Netgear WN2000RPT WN2000RPT User Manual (PDF) - Page 5

Universal WiFi Range Extender WN2000RPT How the Range Extender Works The range extender works like a bridge between a wireless router and a computer or wireless device outside the wireless router's range. To do this, the range extender has two main jobs: 1. The range extender connects to a wireless network that is up and running. When the range extender connects wirelessly to a network, it acts as a network client. This is similar to how a computer connects to a network. 2. The range extender acts as an access point for computers. The range extender has its own wireless network called NETGEAR_EXT that wireless computers can join. In its role as an access point, the range extender performs tasks that wireless routers do, such as broadcasting its network name (SSID). The range extender must do each of these jobs so that both ends of the bridge are in place. Computer outside the router's range Extender Router The Extender is halfway between the router and the computer. Figure 2. Range Extender in a home Router When to Use Your Range Extender NETGEAR recommends that you connect to the range extender only when your home network connection is poor. Because data traffic routed through the range extender is inherently slower than traffic routed directly from the network, the computer should stay on the network if the connection is good enough. NETGEAR recommends that you connect through the range extender network only when the computer is in a "dead zone" where connection from the network is very poor or non-existent. Chapter 1. Getting Started | 5