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Netgear AX12 RAX120 as Access Point
I replaced the RAX120 with a R700RS router and in the past had run a Amped Wireless AC2600 wireless extender to reach the outer limits of my structure. The amped device was configured with different SSIDs from the router. Having a CAT7 cable and a GS108Ev3 in a good location, I replaced the extender with the RAX120 and used new SSIDs for that network segment. I first configured it by using the WAN port as described in the user manual. Having 1.4 gig Comcast, I could only attain 630 mbs download using Ookla Speedtest on repeated tests over a couple days. Reading an old (2016) topic in this forum named "WAN or LAN Port for Access Point", I employed what was described as an old school method. Use router mode instead of access point, shut off DHCP, enter new IP address in the LAN page, and use a LAN port, and reboot the RAX120. I also rebooted the R700RS. Running the Ookla Speedtest again, I am now getting 840-850 consistenly. This is about as good as I can expect with gigabit switches between the devices. The point I am making is that the old school method is much more efficient and as I understand it when the WAN port is used, hardware acceleration is disabled? I hope this information is useful for anyone intending to re-purpose a Netgear router.
If you can get the switch into a multi gig switch and set the RAX for AP mode and connect it up using the multi gig port on the RAX, could see higher speeds over wifi:
https://kb.netgear.com/20927/How-do-I-change-my-NETGEAR-router-to-AP-mode
I would be sure to set the RS and RAX Wi-Fi channels to far apart channels to lower any Wi-Fi interferences from each other.
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If you can get the switch into a multi gig switch and set the RAX for AP mode and connect it up using the multi gig port on the RAX, could see higher speeds over wifi:
https://kb.netgear.com/20927/How-do-I-change-my-NETGEAR-router-to-AP-mode
I would be sure to set the RS and RAX Wi-Fi channels to far apart channels to lower any Wi-Fi interferences from each other.
Good morning FURRYe38 and thanks for the tip. I returned the RAX120 to factory defaults and reconfigured the wireless parameters and set it to AP mode. I did employ static IP to make it easy to access the UI. Using the CAT7 cable, I connected the RAX120 5 gig port directly to the RS700 10 gig port. Rebooted the RS700 and all is well. My laptop connects to the RAX120 wireless network at 1201/1201 Mbps. The speeds still max around 830 Mbps and generally land in the mid 700 Mbps, but it appears real stable and what I would call real snappy in response to internet queries. The latency both up and down appear to have improved as well. I have a Apple TV4 connected to the GS108Ev3 and in running the Speedtest app consistently pulling 940 Mbps. This switch is connected now via a gigabit port on the RAX120. I intend to eliminate the switch at this location and wire the devices there directly to the RAX120
So this is a great solution so thanks again.
Glad you got it working. Be sure to save off a back up configuration to file for safe keeping. Saves time if a reset is needed.
https://kb.netgear.com/24231/How-do-I-back-up-the-router-configuration-settings-on-my-Nighthawk-router
Enjoy. 📡