This user manual is for the NETGEAR® N600 WiFi Range Extender, model WN2500RPv2, which
is referred to as the extender.
This chapter covers the following topics:
•Unpack Your Extender
•Front Panel LEDs and Right Panel WPS Button
•Rear Panel Ports, Buttons, and Connector
•Attach the Feet
•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.
Note: Firmware updates with new features and bug fixes are made
available from time to time on downloadcenter.netgear.com. Some
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.
5
N600 WiFi Range Extender
Unpack Your Extender
Your box contains the following items:
•N600 WiFi Range Extender
•Power adapter
•Snap-on feet
•Installation guide
Front Panel LEDs and Right Panel WPS Button
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
feet attached. (For information about attaching the feet, see Attach the Feet on page 8.)
WPS button (on the right panel)
WPS LED
LAN LEDs (1 through 4)
Device to Extender LED
5 GHz Link Rate LED
2.4 GHz Link Rate LED
Power LED
Figure 1. Front panel LEDs and right panel WPS button
The following table describes the LEDs.
Overview
6
N600 WiFi Range Extender
Table 1. Front panel LEDs
LEDDescription
Solid green. The extender is powered on.
Solid amber. The extender is booting.
Power LED
2.4 GHz Link Rate LED
5 GHz Link Rate LED
Blinking amber. The firmware
button was pressed.
Blinking green. The firmware is corrupt. Visit
Off. The extender is powered off.
Green. The 2.4 GHz WiFi connection between the extender and the WiFi
router is optimum.
Amber. The 2.4 GHz WiFi connection between the extender and the WiFi
router is good.
Red. The 2.4 GHz WiFi connection between the extender and the WiFi router
is poor.
Off. The extender and the WiFi router do not have a 2.4 GHz WiFi connection.
Green. The 5 GHz WiFi connection between the extender and the WiFi router
is optimum.
Amber. The 5 GHz WiFi connection between the extender and the WiFi router
is good.
Red. The 5 GHz WiFi connection between the extender and the WiFi router is
poor.
Off. The extender and the WiFi router do not have a 5 GHz WiFi connection.
upgrading or the Restore Factory Settings
is
support.netgear.com.
Device to Extender
LED
LAN LEDs
(1 through 4)
WPS LED
Green. The extender is connected to a computer or WiFi device.
Off. The extender is not connected to a computer or WiFi device.
Green. An Ethernet device is connected to the LAN port.
Off. No Ethernet device is connected to the LAN port.
Solid green. WiFi security is enabled (WPA or WPA2).
Blinking green. A WPS connection is in progress.
Off. WiFi security is not enabled.
Overview
7
N600 WiFi Range Extender
Rear Panel Ports, Buttons, and Connector
The following figure shows the ports, buttons, and connector on the rear panel of the
extender. The figure show the extender in upright position, with the feet attached. (For
information about attaching the feet, see Attach the Feet on page 8.)
Restore Factory Settings button
Ethernet LAN ports
Power connector
On/Off button
Figure 2. Rear panel
Attach the Feet
If you prefer to place the extender in upright (vertical) position, attach the feet that come with
the extender.
Although the extender functions well in either horizontal or vertical position, a horizontal
position might give a better performance.
To attach the feet:
1. Hold the extender in upright position with the left side of the extender pointing down.
2. Snap the feet onto the extender.
Overview
8
N600 WiFi Range Extender
Figure 3. Attaching the feet
When to Use Your Extender
NETGEAR recommends that you connect to the extender only when your existing home
network connection is poor. Data traf fic 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.
Overview
9
N600 WiFi Range Extender
WiFi Range
Extender
Boosts the range of your
existing WiFi and creates
a stronger signal in
hard-to-reach areas.
Figure 4. Range extender in a home
Existing WiFi
Sometimes your router
does not provide the WiFi
coverage you need.
Overview
10
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
2
11
N600 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 5. 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 feet and place the extender vertically. Although the extender functions well in either
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
extender close to the WiFi router. After you have established a connection between the
extender and the WiFi router
(Y ou 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.
, move the extender to the location where you intend to use it.
, place the
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).
•WiFi. 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 W
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.
iFi and Use Smart Setup). Use this method if your WiFi
Get Started
12
N600 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 15
•Access the Extender over Ethernet and Use Smart Setup on page 22
WPS lets you join a secure WiFi network without typing the network name and password.
The WPS button is a physical button on the right side panel of the extender.
might have a physical WPS button, a software WPS button, or both.
Your WiFi router
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 15.
To connect the extender with WPS to a WiFi router and find the best location for the
extender:
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 power LED lights amber during startup process. After about one minute, the power
LED turns green and the startup process is complete.
You are now ready to connect the extender to your WiFi router.
4. Press the WPS button on the right side panel of the extender.
The WPS LED
blinks 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
13
N600 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 StatusLED ColorPerformance
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 StatusLED ColorPerformance
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.
and The extender provides a poor performance.
and The extender provides the best performance.
and The extender provides a workable performance.
and 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’s
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:
11. Select the new network and use your WiFi router password to connect.
You are now using your extended WiFi network.
Get Started
14
N600 WiFi Range Extender
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:
To access the extender over WiFi and use Smart Setup to connect the extender to an
existing WiFi network:
Smart Setup to connect the extender to an existing WiFi
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 power LED lights amber during startup process. After about one minute, the power
LED turns green and the startup process is complete.
4. Make sure that your computer is not connected to an Ethernet network.
If the computer 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
f the extender.
o
Get Started
15
N600 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
16
N600 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 WPA-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. Specify the active key by selecting the Key 1, Key2, Key 3, or Key 4 radio
button (only one key can be the active key) and type the value for the key
For 64-bit WEP, type 10 hexadecimal digits (any combination of 0–9,
A–F). For
128-bit WEP, type 26 hexadecimal digits. The key values are not case-sensitive.
c. Click the
Continue button.
.
Get Started
17
N600 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 19.
10. Enter the security settings for the existing 5 GHz network:
•If the network uses WPA-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
a. From the Encryption Strength menu, select the encryption strength (
, do the following:
64 bit or
128 bit).
b. Specify the active key by selecting the Key 1, Key 2, Key 3, or Key 4 radio
button (only one key can be the active key) and type the value for the key
For 64-bit WEP, type 10 hexadecimal digits (any combination of 0–9,
A–F). For
128-bit WEP, type 26 hexadecimal digits. The key values are not case-sensitive.
c. Click the
Continue button.
Get Started
18
.
N600 WiFi Range Extender
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
19
N600 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 83.
14. 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.
Get Started
20
N600 WiFi Range Extender
15. Click the Finish button.
A pop-up screen displays.
16. To 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 Register
button.
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
automatically to the WiFi router
.
, the extender connects
The Link Rate LEDs help you choose a spot where the extender-to-router connection is
optimal.
2.4 GHz LED StatusLED ColorPerformance
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 StatusLED ColorPerformance
Both the Link Rate LED and the Device
to Extender LED are green.
The following tables describe how the LEDs show the quality of the connection.
and The extender provides the best performance.
and The extender provides a workable performance.
and The extender provides a poor performance.
and The extender provides the best performance.
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 a workable performance.
and The extender provides a poor performance.
Get Started
21
N600 WiFi Range Extender
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
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.
24. Select the new network and use your WiFi router password to connect.
You are now using your extended WiFi network.
Step 11, the 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:
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 66.
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.
Get Started
22
N600 WiFi Range Extender
2. Plug the extender into an electrical outlet.
3. If necessary, press the Power
button.
The power LED lights amber during startup process. After about one minute, the power
LED turns green and the startup process is complete.
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.
You can use any of the four 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.
Get Started
23
N600 WiFi Range Extender
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.
8. Select a 2.4 GHz WiFi network to extend, and click the Continue button.
Get Started
24
N600 WiFi Range Extender
9. Enter the security settings for the existing 2.4 GHz network:
•If the network uses WPA-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. Specify the active key by selecting the Key 1, Key2, Key 3, or Key 4 radio
button (only one key can be the active key) and type the value for the key
For 64-bit WEP, type 10 hexadecimal digits (any combination of 0–9,
A–F). For
128-bit WEP, type 26 hexadecimal digits. The key values are not case-sensitive.
c. Click the
Continue button.
If Smart Setup detects any networks in the 5 GHz band, it displays them.
.
10. S elect 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 26.
Get Started
25
N600 WiFi Range Extender
11. Enter the security settings for the existing 5 GHz network:
•If the network uses WPA-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
a. From the Encryption Strength menu, select the encryption strength (
, do the following:
64 bit or
128 bit).
b. Specify the active key by selecting the Key 1, Key 2, Key 3, or Key 4 radio
button (only one key can be the active key) and type the value for the key
For 64-bit WEP, type 10 hexadecimal digits (any combination of 0–9,
.
A–F). For
128-bit WEP, type 26 hexadecimal digits. The key values are not case-sensitive.
c. 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.
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
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.
Get Started
26
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