N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT User Manual December 2013 202-11333-01 350 East Plumeria Drive San Jose, CA 95134 USA
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Front Panel LEDs and Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rear Panel Ports, Buttons, and Connector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . When to Use Your Extender. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How the Extender Works .
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT Chapter 4 Maintain and Monitor the Extender Back Up the Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Restore the Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Return the Extender to Its Factory Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Use the Factory Reset Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1. 1 Overview This user manual is for the NETGEAR® N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT, which is referred to as the extender. This chapter covers the following topics: • Unpack Your Extender • Front Panel LEDs and Button • Rear Panel Ports, Buttons, and Connector • 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.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT Unpack Your Extender Your box contains the following items: • N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT • Power adapter • Installation guide Front Panel LEDs and Button Use the LEDs during installation to find the best location for the extender or to monitor the extender performance. Link Rate LED Extender Status LED Device to Extender Connection LED WPS button and LED Figure 1. Front panel LEDs and Button The LEDs and button are described in the following table.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT Table 1. Front panel LEDs and button LEDs and Button Description Green. The WiFi connection between the extender and the WiFi router is optimum. Amber. The WiFi connection between the extender and the WiFi router is good. Link Rate LED Red. The WiFi connection between the extender and the WiFi router is poor. Off. The extender and the WiFi router do not have a WiFi connection. Extender Status LED Green. The extender is on. Amber. The extender starts.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT Rear Panel Ports, Buttons, and Connector The following figure shows the ports, buttons, and connector on the rear panel of the extender. The rear panel also shows the default access information, MAC address, and serial number of the extender. Restore Factory Settings button Ethernet LAN ports Power connector On/Off button Figure 2.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT How the Extender Works The extender works like a bridge between a WiFi router (or a WiFi access point) and a WiFi device outside the range of the WiFi router. The extender has two main jobs: 1. The extender connects to a WiFi network. When the extender connects over WiFi to an existing network, it functions as a network client, similar to how a WiFi device connects to a network. 2. The extender acts as an access point for WiFi devices.
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N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT How to Position the Extender The ideal location to place the extender is halfway between your WiFi router and your WiFi device. Figure 4. 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.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT 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.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT The Link Rate LED 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. LED Status LED Color Performance Both the Link Rate LED and the Device to Extender Connection LED are green. and The extender provides the best performance. The Link Rate LED is amber and the Device to Extender Connection LED is green. and The extender provides a workable performance.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT Access the Extender over WiFi and Use the Setup Wizard If your WiFi router does not support WPS, access the extender over WiFi and use the browser-based NETGEAR genie® Setup Wizard to connect the extender to an existing WiFi network. The extender has a default NETGEAR_EXT WiFi network name (SSID) so you can access it over WiFi.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT After the connection with the computer or mobile device is established, the Device to Extender Connection LED lights solid green. 6. Open a web browser window from the same computer or mobile device. The browser takes you directly to the NETGEAR genie Setup Wizard start screen. Note: If you are not automatically directed to NETGEAR genie Setup Wizard start screen, go to www.mywifiext.net, and enter admin for the user name and password for the password. 7.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT 8. Select a WiFi network to extend, and click the Continue button. 9. Type the network passphrase (also called a password or network key) in the PassPhrase field, and click the Continue button. 10. Use the default extension name, or, in the 2.4GHz Network Name (SSID) field, enter a new network name for your extender WiFi network, and click the Continue button.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT The extender applies the settings. 11. Wait about two minutes while the extender creates the WiFi network. 12. Use a WiFi network manager on the computer or mobile device to connect to the extender’s newly created WiFi network. Note: Unless you entered a new network name in Step 10, the extender changes its default NETGEAR_EXT network name to the name of the WiFi network to which you connected the extender and adds _EXT at the end of the name.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT The next screen that displays describes the color of the Link Rate LED, which corresponds to the color of the LED on the front of the extender. Because you placed the extender close the WiFi router, the Link Rate LED is green. 14. Click the Finish button. A pop-up screen displays. 15. To bookmark the URL of the extender, click the OK button. A NETGEAR website displays. You are now online. 16.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT 19. Use a WiFi network manager on the computer or mobile device to reconnect to the extender’s WiFi network. Note: Unless you entered a new network name in Step 10, the extender changes its default NETGEAR_EXT network name to the name of the WiFi network to which you connected the extender and adds _EXT at the end of the name. 20. Select the new network and use your WiFi router password to connect. You are now using your extended WiFi network.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT If the computer or mobile device is already connected to a network, you might not be able to connect to the extender. 5. Connect your computer to the extender with an Ethernet cable. You can use any of the four Ethernet LAN ports of the extender. CAUTION: Do not use 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.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT 8. Under Do you want NETGEAR Genie to help?, select the Yes radio button, and click the Next button. NETGEAR genie searches for WiFi networks automatically. 9. Select a WiFi network to extend, and click the Continue button. 10. Type the network passphrase (also called a password or network key) in the PassPhrase field, and click the Continue button.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT 11. Use the default extension name, or, in the 2.4GHz Network Name (SSID) field, enter a new network name for your extender WiFi network, and click the Continue button. The extender applies the settings. 12. Wait about two minutes while the extender creates the WiFi network. 13. Use a WiFi network manager on the computer or mobile device to connect to the extender’s newly created WiFi network.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT The next screen that displays describes the color of the Link Rate LED, which corresponds to the color of the 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. A NETGEAR website displays. You are now online. 17. Disconnect the Ethernet cable from the computer and the extender. 18.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT 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. LED Status LED Color Performance Both the Link Rate LED and the Device to Extender Connection LED are green. and The extender provides the best performance. The Link Rate LED is amber and the Device to Extender Connection LED is green. and The extender provides a workable performance.
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N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT 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 www.mywifiext.net and displays the NETGEAR genie screens that step you through the setup process. For more information, see Access the Extender over WiFi and Use the Setup Wizard on page 14 or Access the Extender over Ethernet and Use the Setup Wizard on page 19.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT For more information about the Status screen, see View the Status and Traffic Statistics of the Extender on page 58. 4. To change your language, select a language from the menu in the top right of the screen. By default, the language selection is Auto, which means that the extender uses the language that it detects from the browser that you use. Change the Password The user name to access the extender is admin, and its default password is password.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT 3. Type admin for the user name and password for the password. If you already changed the password and want to change it again, type your personalized password. 4. Select Maintenance > Set Password. 5. Type the old password. 6. Type the new password twice. 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT 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. For more information, see the following sections: • Connect the Extender to a Hidden WiFi Network on page 31 • Improve the Connection Between the Extender and the WiFi Router on page 66 5. Select the radio button for the network to which you want to connect the extender, and click the Continue button. 6.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT 8. To specify security settings for the extender WiFi network that are different from the WiFi network of the WiFi router, clear the check box. The screen adjusts and lets you select security settings. For more information about WiFi security options, see Manage the Extender WiFi Settings on page 36. 9. Click the Continue button. 10. Wait about two minutes while the extender creates the WiFi network. 11.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT Connect the Extender to a Hidden WiFi Network You can manually connect the extender to a hidden WiFi network without using the NETGEAR genie Setup Wizard. 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. To connect the extender to a hidden WiFi network without using the NETGEAR genie Setup Wizard: 1.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT 6. In the Name (SSID) field, enter the name of the WiFi network to which you want to connect the extender. 7. From the Security menu, select the security settings for the WiFi network. The screen adjusts. 8. Enter the passphrase or key for the WiFi network, and click the Continue button. 9. Use the default extension name, or, in the 2.4GHz Network Name (SSID) field, enter a new network name for your extender WiFi network. 10.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT 13. Use a WiFi network manager on the computer or on a mobile device to connect to the extender’s newly created WiFi network. Note: Unless you entered a new network name in Step 9, the extender uses the name of the WiFi network to which you connected the extender and adds _EXT at the end of the name. 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 65. 14.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT You can view this passphrase on the Wireless Settings screen (for more information, see Manage the Extender WiFi Settings on page 36). Note: For information about using WPS to connect the extender to a WiFi network during setup, see Connect the Extender with WPS to a WiFi Network on page 12.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT 7. Within two minutes, go to the WiFi device and press its WPS button (to join the extender’s WiFi network without entering a password. 8. To verify that the WiFi device is connected to the extender’s WiFi network, select Maintenance > Network Devices. The WiFi device displays onscreen. Use WPS with the PIN Method To use the PIN method to connect a WiFi device to the extender’s WiFi network, you must know the PIN of the WiFi device that you are trying to connect.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT 10. To verify that the WiFi device is connected to the extender’s WiFi network, select Maintenance > Network Devices. The WiFi device displays onscreen. Manage the Extender WiFi Settings You can change the WiFi 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).
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT 6. 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. 7. In the Security Options section of the screen, select the type of WiFi security that you want to use for the extender’s WiFi network: • None. An open WiFi network that does not provide any security. Any WiFi device can join the network.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT Configure WPA, WPA2, or WPA + WPA2 Both WPA and WPA2 provide strong data security. WPA2 with AES is a hardware implementation. If you want to use WPA2 security, make sure that all devices in your WiFi network support WPA2 security. If you are not sure, use WPA + WPA2 security. To configure WPA, WPA2, or WPA + WPA2 in the extender: 1. On your computer, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Internet Explorer. 2.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT Configure WEP WEP is legacy WiFi security. Unless your WiFi network includes devices that do not support WPA2 or WPA security, NETGEAR recommends that you use WPA2, WPA, or WPA + WPA security. Note: WEP security does not support WPS. If you change the security to WEP, you can no longer let WiFi devices join the extender’s WiFi network by using WPS. To set up WEP: 1. On your computer, launch an Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Internet Explorer.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT Only one key can be the active key. 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 that 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. The Setup Wizard can guide you through this process.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT 5. Select the Use Static IP Address radio button. 6. 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. The primary domain name server (DNS) for your WiFi network. 7. Click the Apply button.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT 5. View or change the following settings: • Enable Wireless Access Point. By default, the extender functions as a WiFi access point. Clear the Enable Wireless Access Point check box only if you want to prevent WiFi devices from connecting to the extender. LAN devices can still connect to the extender over an Ethernet cable. • Enable SSID Broadcast. By default, the extender broadcasts its WiFi network name (SSID).
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT 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. You might also find the MAC addresses on the Network Devices screen (see View the Wired and WiFi Network Devices on page 61). CAUTION: If you use a WiFi device to set up the access list, add your WiFi device to the access list.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT If you have not yet added any WiFi devices, the Wireless Card Access List is empty. 6. Click the Add button. 7. In the Device Name field, type a name for the WiFi device. 8. In the MAC Address field, type the MAC address of the WiFi device. 9. Click the Apply button. The WiFi device is added to the Wireless Card Access List. 10. To add more WiFi devices, repeat Step 6 through Step 9. 11. Above the Wireless Card Access List, select the Turn Access Control On check box.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT You are prompted to enter a user name and password. If you do not see the login prompt, make sure to include http:// when you type http://www.mywifiext.net in your browser. 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 Advanced > Wireless Settings. 5. Click the Setup Access List button. 6. Above the Wireless Card Access List, clear the Turn Access Control On check box. 7.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT 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. 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.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT If you have not yet personalized your password, type password for the password. 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 remove. 7. Click the Delete button. The device is removed from the Wireless Card Access List. Run the Setup Wizard Again After Initial Setup There might be situations in which you want to run the Setup Wizard again after the initial setup.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT 5. Click the Yes button. 6. NETGEAR genie searches for WiFi networks automatically. 7. Select a WiFi network to extend, and click the Continue button. 8. Type the network passphrase (also called a password or network key) in the PassPhrase field, and click the Continue button.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT 9. Use the default extension name, or, in the 2.4GHz Network Name (SSID) field, enter a new network name for your extender WiFi network, and click the Continue button. The extender applies the settings. 10. Wait about two minutes while the extender creates the WiFi network. 11. Use a WiFi network manager on the computer or mobile device to connect to the extender’s newly created WiFi network.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT The next screen that displays describes the color of the Link Rate LED, which corresponds to the color of the LED on the front of the extender. If the link rate LED is not green, see Improve the Connection Between the Extender and the WiFi Router on page 66. 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.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT Connect Ethernet-Enabled Devices You can use the extender to connect as many as four Ethernet-enabled devices, such as smart TVs, game consoles, and Blu-ray players, to the WiFi network. After you have set up the extender, plug the Ethernet cable from a device that you want to connect directly into one of the extender’s Ethernet LAN ports. Ethernet LAN ports Figure 5.
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N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT Back Up the Configuration Settings When the extender works correctly after initial setup, NETGEAR recommends that you back up the extender configuration settings. After you have backed up the settings, if you have changed the extender configuration settings but are not content with the new settings, you can restore the extender configuration to the backed-up settings. To back up the extender configuration settings: 1.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT Restore the Configuration Settings You can restore the configuration file of the extender to a previously saved configuration file. CAUTION: This process erases any settings that you have configured in the extender. To restore 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 http://www.mywifiext.net.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT Return the Extender to Its Factory Default Settings Under some circumstances (for example, if you have lost track of the changes that you made to the extender settings), you might want to erase the configuration and reset it to 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.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT 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 resets and restarts. This process takes about one minute.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT 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 .img extension. CAUTION: After you click the Upload 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! 9.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT 5. Clear the Check for New Version Upon Log-in check box. A confirmation pop-up screen displays. 6. Confirm your decision. View the Status and Traffic Statistics of the Extender The Status screen displays when you log in to the extender after initial setup. The Status screen shows the current settings for the extender and provides access to the traffic statistics, such as the number of packets sent and number of packets received for each port.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT 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. GUI Language Version The language version that is set on the extender. If you upgrade the firmware, this field might change.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT Field Description Extender Wireless Settings Name (SSID) The name (SSID) of the WiFi network of the extender. Region The location in which the extender is operating. Channel The active channel of the WiFi network. Wireless AP Shows whether the WiFi access point of the extender is on. Broadcast Name Shows whether broadcasting of the network name (SSID) of the extender is on. Wi-Fi Protected Setup Shows whether Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is configured. 5.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT View the Wired and WiFi Network Devices You can view the active wired and WiFi devices in both the network to which the extender is connected and the extender network. If you do not recognize a WiFi device, it might be an intruder. To display the wired and WiFi 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 http://www.mywifiext.net.
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N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT 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 http://www.mywifiext.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT d. Log in to the router and check the attached devices on the Attached Devices or similar screen. e. Add any MAC addresses that begin with 02:0F:B5 to your router’s MAC filter table. 7. Question. My router security is WEP, and I entered the wrong passphrase or security key on the extender. I cannot access the extender anymore. What can I do? Answer. The extender cannot detect whether the WEP passphrase is correct.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT 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 following message displays: Connection was not established to the selected network.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT 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, replug it at its new location, and restart it.
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N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT 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 55. The following table lists the factory default settings. Table 2.
N300 WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT Technical and Environmental Specifications The following table shows the technical and environmental specifications. Table 3.
