.

6. Select the radio button to the left of the device that you want to remove.

7. Click the Delete button.

The device is removed from the Wireless Card Access List.

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Set the Operating Mode to FastLane Technology

The normal operating mode of the extender (also referred to as Internet Surfing mode) is to allow devices on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands to connect at the same time. This mode extends both WiFi bands at the same time, but reduces the WiFi performance.

FastLane Technology offers maximum WiFi performance. It provides high-speed WiFi with a dedicated band connecting the extender and the WiFi device, and a second band connecting the extender and the WiFi router. FastLane Technology is ideal for HD gaming and HD video streaming.

Note: 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.

When you enable FastLane Technology, you have two options:

• Use the 2.4 GHz band to connect the extender to the WiFi devices and use the 5 GHz

band to connect the extender to the WiFi router. Use this mode if your WiFi router supports the 5 support the 2.4 GHz band.

GHz band but the devices that you want to use for gaming and streaming

• Use the 5 GHz band to connect the extender to the WiFi devices and use the 2.4 GHz

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

 To enable FastLane Technology:

1. On your computer, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft

Internet Explorer.

2. In the address field of your browser, enter www.mywifiext.net.

You are prompted to enter a user name and password.

3. Type admin for the user name and type your password.

If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password.

GHz band.

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4. Select Advanced > Operating Mode.

5. By default, the Internet Surfing radio button is selected.

6. Select the FastLane T

7. Select the FastLane

echnology radio button.

Technology option that you want to enable by selecting one of the

following radio buttons:

• Device-to-extender in 5GHz only and extender-to-router in 2.4GHz only.

Your WiFi devices must support the 5 GHz band.

• Device-to-extender in 2.4GHz only and extender-to-router in 5GHz only (Router

must support 5GHz band).

Your WiFi router must support the 5 GHz band. This option is enabled by default.

8. Click Apply.

Your settings are saved.

9. If you are disconnected, reconnect your WiFi device to the extender’

s network with its new

settings.

For example, if you were connected to the extender’s network in the 2.4 GHz band, you now might have to connect in the 5 GHz band, or the other way around.

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Run Smart Setup Again After Initial Setup

There might be situations in which you want to run NETGEAR genie Smart Setup again after the initial setup.

 To run Smart Setup again:

1. On your computer

Internet Explorer.

2. In the address field of your browser

You are prompted to enter a user name and password.

3. T

ype admin for the user name and type your password.

If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password.

4. Select Smart Setup.

Smart Setup searches for existing WiFi networks automatically and displays the networks in the 2.4 GHz band.

, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft

, enter www.mywifiext.net.

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5. Select a 2.4 GHz WiFi network to extend, and click the Continue button.

6. Enter the security settings for the existing 2.4 GHz network:

• If the network uses WP

A-PSK, WPA2-PSK, or a combination of these options, do the

following:

a. In the Password (network key) field, type the network passphrase (also called

a password or network key).

b. Click the Continue button.

• If the network uses WEP

, do the following:

a. From the Encryption Strength menu, select the encryption strength (64 bit or

128 bit).

b. Select the radio button that corresponds to the key that you want to use (Key 1,

Key 2, Key 3, or Key 4).

c. Next to the selected radio button, enter the network WEP key

d. Click the Continue button.

If Smart Setup detects any networks in the 5 GHz band, it displays them.

7. Select a 5 GHz WiFi network to extend, and click the Continue button.

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Note: If your router does not support the 5 GHz band (not all routers do) or

you want to set up the 5 GHz extender network later, click the Skip button, and go to Step 9 on page 71.

8. Enter the security settings for the existing 5 GHz network:

• If the network uses WP

A-PSK, WPA2-PSK, or a combination of these options, do the

following:

a. In the Password (network key) field, type the network passphrase (also called

a password or network key).

b. Click the Continue button.

• If the network uses WEP

, do the following:

a. From the Encryption Strength menu, select the encryption strength (64 bit or

128 bit).

b. Select the radio button that corresponds to the key that you want to use (Key 1,

Key 2, Key 3, or Key 4).

c. Next to the selected radio button, enter the network WEP key

d. Click the Continue button.

Smart Setup displays the network names and adds _2GEXT to the end of the 2.4 GHz network name and _5GEXT to the end of the 5 GHz network name.

9. Use the default extension names, or, in the Name (2.4GHz SSID) field, and, if you have set

up a 5 GHz network, in the Name (5GHz SSID) field, enter new network names for your extender WiFi networks, and click the Continue button.

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Note: If you do not want to use the same security modes for your extender

The extender applies the settings.

10. Wait a couple of minutes while the extender creates the WiFi networks.

When the extender is ready, Smart Setup summarizes the extender networks.

11. Use a WiFi network manager on the computer or mobile device to connect to the extender’s

newly created 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz WiFi network.

Note: Unless you entered a new network name in Step 9, the extender

Note: If your computer or mobile device cannot join the new WiFi network of

the extender, see Improve the Connection Between the Extender and

the WiFi Router on page 121.

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12. Select the My wireless devices are connected to the Extender network check box, and

click the Continue button.

Smart Setup describes the color of the Link Rate LED on the front of the extender. Because you placed the extender close the WiFi router

13. Click the Finish button.

, the Link Rate LED is green.

A pop-up screen displays.

14. T

o bookmark the URL of the extender, click the OK button.

A NETGEAR website displays. You are now online.

Connect Ethernet-Enabled Devices

You can use the extender to connect as many as five Ethernet-enabled devices, such as smart TVs, game consoles, and Blu-ray players, to the WiFi network.

After you have set up the extender, plug the Ethernet cable from a device that you want to connect directly into one of the extender’s Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports.

By default, the Gigabit Ethernet ports connect to the 2.4 GHz WiFi band. For information about how to change the connection to the 5 GHz WiFi band, see Manage the Extender WiFi

Settings on page 49.

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Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports

Figure 10. Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports on the rear panel

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4. Maintain and Monitor the Extender

This chapter covers the following topics:

• Recover the admin Password

• Back Up and Manage the Extender Configuration

• Return the Extender to Its Factory Default Settings

• Update the Firmware

• View the Status and Traffic Statistics of the Extender

• View the Wired and WiFi Network Devices

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Recover the admin Password

If you have changed the password to access the extender and have set up password recovery, you can recover your password if you have lost it. For information about setting up password recovery, see

If you did not set up password recovery and have lost your password, you must reset the extender to factory default settings (see page 79).

 To recover your password to access the extender:

1. On your computer, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft

Internet Explorer.

2. In the address field of your browser, enter www.mywifiext.net.

You are prompted to enter a user name and password.

3. Click the Cancel button.

Set Up Password Recovery on page 38.

Use the Restore Factory Settings Button on

If password recovery is enabled, you are prompted to enter the serial number of the extender. The serial number is on the product label.

4. Enter the serial number of the extender.

5. Click the Continue button.

A screen displays requesting the answers to your security questions.

6. Enter the saved answers to your security questions.

7. Click the Continue button.

A screen displays confirming a successful recovery of your password.

8. Click the Login again button.

A login screen displays.

9. With your recovered password, log in to the extender.

Back Up and Manage the Extender Configuration

When the extender works correctly after initial setup, NETGEAR recommends that you back up the extender configuration settings. After you have backed up the settings, if you have changed the extender configuration settings but are not content with the new settings, you can restore the extender configuration to the backed-up settings.

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Back Up the Configuration Settings

You can back up the configuration file of the extender.

 To back up the extender configuration settings:

1. On your computer

Internet Explorer.

2. In the address field of your browser

You are prompted to enter a user name and password.

3. T

ype admin for the user name and type your password.

If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password.

4. Select extender Maintenance > Backup Settings.

5. Click the Backup button.

, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft

, enter www.mywifiext.net.

Your browser extracts the configuration file from the extender. By default, the name of the backup file is NETGEAR_Ex6200.cfg.

6. If you do not have your browser set up to save downloaded files automatically

you want to save the file.

, locate where

Restore the Configuration Settings

You can restore the configuration file of the extender to a previously saved configuration file.

 To restore the extender configuration settings:

1. On your computer

Internet Explorer.

2. In the address field of your browser

You are prompted to enter a user name and password.

3. T

ype admin for the user name and type your password.

If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password.

, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft

, enter www.mywifiext.net.

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4. Select extender Maintenance > Backup Settings.

5. Click the Browse button.

6. Locate and select the previously saved backup file.

By default, the name of the backup file is NETGEAR_EX6200.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.

Return the Extender to Its Factory Default Settings

Under some circumstances (for example, if you have lost track of the changes that you made to the extender settings), you might want to erase the configuration and reset it to factory default settings.

To reset the extender to factory default settings, you can use either the Restore Factory Settings button on the rear panel or the Erase function. However password to access the extender, you must use the Restore Factory Settings button.

, if you have lost the

For a list of factory default settings, see Factory Default Settings on page 123.

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Use the Restore Factory Settings Button

CAUTION:

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

 To reset the extender to factory default settings:

1. Insert a straightened paper clip into the hole of the Restore Factory Settings button

and hold it for about seven seconds.

Restore Factory Settings button

2. Release the button.

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

Erase the Extender Configuration Settings

CAUTION:

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

 To erase the extender’s settings:

1. On your computer

Internet Explorer.

2. In the address field of your browser

You are prompted to enter a user name and password.

3. T

ype admin for the user name and type your password.

, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft

, enter www.mywifiext.net.

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If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password.

4. Select Maintenance > Backup Settings.

CAUTION:

After you click the Erase 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!

5. Click the Erase button.

A confirmation pop-up screen displays.

6. Confirm your decision.

The extender restarts. This process takes about one minute.

Update the Firmware

Unless you changed the settings in the Firmware Update screen 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. On your computer

Internet Explorer.

2. In the address field of your browser

You are prompted to enter a user name and password.

3. T

ype admin for the user name and type your password.

If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password.

, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft

, enter www.mywifiext.net.

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4. Select Maintenance > Firmware Update.

5. Click the Check button.

6. If new firmware is available, follow the onscreen prompts to download it onto your computer

Note: You might need to unzip the firmware file.

7. Click the Browse button.

8. Locate and select the new firmware file.

The firmware file has a .chk extension.

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!

9. Click the Upload button.

The firmware update starts and the extender restarts. a couple of minutes.

The firmware update process takes

View the Status and Traffic Statistics of the Extender

The Status screen displays when you log in to the extender after initial setup. The Status screen shows the current settings for the extender and provides access to the traffic statistics, such as the number of packets sent and number of packets received for each port.

 To view the status of the extender, to view the traffic statistics, and to change the poll

interval:

1. On your computer, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft

Internet Explorer.

2. In the address field of your browser

You are prompted to enter a user name and password.

Maintain and Monitor the Extender

, enter www.mywifiext.net.

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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 > Status.

The following table describes the fields on the Status screen.

Field Description

Hardware Version The hardware version of the extender.

Firmware Version The current firmware version of the extender. If you upgrade the firmware, this field

changes.

GUI Language Version The language version that is set on the extender. If you upgrade the firmware, this

field might change.

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Field Description

Connection Status to Existing Network (2.4GHz)

Name (SSID) The name (SSID) of the WiFi network in the 2.4 GHz band to which the extender is

connected.

Link Rate The combined transmission (Tx) and receive (Rx) link rate in Mbps of the current

WiFi connection in the 2.4 GHz band.

Signal Strength The signal strength that the extender detects for the WiFi network in the

2.4

GHz band.

Connection Status Shows whether the extender is connected to the WiFi network in the

2.4

GHz band. If the extender is disconnected from the WiFi network in the 2.4 GHz band, a

Connect button displays. Click the Connect button connect the extender to the WiFi network in the 2.4

GHz band.

Note: The extender can be connected simultaneously to a network in the

2.4 GHz band and to a network in the 5 GHz band. If you have a dual band WiFi router, the router can broadcast the same network name (SSID) simultaneously in both bands.

Connection Status to Existing Network (5GHz)

Name (SSID) The name (SSID) of the WiFi network in the 5 GHz band to which the extender is

connected.

Link Rate The combined transmission (Tx) and receive (Rx) link rate in Mbps of the current

WiFi connection in the 5 GHz band.

Signal Strength The signal strength that the extender detects for the WiFi network in the

GHz band.

Connection Status Shows whether the extender is connected to the WiFi network in the 5 GHz band.

If the extender is disconnected from the WiFi network in the 5 GHz band, a Connect button displays. Click the Connect button connect the extender to the WiFi network in the 5

GHz band.

Note: The extender can be simultaneously connected to a network in the

5 GHz band and to a network in the 2.4 GHz band. If you have a dual band WiFi router, the router can broadcast the same network name (SSID) simultaneously in both bands.

Extender IP Info

MAC Address The physical address of the extender.

IP Address The IP address of the extender. The default is 192.168.1.250.

DHCP Client Shows whether the DHCP client of the extender is on.

IP Subnet Mask The IP subnet mask that is associated with the IP address of the extender. The

default is 255.255.255.0.

Gateway IP Address The IP address of the WiFi network gateway.

Domain Name Server The IP address of the Domain Name Server (DNS) of the WiFi network.

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Field Description

Extender Wireless Settings (2.4GHz)

Name (SSID) The name (SSID) of the WiFi network of the extender in the 2.4 GHz band.

Region The location in which the extender is operating in the 2.4 GHz band.

Channel The active channel of the WiFi network in the 2.4 GHz band.

Wireless mode The wireless mode in the 2.4 GHz band: Up to 54 Mbps, Up to 145 Mbps, or Up to

300 Mbps.

Wireless AP Shows whether the WiFi access point of the extender is on in the 2.4 GHz band.

Broadcast Name Shows whether broadcasting of the network name (SSID) of the extender is on in

the 2.4 GHz band.

Wi-Fi Protected Setup Shows whether Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is configured for the 2.4 GHz band.

Extender Wireless Settings (5GHz)

Name (SSID) The name (SSID) of the WiFi network of the extender in the 5 GHz band.

Region The location in which the extender is operating in the 5 GHz band.

Channel The active channel of the WiFi network in the 5 GHz band.

Wireless mode The wireless mode in the 5 GHz band: Up to 54 Mbps, Up to 173 Mbps, Up to 400

Mbps, or Up to 867 Mbps.

Wireless AP Shows whether the WiFi access point of the extender is on in the 5 GHz band.

Broadcast Name Shows whether broadcasting of the network name (SSID) of the extender is on in

the 5 GHz band.

Wi-Fi Protected Setup

Shows whether Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is configured for the 5 GHz band.

5. Click the Show Statistics button.

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The following table describes the traffic statistics fields that display for each of the five LAN ports, for the WLAN1 port in the 2.4 GHz band, and for the WLAN2 port in the 5 GHz band.

Field Description

Status The link status and speed of the port.

TxPkts The number of packets transmitted on the port since the extender was restarted.

RxPkts The number of packets received on the port since the extender was restarted.

Collisions The number of collisions on the port since the extender was restarted.

Tx B/s The packet transmission rate in bytes per second on the port.

Rx B/s The packet reception rate in bytes per second on the port.

Up Time The time elapsed since the connection was initiated.

6. To change the poll interval:

a. Click the Stop button.

b. In the Poll Interval field, enter a new value in seconds.

c. Click the Set Interval button.

View the Wired and WiFi Network Devices

You can view the active wired and WiFi devices in both the network to which the extender is connected and the extender network. If you do not recognize a WiFi device, it might be an intruder.

 To display the wired and WiFi devices:

1. On your computer

Internet Explorer.

2. In the address field of your browser

You are prompted to enter a user name and password.

3. T

ype admin for the user name and type your password.

If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password.

, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft

, enter www.mywifiext.net.

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4. Select Maintenance > Attached Devices.

For each wired and WiFi device, the IP address, device name, MAC address, and virtual MAC address display.

5. (Optional) Click the Refresh button.

The information onscreen is updated.

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5. Share a USB Drive That Is Attached

to the Extender

This chapter describes how to access and configure a USB storage drive attached to your

extender. The USB port on the extender can be used only to connect USB storage devices such as flash drives or hard drives, or a printer. Do not connect computers, USB modems, CD drives, or DVD drives to the extender USB port.

This chapter contains the following sections:

• USB Drive Requirements

• Access a USB Drive on the Network

• Back Up Windows Computers with ReadySHARE Vault

• Back Up Mac Computers with Time Machine

• Control Access to the USB Drive

• Use FTP Within the Network

• View Network Folders on a USB Drive

• Add a Network Folder on a USB Drive

• Change a Network Folder on a USB Drive

• Approve USB Devices

• Safely Remove a USB Drive

Note: For more information about ReadySHARE features, visit

www.netgear.com/readyshare.

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USB Drive Requirements

The extender works with most USB-compliant external flash and hard drives. For the most up-to-date list of USB drives that the extender supports, visit

http://kbserver.netgear.com/readyshare.

Some USB external hard drives and flash drives require you to load the drivers onto the computer before the computer can access the USB device. Such USB devices do not work with the extender.

The extender supports the following file system types for full read and write access:

• FAT16, FAT32

• NTFS

• NTFS with compression format enabled

• Ext2, Ext3, and Ext4

• HFS

• HFS+

Note: Do not connect computers, USB modems, CD drives, or DVD drives

to the extender USB port.

Access a USB Drive on the Network

ReadySHARE lets you access and share a USB drive connected to the extender USB port. (If your USB drive has special drivers, it is not compatible.)

 To connect a USB drive:

1. Insert your USB storage drive into the USB 3.0 port on the front of the extender.

2. If your USB drive has a power supply, you must use it when you connect the USB drive to

the extender.

When you connect the USB drive to the extender USB port, it might take up to two minutes before it is ready for sharing. By default, the USB drive is available to all computers on your local area network (LAN).

 To access the USB drive from a Mac:

1. Select Go > Connect to Server.

2. In the Server Address field, type smb://readyshare as the server address.

3. Click the Connect button.

4. When prompted to enter your name and password, select the Guest radio button.

5. Click the Connect button.

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 To access the USB drive from a Windows computer:

1. Select Start > Run.

2. Enter \\readyshare in the dialog box.

3. Click the OK button.

 To map the USB device to a Windows network drive:

1. V

isit www.netgear.com/readyshare.

2. In the ReadySHARE USB Storage

Access pane, click the PC Utility link.

The readyshareconnect.exe file is downloaded to your computer

3. Launch readyshareconnect.exe.

4. Select the drive letter to map to the network folder.

5. If you want to connect to the USB drive as a dif

a. Select the Connect using different credentials check box.

b. T

ype the user name and password.

c. Click the OK button.

6. Click the Finish button.

ferent user, do the following:

The USB drive is mapped to the drive letter that you specified.

Back Up Windows Computers with ReadySHARE Vault

Your extender comes with free backup software for all the Windows computers in your home. Connect a USB hard disk drive (HDD) to the USB port on your extender for centralized, continuous, and automatic backup.

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 To back up your Windows computer:

1. Connect a USB HDD to a USB port on the extender.

2. Install the genie app on each Windows computer.

To download the genie app, visit www.netgear.com/genie.

3. Download ReadySHARE Vault from www.netgear.com/readyshare and install it on each

Windows computer.

4. Launch ReadySHARE Vault.

5. Use the dashboard or the Backup tab to set up and run your backup.

Back Up Mac Computers with Time Machine

You can use Time Machine to back up your Mac computers onto a USB hard drive that is connected to the extender’s USB port. You can access the connected USB hard drive from your Mac with a wired or WiFi connection to your extender.

Set Up a USB Hard Drive on a Mac

NETGEAR recommends that you use a new USB HDD or format your old USB disk to do the Time Machine backup for the first time. Use a blank partition to prevent some issues during backup using Time Machine. The extender supports GUID or MBR partitions.

 To format your USB hard disk drive and specify partitions:

1. Physically connect the USB hard drive to your Mac.

2. On your Mac, go to Spotlight (or the magnifying glass) at the top right of the screen and

search for Disk Utility.

3. To format your USB drive, open the Disk Utility, click the Erase tab, and click the Erase

button.

4. Click the Partition tab.

5. Click Partition Layout menu and specify the number of partitions that you want to use.

6. Click the Options button.

The Partition options display.

7. Select the GUID Partition Table or Master Boot Record radio button.

8. For the format, select Mac OS Extended (Journaled).

9. Click the OK button.

10. Click the Apply button.

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Prepare to Back Up a Large Amount of Data

Before you back up a large amount of data with Time Machine, NETGEAR recommends that you follow this procedure.

 To prepare to back up a large amount of data:

1. Upgrade the operating system of the Mac computer.

2. Verify and repair the backup disk and the local disk.

3. Verify and repair the permissions on the local disk.

4. Specify Energy Saver:

a. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences.

b. From the View menu, select Energy Saver.

c. Select the Power Adapter tab.

d. Select the Wake for Wi-Fi network access check box.

e. Click the back arrow to save the changes and exit the screen.

5. Modify your Security settings:

a. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences.

b. From the View menu, select Security and click the Advanced button at the bottom

of the screen.

c. Leave the Log out after minutes of inactivity check box cleared.

Use Time Machine to Back Up onto a USB Hard Drive

You can use Time Machine to back up your Mac computers onto a USB hard disk drive that is connected to the extender’s USB port.

 To back up your Mac onto a USB hard drive:

1. Prepare your USB drive with a compatible format and partitions (see Set Up a USB Hard Drive on a Mac on page 90).

2. If you plan to back up a large amount of data, see Prepare to Back Up a Large Amount of Data on page 91.

3. Insert your USB storage drive into a USB port on the extender.

Note: If your USB drive has a power supply, you must use it when you

connect the USB drive to the extender.

4. On your Mac computer, select Go > Connect to Server

5. In the Server Address field, type smb://readyshare as the server address.

6. Click the Connect button.

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7. When prompted to enter your name and password, select the Guest radio button.

8. Click the Connect button.

A list of connected devices displays. This list includes the name admin if you log in as admin.

9. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences.

10. Open Time Machine.

11. Click the Select Disk button and select your USB drive from the list.

12. Click the Use for Backup button.

Note: If you do not see the USB partition that you want in the Time Machine

disk list, go to Finder and click that USB partition. Then it displays in the Time Machine list.

13. When prompted to enter your name and password, select the Guest radio button.

14. Click the Connect button.

When the setup is complete, the Mac automatically schedules a full backup. You can back up immediately if you want.

Control Access to the USB Drive

You can specify the device name, workgroups, and network folders for your USB device. From your own network, you can access the USB drive over HTTP and, if you enable it, over FTP. You cannot access the USB drive over HTTP or FTP from outside your network.

 To specify the USB access settings:

1. On your computer, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft

Internet Explorer.

2. In the address field of your browser, enter www.mywifiext.net.

You are prompted to enter a user name and password.

3. Type admin for the user name and type your password.

If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password.

Share a USB Drive That Is Attached to the Extender

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4. Select USB Storage > Advanced Settings.

5. Specify access to the USB storage device as described in the following table:

Setting Description

Network Device Name The name that is used to access the USB device. The default name is readyshare.

Workgroup The workgroup name, if you are using a Windows workgroup rather than a

Access Method, Link, and Port

domain. such as Microsoft Windows.

Select the check boxes for the access methods that you want to allow:

• Network Neighborhood/MacShare.

• HTTP.

• FTP.

The name works only in an operating system that supports NetBIOS,

This access method is enabled by

default.

This access method is enabled by default over port 80.

The link to access the USB device over HTTP on your network (but not from outside your network) is http://<IP-address>/readyshare, in which <IP-address> is the IP address that has been assigned to the extender. You can type this link in the address bar of a browser window.

This access method is disabled by default. If you enable this access

method, the port for FTP communication is number 21. The link to access the USB device over FTP on your network (but not from

outside your network) is ftp://<IP-address>/readyshare, in which <IP-address> is the IP address that has been assigned to the extender. can type this link in the address bar of a browser screen.

6. If you changed the settings, click the Apply button.

Your changes are saved.

You

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Use FTP Within the Network

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) lets you send and receive large files faster. By default, FTP is disabled on the extender.

 To set up FTP access:

1. On your computer

Internet Explorer.

2. In the address field of your browser

You are prompted to enter a user name and password.

3. T

ype admin for the user name and type your password.

If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password.

4. Select USB Storage > Advanced Settings.

, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft

, enter www.mywifiext.net.

5. Select the FTP check box.

By default, the FTP check box is cleared.

6. Click the Apply button.

Your changes are saved.

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View Network Folders on a USB Drive

You can view the network folders on the USB storage device. If you have not yet used the extender to create any network folders, only the default network folder is displayed.

 To view network folders:

1. On your computer

, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft

Internet Explorer.

2. In the address field of your browser

, enter www.mywifiext.net.

You are prompted to enter a user name and password.

3. T

ype admin for the user name and type your password.

If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password.

4. Select USB Storage > Advanced Settings.

The Available Networks Folders table shows the network folders on the USB device. The following table describes the columns of the Available Networks Folders table onscreen.

Column Description

Share Name The default share name is USB_Storage. If Not Shared is displayed, the default

share has been deleted, and no other share for the root folder exists.

Read Access The read and write permissions and access controls on the network folder.

Write Access

Folder Name The full path of the network folder.

Volume Name The volume name from the storage device.

All – no password (which is the default setting) allows all users access to the network folder the extender.

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. The password for admin is the same one that you use to log in to

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Column Description

Total Space The total space of the storage device.

Free Space

The available space of the storage device.

Add a Network Folder on a USB Drive

You can add network folders on the USB storage device.

 To add a network folder:

1. On your computer

Internet Explorer.

2. In the address field of your browser

You are prompted to enter a user name and password.

3. T

ype admin for the user name and type your password.

If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password.

4. Select USB Storage > Advanced Settings.

, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft

, enter www.mywifiext.net.

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5. Click the Create Network Folder button.

Note: If the Create Network Folder screen does not display, your web

browser might be blocking pop-ups. If it is, change the browser settings to allow pop-ups.

6. Specify the network folder as described in the following table:

Setting Description

USB Device From the USB Device menu, select the USB drive.

Note: If you connect a USB hub to the USB port of the extender, the USB Device

menu can show more than one USB device.

Folder Select a folder:

1. Click the Browse button.

2. Navigate to the folder that you want to select.

3. Click the OK button.

The folder displays in the Folder field.

Share Name Type the name of the share.

Read Access Select one of the following read access settings:

• All – no password.

enter a password. This is the default setting.

• admin.

you use to log in to the extender.

Write Access Select one of the following write access settings:

• All – no password.

a password. This is the default setting.

• admin.

you use to log in to the extender.

To read files from the USB device, you must enter the password that

To write files to the USB device, you must enter the password that

To read files from the USB device, you do not need to

To write files to the USB device, you do not need to enter

7. Click the Apply button.

The folder is added on the USB device.

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Change a Network Folder on a USB Drive

You can change a network folder on the USB storage device.

 To change a network folder:

1. On your computer

Internet Explorer.

2. In the address field of your browser

You are prompted to enter a user name and password.

3. T

ype admin for the user name and type your password.

If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password.

4. Select USB Storage > Advanced Settings.

, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft

, enter www.mywifiext.net.

5. Select the folder that you want to edit by selecting its associated radio button.

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6. Click the Edit button.

Note: If the Edit Network Folder screen does not display, your web browser

might be blocking pop-ups. If it is, change the browser settings to allow pop-ups.

7. Change the network folder as described in the following table:

Setting Description

USB Device From the USB Device menu, select the USB drive.

Note: If you connect a USB hub to the USB port of the extender, the USB Device

menu can show more than one USB device.

File System The file system that the extender has detected. You cannot change this

information.

Folder Select a folder:

1. Click the Browse button.

2. Navigate to the folder that you want to select.

3. Click the OK button.

The folder displays in the Folder field.

Share Name Type the name of the share.

Read Access Select one of the following read access settings:

• All – no password.

enter a password. This is the default setting.

• admin.

you use to log in to the extender.

To read files from the USB device, you must enter the password that

To read files from the USB device, you do not need to

Write Access Select one of the following write access settings:

• All – no password.

a password. This is the default setting.

• admin.

you use to log in to the extender.

To write files to the USB device, you must enter the password that

To write files to the USB device, you do not need to enter

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8. Click the Apply button.

Your changes are saved.

Approve USB Devices

For more security, you can set up the extender to share only USB devices that you approve.

 To approve USB devices:

1. On your computer

Internet Explorer.

2. In the address field of your browser

You are prompted to enter a user name and password.

3. T

ype admin for the user name and type your password.

If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password.

4. Select Advanced > USB Settings.

By default the Yes radio button is selected. This setting lets you connect and access all your USB drives.

5. Click the Approved Devices button.

, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft

, enter www.mywifiext.net.

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100

Netgear EX6200 User Guide

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

Table of Contents

1. Overview

Unpack Your Extender

Top Panel LEDs and Front Panel USB Port

Rear Panel Ports, Buttons, Antennas, and Connector

Attach the Stand

Attach the Rubber Feet

Retrieve and Display the Product Label

When to Use Your Extender

How the Extender Works

Support for the 801.11ac Networking Standard

2. Get Started

How to Position the Extender

Connect the Extender to Your WiFi Router

Connect the Extender with WPS to a WiFi Network

Access the Extender over WiFi and Use Smart Setup

Access the Extender over Ethernet and Use Smart Setup

Log In to the Extender After Initial Setup

Change the Password

Set Up Password Recovery

Connect the Extender to a WiFi Network Without Using Smart Setup

Connect the Extender to a Hidden WiFi Network

Use WPS to Add a Computer to the Extender’s WiFi Network

Use WPS with the Push Button Method

Use WPS with the PIN Method

Manage the Extender WiFi Settings

Configure WPA, WPA2, or WPA + WPA2

Configure WEP

Change the Extender IP Address and Device Name

Manage Advanced WiFi and WPS Settings

Manage a WiFi Access List

Set Up and Enable the Access List

Disable the Access List

Change a Device on the Access List

Remove a Device from the Access List

Set the Operating Mode to FastLane Technology

Run Smart Setup Again After Initial Setup

Connect Ethernet-Enabled Devices

4. Maintain and Monitor the Extender

Recover the admin Password

Back Up and Manage the Extender Configuration

Back Up the Configuration Settings

Restore the Configuration Settings

Return the Extender to Its Factory Default Settings

Use the Restore Factory Settings Button

Erase the Extender Configuration Settings

Update the Firmware

View the Status and Traffic Statistics of the Extender

View the Wired and WiFi Network Devices

USB Drive Requirements

Access a USB Drive on the Network

Back Up Windows Computers with ReadySHARE Vault

Back Up Mac Computers with Time Machine

Set Up a USB Hard Drive on a Mac

Prepare to Back Up a Large Amount of Data

Use Time Machine to Back Up onto a USB Hard Drive

Control Access to the USB Drive

Use FTP Within the Network

View Network Folders on a USB Drive

Add a Network Folder on a USB Drive

Change a Network Folder on a USB Drive

Approve USB Devices