Your wireless network is decent in your bedroom but disappears in the kitchen area. Perhaps the house interior is full of WiFi signals, but the poolside sees not even a single bar where you make your YouTube videos. What do you do then? Maybe bringing the router in these areas work but you cannot do such a thing all the time when you need your WiFi network in a particular area in your house.
Here’s where wireless range extenders help.
A WiFi extender is a device that extends your network’s range by retransmitting the signals from the access point. These devices are gaining popularity these days, all thanks to the technology that’s getting advanced more and more by reputed manufacturers like Netgear.
Netgear is globally known for their WiFi units such as routers and wireless range extenders. They manufacture highly advanced extenders that have few matches on the market. Apart from the numerous features of these models, the best thing is their easy-to-install procedures.
When you unbox your newly-bought Netgear extender, you will receive a Quick Start manual with complete information about the functions, options, buttons, and setup process of your model. In case you need guidance regarding the installation of your Netgear extender, you can take help of professional technicians online to assist you.
For your ease, we’ve divided the article into two sections: 1. Setup and installation 2. Common issues you may face during and after the setup
New Extender Setup – Manual Configuration
Although it’s easy, the setup and configuration of Netgear extender require great attention. Before beginning the procedure, make yourself aware of all the setup process details and requirements. In order to make your wireless extender work better, keep it closer (in the same room, if possible) to your main router during the setup. Also, make sure there are no interfering electric appliances such as microwave to interrupt the signals.
There are two ways by which you can configure your Netgear extender:
- net Local Web Address
Mywifiext is the easiest way to install a Netgear extender. It is a local web address on which you can enable smart connect, change your WiFi network name, see wireless settings, and a lot more.
- 168.1.250
192.168.1.250 is the default IP address configuring all Netgear extender models. In case you are unable to access it, you can type in www.mywifiext.net in the URL bar instead and proceed with installation and configuration.
All set! Now, keep everything handy and follow the instructions below to get started with the manual installation of your extender:
- Turn on your extender after plugging it in a power source
- Connect it with your PC or laptop by using an Ethernet cable
- Wait until the Device to Extender LED turns amber properly
- Now turn on all your WiFi devices you want to connect with your range extender’s network
- On your computer or laptop, launch your preferred web browser and enter into mywifiext local web page
- Click on New Extender Setup
- Provide your login credentials
- Select your SSID and click on Next
- Again, provide your password and click Next
- Select the access point (or network) with which you want to connect your extender
- Hit Continue
Once the wizard completes its processing, your range extender will be added on the WiFi list. You can now access the internet from any room or area you want. Manual installation and configuration is the best way to set up your extender. For more assistance with the setup, you can anytime consult professionals online.
As now you know about the complete Netgear extender setup process, you must be tempted to use it. However, it’s essential to know that during your use, you might run into some technical issues sooner or later. Here’s a list of the possible common issue you might face during and after the setup of your range extender.
Common Issues Faced By A User During Netgear Extender Setup
- WiFi Connectivity Getting Lost
This is the most common issue faced by users during the installation process. Either the WiFi network is slow or gets lost completely. This makes things slow. You can resolve the issue by taking care of a few things. Move your extender closer to your router. Keep it away from the reach of metal appliances and electronic gadgets.
- WPS Or WiFi Protected Setup Not Working
By default, the WPS button on your range extender is enabled, hence it will work properly. However, sometimes a user might accidentally turn it off. In that event, the setup process faces issues. You can resolve this by checking the WPS button.
- Your Netgear Genie Version Is Not Compatible
The manual setup of Netgear range extenders takes users through Netgear Genie page. However, at times, users report that the main dashboard doesn’t appear after they log in to their extender. This happens due to an incompatible Netgear Genie version with your desktop. To get rid of this issue, simply use the appropriate version.
Installing a Netgear range extender is just a breeze if you know the correct process. However, there are times when you might face annoying issues with the setup. It’s advised to take professional technicians’ help for installing your extender model in minutes.