The pre-configured wireless setting are now changed to the new extended network, and you must reconnect your laptop or tablet to the new network to complete setup.Īfter I connected to the new extended Wi-Fi, I saw the on-screen message, "Last step, once you have reconnected your device running this wizard, please mark the checkbox, and click Continue to finalize your installation." Afterwards, I received a confirmation message that the extender was set up successfully, and a Finish button appeared. This is typical when setting up extenders. Once the settings are configured, you are disconnected from your wireless network.
#Netgear genie extender software#
However, the Netgear software can automatically perform the rest of the configuration heavy lifting by copying security and other settings from your existing Wi-Fi network to the extender's Wi-Fi.īecause this is a dual-band device, you can extend both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz signals. Of course, if it's a protected network, you need to know the passphrase. Perform a scan of all nearby networks (by clicking the Scan button) and then select the network you want to extend.
#Netgear genie extender install#
Once connected, you log in to the browser-based software (credentials are provided in the install guide). If you're configuring via the software method, you'll need to connect a laptop or tablet to the extender's Ethernet port or to its wireless network. The EX6100 ships with a wireless network already set up. I used the latter method in my testing for this review. You then connect the extender to a router using WPS or through the extender's software. You can move it later to a distance midway between the router and a Wi-Fi dead zone after it's configured. The first step is to place the extender in the same room as your router. Setup The installation guide outlines the same easy setup I liked so much with the EX6200. Particularly useful in setup are two arrow-shaped LEDs that start blinking if the extender is not in a spot to make a strong connection with the router.
#Netgear genie extender how to#
The EX6100 ships with a guide featuring a chart that tells you how to interpret the LED color changes and blinking patterns so that you know what is going on with the signal and connection. Also, the Netgear has an additional LED that indicates the strength of a client's connection. You want to be able to quickly see if the extender is connected to your router. On the Amped extender, the rather small LED is on the top of the device, whereas the EX6100 has large LEDs on its front, making it easy to see status connections from a distance. I also prefer the LEDs on the Netgear extender. That three quarters of an inch makes a difference-I found the REC15A more awkward to place, especially when fitting it into a power strip. The REC15A has a single antenna that's a surprising 4.5 inches long. Its dual external antennas measure 3.75 inches long-shorter than the antenna on another similar wall-plug extender that I recently reviewed, Amped Wireless' High Power 802.11ac Wi-Fi Range Extender (REC15A) ($29.95 at Amazon). The EX6100 is a much smaller, wall-pluggable extender. It has multiple Ethernet ports and a USB 3.0 port for external hard drive and printer sharing-neither of which is offered by the EX6100. To be clear, however, the two extenders shouldn't simply be compared on feeds and speeds alone it's not a case of apples-to-apples hardware. The EX6200 supports up to 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 900Mbps on the 5GHz band. The EX6100 is dual-band, supporting up to 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and up to 450Mbps on the 5GHz band. Netgear's less-expensive extender offers slower theoretical data rates than the EX6200, although both devices support the latest wireless networking standard, 802.11ac. Next to this switch are the Ethernet port, Factory Reset, WPS, and Power buttons On its side is a toggle switch that flips to operate the hardware in Extender or Access Point mode. Specs The EX6100 can function as an extender or an access point (as is the case with most extenders). That said, the EX6100 is a solid device for extending wireless signals in smaller areas, and it's fine for those who don't want to pay for multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports or a USB port as extras. You get what you pay for: If you're looking to extend a wireless signal to a location more than 100 feet from your router or access point, you'll want to cough up the extra $50 and go with the EX6200-it's a stellar, reliable extender. The EX6100 is lower-priced because it's not as feature-packed (nor does it offer the same hardware specs) as the EX6200, which won our Editors' Choice award for Wi-Fi range extenders. Netgear's AC750 WiFi Range Extender (EX6100) ($89.99) was released about the same time as the pricier Netgear AC1200 WiFi Range Extender (EX6200) ($85.78 at Amazon). Best Malware Removal and Protection Software.