AC1200 WiF Range Extender Model E X6150v2 User Manual June 2016 202-11631-01 350 East Plumeria Drive San Jose, CA 95134 USA
AC1200 WiF Range Extender Support Thank you for purchasing this NETGEAR product. You can visit www.netgear.com/support to register your product, get help, access the latest downloads and user manuals, and join our community. We recommend that you use only official NETGEAR support resources. Conformity For the current EU Declaration of Conformity, visit http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/11621. Compliance For regulatory compliance information, visit http://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory.
Table of Contents Chapter 1 Get to Know Your Extender Front and Side Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . When to Use Your Extender. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How the Extender Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Support for the 802.11ac Networking Standard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AC1200 WiF Range Extender Manually Set the Extender Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Up and Manage the Extender Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Up the Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Restore the Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Return the Extender to Its Factory Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . .
1. Get to Know Your Extender 1 The 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: • Front and Side Panels • When to Use Your Extender • Support for the 802.
AC1200 WiF Range Extender Front and Side Panels The LEDs are located on the front panel. A switch, buttons, and an Ethernet port are located on the side panel. Client Arrow LED Router Link LED Router Arrow LED Client Link LED Access Point/Extender switch Power On/Off button WPS button Factory Reset button Power LED WPS LED Ethernet port Figure 1. Front and side panels The following table describes the LEDs. Table 1.
AC1200 WiF Range Extender Table 1. LEDs (continued) LED Description Power • • • Solid amber. The extender is booting. Solid green. The extender is powered on. Off. The extender is powered off. WPS • • • Solid green. WiFi security is enabled (WPA or WPA2). Blinking green. A WPS connection is being established. Off. WiFi security is not enabled Arrow LEDs help you place the extender. These LEDs work as follows: • No arrow LEDs are lit. The extender is in a good location. • Client Arrow LED blinks.
AC1200 WiF Range Extender WiFi range extender Existing WiFi Boosts the range of your existing WiFi and creates a stronger signal in hard-to-reach areas Sometimes your router does not provide the WiFi coverage that you need Figure 2. Range extender in a home Support for the 802.11ac Networking Standard The extender supports the 802.11ac networking standard. This new standard offers better speed, improved reliability, and more range than older WiFi networking standards.
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AC1200 WiF Range Extender Use the Extender in Extender Mode In extender mode, the extender repeats the signals from an existing WiFi router or access point. Set the Access Point/Extender switch, place the extender, supply power, and connect it 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 15.
AC1200 WiF Range Extender To use WPS to connect the extender to your WiFi router: 1. Press the WPS button on the extender. The WPS LED blinks. 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 the extender connects to your existing WiFi network. lights, and If the Router Link LED does not light, try again. If it still does not light, see Connect With the NETGEAR Installation Assistant on page 12. 3.
AC1200 WiF Range Extender 9. Test the new extended WiFi range by moving your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device to the area with a poor router WiFi signal: a. Leave your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device in the area with a poor router WiFi signal and return to the extender. b. Check the Client Link LED on the extender: • If the Client Link LED is solid green or amber, your extender WiFi network reaches the area with a poor router WiFi signal and your network setup is complete.
AC1200 WiF Range Extender 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. Verify that the Access Point/Extender switch is set to Extender CONTINUE button. and click the 7. Select a WiFi network to extend and click the NEXT button. If you do not want to extend both WiFi bands, clear the 2.
AC1200 WiF Range Extender 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. Unplug the extender and move it to a new location about halfway between your router and the area with a poor WiFi signal. The location that you choose must be within the range of your existing WiFi router network. DO DON’T 16.
AC1200 WiF 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. Connect a device to the 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 WiF Range Extender 4. On your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device, open the WiFi connection manager and locate and connect to one of the following WiFi extender networks: • 2.4 GHz network. NETGEAR_EXT • 5 GHz network. NETGEAR_5GEXT When you join the network, the extender Client Link LED connected. lights to show that you are 5. Launch a web browser and enter www.mywifiext.net in the address field. The New Extender Setup page displays. 6. Click the NEW EXTENDER SETUP button.
AC1200 WiF Range Extender Access Extender Settings After installation, you can log in to the extender to view or change the extender’s settings. To log in to the extender: 1. On your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device, open the WiFi connection manager and locate and connect to a new extender WiFi network. After the connection with the WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device is established, the Client Link LED lights. 2. Launch a web browser. 3. Enter www.mywifiext.
AC1200 WiF Range Extender 8. When prompted, enter the password to connect to your WiFi network and click the NEXT button. A message displays when the extender connects to your existing router’s WiFi network. 9. Click the NEXT button. The extender applies your settings to its WiFi network names and WiFi passwords. During this change, the extender disconnects you from its WiFi network. 10.
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AC1200 WiF 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 your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device, open the WiFi connection manager and locate and connect to the extender WiFi network. 2. Launch a web browser. 3. Enter www.mywifiext.net in the address field of the browser. A login window opens. 4. Enter your user name and password. The Status page displays. 5. Select Settings > Connected Devices.
AC1200 WiF Range Extender When you enable FastLane Technology, two options are available: • Use the 2.4 GHz band to connect the extender to the WiFi-enabled 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 WiFi-enabled 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-enabled devices and use the 2.
AC1200 WiF Range Extender 7. Select a radio button: • Router-to-Extender in 2.4 GHz only and Extender-to-Device in 5 GHz only. • Router to Extender in 5 GHz only and Extender-to-Device in 2.4 GHz only. 8. Click the SAVE button. Your changes are saved. Adjust the WiFi Coverage You can set the extender’s WiFi coverage depending on how large you want your coverage area to be. To adjust the WiFi coverage: 1.
AC1200 WiF Range Extender View WiFi Settings To view the WiFi settings: 1. On your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device, open the WiFi connection manager and locate and connect to the extender WiFi network. 2. Launch a web browser. 3. Enter www.mywifiext.net in the address field of the browser. A login window opens. 4. Enter your user name and password. The Status page displays. 5. Select Settings > Wireless. Change the WiFi Network Name To change the WiFi network name: 1.
AC1200 WiF 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 WiFi 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 WiF Range Extender 6. Clear the Broadcast this 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 disable or enable the WiFi radios: 1.
AC1200 WiF 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 When you use the extender in FastLane mode or in access point mode, you can change the WiFi speed setting. Note: When the extender connects to a router, the extender channel and speed follow the router settings.
AC1200 WiF 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 WiFi-enabled computer or mobile 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 WiF Range Extender Use WPS With the Push Button Method To use the button method to connect a WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device to the extender WiFi network, the WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device that you are trying to connect must include a physical WPS button or display an onscreen WPS button that you can click. To use WPS to add a WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device to the extender WiFi network: 1.
AC1200 WiF Range Extender Use WPS With the PIN Method To use the PIN method to connect a WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device to the extender’s WiFi network, you must know the PIN of the WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device that you are trying to connect. To use a WPS PIN to connect to the extender’s WiFi network: 1. On your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device, open the WiFi connection manager and locate and connect to the extender WiFi network. 2. Launch a web browser. 3. Enter www.mywifiext.
AC1200 WiF Range Extender Deny Access to a WiFi Device By default, access control is disabled so that it is easy for you to connect to the extender WiFi networks. You can deny network access to specific WiFi devices based on their MAC addresses. Each network device is assigned a MAC address, which is a unique 12-character physical address, containing the hexadecimal characters 0–9, a–f, or A–F only, and separated by colons (for example, 00:09:AB:CD:EF:01).
AC1200 WiF Range Extender Set Up an Access Schedule You can control access for all users during specific periods of the day. You can set up an access schedule that prevents Internet access through the extender network based on the times that you set. To set up an access schedule: 1. On your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device, open the WiFi connection manager and locate and connect to the extender WiFi network. 2. Launch a web browser. 3. Enter www.mywifiext.net in the address field of the browser.
AC1200 WiF Range Extender Change the Extender’s Device Name The default name is EX6150v2. To change the extender’s device name: 1. On your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device, open the WiFi connection manager and locate and connect to the extender WiFi network. 2. Launch a web browser. 3. Enter www.mywifiext.net in the address field of the browser. A login window opens. 4. Enter your user name and password. The Status page displays. 5. Select Settings > Wireless. The Wireless page displays. 6.
AC1200 WiF Range Extender 3. Enter www.mywifiext.net in the address field of the browser. A login window opens. 4. Enter your user name and password. The Status page displays. 5. Select Settings > Wireless. The Wireless page displays. 6. Click the IP Address heading to expand the IP Address section. By default, the Get Dynamically 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.
AC1200 WiF Range Extender 3. Make sure that the Link Rate LED remains lit. 4. Log in to your extender: a. Launch a web browser. b. Enter www.mywifiext.net in the address field of the browser. A login page displays. c. Enter your email address and password. The Status page displays. 5. Select Settings > Connected Devices. The Connected Devices page displays the MAC addresses and virtual MAC addresses for WiFi-enabled computers and mobile devices that are connected to the extender network. 6.
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AC1200 WiF Range Extender Change the Extender User Name and Password You can change the user name and password to log in to the extender. To change the user name and password: 1. On your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device, open the WiFi connection manager and locate and connect to the extender WiFi network. 2. Launch a web browser. 3. Enter www.mywifiext.net in the address field of the browser. A login window opens. 4. Enter your user name and password. The Status page displays. 5.
AC1200 WiF Range Extender Turn Password Protection Off and On We recommend 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 your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device, open the WiFi connection manager and locate and connect to the extender WiFi network. 2. Launch a web browser. 3. Enter www.mywifiext.net in the address field of the browser. A login window opens. 4.
AC1200 WiF Range Extender 6. Click the BACK button. A login page displays. 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 your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device, open the WiFi connection manager and locate and connect to the extender WiFi network. 2. Launch a web browser. 3. Enter www.mywifiext.net in the address field of the browser. A login window opens. 4. Enter your user name and password.
AC1200 WiF Range Extender Back Up and Manage the Extender Configuration When the extender works correctly after initial setup, we recommend that you back up the extender configuration settings. After you 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 WiF 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 your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device, open the WiFi connection manager and locate and connect to the extender WiFi network. 2. Launch a web browser. 3. Enter www.mywifiext.net in the address field of the browser. A login window opens. 4. Enter your user name and password.
AC1200 WiF Range Extender Return the Extender to Its Factory Default Settings To reset the extender to its factory settings, you can use the Factory Reset button on the extender or log in to the extender and erase its settings. For information about the factory settings, see Factory Default Settings on page 49. Use the Factory Reset Button CAUTION: This process erases any settings that you configured in the extender. To use the Factory Reset button to restore factory settings: 1.
AC1200 WiF Range Extender The Status page displays. 5. Select Settings > Other. 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 page displays. 7. Confirm your decision. The extender returns to its factory settings and restarts. This process takes about one minute.
AC1200 WiF 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 WiF Range Extender 5. Select Settings > Other. 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 WiF 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. See Use the Extender in Access Point Mode on page 15.
AC1200 WiF Range Extender Cannot Connect to the Extender If you cannot connect to the extender, determine what prevents you from connecting: • If you forgot your user name or password, click the Username & Password Help link. For more information, Recover a Forgotten Password on page 37. • If your browser displays an error page, include http:// in the address field of your browser by typing http://www.mywifiext.net.
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AC1200 WiF Range Extender Factory Default Settings The following table includes the factory settings for the extender. You can use the Factory Reset button or log in and click the RESET button to return the extender to these settings. For more information, see Return the Extender to Its Factory Default Settings on page 41. The following table shows the factory default settings. Table 2.
