Do you wonder if you can connect two different Netgear WiFi range extenders to the same network? Before we answer to this query, we want you to know more about how a WiFi extender works. A WiFi range extender connects to the host router. It takes in the WiFi signals from the host router and extends its further and increases the network coverage of the router. Now coming to the query if you can use two Netgear WiFi extenders with single router, the answer is yes.
This post highlights the important aspects that you must be aware of while connecting two WiFi range extenders. You will also gain a good insight into how to connect two WiFi extenders to a single host router. Let’s get started!
Before You Connect Two WiFi Extenders
Let us consider a scenario. You have Spectrum router installed in your home. However there are some areas in your home that have no internet access. So you decide to install a Netgear WiFi extender AX6000 to extend the router’s coverage. It works well.
If one Netgear WiFi extender does not suffice to meets your internet needs, you may consider installing an additional extender. Now you wish to extend the range of your Spectrum router upstairs or in some part of the home. So, you consider another extender setup to be done. It can be EX8000 WiFi range extender by Netgear. You can set up a Netgear extender using 192.168.1.250 IP or login URL mywifiext.net on web interface.
Now the question is how you can make the connection and what are the important factors that you need to keep into consideration while doing so. Read on.
1. Avoid Daisy Chaining the Extenders
A daisy chain connection is the one in which you connect devices to one another in a chain. In this scenario, you connect the AX6000 to Spectrum router and EX8000 to AX6000.
You must avoid this type of connection. You should connect the WiFi extenders to the host router directly. Making a daisy chain will result in very poor performance of the second extender. The connection that you make should be something like this:
2. Do Not Use Same SSID
While you are considering WiFi extender setup, make sure that you are not using same SSID for both range extenders. That means both range extenders should not broadcast same SSID or network name as that of the host router. In simple words, the SSIDs of router and WiFi extenders must be different.
The reasons for doing so is that the first WiFi extender may get connected to the second WiFi extender thereby making daisy chain connection which is to be avoided.
3. Consider LAN Connections
If you wish to connect two Netgear WiFi extenders with the same router using MyNetgear admin login, then you can consider choosing a LAN connection between the range extenders and the host router. Wired connections are always reliable and firm. With less WiFi interference and a fewer chances of disconnections, you will get better output signals from your Netgear WiFi range extenders. So we recommend you making LAN connections between the main router and the WiFi extenders.
How to Connect 2 WiFi Extenders with 1 Router?
You can simply access the web interface of your Netgear WiFi extender using the login URL: mywifiext.net or IP 192.168.1.250 and complete the setup of your extenders. But you need to do the setup of both extenders separately. That is one first and then the second. Here are the steps:
- Connect the Netgear extender to the main router using a LAN cable.
- Power on the router first and then the extender.
- Connect your computer to Netgear WiFi extender’s network.
- Visit Netgear extender setup page on a browser using URL or IP.
- Follow the setup prompts that appear on the screen.
Repeat the same with the second extender now. Once the extender setup is done, place the devices in different parts of the home where you wish to extend the router’s WiFi.
Final Thoughts
This is all about how to connect two WiFi extenders to one main router. We suggest you placing the extenders within the range of the main outer if you are connecting them wirelessly. Also, consider keeping them away from other networking devices or home appliances to ensure minimum signal interference.
Apart from that, you should get timely firmware updates done on your Netgear extenders via mywifiext.local or IP to have your extenders performing well all the time.