When To Use Your Extender - NETGEAR EX6400 User Manual

Table 1. LEDs (continued)
LED Description
Client Arrow If no arrow LEDs are lit, the extender is in a good location.
If the Client Arrow LED is blinking, move the WiFi-enabled computer or
mobile device closer to the extender.
Router Arrow If no arrow LEDs are lit, the extender is in a good location.
If the Router Arrow LED is blinking, move the extender closer to the
router.

When to Use Your Extender

We recommend that you connect to the extender only when your WiFi network connection is
poor. Data traffic routed through the extender is inherently slower than traffic routed directly
from the network.
How the Extender Works
The extender works like a bridge between a WiFi router (or a WiFi access point) and a WiFi
device outside the range of the WiFi router. The extender performs two main jobs:
• The extender connects to a working WiFi network.
When the extender connects over WiFi to an existing network, it functions as a network
client, similar to how a WiFi device connects to a network.
• The extender acts as an access point for WiFi devices.
The extender broadcasts its own WiFi network that WiFi devices can join. In its role as an
access point, the extender performs tasks that WiFi routers do, such as broadcasting its
network name (SSID).
The extender must do each of these jobs so that both ends of the bridge are in place.
WiFi range extender
Boosts the range of
your existing WiFi and
creates a stronger
signal in hard-to-reach
areas.
Figure 2. Range extender in a home
AC1900 WiFi Range Extender
Get to Know Your Extender
7
Existing WiFi
Sometimes your
router does not
provide the WiFi
coverage that you
need.