Netgear AC1200 Wifi Range Extender Setup - Step by Step Instructions

In this post, we explain the NetGear AC1200 WiFi range extender setup in case if you need help.

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WiFi Range extenders serve a great purpose. Of a wide range of WiFi range extenders currently available, one of the best options you would find would be the extenders manufactured by Netgear. Setting up a WiFi Range Extender is not a difficult task. However, if you are confused with the right sort of setup instructions for your range extender, this post would perhaps be helpful for you. We will take up the Netgear AC1200 WiFi Range Extender for the sake of this post.

Table of Contents

Netgear AC1200 WiFi Range Extender – A Concise Review

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Of course, a WiFi Range Extender is not a device that needs to be installed only by the tech-savvy when compared to a modem or a router. But they have a tag of importance attached to them. Of the best WiFi range extenders, we find is the Netgear AC1200 WiFi range extender, a formidable option by every standard. Even though it might not come with all the top-end features, but the list of ethernet ports, MU-MIMO support, and beamforming support are some of the excellent functions.

The aesthetics of the range extender would make it a formidable choice. When you compare it to the other extender options, you will find it provides you with an excellent look and feels, just like a premium device. One of the significant differences that would set it apart from the rest of the options is the size. The Netgear Range extender is a little bigger. In sharp contrast to other range extenders that just plug into a socket, you have a separate AC adapter and a power cord. This makes placing it quite efficient enough for placements without space constraints.

The inclusion of ethernet ports is one of the features we loved the most. They can be a great option if you are looking to plug in a wide range of devices simultaneously. Setting it up is quite simple and easy. To begin with, it works in the same way as most other range extenders provide you access to. WPS access is what we loved the most. You need to plug it in within a distance of 10 to 15 feet from your router and press WPS button. Press the WPS button on the router, and that does it! You are good to go.

Of course, there are a few other methods you can set up your Netgear WiFi Range Extender. You can plug them into any of your ethernet ports and connecting it using a browser and the default gateway to the range extender. More on the setup process later on in this post.

It would not use the software as such for using the Netgear WiFi Range Extender. But still, Netgear provides you with a specialized app called Netgear Genie, but it does not impress you much enough. You will not find the interface quite attractive, but it is quite functional and efficient.

When it comes to the hardware, it offers you a dual-band WiFi connectivity and has two antennas. It can receive and send data over both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The service is compatible with the devices offering Wi-Fi b/g/n/ac connectivity. The 1200 Mbps rating should put it under the midrange category. It may not be an exciting performer in terms of speed, but should ideally meet most of your requirements.

There are not many high ends features available on the device as you would expect from the more expensive range extenders. However, the MU-MIMO technology should help you take care of the network congestion of any sort. The beamforming technology ensures that the signals are based on the exact requirements of the device being connected to the range extender.

You also have a USB 3.0 port, that can be used for network-attached storage requirements. Another excellent option we found on the device is its capability to work as an access point as well. This can come quite handy enough if you do not have a modem or router.

The performance offered by the range extender lives up to the expectation, but you would not find anything spectacular with it. It is found providing you with a speed of up to 500 to 700 Mbps. However, as you move farther away from your WiFi source, the speed reduced further and reached a value of around 200 to 250 Mbps. A distance beyond 90 feet can result in disconnections.

Pros

An excellent design and premium look
MU MIMO technology that handles congestion efficiently
Can also double up as a router
A massive number of five ethernet ports

Cons

May not meet your needs if you need high-end features

How to Setup Netgear AC1200 WiFi Range Extender?

Setting up a range extender should not be any significant concerns under ideal conditions. However, if you are looking for the right guidance in setting up your Netgear WiFi Range Extender, here the tutorial you can follow.

Preliminary Setup

Make sure you are placing your range extender in the same room as your WiFi router. Do note that this will be required when you are setting up the range extender for the first time. Once it is set up, you can take the WiFi range extender away from the router.

In any case, we would not recommend taking it beyond a distance of 75 feet, as this will tend to decrease the speed. You may also experience frequent disconnections.

Follow the steps here –

Place the extender at an appropriate location for setting it up.
Plug it into the electrical output.
Power on the device.
Wait a while till the lights on your extender come up.

Connect to your Network

There are several ways you can connect to an existing WiFi network. You can connect to the current system through two specific options. You may either opt for the WPS option or go with a setup procedure using a browser.

Connect with WPS

A WPS or WiFi Protected Setup will help you connect with a secure WiFi network without the need to enter the network name and password. Please note that the WEP security will not support the WPS connectivity.

Follow the steps here below –

Press the WPS button on the WiFi range extender.
The WPS LED should now blink.
Press the WPS button on your router or WiFi source. Make sure that you press the WPS button within two seconds of pressing the WPS button on the extender.
The router and extender should now get connected.

The range extender will create two new network names. They will be the same as with your router network names with an extension. Connect to these networks, and you are done. Please note that the password would be the same as on your router.

Connect with Browser setup

If your router does not support WPS for any reason, or you do not have the functionality available on your device. You will need to opt for the option to connect using a browser.

Here are the steps involved in connecting your WiFi range extender through a browser –

Use the WiFi network manager on your computer or any other device you want to connect.
Search for the networks available and find the system of your Netgear WiFi Range Extender. The network name or SSID would be NETGEAR_EXT
Launch your web browser. Any browser will do though we prefer Google Chrome
Type in mywifiext.net in the address bar on your browser.
You should find the New Extender Setup
Click on the option New Extender setup
Fill up the details on the page. They include email, password, and other profile details. This will help you create an account on Netgear.
Click on NEXT.
You should now be prompted to enter your region and other regional details. Enter them and click on NEXT
You should now get an option to choose how you want to use the extender – either as WiFi Range extender or Access Point
Choose WiFi Range Extender.
The extender should now search for the WiFi networks available and present you with a list.
Choose the network name of your router network and click on NEXT.
You can choose to extend both 2.4 and 5 GHz bands or decide to reach any one of them. Depending on your choice, check or uncheck the respective boxes.
In the password field, enter the password of your WiFi network.
Click on Continue. You should get a confirmation message indicating that you are connected to the network.
Click on
You should reach the registration field. Enter the respective details on the registration page and click on You may also decide to skip registration as per your preference.

That completes the setup process. You should now be able to get the connectivity anywhere away from the router by carrying your router there. Make sure that you have an electrical outlet at the location. Also, make sure that the area should be within 75 feet from your router.

Other Connectivity Options and Setup

If you have a device that cannot receive connectivity through WiFi, you can use the five ethernet ports. It allows you to connect the Wired devices to the extender and helps to get instant connectivity with ease. Just connect your wired device through the ethernet cable, and you are good to go. No need to opt for any other additional connectivity options.

You can also use the Netgear WiFi range extender as an excellent option as an Access Point. This can be useful when you have access to a wired internet connection and no dedicated router. You can use the range extender as a new WiFi hotspot with the help of the wired internet connection.

Here are the steps that would be helpful here –

Plugin the range extender to the electrical supply and power it on.
Wait till all the LEDs light up.
Use an ethernet cable to connect to the ethernet port on the extender and router Ethernet LAN port.
The extender should now join the LAN.
Use the WiFi network manager on your computer or any other device you want to connect.
Search for the networks available and find the system of your Netgear WiFi Range Extender. The network name or SSID would be NETGEAR_EXT
Launch your web browser. Any browser will do though we prefer Google Chrome
Type in mywifiext.net in the address bar on your browser.
You should find the New Extender Setup interface.
Click on the option New Extender setup
Fill up the details on the page. They include email, password, and other profile details. This will help you create an account on Netgear.
Click on NEXT.
You should now be prompted to enter your region and other regional details. Enter them and click on NEXT
You should now get an option to choose how you want to use the extender – either as WiFi Range extender or Access Point
Choose the option Access Point
The extender will now search for the internet connection.
Enter the SSID, password and other details provided by your ISP

This does it, and your extender is now ready to be used as an access point.

In Conclusion

That was all we have on how to set up and configure your Netgear AC1200 WiFi Extender for your connectivity requirements. The Netgear WiFi Extenders have been one of the most widely used WiFi Range extenders and have been genuinely reliable to their connectivity and speeds. The ability to double up as an access point as well should ideally make it one of the perfect options you would want to go with.

Even though it may lack a few high-end options you may find on the professional level range extenders, you would find a few useful features. For example, like beamforming and MU- MIMO technologies found only on a few high-end devices. It should make it one of the exceptional choices.

The setup and configuration tutorial, as explained here, should ideally meet most of the queries you may have had in setting up your new WiFi Range extender.

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