RAX40 Wifi SSID disapear when connecting extender

Hello,

I think this topic has laready discussed in another thread here: https://community.netgear.com/t5/Nighthawk-Routers-with-WiFi-6-AX/RAX40-SSID-disappear/td-p/1963851.

However, I can't add a comment to that thread so here is a new one.

I have a RAX40 with the firmware version: 1.0.3.80 (not the 1.0.3.88 with no wifi AX).

I just purchase a brand new EAX1800 extender to create a mesh network, or so I expected.

When I configure the EAX1800, the RAX40 wifi SSID becomes invisible. I still can connect to the extender's wifi (with exact same SSID), but the extender itseldf is not connected to any other wifi (the one to be extended) and when I log into the RAX40 router using a wired connection, I see that the SSID has been renamed as RAX40PSEUDO and RAW40PSEUDO-5G.

I can't change the SSID to the previous name, I click "Apply" and nothing happens.

I have AX and QOS enabled. I might disable those features.

Can anyone help ?

Ch4rlus
Apr 28, 2021
Ok so upgrading to firmware 1.0.3.88 fixed the issue.
Now I have a dump Wifi 5 router and a working extender. I'm frustrated but at least I have something working.
Next time I'll consider other manufacturers.
Thanks a lot for the support and suggestions.

13 Replies

plemans
Guru
Apr 20, 2021
did you setup the extender using wps?
If so, try factory resetting it and setting it up using the installation wizard
- Ch4rlus
  Aspirant
  Apr 20, 2021
  I did not use WPS to setup the extender.
  I tried setting up the extender with both the android nighthawk app and the mywifiext local website, reseting the extender by pressing the reset button for 7 second in between the two tentatives.
  Should I try WPS instead ?
  - plemans
    Guru
    Apr 20, 2021
    worth a shot
Razor512
Prodigy
Apr 20, 2021
I recommend setting up the extender via the web UI. It gives more control and fewer annoyances.

Beyond that, you should be able to give it the same SSID and password as the main WiFi router so that your client devices have an easier time roaming.

While you will not get all roaming assists, you will have 802.11k on both devices which should help a bit with client directed roaming.

PS most WiFi analyzer apps as well as the WiFi lists on most devices will combine APs when they share the same SSID.
- Razor512
  Prodigy
  Apr 20, 2021
  Wanted to also determine, are you still getting the issue where the SSID in the advanced page is disappearing for the main router, or is it simply that you are not seeing a separate SSID for the RAX40 after setting the extender up?
  
  Also WPS for the extenders are fairly unreliable, especially when you want to extend both bands.
  - Ch4rlus
    Aspirant
    Apr 21, 2021
    I'll check the advanced page.
    To clarify the process:
    plugin the extender
    setting up the wifi (both band) with the exact same SSID and password as the main router
    Using Nighthawk App
    Using mywifiext
    Validate
    Extender is not connected to the router (Router link LED is off). SSID (common to both router and extender) is visible but not connected to internet. Here I assume:
    it is only the extender that broadcasts that SSID
    the extender is not connected to the router
    I connect to router with a wire
    Wireless settings are changed to a RAX40PSEUDO(-5G)
    I try to change the SSID manually to the common one,
    click apply, nothing changes
    At this stage I have a wifi network with the common SSID but no internet connection on that wifi.
    The underlying reason seems to be that I'm connected to the extender only and the extended is not connected to the router because the router failed.
    The router has AX et QOS enabled, I've read that those features can be pretty buggy.
    Would you recommend to disable them (and may be switch to a newer firmware version) ?

Forum Discussion

RAX40 Wifi SSID disapear when connecting extender