There are a few common reasons behind the WiFi issues with range extenders. Extenders are known for improving wireless signals in large homes where it becomes difficult to connect to the router due to distance. But, if you’re facing WiFi issues with your extender, there might be something wrong with Netgear extender setup.
Here we will discuss some of the most common reasons behind such issues and how you can fix them easily by following expert tips:
Check The Cable Connection
If you are using an Ethernet cable to connect your extender, ensure to connect both ends securely. Check both ends of the extender's antennas if you want to use wireless connections. Ensure to connect them in their respective slots securely. If they are loose, this can cause connectivity issues between your devices and the network. You may also want to check that there are no interference or obstructions between your devices. This may cause signal loss due to reflection or radiation interference.
Update The Firmware
The router's firmware is the software of your router. It keeps your wireless network running smoothly, but sometimes it can go out of date and cause problems. To update the firmware of a device using its web interface:
Open a browser window and type in 192.168.1.250. This will open up the login page for the settings of your extender page, where you'll be able to make changes. For example, you can make changes to IP addresses or MAC addresses. You may not be able to reach this page if there are any security settings active on either device. Or if both devices don’t have an active Ethernet cable connection.
Use New Batteries For Extender
It is important to replace the batteries in your range extender if they are not performing properly. If you notice that your range extender is not working, it could indicate that it needs new batteries. It is also a good idea to replace any old batteries with new ones if they are leaking, as this could cause damage to the device itself.
Change The Channel Manually
The channel is the frequency of your wireless signal. It's set automatically by your router, but you can change it manually. Steps to change the channel on the extender:
Open the admin page of its firmware and navigate to Network > Wireless Settings.
Then click Wireless Settings to enter this section and make changes.
You should see a list of available channels with numbers from 1 through 11.
Select one from here.
Click Save to apply these changes.
Close out of this screen.
Disable The AP/Repeater Mode
You should check if your range extender is in AP or Repeater mode. The default setting for most newer models is AP mode. It means the device will connect to an existing wireless network and provide internet to all devices. Using your own router can cause issues with your network. This is because the two devices won't be able to talk properly with each other.
The problem here is that most people don't realise this, so they install their range extenders in AP mode and then wonder why everything keeps dropping out or stops working altogether. As such, we suggest switching your repeater's settings from AP mode to Repeater mode before proceeding further.
Neighbors Stealing Your Wi-Fi
You might have issues with your Wi-Fi extender because a neighbor is stealing your Wi-Fi signal. Yes, you read that right. Suppose you have an older WiFi extender model that keeps dropping out or not connecting at all. In this case, the problem could be your neighbor stealing your signal. The only way to solve this issue is to replace your old WiFi extender with one that has good range and high power output (and one that also has a firewall feature so no one else can steal from you).
Limited Bandwidth
A number of factors can cause problems with WiFi and range extenders. However, limited bandwidth and congested frequencies are the most common reasons behind these issues. There is a limitation in wireless frequencies in terms of bandwidth capacity. This is because they're already very much in use to carry voice and data from cell phones, laptops, tablets, and other devices. When all these wireless devices try to use the same frequency, it can cause interference in your home network as well as slow down your internet.
You see congestion in WiFi frequencies when there's more demand than there is supply. This means there aren't enough open channels for you to use without interference. The result is a lot less room for error when sending information through WiFi. So you'll need clear channels if possible - otherwise, things might start getting really slow!
Home construction
The second common reason behind WiFi issues is home construction. The walls, floors, and other objects can interfere with the signal. So place the extender in a central location of your home where it could receive a strong signal. If you use an external antenna for your Wi-Fi extender, try to place it high. This way, there will be no obstruction between different floors of your house.
If you use an internal antenna, ensure it does not overlap with the router. As this may cause problems during the data transmission process. Also, do not place any equipment near metal surfaces such as refrigerators or microwaves. The reason is they radiate electromagnetic radiation, which can affect the WiFi.
Disable The AP/Repeater mode
This mode is for connecting to an existing wireless network.
If you're having trouble with your range extender, it could be because you've enabled this feature on it.
To disable AP/Repeater mode:Go to your device's settings menu.
Select Advanced > Wireless Settings > Network Mode & Wireless Network Name (SSID).
Change the option from "Access Point" or "AP" to "Client" or "STA".
Ensure that the extender
Ensure that the extender is in the home's central location, receiving a strong signal, and the extender is not overlapping with the router. Place the range extender in a central location of your home to ensure that it has access to as many devices as possible. Place it near your modem or wireless router so that there are fewer obstructions between your modem/router and your device. For example, if you have three floors in your home, place it on one of those floors.
Conclusion
We hope this article helps you with your Wi-Fi range extender setup and troubleshooting. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments below. We will be happy to answer them as soon as possible.
