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Summary of Contents for NETGEAR EAX80
- Page 1 User Manual Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Model EAX80 NETGEAR, Inc. March 2021 350 E. Plumeria Drive 202-11975-02 San Jose, CA 95134, USA...
- Page 2 See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply. For NETGEAR’s Privacy Policy, visit https://www.netgear.com/about/privacy-policy. By using this device, you are agreeing to NETGEAR’s Terms and Conditions at https://www.netgear.com/about/terms-and-conditions. If you do not agree, return the device to your place of purchase within your return period.
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
Connect to an Existing WiFi Network..........13 Connect with the Nighthawk app..........13 Connect With WPS..............14 Connect With the NETGEAR Installation Assistant....16 Use the Extender in Access Point Mode..........17 Connect a Device to the Extender Network........18 Connect a Device to the Extender Network Using WiFi...18 Connect a Device to the Extender Network Using WPS...19... - Page 4 Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Set up the extender to use a static IP address........36 Configure a router with advanced MAC settings to work with your extender....................38 Chapter 4 Maintain and monitor the extender Change the extender login user name and password....41 Turn password protection off and on..........42 Recover a forgotten user name or password........43 Automatically adjust for daylight saving time.........44...
- Page 5 Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Cannot Join a WiFi Network and Receive an Error Message..71 Cannot Access mywifiext.net............72 Chapter 8 Supplemental Information Factory Default Settings..............75 Technical and Environmental Specifications........76...
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Page 6: Chapter 1 Overview
This chapter covers the following topics: • Unpack Your Extender • LEDs • Back Panel • System Requirements • How the Extender Works Note: For more information about the topics covered in this manual, visit the support website at support.netgear.com. -
Page 7: Unpack Your Extender
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Unpack Your Extender Your package contains an extender and power adapter. Figure 1. Extender package contents Overview User Manual... -
Page 8: Leds
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender LEDs The following table describes the LEDs. Figure 2. Front panel Table 1. LED descriptions Description Power LED • Slow blinking white. The extender is booting, or the extender is resetting to its factory default settings. •... - Page 9 Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Table 1. LED descriptions (Continued) Description 2.4 GHz LED • Solid white. The extender’s 2.4 GHz WiFi radio is operating. • Off. The extender’s 2.4 GHz WiFi radio is off. 5 GHz LED •...
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Page 10: Back Panel
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Back Panel The back panel of the extender provides ports, buttons, and a DC power connector. Figure 3. Back panel The back panel contains the following components: • Reset button. Pressing this button resets the extender. If the Reset button is pressed for at least seven seconds, the Power LED blinks amber, and the extender returns to its factory settings. -
Page 11: System Requirements
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender System Requirements You need the following to install your extender: • 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax wireless router or gateway • Compatible web browser: Microsoft Internet Explorer® 8.0 or higher Firefox 2.0 or higher Safari 5.1 or higher Google Chrome 25.0 or higher How the Extender Works... -
Page 12: Chapter 2 Get Started
Get Started This chapter covers the following topics: • Install the WiFi Extender • Use the Extender in Access Point Mode • Connect a Device to the Extender Network • Log In to the Extender After Installation • Run Smart Setup Installation... -
Page 13: Install The Wifi Extender
Note: WPS does not support WEP network security or a hidden SSID network. If your router WiFi network uses WEP security or its SSID is hidden, follow the instructions in Connect With the NETGEAR Installation Assistant on page 16. • Connect with the web browser setup. You can use the extender's web browser setup, called the NETGEAR installation assistant. -
Page 14: Connect With Wps
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender To connect with the Nighthawk app: 1. Download the Nighthawk app on your mobile device. For more information about the Nighthawk app, visit Nighthawk-app.com. 2. On your mobile device, open the WiFi connection manager, then locate and connect to the extender network called NETGEAR_EXT. - Page 15 Note: WPS does not support WEP network security or a hidden SSID network. If your existing WiFi network uses WEP security or its SSID is hidden, follow the instructions in Connect With the NETGEAR Installation Assistant on page 16. To use WPS to connect the extender to your WiFi router: 1.
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Page 16: Connect With The Netgear Installation Assistant
You can use the NETGEAR installation assistant to connect your extender to your existing WiFi router network. To use the NETGEAR installation assistant, you must launch a web browser on your computer or mobile device. To use the NETGEAR installation assistant to connect the extender to your WiFi router: 1. -
Page 17: Use The Extender In Access Point Mode
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender 3. Enter http://www.mywifiext.net. The NETGEAR installation assistant displays. 4. Follow the prompts to connect your extender to your existing router WiFi network. 5. Unplug your extender and move it to a new location. -
Page 18: Connect A Device To The Extender Network
If your network includes a DHCP server, you can connect the extender to a switch or hub that is connected to the DHCP server. 6. Return to the NETGEAR installation assistant and follow the prompts to finish setting up your extender as an access point. -
Page 19: Connect A Device To The Extender Network Using Wps
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender To connect to the extender WiFi network: 1. On your WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device, open the WiFi connection manager that manages your WiFi connections. The WiFi connection manager scans for WiFi networks in your area. 2. -
Page 20: Run Smart Setup Installation
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Run Smart Setup Installation You can use Smart Setup to change the extender settings. This is an easy way to connect the extender to a different router or to change the extender WiFi network name (SSID) or WiFi password. -
Page 21: Chapter 3 Extender Network Settings
Extender Network Settings This chapter covers the following topics: • Enable or disable the One WiFi Name feature • Enable or disable Smart Connect • View connected devices • View WiFi settings • Change the WiFi network name • Turn off the SSID broadcast to create a hidden network •... -
Page 22: Enable Or Disable The One Wifi Name Feature
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Enable or disable the One WiFi Name feature The One WiFi Name feature enables your extender to use the same WiFi network settings as your router. If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, your extender uses the same WiFi network name and password as your router. -
Page 23: Enable Or Disable Smart Connect
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender A login page displays. 3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button. The Status page displays. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it. The extender menu displays. 5. - Page 24 Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender To enable or disable Smart Connect: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your extender network. 2. Log in to your extender: • If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter http://www.mywifiext.net/ in the address field of the browser.
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Page 25: View Connected Devices
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender View connected devices You can view a list of devices that are connected to the extender network. To view connected devices: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your extender network. -
Page 26: View Wifi Settings
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender View WiFi settings To view the WiFi settings: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your extender network. 2. Log in to your extender: • If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter http://www.mywifiext.net/ in the address field of the browser. -
Page 27: Turn Off The Ssid Broadcast To Create A Hidden Network
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender • If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs: Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/ Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/ Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example, http://192.168.1.3/) For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find the Extender’s IP address on page 70. -
Page 28: Disable Or Enable The Wifi Radios
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender • If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs: Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/ Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/ Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example, http://192.168.1.3/) For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find the Extender’s IP address on page 70. -
Page 29: Change The Wifi Speed
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender • If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs: Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/ Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/ Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example, http://192.168.1.3/) For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find the Extender’s IP address on page 70. - Page 30 Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Table 3. Extender backhaul and fronthaul WiFi connection Which extender WiFi Is the extender's 2.4 Is the extender's 5 GHz backhaul is connected GHz fronthaul WiFi fronthaul WiFi speed to the root AP? speed changeable? changeable? Both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz...
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Page 31: Use Wps To Add A Computer To The Extender's Wifi Network
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Your settings are saved. Use WPS to add a computer to the extender’s WiFi network WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) lets you connect a computer or WiFi device to the extender’s network without entering the WiFi network passphrase or key. Instead, you use a WPS button or enter a PIN to connect. -
Page 32: Use Wps With The Pin Method
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender 3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button. The Status page displays. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it. The extender menu displays. 5. Select Do More > Connect Devices (WPS). The Connected Devices (WPS) page displays. -
Page 33: Deny Access To A Computer Or Wifi Device
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender A login page displays. 3. Enter your admin user name and password and click the LOG IN button. The Status page displays. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it. The extender menu displays. 5. -
Page 34: Set Up An Access Schedule
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender To use WiFi access control to deny access: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your extender network. 2. Log in to your extender: • If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter http://www.mywifiext.net/ in the address field of the browser. -
Page 35: Change The Extender's Device Name
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender To set up an access schedule: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your extender network. 2. Log in to your extender: • If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter http://www.mywifiext.net/ in the address field of the browser. -
Page 36: Set Up The Extender To Use A Static Ip Address
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender To change the extender’s device name: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your extender network. 2. Log in to your extender: • If you did not enable the One WiFi Name feature, enter http://www.mywifiext.net/ in the address field of the browser. - Page 37 Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender To set up the extender to use a static IP address: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your extender network. 2. Log in to your extender: •...
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Page 38: Configure A Router With Advanced Mac Settings To Work With Your Extender
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Configure a router with advanced MAC settings to work with your extender If you enabled a WiFi MAC filter, WiFi access control, or access control list (ACL) on your router, when a WiFi device connects through the extender to your router, the MAC address of the WiFi device shown on the router is translated to another MAC address. - Page 39 Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender The Connected Devices page displays the MAC addresses and virtual MAC addresses for computers and WiFi devices that are connected to the extender network. 6. On the router, add the extender’s virtual MAC address and all the virtual MAC addresses connected to the extender network to your router’s MAC filter table.
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Page 40: Chapter 4 Maintain And Monitor The Extender
Maintain and monitor the extender This chapter covers the following topics: • Change the extender login user name and password • Turn password protection off and on • Recover a forgotten user name or password • Automatically adjust for daylight saving time •... -
Page 41: Change The Extender Login User Name And Password
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Change the extender login user name and password You can change the admin user name and password that you use to log in to the extender. To change the extender's login user name and password: 1. -
Page 42: Turn Password Protection Off And On
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender 9. Click the SAVE button. Your settings are saved. Turn password protection off and on You can turn password protection for your extender web interface off and on. We recommend that you leave password protection on to help keep your network secure. To turn password protection off or on: 1. -
Page 43: Recover A Forgotten User Name Or Password
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender 6. Select the Password On or Password Off radio button: • Password On: Select this option is you want to turn on password protection for your extender web interface. If you select this option, you are required to enter a password when you log in to the extender. -
Page 44: Automatically Adjust For Daylight Saving Time
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender 4. Enter the saved answers to your security questions. 5. Click the NEXT button. Your admin user name address and password are displayed. 6. Click the BACK button. A login page displays. 7. Log in to the extender. Automatically adjust for daylight saving time To set up the extender to automatically adjust for daylight saving time: 1. -
Page 45: Manually Set The Extender Clock
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Manually set the extender clock If you turned on the access schedule, you can set the extender clock. The extender clock makes sure that the WiFi access schedules are accurate. To manually set the extender clock: 1. -
Page 46: Back Up And Manage The Extender Configuration
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Back up and manage the extender configuration When the extender works correctly after initial setup, we recommend that you back up the extender configuration settings. After you back up the settings, if you change the extender configuration settings but are not content with the new settings, you can restore the extender configuration to the backed-up settings. - Page 47 Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Your browser extracts the configuration file from the extender. The backup file uses a .cfg extenstion. 7. If your browser is not set up to save downloaded files automatically, locate where you want to save the file. 8.
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Page 48: Restore The Configuration Settings
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Restore the configuration settings You can restore the configuration settings of the extender to a previously saved configuration file. To restore the extender configuration settings: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your extender network. -
Page 49: Return The Extender To Its Factory Default Settings
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender 9. Confirm your decision. The extender configuration is restored and the extender restarts. This process takes about one minute. Return the extender to its factory default settings Under some circumstances (for example, if you lose track of the changes that you made to the extender settings), you might want to erase the configuration and reset the extender to factory default settings. -
Page 50: Update The Extender Firmware
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender • If you enabled the One WiFi Name feature, enter one of the following URLs: Windows-based computers. http://mywifiext/ or http://mywifiext.local/ Mac computers, iOS devices, and Linux devices. http://mywifiext.local/ Android devices. http://<extender’s IP address>/ (for example, http://192.168.1.3/) For more information about how to find your extender’s IP address, see Find the Extender’s IP address on page 70. -
Page 51: Manually Upload Firmware To The Extender
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender To check manually for new firmware and, if available, update the firmware: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your extender network. 2. Log in to your extender: •... - Page 52 Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender To manually upload a firmware file to your extender: 1. Download the firmware file for your extender from the NETGEAR Download Center, save it to your desktop, and unzip the file if needed.
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Page 53: Restart The Extender From The Extender Web Interface
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender The firmware update starts and the extender restarts. The firmware update process takes about two minutes. Restart the extender from the extender web interface You can log in to the extender and restart it. When the extender restarts, all computers and WiFi devices that are connected to its WiFi network are automatically disconnected. -
Page 54: Turn The Leds On Or Off
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Turn the LEDs On or Off If you turn the LEDs off, the Power LED remains on. To turn the LEDs on or off: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your extender network. -
Page 55: Adjust The Wifi Coverage
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Adjust the WiFi coverage You can adjust the extender output power percentage and range of your extended WiFi network. If you select a low output power percentage, the extender's WiFi range will be shorter, and the extender uses less power. If you select a high output power percentage, the extender's WiFi range will be longer, and the extender uses more power For a smaller coverage area, choose a lower output power percentage. -
Page 56: Chapter 5 Share Usb Storage Devices Attached To The Extender
Share USB Storage Devices Attached to the Extender This chapter describes how to access and configure a USB storage drive attached to your extender. The USB port on the extender can be used to connect only USB storage devices such as flash drives or hard drives. Do not connect computers, USB modems, CD drives, or DVD drives to the extender USB port. -
Page 57: Usb Device Requirements
The extender works with most USB-compliant external flash and hard drives. For the most up-to-date list of USB devices that the extender supports, visit http://kbserver.netgear.com/readyshare. Some USB external hard drives and flash drives require you to load the drivers onto the computer before the computer can access the USB storage device. -
Page 58: Access A Storage Device Connected To The Extender From A Windows Computer
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Access a Storage Device Connected to the Extender From a Windows Computer To access the USB storage device from a Windows computer: 1. Insert your USB storage device into a USB port on your extender. 2. -
Page 59: Access A Storage Device That Is Connected To The Extender From A Mac
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender A window automatically opens and displays the USB storage device. 6. Right-click the USB device and select Map network drive. 7. Select the drive letter to map to the new network folder. 8. Click the Finish button. The USB storage device is mapped to the drive letter that you specified. -
Page 60: Turn The Usb Port Off And On
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender A window automatically opens and displays the files and folders on the USB storage device. Turn the USB Port Off and On By default the USB port is on, but you can log in to the extender and turn it off and on. To turn the USB port off and on: 1. -
Page 61: Add A Network Folder On A Usb Storage Device
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Add a Network Folder on a USB Storage Device You can add network folders on a USB storage device connected to a extender USB port. To add a network folder: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your extender network. -
Page 62: Password Protect A Folder On A Usb Storage Device
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Password protect a folder on a USB storage device You can set a password for read access or write access to a folder that's on your USB storage device. To password protect a folder: 1. -
Page 63: Change The Network Or Device Name
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Change the Network or Device Name By default, the extender’s network and device name is readyshare. You can change the name. To change the network and device name: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your extender network. -
Page 64: Chapter 6 Use The Extender As A Media Server
Use the Extender as a Media Server This chapter contains the following sections: • Specify ReadyDLNA Media Server Settings • Set Up the Extender to Work With TiVo... -
Page 65: Specify Readydlna Media Server Settings
By default, the extender acts as a ReadyDLNA media server, which lets you view movies and photos on DLNA/UPnP AV-compliant media players, such as Xbox360, Playstation, and NETGEAR media players. To specify media server settings: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your extender network. -
Page 66: Set Up The Extender To Work With Tivo
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender • Media Server Name. To change the name of the media server, type a new name in the field. • Content Scanning. The extender automatically scans for media files whenever new files are added to your ReadySHARE USB storage device. The extender scans only shared folders that are set up with full read access without a password. - Page 67 Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender The Status page displays. If your browser displays the Menu icon , click it. The extender menu displays. 5. Select Do More > USB Port. The USB Port page displays. 6. Make sure that the Enable TiVo support check box is selected. 7.
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Page 68: Chapter 7 Faqs And Troubleshooting
FAQs and troubleshooting This chapter contains the following topics: • FAQs • Find the Extender’s IP address • Cannot Connect to the Extender • Cannot Join a WiFi Network and Receive an Error Message • Cannot Access mywifiext.net... -
Page 69: Faqs
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender FAQs This section provides answers for difficulties you might experience with the extender. The web browser setup keeps asking me for my network password (passphrase) or security key, and I am sure that I entered the correct password. What can I do? The extender is probably placed at the borderline of the range covered by the router or access point. -
Page 70: Find The Extender's Ip Address
Android device, you must use the extender’s IP address. You can log in to your router to find your extender’s IP address. If you own a NETGEAR router, use the following procedure to find the extender’s IP address. If you do not own a NETGEAR router, see your router's documentation. -
Page 71: Cannot Connect To The Extender
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender 5. Find your extender in the list and note your extender’s IP address. Cannot Connect to the Extender If you cannot connect to the extender, determine what prevents you from connecting: • If you cannot access www.mywifiext.net, see Cannot Access mywifiext.net on page 72 for more information. -
Page 72: Cannot Access Mywifiext.net
Try these troubleshooting tips to connect to www.mywifiext.net: • If you’re trying to access www.mywifiext.net for the first time to set up your extender, see Connect With the NETGEAR Installation Assistant on page 16 and follow the instructions. • After you connect your computer or mobile device to the extender network, make sure that the extender’s Client Link LED is solid white. - Page 73 Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Before you change any network settings, note your current Default gateway (Windows) or Router (Mac) address. Use the IP address 192.168.1.249 and the subnet mask 255.255.255.0. For more information, see your computer’s documentation. FAQs and troubleshooting User Manual...
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Page 74: Chapter 8 Supplemental Information
Supplemental Information This appendix covers the following topics: • Factory Default Settings • Technical and Environmental Specifications... -
Page 75: Factory Default Settings
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Factory Default Settings To reset the extender to factory default settings, you can use the Reset button on the side panel or you can log in and click the onscreen RESET button. For more information, see Return the extender to its factory default settings on page 49. -
Page 76: Technical And Environmental Specifications
Nighthawk AX8 8-Stream WiFi 6 Mesh Extender Technical and Environmental Specifications The following table shows the technical and environmental specifications. Table 5. Technical specifications Technical Specifications Network protocol and Data and routing protocols: TCP/IP, DHCP server and client, DNS relay standards compatibility Physical specifications •...