Configuring the Linksys EA8100 to Wireless Repeater mode

The Linksys EA8100 Max-Stream™ AC2600 Gigabit WiFi Router supports Wireless Repeater mode.  To know how to configure the Linksys EA8100 to Wireless Repeater mode, follow the instructions below.
 
NOTES:
  • Only one frequency band on your main router will be used for repeating the signal.
  • Both frequency bands, however, can be broadcasted for clients to connect.
  • If your main router or access point is dual-band:
    • Decide which frequency band you are going to use in Repeater mode.  You can edit the wireless settings in the Wireless widget for both frequency bands.
  • If your main router or access point is single-band:
    • Configure Repeater mode and select the 2.4 GHz frequency band on the Linksys EA8100.
    • You can customize both frequency bands’ wireless settings on the Wireless widget.
  • The Linksys EA8100 will broadcast in dual-band regardless of whether your main router or access point is single-band or dual-band.
  • You can configure the wireless settings in the Wireless widget for both frequency bands.
  • To edit or change the Repeater settings, go to Connectivity > Internet Settings tab.
  • Do not use the WAN / internet port.
  • Log in to the router's web-based setup page in Wireless Repeater mode via the IP address only.

IMPORTANT:  You need to obtain the wireless settings of the main router or access point first before proceeding.
 
Step 1:
Enter the router's IP address in your web browser’s Address bar and press [Enter].

QUICK TIP:  The default IP address of the Linksys router is 192.168.10.1.  If you have changed it, use the new IP address instead.
 
Step 2:
Log in with your administrator password.  The default password is admin.  If you changed it, use that password instead then click Sign in.

Step 3:
Click Connectivity.

 
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Step 4:
Click Internet Settings and click Edit.
 
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Step 5:
Select Wireless Repeater on the Connection Type drop-down menu.

 
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Step 6:
Enter the main router or access point’s Network name(SSID), Network band and Security Mode.

 
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NOTE:  The supported encryption methods are WPA-Personal and WPA2-Personal.

Step 7:
Enter your main network's Password in the field.

 
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Step 8:
Click Apply or Ok to save settings.  

Step 9:
On the Warning prompt, click Yes to continue.

 
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Once your Linksys EA8100 is already on Wireless Repeater mode, you will need to check on your main router or access point’s DHCP Client Table for your Linksys EA8100’s new IP address.  You will have to use this new IP address to log in to the router’s web-based setup page if you need to configure it later on.
 
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If the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router cannot find the main router or access point, you will receive the Unknown Connection Error message.  Clicking Ok will take you back to the Internet Settings tab where you left off.
 
 
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NOTE:  You will not be able to save the settings if the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router cannot find the network.  Make sure that the wireless settings of the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router are exactly the same as that of the main router or access point.

When in Wireless Repeater mode, you will only have access to the Connectivity, Troubleshooting and Wi-Fi Settings tools.
  • Connectivity – This tool allows you to edit the Wireless Repeater settings under the Internet Settings tab.
  • Troubleshooting – This tool allows you to diagnose and troubleshoot connectivity issues on your network. 
  • Wi-Fi Settings – This tool allows you to broadcast both frequency bands and customize both wireless settings on the router setup as Wireless Repeater mode.

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