Setup Netgear WiFi Extension
Netgear’s wifi extension is a great option if you want to increase the coverage of your router’s wifi. The extender connects to your existing Wi-Fi network and expands it, solving your connection issues.
There are two ways you can install this wifi extender in your home. The Netgear Nighthawk App or the manual installation are both options.
Netgear Nighthawk App Setup for WiFi Extender
Nighthawk is an app that allows users to install their routers and extenders quickly. The app allows users to access the extender and make any necessary changes.
It is available for both Android and iOS mobile operating systems and works only with select router versions.
Here’s how to install your extender using the app.
- Download the Netgear Nighthawk App from the app store, or the google store.
- Next, connect the extender to a power socket in the same area as your wi-fi router.
- Turn on the extender, and make sure its power LED is lit green. Try connecting it closer to your router if it does not turn green or amber.
- Use WPS to connect the extender with the existing wifi network. The Link LED should turn blue or white if the router-extender connection works. If the Link LED turns red, move the extender closer towards the router. You should also decide which Wi-Fi band the extender should connect to (2.5GHz or 5.GHz).
- Open “settings” on your mobile device. Go to “Wifi Networks”, and connect to the extender wi-fi network. The SSID name of the extender’s wi-fi network is likely NETGEAR_EXT. It doesn’t usually have a password. Notably, some extender networks will have a similar SSID and password to the router.
- Go back to Nighthawk and follow the instructions to install the Netgear extender.
- After the extender has been set up properly, you can move it to an area of your home that is not connected. If there are no connections, you can move the extender closer to your router. Watch out for the blue or green Link LED light.
You can check the status of your extender on your Nighthawk App. To avoid confusion with router settings, you can customize the name of your extender on the app.
Manual Setup of Netgear WiFi Extension
Although the Nighthawk app makes it easy to install the Netgear extender, it is not compatible with all routers. You don’t have to worry if your router is not compatible with the app. It’s still easy to install the extender manually. This is how you do it.
- Plug the extender into a wall outlet first. Turn it on once you are done. If the power LED light is not turning on, try pressing the on/off switch again.
- Connect the extender to the router’s wi-fi network by pressing both router and extender on the WPS button. The WPS LED will turn on when the device is connected.
- Next, connect your phone or computer with the extender’s default wi-fi network. The SSID name is usually NETGEAR_EXT, and the password can be password’. There might not be a password for the network.
- Open your browser on your preferred device and look for the mywifiext login page.
- If you don’t already have an account, click the “New Extender Setup” button. Accept the terms and conditions, then select your administrator credentials.
- Set up two security questions to recover your password. Log in to an existing account and select the network that you wish to expand.
- Next, change the security settings of the extender, i.e. network band 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Then, tap Continue.
- Enter your password and SSID name for your network. The default password for most networks will be the same as your current network’s. For example, _2gext is used for 5GHz and 2.4Ghz bands, while _5gext is used for 5GHz.
- Click Continue, give the settings a little time (a few seconds), and then click Finish.
Move your extender into any room you wish and connect it to the extender wi-fi. To get a better idea of the coverage, test it in different rooms.