Extender (wireless repeater) mode enables you to connect a non-NETGEAR router to your Nighthawk router in order to extend your WiFi coverage. You can also use your Nighthawk router as an extender and a non-NETGEAR router as your main router.
I advise you to not use the WNR614 as a wireless repeater / range extender. Netgear routers have very poor support for wireless repeating.
A Wi-Fi repeater, extender, or booster is a device that forwards wireless signals from the router to cover a larger area, such as multiple floors of a house. The repeater creates a new network based on signals from the originating network, and the clients that connect to the repeater are thus on a separate network.
You can easily extend your Wi-Fi network with additional networking hardware like Wi-Fi repeaters and Wireless Access Points. The other inexpensive option is that you get hold of an old wireless router, one that is longer in use, and connect it to your existing (main) router using an Ethernet (Cat5) cable.
How do I change my NETGEAR router to AP mode after setting it up?
- Enter your user name and password. Note: The default user name is admin. The default password is password. The BASIC page displays.
- Select the ADVANCED tab.
- Click Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings.
- Scroll down to the AP Mode section and select Enable AP Mode.
Any router that DD-WRT can be installed on can be turned into a wireless repeater and bridge. It's used for range extension: the repeater takes the signals from your primary wireless network and repeats them on its own network. In addition, the router can serve as a bridge.
The default gateway IP for your router is 192.168.1.1.
Select the Wireless Repeater option then enter the IP address you wish to assign to this repeater.
- Check the Enable Wireless Repeating Function box.
- Select the Wireless Base Station option.
- Add the MAC Address of the Remote Access point or router that will act as wireless repeater.
- Click Apply to save the Settings.
If a port LED with an Ethernet cable is not lit, move the cable to a different port on the back of the router. Power off the router and power it on again. If you still cannot log in to the router, perform a factory default reset. See Restoring a NETGEAR home router to the factory default settings.
Turn off the wireless function and directly connect your computer to the router with an Ethernet cable. Reboot the computer and check for an internet connection. If there is still no internet connection reboot the router and any modems in use.
Using an Ethernet cable, connect the yellow LAN port of your DSL or cable modem to the yellow Internet port of your NETGEAR router. Power on your DSL or cable modem and wait for the LEDs to light solid green.
It may be a cliche, but when your internet stops working, the first thing you should do is restart your equipment.
- First, unplug your router and broadband modem from power (for some devices you'll have to remove the battery as well).
- Then wait about 30 seconds, and plug them back in: first the modem, then the router.
On the back of your router, locate the Restore Factory Settings or Reset button. Use a paper clip or similar object to press and hold the Restore Factory Settings or Reset button for seven seconds. Release the Restore Factory Settings or Reset button. Your router resets.
Your router must be connected to a modem in order to provide the local network with an Internet connection. Acquire an Ethernet cable. Take one end of the cable and plug it into the Internet (or WAN) port on the rear of your router.
Locate the round hole in the bottom of the router. The Reset button is inside of this hole. 2. Use a paperclip or sharp object to press and hold the Reset button for at least seven seconds.
On Most Netgear Routers. Locate the "Reset" button. It's on the back of the router and may be labeled "Reset" or "Restore Factory Settings." The button is small and recessed to avoid accidental resets.
Once you reset the router, the settings will be reverted to its factory defaults. All of the customized settings of the router (Wi-Fi name (SSID), wireless security, etc.) will be erased. IMPORTANT: If you want to restore the router's original settings without re-configuring it, you have to save a backup file.
Button WPS is found at the back of any router so it's the same with the Netgear Router.
Hard Resets
- With the router powered on, turn it to the side that has the Reset button.
- With something small and pointed, like a paperclip, hold down the Reset button for 30 seconds.
- Release the Reset button and wait 30 seconds for the router to fully reset and power back on.
To reboot your NETGEAR router:
- Open a web browser on a computer or WiFi device that is connected to your NETGEAR router.
- Enter admin for the user name and password for the password. If you changed your admin password, enter the password that you created.
- Click Advanced.
- Under Router Information, click Reboot.
To reset your router password:
- In the address field of your browser type,
- Click Cancel .
- Enter the serial number of the router.
- Click Continue .
- Enter the saved answers to your security questions.
- Click Continue .
- Enter the new password and confirm.
To recover your admin password using the password recovery feature:
- Launch a web browser from a computer connected to your router's WiFi network.
- Enter routerlogin.net or routerlogin.com into your web browser's address bar.
- Click CANCEL.
- Enter your router's serial number.
- Click CONTINUE.
- Answer your security questions.
Reset Nighthawk WiFi Extender Using the Factory Reset buttonLook for a thin object like a pin or paper clip. Locate the Factory Reset hole on your extender. Press and hold the extender's reset button using the thin object. Release the Factory Reset button and wait for some time for your extender to reboot.
But if you want a general walk-through of setting up your home network, these steps should get you fully connected.
- Check Your Internet Connection.
- Place the Router.
- Connect to Power.
- Connect to Your Internet Source.
- Access the Router's Web Interface.
- Connect Wired Devices.
- Connect Your PC or Device to Wi-Fi.
Make sure your Nighthawk router is properly plugged into a power outlet. If you have used an Ethernet cable to connect your device, then make sure that it has no cuts or breakage. Access the default web address using the safe mode of your web browser. Check if your web browser is updated to the latest version.
You can use your router in bridge mode to connect multiple devices at the faster 802.11ac speed. To do this, you need two WiFi routers: one set up as a router and the other set up in bridge mode.
Router setup steps
- Step 1: Decide where to place the router.
- Step 2: Connect to the Internet.
- Step 3: Configure the wireless router gateway.
- Step 4: Connect gateway to router.
- Step 5: Use app or web dashboard.
- Step 6: Create a username and password.
- Step 7: Update the router's firmware.
- Step 8: Create a Wi-Fi password.
Connect an Ethernet cable to the "Ethernet" port on your modem. This port is used to connect other devices to your modem. Connect the other end of the cable to the router. Use the other end of the Ethernet cable to connect to the port labeled "WAN", "Internet", or something similar.
