WiFi extenders are nothing new! They take signals from routers and spread them for seamless internet connectivity across the house. But, when the deal is about connecting a WiFi extender and a modem, people end up having a lot of questions in their minds. Are you also among those people? If yes, then worry not! In this blog, we will be making an attempt to connect WiFi extender with UniFi modem. We have used Netgear extender as a reference. You can use the one you own. Also, these instructions apply to Netgear N300 setup with a modem. Go on reading!
The Access Point Mode on Extender
Do you know that a majority of WiFi extenders can work in two different modes? These modes are the Extender mode and the Access Point mode. You can set up the extender in the first mode if you are connecting it to a router. However, in the case of a modem, you must opt for the AP mode.
How to Connect WiFi Extender with UniFi Modem?
Since a major proportion of modems lack the physical WPS button, it is recommended that you access the mywifiext.net login address to connect it to the Netgear extender. The steps to complete the process have been highlighted below.
- Connect the Netgear extender’s Internet port to the UniFi modem using an RJ45 cable.
- Ensure that the modem’s port is not locked from your ISP’s end.
- Once done, you need to switch on the Netgear extender and the UniFi modem.
- As the modem will be the one sending signals to the range extender, you are required to switch it on in the first place.
- The extender is supposed to be powered on after the modem’s lights are stable.
- After that, you should switch on your computer.
Note: Just in case your Netgear extender has a mode selector switch, ensure that it is positioned at “Access Point”. Do not worry if there is no switch that lets you select the operating mode. You will get the option to do the same in the extender’s web-management page.
- Connect the computer to the Netgear_ext network after opening the WiFi settings.
- Know that the Netgear_ext is the default SSID that a Netgear extender broadcasts.
- For password or the network key, it is suggested that you check the product label.
- Load up an internet browser now.
- The web browser you are choosing for connecting WiFi extender with UniFi modem must be updated.
- Go to the address bar and input the Netgear extender login web URL there.
- FYI, it is mywifiext.net if you have used a Windows PC.
- Upon pressing login, you will find yourself on the screen asking you to agree to the terms and conditions.
- After that, the admin window will show up.
- Input admin and password into the Username and Password areas respectively.
- Choose Log In.
- The Netgear Genie wizard will make its way to the computer screen.
- Are you facing issues reaching the web-based management portal of your Netgear WiFi range extender? Use 192.168.1.250 instead of mywifiext.net URL.
- Choose the Operating mode for your WiFi extender on the next window.
- Select the Access Point mode.
- Give the SSID and password to your Netgear extender network.
- If there is a firmware update available, install it right away.
- Go through the prompts that appear on the screen.
- Follow them to finalize the connection with UniFi modem.
In this manner you can connect WiFi extender with UniFi modem. Among a few on-screen instructions, you will also be asked to create myNetgear account and register your extender there. Skip that part if the extender is already registered. Although these instructions will suffice to help you out, if they don’t, there is a chance that you have not reset the extender. Thus, perform a factory default reset first and go through the aforementioned instructions once again. If you don’t know the steps to reset the extender, walk through the next section.
Reset Extender If You Can’t Connect to UniFi Modem
Before you start the reset process, be very certain that the extender is detached from the modem and is getting a sufficient power supply. Power interruption can result in a permanent damage to the hardware of your extender. Here’s how to reset the WiFi extender from Netgear:
- Locate the Reset or Factory Reset button on the extender.
- It generally rests inside a hole with the same label.
- Use a paper clip or a pin to press the button.
- Keep the button pressed for 15 seconds.
- The extender will reset and reboot at last.
Using the aforementioned instructions, you can reset the extender. But, know that you have to go through the setup steps once again. You are advised to use mywifiext.local if the connection process is being carried out via a Mac device.
To Sum Up
The process to connect WiFi extender to UniFi modem was not a big deal. You were just supposed to choose the AP mode for the extender’s operation. We are now expecting that you will be able to complete the connection process and connect your client devices to its network after that.