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NETGEAR RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT- User Manual

Netgear rangemax wifi range extender user manual
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Download this manual See also: Installation Manual
RangeMax WiFi Range
Extender WPN824EXT
User Manual
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
202-10310-02
April 2008

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Summary of Contents for NETGEAR RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT-

  • Page 1 RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT User Manual NETGEAR, Inc. 4500 Great America Parkway Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA 202-10310-02 April 2008...
  • Page 2 In the interest of improving internal design, operational function, and/or reliability, NETGEAR reserves the right to make changes to the products described in this document without notice. NETGEAR does not assume any liability that may occur due to the use or application of the product(s) or circuit layout(s) described herein.

  • Page 3: Regulatory Compliance Information

    Hereby, NETGEAR Inc., declares that this Radiolan is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. Español Por medio de la presente NETGEAR Inc. declara que el Radiolan cumple con los [Spanish] requisitos esenciales y cualesquiera otras disposiciones aplicables o exigibles de la Directiva 1999/5/CE.
  • Page 4 [Swedish] väsentliga egenskapskrav och övriga relevanta bestämmelser som framgår av direktiv 1999/5/EG. Íslenska Hér með lýsir NETGEAR Inc. yfir því að Radiolan er í samræmi við grunnkröfur og aðrar [Icelandic] kröfur, sem gerðar eru í tilskipun 1999/5/EC. Norsk NETGEAR Inc. erklærer herved at utstyret Radiolan er i samsvar med de [Norwegian] grunnleggende krav og øvrige relevante krav i direktiv 1999/5/EF.

  • Page 5: Fcc Declaration Of Conformity

    FCC Standards FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE PY307300071 Modifications made to the product, unless expressly approved by NETGEAR, Inc., could void the user's right to operate the equipment. Canadian Department of Communications Radio Interference Regulations This digital apparatus (RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT) does not exceed the Class B limits for radio- noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
  • Page 6 Product and Publication Details Model Number: Publication Date: Product Family: Product Name: Home or Business Product: Language: Publication Part Number: Publication Version Number: WPN824EXT April 2008 Wireless Range Extender RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT Home English 202-10310-02 v1.0, April 2008...

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Autosensing Ethernet Connections with Auto Uplink ...1-2 Wireless Repeater Capability ...1-3 Quality of Service (QoS) ...1-3 Automatic Firmware Updates ...1-3 Compatible and Related NETGEAR Products ...1-3 Performance, Placement, and Range Guidelines ...1-3 Logging In ...1-5 Using Automatic Firmware Update upon Login ...1-6 About the WiFi Range Extender Main Menu ...1-8...
  • Page 8 RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT User Manual Wireless Settings ...3-3 Wireless Extender Status ...3-3 Attached Devices ...3-7 Backup Settings ...3-8 Set Password ...3-9 Firmware Update ... 3-11 Chapter 4 Advanced Settings and Features Advanced Wireless Settings ...4-1 Wireless Repeating Function ...4-1 NTP Client ...4-5 QoS Setup ...4-6 Using WMM QoS for Wireless Multimedia Applications ...4-7...

  • Page 9: About This Manual

    The NETGEAR ® RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT User Manual provides information for configuring the features of the RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT beyond initial configuration settings. Initial configuration instructions can be found in the setup manual, the Wireless Range Extender Manual. You should have basic to intermediate computer and Internet skills.

  • Page 10: How To Use This Manual

    Double-click a link in the table of contents or index to navigate directly to where the topic is described in the manual. • button to access the full NETGEAR, Inc. online knowledge base for the product model. • Links to PDF versions of the full manual and individual chapters.

  • Page 11: Revision History

    • Printing from PDF. Your computer must have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader installed for you to view and print PDF files. The Acrobat Reader is available on the Adobe website at http://www.adobe.com. – Printing a PDF chapter. Use the PDF of This Chapter link at the top left of any page. •...
  • Page 12 RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT User Manual About This Manual v1.0, April 2008...

  • Page 13: Introduction

    Key Features Note: For first-time installation and basic troubleshooting of your WiFi range extender, refer to the NETGEAR RangeMax WiFi Range Extender Setup Manual. The RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT is easy to use and provides features that are described in the following sections: •...

  • Page 14: 802.11G Wireless Networking

    RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT User Manual For example, if you carry your laptop from the family room to the bedroom, RangeMax automatically senses the change and selects from multiple possible antenna configurations to deliver you the fastest, clearest connection so that everyone can enjoy consistently high-speed connections, everywhere in your house, with no drop-outs and no dead spots.

  • Page 15: Wireless Repeater Capability

    For more information, see Login” on page 1-6 “Firmware Update” on page Compatible and Related NETGEAR Products NETGEAR products related to the RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT are as follows: • RangeMax Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter (WPN111) •...
  • Page 16 RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT User Manual Note: Failure to follow these guidelines can result in significant performance degradation or inability to wirelessly connect to the WiFi range extender. For complete range and performance specifications, see Specifications.” For best results, place your WiFi range extender: •...

  • Page 17: Logging In

    Logging In Note: For first-time installation and basic troubleshooting of your WiFi range extender, refer to the setup manual, the NETGEAR RangeMax WiFi Range Extender Setup Manual. To access the extender using its login name and password: 1. Type http://www.mywifiext.net or http://www.mywifiext.com in the address field of your browser, and then press Enter.

  • Page 18: Using Automatic Firmware Update Upon Login

    RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT User Manual Using Automatic Firmware Update upon Login The Checking for Firmware Updates screen appears when you log in in unless you previously cleared the Check for Updated Firmware Upon Log-in check box. For information about checking for new firmware through the main menu, see Figure 1-3 1.
  • Page 19 The update feature automatically installs the most recent firmware. Warning: Do not try to go online, turn off the extender, shut down the computer, or do anything else to the extender until the extender finishes downloading! Figure 1-5 The thank you window also displays. Figure 1-6 If no new firmware is available, the following message appears.

  • Page 20: About The Wifi Range Extender Main Menu

    RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT User Manual About the WiFi Range Extender Main Menu When you log in to the WiFi range extender, the main menu displays. Figure 1-8 To find information about the selections on the main menu, see the following topics in this manual: Table 1-1.
  • Page 21 Table 1-1. WiFi Range Extender Main Menu (continued) WiFi Range Extender Main Menu Advanced Wireless Settings Wireless Repeating Function NTP Client QoS Setup Web Support KnowledgeBase Documentation Introduction RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT User Manual Topic in Manual Chapter 2, “Implementing Appropriate Wireless Security “Wireless Repeating Function”...
  • Page 22 RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT User Manual 1-10 Introduction v1.0, April 2008...

  • Page 23: Implementing Appropriate Wireless Security

    Implementing Appropriate Wireless Security Unlike wired network data, your wireless data transmissions can be received well beyond your walls by anyone with a compatible adapter. For this reason, use the security features of your wireless equipment. The WiFi range extender provides highly effective security features, which are covered in detail in this chapter.

  • Page 24: Wireless Settings Record

    Wireless Settings Record Before customizing your wireless settings, NETGEAR recommends that you print this section and record the following information. If you are working with an existing wireless network, the person who set up or is responsible for the network can provide this information. Otherwise, you will choose the settings for your wireless network.

  • Page 25: Setting Up And Testing Basic Wireless Connectivity

    • Manual method. These values are not case-sensitive. For 64-bit WEP, enter 10 hex digits (any combination of 0–9 or a–f). For 128-bit WEP, enter 26 hex digits. Key 1: ___________________________________ Key 2: ___________________________________ Key 3: ___________________________________ Key 4: ___________________________________ •...
  • Page 26 Network Name (SSID) field, enter a value of up to 32 alphanumeric characters. The default SSID is NETGEAR_EXT. Note: The SSID is case-sensitive; NETGEAR is not the same as nETgear. Also, the SSID of any wireless access adapters must match the SSID you configure in the RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT.

  • Page 27: Selecting A Wireless Security Option

    6. Set the operating mode. Select the wireless operating mode you want. The default is Auto 108 Mbps. You can change this to b only, g only, or 802.11b/g mixed. 7. For initial configuration and test, leave the security setting as set when you installed the WiFi range extender.
  • Page 28 RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT User Manual Table 2-1. Wireless Security Options Security Type None WEP. WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) WPA-PSK (TKIP). Wi-Fi Protected Access with Pre- Shared Key, use WPA-PSK standard encryption with TKIP encryption type. WPA2-PSK (AES). Wi-Fi Protected Access version 2 with Pre-Shared Key, use WPA2-PSK standard...

  • Page 29: Configuring Advanced Wireless Settings

    Configuring Advanced Wireless Settings To configure the advanced wireless settings of your WiFi range extender: 1. Select Wireless Settings under Advanced on the main menu. The Advanced Wireless Settings screen displays. Figure 2-3 2. Enable or fill in the following fields, as appropriate: •...
  • Page 30 RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT User Manual • Fragmentation Length (256–2346). The maximum packet size used for fragmentation. Packets larger than the size entered in this field will be fragmented. The Fragment Threshold value must be larger than the RTS Threshold value. For best performance, leave this at the default setting (2346).
  • Page 31 4. Use the Add, Edit, and Delete buttons to add wireless computers to the list. The Wireless Card Entry screen displays. Figure 2-5 Note: If Turn Access Control On is enabled and the Access Control List is blank, then no wireless computers can connect to your wireless network. Do one of the following: •...
  • Page 32 RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT User Manual 2-10 Implementing Appropriate Wireless Security v1.0, April 2008...

  • Page 33: Setup And Maintenance

    This chapter describes the features you can configure or view under Setup and Maintenance in the main menu of your WiFi range extender. Basic Settings Warning: The WiFi range extender is already configured with the optimum settings. Incorrect settings might unexpectedly disable the WiFi range extender. Select Basic Settings under Setup in the main menu.
  • Page 34 Check that your ISP is working correctly. – Contact your ISP to verify the configuration information. – Review troubleshooting in the setup manual, the NETGEAR RangeMax WiFi Range Extender Setup Manual, available on the Resource CD. – Contact NETGEAR Technical Support.

  • Page 35: Wireless Settings

    RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT User Manual Wireless Settings Note: The Wireless Settings options are described in the context of configuring wireless security. See Chapter 2, “Implementing Appropriate Wireless Security” Wireless Extender Status The Wireless Extender Status screen provides status and usage information. Select Wireless Extender Status under Maintenance in the main menu.
  • Page 36 The Domain Name Server addresses being used by the extender. A Domain Name Server translates human language URLs, such as http:// www.netgear.com, into IP addresses. If disabled, the extender is configured to use a fixed IP address. If enabled, the extender is configured to obtain an IP address dynamically.
  • Page 37 Table 3-1. Wireless Range Extender Status Fields (continued) Field Wireless AP Broadcast Name Click Show Statistics to display performance statistics such as the number of packets sent and number of packets received for each port. The Statistics screen displays. Figure 3-3 This screen shows the following settings: Table 3-2.
  • Page 38 RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT User Manual Table 3-2. Wireless Range Extender Statistics Fields (continued) Field Description Tx B/s The current transmission (outbound) bandwidth used on the Internet and local ports. Rx B/s The current reception (inbound) bandwidth used on the Internet and local ports.

  • Page 39: Attached Devices

    This screen shows the following settings: Table 3-3. Wireless Range Extender Connection Status Fields Field Description IP Address The Internet IP address assigned to the extender. Subnet Mask The Internet Subnet Mask assigned to the extender. Default Gateway The Internet default gateway the extender communicates with. DHCP Server The IP address of the DHCP server that provided the IP configuration addresses.

  • Page 40: Backup Settings

    RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT User Manual Backup Settings The configuration settings of the RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT are stored within the extender in a configuration file. The Backup Settings screen allows you to back up (save) this file to your computer, restore it, or reset it to the factory default settings. Select Backup Settings under Maintenance in the main menu.

  • Page 41: Default Configuration Settings

    • Erase. Sometimes you might want to restore the extender to original default settings. You can do so by using the Erase function, which restores all factory settings. After an erase, the extender’s user name is admin, the password is password, the LAN IP address is 192.168.1.250, and the extender's DHCP server is enabled.

  • Page 42: Firmware Update

    The following options are available: • Check for New Version from the Internet. The WiFi range extender checks the NETGEAR database for a newer firmware image file and compares it to your currently installed version. To force the extender to check for a newer version, click Check.

  • Page 43: Firmware Update

    • Check for New Version Upon Login. If this option is selected (the default), the extender checks the NETGEAR database for a newer firmware image file every time you log in. To disable this feature, clear the check box. •...
  • Page 44 RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT User Manual h. Click Browse and locate the unzipped firmware image that you downloaded to your PC (the file ends in .img or .chk). Once you have selected the file, click Upload to send the software to the extender. The upload process takes several minutes.

  • Page 45: Advanced Settings And Features

    This chapter describes the features you can configure or view under Advanced in the main menu of your WiFi range extender. Advanced Wireless Settings Note: The Advanced Wireless Settings options are described in the context of configuring wireless security. See Wireless Repeating Function The WiFi range extender can be used with wireless access points (APs) to build large bridged wireless networks, using the Wireless Repeating Function screen.
  • Page 46 RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT User Manual Select Wireless Repeating Function under Advanced in the main menu. The Wireless Repeating Function screen displays. Figure 4-1 The RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT supports two modes of the Wireless Repeating function: • Both “Enable Wireless Repeating Function”...
  • Page 47 • “Disable Wireless Client Association” not selected. In addition to performing wireless repeating with remote APs, the extender will act as an AP to connect local wireless computers. • “Disable Wireless Client Association” selected. The extender will communicate wirelessly only with other APs whose MAC addresses are listed in this screen. The extender will not accept local wireless connections.
  • Page 48 RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT User Manual • If you are using DHCP, the Get Dynamically From ISP Gateway radio button in the Internet IP Address section of the Basic Settings screen should be selected for all AP devices in the IP Address Source portion.

  • Page 49: Ntp Client

    NTP Client The WiFi range extender uses the Network Time Protocol (NTP) to obtain the current time and date from one of several Network Time Servers on the Internet, using the NTP Client screen. Select NTP Client under Advanced in the main menu. The NTP Client screen displays. Figure 4-3 To localize the time for your log entries, you must specify your time zone: •...

  • Page 50: Qos Setup

    RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT User Manual QoS Setup QoS is an advanced feature that you can use to prioritize some types of traffic ahead of others. The WiFi range extender can provide QoS prioritization over the wireless link and on the Internet connection.

  • Page 51: Using Wmm Qos For Wireless Multimedia Applications

    Using WMM QoS for Wireless Multimedia Applications The WiFi range extender supports Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service (WMM QoS) to prioritize wireless voice and video traffic over the wireless link. WMM QoS is a feature that provides prioritization of wireless data packets from different applications based on four access categories: voice, video, best effort, and background.
  • Page 52 RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT User Manual 2. Click Add Priority Rule. The QoS Priority Rules screen displays. Figure 4-5 3. In the Priority Category list, select either Applications or Online Gaming. In either case, a list of predefined applications or games appears in the Applications drop-down list. 4.
  • Page 53 5. From the Priority drop-down list, select the priority that this traffic should receive relative to other applications and traffic when accessing the Internet. The options are Low, Normal, High, and Highest. 6. Click Apply to save this rule to the QoS Policy list and return to the QoS Setup screen. 7.
  • Page 54 RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT User Manual QoS for a MAC Address To create a QoS policy for traffic from a specific MAC address: 1. Open the QoS Setup screen, shown in 2. Click Add Priority Rule. 3. From the Priority Category list, select MAC Address. The QoS Priority Rules screen changes: Figure 4-8 4.
  • Page 55 Editing or Deleting an Existing QoS Policy To edit or delete an existing QoS policy: 1. Open the QoS Setup screen, shown in 2. Select the radio button next to the QoS policy to be edited or deleted. 3. Do either of the following: •...
  • Page 56 RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT User Manual 4-12 Advanced Settings and Features v1.0, April 2008...

  • Page 57: Technical Specifications

    Default Configuration Settings This appendix provides factory default settings and technical specifications for the RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT. Table A-1. WiFi Range Extender Default Configuration Settings Feature Smart Wizard Extender Login Extender Login URL Login Name (case-sensitive) printed on product label Login Password (case-sensitive) printed on product label...
  • Page 58 RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT User Manual Table A-1. WiFi Range Extender Default Configuration Settings (continued) Feature Wireless Wireless Communication SSID Name Security Broadcast SSID Transmission Speed Country/Region RF Channel Operating Mode Data Rate Output Power Network Protocol and Standards Compatibility Data and Routing Protocols Power Adapter North America...
  • Page 59 Table A-1. WiFi Range Extender Default Configuration Settings (continued) Feature Electromagnetic Emissions Meets requirements of Interface Specifications Internet Wireless Radio Data Rates Frequency Data Encoding Maximum Computers Per Wireless Network Operating Frequency Ranges 802.11 Security a. Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. Actual throughput will vary. Network con- ditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, and network over- head, lower actual data throughput rate.

  • Page 60: Restoring The Default User Name And Password

    RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT User Manual Restoring the Default User Name and Password You can restore the factory default configuration settings to reset the extender’s user name to admin, the password to password, and the IP address to 192.168.1.250. This procedure erases your current configuration, including your wireless security settings, and restores the factory defaults.

  • Page 61: Appendix B Related Documents

    This appendix provides links to reference documents you can use to gain a more complete understanding of the technologies used in your NETGEAR product. Document Windows XP and Vista Wireless Configuration Utilities TCP/IP Networking Basics Wireless Networking Basics Preparing Your Network...
  • Page 62 RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT User Manual Related Documents v1.0, April 2008...
  • Page 63 Numerics 802.11g wireless networking 1-2 attached devices 3-7 Auto Uplink 1-2 backup settings 3-8 client, NTP 4-5 compatible NETGEAR Products 1-3 configuration, erasing 3-9, A-4 connection status 3-6 connectivity status 2-3 daylight savings time 4-5 defaults, restoring factory 3-9 Domain Name Server (DNS) address 3-2...

  • Page 64: Rangemax Wifi Range Extender Wpn824Ext User Manual

    RangeMax WiFi Range Extender WPN824EXT User Manual applications, online gaming 4-7 editing, deleting a QoS policy 4-11 Internet access 4-7 LAN port priority rules 4-9 MAC address 4-10 router LAN port 4-9 setup 4-6 wireless multimedia applications 4-7 RangeMax™ Multi-In, Multi-Out (MIMO) Technology reference documents B-1 restricting wireless access by MAC address 2-7 router LAN port 4-9...

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