NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.
Forum Discussion
Wanting To Set Up A Wireless A.P. For 5 GHz WiFi
This will technically be my 2nd post here considering it will be like a part 2 or a follow up to my previous post. *FYI- I'm unable to include the model up above since it didn't show up on the list.*
So the title pretty much states it here: I'm wanting to use the wireless access point --(It's a Netgear 4-Stream WiFi 6 Wireless Access Point WAX204.)-- to extend the 5 GHz band all the way to my room which is roughly 50 ft away on the other side of the house. I should mention that my mom's older computer has built-in WiFi cababilties, but it can only support the 2.4 GHz band & NOT 5 GHz. Which means during the setup, her pc will have to use only 2.4 GHz while my custom-pc will be on the 5 GHz band.
Given that I'm never done this before, I obviously WILL have some questions. I tried to get some answers from a Netgear support agent earlier, but that wasn't really a viable option since I can't afford a new plan at the moment anyway. Which means I have to resort to the forum/community which isn't so bad IMO. :)
1.) I learned that during the process, I might have to reset the login info for the router/wireless access point since I don't remember it. What I'm wondering is will I need to change anything within the router/wireless access point settings since I wish to use it in AP mode?
2.) Are there any suitable or proper guides out there on how to setup a wireless access point? If so, I hope they're in-depth & easy to understand.
3.) 1 other thing I am curious about: comparing 2.4 GHz wifi to 5 GHz wifi, is there any noticeable difference in latency or not? Just curious on that one.
I might have other questions either during or after the setup process. But I think for now, I'll just leave it at that & like always, I know someone here will be kind & knowledgeable enough to help me out. Of course, if any of you have questions for me, please don't hesitate to ask & I'll do my best to answer.
Thanks in advance to anyone whom can help! :)
3 Replies
Before we start investigating:: Hope you are aware that a Wireless Access Point does not make a magic wireless extender linked wirelessly to an already operational wireless router, and in general a wireless access point is connected by an Ethernet cable to the LAN/network infrastructure?
- You didn't have to tell me. Because trying to connect the A.P. to my router wirelessly wouldn't be a viable option; I would HAVE to connect the 2 of them via an ethernet cable. So, no worries. I was already well aware of that fact.
Jennings92 wrote:
You didn't have to tell me. Because trying to connect the A.P. to my router wirelessly wouldn't be a viable option; I would HAVE to connect the 2 of them via an ethernet cable. So, no worries. I was already well aware of that fact.Well, as you you wrote this...
Jennings92 wrote:
...I'm wanting to use the wireless access point ... WAX204 ... to extend the 5 GHz band all the way to my room which is roughly 50 ft away on the other side of the house.
...what shall I say? The crystal ball is out of order.
Jennings92 wrote:
I should mention that my mom's older computer has built-in WiFi cababilties, but it can only support the 2.4 GHz band & NOT 5 GHz. Which means during the setup, her pc will have to use only 2.4 GHz while my custom-pc will be on the 5 GHz band.
Nothing that stops you from configuring the WAX204 using either wireless band, permitting the older 2.4 GHz adapter can deal with the AX mode on the 2.4 GHz radio. Otherwise, you might have to disable the AX mode on 2.4 GHz (if possible, don't know from wally brain).
Jennings92 wrote:
1.) I learned that during the process, I might have to reset the login info for the router/wireless access point since I don't remember it. What I'm wondering is will I need to change anything within the router/wireless access point settings since I wish to use it in AP mode?
Crystal ball again. On one hand, we don't now anything about the current configuration. On the other hand, you might have to apply firmware updates, now and in the future. You might have to adjust the configuration, e.g. from router to AP mode. And much more. First task: Regain access to the device, worst case using a factory reset!
Jennings92 wrote:
2.) Are there any suitable or proper guides out there on how to setup a wireless access point? If so, I hope they're in-depth & easy to understand.
Change the default admin password (take notes, consider to P-touch it to the device, ...), change the mode to AP (all part of the quick stat guide), define the first wireless SSID and passphrase/wireless key to something rememberable. P-touch again ...
Jennings92 wrote:
3.) 1 other thing I am curious about: comparing 2.4 GHz wifi to 5 GHz wifi, is there any noticeable difference in latency or not? Just curious on that one.
There is no reliable constant and low latency possible on wireless, due to a shared media (the air), due to concurrent usage (even if there are some mechanisms in the protocol, but these don't work if the clients don't "see" the others, ... Last but not least, there is also non-WiFi usage on this bands, so anything can happen.
Documentation and downloads (eg. firmware) -> https://www.netgear.com/support/product/wax204.aspx
NETGEAR Academy
Boost your skills with the Netgear Academy - Get trained, certified and stay ahead with the latest Netgear technology!
Join Us!
