AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender Model E X6120 User Manual August 2015 202-11553-01 350 East Plumeria Drive San Jose, CA 95134 USA
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender Support Thank you for selecting NETGEAR products. After installing your device, locate the serial number on the label of your product and use it to register your product at https://my.netgear.com. You must register your product before you can use NETGEAR telephone support. NETGEAR recommends registering your product through the NETGEAR website. For product updates and web support, visit http://support.netgear.com. Phone (US & Canada only): 1-888-NETGEAR.
Table of Contents Chapter 1 Overview Meet Your Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Side Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . When to Use Your Extender. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender Automatically Adjust for Daylight Saving Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Manually Set the Extender Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Up and Manage the Extender Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Up the Configuration Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Restore the Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1. 1 Overview The AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender boosts your existing network range and speed, delivering dual-band WiFi. You can also use the extender in access point mode as a WiFi access point and create a new WiFi hotspot by using a wired Ethernet connection. This chapter covers the following topics: • Meet Your Extender • 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.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender Meet Your Extender Before you install your extender, familiarize yourself with its LEDs, buttons, and port. Front Panel Router Device Link LED Link LED Power LED WPS LED Figure 1. Front panel LEDs Side Panels Power connector (varies by region) Power connector (varies by region) Factory Reset Button WPS button Power On/Off button Figure 2.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender The following table describes the LEDs. Table 1. Front panel LEDs LED Router Link Description This LED indicates the connection between the extender and the router or access point: • Solid green. Best connection. • Solid amber. Good connection. • Solid red. Poor connection. • Off. No connection. Device Device Link This LED indicates the connection between the extender and a computer or WiFi device: • Solid green. Best connection. • Solid amber. Good connection.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender The extender must do each of these jobs so that both ends of the bridge are in place. WiFi Range Extender Boosts the range of your existing WiFi and creates a stronger signal in hard-to-reach areas. Existing WiFi Sometimes your router does not provide the WiFi coverage that you need. Figure 3.
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AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender Use the Extender in Extender Mode Place the extender, apply power, and connect the extender to your WiFi network. Note: You can also use the extender as a WiFi access point and create a new WiFi hotspot by using a wired Ethernet connection. See Use the Extender in Access Point Mode on page 14. Place the Extender and Apply Power To place the extender and apply power: 1. Place your extender in the same room as your WiFi router.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender 2. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router or access point. The WPS LED on the extender lights solid green, the Router Link LED lights, and the extender connects to your existing WiFi network. If the Router Link LED does not light, try again. If it still does not light, see Connect With Web Browser Setup on page 11. 3. If your WiFi router supports the 5 GHz band, repeat Steps 1 and 2 to connect the extender to the 5 GHz band. 4.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender The New Extender Setup page displays. 4. Click the NEW EXTENDER SETUP button. The first time that you log in to the extender, the Create Account page displays. If the Create Account page does not display, visit www.mywifiext.net. 5. Complete the fields on the Create Account page and click the NEXT button. 6. When prompted, select your country or region from the Regional Settings menu and click the NEXT button. 7. Click the WIFI RANGE EXTENDER button.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender A message displays confirming that the extender is connected to the new extended WiFi network. 13. Click the NEXT button. The registration page displays. 14. Complete the registration fields and click the FINISH button to complete the setup. If you do not want to register your extender, click the Skip Registration link. Note that you must register your extender before you can use NETGEAR telephone support. The Status page displays. 15.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender Connect an Ethernet-Enabled Device After the extender is connected to your existing WiFi network, you can connect a wired device to the extender using an Ethernet cable. The device can then access your existing network through the extender’s WiFi connection. Figure 4. Ethernet LAN port Use the Extender in Access Point Mode You can use the extender as a WiFi access point, which creates a new WiFi hotspot by using a wired Ethernet connection. Figure 5.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender To use the extender in access point mode: 1. Plug the extender into an electrical outlet. 2. Wait for the Power LED to light amber and then turn green. If the Power LED does not light, press the Power On/Off button on the side of the extender. 3. Use an Ethernet cable to connect the Ethernet port on the extender to a router Ethernet LAN port or a remote Ethernet LAN jack with LAN access. The extender joins the LAN and creates a WiFi hotspot. 4.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender 9. Click the ACCESS POINT button. The extender checks for an Internet connection. 10. When prompted, set the network name (SSID), security option, and password, and click the NEXT button. Your settings are applied and the extender is ready to be used as an access point. 11. Use a WiFi network manager on the computer or WiFi device to connect to the new access point network. Repeat this step for all of your computers and WiFi devices. 12. Click the CONTINUE button.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender Run Smart Setup Installation You can use Smart Setup to change the extender settings. This is an easy way to connect the extender to a different router or to change the extender WiFi network name (SSID) or WiFi password. To run Smart Setup: 1. Use a WiFi network manager on a computer or WiFi device to find and connect to the new extended WiFi network. After the connection with the computer or WiFi device is established, the Device Link LED lights solid green. 2.
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AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender View Connected Devices You can view a list of devices that are connected to the extender network. To view connected devices: 1. On a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the extender network, launch a web browser. 2. In the address field of your browser, enter www.mywifiext.net. 3. When prompted, enter your email address and password. 4. Click the Menu icon . The extender menu displays. 5. Select Settings > Connected Devices.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender When you enable FastLane Technology, two options are available: • Use the 2.4 GHz band to connect the extender to the WiFi devices and use the 5 GHz band to connect the extender to the WiFi router. Use this mode if your WiFi router supports the 5 GHz band but the devices that you want to use for gaming and streaming support the 2.4 GHz band. • Use the 5 GHz band to connect the extender to the WiFi devices and use the 2.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender View WiFi Settings To view the WiFi settings: 1. On a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the extender network, launch a web browser. 2. In the address field of your browser, enter www.mywifiext.net. 3. When prompted, enter your email address and password. 4. Click the Menu icon . The extender menu displays. 5. Select Settings > Wireless. Change the WiFi Network Name To change the WiFi network name: 1.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender 5. Select Settings > Wireless. 6. In each Network Name (SSID) field, type a network name. 7. Click the SAVE button. Your settings are saved. Turn Off the SSID Broadcast to Create a Hidden Network By default, the extender broadcasts its WiFi signal so that its wireless network names (SSIDs) are easy for you to find and connect to from your computer, tablet, or smartphone. You can turn off the SSID broadcast to create a hidden WiFi network.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender 5. Select Settings > Wireless. 6. Clear the Broadcast the Network name (SSID) check box. 7. Click the SAVE button. Your settings are saved. Disable or Enable the WiFi Radios By default, the extender’s WiFi radios broadcast signals in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. If you disable the WiFi radios, then no one can connect with WiFi to the extender. To enable or disable the WiFi radios: 1.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender 5. Select Settings > Wireless. 6. Select or clear the Enable 2.4 GHz WiFi check box. 7. Select or clear the Enable 5 GHz WiFi check box. 8. Click the SAVE button. Your settings are saved. Change the WiFi Speed To change the WiFi speed: 1. On a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the extender network, launch a web browser. 2. In the address field of your browser, enter www.mywifiext.net. 3. When prompted, enter your email address and password. 4.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender 5. Select Settings > Wireless. 6. In each WiFi Speed menu, select a speed. 7. Click the SAVE button. Your settings are saved. Use WPS to Add a Computer to the Extender’s WiFi Network WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) lets you connect a computer or WiFi device to the extender’s network without entering the WiFi network passphrase or key. Instead, you use a WPS button or enter a PIN to connect.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender Use WPS With the Push Button Method For you to use the push button method to connect a WiFi device to the extender’s WiFi network, the WiFi device that you are trying to connect must include a physical WPS button or an onscreen WPS button that you can click. To use WPS to add a computer or WiFi device to the extender’s WiFi network: 1. On a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the extender network, launch a web browser. 2.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender 3. When prompted, enter your email address and password. 4. Click the Menu icon . The extender menu displays. 5. Select Settings > Do More > Connect Devices (WPS). The Connect Devices (WPS) page displays. 6. Select the PIN Number radio button. 7. Type the PIN of the WiFi device in the field. 8. Click the NEXT button. For four minutes, the extender attempts to find the computer or WiFi device. 9.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender 3. When prompted, enter your email address and password. 4. Click the Menu icon . The extender menu displays. 5. Select Settings > Connected Devices. 6. In the WiFi Devices section, select the Enable Access Control check box. The WiFi devices table displays the names and MAC addresses of WiFi devices that are connected to the extender. 7. Select the Deny check box for the device. 8. Click the SAVE button.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender 4. Click the Menu icon . The extender menu displays. 5. Select Do More > Access Schedule. 6. Select the Access Schedule On radio button. The page adjusts. 7. In the Days menu and the Time menu, select the day and time when you want to disable Internet access. 8. Click the Add Time button to add the time that you specified to the Scheduled Times table. 9. Click the SAVE button. Your settings are saved. Change the Extender’s Device Name The default name is EX6120.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender 6. Scroll down and click the IP Address heading. 7. In the Device Name field, type a name. 8. Click the SAVE button. Your settings are saved. Set Up the Extender to Use a Static IP Address The extender comes set up to use a dynamic IP address, which is the correct setting for most home networks. To set up the extender to use a static IP address: 1. On a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the extender network, launch a web browser. 2.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender 6. Scroll down and click the IP Address heading. By default, the Dynamically get IP Address from Router radio button is selected. 7. Select the Use Static IP Address radio button. 8. Complete the fields to specify the IP network IP addresses. 9. Click the SAVE button. Your settings are saved.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender c. Enter your email address and password and click the LOG IN button. 5. Click the Menu icon . The extender menu displays. 6. Select Settings > Connected Devices. The Connected Devices section displays the MAC addresses and virtual MAC addresses for computers and WiFi devices that are connected to the extender network. 7.
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AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender Change the Extender User Name and Password You can change the user name and password to log in to the extender. To add an extender user: 1. On a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the extender network, launch a web browser. 2. In the address field of your browser, enter www.mywifiext.net. 3. When prompted, enter your email address and password. 4. Click the Menu icon . The extender menu displays. 5. Select Settings > Password. 6.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender Turn Password Protection Off and On NETGEAR recommends that you leave password protection on to help keep your network secure. You can turn password protection off and on. To turn password protection off or on: 1. On a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the extender network, launch a web browser. 2. In the address field of your browser, enter www.mywifiext.net. 3. When prompted, enter your email address and password. 4. Click the Menu icon .
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender A login window opens. 7. Log in to the extender. Automatically Adjust for Daylight Saving Time To set up the extender to automatically adjust for daylight saving time: 1. On a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the extender network, launch a web browser. 2. In the address field of your browser, enter www.mywifiext.net. 3. When prompted, enter your email address and password. 4. Click the Menu icon . The extender menu displays. 5.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender Back Up and Manage the Extender Configuration When the extender works correctly after initial setup, NETGEAR recommends that you back up the extender configuration settings. After you have back up the settings, if you change the extender configuration settings but are not content with the new settings, you can restore the extender configuration to the backed-up settings. Back Up the Configuration Settings You can back up the configuration file of the extender.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender Restore the Configuration Settings You can restore the configuration file of the extender to a previously saved configuration file. To restore the extender configuration settings: 1. On a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the extender network, launch a web browser. 2. In the address field of your browser, enter www.mywifiext.net. 3. When prompted, enter your email address and password. 4. Click the Menu icon . The extender menu displays. 5.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender To reset the extender to factory default settings, you can either use the Factory Reset button on the side panel or log in to the extender and reset it. For a list of factory default settings, see Factory Default Settings on page 47. To use the Factory Reset button to return the extender to factory default settings: CAUTION: This process erases any settings that you configured in the extender. 1.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender 3. When prompted, enter your email address and password. 4. Click the Menu icon . The extender menu displays. 5. Select Settings > Other Settings. CAUTION: After you click the RESET button, do not try to go online, turn off the extender, shut down the computer, or do anything else to the extender until it finishes restarting! 6. Click the RESET button. A confirmation pop-up window opens. 7. Confirm your decision.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender 5. Select Settings > Firmware Update. 6. Click the CHECK ONLINE button. 7. If new firmware is available, follow the onscreen prompts to download it onto your computer. Note: You might need to unzip the firmware file. 8. Click the BROWSE button. 9. Locate and select the new firmware file. The firmware file name ends with a .chk extension.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender The Other Settings page displays. 6. Click the RESTART button and click the Yes button to confirm. The extender restarts, which takes about two minutes.
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AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender FAQs This section provides answers for difficulties you might experience with the extender. The web browser setup keeps asking me for my network password (passphrase) or security key, and I am sure that I entered the correct password. What can I do? The extender is probably placed at the borderline of the range covered by the router or access point. For more information about where to place the extender, see Find the Best Location on page 13.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender • If you cannot get a WiFi connection working, you can use an Ethernet cable to connect your computer to the extender. Cannot Join a WiFi Network and Receive an Error Message To join a WiFi network, you must know its network name (also called the SSID) so that you can select it. If the network is secure, you must know the passphrase or key.
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AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender Factory Default Settings To reset the extender to factory default settings, you can use the Factory Reset button on the side panel or you can log in and click the onscreen RESET button. For more information, see Return the Extender to Its Factory Default Settings on page 38. The following table shows the factory default settings. Table 2.
AC1200 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender Technical and Environmental Specifications The following table shows the technical and environmental specifications. Table 3. Technical specifications Technical Specifications Network protocol and standards compatibility Data and routing protocols: TCP/IP, DHCP server and client, DNS relay, Physical specifications • • Dimensions: 55.17 x 67.17 x 39 mm (2.17 x 2.64 x 1.54 in.) Weight: 130 g (0.
