Everyone today needs an internet connection. Most of us can’t even imagine our lives without the internet. Almost every home has a WiFi router to meet the internet needs. Then there is a proportion of users who seek WiFi connection outside their homes as well. Recently we came across one such instance wherein a Netgear router user needed WiFi signals outside the home to a small casita that he uses as his office. This blog post is specifically jotted down to help such users learn how to extend WiFi range outside. Stick to reading this post till the end to get the answer to the question under discussion.
Extend WiFi Range Outside: Let’s Dig Deeper
Before we shed light on how to extend WiFi range outside, we want you to understand the situation of the Netgear router user so that you can understand and relate to it in a better way.
So, there is a Netgear router inside the home that provides WiFi throughout the home. He has been using a CAT6 cable running from the router to the PC inside the casita to get the network. However, now he wants to have WiFi signals so that other devices too can get connected.
How to Extend WiFi Range Outside the Home?
The straightforward solution to this issue is to use a WiFi range extender. The setup process is very simple plus it is an affordable choice.
But the key point is to use the WiFi extender in Access Point mode. A Netgear WiFi range extender can be used in two modes, one is the extender mode and the second is Access Point mode.
Access Point Mode Vs Extender Mode
| Access Point Mode | Extender Mode |
|---|---|
| 1. An extender when set up in the Access point mode, works as an access point or AP. | 1. An extender when set up in the extender mode works like an extender or repeater. |
| 2. Access point is a centralized hub used by connecting devices to get internet. | 2. The extender simply repeats the signals of the main router. |
| 3. The extender gets connected to the main router using a wired connection. | 3. The range extender is connected wirelessly. |
| 4. The internet speed from the extender in AP mode is not affected. | 4. The internet speed reduces to 50% if you use the extender as a repeater. |
| 5. Ideal for larger spaces. | 5. Best suited for small spaces. |
How to Set up Netgear Extender in Access Point Mode?
You should now set up your Netgear extender in AP mode as setting it up in the extender mode will not allow you to have better signals outside.
Now that you know how to extend WiFi range outside the home, let us help you with the setup of your Netgear extender in the access point mode. Use the steps given below to complete the setup now usng MyNetgear login details:
- Place the Netgear wireless range extender in a clean and dry place.
- Consider powering down the main router for some time.
- Get hold of a CAT6 cable and insert one of its ends into the LAN port on your WiFi router. The second end needs to be inserted into the Internet port on the range extender.
- Verify the connection to ensure it is firm and then proceed ahead.
- Switch on the router first and next, the range extender.
- Consider plugging them into well working wall outlets that are able to provide uninterrupted power to them.
- Let the Power LEDs stabilize.
- Use the default SSID of the Netgear extender, Netgear_ext and connect your computer to its WiFi network.
- You have one more option to make this connection, use a LAN cable.
- Now, visit mywifiext.net on a supported and updated browser.
- You can also use the IP address 192.168.1.250.
- The Netgear wifi extender setup page will come into view.
- All you need to do now is to execute the setup prompts that you see on the screen.
Let’s Wrap Up
After you have set up your Netgear WiFi extender in access point mode, you can place at the location where you want to extend the router’s network. For the user in discussion, the extender is to be kept in the casita outside the home. Connect the devices in the casita to extender’s WiFi now.
This is all about how to extend WiFi range outside the home with the help of a range extender set up in Access Point mode.