Step 1. Connect the WAX204
Join the WiFi network using the manual method
Installation Guide
Business WiFi 6 AX1800 Access Point
WAX204
Package contents
• Wireless access point
• DC power adapter (varies by region)
• Ethernet cable
• Installation guide
Sample connections
Internet
1. Unplug the modem’s power, leaving the modem connected to the wall jack
for your Internet service. (If the modem uses a battery backup, remove the
battery.)
2. Connect the Ethernet cable to the yellow Internet port on the WAX204.
3. Connect the other end of the cable to a LAN port on your modem.
4. Plug in and turn on the modem. (If the modem uses a battery backup, put the
battery back in before you turn on the modem.)
5. Power on the WAX204 and check that the LEDs are lit.
Modem
WiFi client
Step 2. Join the default WiFi network
The default WiFi network name (SSID) is “NETGEARXXXXXX”, where XXXXXX
represents the last 6 characters of the device’s MAC Address, as printed on the
WAX204 label. By default, the WAX204’s WiFi network provides WPA2 security.
A randomly generated unique WiFi password is printed on a label on the device.
We recommend that you change the WiFi password to a more secure password
for the default SSID and for the two other SSIDs. For more information, see the
user manual.
To connect your WiFi device to the WAX204’s WiFi network, you can use either
the manual method or the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) method.
1. Open the software utility that manages your WiFi connections on the WiFi
device that you want to connect to the WAX204.
This utility scans for all WiFi networks in your area.
2. Find and select the WAX204’s WiFi network name (SSID) and connect to its
WiFi network.
The default WiFi network name (SSID) is “NETGEARXXXXXX”, where XXXXXX
represents the last 6 characters of the device’s MAC Address.
Enter the default passphrase printed on the WAX204 label.
Join the WiFi network using the WPS method
The WAX204’s WPS button is on the back panel. If your computer or mobile
device supports WPS, you can use WPS to join the WAX204’s WiFi network. See
the instructions or online help for your computer or mobile device.
Step 3. Log in to the WAX204
1. Launch a web browser and enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the
address eld.
The Smart Setup Wizard starts.
2. Follow the Smart Setup Wizard prompts.
3. During the setup process, you are required to set a new admin password for
local login. After you set the new password, you must log back in using the
new password.
4. You can also update the rmware if a new version is available.
Note: If you cannot connect the WAX204 to the Internet, see the user
manual for troubleshooting information and instructions on how to log in to
the WAX204 without Internet access.
Note: When the WAX204 is connected to the Internet, the NETGEAR
Business page displays with multiple login and registration options. You can
skip registration and log in to the local browser-based user interface (UI)
temporarily to congure the device.
Continued on the other side
5. To register and activate your product warranty, tap the LOG IN with
NETGEAR account button.
The NETGEAR Account Login page displays.
Note: If you do not own a NETGEAR account, tap the Create account link,
create a NETGEAR account, and log in.
6. Enter your NETGEAR account email address and password, and then tap the
LOG IN with NETGEAR account button.
The Local device login page displays.
IMPORTANT: After the WAX204 is registered and you log in with your NETGEAR
account, you can use the local device password for future logins.
7. Log in using your local device password.
The BASIC > Home page displays.
8. Congure the country and region where you are using the WAX204. Select
Advanced > Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings > Region Selection.
Note: The country or region is not selectable for the U.S. and Canada.
Note: Make sure that the country is set to the location where the device is
operating. You are responsible for complying with the local, regional, and
national regulations for channels, power levels, and frequency ranges.
9. Click the Apply button.
Your settings are saved.
For more information, see Use the WAX204 in access point mode.
If you do not want to use the WAX204 in access point mode, you can continue
to use the WAX204 in router mode and congure the WAX204 for your
environment. For more information, see the user manual.
Use the WAX204 in access point mode
Sample access point connections
Internet
Modem
Network router
WAX204 in
access point mode
You can cable the WAX204 to your network router and then set the WAX204 to
access point mode.
1. Connect the Ethernet cable to the yellow Internet port on the WAX204.
2. Connect the other end of the cable to a LAN port on your network router.
Your network router must support a DHCP server, so that it assigns an IP
address to the WAX204 and its clients, and provides Internet access.
3. Power on the WAX204 and check that the LEDs are lit.
4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Router / AP / Bridge Mode.
5. Select the AP Mode radio button.
6. Tap the Apply button.
Your settings are saved and the WAX204 is recongured in access point
mode. The WAX204 routing functions are disabled and it is assigned a new
IP address.
7. Follow the onscreen instructions to log in to the admin interface again.
Note: For more information about conguring the WAX204, see the user
manual.
WiFi device
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. The PoE source is intended for intra building
connection only.
September2020
© NETGEAR, Inc., NETGEAR and the NETGEAR Logo
are trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. Any non‑NETGEAR
trademarks are used for reference purposes only.
NETGEAR, Inc.
350 East Plumeria Drive
San Jose, CA 95134, USA
NETGEAR INTERNATIONAL LTD
Floor 1, Building 3
University Technology Centre
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T12EF21, Ireland