Linksys RE2000: User Guide

RE1000

RE2000

User  Guide

Wireless-N Range Extender

Linksys

1

Introduction

Linksys Wireless-N Range Extender

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

.

Contents

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   1

How to install the range extender  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  2

How to access the browser-based utility  . . . . . . . . . .  5

Using Wi-Fi Protected Setup   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7

How to use Site Survey   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  9

Troubleshooting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10

Specifications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13

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.

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Linksys Wireless-N Range Extender

Top

Power Switch 

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 > Factory Defaults

 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.

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Linksys Wireless-N Range Extender

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.

TIP

For  best  performance,  position  the  extender  where  the  wireless 

signal of your router or access point is reliably strong (at least 60% 

strength).

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Linksys Wireless-N Range Extender

7. 

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 table-top 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.

Power connector 

(European version of extender shown)

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Linksys Wireless-N Range Extender

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 

opens. If your browser’s home or default page is blank, enter any valid 

web  address  and  the  extender’s 

User  Name  and  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 

opens. If your browser’s home or default page is blank, enter any valid 

web  address  and  the  extender’s 

User  Name  and  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.

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Linksys Wireless-N Range Extender

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 in 

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.

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Linksys Wireless-N Range Extender

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 do 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.

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Linksys Wireless-N Range Extender

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.

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Linksys Wireless-N Range Extender

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  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.

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Linksys Wireless-N Range Extender

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.

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Linksys Wireless-N Range Extender

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.

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Linksys Wireless-N Range Extender

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.

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Contents

Linksys Wireless-N Range Extender

Specifications

RE1000

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% noncondensing

Storage Humidity  

5 to 90% noncondensing

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

14

Contents

Linksys Wireless-N Range Extender

RE2000

Model Name 

Linksys RE2000

Model Description 

Dual-band Wireless-N Range Extender

Model Number 

RE2000

Standards 

IEEE 802.11a, 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  

5.4 oz (152 g)

Power  

Internal AC/DC power supply 

100-240V, 50/60Hz, 0.5A

Certification  

FCC, UL/cUL, ICES-003, RSS210, CE,  

Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11a/b/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% noncondensing

Storage Humidity  

5 to 90% noncondensing

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

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