on networks N300RE User manual

350 East Plumeria Drive
San Jose, CA 95134
USA
April 2013
202-11247-01
v1.0
Easy, Reliable & Secure
N300RE WiFi Range
Extender
User Manual

2
N300RE WiFi Range Extender
Support
Thank you for selecting On Networks products. On Networks recommends that you use only the official On
Networks support resources.
After installing your device, locate the serial number on the label of your product and use it to register your product
at www.on-networks.com/register. You must register your product before you can use On Networks telephone
support. On Networks recommends registering your product through the On Networks website. For product
updates and web support, visit support.on-networks.com.
Trademarks
Brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Information is
subject to change without notice.
In the interest of improving internal design, operational function, and/or reliability, On Networks reserves the right
to make changes to the products described in this document without notice. On Networks does not assume any
liability that may occur due to the use or application of the product(s) or circuit layout(s) described herein.

3
Contents
Chapter 1 Getting Started
Hardware Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
How the Extender Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
When to Use Your Extender. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Position Your Extender. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Ethernet Port Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Log In to the Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Status Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Use EZ Setup after Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Chapter 2 Extender Network Settings
Connect the Extender to an Existing Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Use WPS to Join the Extender Wireless Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Wireless Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Set Up WPA, WPA2, or WPA + WPA2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Set Up WEP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
IP Address Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Attached Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Back Up and Manage Extender Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Back Up Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Restore Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Erase the Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Set the Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Password Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Upgrade the Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Advanced Wireless Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
View or Change WPS Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Set up a Wireless Access List by MAC Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Appendix A Supplemental Information
Factory Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Technical Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Appendix B Notification of Compliance

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1
1. Getting Started
This chapter covers the following topics:
•Hardware Features
•How the Extender Works
•To cable a computer to the extender:
•Log In to the Extender
•Use EZ Setup after Installation

Getting Started
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N300RE WiFi Range Extender
Hardware Features
Figure 1. Extender
The LEDs on the front show how the extender is working:
•WPS. This LED indicates a WPS wireless connection.
-Solid green. The wireless connection uses wireless security (WPA or WPA2).
-Blinking green. A WPS connection is in progress.
•PC to Extender. The LED is lit when the extender is connected to a computer.
•Status. This LED is lit when the extender is powered on.
•Link Rate. This LED indicates a wireless connection between the extender and the
router.
-Green is best.
-Amber is good.
-Red is poor.
The side panel has the following features:
•Ethernet port. You can use this port for a wired connection to a computer or other device.
•Factory Reset button. To use this button, stick a paper clip into the reset hole and hold it
until the Status LED flashes.
•WPS button. Press the WPS button to connect the extender to your wireless router.
•Device On/Off button. This button turns the extender on and off.
WPS
Ethernet port
Factory Reset button
WPS button
Device On/Off button
PC to Extender Status
Link Rate
Note: For best performance,
position antennas pointing up.

Getting Started
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N300RE WiFi Range Extender
How the Extender Works
The extender works like a bridge between a wireless router and a computer or wireless
device outside the wireless router’s range. To do this, the extender has two main jobs:
1. The extender connects to a WiFi network.
When the extender joins a WiFi network, it acts as a network client. This is similar to how
a computer connects to a network.
2. The extender acts as an access point for computers.
The extender has its own wireless network called On_Networks_EXT. In its role as an
access point, the extender performs tasks that wireless 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 2. WiFi Range Extender in a home
When to Use Your Extender
On Networks recommends that you connect to the extender only in the locations where your
WiFi connection is poor or does not work at all. Data traffic routed through the extender is
slower than traffic that goes only through the router. For this reason, in location where you
have a good connection to your home network, you should connect to it directly.
The LEDs can help you tell if the extender is correctly set up and working effectively.
•The best performance is delivered when both the Link Rate and PC to Extender LEDs
light green.
•A workable performance is delivered when the Link Rate LED is lit amber and the PC to
Extender LED is lit green.

Getting Started
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N300RE WiFi Range Extender
Position Your Extender
The ideal location to place the extender is halfway between your wireless router and the
location that has poor wireless coverage.
Figure 3. Extender location
The best position for the extender is one that has a clear line of sight between the extender
and the wireless router and also between the extender and your computer or wireless device.
If there is no power outlet nearby, or you prefer to place the extender elsewhere, move the
extender closer to the computer. If the Link Rate LED is green or amber and the PC to
Extender LED is green, the extender is working as expected.
To improve the Link Rate LED from red or amber to green:
1. Connect to the extender from a computer that is outside the range of your router and log
in to www.mywifiextender.net. EZ Setup helps you connect the extender to a WiFi
network.
2. If the Link Rate LED is red or the extender cannot join the network, move the extender
closer to the router or to a different spot with a better line of sight.
3. As you move the extender, continue to check the Link Rate and the PC to Extender LEDs
until you find a location where the Link Rate LED lights green or amber, and the PC to
Extender LED lights green.
You might have to unplug the extender as you move it to a different location. If you do,
from the new location, power up the extender and continue to check the LEDs.
4. Once the LEDs show that the extender is in a good location, open a browser and type
www.mywifiextender.net in your browser and use EZ Setup.

Getting Started
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N300RE WiFi Range Extender
Ethernet Port Connection
Usually, you connect to the extender wirelessly, but you can use its Ethernet port to connect a
wired device such as an Ethernet-enabled gaming console, printer, or computer.
Blu-ray player
WiFi router
N300RE Range Extender
Figure 4. Ethernet port connection.
CAUTION:
Do not use an Ethernet cable to connect the extender to a router. If you do
so, the extender does not work because it is designed only to use a
wireless connection to the router.
To cable a computer to the extender:
1. Plug the extender into an electrical outlet.
2. Connect your computer to the extender with an Ethernet cable.
3. Launch a web browser.
The first time you connect to the extender, EZ Setup displays. See Use EZ Setup after
Installation on page 10.
If you already set up the extender, your browser connects to the Internet.

Getting Started
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N300RE WiFi Range Extender
If you have trouble connecting:
•If you connect the Ethernet cable to the extender, and launch your browser quickly, the
computer might need a couple of minutes to recognize the Ethernet LAN connection
before you can connect.
•Make sure that your Ethernet cable is securely connected to the extender and the
computer, and that the PC to Extender LED is lit. If the LED is off, then reconnect the
Ethernet cable, and relaunch your Internet browser.
Log In to the Extender
You can log in to the extender to use menu selections to view or change the extender
settings.
To log in to the extender:
1. On your computer or wireless device, launch a web browser.
2. In the address field of your browser, enter http://www.mywifiextender.net.
You are prompted to enter a user name and password.
If you do not see the log in prompt, make sure to include http:// when you type
http://www.mywifiextender.net in your browser.
3. Type admin for the user name.
4. Type the password.
The default password is admin. On Networks recommends that you set a more secure
password after you log in (see Set the Password on page 22).
•If your extender has an Internet connection, the extender checks for new firmware.
•The Status screen displays.

Getting Started
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N300RE WiFi Range Extender
Status Screen
The Status screen displays when you log in to the extender.
The following information is shown on this screen:
•Extender Information. This pane displays the version of the hardware, firmware, and
GUI language.
•Connection Status to Existing Network. This pane displays the wireless network name
(SSID) of the existing network. It also shows the link rate, and whether the extender is
connected to the network.
•Extender IP Info. This pane displays information about the network settings for the
extender. For more information about these settings, see IP Address Setup on page 19.
•Extender Wireless Settings. This pane displays the wireless settings. For more
information about these settings, see Wireless Settings on page 16.
Use EZ Setup after Installation
EZ Setup can help you set up your extender to connect to a wireless network. The first time
that you use your web browser to connect to the extender, EZ Setup automatically displays.
You can use EZ Setup after installation by logging in to the extender.
Note: Once you begin using EZ Setup, you must complete all of its steps
before you can exit.
To use the EZ Setup:
1. Select Home > EZ Setup.

Getting Started
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N300RE WiFi Range Extender
The extender detects wireless networks and displays a list.
2. Either select a network from the list, or select the Manually input my wireless SSID radio
button and type the SSID.
3. Click Continue.
4. Enter the passphrase for your wireless network and click Continue.
The extender wireless network name (SSID) changes to the name of your wireless
network name with _EXT added to the end.
5. (Optional) In the Name (SSID) field, type a different name for the extender network.
6. Click Continue.
The extender connects to your existing WiFi network.

Getting Started
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N300RE WiFi Range Extender
When this happens, your computer is automatically disconnected from the extender WiFi
network.
7. (Optional) To use the same password to access the extender network that you use for your
network, click the copy password button.
8. With the software that you use to manage your wireless connections, join the extender
wireless network.
9. Select the check box to confirm that you have connected to the extender network.
10. Click Continue.

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2
2. Extender Network Settings
This chapter covers the following topics:
•Connect the Extender to an Existing Network
•Use WPS to Join the Extender Wireless Network
•Wireless Settings
•Attached Devices
•Attached Devices
•Back Up and Manage Extender Settings
•Set the Password
•Upgrade the Firmware
•Advanced Wireless Settings

Extender Network Settings
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N300RE WiFi Range Extender
Connect the Extender to an Existing Network
You can use this menu selection to wirelessly connect the extender to your home network.
To connect to the WiFi network:
1. Select Setup > Connect to an Existing Network.
The extender scans for wireless networks, and displays a list.
If your wireless network is not on the list, and it is not hidden (a hidden network does not
broadcast its network name), see Position Your Extender on page 7 for suggestions.
2. Click the radio button to select your network from the list and click Continue.
3. Enter your network passphrase or key and click Continue.
The extender joins your wireless network.
The Extender’s wireless network name (SSID) changes to the name of your wireless
network name with _EXT added to the end.

Extender Network Settings
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N300RE WiFi Range Extender
Your computer or wireless devices is automatically disconnected from the Extender WiFi
network.
4. With the software that you use to manage your wireless connections, join the Extender
wireless network.
5. Click the I have connected to the Extender network button.
Use WPS to Join the Extender Wireless Network
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) lets you connect to a secure WiFi network without typing its
password. Instead, press a button or enter a PIN. Some older WiFi equipment is not
compatible with WPS. WPS works only with WPA2 or WPA wireless security.
To use WPS to join the extender network:
1. Select Home > WPS Setup.
2. Click Next.
By default, the Push Button (recommended) radio button is selected.
3. Use either the push button or PIN method.
•To connect with the push button method, click the button.
•To connect with a PIN, select the PIN number radio button and enter the client PIN in
the field that displays.

Extender Network Settings
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N300RE WiFi Range Extender
The extender tries to find the wireless client (the computer) that is attempting to join the
network. If you are using a WPS button, it tries for 2 minutes. If you are using a PIN, it
tries for 4 minutes.
4. On your computer or wireless device, use its WPS software to connect to the extender.
The WPS process automatically sets up your wireless computer with the network
password and connects you to the wireless network.
Wireless Settings
You can use the Wireless Settings screen to change the network name (SSID) for the
extender’s network and to set up wireless security. If you do not change these settings, the
network name is On_Networks_EXT, and the network is open (no wireless security is set up).
Note: If you use a wireless computer to change the extender’s wireless
settings, you will be disconnected when you click Apply. To
reconnect, you must select the new network name that you created,
and enter the passphrase or wireless security key that you set up.
To change the wireless settings for the extender’s network:
1. Select Setup > Wireless Settings.
2. In the Name (SSID) field, you can type in a new name to customize your extender network.
3. In the Security Options section of the screen, select the type of wireless security that you
want to use on your network.
•None. This setting is for an open wireless network. Any wireless computer or device
is allowed to join this network.

Extender Network Settings
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N300RE WiFi Range Extender
•WEP. WEP is an older standard, and is less secure than WPA or WPA2. WEP uses
encryption keys and data encryption for data security. You can select 64-bit or 128-bit
encryption.
•WPA-PSK [TKIP]. WPA is more secure than WEP. When using wireless computers
or devices that support WPA, you can enter a passphrase to join the extender’s
wireless network.
•WPA2-PSK [AES]. WPA2 is even more secure, but some older computers do not
support this standard. When using wireless computers or devices that support WPA2,
you can enter the passphrase to join the extender’s wireless network.
•WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PASK [AES]. When using wireless computers or devices
that support either WPA or WPA2, you can enter the passphrase to join the
extender’s wireless network.
4. Click Apply.
Your settings are saved.
If your computer was connected wirelessly to the extender network, it is disconnected. To
join the extender network, you need to use the new settings that you specified.
Set Up WPA, WPA2, or WPA + WPA2
Both WPA and WPA2 provide strong data security. WPA with TKIP can be used on Windows
systems with Service Pack 2 or later. WPA2 with AES is a hardware implementation; see
your device documentation before implementing it.
To set up WPA or WPA2 in the extender:
1. Select Setup > Wireless Settings.
2. In the Security Options section, select the radio button for the WPA or WPA2 option of your
choice.
The settings displayed on the screen depend on which security option you select.
3. Enter the passphrase (the wireless password for the extender network).
4. Click Apply.
Your settings are saved.
If your computer was connected wirelessly to the extender network, it is disconnected. To
join the extender network, you need to use the new settings that you specified.
Set Up WEP
On Networks recommends that you use WPA or WPA2 wireless security because it is more
secure than WEP. If you choose to use WEP, you can set it up in this screen.
To set up WEP security:
1. Select Setup > Wireless Settings.

Extender Network Settings
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N300RE WiFi Range Extender
2. In the Security Options section, select the WEP radio button.
3. Select the authentication type: Automatic, Open System, or Shared Key.
The default is Open System. The authentication is separate from the data encryption.
You can select authentication that requires a shared key, but still leaves data
transmissions unencrypted. Security is stronger if you use both the Shared Key and WEP
encryption settings.
4. Select the encryption strength setting:
•WEP 64-bit encryption. Enter ten hexadecimal digits (any combination of 0–9, a–f, 
or A–F).
•WEP 128-bit encryption. Enter 26 hexadecimal digits (any combination of 0–9, a–f,
or A–F).
5. Enter the encryption keys.
You can type in the values or generate the four data encryption keys. Wireless computers
or devices must use the passphrase or type the keys to access the extender network.
•To use a passphrase to generate the keys, enter a passphrase, and click Generate.
The keys are generated.
•Fill in the Key 1–Key 4 fields.
- These values are not case-sensitive. Enter ten hexadecimal digits (any
combination of 0–9, a–f, or A–F).
- Select which of the four keys you want to be the default.
Data transmissions are encrypted using the default key. The other keys can be used
only to decrypt received data.
6. Click Apply.
Your settings are saved.
If your computer was connected wirelessly to the extender network, it is disconnected. To
join the extender network, you need to use the new settings that you specified.

Extender Network Settings
19
N300RE WiFi Range Extender
IP Address Setup
The IP Address Setup screen shows whether the extender is set to get its IP address
dynamically from the router (this is the most common setting), or is set as a static IP address.
By default, the extender is set up so that the router in your existing network assigns the
extender an IP address. Most networks are set up so that the router automatically assigns IP
addresses.
To view the IP address setup:
Select Maintenance > IP Address.
By default, the Get Dynamically IP Address From Router check box is selected.
On Networks recommends this setting because it is easy to use and is compatible with
most networks.
To specify a static IP address:
On Networks recommends that you do this only if you have a specific reason and you have
experience with static IP addresses or you have a technically experienced person help you.
1. Select Maintenance > IP Address
2. Select the Use Static IP Address radio button.
3. In the IP Address field, enter the static IP address.
4. In the IP Subnet Mask field, enter the subnet mask associated with the IP address.
5. In the Gateway IP Address field, enter the IP address for the gateway.
6. In the Primary DNS field, enter the primary Domain Name Server (DNS).
7. In the Secondary DNS field, enter the secondary Domain Name Server (DNS).
8. Click Apply.
Your changes are saved.

Extender Network Settings
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N300RE WiFi Range Extender
Attached Devices
Use the Attached Device screen to view all computers or devices that are currently
connected to your network.
To view attached devices:
1. Select Maintenance > Attached Devices.
Wired devices are connected to the extender with Ethernet cables. Wireless devices
have joined the wireless network. The following information is displayed:
•#(number). The order in which the device joined the network.
•IP Address. The IP address that the extender assigned to this device when it joined
the network. This number can change if a device is disconnected and rejoins the
network.
•MAC Address. The unique MAC address for each device does not change. The
MAC address is typically shown on the product label.
•Device Name. If the device name is known, it is shown here.
2. You can click Refresh to update this screen.