Netgear Ex7000 Nighthawk Ac1900 Wifi Range Extender User Manual

							350 East Plumeria Drive
San Jose, CA 95134 
USADecember 2014
202-11469-01
Nighthawk 
AC1900
 
WiF  Range
  Extender
Model EX7000
User Manual 
						

							 
2 Nighthawk AC1900 WiF Range Extender 
Support
Thank you for selecting NETGEAR products. 
After installing your device, locate the serial number on the label of your product and use it to register your product at https://my.netgear.com. You must register your product before you can use NETGEAR telephone support. NETGEAR recommends registering your product through the NETGEAR website. 
For product updates and web support, visit http://support.netgear.com.
Phone (US & Canada only): 1-888-NETGEAR.
Phone (Other Countries): Check the list of phone numbers at http://support.netgear.com/general/contact/default.aspx.
Compliance
For regulatory compliance information, visit http://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory.
See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply.
Trademarks
© NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR and the NETGEAR Logo are trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. Any non-NETGEAR trademarks are 
used for reference purposes only. 
						

							3
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Overview
Unpack Your Extender  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
Top Panel LEDs and Front Panel USB Port  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Attach the Stand  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  9
Attach the Rubber Feet  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10
Attach the Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10
Retrieve and Display the Product Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
When to Use Your Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
How the Extender Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
Support for the 801.11ac Networking Standard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12
Chapter 2 Get Started
Install the Extender to Boost Your WiFi Range  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
Set Up the Extender Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
Use WPS to Connect the Extender to Your WiFi Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
Use a Web Browser to Connect the Extender to Your WiFi Router . . . . . . . .  15
Choose a Location and Check the Signal Strength  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  17
Connect Ethernet-Enabled Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
Install the Extender as an Access Point  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
Log In to the Extender After Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  20
Run Smart Setup Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21
Chapter 3 Optimize Extender Performance
Boost Your Video Streaming  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  24
Adjust the WiFi Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  25
Chapter 4 Extender Network Settings
View Connected Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  27
View WiFi Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  27
Change the WiFi Network Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  28
Turn Off the SSID Broadcast to Create a Hidden Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  29
Disable or Enable the WiFi Radios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30
Change the WiFi Speed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  31
Use WPS to Add a Computer to the Extender’s WiFi Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  32
Use WPS with the Push Button Method  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  33
Use WPS with the PIN Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  33
Deny Access to a Computer or WiFi Device  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  34 
						

							 
4 AC1900 WiFi Range Extender 
Set Up an Access Schedule. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  35
Change the Extender’s Device Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  36
Set Up the Extender to Use a Static IP Address  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  37
Chapter 5 Maintain and Monitor the Extender
Change the Extender User Name and Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  40
Turn Password Protection Off and On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  41
Recover a Forgotten User Name or Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  41
Automatically Adjust for Daylight Saving Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  42
Manually Set the Extender Clock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  42
Back Up and Manage the Extender Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  43
Back Up the Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  43
Restore the Configuration Settings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  43
Return the Extender to Its Factory Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  44
Update the Firmware  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  46
Turn the NETGEAR Logo LED On or Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  47
Restart the Extender Remotely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  48
Chapter 6 Share a USB Storage Device
USB Storage Device Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  50
Share Files Across Your WiFi Network  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  50
Access a USB Storage Device Attached to the Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  51
Turn the USB Port Off and On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  52
Add a Network Folder on a USB Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  53
Password-Protect a Folder on a USB Storage Device  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  54
Use the Extender USB Port to Share a Printer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  54
Chapter 7 Use the Extender as a Media Server
Specify ReadyDLNA Media Server Settings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  57
Play Media from a USB Drive on TiVo  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  58
Chapter 8 Share a USB Printer Through the Extender
Set Up ReadySHARE Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  62
Use the Shared Printer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  63
View or Change the Status of a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  63
Use the Scan Feature of a Multifunction USB Printer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  64
Change NETGEAR USB Control Center Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  65
Chapter 9 FAQs and Troubleshooting
FAQs  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Cannot Connect to the Extender  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  72
Cannot Join a WiFi Network and Receive an Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  72 
						

							 
5  AC1900 WiFi Range Extender
Appendix A Factory Settings and Technical Specifications
Factory Default Settings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  75
Technical and Environmental Specifications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  76 
						

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1
1.   Overview
The NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Range Extender boosts your existing network range 
and speed, delivering dual-band WiFi at speeds up to 1900 Mbps. The Nighthawk combines 
excellent range with maximum WiFi performance. It works with any standard WiFi router and is 
ideal for HD video streaming and gaming. Get the whole-home connectivity you need for tablets, 
smartphones, laptops and more.
You can also use the extender in access point mode as a WiFi access point and create a new 
WiFi hotspot by using a wired Ethernet connection.
This chapter covers the following topics:
•Unpack Your Extender
•Top Panel LEDs and Front Panel USB Port
•Rear Panel
•Attach the Stand
•Attach the Rubber Feet
•Attach the Antennas
•Retrieve and Display the Product Label
•When to Use Your Extender
•How the Extender Works
•Support for the 801.11ac Networking Standard
Note:For more information about the topics covered in this manual, visit the 
support website at support.netgear.com.
Note:Firmware updates with new features and bug fixes are made 
available from time to time on 
downloadcenter.netgear.com. Some 
products can regularly check the site and download new firmware, or 
you can check for and download new firmware manually. 
						

							Overview 7
 AC1900 WiFi Range Extender
Unpack Your Extender
Your box contains the following items:
Extender
Stand Antennas (3)
Power adapter Rubber feet (4)
Top Panel LEDs and Front Panel USB Port
Use the LEDs during installation to find the best location for the exten\
der or to monitor the 
extender performance. The following figure shows the extender in an upright position, with 
the stand attached. (For information about attaching the stand, see Attach the Stand on 
page  
9.)
2.4 GHz Link Rate LED
5 GHz Link Rate LED
Device to Extender LED
LAN LEDs (1 through 5)
USB LED
USB 3.0 port
NETGEAR Logo LED
Figure 1. LEDs and USB port 
						

							Overview 8
AC1900 WiFi Range Extender 
The following table describes the LEDs.
Table 1.  Front panel LEDs
LEDDescription
• 
Green. 
 The 2.4 GHz WiFi connection between the extender and 
the WiFi router is optimum.
•  Amber . 
 The 2.4 GHz WiFi connection between the extender and 
the WiFi router is good.
•  Red. 
The 2.4 GHz WiFi connection between the extender and the 
WiFi router is poor.
•  Off. 
The extender and the WiFi router are not connected using the 
2.4 GHz WiFi band.
•  Green. 
 The 5 GHz WiFi connection between the extender and the 
WiFi router is optimum.
•  Amber . The 
 5 GHz WiFi connection between the extender and the 
WiFi router is good.
•  Red. 
The 5 GHz WiFi connection between the extender and the 
WiFi router is poor.
•  Off. 
The extender and the WiFi router are not connected using the 
5 GHz WiFi band.
LAN (1 through 5)
•  Green. An  Ethernet  device  is  connected  to  the  LAN  port.
•  Off. No Ethernet device is connected to the LAN port.
Device to Extender
•  Green. The extender is connected to a computer or WiFi device.
•  Amber . The 
 extender is starting or is applying WiFi settings. After 
about one minute, the LED turns green. 
•  Off. 
The extender is not connected to a computer or WiFi device.
USB
•  Solid green . A USB device is connected to the USB port.
•  Off. No USB device is connected to the USB port.
When the extender is powered on, the LEDs light amber for about one minu\
te.
If you press the WPS  button, the Link Rate LEDs 
  and the Device to Extender LED blink 
green for two minutes. For information about using WPS, see Use WPS to Connect the 
Extender to Your WiFi Router on page  14.
The Device to Extender LED blinks amber during a firmware update.
2.4 GHz Link Rate
5 GHz Link Rate 
						

							Overview 9
 AC1900 WiFi Range Extender
Rear Panel
The following figure shows the ports, buttons, antennas, and connector o\
n the rear panel of 
the extender.
Reset button Ethernet LAN
Power connector Power On/Off WPS button
button
ports (5)
Antennas
Figure 2. Rear panel
Attach the Stand
If you prefer to place the extender in the upright (vertical) position\
, attach the stand that 
comes with the extender. 
To attach the stand:
1.  Place the stand on a flat surface.
2.  Hold the extender in upright position with 
the left side of the extender pointing down. 
The left side is the one with three  rectangular openings.
The top panel of the  extender and the 
three vertical support posts of the stand 
must face the same direction.
3.  Lower the extender onto the stand until the 
support posts of the stand snap into the 
rectangular openings of the extender. 
						

							Overview 10
AC1900 WiFi Range Extender 
Attach the Rubber Feet
If you prefer to place the extender in horizontal position, you can atta\
ch the rubber feet that 
come with the extender. 
To attach the rubber feet:
1. 
Place the  extender upside down, with the red panel facing you.
  
The red panel is the bottom.
2.  In each corner, attach a rubber foot in such a way that it covers the triangle.
Attach the Antennas
To attach the antennas:
1. Align the antennas with the antenna posts on the extender.
2. Attach the antennas on the threaded antenna posts.
3.  Position the antennas for the best WiFi performance.