Linksys RE9000 Frequently Asked Questions

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
HARDWARE INFORMATION
 
 
SETUP AND INSTALLATION
 
 
FIRMWARE UPGRADE
 
 
WI-FI CONNECTION AND SECURITY
 
 
ADVANCED CONFIGURATION
 
 
TROUBLESHOOTING
 
 

HARDWARE INFORMATION

1.  What is the Linksys RE9000 Range Extender?
 
The Linksys RE9000 Range Extender is a tri-band ethernet bridge and a range extender that will give your Wi-Fi a boost and eliminate dead zones in hard-to-reach areas like your backyard, garage or bedroom. 
 
It has a dedicated backhaul feature that delivers three times faster speeds compared to dual-band range extenders.  With its technology, your Wi-Fi is sure to be delivered faster and with more efficient throughput for every connected device.  To know more about this device, click
here.  Click here to view its User Guide.


2.  What are the product features of the Linksys RE9000?
 
The Linksys RE9000 has the following product features:
  • Tri-Band extender
  • 5 GHz dedicated backhaul delivers speeds up to three times faster than dual-band extenders.  Also supports 2.4 GHz backhaul
  • N400 + AC866 + AC1733 Mbps
  • Seamless Roaming
  • Easy Setup with Spot Finder
  • Four Gigabit LAN ports
  • Beamforming Technology
  • Band Steering
  • Single Extended SSID support
  • Push-Button Connect (WPS)
  • Wireless Range Extender mode
  • Access Point mode
  • Boosts Wi-Fi range up to 10,000 sq. ft.

3.  What are the product requirements when using my Linksys RE9000?
 
The following are the Linksys RE9000’s product requirements:
  • A computer or tablet with Wi-Fi capability
  • A dual-band network (preferred)
  • For browser configuration:
    • ​Internet Explorer® 8
    • Chromeâ„¢ 25.0
    • Firefox® 20
    • Safari® 5.1 or later
4.  What is the default administrator password of the Linksys RE9000?
 
The Linksys RE9000’s default administrator password is admin.


5.  What is the default mode of the Linksys RE9000 out of the box?
 
The Linksys RE9000’s default mode out of the box is Wireless Range Extender.


6.  What are the parts of the Linksys RE9000?
 
The Linksys RE9000 has the following parts:

 
Ports:
  • Ethernet – Four 10 / 100 / 1000 RJ45 LAN ports with auto-MDIX
  • Power – For connecting the power adapter
Buttons:
  • Reset – Press and hold for 5 seconds to reset the device to factory defaults
  • Wi-Fi Protected Setupâ„¢ (WPS) button – Located on the side panel

7.  What are the contents of the Linksys RE9000 package?
 
The Linksys RE9000 package contains:
  • One Linksys RE9000 Range Extender
  • Quick Install guide
  • Power supply
  • Regulatory information
8.  Is the Linksys RE9000 wall-mountable?
 
Yes, the Linksys RE9000 can be wall mounted.


SETUP AND INSTALLATION
 

1.  How do I set up my Linksys RE9000 to Range Extender mode?
 
You can set up your Linksys RE9000 in two ways.  You can either set it up to work as a range extender or an access point.  For instructions on how you can set it up to be on Range Extender mode, click
here.


2.  How do I set up my Linksys RE9000 to Access Point mode?

You can set up your Linksys RE9000 in two ways.  You can either set it up to work as a range extender or an access point.  For instructions on how you can set it up to be on Access Point mode, click here.

3.  How do I manually set up my Linksys RE9000?
 
For instructions on how to manually set up the Linksys RE9000, click
here.


4.  How can I reset my Linksys RE9000 to factory defaults?
 
To reset the Linksys RE9000, press and hold the Reset button at the back panel for 5 seconds.  Alternatively, you can also reset the Linksys RE9000 through its web-based setup page.  This can be done through the following:


NOTE:  Once you perform this procedure, the Linksys RE9000 will reset to factory settings and all previous configuration will be erased.

 
Step 1:
Access the Linksys RE9000's web-based setup page.  For instructions, click
here.

Step 2:
Go to Administration > Factory Defaults.

Step 3:
On the page that opens, click the Restore Factory Defaults button.  Click OK and wait for the Linksys RE9000 to go through reboot process.

5.  What is the default IP address of the Linksys RE9000?
 
The default IP address of the Linksys RE9000 is 192.168.1.1.

NOTE:  The Linksys RE9000 is a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) client by default.  However, once the range extender is set up, the DHCP server disables.


6.  How can I add a client using WPS?
 
For instructions on how to set up a client using WPS, click
here.

7.  How can I access the Linksys RE9000’s web-based setup page?
 
To learn how to access the Linksys RE9000’s web-based setup page, click
here.


8.  How do I switch from Range Extender mode to Access Point mode?
 
You can switch from the Range Extender mode to Access Point mode in your Linksys RE9000’s web based setup page.  For instructions, click
here.
 

9.  How do I switch from Access Point mode to Range Extender mode? 
 
You can switch from the Access Point mode to Range Extender mode in your Linksys RE9000’s web based setup page.  For instructions, click
here.


FIRMWARE UPGRADE
 

1.  How do I upgrade the firmware of my Linksys RE9000?
 
The Linksys RE9000 has an Auto Firmware Update feature which automatically updates the device whenever there is a new firmware available.  To learn more, click
here.


WI-FI CONNECTION AND SECURITY
 

1.  Which Wi-Fi connection standards are supported by the Linksys RE9000?
 
The Linksys RE9000 supported network standards are 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11a, and 802.11ac.


2.  What is Spot Finder technology?
 
The Spot Finder technology determines the signal strength of your Linksys RE9000.  It lets you know if your Linksys RE9000 is too close or too far from your router.
 
IMPORTANT:  The Spot Finder technology is ONLY available when your Linksys RE9000 is on Range Extender mode.


3.  Does the Linksys RE9000 support Tri-Band Steering?
 
Yes, the Linksys RE9000 supports Tri-Band Steering (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz1 + 5 GHz2).  The Linksys RE9000 will steer Wi-Fi clients to the best band based on changing signal and load conditions to achieve load balancing across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, higher overall system performance and better user experience.  Since conditions, client activity, client location and mobility are constantly changing; the Linksys RE9000 will dynamically track and monitor the clients to detect when they are idle and then executes the steering decision.  After the client steer is finished, the next time steer will be after 150 seconds.


4.  What Wi-Fi security modes does my Linksys RE9000 support?
 
The Linksys RE9000 supports WPA2™ Personal and WPA2 / WPA™ Mixed Mode and WEP security modes.


5.  What is Access Point mode?
 
For better Wi-Fi speeds, connect an ethernet cable from the router to the Linksys RE9000 in the area where Wi-Fi coverage is poor.
 
Quickly and easily add Wi-Fi connectivity to any ethernet-capable device regardless of what Operating System (OS) platform the device is running.


6.  What is Range Extender mode?
 
The Range Extender mode allows you to extend your Wi-Fi without using ethernet cables.  Using both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios, the Linksys RE9000 can wirelessly extend two networks.  By default, it will detect your 5 GHz network to use as the dedicated backhaul connection.  With Cross Band technology, the extended 2.4 GHz network and the 5 GHz extended network will use the second 5 GHz radio as its backbone.  This eliminates the common pitfall of wireless range extenders by eliminating one network hop, thus enabling full throughput on the network route.

NOTE:  If your network does not support a 5 GHz Wi-Fi, you can choose the 2.4 GHz as a shared backhaul connection.


ADVANCED CONFIGURATION
 

1.  What is 802.11r?
 
802.11r is a proprietary implementation of IEEE 802.11r-2008 (Fast BSS Transition) on Linksys RE9000 to support Seamless Roaming.  When an 802.11r-compliant device such as an iPhone® roams from one Linksys RE9000 to another Linksys RE9000 or any Linksys Max-Stream™ product, the fast transition mechanism can reduce the authentication time needed for a full WPA / WPA2 Personal four-way handshake to under 100 ms.


2.  When would I need to enable the 802.11r feature on my Linksys RE9000?
 
If you have any Linksys Max-Stream wireless product in your network, enable this feature to support Fast BSS Transition for roaming from one Linksys RE9000 to another Linksys RE9000.


3.  Does the Linksys RE9000 support Seamless Roaming?
 
Yes.  Seamless Roaming allows your supported device such as an iPad® or iPhone® to roam between a supported Linksys Max-Stream device to another Linksys Max-Stream device (make sure that the latest firmware is installed with Seamless Roaming support).
 
Moving between a traditional router and range extender, your home Wi-Fi can experience lag or a dropped connection.  With its intuitive technology, Seamless Roaming allows you to move from one room to another and automatically switches your device to connect to the strongest Wi-Fi.​


4.  What are the guidelines when using Seamless Roaming on my Linksys RE9000?
 
In order for Seamless Roaming to work properly, you must configure the range extender to:
  • Work with another Linksys Max-Stream extender or router
NOTE:  You may need a firmware update to add the Seamless Roaming support.  Check your product's Release Notes for reference.
  • Have the same Wi-Fi name
  • Have the same subnet
  • Have the same Wi-Fi security settings
NOTE:  Only WPA2 or WPA2 / WPA Mixed Mode is supported.
  • The client device must also support Seamless Roaming (e.g., on Androidâ„¢ devices, the option is called Wi-Fi Roaming).  Check your device's manufacturer if this option is enabled.  Seamless Roaming works between Wi-Fi to Wi-Fi only and not 4G to Wi-Fi when using a mobile device.
5.  Does my Linksys RE9000 support MAC Filtering?
 
Yes.  If you set up Mac Filtering on your Linksys RE9000, you must also set up Mac Filtering on your existing wireless router, access point or another range extender.  Otherwise you are only allowing or preventing clients to connect to the Linksys RE9000.

 
6.  How do I configure Access Control feature of my Linksys RE9000?
 
To enable the Access Control feature (MAC Filtering) of the Linksys RE9000, follow the steps below:
 
Step 1:
Access the Linksys RE9000’s web-based setup page.  For instructions, click
here.
 
Step 2:
Go to Wireless > Access Control.
 
Step 3:
Select the Enabled radio button and click OK.
 
Step 4:
Configure the settings as needed.
 
Access Mode:
  •  Allow - Only devices on the Access Control List will have access to the Wi-Fi.
  •  Deny - Devices on the Access Control List will not have access to the Wi-Fi.
Add a Device:
 
To allow or prevent a wireless device to connect to the range extender, you can either select a wireless client or enter a MAC address.
  • Wireless Client - Displays computers and other devices currently on the Wi-Fi.  Select a client from the drop-down list and click Save.
  • MAC Address - Manually enter a MAC address and click Save.
NOTE:  After selecting either the Wireless Client or entering a MAC Address, make sure to click the Save option next to the field before clicking the Save button at the bottom.
 
Access Control List:
  • Displays all the MAC address that you have added.
  • Click Edit to update or change the MAC address of the client.  The edited MAC address will show in the MAC Address field.  If you want to remove a MAC address item from the list, click Remove.
Step 5:
Click Save once done.

 
7.  Where can I find the Band Steering option in the Linksys RE9000’s web-based setup page?
 
To locate the Band Steering option in the Linksys RE9000’s web-based setup page, follow the steps below:
 
Step 1:
Access the Linksys RE9000’s web-based setup page.  For instructions, click
here.
 
Step 2:
Go to Wireless > Basic Settings.
 
Step 3:
The Band Steering check box is found under Extended Wireless Settings section.
 
NOTE:  Leaving Band Steering ON is the recommended setting.

TROUBLESHOOTING
 

1.  My Wi-Fi is not being detected during Setup, what could be the problem?
 
By default, the Linksys RE9000 scans for the 5 GHz Wi-Fi to use as the backhaul connection for better performance.  If you do not have a 5 GHz Wi-Fi (such as a dual-band wireless router or access point), then select the Choose 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band... option instead.
  

2.  Why can’t I find the Linksys Extender Setup in my Wi-Fi list?
 
Make sure the light on the Linksys RE9000’s front panel is blinking orange.  If you still can’t see the
Linksys Extender Setup in the Wi-Fi list, move the tablet or phone that is being used for set up closer to the Linksys RE9000.  Wait for the blinking orange light and refresh the list.
 

3.  I correctly entered my Wi-Fi password during the setup.  Why does the Enter your password page still show an error?
 
The Linksys RE9000 is likely at the outside limit of the router’s signal.  The signal could be being interrupted before it reaches your router.  Move your Linksys RE9000 closer to your router.
 

4.  Why am I experiencing poor signal or slow speed on my Linksys RE9000?
 
Be sure to place your Linksys RE9000 in an ideal location, as indicated by the Spot Finder technology (In Range Extender mode).
 
NOTE:  When you move around your home, your wireless devices may not disconnect from the router until they lose Wi-Fi signal.  This may occur even if the Wi-Fi signal from the Linksys RE9000 is stronger (and vice versa).  If you are having connection issues, select the Wi-Fi with stronger signal.


5.  Does the Linksys RE9000 support DFS Channels?

No, the Linksys RE9000 does not support DFS Channels.


6.  The Linksys RE9000 is not detecting my 5 GHz network.  What could be the problem?

If you encountered this scenario, click here for troubleshooting suggestions.

7.  Can I use the Linksys RE9000 in Extender mode if I only have a 2.4 GHz network?

Yes.  Make sure your Linksys RE9000 is using the latest firmware version 1.0.01.010 (or later) which supports 2.4 GHz as your backhaul connection.  To download this, click here. 

8.  If I choose the 2.4 GHz band as my backhaul connection, will this also be a dedicated connection?

No.  The Linksys RE9000 is a tri-band extender.  Only one of the two 5 GHz radios will be used as your dedicated backhaul connection from your Linksys RE9000 to your upstream connection.  The 2.4 GHz connection will be shared between your upstream connection and your Wi-Fi clients.

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