Adding a WN3500RP to AT&T U-Verse...ugh! (ATT ATandT AT and T)

So...after a LOT of time trying to get my shiny new extender (the WN3500RP) to connect to my AT&T U-Verse network...turns out the problem was that the WPS feature (Wireless Protection Setup) was NOT EVEN TURNED ON!

I don't know if this is a system default, or the way the tech set it up, but it is touted as a great "feature" of the router, so I have no idea why this would not have been enabled when the tech-guy set it up.

To change the setup of your router:

-type "192.168.1.254" into your web browser to manage the router.

-go to "Home Network" tab

-go to "Wireless" sub-tab

-in the Wireless configuration, turn ON the WPS option (mine was off!)

-SAVE the changes!

(full disclosure: I have no idea what the PIN feature accomplishes, but I didn't mess with that.)

-I restarted the router for good measure...then sure enough...I was able to connect the WN3500RP (as well as an almost-discarded printer!) just as easily as the normal WPS feature is supposed to be! (pressing the WPS button on the device, then on the router, and in a few minutes, they're connected.)

Anywho, just wanted to share my experience/solution/nightmare so anyone who searches for a similar problem might be helped...and saved from jogging around the house hitting the same buttons over, and over, and over, and over...