Netgear WAC564 User Manual
User Manual
Insight Instant Mesh
Multi-Mode Access Point
Model WAC564
NETGEAR, Inc.
350 E. Plumeria DriveAugust 2020
San Jose, CA 95134, USA202-11988-02
Insight Instant Mesh Multi-Mode Access Point Model WAC564 User Manual
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/.)
For regulatory compliance information including the EU Declaration of Conformity, 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.
Do not use this device outdoors.
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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Insight Instant Mesh Multi-Mode Access Point Model WAC564 User Manual
Revision History
Part Number
CommentsPublish DatePublication
August 2020202-11988-02
We added the following sections:
Change the format of the DHCP offer messages in a WiFi network on page 66
Manage sticky clients on page 104
Manage the ARP proxy on page 109
Manage the amount of broadcast traffic on page 110
We made major changes to the following sections:
Requirements for placing an extender access point in a mesh WiFi network on page
20
Set up an open or secure WiFi network on page 48
Enable or disable client isolation for a WiFi network on page 59
Enable or disable PMF for a WiFi network on page 64
Manage the basic settings for the radios on page 82
Manage the advanced WiFi settings for the radios on page 98
Manage the broadcast and multicast settings for a radio on page 102
Manage load balancing for the radios on page 105
View WiFi and Ethernet traffic, traffic and ARP statistics, and channel utilization on
page 202
We made minor changes to other sections.
We removed the “Change the MCS index and data rate for a radio” section.
First publication.August 2019202-11988-01
3
Contents
Chapter 1 Hardware Overview
About NETGEAR Insight....................................................................11
Related documentation.....................................................................11
Unpack the access point....................................................................11
Front and top panel with Ring LED..................................................12
Back panel with Power LED...............................................................13
Access point label..............................................................................15
Safety instructions and warnings for an indoor access point........15
Chapter 2 Install the Access Point in an Insight Instant Mesh WiFi
Network
What are a root access point and an extender access point?......19
What is an Insight Instant Mesh WiFi network?...............................19
Requirements for placing an extender access point in a mesh WiFi
network................................................................................................20
Install the NETGEAR Insight app......................................................21
Connect the access point as an extender to a root access point..22
Connect over the Internet using the NETGEAR Insight Cloud
portal....................................................................................................25
Chapter 3 Install the Access Point as a Regular Access Point in Your
Network
Position your access point.................................................................27
Set up the access point as a regular access point..........................28
Connect to the access point for initial configuration.....................29
Connect over WiFi using the NETGEAR Insight App on an iOS or
Android mobile device.................................................................30
Connect over the Internet using the NETGEAR Insight Cloud
portal...............................................................................................31
Connect over WiFi using a WiFi-enabled computer or mobile
device..............................................................................................32
Connect over Ethernet using a computer connected to the same
network............................................................................................36
Connect over Ethernet using a directly connected computer..40
Log in to the access point after initial setup....................................44
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Insight Instant Mesh Multi-Mode Access Point Model WAC564 User Manual
Chapter 4 Manage the Basic WiFi and Radio Features
Set up and manage WiFi networks..................................................48
Set up an open or secure WiFi network......................................48
View or change the settings of a WiFi network..........................55
Disable or enable a WiFi network or set up a WiFi activity
schedule..........................................................................................57
Remove a WiFi network.................................................................58
Enable or disable client isolation for a WiFi network................59
Hide or broadcast the SSID for a WiFi network..........................60
Enable or disable band steering with 802.11k RRM and 802.11v
WiFi network management..........................................................61
Change the VLAN ID for a WiFi network.....................................63
Enable or disable PMF for a WiFi network..................................64
Enable or disable URL tracking for a WiFi network...................65
Change the format of the DHCP offer messages in a WiFi
network............................................................................................66
Select a MAC ACL for a WiFi network.........................................67
Set bandwidth rate limits for a WiFi network..............................69
Set up and manage captive portals for WiFi networks..................70
Set up a click-through captive portal for a WiFi network..........71
Set up an external captive portal for a WiFi network................73
Register and configure Facebook Wi-Fi for the access point...77
Set up a Facebook Wi-Fi captive portal for a WiFi network.....80
Unregister the access point from Facebook Wi-Fi....................81
Manage the basic radio features......................................................82
Manage the basic settings for the radios....................................82
Turn a radio on or off.....................................................................86
Change the WiFi mode for a radio..............................................87
Change the channel width for a radio.........................................89
Change the guard interval for a radio.........................................90
Change the output power for a radio.........................................91
Change the channel for a radio...................................................93
Manage Quality of Service for a WiFi radio................................94
Chapter 5 Manage the Advanced WiFi and Radio Features
Manage the advanced radio features..............................................98
Manage the advanced WiFi settings for the radios...................98
Manage the maximum number of clients for a radio..............101
Manage the broadcast and multicast settings for a radio......102
Manage sticky clients..................................................................104
Manage load balancing for the radios......................................105
Manage Airtime Fairness for the radios....................................108
Manage the ARP proxy................................................................109
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Insight Instant Mesh Multi-Mode Access Point Model WAC564 User Manual
Manage the amount of broadcast traffic..................................110
Set a data volume limit for the access point.................................111
Enable the WiFi Traffic Analyzer.....................................................115
Set up a WiFi bridge between access points................................116
Chapter 6 Manage Access and Security
Block specific URLs and keywords for Internet access................122
Manage local MAC access control lists.........................................124
Manually set up a MAC access control List...............................124
Import an existing MAC access control list..............................128
Manage user accounts.....................................................................131
Add a user account......................................................................131
Change the settings for a user account....................................133
Remove a user account...............................................................134
Manage neighbor AP detection.....................................................134
Enable neighbor access point detection and move access points
to the Known AP List....................................................................135
Import an existing neighbor access point list in the Known AP
List..................................................................................................137
Set up RADIUS servers.....................................................................140
Chapter 7 Manage the Local Area Network and IP Settings
Disable the DHCP client and specify a fixed IP address..............143
Enable the DHCP client...................................................................144
Set the 802.1Q VLAN and management VLAN............................146
Specify an existing domain name..................................................148
Manage port VLANs.........................................................................149
View the port and WiFi VLANs and add a port VLAN profile..150
Change a port VLAN profile.......................................................151
Remove a port VLAN profile.......................................................153
About trunk mode, access mode, and port VLAN IDs............154
Change the port mode or port VLAN ID for a port.................154
Enable or disable Spanning Tree Protocol...................................156
Enable or disable the network integrity check function..............157
Enable or disable IGMP snooping.................................................158
Enable or disable Ethernet LLDP....................................................159
Enable or disable UPnP...................................................................160
Chapter 8 Manage and Maintain the Access Point
Change the management mode to NETGEAR Insight or
Web-browser....................................................................................162
Change the country or region of operation..................................164
Change the admin user account password..................................165
Change the system name................................................................166
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Insight Instant Mesh Multi-Mode Access Point Model WAC564 User Manual
Specify a custom NTP server...........................................................167
Set the time zone..............................................................................168
Manage the syslog settings.............................................................169
Manage the firmware of the access point.....................................170
Check for new firmware and upgrade the access point.........170
Manually download firmware and upgrade the access point.172
Revert to the backup firmware...................................................173
Use an SFTP server to upgrade the access point....................175
Manage the configuration file of the access point.......................176
Back up the access point configuration....................................176
Restore the access point configuration.....................................178
Reboot the access point from the local browser interface.........179
Schedule the access point to reboot.............................................180
Return the access point to its factory default settings.................181
Use the Reset button to reset the access point........................182
Use the local browser interface to reset the access point......183
Enable or disable Secure Shell.......................................................184
Enable SNMP and manage the SNMP settings............................185
Manage the LEDs.............................................................................186
Chapter 9 Monitor the Access Point and the Network
View the access point Internet, IP, and system settings..............189
View the WiFi radio settings............................................................193
View unknown and known neighbor access points.....................196
View client distribution, connected clients, and client trends....198
View WiFi and Ethernet traffic, traffic and ARP statistics, and channel
utilization...........................................................................................202
View or download tracked URLs.....................................................205
View, save, download, or clear the logs........................................207
View a WiFi bridge connection.......................................................209
View the data volume consumption..............................................210
View Air Time Fairness client distribution.....................................211
View the traffic analysis results.......................................................213
View alarms and notifications.........................................................215
Chapter 10 Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Capture WiFi and Ethernet packets...............................................218
Perform a ping test...........................................................................220
Check the Internet speed................................................................222
Quick tips for troubleshooting.......................................................223
Troubleshoot with the LEDs............................................................224
Power LED remains off................................................................225
Power LED remains solid amber................................................225
The Ring LED does not stop pulsing amber............................225
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Insight Instant Mesh Multi-Mode Access Point Model WAC564 User Manual
The Ring LED does not stop pulsing red, green, and blue....226
The extender access point and root access point cannot
connect..............................................................................................227
Troubleshoot the WiFi connectivity...............................................228
Troubleshoot Internet browsing.....................................................229
You cannot log in to the access point over a LAN connection....230
Changes are not saved....................................................................230
You enter the wrong password and can no longer log in to the
access point.......................................................................................231
Troubleshoot your network using the ping utility........................232
Test the LAN path to your access point....................................232
Test the path from your computer to a remote device...........233
Appendix A Mount the Access Point on a Wall or Ceiling
Install the access point freestanding..............................................235
Wall-mount the access point...........................................................236
Ceiling-mount the access point......................................................238
Appendix B Factory Default Settings and Technical Specifications
Factory default settings...................................................................241
Technical specifications...................................................................244
8
1
Hardware Overview
The NETGEAR Insight Instant Mesh Multi-Mode Access Point, Model WAC564, in this
manual referred to as the access point, supports two radios with tri-band concurrent
operation at 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz low band, and 5 GHz high band. The access point can
provide a combined throughput of 3000 Mbps (400 Mbps at 2.4 GHz, 867 Mbps at 5
GHz low band, and 1733 Mbps at 5 GHz high band).
Although you can use the access point as a standalone access point, the access point
is designed for use in a NETGEAR Insight Instant Mesh WiFi network as an extender
access point or a root access point.
A root access point is set up with a wired connection to your network and functions as
a gateway to an extender access point, which communicates with the root access point
over a WiFi backhaul connection (see What are a root access point and an extender
access point? on page 19). That is, the extender access point is not connected to your
network over a wired connection but over a WiFi connection.
A mesh WiFi network consists of at least one mesh-capable root access point and one
or more extender access points , all of which together provide WiFi coverage over a
potentially large area (see What is an Insight Instant Mesh WiFi network? on page 19).
In addition to providing WiFi capability, the access point also functions as a switch with
four Ethernet LAN ports so that you can attach wired devices such as computers, printers,
other switches, and hubs. You can mount the access point on a wall or ceiling (see Mount
the Access Point on a Wall or Ceiling on page 234).
This chapter contains the following sections:
• About NETGEAR Insight
• Related documentation
• Unpack the access point
• Front and top panel with Ring LED
• Back panel with Power LED
• Access point label
• Safety instructions and warnings for an indoor access point
9
Note: For more information about the topics that are covered in this manual, visit the
support website at netgear.com/support/.
Note: Firmware updates with new features and bug fixes are made available from time
to time at netgear.com/support/download/. 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 manual, you might need to update the firmware.
Note: In this user manual, WiFi network means the same as SSID (service set identifier
or WiFi network name) or VAP (virtual access point). That is, in this user manual, when
we refer to a WiFi network we mean an individual SSID or VAP.
10
Insight Instant Mesh Multi-Mode Access Point Model WAC564 User Manual
About NETGEAR Insight
The access point supports the NETGEAR Insight app, which lets you set up and manage
the access point from your iOS or Android mobile device and connects to the Insight
cloud-based management platform. For Insight Premium or Insight Pro subscribers, the
access point also supports the Insight Cloud portal, which is the website that provides
access to the Insight cloud-based management platform.
This user manual describes the local browser–based management interface, in this
manual referred to as the local browser interface. For more information about NETGEAR
Insight, visit insight.netgear.com and see the NETGEAR knowledge base at
netgear.com/support/product/insight.aspx.
If you install the access point as a NETGEAR Insight managed device, the settings for
features that you can manage through the Insight app and Insight Cloud portal are
masked out in the local browser interface. However, using the local browser interface,
you can still manage the settings for certain features that are not yet supported in Insight.
For more information, visit the NETGEAR knowledge base at
netgear.com/support/product/insight.aspx and search for What is Hybrid Management
Mode.
Related documentation
The following related documentation is available at netgear.com/support/download/:
Installation guide
•
Data sheet
•
For information about the NETGEAR Insight app and the Insight Cloud portal, visit
insight.netgear.com and see the NETGEAR knowledge base at
netgear.com/support/product/insight.aspx.
Unpack the access point
The package includes the following items:
Model WAC564 access point
•
Power adapter (varies by region)
•
Ethernet cable
•
Rubber feet
•
User Manual11Hardware Overview
Insight Instant Mesh Multi-Mode Access Point Model WAC564 User Manual
Installation guide
•
Ceiling and wall-mount kit, including the following:
•
- Mount base
- Mount base screws (2)
- Mount base cover
- Wall bracket
- Wall anchors (2) and screws (2)
- Ceiling bracket
- T-bracket with lock screw (1)
- T-bracket screws (4)
Front and top panel with Ring LED
The front and top panel of the access point do not include any components other than
the Ring LED, which is sunk into the top of the enclosure.
Figure 1. Front panel and top panel with Ring LED
User Manual12Hardware Overview
Insight Instant Mesh Multi-Mode Access Point Model WAC564 User Manual
Table 1. Ring LED descriptions
OccursDescriptionColor
Solid amber. The access point is booting. The boot process takes
about 90 seconds.
Pulsing cyan. The access point is attempting to detect a root access
point.
Solid cyan. The access point is connected to the root access point
that provides the strongest WiFi signal but is not yet set up as a
managed device in an Insight Instant Mesh WiFi network.
Slow pulsing amber. The access point is contacting the network
router or DHCP server to receive an IP address.
Pulsing magenta. The access point is making its first connection
with the Insight cloud and the Insight cloud starts to push the firmware
that enables the access point to become a managed device.
Pulsing red, green, and blue. The access point is being configured
either as a managed device in an Insight Instant Mesh WiFi network
or as a standalone access point.
point functions as an Insight managed device in an Insight Instant
Mesh WiFi network and is connected to the Insight cloud.
point functions as a standalone access point, but you can set it up
was an Insight managed device and let it connect to the Insight cloud.
Note: If the access point does function as an Insight managed device
in an Insight Instant Mesh WiFi network and the Ring LED lights solid
green (three seconds on, three minutes off), the access point lost its
connection with the Insight cloud.
Any time when
booting
During initial
installation only
During initial
installation only
During initial
installation only
During initial
installation only
During initial
installation only
When operatingPulsing blue, three seconds on, three minutes off. The access
When operatingPulsing green, three seconds on, three minutes off. The access
Fast pulsing amber. The access point is resetting to factory defaults.
Any time when
reset
Note: For information about troubleshooting with the LEDs, see Troubleshoot with the
LEDs on page 224.
Back panel with Power LED
The back panel of the access point provides four Ethernet LAN ports, a Power button
and Power LED, a DC power connector, and a Reset button.
User Manual13Hardware Overview
Insight Instant Mesh Multi-Mode Access Point Model WAC564 User Manual
Figure 2. Back panel
Viewed from left to right, the back panel contains the following components:
Four LAN ports (1, 2, 3, and 4). Use the Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports to connect the
•
access point to wired devices such as computers, printers, storage devices, hubs,
and other switches. You can also use a wired computer connection for configuration
of the access point.
Note: If you install the access point as a standalone access point or as a root access
point, make sure that you use LAN port 1 on the access point for the Ethernet
connection to your network. Do not use another port for this purpose. For example,
connect LAN port 1 to a switch that is connected to your router or Internet gateway.
By default, LAN port 1 functions in trunk mode as an uplink.
Power button and Power LED. Press the Power button to turn the access point on
•
or off. The small Power LED is located above the button.
When you turn on the power to the access point, the Power LED lights solid amber
for about two minutes and then turns solid green, indicating that the startup
procedure is complete and the access point is ready.
User Manual14Hardware Overview
Insight Instant Mesh Multi-Mode Access Point Model WAC564 User Manual
The behavior of the Power LED is as follows:
- Solid amber. The access point is booting.
- Solid green. The access point is ready.
-
Blinking amber. The access point is being reset to factory default settings.
For information about troubleshooting with the LEDs, see Troubleshoot with the
LEDs on page 224.
DC power connector. The access point requires 12V, 2.5A input. Use the power
•
adapter that is supplied with the access point.
Reset button. Press the Reset button for about 2 seconds to reboot the access point
•
or for more than 7 seconds to reset the access point to factory default settings.
If you added the access point to a NETGEAR Insight network location, you must first
use the Insight app or Insight Cloud portal to remove the access point from your
Insight network location before the factory default settings function of the Reset
button is available. For more information, see Use the Reset button to reset the
access point on page 182.
Access point label
The label on the bottom panel of the access point shows the serial number, MAC address,
default WiFi network name (SSID), network key (password), and default login information
of the access point.
Safety instructions and warnings for an indoor access point
Use the following safety guidelines to ensure your own personal safety and to help
protect your system from potential damage.
To reduce the risk of bodily injury, electrical shock, fire, and damage to the equipment,
observe the following precautions:
This product is designed for indoor use only in a temperature-controlled and
•
humidity-controlled environment. Note the following:
-
For more information about the environment in which this product must operate,
see the environmental specifications in the appendix or the data sheet.
-
If you want to connect the product over an Ethernet cable to a device located
outdoors, the outdoor device must be properly grounded and surge protected,
User Manual15Hardware Overview
Insight Instant Mesh Multi-Mode Access Point Model WAC564 User Manual
and you must install an Ethernet surge protector inline between the indoor
product and the outdoor device. Failure to do so can damage the product.
-
Before connecting the product to outdoor cables or wired outdoor devices, see
https://kb.netgear.com/000057103 for additional safety and warranty information.
Failure to follow these guidelines can result in damage to your NETGEAR product,
which might not be covered by NETGEAR’s warranty, to the extent permissible by
applicable law.
Do not service the product except as explained in your product documentation.
•
Some devices should never be opened.
If any of the following conditions occur, unplug the product from its power source,
•
and then replace the part or contact your trained service provider:
- Depending on your product, the power adapter, power adapter cable, power
adapter plug, or PoE Ethernet cable is damaged.
-
An object fell into the product.
- The product was exposed to water.
- The product was dropped or damaged.
-
The product does not operate correctly when you follow the operating
instructions.
Keep the product away from radiators and heat sources. Also, do not block cooling
•
vents.
Do not spill food or liquids on your product components, and never operate the
•
product in a wet environment. If the product gets wet, see the appropriate section
in your troubleshooting guide, or contact your trained service provider.
Do not push any objects into the openings of your product. Doing so can cause fire
•
or electric shock by shorting out interior components.
Use the product only with approved equipment.
•
If applicable to your product, allow the product to cool before removing covers or
•
touching internal components.
Be sure that devices that are attached over Ethernet cables are electrically rated to
•
operate with the power available in your location.
Depending on your product, use only the supplied power adapter or an Ethernet
•
cable that provides PoE.
If your product uses a power adapter:
-
If you were not provided with a power adapter, contact your local NETGEAR
reseller.
User Manual16Hardware Overview
Insight Instant Mesh Multi-Mode Access Point Model WAC564 User Manual
-
The power adapter must be rated for the product and for the voltage and current
marked on the product electrical ratings label.
To help prevent electric shock, plug any system and peripheral power cables into
•
properly grounded power outlets.
If applicable to your product, the peripheral power cables are equipped with
•
three-prong plugs to help ensure proper grounding. Do not use adapter plugs or
remove the grounding prong from a cable. If you must use an extension cable, use
a three-wire cable with properly grounded plugs.
Observe extension cable and power strip ratings. Make sure that the total ampere
•
rating of all products plugged into the extension cable or power strip does not
exceed 80 percent of the ampere ratings limit for the extension cable or power strip.
To help protect your system from sudden, transient increases and decreases in
•
electrical power, use a surge suppressor, line conditioner, or uninterruptible power
supply (UPS).
Position system cables, power adapter cables, and PoE Ethernet cables carefully.
•
Route cables so that they cannot be stepped on or tripped over. Be sure that nothing
rests on any cables.
Do not modify power adapters, power adapter cables, or plugs. Consult a licensed
•
electrician or your power company for site modifications.
Always follow your local and national wiring rules.
•
User Manual17Hardware Overview
2
Install the Access Point in an Insight Instant Mesh WiFi Network
In addition to functioning as a regular standalone access point, the access point can
function in an Insight Instant Mesh WiFi network as either a root access point or an
extender access point.
This chapter describes how you can use the NETGEAR Insight app to connect the access
point to a root access point and let it function as an extender access point in an Insight
Instant Mesh WiFi network.
Note: To set up the extender access point in a NETGEAR Insight Instant Mesh WiFi
network with a connection to a root access point, you must use the NETGEAR Insight
app. You cannot use the local browser UI to set up a mesh WiFi connection to a root
access point.
For information about how you can manage and monitor the extender access point with
the NETGEAR Insight app and Insight Cloud portal, visit netgear.com/insight and
netgear.com/support/product/Insight.aspx. For knowledge base articles about NETGEAR
Insight, visit netgear.com/support.
The chapter contains the following sections:
• What are a root access point and an extender access point?
• What is an Insight Instant Mesh WiFi network?
• Requirements for placing an extender access point in a mesh WiFi network
• Install the NETGEAR Insight app
• Connect the access point as an extender to a root access point
• Connect over the Internet using the NETGEAR Insight Cloud portal
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Insight Instant Mesh Multi-Mode Access Point Model WAC564 User Manual
What are a root access point and an extender access point?
The NETGEAR WAC564 access point can function in an Insight Instant Mesh WiFi network
as a root access point or as an extender access point:
Root access point. A mesh-capable access point that is set up with a wired
•
connection to your network and functions as a gateway to another mesh-capable
access point that functions as an extender. On the root access point, make sure that
you use one Ethernet port for the connection to your network. (On the WAC564
access point, use the LAN 1 port.) A root access point can service multiple extender
access points simultaneously.
Extender access point. A mesh-capable access point that functions as an extender
•
access point with a WiFi backhaul connection to a root access point that provides
Internet connectivity. The extender access point is not connected to your network
over a wired connection but over a WiFi connection.
What is an Insight Instant Mesh WiFi network?
A mesh WiFi network consists of at least one mesh-capable root access point and one
or more extender access points that connect to the root access point over WiFi (see
What are a root access point and an extender access point? on page 19). The root access
point is connected over Ethernet to a router or Internet gateway and provides Internet
access to its extender access points. The root access point and extender access points
work together to cover a potentially large area with WiFi network, which is the mesh
network.
A mesh network can be a good solution if you want to bring WiFi to the following
environments:
Nearby rooms where cabling is not available (in line of sight and in range of the
•
current WiFi reception)
Neighboring office buildings (in line of sight and in range of the current WiFi
•
reception)
Any environment in which you cannot run cables
•
Insight Instant Mesh WiFi
Network
User Manual19Install the Access Point in an
Insight Instant Mesh Multi-Mode Access Point Model WAC564 User Manual
In the mesh WiFi network, the extender access point connects to the root access point
over a WiFi connection and broadcasts (extends) the WiFi network to the WiFi clients:
Backhaul connection. The WiFi connection between the root access point and the
•
extender access point is referred to as the backhaul connection.
Fronthaul connection. The WiFi connection between the extender access point
•
and its WiFi clients is referred to as the fronthaul connection.
In a NETGEAR Insight Instant Mesh WiFi network, you must use the Insight app to set
up the mesh WiFi connection between the root access point and the extender access
point. That is, you cannot do so through the local browser interface of either the root
access point or the extender access point. In a network with multiple root access points,
NETGEAR Insight automatically connects the extender access point to the root access
point with the strongest WiFi signal.
Although the extender access point broadcasts the same WiFi network or networks as
the root access point, you can also set up a WiFi network on the extender access point,
which then can be broadcast by the root access point and other extender access points
in the mesh network.
Both the root access point and the extender access point support tri-band radios that
can broadcast on the 5 GHz high band (the preferred band for the backhaul connection),
the 5 GHz low band, and the 2.4 GHz band. Depending on the WiFi capability of the
WiFi client, any band can provide the fronthaul connection.
Requirements for placing an extender access point in a mesh WiFi network
The following are the requirements for placing an extender access point in an Insight
Instant Mesh WiFi network:
The existing WiFi network must include at least one mesh-capable access point that
•
runs the latest firmware version. On the root access point, use one Ethernet port for
the connection to your network. (On the NETGEAR WAC564 access point, use the
LAN 1 port.)
The extender access point must be within range of the WiFi signal of a root access
•
point so that it can sync with the root access point. For a reliable WiFi connection,
place the extender access point less than 25 feet (7.5 m), in a line of sight with minimal
obstacles from the closest root access point.
You must use the NETGEAR Insight app to install the extender access point in the
•
existing WiFi network.
User Manual20Install the Access Point in an
Insight Instant Mesh WiFi
Network
Insight Instant Mesh Multi-Mode Access Point Model WAC564 User Manual
The following NETGEAR access point models can function either as a root access point
or as an extender access point:
WAC540
•
WAC564
•
WAX610
•
WAX610Y (Although this model can function as an extender access point, you can
•
power it through PoE only.)
Note: In a mesh WiFi network with WAX610 or WAX610Y models and WAC564 or
WAC540 models, the WAC564 and WAC540 models must run firmware version 9.0 or
a later version.
In the near future, more NETGEAR models might be added to the previous list.
Install the NETGEAR Insight app
Before you can add the access point to an Insight Instant Mesh WiFi network, you must
install the NETGEAR Insight app on an iOS or Android mobile device.
For more information about the Insight app, visit netgear.com/insight and
netgear.com/support/product/Insight.aspx. For knowledge base articles about NETGEAR
Insight, visit netgear.com/support.
To install the Insight app:
1.
On your iOS or Android mobile device, go to the app store, search for NETGEAR
Insight, and download the Insight app.
2. Open the Insight app.
3.
If you did not set up a NETGEAR account, tap Create NETGEAR Account and follow
the onscreen instructions.
4.
Enter the email address and password for your account and tap LOG IN.
You can now set up the access point mesh WiFi connection (see Connect the access
point as an extender to a root access point on page 22).
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Connect the access point as an extender to a root access point
Use the NETGEAR Insight app to connect the access point as an extender to a root
access point. The root access point must be set up with a wired connection to a router
or Internet gateway so that the root access point can provide Internet connectivity to
the extender access point.
Figure 3. Connect the extender access point to a root access point
The WiFi wave colors in the figure indicate the following sample connections:
Orange. 5 GHz high band.
•
Blue. 5 GHz low band.
•
Purple. 2.4 GHz.
•
The extender access point can use any band to establish the backhaul connection to
the root access point and the fronthaul connection to WiFi clients. However, after the
backhaul connection is established, the extender access point automatically switches
to the 5 GHz high band as the preferred band for its backhaul connection. Using the
NETGEAR Insight app, you can change the preferred band for the backhaul connection.
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To use the NETGEAR Insight app to connect the access point as an extender to a
root access point in an existing WiFi network:
1.
For a reliable WiFi connection, place the extender access point less than 25 feet (line
of sight, with minimal obstacles) from the closest root access point.
2. Connect the extender access point to a power source.
The Power LED on the back of the extender access point lights amber and then lights
green.
If the Power LED does not light, press the Power On/Off button.
3. Connect your smartphone to the existing WiFi network that includes one or more
root access points.
4. Open the Insight app and sign in to your NETGEAR account.
In most situations, the Insight app detects the extender access point automatically.
This process might take a few minutes.
5.
Do one of the following:
Automatically detected. If the Insight app detects the extender access point
•
automatically, tap the extender and follow the onscreen instructions to add the
extender access point to your Insight account and to an Insight network location.
Not automatically detected. If the Insight app does not detect the extender
•
access point automatically, do the following:
a. Tap + in the upper-right corner.
b.
Manually add the extender access point to the Insight app using one of the
following options:
- Scan the QR code.
- Scan the serial number bar code.
- Type in the serial number.
c. Follow the onscreen instructions to add the extender access point to your
Insight account and to an Insight network location.
The extender access point attempts to detect and connect to the root access point
that provides the strongest WiFi signal in the Insight Instant Mesh WiFi network.
Note: The initial connection and configuration process might take up to 10 minutes.
The extender access point might restart during the configuration process.
6.
Wait for the Ring LED to stop pulsing red, green, and blue and to start pulsing blue.
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The Ring LED lights as follows during the initial connection and configuration process:
Pulsing cyan. The Ring LED pulses cyan while the extender access point is
•
attempting to detect a root access point.
Solid cyan. The Ring LED lights solid cyan while the extender access point is
•
making its first connection with the root access point that provides the strongest
WiFi signal.
Pulsing amber. The Ring LED pluses amber slowly while the extender access
•
point is contacting the network router or DHCP server to receive an IP address.
If the Ring LED does not stop pulsing amber, see The Ring LED does not stop
pulsing amber on page 225.
Pulsing magenta. The Ring LED pulses magenta while the extender access point
•
is making its first connection with the Insight cloud and the Insight cloud starts
to push the firmware that enables the extender access point to become a
managed device.
Pulsing red, green, and blue. The Ring LED pulses red, green, and blue while
•
the extender access point is being configured as a managed device in the Insight
Instant Mesh WiFi network.
If the Ring LED does not stop pulsing red, green, and blue, see The Ring LED
does not stop pulsing red, green, and blue on page 226.
When the configuration is complete, the Ring LED lights as follows:
Pulsing blue. The Ring LED pulses blue when the configuration is complete and
•
the extender access point is ready for operation.
Pulsing blue, three seconds on, three minutes off. The Ring LED pulses blue
•
for three seconds and then goes off for three minutes while the extender access
point functions in the Insight Instant Mesh WiFi network and is connected to the
Insight cloud.
The extender access point is automatically configured to broadcast (extend) the root
access point’s WiFi network.
If you are experiencing difficulty connecting the extender access point with a root access
point, see The extender access point and root access point cannot connect on page
227.
For information about accessing, managing, and monitoring the extender access point
with the NETGEAR Insight app and Insight Cloud portal, visit netgear.com/insight and
netgear.com/support/product/Insight.aspx. For knowledge base articles about NETGEAR
Insight, visit netgear.com/support.
Insight Instant Mesh WiFi
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User Manual24Install the Access Point in an
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Connect over the Internet using the NETGEAR Insight Cloud portal
The NETGEAR Insight Cloud portal is available for Insight Premium and Insight Pro
subscribers.
After you install the access point in an Insight Instant Mesh WiFi network, you can use
the Insight Cloud portal to configure, manage, and monitor the access point.
For more information about the Insight Cloud portal and the configuration and
management options that are available through the Insight Cloud portal, visit
netgear.com/insight and netgear.com/support/product/Insight.aspx. For knowledge
base articles about NETGEAR Insight, visit netgear.com/support.
To connect to the access point over the Internet through the Insight Cloud portal:
1. Visit insight.netgear.com.
The NETGEAR Account Login page displays.
2. Enter your Insight email address and password.
If you do not own an Insight account, you can create one.
3. Click the Login button.
You can now configure, manage, and monitor the access point.
Insight Instant Mesh WiFi
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User Manual25Install the Access Point in an
3
Install the Access Point as a Regular Access Point in Your Network
This chapter describes how you can use the local browser interface to install and access
the access point as a regular access point (that is, a standalone access point) in your
network.
The chapter contains the following sections:
• Position your access point
• Set up the access point as a regular access point
• Connect to the access point for initial configuration
• Log in to the access point after initial setup
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Insight Instant Mesh Multi-Mode Access Point Model WAC564 User Manual
Position your access point
Before you install your access point as described in the mounting installation guide,
consider how you will position the access point.
The access point lets you access your network anywhere within the operating range of
your WiFi network. However, the operating distance or range of your WiFi connection
can vary significantly depending on the physical placement of your access point. For
example, the thickness and number of walls the WiFi signal passes through can limit
the range.
Additionally, other WiFi devices in and around your home might affect your access
point’s signal. WiFi devices can be other access point, routers, repeaters, WiFi range
extenders, and any other devices that emit WiFi signals for network access.
Position your access point according to the following guidelines:
Place your access point near the center of the area where your computers and other
•
devices operate and within line of sight to your WiFi devices.
Place the access point in an elevated location, minimizing the number walls and
•
ceilings between the access point and your other devices.
Place the access point away from electrical devices such as these:
•
-
Ceiling fans
- Home security systems
- Microwaves
- Computers
-
Base of a cordless phone
- 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz cordless phones
Place the access point away from large metal surfaces, large glass surfaces, insulated
•
walls, and items such as these:
- Solid metal door
- Aluminum studs
- Fish tanks
- Mirrors
- Brick
- Concrete
Regular Access Point in Your
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If you are using adjacent access points and access points, use different radio frequency
channels to reduce interference.
Set up the access point as a regular access point
You can connect the access point to a switch in your network. The switch must be
connected to a network router that is connected to the Internet.
In this configuration, WiFi clients can connect to the access point and access your network
and the Internet, but the access point cannot function as a component in a NETGEAR
Insight Instant Mesh WiFi network. That is, the access point functions as a regular
standalone access point.
Figure 4. Set up the access point with a connection to your network
To set up the access point with a connection to your network:
1. Connect an Ethernet cable to LAN port 1 on the access point.
Use LAN port 1 for the Ethernet connection to your network. Do not use another
port for this purpose. By default, LAN port 1 functions in trunk mode as an uplink.
2.
Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to a switch or router that is connected
to your network and to the Internet.
3. Connect the power adapter to the access point and plug it into an electrical outlet.
The Power LED on the back of the access point lights amber and then lights green.
If the Power LED does not light, press the Power On/Off button.
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The Ring LED is pulsing amber slowly while the access point is contacting the network
router to receive an IP address. After a few minutes, the Ring LED is pulsing red,
green, and blue and the access point is ready for you to perform the initial
configuration (see Connect to the access point for initial configuration on page 29).
Connect to the access point for initial configuration
After you set up the access point, you can use several methods to connect to it for initial
configuration.
You can connect to the access point by using the NETGEAR Insight app on an iOS or
Android mobile device, by accessing the Insight Cloud portal, or by using the local
browser interface. You cannot use Insight access with the local browser interface. These
types of access are mutually exclusive.
The Insight app and the Insight Cloud portal provide ease of access and let you configure
most features that are available on the access point. The local browser interface lets
you configure all features that are available on the access point.
If you use the Insight app or the Insight Cloud portal to connect to the access point, see
one of the following sections:
Connect over WiFi using the NETGEAR Insight App on an iOS or Android mobile
•
device on page 30
Connect over the Internet using the NETGEAR Insight Cloud portal on page 31
•
If you use the local browser interface to connect to the access point, follow the procedure
in one of these sections:
Connect over WiFi using a WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device on page 32
•
Connect over Ethernet using a computer connected to the same network on page
•
36
Connect over Ethernet using a directly connected computer on page 40
•
Note: If your network does not include a DHCP server (or a router that functions as a
DHCP server) and you do not perform the initial configuration of the access point as
described in one of these sections, you can connect only two clients to the access point
and the access point can provide an IP address to only two clients. To prevent this
situation, make sure that you perform the initial configuration of the access point.
Regular Access Point in Your
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Connect over WiFi using the NETGEAR Insight App on an iOS or Android mobile device
You can install the NETGEAR Insight app on an iOS or Android mobile device and set
up the access point (and perform many other tasks as well).
IMPORTANT: If you add the access point to a NETGEAR Insight network location and
manage the access point through the Insight app or Insight Cloud portal, the admin
password for the access point changes. That is, the Insight network password for that
location replaces the admin password. To access the local browser interface, you must
then enter the Insight network password and not the admin password. If you later decide
to remove the access point from the Insight network location or change the management
mode to Web-browser mode (see Change the management mode to NETGEAR Insight
or Web-browser on page 162), you must continue to use the Insight network password
to access the local browser interface until you manually change the admin password
on the access point.
For more information about the Insight app, visit insight.netgear.com and see the
NETGEAR knowledge base at netgear.com/support/product/insight.aspx.
To connect to the access point over WiFi using an iOS or Android mobile device:
1.
On your iOS or Android mobile device, go to the app store, search for NETGEAR
Insight, and download the Insight app.
2.
Connect your mobile device to the WiFi network of access point.
The default SSID is on the access point label on the bottom of the access point and
is shown in the format NETGEARxxxxxx-SETUP, where xxxxxx is the last six
hexadecimal digits of the access point’s MAC address. The default password is
sharedsecret.
3. Open the Insight app.
4.
If you did not set up a NETGEAR account, tap Create NETGEAR Account and follow
the onscreen instructions.
5.
Enter the email address and password for your account and tap LOG IN.
After you log in to your account, the IP address of the access point displays in the
device list.
User Manual30Install the Access Point as a
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