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Tsar_maximilian's avatar
Oct 02, 2025

Linking mismatch with two EX80 nighthawks

I have 2 nighthawks, one is Ethernet connected to the router and the other is linked to the connected AX6000  nighthawk via an Ethernet cable. Essentially they are daisy chained to each other.

 

The first AX6000 is setup via the nighthawk app but the other one will not let me add it to the app. It appears as”NETGEAR_EXT” and when I do the setup, I connect to WiFi called the same, run through the setup, but get to a point where the setup “cannot connect to NETGEAR_EXT”. I’m sat right next to it, it shows power light is white, WiFi light is white, 2.4 GHz light is white and the Ethernet port 1 ( where it is connected to the other AX6000) is also white. 

 

What is wrong with this ? Why can’t I get it setup up correctly ?

 

 

 

 

15 Replies

  • FURRYe38's avatar
    FURRYe38
    Guru - Experienced User

    What is the brand and model# of the main host router? 

    You have two EAX80s? 

     

    Does setting up the first extender with the host router work? Does this have a different SSID name network?

    Is the first extender running in AP mode? 

     

    What distances are in between the two extenders? 

    Size of home in sq feet please.

    • Tsar_maximilian's avatar
      Tsar_maximilian
      Aspirant

      What is the brand and model# of the main host router? - TalkTalk Wi-fi Hub

      You have two EAX80s? - I have two AX6000 nighthawks, these are linked to each other by an Ethernet cable and to the WiFi hub

       

      Does setting up the first extender with the host router work? - Yes, the first one is set up and has both 2.5GHZ and 5GHZ connection available 
      Does this have a different SSID name network? -
      It does, to understand which one I was connected to I kept the router name the same but the AX6000 that connected is called TalkTalk_Upstairs

      Is the first extender running in AP mode? - I don’t know what AP mode is so I guess no  

       

      What distances are in between the two extenders? - I don’t know the answer to this but surely Ethernet cable doesn’t require a distance ? I will guess by saying around 2000 square foot Victorian house  

      Size of home in sq feet please.

      • FURRYe38's avatar
        FURRYe38
        Guru - Experienced User

        AX6000 is a wifi speed. What is the model # of these extenders? EAX##? 

         

        If you have them ethernet connected then they have to be in AP mode. Review the user manual and setup guide on how they are connected and what modes you need to be using. 

         

         

  • plemans's avatar
    plemans
    Guru - Experienced User

    FURRYe38​ is correct. when hardwired they need to be in access point mode. Shut one off and go through its setup first (making sure to select access point mode), then once its setup, shut it off and setup the other one. I'd recommend the installation assistant over using the app for this setup. 

    Should be a pretty awesome setup with 2x of them daisy chained with a hardwired backhaul. Just keep in mind that devices will be a little more "sticky" setup in access point mode versus a traditional mesh setup. But it should still be darned quick. 

  • Thanks everyone for the help, I believe this is the fix and I have managed to get one of the EX80’s in AP mode! However the other one is stuck in bloody router mode. No matter what I do to reset. It refuses to launch in NETGEAR_EXT mode for me to set it up 

    • FURRYe38's avatar
      FURRYe38
      Guru - Experienced User

      EAX80 only has AP or Extender mode. There is no router mode. 


      Press the reset button on the other EAX80 for 15 seconds then release. Give about 2 minutes then look for the wifi signal or set it up using a wired PC.

      • Tsar_maximilian's avatar
        Tsar_maximilian
        Aspirant

        Hey! I reset the extender a million times with the instructions about, unfortunately though it goes to 'NETGEAR' and wont let me connect through wired or wireless. Im not sure too much about the wired connection step though. Mainly  because when I put the ethernet cable into the extender it refuses connection unless it is tethered to the main router. 

  • I have 2 nighthawk AX6000 seems to be stuck in a weird mode. I assumed it was a router mode but no matter what reset I do, factory reset included. When it turns on after the reset it doesnt go to the normal login format 'NETGEAR_EXT', instead it just says 'NETGEAR' and refuses to let me login. I dont understand why and it feels as if there is something wrong with the nighthawk.