Choose the best high-speed internet plans for an ultra-fast, ultra-reliable connection. You typically do this by holding the reset button down for 20 or 30 seconds and then the router will restart. Take note of this IP, because youll need it later to configure your access point. You need to connect Wi-Fi extender to your router so that you can extend the wireless network. I'm hoping it also says, "Welcome home" to my guests. Once youre logged into the repeater interface, it should start a wizard to guide you through connecting to your local network step-by-step. Step 6: Give the new virtual interface a unique SSID. Step 1: First, head to the Wireless section and click the Basic Settings tab. in the address, just this one. The exact phrasing and steps for this can differ quite a bit depending on your routers model. Connect the computer to the WiFi extender either wirelessly or using an Ethernet cable. The speed is expressed as a function of that connection: if the extender is marked as AC750, that means its using 802.11ac at up to 750 megabits per second. Connect the Ethernet cable to the Deco and turn on the router. Youll enjoy enhanced security and privacy for all your devices. Select Connectivity > Internet Settings > Edit > Wireless Repeater and enter the main router's details. Dont do them for Linksys EA series routers (as doing so can brick them). When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Step 7: Choose an SSID. To sum it up all, a Wi-Fi . How do I troubleshoot my wireless network? If the SSID is different, use whichever security settings you prefer. Setting up AP Mode via Web UI Brian Nadel is a freelance writer and editor who specializes in technology reporting and reviewing. If your computer doesnt have an Ethernet port, youll need to connect to the default Wi-Fi network that the extender broadcasts, which is different from the one already in your home (at least for now.) Step 3: Keep holding the* Reset* button, and plug the router in. When choosing your home Wi-Fi manager, youll want an app or tool that gives you as many editing capabilities as possible. Extenders provide a greater reach of consistent Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home. Plug the Wi-Fi extender back into the wall and press the WPS button on the Wi-Fi extender and the router. Your router will reset, and this is normal. Here's how to extend your Wi-Fi range with another router, and the DD-WRT router firmware. Select the "Wi-Fi Range Extender" button. Upgrade to residential fiber internet for more speed and reliability across all devices. Otherwise, you can proceed full steam ahead with DD-WRT. What is the difference between WiFi 6E and WiFi 6? Using Netgear Genie, a free network-management app for Netgear routers, we easily converted the old router into a Wi-Fi extender to add Wi-Fi to a guest room in my basement. Your router will restart, and eventually, youll see the SSID you chose earlier for your repeater. View, update and share your network name and password. Lisa Mildon is a Lifewire writer and an IT professional with 30 years of experience. Contact us now to find out if you're located in one of our service areas. Step 1: Change the local address to something other than what your primary router uses. Thats right: Youre holding the button for 30 seconds with the router on, then 30 seconds with the router off, then 30 seconds with the router on again. Restart your computer and Windows will download and install the latest version of the driver. This may take a few minutes. This might require some . Just be careful you arent unintentionally activating a repeater mode instead: These router setting terms can be vague, so its always important to study the details of your own router settings page. Follow the on-screen instructions and connect to the internet. From here, you should have fairly straightforward instructions on how to set up your extender. This information is often written on a sticker on the router itself or can be found in its manual or packaging. A place for Questions about WiFi, as well as News and How-Tos, Press J to jump to the feed. This doubles . A Wi-Fi extender can be an effective and useful way to shore up a spotty internet connection by expanding your wireless network's range, but there are some caveats. Step 13: With all of this done, go back to every page you configured and make sure all of the settings are correct. By turning an old router into a Wi-Fi extender, you can let the signal reach other parts of the house, which should solve any coverage problems. Change WiFi settings and troubleshoot your equipment. Upgrade your lifestyleDigital Trends helps readers keep tabs on the fast-paced world of tech with all the latest news, fun product reviews, insightful editorials, and one-of-a-kind sneak peeks. Plug the extender into the wall, then plug the Ethernet cable into both the extender and your computer. Heres how its done. A Wi-Fi network manager is an app or tool that you can use to personalize and control your home Wi-Fi. Use an Ethernet cable to connect from one of Router 1's LAN ports to a computer's Ethernet port. Now you know how to turn an old router into a Wi-Fi extender, you might want to check out some of our other guides, including how to access your router's settings and What Is a Mesh Wi-Fi Router, and Do You Need One? Make sure your main router is turned on and is broadcasting its Wi-Fi signal. For more information, see, If the bands are using different names, follow the instructions in your user manual to change your router or access points settings so that both WiFi bands are using the same network name. The general process for other routers is similar but not exactly the same. Log in to your extender: If you didn't enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter www.mywifiext.net in the address field of the browser. For all other products, see your products user manual. Step 10: Disable the firewall by navigating to the Security section. If you havent used your old internet router in a while, it may need to be updated to improve its internet connectivity and security. Yes, you do. The extender then connects to my router via wifi. A router with older Wi-Fi tech may work but it likely wont provide the speeds or stability you require. Pick the correct address from this list to see the best deals available To elaborate, if you're streaming Netflix on your iPad in the bedroom, which is near your Wi-Fi extender, connect to the extender's network - "Home_WiFi_Ext." But, if you decide to pick up your iPad and walk down to Kitchen near your router, change your connection to the router's network - "Home_WiFi" for best performance. The LED pulse will be blue upon successful activation. A hidden access point still is an access point. Connect your Spectrum Advanced WiFi router to your modem and wait for the WiFi status light to turn solid green. Digital Trends Media Group may earn a commission when you buy through links on our sites. Experiment with different locations until youre happy with the coverage and speed. This guide will walk you through the steps for how to set up an old router as a Wi-Fi extender, also often referred to as a wireless internet or Wi-Fi repeater, to help boost your home or office network in areas with a weak signal. Keep in mind that some router models (especially older routers) do allow you to set up the router as a repeater natively, which means you dont need to use DD-WRT. Here are some basic tips on how to get started, and how to make the most of these handy devices. Step 8: Now lets head to the Wireless Security section. How do I know which devices are connected to my AT&T Smart Wi-Fi Extenders? Place the extender in the optimal position between your router and the dead spot in your network. Improve your network security Webinar 3/17 11AM PST. Does Chromecast Work With Wi-Fi Extenders? A single Wi-Fi router is no match for a larger home. Generally if you follow the instructions that came with your extender, you should be okay. Using different network names for the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands of your WiFi network. When youre sure everything is right, hit the Apply Settings button. Or is there something else that I have to do? Tom's Guide is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. If your problems don't seem to be relatedtodistance from the WiFibroadcast device, there might be a problem with your WiFi network name. Get information, documentation, videos and more for your specific product. Assuming both devices support the Wi-Fi Easy Connect standard, scan the QR code on the Wi-Fi extender, then scan the QR code on your router. Kinetic Wi-Fi Mesh Extenders are devices that can be paired with compatible Kinetic Gateways to create a mesh Wi-Fi network. Log into your secondary routers admin settings, Connect your old router to your main one via Ethernet and place it in. Or call to order 1-866-445-80841-866-445-8084 or When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. If you find this mode, you should certainly try to activate it: Your router may then pick up much of the information listed below automatically, saving you a lot of time. However, in the network list on my laptop, I can see the network name. Connecting a laptop to the Wi-Fi extender. FAQ Instructions: 1. Your internet speed, Wi-Fi needs, router location, and more all have an impact on a Wi-Fi extender's effectiveness. The design and phrasing used for router settings and features can vary greatly from router model to model but the general setup steps are typically as follows. You can place the Wi-Fi extender where the signals get weak so that it can extend the coverage area easily. Top 10 fixes for when WiFi Keeps disconnecting on Android: Restart your Wi-Fi router. North Sydney This will prevent your access point from fighting your router to assign IPs. Keep the distance between the router and the extender between 15 to 25 feet for stable internet speed. New Windows 11 update adds ChatGPT-powered Bing AI to the taskbar, The best Mac apps for 2023: top software for your Mac, Gmail client-side encryption adds security for businesses, A beginners guide to Tor: How to navigate the underground internet, The best free parental control software for PC, Mac, iOS, and Android. A wide range of Wi-Fi extenders are also available from a number of manufacturers and retailers. You may be asked to enter your main routers IP address or Mac address and admin information instead of, or in addition to, the Wi-Fi network login information. Once youve completed the setup steps above, your extender is all set. Log in to submit feedback. Many have been using false ChatGPT interfaces to scam unsuspecting mobile users out of money or infect devices with malware. Step 4: Set the SSID to match your router. 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