So you have set up a Netgear wireless range extender in your home with the existing router to extend its network. After the Netgear extender setup, you can connect your devices to its internet and enjoy. Are you wondering if there’s anything that you should perform before you enjoy the internet? Well, yes a few more steps can be followed after you have set up a WiFi range extender. We will guide you through these steps using this post. Read on to know more.
WiFi Extender Setup Done. What’s Next?
Let us tell you each and every step that you need to take after you have successfully configured your WiFi extender with the host router.
1.Move the WiFi Extender
The very first thing that you need to do is to shift the Netgear wireless range extender to a new location. While setting up the extender, you are recommended to place it next the main router. We are sure you have got a WiFi extender to extend the router’s network. So, that purpose won’t be served by keeping the extender next to router. Right? Hence, move the extender now.
Move it near a WiFi dead zone where you want to have internet signals. But make sure that it still sits within boundary line of the root router. Apart from that, you should see that there is a minimum of obstruction in between the two devices. Avoid having multiple walls or furniture in between.
You should also place the extender away from interference causing devices like Bluetooth speakers, Alexa, Baby Monitors, Microwave ovens, etc. Moreover, avoid having large water bodies, reflexive surfaces etc. nearby as they can also affect the WiFi signals.
2.Update Firmware on Extender
Although you are prompted to get the WiFi extender’s firmware updated during the setup process, you might have skipped updating it. If you haven’t done the update then do it right now. Open the mywifiext login page and use the Netgear admin credentials to log in. Check for firmware updates. Is there an update ready? Get it installed on your WiFi extender now.
Many users prefer getting manual update done. You can also do that. First download the latest firmware version from the official Netgear website. Save it on your PC. Log in to your extender on the same PC. Upload the firmware file on your extender using the settings by following the prompts on the screen.
3.Modify the Admin Password
The admin password can also be updated while setting up the extender. However if you did not update it during the setup, then you can do it after that. But it is recommended to update the admin password. The default value is very common and using it anyone can log in to your router. Avoid that from happening by changing the default admin password. You can log in to your extender using mywifiext.local or the IP address and make the desired changes. Make sure to assign a strong password. Avoid using your name, birthday etc to the password value. Enable password recovery feature that’ll help you retrieve the password if you forget it.
4.Update WiFi Password
The WiFi password is the password that you use to join the Netgear extender’s WiFi on various devices. You should update the WiFi password on a regular basis and not let the same value for months altogether. Go to the admin dashboard using the updated admin password and then change the WiFi password. You can also change the SSID from its default value. You can assign separate SSID and passwords for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Make the changes are you are good to go.
Summing Things Up
After you’ve set up the Netgear WiFi extender you need to relocate it to a new location in the home. After that, check for firmware update and get the extender updated to the most recent firmware version. Also, update the WiFi and admin password of your extender next. After you are done making all the necessary changes, you can connect different devices in the home to the extender’s network and have fun.