In a NETGEAR Insight Instant Mesh WiFi network, you must use the Insight Cloud Portal
or Insight app to set up the mesh WiFi connection between the root access point and
the extender access point. That is, you cannot do so through the local browser UI of
either the root access point or the extender access point. In a network with multiple
root access points, NETGEAR Insight automatically connects the extender access point
to the root access point with the strongest WiFi signal.
Although the extender access point broadcasts the same WiFi network or networks as
the root access point, you can also set up a WiFi network on the extender access point,
which then can be broadcast by the root access point and other extender access points
in the mesh network.
The access point can broadcast on the 5 GHz band (the preferred band for the backhaul
connection) and the 2.4 GHz band. Depending on the WiFi capability of the WiFi client,
any band can provide the fronthaul connection.
Requirements for placing an extender access
point in a mesh WiFi network
The following are the requirements for placing an extender access point in an Insight
Instant Mesh WiFi network:
•
The existing WiFi network must include at least one mesh-capable access point that
runs the latest firmware version. On the root access point, use one Ethernet port for
the connection to your network.
•
The extender access point must be in factory default state. If you used the extender
access point in your network before, reset the access point to factory default settings.
•
The extender access point must be within range of the WiFi signal of a root access
point so that it can sync with the root access point. During setup, for a reliable WiFi
connection, place the extender access point less than 25 feet (7.5 m), in a line of
sight with minimal obstacles from the closest root access point.
•
You must use the NETGEAR Insight Cloud Portal or Insight app to install the extender
access point in the existing WiFi network.
The following NETGEAR access point models can function either as a root access point
or as an extender access point:
•
WAX610
•
WAX610Y (Although this model can function as an extender access point, you can
power it through PoE only.)
•
WAX615
•
WAX620
User Manual
46
Install the Access Point in an
Insight Instant Mesh WiFi
Network
Insight Managed WiFi 6 AX5400 Access Point Model WAX628
