NETGEAR EX5000 User manual

User Manual
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender
Model EX5000
NETGEAR, Inc.
350 E. Plumeria DriveJanuary 2020
San Jose, CA 95134, USA202-12048-01

Support
Thank you for purchasing this NETGEAR product. You can visit
https://www.netgear.com/support to register your product, get help, access the latest
downloads and user manuals, and join our community. We recommend that you use
only official NETGEAR support resources.
Compliance and Conformity
For regulatory compliance information including the EU Declaration of Conformity, visit
https://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory/.
See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply.
Trademarks
© NETGEAR, Inc., NETGEAR and the NETGEAR Logo are trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc.
Any non-NETGEAR trademarks are used for reference purposes only.
2
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

Contents
Chapter 1 Overview
Meet Your Extender..............................................................................6
LEDs...................................................................................................6
Buttons...............................................................................................7
When to Use Your Extender................................................................7
How the Extender Works.....................................................................7
Chapter 2 Get Started
Install the WiFi Extender....................................................................10
Place the Extender and Apply Power..........................................10
Connect to an Existing WiFi Network..........................................10
Connect with WPS.....................................................................10
Connect with the NETGEAR Installation Assistant................12
Find the Best Location...................................................................13
Log In to the Extender After Installation..........................................13
Run Smart Setup Installation.............................................................14
Chapter 3 Maintain and Monitor the Extender
Change the Extender admin User Name and Password...............16
Turn Password Protection Off and On.............................................17
Recover a Forgotten User Name or Password................................17
Automatically Adjust for Daylight Saving Time..............................18
Manually Set the Extender Clock......................................................19
Back Up and Manage the Extender Configuration........................20
Back Up the Configuration Settings............................................20
Restore the Configuration Settings.............................................21
Return the Extender To Its Factory Default Settings......................22
Use the Reset Button.....................................................................22
Log In and Reset the Extender to Factory Settings....................22
Update the Extender Firmware.........................................................23
Check for New Firmware and Update the Extender.................24
Manually Upload Firmware to the Extender...............................24
Chapter 4 Extender Network Settings
View Connected Devices...................................................................27
Boost Your Video Streaming with FastLane Technology..............27
3

View WiFi Settings..............................................................................29
Change the WiFi Network Name......................................................29
Turn Off the SSID Broadcast to Create a Hidden Network...........30
Disable or Enable the WiFi Radios...................................................31
Change the WiFi Speed.....................................................................32
Use WPS to Add a Computer to the Extender’s WiFi Network....33
Use WPS with the Push Button Method......................................33
Use WPS with the PIN Method.....................................................34
Deny Access to a Computer or WiFi Device...................................35
Set Up an Access Schedule...............................................................36
Change the Extender’s Device Name..............................................37
Set Up the Extender to Use a Static IP Address..............................38
Use the Extender with MAC Filtering or Access Control...............39
Chapter 5 FAQs and Troubleshooting
FAQs.....................................................................................................42
Cannot Connect to the Extender......................................................42
Cannot Join a WiFi Network and Receive an Error Message.......43
Cannot Access mywifiext.net............................................................43
Find Extender's IP Address...............................................................44
Chapter 6 Factory Settings and Technical Specifications
Factory Default Settings.....................................................................47
Technical and Environmental Specifications..................................47
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AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

1
Overview
The WiFi Range Extender boosts your existing network range and speed, delivering
dual-band WiFi.
This chapter covers the following topics:
• Meet Your Extender
• When to Use Your Extender
• How the Extender Works
Note: For more information about the topics covered in this manual, visit the support
website at support.netgear.com.
5

Meet Your Extender
Before you install your extender, familiarize yourself with its LEDs and buttons.
LEDs
The following table describes the LEDs.
Table 1. LED descriptions
DescriptionLED
•Solid green. The extender is powered on.
•Solid amber. The extender is booting.
•Off. The extender is powered off.
Power
This LED indicates the network connection between the extender and the
router or access point.
•Solid green. Best connection.
•Solid amber. Good connection.
•Solid red. Poor connection.
•Off. No connection.
Router
User Manual6Overview
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

Table 1. LED descriptions (Continued)
DescriptionLED
This LED indicates the network connection between the extender and a
computer or mobile device.
•Solid green. Best connection.
•Solid amber. Good connection.
•Solid red. Poor connection.
•Off. No connection.
Device
•Solid green. WiFi security is enabled (WPA or WPA2).
•Blinking green. A WPS connection is being established.
•Off. WiFi security is not enabled.
WPS
Buttons
The side panel contains the following buttons:
•Reset button. Pressing the Reset button for about five seconds resets the extender.
•WPS button. Pressing the WPS button let's the extender connect to your existing
WiFi network through WPS. You can also connect WPS-enabled devices to the
extender using the WPS button.
•Power button. Pressing the Power button turn the extender on or off.
When to Use Your Extender
NETGEAR recommends that you connect through the extender network only when the
WiFi device is in a “dead zone” where connection from the existing network is poor or
nonexistent. Data traffic routed through the extender is inherently slower than traffic
routed directly from the network.
How the Extender Works
The extender works like a bridge between a WiFi router (or a WiFi access point) and a
WiFi device outside the range of the WiFi router. The extender performs two main jobs:
•The extender connects to a working WiFi network.
User Manual7Overview
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

When the extender connects over WiFi to an existing network, it functions as a
network client, similar to how a WiFi device connects to a network.
•The extender acts as an access point for WiFi devices.
The extender broadcasts its own WiFi network that WiFi devices can join. In its role
as an access point, the extender performs tasks that WiFi routers do, such as
broadcasting its network name (SSID).
The extender must do each of these jobs so that both ends of the bridge are in place.
Figure 1. Connect your extender
User Manual8Overview
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

2
Get Started
This chapter covers the following topics:
• Install the WiFi Extender
• Log In to the Extender After Installation
• Run Smart Setup Installation
9

Install the WiFi Extender
Place the extender, apply power, and connect the extender to your WiFi network.
Place the Extender and Apply Power
To place the extender and apply power:
1. Place your extender in the same room as your WiFi router.
Proximity to the WiFi router is required only during the initial setup process.
2. Plug the extender into an electrical outlet.
3. Wait for the Power LED to light amber and then turn green.
If the Power LED does not light, press the Power On/Off button on the side of the
extender.
Connect to an Existing WiFi Network
To extend the range of your WiFi network, you must connect the extender to your
existing WiFi network. You can do this in one of two ways:
•Connect with WPS. For more information, see Connect with WPS on page 10.
•Connect with web browser setup. For more information, see Connect with the
NETGEAR Installation Assistant on page 12.
Connect with WPS Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) lets you join a secure WiFi network
without typing the network name and password. For help with the WPS button on your
WPS-enabled device, check the instructions or online help that came with that device.
Some older equipment cannot use WPS.
Note: WPS does not support WEP network security or a hidden SSID network. If your
existing WiFi network uses WEP security or its SSID is hidden, follow the instructions in
Connect with the NETGEAR Installation Assistant on page 12.
To use WPS to connect the extender to your WiFi router:
1. Press the WPS button on the extender.
The WPS LED blinks.
2. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router.
When the extender connects to your existing WiFi network, the WPS LED on the
extender lights solid green and the Router LED lights.
User Manual10Get Started
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

If the Router Link LED does not light, try again. If it still does not light, see Connect
with the NETGEAR Installation Assistant on page 12.
3. If your WiFi router supports the 5 GHz band, repeat Steps 1 and 2 to connect the
extender to the 5 GHz band.
4. Unplug the extender and move it to a new location that is about halfway between
your router and the area with a poor router WiFi signal.
The location that you choose must be within the range of your existing WiFi router
network.
5. Use the Router LED to help you choose a spot where the extender-to-router
connection is optimal.
6. If the Router LED doesn’t light amber or green, plug the extender into an outlet
closer to the router and try again.
Keep moving the extender to outlets closer to the router until the Router LED lights
amber or green.
7. On your computer or mobile device, find and connect to a new extender WiFi
network.
The extender creates two new extender WiFi networks. The extender’s new WiFi
network names are based on your existing WiFi network name, with _2GEXT and
_5GEXT at the end of the name.
For example:
•Existing WiFi network name. MyNetworkName
•New extender WiFi network names. MyNetworkName_2GEXT and
MyNetworkName_5GEXT
Use the same WiFi password that you use for your WiFi router.
User Manual11Get Started
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

8. Test the new extender WiFi range by moving your computer or mobile device to
the area with a poor router WiFi signal:
a. Leave your computer or mobile device in the area with a poor router WiFi signal
and return to the extender.
b. Check the Device LED on the extender:
•If the Device LED is solid green or amber, your new extender WiFi network
reaches the area with a poor router WiFi signal and your network setup is
complete.
•If the Device LED is red, your new extender WiFi network does not reach the
area with a poor router WiFi signal.
You must move your computer or mobile device closer to the extender until
the Device LED turns solid green or amber.
Connect with the NETGEAR Installation Assistant You can use the NETGEAR
installation assistant to connect your extender to your existing WiFi router network. To
use the NETGEAR installation assistant, you must launch a web browser on your computer
or mobile device.
To use the NETGEAR installation assistant to connect the extender to your WiFi
router:
1. On a computer or mobile device, open the WiFi connection manager and find and
connect to the extender network called NETGEAR_EXT.
When you are connected to the extender, the Device LED lights.
2. Launch web browser.
3. Enter http://www.mywifiext.net.
The NETGEAR installation assistant displays.
4. Follow the prompts to connect your extender to your existing WiFi network.
5. Unplug the extender and move it to a new location about halfway between your
router and the area with a poor WiFi signal.
6. Plug the extender into an electrical outlet and wait for the Power LED to light green.
7. Use the Router LED to help you choose a spot where the extender-to-router
connection is optimal.
User Manual12Get Started
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

8. If the Router LED doesn’t light amber or green, plug the extender into an outlet
closer to the router and try again.
Keep moving the extender to outlets closer to the router until the Router LED lights
amber or green.
9. Reconnect your computer or mobile device to the new extender WiFi network.
10. Test the new extended WiFi range by moving your computer or mobile device to
the area with a poor router WiFi signal:
a. Leave your computer or mobile device in the area with a poor router WiFi signal
and return to the extender.
b. Check the Device LED on the extender:
•If the Device LED is solid green or amber, your new extender WiFi network
reaches the area with a poor router WiFi signal and your network setup is
complete.
•If the Device LED is red, your new extender WiFi network does not reach the
area with a poor router WiFi signal.
You must move your computer or mobile device closer to the extender until
the Device LED turns solid green or amber.
11. Plug the extender into an electrical outlet and wait for the Power LED to light green.
Find the Best Location
If the WiFi signal is weak, the first time you join the extender network, the Router LED
or Device LED is amber or red. If this happens, adjust the position of the extender:
•If the Router LED is amber or red, move the extender closer to the router.
•If the Device LED is amber or red, move the computer or mobile device closer to
the extender.
Log In to the Extender After Installation
After installation, you can log in to the extender to view or change the extender’s settings.
User Manual13Get Started
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

To log in to the extender:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
When you are connected to the extender, the Device Link LED lights.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If your extender and router use different WiFi network names (SSIDs), enter
www.mywifiext.net.
•If your extender and router use the same WiFi network name (SSID), enter
http://<extender’s IP address> (for example, http://192.168.1.3).
For more information about how to find your extender's IP address, see Find
Extender's IP Address on page 44.
A login page displays.
Run Smart Setup Installation
You can use Smart Setup to change the extender settings. This is an easy way to connect
the extender to a different router or to change the extender WiFi network name (SSID)
or WiFi password.
To run Smart Setup:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If your extender and router use different WiFi network names (SSIDs), enter
www.mywifiext.net.
•If your extender and router use the same WiFi network name (SSID), enter
http://<extender’s IP address> (for example, http://192.168.1.3).
For more information about how to find your extender's IP address, see Find
Extender's IP Address on page 44.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin email and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. Click the SMART SETUP button.
5. Follow the prompts.
User Manual14Get Started
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

3
Maintain and Monitor the Extender
This chapter covers the following topics:
• Change the Extender admin User Name and Password
• Turn Password Protection Off and On
• Recover a Forgotten User Name or Password
• Automatically Adjust for Daylight Saving Time
• Manually Set the Extender Clock
• Back Up and Manage the Extender Configuration
• Return the Extender To Its Factory Default Settings
• Update the Extender Firmware
15

Change the Extender admin User Name and
Password
You can change the admin user name and password to log in to the extender.
To add an extender user:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If your extender and router use different WiFi network names (SSIDs), enter
www.mywifiext.net.
•If your extender and router use the same WiFi network name (SSID), enter
http://<extender’s IP address> (for example, http://192.168.1.3).
For more information about how to find your extender's IP address, see Find
Extender's IP Address on page 44.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Settings > Password.
The Password Settings page displays.
6. To change the admin user name, enter a new email address in the New User Name
field.
7. To change the admin password, enter a new password in the New Password field
and the Verify Password field.
8. Select questions and enter the answers.
9. Click the SAVE button.
Your settings are saved.
User Manual16Maintain and Monitor the
Extender
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

Turn Password Protection Off and On
NETGEAR recommends that you leave password protection on to help keep your network
secure. You can turn password protection off and on.
To turn password protection off or on:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If your extender and router use different WiFi network names (SSIDs), enter
www.mywifiext.net.
•If your extender and router use the same WiFi network name (SSID), enter
http://<extender’s IP address> (for example, http://192.168.1.3).
For more information about how to find your extender's IP address, see Find
Extender's IP Address on page 44.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Settings > Password.
The Password Settings page displays.
6. Select the Password Off or Password On radio button.
7. Click the SAVE button.
Your settings are saved.
Recover a Forgotten User Name or Password
If you changed the password to access the extender and set up password recovery, you
can recover your password if you lose it.
User Manual17Maintain and Monitor the
Extender
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

To recover your password to access the extender:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If your extender and router use different WiFi network names (SSIDs), enter
www.mywifiext.net.
•If your extender and router use the same WiFi network name (SSID), enter
http://<extender’s IP address> (for example, http://192.168.1.3).
For more information about how to find your extender's IP address, see Find
Extender's IP Address on page 44.
A login page displays.
3. Click the Username & Password Help link.
A page displays requesting the answers to your security questions.
If you forgot the answers to your security questions, restore the extender’s factory
settings and set up your login credentials again. See Return the Extender To Its
Factory Default Settings on page 22.
4. Enter the saved answers to your security questions.
5. Click the NEXT button.
Your admin user name and password displays.
6. Click the BACK button.
A login page displays.
7. Log in to the extender.
Automatically Adjust for Daylight Saving
Time
To set up the extender to automatically adjust for daylight saving time:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If your extender and router use different WiFi network names (SSIDs), enter
www.mywifiext.net.
•If your extender and router use the same WiFi network name (SSID), enter
http://<extender’s IP address> (for example, http://192.168.1.3).
User Manual18Maintain and Monitor the
Extender
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

For more information about how to find your extender's IP address, see Find
Extender's IP Address on page 44.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
5. Select Do More > Access Schedule.
The Access Schedule page displays.
6. Select the Automatically adjust for daylight savings time check box.
7. Click the SAVE button.
Your settings are saved.
Manually Set the Extender Clock
If you turned on the access schedule, you can set the extender clock. The extender clock
makes sure that the that the WiFi access schedules are accurate.
To manually set the extender clock:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If your extender and router use different WiFi network names (SSIDs), enter
www.mywifiext.net.
•If your extender and router use the same WiFi network name (SSID), enter
http://<extender’s IP address> (for example, http://192.168.1.3).
For more information about how to find your extender's IP address, see Find
Extender's IP Address on page 44.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
User Manual19Maintain and Monitor the
Extender
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

5. Select Do More > Access Schedule.
The Access Schedule page displays.
6. In the Extender Clock section, select the Manual radio button.
7. To specify the time, complete the fields or click the Sync Clock button to synchronize
the extender time to the time on the computer or mobile device that you are using.
8. Click the SAVE button.
Your settings are saved.
Back Up and Manage the Extender
Configuration
When the extender works correctly after initial setup, NETGEAR recommends that you
back up the extender configuration settings. After you have back up the settings, if you
change the extender configuration settings but are not content with the new settings,
you can restore the extender configuration to the backed-up settings.
Back Up the Configuration Settings
You can back up the configuration file of the extender.
To back up the extender configuration settings:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your
extender network.
2. Log in to your extender:
•If your extender and router use different WiFi network names (SSIDs), enter
www.mywifiext.net.
•If your extender and router use the same WiFi network name (SSID), enter
http://<extender’s IP address> (for example, http://192.168.1.3).
For more information about how to find your extender's IP address, see Find
Extender's IP Address on page 44.
A login page displays.
3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button.
The Status page displays.
4. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it.
The extender menu displays.
User Manual20Maintain and Monitor the
Extender
AC1200 WiFi Range Extender