AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Model E X6200 User Manual July 2014 202-11298-03 350 East Plumeria Drive San Jose, CA 95134 USA
AC1200 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 Unpack Your Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Top Panel LEDs and Front Panel USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Rear Panel Ports, Buttons, Antennas, and Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Attach the Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Attach the Rubber Feet . .
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Connect Ethernet-Enabled Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Chapter 4 Maintain and Monitor the Extender Recover the admin Password. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Up and Manage the Extender Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Up the Configuration Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Chapter 8 FAQs and Troubleshooting FAQs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 You Cannot Connect to the Extender. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 You Cannot Join a WiFi Network and Receive an Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Improve the Connection Between the Extender and the WiFi Router. . . . . . .
1. 1 Overview This user manual is for the NETGEAR® AC1200 WiFi Range Extender, model EX6200, which is referred to as the extender. This chapter covers the following topics: • Unpack Your Extender • Top Panel LEDs and Front Panel USB Port • Rear Panel Ports, Buttons, Antennas, and Connector • Attach the Stand • Attach the Rubber Feet • Retrieve and Display the Product Label • When to Use Your Extender • How the Extender Works • Support for the 801.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Unpack Your Extender Your box contains the following items: • AC1200 WiFi Range Extender • Power adapter • Snap-on stand • Four rubber feet • Installation guide • Do More booklet Top Panel LEDs and Front Panel USB Port 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 stand attached.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Table 1. Front panel LEDs LED Description Green. The 2.4 GHz WiFi connection between the extender and the WiFi router is optimum. Note: If you press the WPS button on the rear panel of the extender, the LED blinks green for two minutes. 2.4 GHz Link Rate LED Amber. The 2.4 GHz WiFi connection between the extender and the WiFi router is good. Note: This LED also lights amber during the startup process of the extender.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Table 1. Front panel LEDs LED Description USB LED Solid green. A USB device is connected to the USB port. Off. No USB device is connected to the USB port. Rear Panel Ports, Buttons, Antennas, and Connector The following figure shows the ports, buttons, antennas, and connector on the rear panel of the extender. Two preinstalled 5dBi antennas Ethernet LAN ports WPS button On/Off button Power connector Restore Factory Settings button Figure 2.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender To tighten an antenna: 1. Straighten the antenna. 2. Turn the antenna clockwise until tightened. After you have tightened the antenna, you can change its position. Attach the Stand If you prefer to place the extender in upright (vertical) position, attach the stand that comes with the extender. Although the extender functions well in either horizontal or vertical position, a horizontal position might give a better performance. Figure 3.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender To attach the stand: 1. Place the stand on a flat surface. 2. Hold the extender in upright position with the left side of the extender pointing down. (The left side has three rectangular openings.) The top panel of the extender and the three vertical support posts of the stand must face the same direction. 3. Lower the extender onto the stand until the support posts of the stand snap into the rectangular openings of the extender.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Retrieve and Display the Product Label The product label that you can retrieve from the bottom panel of the extender contains the preset login information, serial number, security pin, MAC addresses of the radios, and other information. To retrieve the product label from the extender: 1. Place the extender upside down, with the red panel facing you. (The red panel is the bottom.) 2. Locate the label handle that has NETGEAR printed on it, and pull out the product label.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender When to Use Your Extender NETGEAR recommends that you connect to the extender only when your existing home network connection is poor. Data traffic 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.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Support for the 801.11ac 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. The extender is backward compatible with earlier WiFi standards. However, to get the benefits of 802.11ac, your WiFi router must support the 802.11ac WiFi networking standard. To learn more about the 802.11ac WiFi networking standard, visit http://www.netgear.
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AC1200 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 9. 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.
AC1200 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.
AC1200 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.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 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 121. 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® Smart Setup to connect the extender to an existing WiFi network. The extender has a default NETGEAR_EXT WiFi network name (SSID) in the 2.
AC1200 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 lights solid green. Extender LED 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.
AC1200 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.
AC1200 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 23. 10.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender b. Select the radio button that corresponds to the key that you want to use (Key 1, Key 2, Key 3, or Key 4). c. Next to the selected radio button, enter the network WEP key. d. 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. 11. Use the default extension names, or, in the Name (2.
AC1200 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.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 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. 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.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 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 Status LED Color Performance Both the Link Rate LED and the Device to Extender LED are green. and The extender provides the best performance. The Link Rate LED is amber and the Device to Extender LED is green. and The extender provides a workable performance. The Link Rate LED is red.
AC1200 WiFi Range 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.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender You can use any of the five 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: • Wait a couple of minutes.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 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.
AC1200 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.
AC1200 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, do the following: a. From the Encryption Strength menu, select the encryption strength (64 bit or 128 bit). b.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 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.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Note: Unless you entered a new network name in Step 12, 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 121. 15.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender The location you choose must be within the range of your existing WiFi router network. 23. 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.
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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Log In to the Extender After Initial Setup You can log in to the extender to view or change the extender’s settings. If you connect to the extender before it has been set up, the browser automatically goes to http://www.mywifiext.net and displays the NETGEAR genie Smart Setup screens, which step you through the setup process. For more information, see Access the Extender over WiFi and Use Smart Setup on page 19 or Access the Extender over Ethernet and Use Smart Setup on page 27.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Manage the Extender Network and Security Settings 37
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Change the Password The user name to access the extender is admin, and its default password is password. NETGEAR strongly recommends that you set a more secure password. To change the password for the extender: 1. On your computer, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Internet Explorer. 2. In the address field of your browser, enter www.mywifiext.net. You are prompted to enter a user name and password. 3.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender You are prompted to enter a user name and password. 3. Type admin for the user name and type your password. If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password. 4. Select Maintenance > Set Password. 5. Select the Enable Password Recovery check box. 6. Select two security questions and provide answers to them. 7. Click the Apply button. Your changes are saved.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password. 4. Select Settings > Connect to Existing Network. The extender scans for existing WiFi networks and displays the networks in the 2.4 GHz band. If your WiFi network is functioning but not on the list, your WiFi network might be hidden, or the connection between the WiFi router and the extender might be poor.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 6. 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.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 8. 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, do the following: a. From the Encryption Strength menu, select the encryption strength (64 bit or 128 bit). b.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Connect the Extender to a Hidden WiFi Network You can manually connect the extender to a hidden WiFi network without using NETGEAR genie Smart Setup. Before you start the following procedure, you must know the name of the hidden WiFi network, the type of security that the network uses, and the key or passphrase to connect to the network. Note: You cannot use the following procedure to change the network names or security options for your extender WiFi networks.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 5. Select the Manually input my wireless SSID radio button, and click the Continue button. The screen adjusts. 6. In the Name (SSID) field, enter the name of the 2.4 GHz network to which you want to connect the extender. 7. From the Security menu, select the security setting for the 2.4 GHz network. The screen adjusts. 8. Enter the security settings for the 2.4 GHz network: • If the network uses WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, or a combination of these options, do the following: a.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Note: If your router does not support the 5 GHz band (not all routers do) or you do not want to connect the extender to a hidden 5 GHz network, click the Skip button, and go to Step 13 on page 45. The screen adjusts. 10. In the Name (SSID) field, enter the name of the 5 GHz network to which you want to connect the extender. 11. From the Security menu, select the security setting for the 5 GHz network. The screen adjusts. 12.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 14. Use a WiFi network manager on the computer or on a mobile device to reconnect to the extender’s WiFi network. Note: If your computer or mobile device cannot join the new WiFi network of the extender, see You Cannot Join a WiFi Network and Receive an Error Message on page 120. 15. Click the I have connected to the Extender network button. The WiFi network settings for the extender are saved and the Status screen displays.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 3. Type admin for the user name and type your password. If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password. 4. Select Add WPS Client. The screen displays a description of the WPS method. 5. Click the Next button. By default, the Push Button (recommended) radio button is selected. 6. Either click the extender. button onscreen or press the WPS button on the rear panel of the Both Link Rate LEDs minutes.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender The screen displays a description of the WPS method. 5. Click the Next button. On the screen that displays, the Push Button (recommended) radio button is selected by default. 6. Select the PIN Number radio button. 7. In the Enter Client's PIN field, enter the PIN number of the WiFi device. 8. Click the Next button. For four minutes, the extender attempts to find the WiFi device (that is, the client) that you want to join the extender’s WiFi network. 9.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Manage the Extender WiFi Settings You can change the network name (SSID) for the extender’s network and set up WiFi security. If you did not change these settings already during initial setup, the network name is NETGEAR_EXT, and the network is open (no WiFi security is set up).
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password. 4. Select Setting > Wireless. 5. Change the WiFi settings as described in the following table: Setting Description Region Selection Region From the Region menu, select the region in which you operate the extender. Note: If you purchased the extender in the United States or Canada, the selection from the Region menu is North America. You cannot change this selection.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Setting Description My EX6200 wireless network (2.4GHz) Name (SSID) In the Name (SSID) field, type a new name or use the name that the extender assigns by default: • Existing network name. MyNetworkName • New extended 2.4 GHz network name. MyNetworkName_2GEXT If more than one extender operates in your neighborhood, changing the SSID makes it easier to identify the extenders.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Setting Description Security Options (2.4GHz) Select the type of WiFi security that you want to use for the extender’s 2.4 GHz WiFi network: • None. An open WiFi network that does not provide any security. Any WiFi device can join the network. • WEP. WEP is an older standard, and is less secure than WPA or WPA2. WEP limits the wireless mode to Up to 54 Mbps. WEP uses encryption keys and data encryption for data security. Select 64-bit or 128-bit encryption and enter a key.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Setting Description Wireless mode From the Wireless mode menu, select one of the following modes: • Up to 54 Mbps. Legacy mode. This mode allows 802.11ac, 802.11an, and 802.11a devices to join the network, but limits 802.11ac and 802.11n devices to function at up to 54 Mbps. If your network security is WEP, you must use the Up to 54 Mbps mode. • Up to 174 Mbps. Neighbor friendly mode for reduced interference with neighboring wireless networks. This mode allows 802.11ac, 802.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 6. Click the Apply button. The extender applies your settings, which might take up to one minute. 7. If you are disconnected, reconnect your WiFi device to the extender’s network with its new settings. Use a WiFi network manager on the computer or on a mobile device to reconnect to the extender’s WiFi network. Note: If your computer or mobile device cannot join the new WiFi network of the extender, see You Cannot Join a WiFi Network and Receive an Error Message on page 120. 8.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 4. Select Settings > Wireless. 5. Scroll down to either the Security Options (2.4GHz) section (shown in the previous figure) or the Security Options (5GHz) section, and select the WPA-PSK [TKIP], WPA2-PSK [AES], or WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK [AES] radio button. 6. In the PassPhrase field, enter the passphrase. 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. 8. If you are disconnected, reconnect your WiFi device to the extender’s network with its new settings.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender The process to configure WEP security is the same for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. To set up WEP: 1. On your computer, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Internet Explorer. 2. In the address field of your browser, enter www.mywifiext.net. You are prompted to enter a user name and password. 3. Type admin for the user name and type your password. If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password. 4.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 8. Enter a key next to the selected radio button. The size of the key depends on your selection from the Encryption Strength menu (64 bit or 128 bit). The key values are not case-sensitive. 9. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. 10. If you are disconnected, reconnect your WiFi device to the extender’s network with its new settings. Smart Setup can guide you through this process. For more information, see Run Smart Setup Again After Initial Setup on page 69.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 4. Select extender Settings > IP Address. 5. To change the name, type a name in the Device Name field. By default, the device name is EX6200. 6. Select the Use Static IP Address radio button. 7. Specify the static IP address settings: • IP Address. The static IP address to be assigned to the extender. • IP Subnet Mask. The subnet mask associated with the IP address. • Gateway IP Address. The IP address for the gateway for your WiFi network. • Primary DNS.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 4. Select Advanced > Wireless Settings. 5. View or change the following settings as described in the following table: Setting Description Advanced Wireless Settings Enable Wireless Access Point (2.4GHz) By default, the extender functions as a WiFi access point in the 2.4 GHz band. Clear the Enable Wireless Access Point (2.4GHz) check box only if you want to prevent WiFi devices from connecting to the extender in the 2.4 GHz band.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Setting Description Enable Device’s PIN By default, the Enable Device's PIN check box is selected and the extender’s PIN is enabled. For enhanced security, you can disable the extender’s PIN by clearing the Enable Device's PIN check box. However, when you disable the extender’s PIN, WPS is not disabled because you can still use the physical WPS button.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Each network device has 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). Typically, the MAC address is on the label of the WiFi device. If you do not have access to the label, you can display the MAC address using the network configuration utilities of the computer.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 5. Click the Setup Access List button. If you have not yet added any WiFi devices, the Wireless Card Access List is empty. 6. Click the Add button. The Available Wireless Cards table displays the name and MAC address of WiFi devices that are connected to the extender. 7. Select a device by one of the following methods: • Select a device from the table by selecting its associated radio button. The Device Name and MAC Address fields are automatically populated.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender The WiFi device is added to the Wireless Card Access List. 9. To add more WiFi devices, repeat Step 6 through Step 8. 10. Select the Turn Access Control On check box. CAUTION: If you use a WiFi device to set up the access list, add your WiFi device to the access list. Otherwise, you are disconnected when you click the Apply button. 11. Click the Apply button. Now only WiFi devices that are in the Wireless Card Access List can access the WiFi network of the extender.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 4. Select Advanced > Wireless Settings. 5. Click the Setup Access List button. 6. Clear the Turn Access Control On check box. 7. Click the Apply button. Now any WiFi device can access the WiFi network of the extender. Change a Device on the Access List You can change the name or MAC address of a device on the access list. To change a WiFi device on the access list: 1. On your computer, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Internet Explorer. 2.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 4. Select Advanced > Wireless Settings. 5. Click the Setup Access List button. 6. Select the radio button to the left of the device that you want to change. 7. Click the Edit button. 8. Change the name of the device or the MAC address. 9. Click the Apply button. The changed settings display in Wireless Card Access List.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Remove a Device from the Access List If you no longer want to grant a device access to the WiFi network of the extender, you can remove the device from the access list. To remove a WiFi device from the access list: 1. On your computer, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Internet Explorer. 2. In the address field of your browser, enter www.mywifiext.net. You are prompted to enter a user name and password. 3.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Set the Operating Mode to FastLane Technology The normal operating mode of the extender (also referred to as Internet Surfing mode) is to allow devices on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands to connect at the same time. This mode extends both WiFi bands at the same time, but reduces the WiFi performance. FastLane Technology offers maximum WiFi performance.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 4. Select Advanced > Operating Mode. 5. By default, the Internet Surfing radio button is selected. 6. Select the FastLane Technology radio button. 7. Select the FastLane Technology option that you want to enable by selecting one of the following radio buttons: • Device-to-extender in 5GHz only and extender-to-router in 2.4GHz only. Your WiFi devices must support the 5 GHz band. • Device-to-extender in 2.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Run Smart Setup Again After Initial Setup There might be situations in which you want to run NETGEAR genie Smart Setup again after the initial setup. To run Smart Setup again: 1. On your computer, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Internet Explorer. 2. In the address field of your browser, enter www.mywifiext.net. You are prompted to enter a user name and password. 3. Type admin for the user name and type your password.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 5. Select a 2.4 GHz WiFi network to extend, and click the Continue button. 6. 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.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 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 9 on page 71. 8. 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.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 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. 10. Wait a couple of minutes while the extender creates the WiFi networks.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 12. 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. 13. Click the Finish button. A pop-up screen displays. 14. To bookmark the URL of the extender, click the OK button. A NETGEAR website displays. You are now online.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports Figure 10.
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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Recover the admin Password If you have changed the password to access the extender and have set up password recovery, you can recover your password if you have lost it. For information about setting up password recovery, see Set Up Password Recovery on page 38. If you did not set up password recovery and have lost your password, you must reset the extender to factory default settings (see Use the Restore Factory Settings Button on page 79).
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Back Up the Configuration Settings You can back up the configuration file of the extender. To back up the extender configuration settings: 1. On your computer, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Internet Explorer. 2. In the address field of your browser, enter www.mywifiext.net. You are prompted to enter a user name and password. 3. Type admin for the user name and type your password.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 4. Select extender Maintenance > Backup Settings. 5. Click the Browse button. 6. Locate and select the previously saved backup file. By default, the name of the backup file is NETGEAR_EX6200.cfg. CAUTION: After you click the Restore 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! 7. Click the Restore button. A confirmation pop-up screen displays. 8. Confirm your decision.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Use the Restore Factory Settings Button CAUTION: This process erases any settings that you have configured in the extender. To reset the extender to factory default settings: 1. Insert a straightened paper clip into the hole of the Restore Factory Settings button and hold it for about seven seconds. Restore Factory Settings button 2. Release the button. The extender resets and restarts. This process takes about one minute.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password. 4. Select Maintenance > Backup Settings. CAUTION: After you click the Erase 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! 5. Click the Erase button. A confirmation pop-up screen displays. 6. Confirm your decision. The extender restarts. This process takes about one minute.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 4. Select Maintenance > Firmware Update. 5. Click the Check button. 6. If new firmware is available, follow the onscreen prompts to download it onto your computer. Note: You might need to unzip the firmware file. 7. Click the Browse button. 8. Locate and select the new firmware file. The firmware file has a .chk extension.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 3. Type admin for the user name and type your password. If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password. 4. Select Maintenance > Status. The following table describes the fields on the Status screen. Field Description Hardware Version The hardware version of the extender. Firmware Version The current firmware version of the extender. If you upgrade the firmware, this field changes.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Field Description Connection Status to Existing Network (2.4GHz) Name (SSID) The name (SSID) of the WiFi network in the 2.4 GHz band to which the extender is connected. Link Rate The combined transmission (Tx) and receive (Rx) link rate in Mbps of the current WiFi connection in the 2.4 GHz band. Signal Strength The signal strength that the extender detects for the WiFi network in the 2.4 GHz band.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Field Description Extender Wireless Settings (2.4GHz) Name (SSID) The name (SSID) of the WiFi network of the extender in the 2.4 GHz band. Region The location in which the extender is operating in the 2.4 GHz band. Channel The active channel of the WiFi network in the 2.4 GHz band. Wireless mode The wireless mode in the 2.4 GHz band: Up to 54 Mbps, Up to 145 Mbps, or Up to 300 Mbps. Wireless AP Shows whether the WiFi access point of the extender is on in the 2.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender The following table describes the traffic statistics fields that display for each of the five LAN ports, for the WLAN1 port in the 2.4 GHz band, and for the WLAN2 port in the 5 GHz band. Field Description Status The link status and speed of the port. TxPkts The number of packets transmitted on the port since the extender was restarted. RxPkts The number of packets received on the port since the extender was restarted.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 4. Select Maintenance > Attached Devices. For each wired and WiFi device, the IP address, device name, MAC address, and virtual MAC address display. 5. (Optional) Click the Refresh button. The information onscreen is updated.
5. Share a USB Drive That Is Attached to the Extender 5 This chapter describes how to access and configure a USB storage drive attached to your extender. The USB port on the extender can be used only to connect USB storage devices such as flash drives or hard drives, or a printer. Do not connect computers, USB modems, CD drives, or DVD drives to the extender USB port.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender USB Drive Requirements The extender works with most USB-compliant external flash and hard drives. For the most up-to-date list of USB drives that the extender supports, visit http://kbserver.netgear.com/readyshare. Some USB external hard drives and flash drives require you to load the drivers onto the computer before the computer can access the USB device. Such USB devices do not work with the extender.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender To access the USB drive from a Windows computer: 1. Select Start > Run. 2. Enter \\readyshare in the dialog box. 3. Click the OK button. To map the USB device to a Windows network drive: 1. Visit www.netgear.com/readyshare. 2. In the ReadySHARE USB Storage Access pane, click the PC Utility link. The readyshareconnect.exe file is downloaded to your computer. 3. Launch readyshareconnect.exe. 4. Select the drive letter to map to the network folder. 5.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender To back up your Windows computer: 1. Connect a USB HDD to a USB port on the extender. 2. Install the genie app on each Windows computer. To download the genie app, visit www.netgear.com/genie. 3. Download ReadySHARE Vault from www.netgear.com/readyshare and install it on each Windows computer. 4. Launch ReadySHARE Vault. 5. Use the dashboard or the Backup tab to set up and run your backup.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Prepare to Back Up a Large Amount of Data Before you back up a large amount of data with Time Machine, NETGEAR recommends that you follow this procedure. To prepare to back up a large amount of data: 1. Upgrade the operating system of the Mac computer. 2. Verify and repair the backup disk and the local disk. 3. Verify and repair the permissions on the local disk. 4. Specify Energy Saver: a. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences. b.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 7. When prompted to enter your name and password, select the Guest radio button. 8. Click the Connect button. A list of connected devices displays. This list includes the name admin if you log in as admin. 9. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences. 10. Open Time Machine. 11. Click the Select Disk button and select your USB drive from the list. 12. Click the Use for Backup button.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 4. Select USB Storage > Advanced Settings. 5. Specify access to the USB storage device as described in the following table: Setting Description Network Device Name The name that is used to access the USB device. The default name is readyshare. Workgroup The workgroup name, if you are using a Windows workgroup rather than a domain. The name works only in an operating system that supports NetBIOS, such as Microsoft Windows.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Use FTP Within the Network File Transfer Protocol (FTP) lets you send and receive large files faster. By default, FTP is disabled on the extender. To set up FTP access: 1. On your computer, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Internet Explorer. 2. In the address field of your browser, enter www.mywifiext.net. You are prompted to enter a user name and password. 3. Type admin for the user name and type your password.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender View Network Folders on a USB Drive You can view the network folders on the USB storage device. If you have not yet used the extender to create any network folders, only the default network folder is displayed. To view network folders: 1. On your computer, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Internet Explorer. 2. In the address field of your browser, enter www.mywifiext.net. You are prompted to enter a user name and password. 3.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Column Description Total Space The total space of the storage device. Free Space The available space of the storage device. Add a Network Folder on a USB Drive You can add network folders on the USB storage device. To add a network folder: 1. On your computer, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Internet Explorer. 2. In the address field of your browser, enter www.mywifiext.net. You are prompted to enter a user name and password. 3.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 5. Click the Create Network Folder button. Note: If the Create Network Folder screen does not display, your web browser might be blocking pop-ups. If it is, change the browser settings to allow pop-ups. 6. Specify the network folder as described in the following table: Setting Description USB Device From the USB Device menu, select the USB drive. Note: If you connect a USB hub to the USB port of the extender, the USB Device menu can show more than one USB device.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Change a Network Folder on a USB Drive You can change a network folder on the USB storage device. To change a network folder: 1. On your computer, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Internet Explorer. 2. In the address field of your browser, enter www.mywifiext.net. You are prompted to enter a user name and password. 3. Type admin for the user name and type your password.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 6. Click the Edit button. Note: If the Edit Network Folder screen does not display, your web browser might be blocking pop-ups. If it is, change the browser settings to allow pop-ups. 7. Change the network folder as described in the following table: Setting Description USB Device From the USB Device menu, select the USB drive. Note: If you connect a USB hub to the USB port of the extender, the USB Device menu can show more than one USB device.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 8. Click the Apply button. Your changes are saved. Approve USB Devices For more security, you can set up the extender to share only USB devices that you approve. To approve USB devices: 1. On your computer, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Internet Explorer. 2. In the address field of your browser, enter www.mywifiext.net. You are prompted to enter a user name and password. 3. Type admin for the user name and type your password.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender The approved and available USB devices display. The previous figure shows one approved device and one available device that is not yet approved. 6. In the Available USB Devices table, select the drive that you want to approve. Note: If you connect a USB hub to the USB port of the extender, the Available USB Devices table can show more than one USB device. 7. Click the Add button. 8. Select the Allow only approved devices check box. 9. Click the Apply button.
6. Use the Extender as a Media Server This chapter contains the following sections: • Specify ReadyDLNA Media Server Settings • Play Media from a USB Drive on TiVo Note: For information about how to connect the USB drive and to specify its settings, see Chapter 5, Share a USB Drive That Is Attached to the Extender.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Specify ReadyDLNA Media Server Settings By default, the extender functions as a ReadyDLNA media server, which lets you stream music and movies from an attached USB device to DLNA/UPnP AV-compliant media players, such as Xbox360, Playstation, and NETGEAR media players. To specify media server settings: 1. On your computer, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Internet Explorer. 2. In the address field of your browser, enter www.mywifiext.net.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Play Media from a USB Drive on TiVo You can set up your TiVo to access media files stored on a USB device that is connected to your extender. The TiVo must be on the same network as the extender. This feature supports the following file formats: • Video. See and play mpeg1, and mpeg2 files. • Music. See and play MP3 files. • Pictures. View images in jpg format.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender To play videos: 1. On the TiVo, select TiVo Central > My Shows. 2. Go to the bottom of the list and select the EX6200. (The following figure shows not the EX6200 but the R7000.) To play music or view photos: 1. On the TiVo, select TiVo Central > Music, Photos, & Showcases.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 2. Select an item to play or watch. (The following figure shows not the EX6200 but the R7000.) To copy TiVo files to a computer: Use a TiVo Desktop accessory, available at https://www.tivo.com/shop/accessories#streaming-software.
7. Share a USB Printer Through the Extender 7 The ReadySHARE Printer utility lets you share a USB printer that is connected to the USB port on your extender. You can share this USB printer among the Windows and Mac computers on your network.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Install the Printer Driver and Cable the Printer Some USB printer manufacturers (for example, HP and Lexmark printers) request that you do not connect the USB cable until the installation software prompts you to do so. To install the driver and cable the printer: 1. On each computer on your network that shares the USB printer, install the driver software for the USB printer. If you do not have the printer driver, contact the printer manufacturer. 2.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender To install the utility on a computer: 1. Double-click the ReadySHARE Printer utility setup file that you downloaded. The InstallShield wizard displays. 2. Follow the wizard instructions to install NETGEAR USB Control Center. After the InstallShield Wizard completes the installation, the NETGEAR USB Control Center prompts you to select a language. 3. Select a language from the list and click the OK button.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender The NETGEAR USB Control Center displays the main screen. Note: Some firewall software, such as Comodo, blocks NETGEAR USB Control Center from accessing the USB printer. If you do not see the USB printer displayed in the screen, you can disable the firewall temporarily to allow the utility to work. 4. Select the printer and click the Connect button. The printer status changes to Manually connected by Mycomputer. Now, only your computer can use the printer. 5.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 4. To release the printer connection so that all computers on the network can use it, click the Disconnect button. To print and release the connection to the printer that is connected to the extender: 1. To print your document from your computer, use the print feature in your application. The NETGEAR USB Control Center automatically connects your computer to the USB printer and prints the document.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Use the Scan Feature of a Multifunction USB Printer If the USB printer that is connected to the extender supports scanning, you can also use the USB printer for scanning. For example, the USB printer displayed in the Windows Printers and Faxes screen is ready for print jobs. Figure 11. Example of the Windows Printers and Faxes screen To use the scan feature of a multifunction USB printer: 1. Launch the NETGEAR USB Control Center. 2.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Change NETGEAR USB Control Center Settings You can stop the NETGEAR USB Control Center from starting automatically when you log in to Windows. You can also change the language and specify the time-out to release the connection to the USB printer that is connected to the extender. To turn off automatic NETGEAR USB Control Center startup: 1. Launch the NETGEAR USB Control Center. 2. Select Tools > Configuration. 3.
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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender FAQs This section provides answers for difficulties you might experience with the extender. 1. Question. Does the extender work if I connect it to my WiFi router with an Ethernet cable? Answer. No, the extender is designed only to connect over WiFi to a WiFi router. 2. Question. What are the default user name and password to log in to the extender? Answer. If you are online at www.mywifiext.net, you can use the following user name and password to log in: • User name.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender 2. Power on the extender and connect all of your WiFi devices to the extender. 3. Make sure that the Link Rate LED remains lit. 4. Log in to your extender. a. Launch a web browser and in the address field, enter www.mywifiext.net or www.mywifiext.com. A login screen displays. b. Enter admin for the user name and password for the password. 5. Select Maintenance > Attached Devices.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Table 2. Hexadecimal value to binary numbers Hexadecimal values Binary numbers 6 0110 7 0111 8 1000 9 1001 A 1010 B 1011 C 1100 D 1101 E 1110 F 1111 b. Toggle the second to last digit of the binary code to one or zero. If the second to last digit is one, toggle it to zero. If the second to last digit is zero, toggle it to one. For example, if the binary code is 1100/0100, the new binary code is 1100/0110 c.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Table 3. Binary Numbers to hexadecimal values Binary numbers Hexadecimal values 1011 B 1100 C 1101 D 1110 E 1111 F d. Replace the first two hexadecimal values in the old MAC 1 address with the new value you converted and add the new MAC 1 address to your router’s MAC filter table. For example, if your old MAC 1 address was C4:04:15:5F:20:AD, your new MAC 1 address is C6:04:15:5F:20:AD. 11. Enable the router’s MAC filter, wireless access control, or ACL. 7. Question.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender • If you already set up the extender but can no longer connect to it over WiFi, check if the Link Rate LED is off or red. For more information, see Improve the Connection Between the Extender and the WiFi Router on page 121. • If you cannot get a WiFi connection working, you can use an Ethernet cable to connect your computer to the extender. For more information, see Access the Extender over Ethernet and Use Smart Setup on page 27.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender You 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. If the extender does not connect to the network that you select, the cause might be one of the following: • You might have typed the network name, passphrase, or key incorrectly.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Improve the Connection Between the Extender and the WiFi Router The extender LEDs can help you tell whether the extender is correctly set up and working as it should. To improve the connection between the extender and the WiFi router: 1. Move the extender closer to the WiFi router or to a different spot where it provides a better line of sight. You might need to unplug the extender, plug it in again at its new location, and restart it.
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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Factory Default Settings To reset the extender to factory default settings, you can use either the Restore Factory Settings button on the rear panel or the Erase function. For more information, see Return the Extender to Its Factory Default Settings on page 78. The following table shows the factory default settings. Table 4.
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Technical and Environmental Specifications The following table shows the technical and environmental specifications. Table 5. Technical specifications Technical Specifications Network protocol and standards compatibility Data and routing protocols: TCP/IP, DHCP server and client, DNS relay, NAT (many-to-one), VPN pass-through (IPSec, PPTP) Power adapter • • North America (input): 120V, 60 Hz All regions (output): 12 VDC @ 2.
