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Dreamcazman's avatar
Dreamcazman
Guide
Apr 26, 2023

Utilizing an old router as a Wifi extender

Hi all, I recently upgraded our main router with a Nighthawk XR1000 from an R7000.

We have an Android streaming box in the lounge room at the other end of the house and for the most part it works fine, but occasionally the signal drops and the video cuts out. Without having to buy extra equipment, I'd like to use the old R7000 as a Wi-Fi repeater or extender to provide a bit better coverage.

Before anyone asks, it's not possible to relocate the main router or run cables as it's not my house. I've also tried ethernet over power adapters, but they have their own set of problems...

I've found this guide which I've attempted, but for some reason the XR1000 doesn't have the Router/AP/Bridge/Repeating Mode option at all! It doesn't seem to exist so I don't know how or if I can set up the routers this way.

https://kb.netgear.com/24108/How-do-I-enable-the-extender-mode-feature-on-my-Nighthawk-router

Any other suggestions?

3 Replies

  • Dreamcazman's avatar
    Dreamcazman
    Guide
    Apr 26, 2023

    Just a quick update, I played around with the different settings and I got the R7000 working as a bridge, but that involves having devices (ie the Android box) connected via ethernet. This is workable but not ideal, I would really like to have everything wireless.

    • plemans's avatar
      plemans
      Guru - Experienced User
      Apr 26, 2023

      You shouldn't really be needing to change anything with the XR1000 but with the R7000. 

      You want repeater/extender mode. Sadly, I think that feature was removed in one of the firmware versions. (not sure which one)

      So you could either downgrade the version or experiment with 3rd party firmware (there's a ton for the r7000) to get that repeater/extender mode back. 

      • Dreamcazman's avatar
        Dreamcazman
        Guide
        Apr 27, 2023

        Thanks, the R7000 has a repeater mode but couldn't get it working with the XR1000. Also found out that apparently you have to disable any and all wifi security to get this working, which is not ideal for obvious reasons.

         

        I ended up resorting to using the Tomato CFW and I was then able to set this up and seems to be working ok (still early days).

        Unless someone can suggest a different solution using OFW, I'll leave it as-is.