User Manual

In the mesh WiFi network, the extender access point connects to the root access point
over a WiFi connection and broadcasts (extends) the WiFi network to the WiFi clients:
•
Backhaul connection. The WiFi connection between the root access point and the
extender access point is referred to as the backhaul connection.
•
Fronthaul connection. The WiFi connection between the extender access point
and its WiFi clients is referred to as the fronthaul connection.
In a NETGEAR Insight Instant Mesh WiFi network, you must use the Insight app to set
up the mesh WiFi connection between the root access point and the extender access
point. That is, you cannot do so through the local browser interface of either the root
access point or the extender access point. In a network with multiple root access points,
NETGEAR Insight automatically connects the extender access point to the root access
point with the strongest WiFi signal.
Although the extender access point broadcasts the same WiFi network or networks as
the root access point, you can also set up a WiFi network on the extender access point,
which then can be broadcast by the root access point and other extender access points
in the mesh network.
Both the root access point and the extender access point support tri-band radios that
can broadcast on the 5 GHz high band (the preferred band for the backhaul connection),
the 5 GHz low band, and the 2.4 GHz band. Depending on the WiFi capability of the
WiFi client, any band can provide the fronthaul connection.
Requirements for placing an extender access
point in a mesh WiFi network
The following are the requirements for placing an extender access point in an Insight
Instant Mesh WiFi network:
•
The existing WiFi network must include at least one mesh-capable access point that
runs the latest firmware version. On the root access point, use one Ethernet port for
the connection to your network. (On the NETGEAR WAC540 access point, use the
LAN 1 port.)
•
The extender access point must be within range of the WiFi signal of a root access
point so that it can sync with the root access point. For a reliable WiFi connection,
place the extender access point less than 25 feet (7.5 m), in a line of sight with minimal
obstacles from the closest root access point.
•
You must use the NETGEAR Insight app to install the extender access point in the
existing WiFi network.
User Manual46Install the Access Point in an
Insight Instant Mesh WiFi
Network
Insight Managed Smart Cloud Wireless Access Point AC3000 WAC540 User Manual