n600 range extender does not communicate with devices

Question

After setup the extender is connected to my home network and the SSIDs with the _2GEXT and _5GEXT extensions to the in addtion to the main SSID are all present in my WiFi analyzer (on my Android phone). However, neither my laptop nor my phone will connect with these EXT SSIDs (still connect smoothly with the main SSID) nor will they automatically switch between the router and extender as I move from room to room.

I understand all the concepts and have setup routers, modems, switches, and bridges before. But am completely at a loss what the problem is. (So I guess I really DON'T understand the concepts involved in an extender). I could find nothing on this site directly addressing this problem.

I will be very thankful for any information sending me in the right direction.

DarrenM · Answer

Hello wiiiiindy2

&nbsp;

Have you tried to remove the extender SSID from your known networks on those devices or even try to change the SSID of the extender completely? Also when moving room to room they shouldn't automatically change you have to manually change networks.

&nbsp;

DarrenM

wiiiindy2 · Answer

Thanks DarrenM. &nbsp;If I had known I had to manually change Networks for it to work I would not have bought it. &nbsp;That make it totally useless to me as I am not going to do that while walking from room to room on an Internet phone.&nbsp;As for not using the same SSID I'll have to review the manual and quick start instructions. &nbsp;I was sure they said you could use the same SSID. &nbsp;However, the analyzer on my phone does indicate 3 different SSIDs so I am still a little confused about how it is "supposed" to work. &nbsp;&nbsp;BTW I cannot connect with either of the SSIDs created by the installation.

DarrenM · Answer

Hello Wiiiiindy2

&nbsp;

I would try to factory reset the extender and do the setup again you can do this by holding the reset button down for 10 seconds.

&nbsp;

DarrenM

wiiiindy2 · Answer

Thanks again. &nbsp;However I decided to attack via a series of planned steps starting with a power down of the extender (using the on/off button). &nbsp;Next were unplugging, factory reset-reinstall, booting the router, etc etc.&nbsp;Lo and behold, the 1st step took care of the issue. &nbsp;When it was powered back on all lights came on and it smoothly connected to my phone (after I supplied the password).&nbsp;I still wish the devices would change to the strongest signal as they moved around covered area but live and learn.&nbsp;&nbsp;

wiiiindy2 · Answer

Oh, and I mispoke in writing that it was totally useless. &nbsp; Of course most places in the house the primary SSID works ok most of the time. &nbsp; And occasionally I take the laptop to another room to work and it will come in handy for that.&nbsp;And of course I learned a lot about extenders and the current uselessness of dual band wifi.

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n600 range extender does not communicate with devices

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