WiFi range extenders have completely changed the way we look at the digital realm. All thanks to their ability to draw off the signals emitted from the router and then amplify them to change the destiny of every internet dead zone in the house. But, is it possible to use a WiFi extender without the router? Recently, a Netgear extender user keyed in a similar query into the search bar of Google that goes like – how to use WiFi extender if I don’t have access to router?
There can be numerous answers to this question. The technical aspect never allows the user to make use of a Netgear WiFi extender without having access to the main router. But, you can use the extender and set it up via 192.168.1.250 if you don’t really have physical access to the router but can access its management panel. The information summed up in this blog will cover every known and unknown aspect of using a WiFi extender without a router. Stick to reading to know what can be done in your case.
Using a WiFi Extender If You Don’t Have Access to Router
Aspect 1: Get a No Internet Signal
As mentioned in the previous section using a Netgear range extender without the router is never advised. If you do, all you will get is a no internet connection error message written below the SSID of the extender i.e. Netgear_ext on the WiFi network list. The reason being, the extender needs a source of internet to start working. You cannot expect it to open the door for a high-speed internet connection if you are actually not providing it in the first place.
Therefore, you are strictly advised to get your hands on a WiFi router before installing a Netgear range extender. Now, let us move to the second case and know what you can do if you have access to the router’s web-management utility but cannot push the WPS button on it. Sadly, no physical access to the router!
Aspect 2: Access the Router’s Web GUI
This method can come in handy if you cannot perform a WiFi extender setup using the WPS approach. In this case, you are supposed to take notes of the network details of the router i.e. SSID and password. To use them for installing the extender, you are advised to load an internet browser on a device connected to the extender’s network and access mywifiext.net. However, mywifiext.local should be accessed if you are using a Mac system.
After logging in to the extender with the use of the default login details, consider entering the SSID and password of the router to proceed further with the extender setup process. The rest of the process includes the customization of the extender’s settings. However, as we told you earlier, this approach is only applicable if you have the router’s network settings in your hand.
Aspect 3: Use the WPS Pin Method
The third case requires you to make use of the WPS pin of the WiFi router in place of the network settings i.e. SSID and password. This method will also come to rescue you if you do not have physical access to the router but are aware of its admin credentials instead of WiFi details. To use this method, you need to access the router’s admin dashboard through its default IP address and note down the WPS pin.
Once done, accessing the Netgear extender dashboard should be your next step, and locate the WPS settings there. Input the WPS pin of the router that you’ve just taken notes of and save the settings to complete the extender setup process. Now, let’s move on and discuss the final aspect of using the extender without having access to the router.
Aspect 4: Go for a Daisy Chain
This is a method that is usually not recommended. However, it allows you to set up and use the extender without having access to the router. You do not need to access the router physically or via web GUI. It is only applicable when you already have an extender installed in the house.
All you have to do is daisy chain your existing extender and the Netgear extender together and complete the extender setup process. The resultant signal won’t be favorable as the extended signal from the first range extender might already have lost its actual strength. Therefore, it would be better if you drop the idea of daisy chaining two extenders together. Otherwise, you will keep performing WiFi extender reset without even knowing the actual reason behind the issue.
Verdict
Using a WiFi extender if you don’t have access to router can seem exciting. But, it is only going to bear unfavorable outcomes. Therefore, it would always be better to couple the extender with a good-quality WiFi router!