How do I set up a Netgear WNR3500 as wireless extender with the Airport Extreme as my main router?

Question

How do I set up a Netgear WNR3500 as wireless extender with the Airport Extreme as my main router?

I just got the Airport Extreme yesterday because the Netgear couldn't hold all the computers we had on it. Now the Apple router works great, except for it is downstairs in the basement because our home computer is ancient and only connects via ethernet cord. So the Wi-Fi upstairs is only one bar on my smart phone way in the corner far from the router. I did some research and found out that the Netgear WNR3500 can be used as a wireless extender. I want to hook it up on the main floor away from the Airport where the signal is strong so it will still get great connection but will be able to transmit that same great connection a little bit farther. I just want to know how to do that.

Thank You!

AirPort Extreme 802.11n (5th Gen), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)

Posted on Jan 5, 2013 11:33 AM

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Answer 1

John Galt

Level 10

141,162 points

Jan 5, 2013 11:42 AM in response to BUSHleagueBRO

To "wirelessly extend" an AirPort network requires the use of Apple AirPort Base Stations.

You're on your own using third party products. The Netgear WNR3500 has mixed reviews at best and their customer support is unformly regarded as poor.

Read: Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring an extended wireless network (802.11n)

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Answer 2

Jan 5, 2013 11:46 AM in response to John Galt

When I went to the Airport Utility, I clicked on my Airport Extreme and there was no continue but there was an edit. I clicked that and then went to Wireless, and when it says to the check the box to allow this network to be extended there isn't a box for that.

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Answer 3

babowa

Level 9

78,103 points

Jan 5, 2013 1:55 PM in response to John Galt

The Netgear WNR3500 has mixed reviews at best and their customer support is unformly regarded as poor.

Interesting how different people have different experiences - although I never needed their tech support, so I would not have an opinion on that, this wireless router was the absolute best router I've ever had. I had to stop using it because I changed ISP's and was forced to use their modem/router combination (nothing else will work with their new V-DSL service); however, I've kept the router in case I should need to use it as an extender (which I haven't). In any case, unlike D-Link, Belkin, or Link-Sys which would at most give me one bar in my livingroom and the signal would cut out intermittently (livingroom is 50 ft from study), the Netgear showed all the bars and was steady as a rock. Configuring it with MAC filtering on their website was much easier than my current one as well.

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Answer 4

babowa

Level 9

78,103 points

Jan 5, 2013 2:03 PM in response to BUSHleagueBRO

I just looked through my WNR3500 user manual - you should be able to download it if you don't have it. Check out section 4-11. It shows using two Netgear routers, one in wireless base station mode, the other in repeater mode. Other than actually trying it with an Airport Extreme, I don't know how you'd know.

Note: one of the warnings on that page: "If you use the wireless repeating function, your options for wireless security are limited to None or WEP". That would eliminate this option for me right there.

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Answer 5

John Galt

Level 10

141,162 points

Jan 5, 2013 10:02 PM in response to BUSHleagueBRO

BUSHleagueBRO wrote:

When I went to the Airport Utility, I clicked on my Airport Extreme and there was no continue but there was an edit. I clicked that and then went to Wireless, and when it says to the check the box to allow this network to be extended there isn't a box for that.

You will not find it BUSHleagueBRO. Read my original response.

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