NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.
Forum Discussion
Looking to extend my existing Wifi network
I have an existing WiFi network (my ISP router) on the second floor of my house and need better signal strength on the first floor. I have wired ethernet on both floors, so I'd like to connect the netgear access point to ethernet and extend the existing WiFi network.
My netgear model is the 6230. I have it currently setup and working fine, but it is operating as a separate wifi network and it doesn't have the ability to bridge. I can return it, so my questions are:
- Is creating a bridge the best route for me to combine WiFi networks?
- The 6230 does have an access point mode, but am I correct in thinking this would just be another way to create a second, separate network that wouldn't merge with my exsting network?
- Is there a different Netgear device I should buy to merge WiFi networks? I just got the device, so I can exchange it for something that would work better if this won't do the job.
2 Replies
bbasgen wrote:
The 6230 does have an access point mode, but am I correct in thinking this would just be another way to create a second, separate network that wouldn't merge with my exsting network?
The Access Point mode is what you want, and you can configure the network name/password to match your router.
Clients might not always roam to the 6230 though - that decision is up to the client, not the network infrastructure. The newer mesh extenders support 802.11k, which would give the clients more hints on when they should roam. But I'd try the EX6230 in AP mode first, and see how well that works for you.
Thanks for the suggestion. I've changed it to access point mode. The SSIDs are the same and signal strength is generally improved as a result. I'll have a better sense over time how the handoff works, but so far so good!
