Netgear WN3000RP User Manual - Page 6

Universal WiFi Range Extender WN3000RP How the Extender Works The 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 Extender has two main jobs: 1. The Extender connects to a wireless network that is up and running. When the 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 Extender acts as an access point for computers. The Extender has its own wireless network called NETGEAR_EXT that wireless computers can join. In its role as an access point, the Extender performs tasks that wireless routers do, such as broadcasting its network name (SSID). The Extender must do each of these jobs so that both ends of the bridge are in place. Figure 2. Range Extender in a home When to Use Your Extender NETGEAR recommends that you connect to the Extender only when your home network connection is poor. Because data traffic routed through the 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 Extender network only when the computer is in a "dead zone" where connection from the network is very poor or non-existent. Getting Started 6