NETGEAR AX1600, User Manual

Page 1: ...User Manual AX1600 4 Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Model EAX11 NETGEAR Inc 350 E Plumeria Drive February 2021 San Jose CA 95134 USA 202 12229 01 ...

Page 2: ...For regulatory compliance information including the EU Declaration of Conformity visit https www netgear com about regulatory See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply For NETGEAR s Privacy Policy visit https www netgear com about privacy policy By using this device you are agreeing to NETGEAR s Terms and Conditions at https www netgear com about terms and condition...

Page 3: ...ng WiFi 19 Connect a device to the extender network using WPS 19 Log in to the extender after installation 19 Run the Smart Setup installation 20 Chapter 3 Extender Network Settings Enable or disable the One WiFi Name feature 23 Enable or disable Smart Connect 24 Enable or disable MU MIMO 26 Enable or disable WiFi 6 27 View connected devices 28 View WiFi settings 29 Change the WiFi network name 29...

Page 4: ...on 54 Back up the configuration settings 54 Restore the configuration settings 55 Return the extender to its factory default settings 56 Use the Reset button 56 Log in and reset the extender to factory settings 57 Update the extender firmware 58 Check for new firmware and update the extender 58 Manually upload firmware to the extender 59 Restart the extender from the extender web interface 60 Turn...

Page 5: ...and speed delivering tri band WiFi This chapter covers the following topics Unpack Your Extender LEDs Side 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 5 ...

Page 6: ...Unpack Your Extender Your package contains an extender only Figure 1 Extender package contents User Manual 6 Overview AX1600 4 Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender ...

Page 7: ...LEDs The following table describes the LEDs Figure 2 Front panel User Manual 7 Overview AX1600 4 Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender ...

Page 8: ...his LED indicates the a connection between the extender and a WiFi enabled computer or mobile device Solid green Best connection Solid amber Good connection Solid red Poor connection Off No connection Client Link LED Blinking green A WPS connection is being established Solid green The extender is connected to the router WiFi network and the extender network is set up with WiFi security either WPA ...

Page 9: ...hrough WPS You can also connect WPS enabled devices to the extender using the WPS button 2 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 3 Ethernet port Use an Ethernet cable to connect the Gigabit Ethernet RJ 45 LAN port to a device that has a LAN Ethernet ...

Page 10: ...er 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...

Page 11: ...s Install the WiFi extender Place the extender and apply power Connect to an existing WiFi network Use the extender in access point mode Connect a device to the extender network Log in to the extender after installation Run the Smart Setup installation 11 ...

Page 12: ...se WPA2 enterprise or WEP 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 su...

Page 13: ...nder 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 Keep moving the extender to outlets closer to the router until the Router Link LED lights green 8 If the Router Link LED doesn t...

Page 14: ...g the network name and password 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 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 assi...

Page 15: ...e the extender to router connection is optimal Keep moving the extender to outlets closer to the router until the Router Link LED lights green 6 If the Router Link LED doesn t light green 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 green 7 Reconnect your computer or mobile device to th...

Page 16: ...ample 2 4 GHz extender WiFi network MyWiFiExample 5 GHz extender WiFi network 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 The following tables show an example of what your extender WiFi network names might look like Table 6 Existing dual band router WiFi names example Example router WiFi names Dual band router...

Page 17: ...2 Launch web browser 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 ...

Page 18: ...ernet 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 http 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 e...

Page 19: ...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 exten...

Page 20: ...t 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 the 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 http www mywifiext net in ...

Page 21: ...ter 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 Manual 21 Get started AX1600 4 Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender ...

Page 22: ...urn off the SSID broadcast to create a hidden network Disable or enable the WiFi radios Change the WiFi speed Set up a guest WiFi network 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 Adjust the WiFi coverage Enable FastLane technology Confi...

Page 23: ...Name feature 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 www mywifiext net in the address field ...

Page 24: ...the One WiFi Name feature 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 7 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 Smart Connect your ...

Page 25: ...dress on page 65 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 the Yes or No radio button to enable or disable Smart Connect Yes Select the Yes radio button to enable Smart Connect Not...

Page 26: ... 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 65 A login page displays 3 Enter your admin user name and password and clic...

Page 27: ...mputers 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 65 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...

Page 28: ...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 65 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 ...

Page 29: ...or more information about how to find your extender s IP address see Find the Extender s IP address on page 65 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 the WiFi settings Change the WiFi ne...

Page 30: ...ork section type a new network name in the Network Name SSID field 7 Click the SAVE button 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 ne...

Page 31: ...enu 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 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 ...

Page 32: ...Fi check box 7 Select or clear the Enable 5 GHz WiFi check box 8 Click the SAVE button Your settings are saved 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...

Page 33: ...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 65 A login page displays 3 Enter your...

Page 34: ...uter 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 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 l...

Page 35: ...ork To allow access to the main WiFi network select the Allow guests to access My Local Network check box 7 Select a WiFi security type for the 2 4 GHz or 5 GHz guest WiFi network None An open WiFi network that does not provide any security Any WiFi device can join the 2 4 GHz or 5 GHz guest WiFi network This is the default setting for the guest WiFi network WPA2 PSK AES With this option devices t...

Page 36: ...ethod 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 pag...

Page 37: ...xtender menu displays 5 Select 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 conne...

Page 38: ...ress see Find the Extender s IP address on page 65 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 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...

Page 39: ...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 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 mywif...

Page 40: ...extender If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature enter http 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 m...

Page 41: ...enable the One WiFi Name feature enter http 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 ho...

Page 42: ...rowser 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 65 A login ...

Page 43: ...e To adjust the WiFi coverage 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 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 lo...

Page 44: ...m 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 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 myw...

Page 45: ...our changes 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...

Page 46: ...ord 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 ta...

Page 47: ...ame or password Automatically adjust for daylight saving time Manually set the extender clock Set your time zone Back up and manage the extender configuration Back up the configuration settings Restore 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 47 ...

Page 48: ...iext 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 65 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 Se...

Page 49: ...r 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 65 A login page ...

Page 50: ...r 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 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 A...

Page 51: ...er 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 65 A login page displays 3 Enter your admin user name and pass...

Page 52: ...tp 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 65 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 S...

Page 53: ...or 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 65 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...

Page 54: ...le the One WiFi Name feature enter http 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...

Page 55: ... Name feature enter http 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 exte...

Page 56: ... 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 setti...

Page 57: ...p 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 65 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 Setting...

Page 58: ...ield 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 pag...

Page 59: ... 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 Fi...

Page 60: ... 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 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 mywi...

Page 61: ...Ls 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 65 A login page displays 3 Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN ...

Page 62: ...7 Click the SAVE button Your settings are saved User Manual 62 Maintain and monitor the extender AX1600 4 Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender ...

Page 63: ...ter contains the following topics FAQs Find the Extender s IP address Cannot Connect to the Extender Cannot Join a WiFi Network and Receive an Error Message Cannot access mywifiext net Cannot connect to extender using the Nighthawk app 63 ...

Page 64: ...t 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 18 I am connected to NETGEAR_EXT and launched a browser but I don t see the NETGEAR installation assistant What should I do Try these troubleshooting steps Relaunch the web browser and enter http www mywifiext net in the address field Clear y...

Page 65: ...ss 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 router 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 wi...

Page 66: ...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 the 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 I...

Page 67: ...er 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 65 If your extender and router use the same WiFi network name SSID enter http extender s IP address fo...

Page 68: ... you already set up your extender make sure your mobile device is connected to the new extender WiFi network that was set Your extender s WiFi network and password is the same as your router s WiFi network and password If you already set up your extender and your extender is connected to a Nighthawk router you can access your extender settings through your router s Network Map in the Nighthawk app...

Page 69: ...6 Supplemental Information This appendix covers the following topics Factory Default Settings Technical and Environmental Specifications 69 ...

Page 70: ...R_EXT WiFi network name SSID Disabled Security Auto1 Transmission speed Varies by region Country region 802 11a b g n ac ax Operating mode Max 400 Mbps Data rate in the 2 4 GHz band Disabled by default When enabled the max data rate is 1200 Mbps Data rate in the 5 GHz band Server and client are enabled DHCP 1 Maximum WiFi signal rate IEEE Standard 802 11 Actual throughput can vary Network conditio...

Page 71: ...NS relay Network protocol and standards compatibility Dimensions 5 9 x 2 7 x 2 1 in 149 86 x 68 58 x 53 34 mm Weight 0 49 lb 222 g Physical specifications Operating temperature 32 to 104 F 0 to 40 C Operating humidity 90 maximum relative humidity noncondensing Environmental Local One 10 100 1000 Mbps Ethernet port 802 11a b g n ac ax and 802 11k Interface User Manual 71 Supplemental Information AX...