Cisco Linksys RE1000 Wireless Range Extender User Manual

Introduction

This Getting Started guide can help you connect the extender to your network and solve common setup issues. You can find more help from our award-winning, 24/7 customer support at Linksys.com/support.

Overview

Front

This light indicates the power and the Wi-Fi Protected Setup status. After initial setup, if you have client devices, such as wireless printers, that support Wi-Fi Protected Setup, then you can use Wi-Fi Protected Setup to automatically configure wireless security for your wireless network. Power  When the extender is powered on resets to factory defaults or upgrades its firmware, the light flashes slowly (about every three seconds). When the extender is ready for use, the light is continuously lit. If there is an error, the light flashes quickly (about every second); disconnect the extender from the wall mount socket, wait two seconds, and then reconnect it. Wi-Fi Protected Setup  When the Wi-Fi Protected Setup process is active, the light flashes slowly (about every two seconds) for two minutes. When the Wi-Fi Protected Setup is successful, the light is continuously lit. If there is an error, the light flashes quickly (about every second) for two minutes; please wait and try again.

Top

Power Switch  is Featured only in the European versions of the extender.
Reset  Press and hold this button for about five seconds to reset the extender to its factory defaults. You can also restore the defaults from the Administration > FactoryDefaults screen in the extender’s browser-based utility.
Wi-Fi  Protected  Setup  Button  After initial setup, if you have client devices, such as wireless printers, that support Wi-Fi Protected Setup, then you can use Wi-Fi Protected Setup to automatically configure wireless security for your wireless network. To use Wi-Fi Protected Setup, refer to “Using Wi-Fi Protected Setup” on page 7.

Bottom

Ethernet  (green) Using Ethernet cables (also called network cables), this Ethernet port connects Ethernet network devices to your wireless network. The green light turns on when an Ethernet device is connected and active on this port. The light flashes when the extender is sending or receiving data over the Ethernet port.

How to install the range extender

1. Insert the Setup CD into a computer that is connected to the network router. You will need to be near the router or access point and have access to a networked computer.
   IMPORTANT
   Set up the extender close to the computer and router to ensure a strong wireless signal. You can move it to a different location later.
2. When the Setup utility starts, read the license terms, then click Next. You are prompted to plug your extender into an electrical outlet.
3. Connect your extender to an AC power outlet. Your extender searches for wireless networks. The list of networks is displayed.
4. Select the network to use, then click Next.
5. Type your network’s password, then click OK. – OR -If your network is hidden (your router does not broadcast its name), click My network is hidden, enter your network’s information, then click OK.
6. Click Next. Your extender is set up, and you are prompted to move the extender to its final location.
7. TIP
   For best performance, position the extender where the wireless signal of your router or access point is reliably strong (at least 60% strength).
8. Move the extender to its primary location, then click Next. Your router tests the wireless connection to your relocated extender and prompts you if it needs further adjustment.
   TIP
   You can also connect the range extender by using Wi-Fi Protected Setup. For more information, see “Using Wi-Fi Protected Setup” on page 7.

How to change the power plug configuration

You can connect the extender’s built-in power plug directly to a wall power outlet. For a desktop or tabletop setup, you can also remove the built-in plug and use an AC cable instead.

To attach the AC power plug:

1. Press the plug release latch, then slide the AC plug off the extender.
2.  Slide the clip cover into the slot that held the AC plug, then connect the AC cable to the power connector.

How to access the browser-based utility

After setting up the extender with the setup software (located on the CD), the extender will be ready for use. If you would like to change its advanced settings, use the extender’s browser-based utility.

If the extender has not been set up yet
Using a wired computer:

1. Use the included Ethernet (network) cable to connect your extender to your computer.
2. Open a web browser. If you have defined a default startup page in your browser, the extender’s User Name and Password dialog box automatically open. If your browser’s home or default page is blank, enter any valid web address and the extender’s User Name, and a Password dialog box opens.
3. Leave the User Name blank, then enter the default password admin.
4. Click OK. You are logged in to your extender’s browser-based utility.

Using a wireless computer

1. Locate the extender’s wireless network name (SSID). The extender comes with a pre-configured SSID showing as LinksysExtenderxxxxx in the wireless site survey of your computer, with xxxxx being the last five digits of your extender’s serial number.
2. Connect your computer to the extender’s wireless network. Refer to your computer’s operating system documentation or online help for instructions.
3. Open a web browser. If you have defined a default startup page in your browser, the extender’s User Name and Password dialog box automatically open. If your browser’s home or default page is blank, enter any valid web address and the extender’s User Name, and a Password dialog box opens.
4. Leave the User Name blank, then enter the default password admin.
5. Click OK. You are logged into your extender’s browser-based utility.

If the extender has already been set up

On a Microsoft Windows XP computer:
TIP
To follow these instructions, UPnP needs to be enabled in Windows XP. To enable UPnP:

1. Click Start, Control Panel, Add or Remove Program, then click Add/Remove Windows Components.
2. Select Network Services, then click Details.
3. Select UPnP User Interface, then click OK.
   1. Open Windows Explorer, then click My Network Places on the left panel. The RE1000/RE2000 icon appears on the right panel. (You might be required to change the firewall settings to allow the display of networked computers. Refer to your operating system’s help for instructions.)
   2. Double-click the RE1000/RE2000 icon. Your web browser opens and you are prompted for your User Name and Password.
   3. Leave the User Name field blank, then enter the password you created during Setup.
   4. Click OK.

On a Microsoft Windows 8, Windows 7, or Vista computer:

1. Open Windows Explorer (File Explorer in Windows 8), then click Network. The RE1000/RE2000 icon appears on the right panel. (You might be required to change the firewall settings to allow the display of networked computers. Refer to your operating system’s help for instructions.)
2. Right-click the RE1000/RE2000 icon, then click Properties. Click on the address link on the Device webpage. Your web browser opens, and you are asked for a User Name and Password.
3. Leave the User Name blank, and enter the password you have created.
4. Click OK.

On a Mac OS X computer
Every Mac computer has Bonjour networking technology, which a Mac uses to communicate with basic devices such as cell phones and iPods.

1. Open Safari, click the book icon, then click Bonjour on the left panel. The RE1000/RE2000 icon appears on the bottom right panel.
2. Double-click the RE1000/RE2000 icon. You are asked for a User Name and Password.
3. Leave the User Name blank, and enter the password you have created.
4. Click OK.

How to use the browser-based utility

If you change any settings on a screen, you must click Save Settings to apply your changes, or click Cancel Changes to clear your changes. These controls are located at the bottom of each screen. Click Help on the right side of the screen for additional information on the screen’s options.

Using Wi-Fi Protected Setup

Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ makes it easy to connect your extender to your network, then connect other devices to your network through the extender.

Wi-Fi Protected Setup light activity

• When the Wi-Fi Protected Setup process is active, the light flashes slowly. When the Wi-Fi Protected Setup is successful, the light is continuously lit.
• If there is an error, the light flashes quickly for two minutes; please wait and try again.
• Wait until the light is continuously lit before starting the next Wi-Fi Protected Setup session.

Connecting the extender to an existing access point
If your access point or router supports it, you can use Wi-Fi Protected Setup to connect the range extender to the access point or router. Choose from the setup methods below to connect the extender.

NOTE
If you have an access point or a router that does not support Wi-Fi Protected Setup, note the wireless settings, and then manually configure the extender.

Connecting with the Wi-Fi Protected Setup Button
Use this method if your router or access point has a Wi-Fi Protected Setup button.

1. Click or press the Wi-Fi Protected Setup button on the extender.
2. Click the Wi-Fi Protected Setup button on the router’s Wi-Fi Protected Setup screen (if available), OR press and hold the Wi-Fi Protected Setup button on the router for one second. When the connection is complete, the Wi-Fi Protected Setup light on the extender is continuously lit.
3. If you used the extender’s Wi-Fi Protected Setup screen, click OK in that screen within two minutes.

Connecting with the range extender’s PIN
The Wi-Fi Protected Setup PIN (Personal Identification Number) can be found on the product label of the extender. You can use this method only if your router’s administration utility has a Wi-Fi Protected Setup menu.

1. Enter the extender’s PIN into the appropriate field on the router’s Wi-Fi Protected Setup screen, then click Register.  When the connection is complete, the Wi-Fi Protected Setup light on the extender is continuously lit.
2. Click OK.

Connecting devices to your network through the extender
If you have network devices, such as wireless printers, that support Wi-Fi Protected Setup, then you can use Wi-Fi Protected Setup to connect them to your wireless network. Choose from the methods below to connect the device to your network.

NOTE
Wi-Fi Protected Setup configures only one client device at a time. Repeat the instructions for each client device that supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup.

Connecting with the Wi-Fi Protected Setup Button
Use this method if your client device has a Wi-Fi Protected Setup button.

1. Click or press the Wi-Fi Protected Setup button on the client device.
2. Click the Wi-Fi Protected Setup button on the extender’s Wi-Fi Protected Setup screen, OR press and hold the Wi-Fi Protected Setup button on the top panel of the extender for one second. When the connection is complete, the Wi-Fi Protected Setup light on the extender is continuously lit.
3. Click OK  on the  extender’s Wi-Fi Protected Setup screen within two minutes.

Connecting with the client device’s PIN
Use this method if your client device has a Wi-Fi Protected Setup PIN (Personal Identification Number).

1. Enter the PIN from the client device in the field on the extender’s Wi-Fi Protected Setup screen.
2. Click Register on the extender’s Wi-Fi Protected Setup screen. When the connection is complete, the Wi-Fi Protected Setup light on the extender is continuously lit.
3. Click OK  on the extender’s Wi-Fi Protected Setup screen within two minutes.

Connecting with the extender’s PIN
Use this method if your client device asks for the extender’s PIN.

1. On the client device, enter the PIN listed on the extender’s Wi-Fi Protected Setup screen. (It is also listed on the bottom of the extender.) When the connection is complete, the Wi-Fi Protected Setup light on the extender is continuously lit.
2. Click OK  on the extender’s Wi-Fi Protected Setup screen within two minutes.
   TIP
   If you have client devices that do not support Wi-Fi Protected Setup, note the wireless settings, and then manually configure those client devices.

How to use Site Survey

The  Site  Survey  gives  a  snapshot  of  all  neighboring  access  points  and wireless routers within range of the extender.

To open the Site Survey page

1. Log into the browser-based utility (see “How to access the browser-based utility” on page 5).
2. Click the Wireless tab, then click the Site Survey page. Select—To connect to a wireless network, click the button next to the wireless network name (SSID) in the Select column, then click Connect. SSID—Displays the name of neighboring wireless networks. GHz—Displays the radio band (in GHz) of the neighboring wireless networks. (This column is available only with the RE2000.) Signal  Strength—Displays the relative position of the neighboring APs by indicating the power of the wireless signal received: 1 bar= 20%, 2 bars=40%, 3 bars=60%, 4 bars=80%, 5 bars=100%. If no bar is displayed, the extender is located too far away from the upstream AP. Try to keep the signal strength between 60% and 100% for optimum performance. A  careful site survey will help in keeping this value within an acceptable range to benefit from optimum performance. Security—Displays the mode of security in use by the neighboring APs. If a network supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup, the Wi-Fi Protected Setup icon is also displayed.

To associate your extender with your known access point or router:

1. Make a note of the SSID and the security passphrase that your access point or wireless router is actually configured with. This information will be useful to carry on setup after the site survey is done.
2. Select the network name (SSID) that you want to repeat with your extender by clicking the corresponding button in the Select column.
3. Click Connect. You are prompted for the passphrase used to secure your wireless network. The type of security information required in this screen needs to match your access point or router’s wireless security settings.
4. Enter the passphrase, then click Save Settings. Your extender wireless parameters should be configured. The wireless interface restarts, and the extender associates with the access point or router you have chosen.

Troubleshooting

NOTE
Your RE1000 works only on the 2.4 GHz network and cannot be used on a 5 GHz network. Your RE2000 works on either a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz network.

You cannot get your extender connected
Check the position of your router and extender

• For first-time setup, you may need to place the extender closer to the router. After you’ve set up your extender, you can unplug it and move it to the final location.
• To reduce signal obstructions, you can try alternate locations for the router and extender.
• Avoid placing the router and extender near metal objects, masonry walls, and reflective surfaces such as glass or mirrors.
• Avoid placing the router and extender near other electronics that may be causing signal interference.

If you’re using Wi-Fi Protected Setup to connect

• Wait until the Wi-Fi Protected Setup indicator stops blinking before trying to make the connection again.

You cannot access your range extender
To access your range extender, you must be connected to your own network. If you currently have wireless Internet access, the problem may be that you have accidentally connected to a different wireless network. For Mac instructions, see “To fix the problem on Mac computers:” on page 12.

To fix the problem on Windows computers:

1. On your Windows desktop, right-click the wireless icon in the system tray.
2. Click View  Available  Wireless  Networks. A list of available networks appears.
3. Click your own network name, then click Connect. In the example below, the computer was connected to another wireless network named JimsRouter. The name of the correct network, BronzeEagle in this example, is shown selected.
4. If you are prompted to enter a network key, type your password (Security Key) into the Network key and Confirm network key fields, then click Connect.

Your computer connects to the network, and you should now be able to access the range extender’s browser-based utility.

To fix the problem on Mac computers

1. In the menu bar across the top of the screen, click the AirPort icon. A list of wireless networks appears. Cisco Connect has automatically assigned your network a name.
   In the example below, the computer was connected to another wireless network named JimsRouter. The name of the Linksys E-Series network, BronzeEagle in this example, is shown selected.
2. Click the wireless network name of the router your range extender is connected to.
3. Type your wireless network password (Security Key) into the Password field, then click OK.

Your computer connects to the network, and you should now be able to access the range extender’s browser-based utility.

You have intermittent connection problems
When you position your range extender, place it in a location where the signal strength can be kept between 60% and 100% for optimum performance.

Specifications

• Model Name Linksys RE1000
• Model Description Wireless-N Range Extender
• Model Number RE1000
• Standards IEEE 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.3u
• Ports Fast Ethernet, C7 connector for localized
• AC cable or clip
• Buttons Reset, Wi-Fi Protected Setup™,
• Power (European model only)
• LEDs Power/Wi-Fi Protected Setup,
• Ethernet (link, activity)
• Cabling Type CAT 5e
• Antennas 2 (internal)
• Detachable (y/n) No
• Wireless Security Wi-Fi Protected Access™ 2 (WPA2),
• Wi-Fi Protected Access™ (WPA), WEP
• Security Key Bits Up to 128-bit encryption

Environmental

• Dimensions 4.92” x 3.62” x 1.29” (125 x 92 x 33 mm)
• Weight 5.5 oz (155 g)
• Power Internal AC/DC power supply
• 100-240V, 50/60Hz, 0.5A
• Certification FCC, UL/cUL, ICES-003, RSS210, CE,
• Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b/g/n), WPA2™, WMM®,
• Wi-Fi Protected Setup™
• Operating Temperature 32 to 104°F (0 to 40°C)
• Storage Temperature -4 to 140°F (-20 to 60°C)
• Operating Humidity 10 to 80% non-condensing
• Storage Humidity 5 to 90% non-condensing

Visit linksys.com/support for award-winning 24/7 technical support Cisco, the Cisco logo, and Linksys are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the United States and other countries. A listing of Cisco’s trademarks can be found at www.cisco.com/go/trademarks. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners. © 2013 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. 3425-01650B

References

• User Manual