We’ve all been there. You are upstairs on the sofa attempting to load a film, but it just… stops. Or maybe you have that one part of the home where Wi-Fi just won’t work, like it’s allergic to you.
This is where a Wavlink WiFi extender comes in handy. The AC1200 model, which is a very robust little item, is designed to extend the range of your network without you having to purchase a new router. It’s not rocket science to set up, but it’s not one of those devices that you can simply put in and have it function. You have to do things in the proper sequence, or the device will indicate several lights.
How does Wavlink WiFi extender work?
It acts like a middleman for your Wi-Fi. The extender picks up the signal from your network and transmits it out even further. You may put it anywhere between your router and the spot where the signal begins to fade.
Plug it in and wait.
Get the extender out of the package. Plug it into a router-nearby power outlet to configure. Just keep it close to keep the signal strong while you set it up.
Plug it in and the lights flicker. Power lights normally last a few seconds. If not, use the side or back button to turn it on.
Connect to extender Wi-Fi.
On your phone, tablet, or laptop:
⦁ Go to Wi-Fi settings.
⦁ A network name will look like Wavlink-2.4G-XXXX or Wavlink-5G-XXXX.
⦁ Link to it. It should be password-free at start.
⦁ If you can’t find it, hold the reset button for 10 seconds until the lights flicker, then try again.
Go to the Wavlink WiFi extender configuration site
After you connect, open any browser and type: “wifi.wavlink.com”
Alternatively use the backup IP: “192.168.10.1”
Don’t put it in the Google search bar. Type it into the address bar at the top.
Sign in
You’ll see a site where you may log in. Most Wavlink extenders use:
⦁ User name: admin
⦁ Password: admin
Put them in. Check the label on your extender if they don’t work. Some units have their own logins.
Open the Wavlink Wifi extender setup wizard
Usually, the site goes right to the fast setup wizard. Look for “Setup” or “Repeater Mode.”
A list of nearby Wi-Fi networks appears. Select home Wi-Fi network name from the list. These new models are available for 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The Wi-Fi password must be case-sensitive, so be careful.
Incorrect steps prevent extender connection. Enter the password and click “Save” or “Next.” The extender will start over.
Put it in the proper place
A lot of people get this wrong. You can’t place the extension in the dead zone. The extension won’t be able to repeat anything if the signal is already weak there.
Instead:
⦁ Put it in the middle of your router and the weak zone.
⦁ Put it somewhere where your phone can see at least two or three bars of Wi-Fi from your primary router.
Make sure the connection is good.
After you put it in, connect to the new expanded network. At the end, it will normally have the same name as the original, but with “_EXT” or something like that.
Try it out: open a movie, download a file, and see whether it seems faster.
Wavlink AC1200 setup with WPS (much simpler if it works)
You don’t need to use the browser technique at all if your router includes a WPS button.
⦁ Near your router, plug in the extension.
⦁ Push the WPS button on your router.
⦁ Press the WPS button on the extender within 2 minutes.
⦁ Wait for the light that shows the connection to become solid.
⦁ Connect the devices and transfer the extension to its final place.
Fixing frequent issues
The setup page won’t load.
⦁ Connect to the extender’s network, not your regular Wi-Fi.
⦁ Use 192.168.10.1 instead of wifi.wavlink.com.
⦁ Disable mobile data or VPN.
The extension keeps losing its connection.
⦁ It can be too far away from the router. Bring it closer.
⦁ Look for firmware upgrades on the Wavlink website.
After setup, speeds are slow
⦁ Extenders let the router and devices share bandwidth. If you can, connect devices that need a lot of power directly to the router.
⦁ For quicker speed, choose 5GHz; for greater range, use 2.4GHz.
Positioning Recommendations
⦁ Stay away from nooks, closets, and behind huge pieces of furniture.
⦁ Leave it out in the open.
⦁ If your home has two stories, consider putting it on the landing of the stairs for equal coverage.
To finish this up
Once you know the order—plug it in, connect to it, access the setup site, join it to your router, then move it to the sweet spot—the Wavlink WiFi extender setup is easy. The AC1200 provides ample range and speed for most households, as long as you put it in the appropriate spot and don’t expect miracles in the middle of nowhere.
Once it’s up, you won’t even know it’s there. It will merely keep the Wi-Fi going in locations where your network couldn’t reach.