You’re trying to extend your home WiFi network, but your Netgear booster or extender isn’t working. This can be frustrating, especially if you don’t know where to start troubleshooting.
There are a few common issues that can cause this problem, but luckily they’re all easy to fix with a few simple steps. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common reasons why your Netgear WiFi booster or extender isn’t working and how to fix them.
Why is My Netgear WiFi Booster Not Working?
There are a few reasons why your Netgear WiFi Booster might not be working. The most common reason is that the booster is not properly configured or it has lost connection to the main router’s WiFi network. If this is the case, you can try troubleshooting by resetting the booster and reconfiguring it.
Another reason why your Netgear WiFi Booster is not working could be due to signal interference, which could be caused by the construction of the building or other radio signals nearby.
9 Causes of Netgear WiFi booster not working
1. Mismatch between wireless routers, devices, and extenders
Mismatches between wireless routers, devices, and extenders can have several consequences when using a Netgear WiFi booster. If the settings of the wireless extender do not match the configuration of the Wi-Fi router correctly, then the extender will not connect to the router. This will prevent users from accessing the home network connection.
Also, if the extender is placed too far from the router, the connection between the two devices will be poor and unreliable. Furthermore, if there are other devices in the home that generate high levels of network traffic, then this can also interfere with the connection between the router and the extender.
External interference, such as Bluetooth devices, neighbouring wireless networks, and even 2.4 and 5GHz frequencies can also interfere with the connection. As a result, users may experience a weak or unreliable WiFi connection.
2. Lack of adequate wireless signal
The causes of inadequate wireless signal for a Netgear WiFi booster can be attributed to multiple reasons, including internet connectivity issues, the extender being out of range, the extender not being ready to accept the signal from the router, the extender not being correctly fitted in or powered correctly, the router not being able to allocate a proper IP address to the extender, the extender firmware/software being outdated, the use of multiple incompatible range extenders, loose cable connections, the extender is placed in a dead zone, the orange LED light not showing, and weak WiFi signal in the edges of the wireless network.
It is important to ensure that the directional antenna is pointed towards the ceiling of the home or office and that the extender is plugged into a location halfway between the router and the Wi-Fi dead zone after configuration. In the event that the extender fails to detect the default SSID, it is necessary to power-cycle the extender to reset the SSID.
3. Poor wireless range extender placement
Placing a wireless range extender poorly with Netgear WiFi boosters can have a range of consequences, such as poor Wi-Fi coverage, signal strength, slow internet, and even connection drops. When a WiFi extender is not properly positioned within the range of your router, the signal strength of your Wi-Fi will be significantly weakened, leading to poor coverage and slow internet speeds.
Furthermore, if the signal is weak, the connection may drop altogether, resulting in frequent disconnects. To avoid these issues, it is important to place the extender in the best possible location by using the Signal LED lights as indicators of signal strength.
Most importantly, make sure the extender is connected to a reliable power source and is avoiding any interference from other transmitters. By following these steps, you can ensure the best possible performance from your WiFi booster.
4. Poor wireless range extender settings
Poor wireless range extender settings can cause a Netgear WiFi booster not to work, as the signal strength that the range extender receives from the main router is not good enough. To make sure your range extender is in the best location, use the signal LED lights to determine the signal strength.
If the range extender is too far away from the router, the signal LED light will be red and the WiFi booster will not be able to provide a good connection. Also, if the range extender is not correctly fitted into the power outlet or the extender firmware/software is outdated, this can also affect the signal strength and cause the WiFi booster not to work.
5. Network interference
Network interference is an obstacle that prevents a wireless signal from reaching its intended destination. It can come from a range of sources, including electronic devices like a microwave, baby monitors, or Bluetooth devices. It can also come from physical objects like aluminum studs or televisions.
When interference is present, a Netgear WiFi booster may not be able to connect to the router or it may experience a drop in signal strength. To address this issue, it is important to identify the source of interference and take measures to reduce or remove it.
This could involve moving the router and booster away from interfering objects, turning off electronic devices, or using a more powerful antenna to increase the signal strength.
6. Poor wireless range extender firmware
Poor wireless range extender firmware can have a significant impact on a WiFi booster. If the firmware of the extender is outdated, the device may not support certain network features, leading it to be excluded from the network list.
Moreso, the range extender may not be able to process the signal from the router correctly, causing a lack of connectivity. If the extender is placed too far away from the router, it won’t be able to broadcast the internet signal properly. Outdated firmware can also expose the range extender to malicious code, putting all connected devices at risk.
7. Poor wireless router firmware
Poor router firmware can have a negative impact on a WiFi booster, leading to multiple issues such as a slow internet connection, reduced signal strength, and even complete disconnection from the network. Having outdated firmware can also cause certain network features to not be supported and even exclude the device from the network list.
In addition, outdated firmware can cause software bugs which can lead to further instability in the connection. All of these issues can be addressed by ensuring the router and extender are updated with the latest firmware available. By regularly updating firmware, users can rest assured that their network is secure and that their devices are running optimally.
8. Router Issues
Another possibility is that there are issues with your router. If you’re having trouble connecting to the Internet, it’s possible that your router is not configured properly. Also, there might be interference issues with your router. If you live in an apartment complex or a crowded area, there may be too much traffic on the 2.4 GHz band for your router to handle.
How to fix the Netgear WiFi booster not working problem?
Determine the problem cause
The cause of the Netgear WiFi booster not working problem is rooted in a number of possibilities including a faulty power source, an out-of-range connection, or interference from other transmitters. It is important to inspect the extender’s hardware installation to locate the source of the issue.
To prevent the issue from reoccurring, users should ensure that their extender is connected to a reliable power source and is avoiding strips or dividers. It is recommended to keep the extender and router in the same room to avoid wireless insufficiency and keep the extender away from any cordless phones, aluminum studs, televisions, or other transmitters that might be causing severe interference.
Update the Netgear firmware
Updating the Netgear firmware can help fix the WiFi booster not working problem. To do this, here are the steps you need to follow:
If you are using a Netgear range extender, you need to ensure that the Netgear range extender uses the most recent firmware. To check if your extender uses the latest firmware, you need to go to the Netgear site and put in your model number.
Once done, go to the model’s support page and check the firmware downloads. Then, download the latest firmware and update it through the steps mentioned on their support page.
Alternatively, you can use the following steps to update the firmware.
After successfully powering on the extender, make sure to power it ON. Also, check if your network is working fine by checking if the internet is correctly configured and accessible. Check if the extender LED lights are showing and the lights also need to be checked on the router.
Ensure there are no obstructions in between
Ensure that the router and extender are placed close together, with no walls or obstructions between the two. Turn off any electronic devices that may be causing interference with the signal, such as microwaves, wireless telephones, baby monitors, or Bluetooth devices.
Enable SSID and change WiFi channel
In order to enable the SSID and change the WiFi channel for the Netgear WiFi booster not working problem, you will need to follow the steps below:
Factory reset the netgear wifi booster
In case your Netgear WiFi booster is not working or even after attempting all of the solutions provided above, we strongly recommend performing a factory reset of the device. This will erase any corrupted data and reset the extender to its default settings in case they were misconfigured. Performing a factory reset is easy and only takes a few steps:
After completing the reset, the extender should be functional and should show up in the network list. If you are still having issues, please contact Netgear Support for further help.
Contact NETGEAR Support
If you are having problems with your NETGEAR WiFi booster not working, you can get help from NETGEAR’s round-the-clock premium support. You can contact them by phone and their customer support experts will be able to help you.
You can also use the NETGEAR community to find quick and easy solutions. To find the model/version number, locate the bottom or back panel of your NETGEAR device. You can also use GearHead Support for Home Users to get technical support for NETGEAR devices and all other connected devices in your home.
How do you reset a NETGEAR WiFi booster?
Resetting your NETGEAR WiFi booster can help resolve network issues and return your device back to its original settings.
Here are the step-by-step video instructions to reset your NETGEAR WiFi booster:
What is the difference between a range extender and a range booster?
A range extender and a range booster are two different types of devices used to extend the range of a wireless internet connection. A range extender connects to your existing router via either a WiFi or Ethernet connection and then “rebroadcasts” the signal, essentially providing a second router in another location.
A range booster, on the other hand, doesn’t connect directly to your router but instead amplifies the existing WiFi signal in order to cover a greater area. Range boosters are typically more effective than range extenders because they don’t require an additional connection to your router. Additionally, they can provide better signal strength, which can result in improved performance.
FAQs
What is a Netgear WiFi Booster?
Netgear WiFi Boosters also referred to as WiFi extenders, are devices that are designed to increase the range of your WiFi network. They work by receiving a signal from your router, amplifying it, and then broadcasting it to areas of your home where the signal from your router is weak or non-existent.
Most Netgear Nighthawk WiFi Boosters are dual-band, meaning they use two different frequencies to receive and transmit the signal. This helps to reduce interference from other devices on the same frequency. Additionally, many of the Netgear Nighthawk WiFi Boosters support MU-MIMO technology, which allows them to send and receive data from multiple devices simultaneously.
Finally, some of these devices support the 802.11ac protocol, which is considered to be the best protocol for routers and extenders according to the IEEE Standards Association.
What can I do if my Netgear WiFi Booster is not working?
If your Netgear WiFi booster is not working, there are a few steps you can take to try to get it back up and running. First, make sure all power cables and ethernet connections are firmly in place. You should also ensure that your router and network extender have the most current firmware update to avoid any lingering software bugs.
Additionally, it’s important to move your WiFi extender closer to your wireless router. It cannot broadcast your internet signal if it’s out of range. If the issue persists, you can try unplugging the extender and moving it to a new location halfway between your router and the area with a poor WiFi signal. If your Netgear extender is not connected to a reliable power source, you may also need to reboot your networking or other devices and reset the WiFi extender completely.
Why is My Netgear WiFi Extender Not Working?
Are you facing a “Netgear extender not working” issue? If yes, then you are not alone. Many Netgear users face this issue when their WiFi range extender stops connecting to the router. This irritating issue can be due to various reasons such as faulty or damaged hardware, weak signal strength, incorrect WiFi settings, or outdated firmware.
To resolve this issue, first, check the power source of your extender, then ensure that the antennas are connected properly, and the extender is placed within the range of the router. Also, make sure that your router and extender have the same version of firmware installed. If any of these solutions don’t help, then contact a technical expert for further assistance.
How do I know if my NETGEAR booster is working?
To check if your NETGEAR booster is working, check the Signal LED lights. The Signal LED lights should be solid, which indicates a successful connection to the router.