Recently, a regular Netgear user approached our technical experts stating that he has bought an EX7700 range extender and wanted to use it as an access point. He wanted to create a lot of wired connections with its aid. However, he was also confused about whether the extender will be able to work well as an access point or not. Well, our experts not only helped him to complete the Netgear EX7700 access point setup process but also make him acquainted with several mistakes that must be avoided during the process.
Do you also have a Netgear EX7700 extender and want to use it as an access point? If the answer to the question is yes, then walk through this post and learn the whole nine yards of installing this wonderful range extender as an access point. But, before that, let’s have a quick introduction to Netgear access point setup.
What Does Netgear EX7700 Access Point Setup Mean?
Every range extender brought in by Netgear is capable of working in the Extender mode and the Access Point mode. Since most users prefer using a wireless connection between the main router and Netgear extender, they install their WiFi devices in the Extender mode.
However, if one chooses to use a wired connection between the range extender and the main router, the extender can be installed in Access Point mode. In addition, some Netgear extenders have operating mode switches that help the user to choose whether they want to install their extenders in the Access Point mode or the Extender mode.
| Operating Mode Parameters | Extender Mode | Access Point Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Extender-Router Connection | Wireless | Wired |
| Outcomes | The extender repeats the router’s signal | The extender broadcasts the new [amplified] signal |
Therefore, if you choose to do Netgear EX7700 access point mode, the WiFi hotspot created will be the outcome of a wired connection between your networking devices. Additionally, you will get a stable and stronger WiFi signal throughout the house. Given in the next section are the instructions that will help you install your range extender as an access point. So, before everything else, get your hands on a well-working Ethernet cable as it will lay the foundation of the access point setup process. Plus, gain access to a computer. The setup process of your EX7700 extender in the Access Point mode will not get completed without accessing the mywifiext Netgear dashboard.
How to Set Up Netgear EX7700 as Access Point?
- Firstly, power up your Netgear range extender after placing it close to the main router.
- Switch on the main router too.
- Grab an Ethernet cable and use it to connect the Ethernet ports of both devices.
- The connection must be stable.
- Now, load an internet browser on your computer.
- Go to the address bar and type mywifiext.net.
- If you’re using Apple Safari, use mywifiext.local.
- Press Enter to proceed.
- Thereafter, click a button labeled “Netgear WiFi Extender Setup”.
- Fill in the form appearing on the next screen and select Next.
- Click the Access Point button.
- Follow the on-screen prompts.
As soon as you’re done following the last instruction appearing on the screen, a window informing you about the Netgear EX7700 access point setup success will come into view. It means that your range extender has been properly installed as an access point. You can start accessing its network now.
The Bottom Line
Once the setup process of the Netgear EX7700 range extender as an access point completes, you can take it to a new location so that the internet dead zones can be wiped off. However, for this, you need to ensure that you have an Ethernet cable that is long enough to maintain a connection between the extender and router. Additionally, do not place the extender near reflexive surfaces, metal objects, and thick concrete walls.
If you want the amplified WiFi signals to reach every nook and cranny of your house, avoid keeping an object containing a large amount of water near the extender. Know that WiFi signals are electromagnetic and water being a conductor can absorb WiFi signals thereby distorting the output. Moreover, you should not place the extender near devices emitting electromagnetic waves to prevent signal conflict. However, even after following all these tips, if you’re not able to get the most out of your Netgear EX7700 access point, you can get in touch with our team to know what might have gone wrong and what can be done to fix the problem.