Table of Contents
- Contents
- 1. Overview
- 2. Get Started
- 3. Extender Network Settings
- Enable or disable One WiFi Name
- Enable or disable smart connect
- View connected devices
- View WiFi settings
- Change the WiFi network name
- Turn off the SSID broadcast to create a hidden network
- Disable or enable the WiFi radios
- Change the WiFi speed
- Use WPS to add a computer to the extender’s WiFi network
- Deny access to a computer or WiFi device
- Set up an access schedule
- Change the extender’s device name
- Set up the extender to use a static IP address
- Configure a router with advanced MAC settings to work with your extender
- 4. Maintain and Monitor the Extender
- Change the extender login user name and password
- Turn password protection off and on
- Recover a forgotten user name or password
- Automatically adjust for daylight saving time
- Manually set the extender clock
- Back up and manage the extender configuration
- Back up the configuration settings
- Return the extender to its factory default settings
- Update the extender firmware
- Restart the extender from the extender web interface
- Turn the LEDs On or Off
- Adjust the WiFi coverage
- 5. Share USB Storage Devices Attached to the Extender
- USB Device Requirements
- Connect a USB Storage Device to the Extender
- Access a Storage Device Connected to the Extender From a Windows Computer
- Map a USB Device to a Windows Network Drive
- Access a Storage Device That Is Connected to the Extender From a Mac
- Turn the USB Port Off and On
- Add a Network Folder on a USB Storage Device
- Password protect a folder on a USB storage device
- Change the Network or Device Name
- 6. Use the Extender as a Media Server
- 7. FAQs and troubleshooting
- 8. Supplemental Information
NETGEAR 4PT AX6000 WIFI MESH EXTENDER User Manual
Displayed below is the user manual for 4PT AX6000 WIFI MESH EXTENDER by NETGEAR which is a product in the Network Extenders category. This manual has pages.
Related Manuals
User Manual
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh
Extender
Model EAX80
NETGEAR, Inc.
350 E. Plumeria DriveSeptember 2019
San Jose, CA 95134, USA202-11975-01
Support
Thank you for purchasing this NETGEAR product.
You can visit https://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.
Trademarks
©NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR and the NETGEAR Logo are trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc.
Any non-NETGEAR trademarks are used for reference purposes only.
Compliance and Conformity
For regulatory compliance information, visit https://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory/.
See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply.
2
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
Contents
Chapter 1 Overview
Unpack Your Extender.........................................................................7
LEDs........................................................................................................8
Back Panel...........................................................................................10
System Requirements........................................................................11
How the Extender Works...................................................................11
Chapter 2 Get Started
Install the WiFi Extender....................................................................13
Place the Extender and Apply Power..........................................13
Connect to an Existing WiFi Network..........................................13
Connect with the Nighthawk app............................................13
Connect With WPS....................................................................14
Connect With the NETGEAR Installation Assistant...............16
Use the Extender in Access Point Mode..........................................17
Connect a Device to the Extender Network....................................18
Connect a Device to the Extender Network Using WiFi...........18
Connect a Device to the Extender Network Using WPS...........19
Log In to the Extender After Installation..........................................19
Run Smart Setup Installation.............................................................20
Chapter 3 Extender Network Settings
Enable or disable One WiFi Name...................................................22
Enable or disable smart connect......................................................23
View connected devices....................................................................24
View WiFi settings...............................................................................25
Change the WiFi network name.......................................................26
Turn off the SSID broadcast to create a hidden network..............27
Disable or enable the WiFi radios....................................................28
Change the WiFi speed.....................................................................29
Use WPS to add a computer to the extender’s WiFi network.......30
Use WPS with the push button method......................................30
Use WPS with the PIN method.....................................................32
Deny access to a computer or WiFi device.....................................33
Set up an access schedule.................................................................34
Change the extender’s device name...............................................35
3
Set up the extender to use a static IP address................................36
Configure a router with advanced MAC settings to work with your
extender...............................................................................................37
Chapter 4 Maintain and monitor the extender
Change the extender login user name and password..................40
Turn password protection off and on..............................................41
Recover a forgotten user name or password..................................42
Automatically adjust for daylight saving time.................................43
Manually set the extender clock.......................................................43
Back up and manage the extender configuration..........................44
Back up the configuration settings...................................................45
Restore the configuration settings...................................................47
Return the extender to its factory default settings.........................48
Use the Reset button.....................................................................48
Log in and reset the extender to factory settings......................48
Update the extender firmware..........................................................49
Check for new firmware and update the extender....................49
Manually upload firmware to the extender................................50
Restart the extender from the extender web interface..................52
Turn the LEDs On or Off....................................................................53
Adjust the WiFi coverage..................................................................54
Chapter 5 Share USB Storage Devices Attached to the Extender
USB Device Requirements.................................................................56
Connect a USB Storage Device to the Extender............................56
Access a Storage Device Connected to the Extender From a
Windows Computer...........................................................................57
Map a USB Device to a Windows Network Drive...........................57
Access a Storage Device That Is Connected to the Extender From
a Mac....................................................................................................58
Turn the USB Port Off and On...........................................................59
Add a Network Folder on a USB Storage Device...........................60
Password protect a folder on a USB storage device......................61
Change the Network or Device Name.............................................62
Chapter 6 Use the Extender as a Media Server
Specify ReadyDLNA Media Server Settings....................................64
Set Up the Extender to Work With TiVo..........................................65
Chapter 7 FAQs and troubleshooting
FAQs.....................................................................................................68
Find the Extender’s IP address..........................................................69
Cannot Connect to the Extender......................................................70
4
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
Cannot Join a WiFi Network and Receive an Error Message.......70
Cannot Access mywifiext.net............................................................71
Chapter 8 Supplemental Information
Factory Default Settings.....................................................................74
Technical and Environmental Specifications..................................75
5
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
1
Overview
The WiFi Range Extender boosts your existing network range and speed, delivering
tri-band WiFi.
This chapter covers the following topics:
• Unpack Your Extender
• LEDs
• Back Panel
• System Requirements
• How the Extender Works
Note: For more information about the topics covered in this manual, visit the support
website at support.netgear.com.
6
Unpack Your Extender
Your package contains an extender and power adapter.
Figure 1. Extender package contents
User Manual7Overview
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
LEDs
The following table describes the LEDs.
Figure 2. Front panel
Table 1. LED descriptions
DescriptionLED
•Slow blinking white. The extender is booting, or the extender is resetting
to its factory default settings.
•Solid white. The extender is powered on.
•Fast blinking white. The firmware is corrupted.
•Off. The extender is powered off.
Power LED
This LED indicates the WiFi connection between the extender and the router.
•Solid white. Best connection.
•Solid amber. Good connection.
•Solid red. Poor connection.
•Off. No connection.
Router Link LED
User Manual8Overview
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
Table 1. LED descriptions (Continued)
DescriptionLED
•Solid white. The extender’s 2.4 GHz WiFi radio is operating.
•Off. The extender’s 2.4 GHz WiFi radio is off.
2.4 GHz LED
•Solid white. The extender’s 5 GHz WiFi radio is operating.
•Off. The extender’s 5 GHz WiFi radio is off.
5 GHz LED
•Solid white. A USB device is connected to the USB port.
•Off. No USB device is connected to the USB port.
USB LED
•Solid white. An Ethernet device is connected to an Ethernet port.
•Off. An Ethernet device is not connected to the extender.
Ethernet 1–4 LEDs
•Blinking white. A WPS connection is being established.
•Solid white. The extended network is enabled with WiFi security (either
WPA or WPA2 WiFi security).
•Off. The extended network is enabled without WiFi security.
WPS LED
User Manual9Overview
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
Back Panel
The back panel of the extender provides ports, buttons, and a DC power connector.
Figure 3. Back panel
The back panel contains the following components:
•Reset button. Pressing this button resets the extender. If the Reset button is pressed
for at least seven seconds, the Power LED blinks amber, and the extender returns
to its factory settings.
•Ethernet ports. Use the four Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 LAN ports to connect the
extender to LAN devices.
•USB 3.0 port. Use this port to connect USB storage devices to the extender.
•DC power connector. Connect the power adapter that came in the product package
to the DC power connector.
•Power On/Off button. Press the Power On/Off button to provide power to the
extender.
User Manual10Overview
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
System Requirements
You need the following to install your extender:
•2.4 GHz or 5 GHz 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac wireless router or gateway
•Compatible web browser:
-Microsoft Internet Explorer® 8.0 or higher
-Firefox 2.0 or higher
-Safari 5.1 or higher
- Google Chrome 25.0 or higher
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 performs two main jobs:
•The extender connects to a working 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.
•The extender acts as an access point for WiFi devices.
The extender broadcasts its own WiFi network that WiFi devices can join. In its role
as an access point, the extender performs tasks that WiFi routers do, such as
broadcasting its network name (SSID).
The extender must do each of these jobs so that both ends of the bridge are in place.
User Manual11Overview
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
Install the WiFi Extender
Place the extender, apply power, and connect the extender to your existing WiFi network.
Place the Extender and Apply Power
To place the extender and apply power:
1. Place your extender in the same room as your WiFi router.
Proximity to the WiFi router is required only during the initial setup process.
2. Plug the extender into an electrical outlet.
3. Wait for the Power LED to light solid white.
If the Power LED does not light, press the Power On/Off button on the extender.
Connect to an Existing WiFi Network
To extend the range of your WiFi network, you must connect the extender to your
existing router's WiFi network.
Note: If your router’s WiFi security is set to WPA enterprise or WPA2 enterprise, your
extender can’t connect to your router. You must change your router’s WiFi security
setting.
You can connect your extender to your router's WiFi netowrk using one of these methods:
•Connect with the Nighthawk app. The Nighthawk app guides you through the
connection process. For more information, see Connect with the Nighthawk app on
page 13.
•Connect with WPS. If your router supportsWi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), use WPS
to connect your extender to your router's WiFi network.
For more information, see Connect With WPS on page 14.
Note: WPS does not support WEP network security or a hidden SSID network. If
your router WiFi network uses WEP security or its SSID is hidden, follow the
instructions in Connect With the NETGEAR Installation Assistant on page 16.
•Connect with the web browser setup. You can use the extender's web browser
setup, called the NETGEAR installation assistant. and For more information, see
Connect With the NETGEAR Installation Assistant on page 16.
Connect with the Nighthawk app
User Manual13Get Started
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
To connect with the Nighthawk app:
1. Download the Nighthawk app on your mobile device.
For more information about the Nighthawk app, visit Nighthawk-app.com.
2. On your mobile device, open the WiFi connection manager, then locate and connect to the
extender network called NETGEAR_EXT.
3. Launch the Nighthawk app.
4. Follow the prompts to connect your extender to your existing router WiFi network.
5. Unplug your extender and move it to a new location.
We recommend that the new location be about halfway between your router and the area with
a poor WiFi signal.
The extender must be within the range of your router WiFi network.
6. Power on your extender.
7. Use the Router Link LED to help you choose a spot where the extender-to-router connection is
optimal.
8. If the Router Link LED doesn’t light white, plug the extender into an outlet closer to the router
and try again.
Keep moving the extender to outlets closer to the router until the Router Link LED lights white.
9. Reconnect your computer or mobile device to the new extended WiFi network.
The following are examples of what your 2.4 and 5 GHz extended WiFi names might look like.
Examples of your existing dual-band router's WiFi names:
•2.4 GHz WiFi name. MyWiFiExample
•5 GHz WiFi name. MyWiFiExample-5G
Examples of your new extended WiFi names:
•New extended 2.4 GHz WiFi name. MyWiFiExample
•New extended 5 GHz WiFi name. MyWiFiExample-5G
Connect With WPS Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) lets you join a secure WiFi network
without typing the network name and password. For help with the WPS button on your
User Manual14Get Started
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
WPS-enabled device, check the instructions or online help that came with that device.
Some older equipment cannot use WPS.
Note: WPS does not support WEP network security or a hidden SSID network. If your
existing WiFi network uses WEP security or its SSID is hidden, follow the instructions in
Connect With the NETGEAR Installation Assistant on page 16.
To use WPS to connect the extender to your WiFi router:
1. Press the WPS button on the extender until the WPS LED blinks.
2. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router.
When the extender connects to your existing WiFi network, the WPS LED on the
extender lights.
If the Router Link LED lights white, the connection between the router and extender
is good. If the Router Link LED lights amber or red, move the extender closer to the
router and try again.
If the Router Link LED lights white, the connection between your router and extender
is good. If the Router Link LED lights amber or red, move the extender closer to the
router and try again.
Note: If your router supports the 5 GHz band and your extender didn’t connect to
that band, repeat the WPS process.
3. Unplug your extender and move it to a new location.
We recommend that the new location be about halfway between your router and
the area with a poor WiFi signal.
The extender must be within the range of your router WiFi network.
4. Power on your extender.
5. Use the Router Link LED to help you choose a spot where the extender-to-router
connection is optimal.
Keep moving the extender to outlets closer to the router until the Router Link LED
lights white.
User Manual15Get Started
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
6. If the Router Link LED doesn’t light white, plug the extender into an outlet closer to
the router and try again.
Keep moving the extender to outlets closer to the router until the Router Link LED
lights white.
7. Reconnect your computer or mobile device to the new extender WiFi network.
After the setup, the One WiFi Name feature is enabled, which allows your extender
to use the same WiFi network settings as your router.
8. Connect your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device to the extended network.
Your extender uses the same WiFi network settings as your router for its 2.4 GHz
and 5 GHz extended networks.
For example, if your extender connects to the router’s 2.4 GHz WiFi band, your
extender uses your router’s 2.4 GHz WiFi settings for both its networks:
•Existing router 2.4 GHz WiFi network name. MyWiFiExample
•Existing router 5 GHz WiFi network name. MyWiFiExample-5G
•New extended 2.4 GHz WiFi network name. MyWiFiExample
•New extended 5 GHz WiFi network name. MyWiFiExample
If your extender connects to the router’s 5 GHz WiFi band, your extender uses your
router’s 5 GHz WiFi settings for both its networks:
•Existing router 2.4 GHz WiFi network name. MyWiFiExample
•Existing router 5 GHz WiFi network name. MyWiFiExample-5G
•New extended 2.4 GHz WiFi network name. MyWiFiExample-5G
•New extended 5 GHz WiFi network name. MyWiFiExample-5G
Note: Since your router and extended networks share the same WiFi network name,
only one WiFi network name is broadcast.
Connect With the NETGEAR Installation Assistant You can use the NETGEAR
installation assistant to connect your extender to your existing WiFi router network. To
use the NETGEAR installation assistant, you must launch a web browser on your computer
or mobile device.
To use the NETGEAR installation assistant to connect the extender to your WiFi
router:
1. On your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device, open the WiFi connection
manager and locate and connect to the extender network called NETGEAR_EXT.
2. Launch web browser.
User Manual16Get Started
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
3. Enter http://www.mywifiext.net.
The NETGEAR installation assistant displays.
4. Follow the prompts to connect your extender to your existing router WiFi network.
5. Unplug your extender and move it to a new location.
We recommend that the new location be about halfway between your router and
the area with a poor WiFi signal.
6. Power on your extender.
7. Use the Router Link LED to help you choose a spot where the extender-to-router
connection is optimal.
8. If the Router Link LED doesn’t light white, plug the extender into an outlet closer to
the router and try again.
Keep moving the extender to outlets closer to the router until the Router Link LED
lights white.
9. Reconnect your computer or mobile device to the new extended WiFi network.
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 4. Extender in access point mode
User Manual17Get Started
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
To use the extender in access point mode:
1. Plug the extender into an electrical outlet.
2. Wait for the Power LED to light amber and then turn white.
If the Power LED does not light, press the Power On/Off button on the side of the
extender.
3. Connect a computer or mobile device to the extender using a WiFi or Ethernet
connection:
•WiFi. On your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device, open the WiFi connection
manager and connect to the extender network called NETGEAR_EXT.
When your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device is connected to the extender,
the Client LED lights solid white.
•Ethernet. Connect the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on your computer and
extender.
Note: If you want to use an Ethernet connection, you must do this before you
connect your extender to your modem router or router.
4. Launch a web browser and visit www.mywifiext.net.
The NETGEAR installation assistant displays.
5. Use an Ethernet cable to connect your router to an Ethernet port on the extender.
Note: Do not connect your extender directly to your DSL or cable modem. The
extender does not function as a router. If your network includes a DHCP server, you
can connect the extender to a switch or hub that is connected to the DHCP server.
6. Return to the NETGEAR installation assistant and follow the prompts to finish setting
up your extender as an access point.
Connect a Device to the Extender Network
After you complete the setup process, you can connect all your devices to the new
extender network using a WiFi or WPS connection.
Connect a Device to the Extender Network Using WiFi
If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, your extender uses the the same WiFi network
name and password as your router.
User Manual18Get Started
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
To connect to the extender WiFi network:
1. On your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device, open the WiFi connection
manager that manages your WiFi connections.
The WiFi connection manager scans for WiFi networks in your area.
2. Find and select your extender’s WiFi network name (SSID) and enter your extender’s
WiFi password.
This is the SSID and password that you set up during the installation process. If you
enabled the One WiFi Name feature, use your router’s SSID and password.
Connect a Device to the Extender Network Using WPS
For help with the WPS button on your WPS-enabled device, check the instructions or
online help that came with that device. Some older equipment cannot use WPS.
To connect to the extender using a WPS connection:
1. Press the WPS button on the extender until the WPS LED blinks white.
2. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your WPS-enabled device.
When the extender connects to your WPS-enabled device, the WPS LED lights solid
white.
Log In to the Extender After Installation
After installation, you can log in to the extender to view or change the extender’s settings.
To log in to the extender:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter www.mywifiext.net in
the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext.local/ or http://mywifiext/
-Mac computers and iOS devices. http://mywifiext. local
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address> (for example,
http://192.168.1.3)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
User Manual19Get Started
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
Run Smart Setup Installation
You can use Smart Setup to change the extender settings. This is an easy way to connect
the extender to a different router or to change the extender WiFi network name (SSID)
or WiFi password.
To run Smart Setup:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter www.mywifiext.net in
the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext.local/ or http://mywifiext/
-Mac computers and iOS devices. http://mywifiext. local
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address> (for example,
http://192.168.1.3)
-For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. Click the SMART SETUP button.
5. Follow the prompts.
User Manual20Get Started
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
3
Extender Network Settings
This chapter covers the following topics:
• Enable or disable One WiFi Name
• Enable or disable smart connect
• View connected devices
• View WiFi settings
• Change the WiFi network name
• Turn off the SSID broadcast to create a hidden network
• Disable or enable the WiFi radios
• Change the WiFi speed
• Use WPS to add a computer to the extender’s WiFi network
• Deny access to a computer or WiFi device
• Set up an access schedule
• Change the extender’s device name
• Set up the extender to use a static IP address
• Configure a router with advanced MAC settings to work with your extender
21
Enable or disable One WiFi Name
The One WiFi Name feature enables your extender to use the same WiFi network settings
as your router.
If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, your extender uses the same WiFi network
name and password as your router.
The following is an example of what your WiFi network names might look like if One
WiFi Name is enabled:
•Router 2.4 GHz WiFi network name. MyWiFiExample
•Router 5 GHz WiFi network name. MyWiFiExample-5G
•Extended 2.4 GHz WiFi network name. MyWiFiExample
•Extended 5 GHz WiFi network name. MyWiFiExample-5G
Note: If you enable the One WiFi Name feaure and your router's 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
networks use different network names, you cannot enable the Smart Connect feature.
To enable or disable the One WiFi Name feature:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/
in the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,
http://192.168.1.3/)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
User Manual22Extender Network Settings
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
5. Select Settings > Wireless.
The WiFi Settings page displays.
6. To enable the One WiFi name feature, select the Yes radio button.
If this is the first time you’re enabling the One WiFi Name feature, you must run the
Smart Setup. Go to the Status page and click the SMART SETUP button to run the
Smart Setup.
7. To disable the One WiFi Name feature, select the No radio button.
If you disable this feature, you can set a new SSID and password for the extender’s
2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks in the Network Name (SSID) and WiFi Password
fields on this page.
8. Click the SAVE button.
Your settings are saved.
Enable or disable smart connect
The Smart Connect feature selects the fastest WiFi band for your WiFi devices to connect
to. To enable the Smart Connect feature, your extender's 2.4 GHz and 5 Ghz networks
must use the same network name and password.
Note: If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature and your router's 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
networks use different network names, you cannot enable Smart Connect. You can only
enable Smart Connect if your extender's 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi networks use the same
network name.
To enable or disable the Smart Connect feature:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/
in the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,
http://192.168.1.3/)
User Manual23Extender Network Settings
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Settings > Wireless.
The WiFi Settings page displays.
6. To enable the Smart Connect feature, select the Yes radio button.
Note: For you to use this feature, the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks must use the
same SSID and password.
7. To disable the Smart Connect feature, select the No radio button.
If you disable this feature, you can set a new SSID and password for the extender’s
2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks in the Network Name (SSID) and WiFi Password
fields on this page.
8. Click the SAVE button.
Your settings are saved.
View connected devices
You can view a list of devices that are connected to the extender network.
To view connected devices:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/
in the address field of the browser.
User Manual24Extender Network Settings
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,
http://192.168.1.3/)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Settings > Connected Devices.
The Connected Devices page displays. The devices connected to the extender
displays on the page.
View WiFi settings
To view the WiFi settings:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/
in the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,
http://192.168.1.3/)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
User Manual25Extender Network Settings
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Settings > Wireless.
The WiFi Settings page displays the WiFi settings.
Change the WiFi network name
To change the WiFi network name:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/
in the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,
http://192.168.1.3/)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Settings > Wireless.
The WiFi Settings page displays.
6. In the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Network Name (SSID) field, type a new network name.
7. Click the SAVE button.
User Manual26Extender Network Settings
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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. To connect to a hidden
network you must know its SSID and password and manually enter them.
To turn off the SSID broadcast to create a hidden network:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/
in the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,
http://192.168.1.3/)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Settings > Wireless.
The WiFi Settings page displays.
6. In the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Network section, clear the Broadcast the Network Name
(SSID) check box.
7. Click the SAVE button.
User Manual27Extender Network Settings
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
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 enable or disable the WiFi radios:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/
in the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,
http://192.168.1.3/)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Settings > Wireless.
The WiFi Settings page displays.
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.
User Manual28Extender Network Settings
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
Change the WiFi speed
When the extender's 2.4 GHz WiFi backhaul is connected to the root access point (root
AP), the extender's 2.4 GHz fronthaul WiFi speed is the same as the root AP's 2.4 GHz
WiFi speed. The extender cannot change its 2.4 GHz WiFi speed.
This also applies to the extender's 5 GHz WiFi speed. When the extender's 5 GHz WiFi
backhaul is connected to the root AP, the extender's 5 GHz fronthaul WiFi speed is the
same as the root AP's 5 GHz WiFi speed. The extender cannot change its 5 GHz WiFi
speed.
The following table further explains whether if the extender's 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz WiFi
speed is changeable based on which extender backhaul connection is used to connect
to the root AP.
Table 2. Extender backhaul and fronthaul WiFi connection
Is the extender's 5 GHz
fronthaul WiFi speed
changeable?
Is the extender's 2.4
GHz fronthaul WiFi
speed changeable?
Which extender WiFi
backhaul is connected
to the root AP?
NoNoBoth 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
YesNo2.4 GHz only
NoYes5 GHz only
YesYesNo connection
To change the extender's WiFi speed:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/
in the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,
http://192.168.1.3/)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
User Manual29Extender Network Settings
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A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Settings > Wireless.
The WiFi Settings page displays.
6. From the 2.4 GHz Network or 5 GHz Network 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 computer or WiFi 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.
If you use the push button method, the WiFi device that you are trying to connect must
include a physical button or a software button. If you use the PIN method, you must
know the PIN of the WiFi device that you are trying to connect.
WPS supports WPA and WPA2 WiFi security. If your extender network is open (no WiFi
security is set), connecting with WPS automatically sets WPA + WPA2 WiFi security on
the extender network and generates a random passphrase. You can view this passphrase
on the WiFi Settings page (for more information, see View WiFi settings on page 25).
Use WPS with the push button method
For you to use the push button method to connect a WiFi device to the extender’s WiFi
network, the WiFi device that you are trying to connect must include a physical WPS
button or an onscreen WPS button that you can click.
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Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
To use WPS to add a WPS-enabled device to the extender’s WiFi network:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/
in the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,
http://192.168.1.3/)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Settings > Do More > Connect Devices (WPS).
The Connected Devices (WPS) page displays.
6. Leave the Push Button (recommended) radio button selected.
7. Click the WPS button.
For two minutes, the extender attempts to add the computer or WiFi device to its
WiFi network.
8. Within two minutes, go to the computer WiFi device and press or click its WPS
button.
9. To verify that the WiFi device is connected to the extender’s WiFi network, select
Settings > Connected Devices.
The WiFi device displays onscreen.
User Manual31Extender Network Settings
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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.
To add a computer or WiFi device to the extender’s WiFi network:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/
in the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,
http://192.168.1.3/)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Settings > Do More > Connect Devices (WPS).
The Connect Devices (WPS) page displays.
6. Select the PIN Number radio button.
The page adjusts.
7. Type the PIN of the WiFi device in the field.
8. Click the NEXT button.
For four minutes, the extender attempts to find the computer or WiFi device.
9. Within four minutes, go to the WiFi device and use its WPS software to join the WiFi
network.
10. To verify that the WiFi device is connected to the extender’s WiFi network, select
Settings > Connected Devices.
User Manual32Extender Network Settings
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
The WiFi device displays onscreen.
Deny access to a computer or WiFi device
By default, access control is disabled so that it is easy for you to connect to the extender’s
WiFi networks.
You can deny network access to specific computers and 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). Typically, the MAC
address is on the label of the WiFi device. If you cannot access 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 Connected Devices page (see View connected
devices on page 24).
To use WiFi access control to deny access:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/
in the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,
http://192.168.1.3/)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Settings > Connected Devices.
The Connected Devices page displays.
User Manual33Extender Network Settings
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
6. In the WiFi Devices section, select the Enable Access Control check box.
The WiFi devices table displays the names and MAC addresses of WiFi devices that
are connected to the extender.
7. Select the Deny check box for the device.
8. Click the SAVE button.
Your settings are saved and that device cannot connect to the extender’s WiFi
network.
Set up an access schedule
You can control access by all users during specific periods of the day. You can set up
an access schedule that prevents the extender’s wireless or wired connection to the
router based on the times that you set.
To set up an access schedule:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/
in the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,
http://192.168.1.3/)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Do More > Access Schedule.
The Access Schedule page displays.
User Manual34Extender Network Settings
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
6. Select the Access Schedule On radio button.
The page adjusts.
7. In the Days menu and the Time menu, select the day and time when you want to
disable the extender’s wireless or wired connection to the router.
8. Click the Add Time button to add the time that you specified to the Scheduled Times
table.
9. Click the SAVE button.
Your settings are saved.
Change the extender’s device name
The default device name is the extender's model number.
To change the extender’s device name:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/
in the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,
http://192.168.1.3/)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Settings > Wireless.
The WiFi Settings page displays.
User Manual35Extender Network Settings
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
6. Scroll down and click the IP Address heading.
The page expands.
7. In the Device Name field, type a name.
8. Click the SAVE button.
Your settings are saved.
Set up the extender to use a static IP address
The extender comes set up to use a dynamic IP address, which is the correct setting for
most home networks.
To set up the extender to use a static IP address:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter http://mywifiext.local/
in the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,
http://192.168.1.3)/
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Settings > Wireless.
The WiFi Settings page displays.
6. Scroll down and click the IP Address heading.
The page expands.
User Manual36Extender Network Settings
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
By default, the Dynamically get 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. Click the SAVE button.
Your settings are saved.
Configure a router with advanced MAC
settings to work with your extender
If you enabled a WiFi MAC filter, WiFi access control, or access control list (ACL) on your
router, when a WiFi device connects through the extender to your router, the MAC
address of the WiFi device shown on the router is translated to another MAC address.
If your router’s MAC filter, WiFi access control, or ACL is enabled, the WiFi device
connects to the extender but cannot get an IP address from the extender and cannot
access the Internet.
To allow the WiFi device to receive an IP address from the extender and access the
Internet, you must provide translated MAC address to the router.
To add a translated MAC address to your router and reserve an IP address for your
extender
1. Log in to your router and disable the MAC filter, WiFi access control, or ACL.
For more information about how to disable your router’s MAC filter, WiFi access
control, or ACL, see your router’s documentation.
2. Power on the extender and connect all of your WiFi devices to the extender.
3. Make sure that the Router Link LED remains lit.
User Manual37Extender Network Settings
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
4. Log in to your extender:
a. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to
your extender network.
b. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter
http://mywifiext.local/ in the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,
http://192.168.1.3/)
A login page displays.
c. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
5. Select Settings > Connected Devices.
The Connected Devices page displays the MAC addresses and virtual MAC addresses
for computers and WiFi devices that are connected to the extender network.
6. On the router, add the extender’s virtual MAC address and all the virtual MAC
addresses connected to the extender network to your router’s MAC filter table.
Note: To reserve a specific IP address for the extender, you must specify the first
virtual MAC address that displays for your extender’s 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz network in
your router’s IP reservation table. (The first virtual MAC address that displays for your
extender’s 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks is the same.)
7. Enable the router’s MAC filter, wireless access control, or ACL.
User Manual38Extender Network Settings
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
4
Maintain and monitor the extender
This chapter covers the following topics:
• Change the extender login user name and password
• Turn password protection off and on
• Recover a forgotten user name or password
• Automatically adjust for daylight saving time
• Manually set the extender clock
• Back up and manage the extender configuration
• Back up the configuration settings
• Return the extender to its factory default settings
• Update the extender firmware
• Restart the extender from the extender web interface
• Turn the LEDs On or Off
• Adjust the WiFi coverage
39
Change the extender login user name and
password
You can change the admin user name and password that you use to log in to the
extender.
To change the extender's login user name and password:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter www.mywifiext.net in
the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,
http://192.168.1.3/)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Settings > Password.
The Password Settings page displays.
6. To change the admin user name, enter a new user name in the New User Name
field.
Your admin user name can be a name or email address.
7. To change the admin password, enter a new password in the New Password field
and the Verify Password field.
8. Select questions and enter the answers.
User Manual40Maintain and monitor the
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Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
9. Click the SAVE button.
Your settings are saved.
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. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter www.mywifiext.net in
the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,
http://192.168.1.3/)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Settings > Password.
The Password Settings page displays.
6. Select the Password Off or Password On radio button.
7. Click the SAVE button.
Your settings are saved.
User Manual41Maintain and monitor the
extender
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
Recover a forgotten user name or password
If you changed the password that you use to access the extender and you set up
password recovery, you can recover your password if you lose it.
To recover your password that you use to access the extender:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter www.mywifiext.net in
the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,
http://192.168.1.3/)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
3. Click the Username & Password Help link.
A page displays requesting the answers to your security questions.
If you forgot the answers to your security questions, restore the extender’s factory
settings and set up your login credentials again. See Return the extender to its factory
default settings on page 48.
4. Enter the saved answers to your security questions.
5. Click the NEXT button.
Your admin user name address and password are displayed.
6. Click the BACK button.
A login page displays.
7. Log in to the extender.
User Manual42Maintain and monitor the
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Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
Automatically adjust for daylight saving time
To set up the extender to automatically adjust for daylight saving time:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter www.mywifiext.net in
the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,
http://192.168.1.3/)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Do More > Access Schedule.
The Access Schedule page displays.
6. Select the Automatically adjust for daylight savings time check box.
7. Click the SAVE button.
Your settings are saved.
Manually set the extender clock
If you turned on the access schedule, you can set the extender clock. The extender clock
makes sure that the WiFi access schedules are accurate.
User Manual43Maintain and monitor the
extender
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender
To manually set the extender clock:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter www.mywifiext.net in
the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,
http://192.168.1.3/)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Do More > Access Schedule.
The Access Schedule page displays.
6. In the Extender Clock section, select the Manual radio button.
7. To specify the time, complete the fields or click the Sync Clock button to synchronize
the extender time to the time on the computer or mobile device that you are using.
8. Click the SAVE button.
Your settings are saved.
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
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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.
To back up the extender configuration settings:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter www.mywifiext.net in
the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,
http://192.168.1.3/)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Settings > Other.
The Other Settings page displays.
6. Click the BACKUP button.
Your browser extracts the configuration file from the extender. The backup file uses
a.cfg extenstion.
7. If your browser is not set up to save downloaded files automatically, locate where
you want to save the file.
8. Click the OK button.
The extender configuration settings are backed up.
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Restore the configuration settings
You can restore the configuration settings of the extender to a previously saved
configuration file.
To restore the extender configuration settings:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter www.mywifiext.net in
the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,
http://192.168.1.3/)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Settings > Other.
The Other Settings page displays.
6. Click the BROWSE button.
7. Locate and select the previously saved backup file.
The backup file uses a .cfg extension.
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.
8. Click the RESTORE button.
A confirmation pop-up window opens.
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9. Confirm your decision.
The extender configuration is restored and the extender restarts. This process takes
about one minute.
Return the extender to its factory default
settings
Under some circumstances (for example, if you lose track of the changes that you made
to the extender settings), you might want to erase the configuration and reset the
extender to factory default settings.
To reset the extender to factory default settings, you can either use the Reset button
on the back panel or log in to the extender and reset it.
Use the Reset button
CAUTION: This process erases any settings that you configured in the extender.
To use the Reset button to return the extender to its factory default settings:
1. Insert a straightened paper clip into the hole of the Reset button and hold it for
about seven seconds.
2. Release the button.
CAUTION: 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!
The extender resets and restarts. This process takes about one minute.
Log in and reset the extender to factory settings
CAUTION: This process erases any settings that you configured in the extender.
To log in to the extender and reset the extender’s factory settings:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter www.mywifiext.net in
the address field of the browser.
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•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext or http://mywifiext.local
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext. local
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address> (for example,
http://192.168.1.3)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Settings > Other.
The Other Settings page displays.
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 window opens.
7. Confirm your decision.
The extender returns to its factory settings and restarts. This process takes about
one minute.
Update the extender firmware
You can log in to the extender and check to see if new firmware is available, or you can
manually load a specific firmware version to your extender.
Check for new firmware and update the extender
Unless you changed the settings in the Firmware Update page previously, the extender
is set up to check for new firmware automatically at login.
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To check manually for new firmware and, if available, update the firmware:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter www.mywifiext.net in
the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,
http://192.168.1.3/)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Firmware Update.
The Firmware Update page displays.
6. Click the CHECK ONLINE button.
7. If new firmware is available, follow the onscreen prompts to update the firmware.
Note: You might need to unzip the firmware file. The firmware update process takes
about two minutes.
Manually upload firmware to the extender
If you want to upload a specific firmware version, follow these instructions.
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To manually upload a firmware file to your extender:
1. Download the firmware file for your extender from the NETGEAR Download Center,
save it to your desktop, and unzip the file if needed.
Note: The correct firmware file uses an .img extension.
2. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
3. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter www.mywifiext.net in
the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,
http://192.168.1.3/)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
4. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
5. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
6. Select Firmware Update.
The Firmware Update page displays.
7. Click the BROWSE button.
8. Locate and select the new firmware file.
The firmware file name ends with a .img extension.
9. Click the UPLOAD button.
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.
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The firmware update starts and the extender restarts. The firmware update process
takes about two minutes.
Restart the extender from the extender web
interface
You can log in to the extender and restart it. When the extender restarts, all computers
and WiFi devices that are connected to its WiFi network are automatically disconnected.
To restart the extender from the extender web interface:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter www.mywifiext.net in
the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example,
http://192.168.1.3/)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Settings > Other.
The Other Settings page displays.
6. Click the RESTART button and click the Yes button to confirm.
The extender restarts, which takes about two minutes.
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Turn the LEDs On or Off
If you turn the LEDs off, the Power LED remains on.
To turn the LEDs on or off:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter www.mywifiext.net in
the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext or http://mywifiext.local
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext. local
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address> (for example,
http://192.168.1.3)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Do More > LED On/Off.
The LED On/Off page displays.
6. Select the ON or OFF radio button.
•To turn the LEDs on, select the ON radio button.
•To turn the LED off, select the OFF radio button.
7. Click the SAVE button.
Your settings are saved.
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Adjust the WiFi coverage
You can adjust the extender output power percentage and range of your extended WiFi
network. If you select a low output power percentage, the extender's WiFi range will
be shorter. If you select a high output power percentage, the extender's WiFi range will
be longer.
For a smaller coverage area, choose a lower output power percentage. For a larger
coverage area, select a higher output power percentage.
To turn the LEDs on or off:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter www.mywifiext.net in
the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext or http://mywifiext.local
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext. local
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address> (for example,
http://192.168.1.3)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Do More > WiFi Coverage.
The WiFi Coverage page displays.
6. Select a WiFi Output Power radio button
7. Click the SAVE button.
Your settings are saved.
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5
Share USB Storage Devices
Attached to the Extender
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 to connect only 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.
The chapter contains the following sections:
• USB Device Requirements
• Connect a USB Storage Device to the Extender
• Access a Storage Device Connected to the Extender From a Windows Computer
• Map a USB Device to a Windows Network Drive
• Access a Storage Device That Is Connected to the Extender From a Mac
• Turn the USB Port Off and On
• Add a Network Folder on a USB Storage Device
• Password protect a folder on a USB storage device
• Change the Network or Device Name
55
USB Device Requirements
The extender works with most USB-compliant external flash and hard drives. For the
most up-to-date list of USB devices 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 storage device. Such USB storage
devices do not work with the extender.
The extender supports the following file system types for full read/write access:
•FAT16
•FAT32
•NTFS
•NTFS with compression format enabled
•Ext2
•Ext3
•Ext4
•HFS
•HFS+
Connect a USB Storage Device to the
Extender
ReadySHARE lets you access and share USB storage devices that are connected to the
appropriate extender port. (If your USB storage device uses special drivers, it is not
compatible.)
To connect a USB device:
1. Insert your USB storage device into a USB port on your extender.
2. If your USB storage device uses a power supply, connect it.
You must use the power supply when you connect the USB storage device to the
extender.
When you connect the USB storage device to the extender USB port, it might take
up to two minutes before it is ready for sharing. By default, the USB storage device
is available to all computers on your local area network (LAN).
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Access a Storage Device Connected to the
Extender From a Windows Computer
To access the USB storage device from a Windows computer:
1. Insert your USB storage device into a USB port on your extender.
2. If your USB storage device uses a power supply, connect it.
You must use the power supply when you connect the USB storage device to the
extender.
When you connect the USB storage device to the extender USB port, it might take
up to two minutes before it is ready for sharing. By default, the USB storage device
is available to all computers on your local area network (LAN).
3. Select Start > Run.
4. Enter \\readyshare in the dialog box.
5. Click the OK button.
A window automatically opens and displays the files and folders on the USB storage
device.
Map a USB Device to a Windows Network
Drive
To map the USB storage device to a Windows network drive:
1. Insert your USB storage device into a USB port on your extender.
2. If your USB storage device uses a power supply, connect it.
You must use the power supply when you connect the USB storage device to the
extender.
When you connect the USB storage device to the extender USB port, it might take
up to two minutes before it is ready for sharing. By default, the USB storage device
is available to all computers on your local area network (LAN).
3. Select Start > Run.
4. Enter \\readyshare in the dialog box.
5. Click the OK button.
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A window automatically opens and displays the USB storage device.
6. Right-click the USB device and select Map network drive.
7. Select the drive letter to map to the new network folder.
8. Click the Finish button.
The USB storage device is mapped to the drive letter that you specified.
9. To connect to the USB storage device as a different user, select the Connect using
different credentials check box, click the Finish button, and do the following:
a. Type the user name and password.
b. Click the OK button.
The USB storage device is mapped to the drive letter that you specified.
Access a Storage Device That Is Connected
to the Extender From a Mac
From a computer or device on the network, you can access a storage device that is
connected to the extender.
To access the device from a Mac:
1. Insert your USB storage device into a USB port on your extender.
2. If your USB storage device uses a power supply, connect it.
You must use the power supply when you connect the USB storage device to the
extender.
When you connect the USB storage device to the extender USB port, it might take
up to two minutes before it is ready for sharing. By default, the USB storage device
is available to all computers on your local area network (LAN).
3. On a Mac that is connected to the network, select Go > Connect to Server.
4. In the Server Address field, enter smb://readyshare.
5. When prompted, select the Guest radio button.
If you set up access control on the extender and you allowed your Mac to access the
network, select the Registered User radio button and enter admin for the name
and password for the password. For more information about access control, see
View connected devices on page 24.
6. Click the Connect button.
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A window automatically opens and displays the files and folders on the USB storage
device.
Turn the USB Port Off and On
By default the USB port is on, but you can log in to the extender and turn it off and on.
To turn the USB port off and on:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter www.mywifiext.net in
the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext or http://mywifiext.local
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext. local
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address> (for example,
http://192.168.1.3)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Do More > USB Port.
The USB Port page displays.
6. To turn the USB port on, select the USB Port On radio button.
7. To turn the USB port off, select the USB Port Off radio button.
8. Click the SAVE button.
Your settings are saved.
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Add a Network Folder on a USB Storage
Device
You can add network folders on a USB storage device connected to a extender USB
port.
To add a network folder:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter www.mywifiext.net in
the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext or http://mywifiext.local
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext. local
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address> (for example,
http://192.168.1.3)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Do More > USB Port.
The USB Port page displays.
6. In the Connected Devices section, click the Add Folder button.
7. Browse and select a folder on the USB device.
8. Click the SAVE button.
Your settings are saved.
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Password protect a folder on a USB storage
device
You can set a password for read access or write access to a folder that's on your USB
storage device.
To password protect a folder:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter www.mywifiext.net in
the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext or http://mywifiext.local
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext. local
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address> (for example,
http://192.168.1.3)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Do More > USB Port.
The USB Port page displays.
6. Browse and select a folder on the USB device.
7. To password protect read access, in the Read Access menu, select Password On.
8. To password protect write access, in the Write Access menu, select Password On.
9. Click the SAVE button.
Your settings are saved.
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Change the Network or Device Name
By default, the extender’s network and device name is readyshare. You can change the
name.
To change the network and device name:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter www.mywifiext.net in
the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext or http://mywifiext.local
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext. local
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address> (for example,
http://192.168.1.3)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Do More > USB Port.
The USB Port page displays.
6. Enter a new name in Network/Device Name field.
7. Click the Update button.
The name updates.
8. Click the SAVE button.
Your settings are saved.
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Specify ReadyDLNA Media Server Settings
By default, the extender acts as a ReadyDLNA media server, which lets you view movies
and photos on DLNA/UPnP AV-compliant media players, such as Xbox360, Playstation,
and NETGEAR media players.
To specify media server settings:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter www.mywifiext.net in
the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext or http://mywifiext.local
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext. local
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address> (for example,
http://192.168.1.3)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Do More > USB Port.
The USB Port page displays.
6. Specify the settings:
•Enable Media Server. Select this check box to enable this device to act as a
media server.
•Enable TiVo support. Select this check box if you want to play ReadyNAS media
on your TiVo device. For more information, see Set Up the Extender to Work With
TiVo on page 65.
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•Media Server Name. To change the name of the media server, type a new name
in the field.
•Content Scanning. The extender automatically scans for media files whenever
new files are added to your ReadySHARE USB storage device. The extender scans
only shared folders that are set up with full read access without a password.
7. Click the SAVE button.
Your settings are saved.
Set Up the Extender to Work With 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.
You can use the TiVo (Series 2 and later) Home Media Option to play photos and music
on your Windows or Mac computer in your TiVo user interface.
To set up the extender to work with TiVo:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter www.mywifiext.net in
the address field of the browser.
•If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs:
-Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext or http://mywifiext.local
-Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext. local
-Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address> (for example,
http://192.168.1.3)
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find
the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
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The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Do More > USB Port.
The USB Port page displays.
6. Make sure that the Enable TiVo support check box is selected.
7. If you changed the settings, click the SAVE button.
Your settings are saved.
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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. To improve your signal strength, move your extender closer to your
router and make sure that the Router Link LED lights solid white or amber.
The LED lights as follows:
•Solid white. Best connection
•Solid amber. Good connection
•Solid red. Poor connection
•Off. No connection
If you are using WEP security, make sure that you are typing the network password in
the correct field.
My router security is WEP, and I entered the wrong password or security key on
the extender. I cannot access the extender anymore. What can I do?
The extender cannot check to see if the WEP password is correct. If you entered the
wrong password, your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device is not able to get the
IP address from the extender. You must reset the extender to its factory default settings
to get the IP address back.
Can I set up the extender in extender mode if I connect it to the router or access
point with an Ethernet cable?
No. The extender is designed to connect wirelessly to the router or access point if it is
in extender mode. If the extender is in access point mode, you can connect it to the
router or access point with an Ethernet connection. For more information about access
point mode, see Use the Extender in Access Point Mode on page 17.
I am connected to NETGEAR_EXT and launched a browser and I can’t I see the web
browser setup guide. What can I do?
Try these troubleshooting steps:
•Make sure that the Client Link LED is white and that you are using a valid IP address.
•Relaunch the web browser and enter www.mywifiext.net in the address field. Enter
your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
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•If you are installing the extender as an access point, make sure that you are connecting
your computer or WiFi device to the extender through a WiFi connection instead of
an Ethernet connection.
•Make sure that your computer is set up to use DHCP (most are).
I forgot my admin user name address and password. What can I do?
On the login window, click the Username & Password Help link to answer the security
questions that you set up during the initial setup. For more information, see Recover a
forgotten user name or password on page 42.
To restore factory settings:
1. Use a sharp object such as a pen or paper clip to press and hold the Reset button
on the extender for seven seconds until the Power LED lights amber.
2. Release the Reset button and wait for the extender to reboot.
The extender resets and returns to the factory default settings.
Find the Extender’s IP address
If your extender and router use the same WiFi network name (SSID) and you want to
log in to your extender using an Android device, you must use the extender’s IP address.
You can log in to your router to find your extender’s IP address. If you own a NETGEAR
router, use the following procedure to find the extender’s IP address. If you do not own
a NETGEAR router, see your router's documentation.
Note: The following instructions might not apply to your NETGEAR router. For more
information, see your NETGEAR router’s user manual.
To log in to your extender and find your extender’s IP address:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the
router network.
2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.
A login window opens.
3. Enter the router admin user name and password.
The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time
that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.
The BASIC Home page displays.
4. Select Attached Devices.
A list of devices connected to your router displays.
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5. Find your extender in the list and note your extender’s IP address.
Cannot Connect to the Extender
If you cannot connect to the extender, determine what prevents you from connecting:
•If you cannot access www.mywifiext.net, see Cannot Access mywifiext.net on page
71 for more information.
•If you forgot your user name or password, click the Username & Password Help
link. For more information, see FAQs on page 68.
•If your browser displays an error page, include http:// in the address field of your
browser by typing http://www.mywifiext.net.
•If you already set up the extender but can no longer connect to it over WiFi, check
to see if the Client Link LED is off.
•If you cannot get a WiFi connection working, you can use an Ethernet cable to connect
your computer to the extender.
Cannot Join a WiFi Network and Receive an
Error Message
To join a WiFi network, you must know its WiFi network name (also called the SSID) so
that you can select it. If the network is secure, you must know the WiFi password (also
called the passphrase or key). If the extender does not connect to the network that you
select, the cause might be one of the following:
•It is possible that you typed the WiFi network name or WiFi passowrd incorrectly.
Use Smart Setup (see Run Smart Setup Installation on page 20) to select a WiFi
network and retype the WiFi password. The WiFi password is case-sensitive. For
example, PASSWORD25 is not the same as Password25 or password25.
•If the extender cannot detect your WiFi network, check to see if your WiFi network
is still working. Make sure that the WiFi router is turned on. If possible, move the
extender closer to the WiFi router.
•If the extender Router Link LED is red, the WiFi connection between the WiFi router
and the extender is poor. You can establish the best connection with a clear line of
sight between the extender and the WiFi router. Make sure that no physical obstacles
exist between the extender and the WiFi router, and try to move the extender closer
to the WiFi router.
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If you use Smart Setup, and the extender does not connect to the WiFi router, does not
connect to the Internet, or cannot get an IP address from the WiFi router, Smart Setup
displays a message to notify you that the extender is not configured.
To run Smart Setup again, click the YES button. To manually configure the extender,
click the NO, CONFIGURE MANUALLY button.
Cannot Access mywifiext.net
When you try to access www.mywifiext.net to set up your extender, you might receive
an error message that says you are not connected to the extender's WiFi network. This
website is not a regular Internet website. It is a local web address used to log in to the
extender web interface and view the extender’s settings.
Your computer or mobile device must be connected to your extender network to access
www.mywifiext.net.
Try these troubleshooting tips to connect to www.mywifiext.net:
•If you’re trying to access www.mywifiext.net for the first time to set up your extender,
see Connect With the NETGEAR Installation Assistant on page 16 and follow the
instructions.
•After you connect your computer or mobile device to the extender network, make
sure that the extender’s Client Link LED is solid white.
If the Client Link LED is not lit, open your computer’s or mobile device’s WiFi
connection manager and make sure that your device is still connected to the extender
network.
•Launch a web browser and enter the extender’s default IP address, which is
192.168.1.250.
If this IP address does not work, it is possible that your extender’s IP address might
have changed. You can log in to your router to view your extender’s IP address. For
more information, see Find the Extender’s IP address on page 69.
•If your extender and router use the same WiFi network name (SSID), enter
http://<extender’s IP address> (for example, http://192.168.1.3).
For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find the
Extender’s IP address on page 69.
•Clear your web browser’s cache and browsing history and try again.
For more information, see the help content for your web browser.
•Try using another web browser.
•Assign a static IP address to your computer.
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Before you change any network settings, note your current Default gateway (Windows)
or Router (Mac) address. Use the IP address 192.168.1.249 and the subnet mask
255.255.255.0.
For more information, see your computer’s documentation.
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Factory Default Settings
To reset the extender to factory default settings, you can use the Reset button on the
side panel or you can log in and click the onscreen RESET button. For more information,
see Return the extender to its factory default settings on page 48.
The following table shows the factory default settings.
Table 3. Factory default settings
Default SettingsFeature
EnabledSmart Setup
EnabledWiFi communication
NETGEAR_EXTWiFi network name (SSID)
DisabledSecurity
Auto1
Transmission speed
Varies by regionCountry/region
802.11a/b/g/n/acOperating mode
Max 1200 MbpsData rate in the 2.4 GHz band
Disabled by default
(When enabled the max data rate is 4800 Mbps)
Data rate in the 5 GHz band
Server and client are enabledDHCP
1Maximum WiFi signal rate (IEEE Standard 802.11). Actual throughput can vary. Network conditions and environmental
factors, including volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, and network overhead lower actual
data throughput rate.
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Technical and Environmental Specifications
The following table shows the technical and environmental specifications.
Table 4. Technical specifications
Technical Specifications
Data and routing protocols: TCP/IP, DHCP server and client, DNS relayNetwork protocol and
standards compatibility
•Dimensions: 10 x 7.75 x 4.2 in (279 x 197 x 106 mm)
•Weight: 1.9lb (0.86 kg)
Physical specifications
•Operating temperature: 32° to 104°F (0° to 40°C)
•Operating humidity: 90% maximum relative humidity, noncondensing
Environmental
•Local: Two 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports
•802.11ac/n/a/g/b and 802.11k
Interface
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Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender