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User Manual
AC1900 WiFi Mesh Extender
Essentials Edition
Model EX6400v3
|
NETGEAR, Inc. |
March 2021 |
350 E. Plumeria Drive |
202-12177-01 |
San Jose, CA 95134, USA |
AC1900 WiFi Mesh Extender Essentials Edition
Support and Community
Visit netgear.com/support to get your questions answered and access the latest downloads.
You can also check out our NETGEAR Community for helpful advice at community.netgear.com.
Regulatory and Legal
Si ce produit est vendu au Canada, vous pouvez accéder à ce document en français canadien à https://www.netgear.com/support/download/.
(If this product is sold in Canada, you can access this document in Canadian French at https://www.netgear.com/support/download/.)
ForregulatorycomplianceinformationincludingtheEUDeclarationofConformity,visit https://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory/.
See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply.
For NETGEAR’s Privacy Policy, visit https://www.netgear.com/about/privacy-policy.
By using this device, you are agreeing to NETGEAR’s Terms and Conditions at https://www.netgear.com/about/terms-and-conditions. If you do not agree, return the device to your place of purchase within your return period.
Trademarks
©NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR and the NETGEAR Logo are trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. Any non-NETGEAR trademarks are used for reference purposes only.
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Contents
Chapter 1 Overview |
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LEDs........................................................................................................ |
6 |
Side and bottom panels....................................................................... |
7 |
When to Use Your Extender................................................................ |
8 |
How the Extender Works..................................................................... |
8 |
Chapter 2 Get started |
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Install your extender in extender mode........................................... |
10 |
Place the extender and apply power.......................................... |
10 |
Connect the extender to an existing WiFi network................... |
10 |
Connect with the NETGEAR Nighthawk app.............................. |
11 |
Connect with WPS.......................................................................... |
12 |
Connect with the NETGEAR installation assistant...................... |
13 |
Install your extender in access point mode..................................... |
15 |
Connect a device to the extender network..................................... |
16 |
Connect a device to the extender network using WiFi............. |
16 |
Connect an Ethernet-enabled device to the extender............. |
18 |
Connect a device to the extender network using WPS............. |
18 |
Log in to the extender after installation........................................... |
19 |
Run the Smart Setup installation....................................................... |
19 |
Chapter 3 Maintain and monitor the extender |
|
Change the extender login user name and password.................. |
22 |
Turn password protection off and on.............................................. |
23 |
Recover a forgotten user name or password.................................. |
24 |
Automatically adjust for daylight saving time................................. |
25 |
Manually set the extender clock....................................................... |
26 |
Back up and manage the extender configuration.......................... |
27 |
Back up the configuration settings.............................................. |
27 |
Restore the configuration settings............................................... |
28 |
Return the extender to its factory default settings......................... |
29 |
Use the Reset button on the extender........................................ |
29 |
Log in and reset the extender to factory settings...................... |
30 |
Update the extender firmware.......................................................... |
31 |
Check for new firmware and update the extender.................... |
31 |
Manually upload firmware to the extender................................ |
32 |
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AC1900 WiFi Mesh Extender Essentials Edition
Restart the extender from the extender web interface.................. |
33 |
Turn the LEDs On or Off.................................................................... |
34 |
Chapter 4 Extender Network Settings |
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Enable or disable the One WiFi Name feature............................... |
37 |
Enable or disable Smart Connect..................................................... |
38 |
Enable or disable MU-MIMO............................................................ |
40 |
View connected devices.................................................................... |
41 |
View WiFi settings............................................................................... |
42 |
Change the WiFi network name....................................................... |
42 |
Turn off the SSID broadcast to create a hidden network.............. |
43 |
Disable or enable the WiFi radios.................................................... |
44 |
Change the WiFi speed..................................................................... |
45 |
Set up a guest WiFi network............................................................. |
47 |
Use WPS to add a computer to the extender’s WiFi network....... |
49 |
Use WPS with the push button method...................................... |
49 |
Use WPS with the PIN method..................................................... |
50 |
Deny access to a computer or WiFi device..................................... |
52 |
Set up an access schedule................................................................. |
53 |
Change the extender’s device name............................................... |
54 |
Set up the extender to use a static IP address................................ |
55 |
Configure a router with advanced MAC settings to work with your |
|
extender............................................................................................... |
56 |
Enable FastLane technology............................................................. |
57 |
Enable or disable 20/40 MHz coexistence...................................... |
59 |
Chapter 5 FAQs and Troubleshooting |
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FAQs..................................................................................................... |
62 |
Find the Extender’s IP address.......................................................... |
63 |
Cannot connect to the extender....................................................... |
64 |
Cannot join a WiFi network and receive an error message.......... |
64 |
Cannot access mywifiext.net............................................................. |
65 |
Cannot connect to extender using the Nighthawk app................ |
66 |
Chapter 6 Factory Settings and Technical Specifications |
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Factory default settings...................................................................... |
68 |
Technical and environmental specifications................................... |
69 |
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1
Overview
TheWiFiMeshRangeExtenderboostsyourexistingnetworkrangeandspeed,delivering dual-band WiFi.
This chapter covers the following topics:
•LEDs
•Side and bottom panels
•When to Use Your Extender
•How the Extender Works
Note: For more information about the topics covered in this manual, visit the support website at support.netgear.com.
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AC1900 WiFi Mesh Extender Essentials Edition
LEDs
Figure 1. LEDs
The following table describes the LEDs on the extender.
Table 1. LED descriptions
LED |
Description |
|
Power LED |
• |
Solid green. The extender is powered on. |
|
• |
Solid amber. The extender is booting. |
|
• |
Off. The extender is powered off. |
WPS LED |
• |
Solid green. WiFi security is enabled (WPA or WPA2). |
|
• |
Blinking green. A WPS connection is being established. |
|
• Off. WiFi security isn’t enabled. |
|
Router Link LED |
This LED indicates the WiFi connection between the extender and the router. |
|
|
• |
Solid green. Best connection. |
|
• |
Solid amber. Good connection. |
|
• |
Solid red. Poor connection. |
|
• |
Off. No connection. |
Client Link LED |
This LED indicates the connection between the extender and a WiFi-enabled |
|
|
computer or mobile device. |
|
|
• |
Solid green. Best connection. |
|
• |
Solid amber. Good connection. |
|
• |
Solid red. Poor connection. |
|
• |
Off. No connection. |
Overview |
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Side and bottom panels
A switch and buttons are located on the side panel. An Ethernet port is located on the bottom panel.
Figure 2. Side and bottom panel
The side panel contains the following components:
1.FactoryResetbutton.Pressingthisbuttonresetstheextender.IftheFactoryReset button is pressed for at least seven seconds, the Power LED blinks amber, and the extender returns to its factory settings.
2.Power On/Off button. Press the Power On/Off button to provide power to the extender. The Power LED lights green when the extender is ready.
3.WPS button. Use this button to connect WPS-enabled devices to the extender.
4.AccessPoint/Extenderswitch. Usethisswitchtosetyourextenderinaccesspoint modeorextendermode. Touseyourextenderinaccesspointmode,settheswitch toAccessPoint.Touseyourextenderinextendermode,settheswitchtoExtender.
5.Ethernetport.UseanEthernetcabletoconnectarouterorEthernet-enableddevice to the Ethernet port on the extender.
Overview |
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When to Use Your Extender
We recommend that you connect through the extender network only when your WiFi device is in a “dead zone” where connection from the existing network is poor or nonexistent. Data traffic routed through the extender is inherently slower than traffic routed directly from the network.
How the Extender Works
The extender works like a bridge between a WiFi router (or a WiFi access point) and a WiFideviceoutsidetherangeoftheWiFirouter.Theextenderperformstwomainjobs:
•The extender connects to a working WiFi network.
When the extender connects over WiFi to an existing network, it functions as a network client, similar to how a WiFi device connects to a network.
•The extender acts as an access point for WiFi devices.
The extender broadcasts 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.
Figure 3. Range extender in a home
Overview |
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Get started
This chapter covers the following topics:
•Install your extender in extender mode
•Install your extender in access point mode
•Connect a device to the extender network
•Log in to the extender after installation
•Run the Smart Setup installation
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AC1900 WiFi Mesh Extender Essentials Edition
Install your extender in extender mode
To install your extender in extender mode, you must set the Access Point/Extender switchtoExtender,placeandpoweronyourextender,andthenconnectyourextender to an existing WiFi network.
Place the extender and apply power
To place the extender and apply power:
1.Set the Access Point/Extender switch to Extender.
2.For the initial setup, place your extender in the same room as your WiFi router.
3.Plug the extender into an electrical outlet.
4.Wait for the Power LED to light amber and then turn green.
Thismighttakeuptotwominutes. IfthePowerLEDdoesnotlight,pressthe Power On/Off button on the extender.
Connect the extender to an existing WiFi network
To extend the range of your WiFi network, you must connect the extender to your existing WiFi network.
Note: If your router’s WiFi security is set to WPA enterprise or WPA2 enterprise, your extender can’t connect to your router. You must change your router’s WiFi security setting.
You can connect the extender in one of two ways:
•Connect with the NETGEAR Nightawk app. For more information, see Connect with the NETGEAR Nighthawk app on page 11
•Connect with WPS. For more information, see Connect with WPS on page 12.
Note: WPS does not support WEP network security or a hidden SSID network. If your router WiFi network uses WEP security or its SSID is hidden, follow the instructions in Connect with the NETGEAR installation assistant on page 13.
•Connect with web browser setup. For more information, see Connect with the NETGEAR installation assistant on page 13.
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Connect with the NETGEAR Nighthawk app
You can use the NETGEAR Nighthawk app to connect your extender to your existing WiFi router network. To use the Nighthawk app, you need a smartphone or tablet that supports iOS or Android apps.
To use the NETGEAR Nighthawk app to connect the extender to your WiFi router:
1.On your smartphone or tablet, go to the Google Play™ store or the Apple App Store® and download the NETGEAR Nighthawk app.
2.OpentheWiFiconnectionmanager,thenlocateandconnecttotheextendernetwork called NETGEAR_EXT.
3.Launch the Nighthawk app.
4.Follow the step-by-step instructions to set up your extender.
5.When you're done with the installation, unplug the extender and move it to a new location about halfway between your router and the area with a poor WiFi signal.
The location that you choose must be within the range of your existing WiFi router network.
6.Use the Router Link LED to help you choose a spot where the extender-to-router connection is optimal.
7.IftheRouterLinkLEDdoesn’tlightamberorgreen,movetheextenderclosertothe router and try again.
KeepmovingtheextenderclosertotherouteruntiltheRouterLinkLEDlightsamber or green.
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AC1900 WiFi Mesh Extender Essentials Edition
8. Reconnect your computer or mobile device to the new extender WiFi network.
Connect with WPS
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) lets you join a secure WiFi network without typing the network name and password. For help with the WPS button on your WPS-enabled device, check the instructions or online help that came with that device. Some older equipment cannot use WPS.
Note: WPS does not support WEP network security or a hidden SSID network. If your existing WiFi network uses WEP security or its SSID is hidden, follow the instructions in Connect with the NETGEAR installation assistant on page 13.
To use WPS to connect the extender to your WiFi router:
1.Press the WPS button on the extender. The WPS LED blinks.
2.Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router or access point.
When the extender connects to your existing WiFi network, the WPS LED on the extender lights solid green and the Router Link LED lights.
If the Router Link LED lights solid green, the connection between your router and extender is good. If the Router Link LED doesn't light, move the extender closer to the router and try again.
Ifitstilldoesnotlight,see ConnectwiththeNETGEARinstallationassistantonpage 13.
Note: If your router supports the 5 GHz band and your extender didn’t connect to that band, repeat the WPS process.
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3.Unplug the extender and move it to a new location that is about halfway between your router and the area with a poor router WiFi signal.
The location that you choose must be within the range of your existing WiFi router network.
4.PlugtheextenderintoanelectricaloutletandwaitforthePowerLEDtolightgreen.
5.Use the Router Link LED to help you choose a spot where the extender-to-router connection is optimal.
6.IftheRouterLinkLEDdoesn’tlightamberorgreen,movetheextenderclosertothe router and try again.
KeepmovingtheextenderclosertotherouteruntiltheRouterLinkLEDlightsamber or green.
7.Connect your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device to the extended network.
YourextenderusesthesameWiFinameasyourrouter,basedontheWiFibandthat it connects to first.
Dual-bandrouterWiFi |
Extender connects to |
Extender WiFi name |
names |
this network first |
for2.4GHzand5GHz |
MyWiFiExample |
MyWiFiExample |
MyWiFiExample |
MyWiFiExample-5G |
|
|
MyWiFiExample |
MyWiFiExample-5G |
MyWiFiExample-5G |
MyWiFiExample-5G |
|
|
Connect with the NETGEAR installation assistant
YoucanusetheNETGEARinstallationassistanttoconnectyourextendertoyourexisting WiFi router network. To use the NETGEAR installation assistant, you must launch a web browser on your computer or mobile device.
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AC1900 WiFi Mesh Extender Essentials Edition
To use the NETGEAR installation assistant to connect the extender to your WiFi router:
1.Make sure that your computer or mobile device is set up to obtain an IP address automatically from a DHCP server.
2.Connect a computer or mobile device to the extender using a WiFi or Ethernet connection:
•WiFi.OnyourWiFi-enabledcomputerormobiledevice,opentheWiFiconnection managerandlocateandconnecttotheextendernetworkcalledNETGEAR_EXT. WhenyourWiFi-enabledcomputerormobiledeviceisconnectedtotheextender, the Client LED lights solid green.
•Ethernet. Use an Ethernet cable to connect the Ethernet port on your extender to an Ethernet port on your computer.
3.Launch web browser.
4.Enter http://www.mywifiext.net.
The NETGEAR installation assistant displays.
5.Follow the prompts to connect your extender to your existing WiFi network.
6.When you're done with the installation, Unplug the extender and move it to a new location about halfway between your router and the area with a poor WiFi signal.
The location that you choose must be within the range of your existing WiFi router network.
7.Use the Router Link LED to help you choose a spot where the extender-to-router connection is optimal.
8.IftheRouterLinkLEDdoesn’tlightamberorgreen,movetheextenderclosertothe router and try again.
KeepmovingtheextenderclosertotherouteruntiltheRouterLinkLEDlightsamber or green.
9.Reconnect your computer or mobile device to the new extender WiFi network.
Get started |
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AC1900 WiFi Mesh Extender Essentials Edition
Install your extender in access point mode
You can use the extender as a WiFi access point, which creates a new WiFi hotspot by using a wired Ethernet connection. The following instructions assume that this is the first time you're setting up the extender.
Figure 4. Extender in access point mode
To install your extender in access point mode:
1.Make sure that your computer or mobile device is set up to obtain an IP address automatically from a DHCP server.
2.Set the Access Point/Extender switch to Access Point.
3.Plug the extender into an electrical outlet.
4.Wait for the Power LED to light amber and then turn green.
Thismighttakeuptotwominutes. IfthePowerLEDdoesnotlight,pressthe Power On/Off button on the extender.
5.Connect a computer or mobile device to the extender using a WiFi or Ethernet connection:
•WiFiconnectiontotheextender.Connectyourcomputertoyourextenderwith a WiFi connection.
a.OnyourWiFi-enabledcomputerormobiledevice,opentheWiFiconnection manager and connect to the extender network called NETGEAR_EXT. When your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device is connected to the extender, the Client LED lights solid green.
b.Launch a web browser and visit www.mywifiext.net.
When you join the network, the Client Link LED lights to show that you are connected.
The NETGEAR installation assistant displays.
c.Use an Ethernet cable to connect your router to an Ethernet port on the extender.
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Note: Do not connect your extender directly to your DSL or cable modem. The extender does not function as a router. If your network includes a DHCP server, you can connect the extender to a switch or hub that is connected to the DHCP server.
d.Return to the NETGEAR installation assistant and follow the prompts to finish setting up your extender as an access point.
•Ethernet connection to the extender using a router. You can connect both your computer and extender to your router with an Ethernet connection.
Note: Do not connect your extender directly to your DSL or cable modem. The extender does not function as a router. If your network includes a DHCP server, you can connect the extender to a switch or hub that is connected to the DHCP server.
a.UseanEthernetcabletoconnectyourcomputer'sEthernetporttoanEthernet port on your router.
b.UseanotherEthernetcabletoconnectyourextender'sEthernetporttoanother Ethernet port on your router.
c.Launch a web browser and visit www.mywifiext.net. The NETGEAR installation assistant displays.
d.Follow the prompts to set up your extender in access point mode.
At the end of the installation, the NETGEAR installation assistant displays the extender's WiFi network credentials. Use the extender's WiFi credentials to connect your WiFi-enabled devices to the extender network.
Connect a device to the extender network
After you complete the setup process, you can connect all your devices to the new extender network using a WiFi, wired, or WPS connection.
Connect a device to the extender network using WiFi
If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, your extender uses the same WiFi network nameandpasswordasyourrouter. ThefollowingtableisanexampleofwhatyourWiFi network names might look like if One WiFi Name is enabled:
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Table 2. WiFi network names
Router or Extender WiFi Network |
Router or Extender WiFi Network Name |
Router 2.4 GHz WiFi network name |
MyWiFiExample |
Router 5 GHz WiFi network name |
MyWiFiExample-5G |
Extender2.4GHzExtendedWiFinetworkname |
MyWiFiExample |
Extender 5 GHz Extended WiFi network name |
MyWiFiExample-5G |
If you set up your extender using WPS, your extender uses the same WiFi network settings as your router for its 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz extended networks. For example, if your extender connects to the router’s 2.4 GHz WiFi band, your extender uses your router’s 2.4 GHz WiFi settings for both its networks:
Table 3. WiFi network names
Router or Extender WiFi Network |
Router or Extender WiFi Network Name |
Router 2.4 GHz WiFi network name |
MyWiFiExample |
Router 5 GHz WiFi network name |
MyWiFiExample-5G |
Extender2.4GHzExtendedWiFinetworkname |
MyWiFiExample |
Extender 5 GHz Extended WiFi network name |
MyWiFiExample |
If your extender connects to the router’s 5 GHz WiFi band, your extender uses your router’s 5 GHz WiFi settings for both its networks:
Table 4. WiFi network names
Router or Extender WiFi Network Router 2.4 GHz WiFi network name Router 5 GHz WiFi network name Extender 2.4 GHz WiFi network name Extender 5 GHz WiFi network name
Router or Extender WiFi Network Name MyWiFiExample
MyWiFiExample-5G
MyWiFiExample-5G
MyWiFiExample-5G
SinceyourrouterandextendednetworkssharethesameWiFinetworkname,onlyone WiFi network name is broadcast.
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AC1900 WiFi Mesh Extender Essentials Edition
To connect to the extender WiFi network:
1.On your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device, open the WiFi connection manager that manages your WiFi connections.
The WiFi connection manager scans for WiFi networks in your area.
2.Find and select your WiFi network name (SSID) and enter your WiFi password. This is the SSID and password that you set up during the installation process.
Connect an Ethernet-enabled device to the extender
AftertheextenderisconnectedtoyourexistingWiFinetwork,youcanconnectawired device to the extender using an Ethernet cable.
Figure 5. Ethernet-enabled device connected to the extender
Connect a device to the extender network using WPS
For help with the WPS button on your WPS-enabled device, check the instructions or online help that came with that device. Some older equipment cannot use WPS.
To connect to the extender using a WPS connection:
1.Press the WPS button on the extender. The WPS LED blinks green.
2.Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your WPS-enabled device.
If your WPS enabled device successfully connects to extender, the WiFi connection manager on your device will show connection status.
Get started |
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Log in to the extender after installation
Afterinstallation,youcanlogintotheextendertovieworchangetheextender’ssettings.
To log in to the extender:
1.Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your extender network.
2.Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter www.mywifiext.net in the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/
-Mac computers and iOS devices. http://mywifiext.local/
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example, http://192.168.1.3/)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find the Extender’s IP address on page 63.
Login page displays.
3.Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button. The Status page displays.
Run the Smart Setup installation
You can use the Smart Setup to change the extender settings. This is an easy way to connecttheextendertoadifferentrouterortochangetheextenderWiFinetworkname (SSID) or WiFi password.
To run the Smart Setup:
1.Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your extender network.
2.Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter www.mywifiext.net in the address field of the browser.
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•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example, http://192.168.1.3/)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find the Extender’s IP address on page 63.
A login page displays.
3.Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button. The Status page displays.
4.Click the SMART SETUP button.
5.Follow the prompts.
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3
Maintainandmonitortheextender
This chapter covers the following topics:
•Change the extender login user name and password
•Turn password protection off and on
•Recover a forgotten user name or password
•Automatically adjust for daylight saving time
•Manually set the extender clock
•Back up and manage the extender configuration
•Return the extender to its factory default settings
•Update the extender firmware
•Restart the extender from the extender web interface
•Turn the LEDs On or Off
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