Linksys RE6500 AC1200 Dual-Band Wireless Range Extender Frequently Asked Questions

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
HARDWARE INFORMATION
 

SETUP & INSTALLATION
 
 
FIRMWARE UPGRADE
 

WIRELESS CONNECTION & SECURITY
 
1.  What wireless security modes do the Linksys RE6500 support?
2.  Which wireless connection standards and frequencies are supported by the Linksys RE6500?
3.  How do I connect a wireless device to the wireless network of the Linksys RE6500?
4.  Does the Linksys RE6500 support simultaneous dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)?
5.  What is the Auto option under SSID Broadcast?
6.  What are the Extended Wireless Settings?
7.  How do I change the Extended Wireless Settings of the Linksys RE6500?
8.  Can I connect wireless devices using the WPS button?

SPECIAL FEATURES
 
1.  What is the purpose of the audio port and how do I use it?
2.  What media players are supported by the Linksys RE6500?
3.  Can I connect multiple wireless devices to my Linksys RE6500 like my router or access point? 
4.  Does the Linksys RE6500 have the Spot Finder feature? 

TROUBLESHOOTING
 
1.  What should I do when I cannot get the Linksys RE6500 connected to the router or access point?
2.  What should I do when I cannot access the Linksys RE6500?
3.  What should I do when I experience intermittent connection issues when connected to the Linksys RE6500? 
 
HARDWARE INFORMATION

1. What is the Linksys RE6500 AC1200 Dual-Band Wireless Range Extender?
 
The Linksys RE6500 AC1200 Dual-Band Wireless Range Extender is a dual-band range extender that allows you to repeat the wireless signal of any access point or router to provide Internet connectivity in hard to reach areas.  To know more, click here.

2. What are the differences between the Linksys RE6500 and RE6500HG?

The Linksys RE6500 and RE6500HG have the exact same specifications and functions.  The only difference is that the RE6500HG is equipped with High Gain antennas.  The antennas on the RE6500 have a 3 dBi while the antennas on the RE6500HG are 5 dBi.
 
NOTE:  The Linksys RE500HG-AP is the version for APAC region.


3. What is included in the Linksys RE6500 package?

The following items are included in the Linksys RE6500 package:
  • One (1) Linksys RE6500
  • One (1) Ethernet cable
  • One (1) Power adapter
  • Two (2) detachable external antennas
  • Quick Start Guide
4. What are the parts of the Linksys RE6500?

The Linksys RE6500 has the following parts:
  • Ports – Four (4) Gigabit LAN/Ethernet ports, one (1) audio port and one (1) power adapter port
  • LEDs – Power/WPS, and Ethernet (link/activity)
  • Wi-Fi Protected Setupâ„¢ (WPS) push button
  • Reset button
  • Two (2) detachable external antennas
5.  Can I use the High Gain (HG) antennas on a regular Linksys RE6500?

Yes, you can use the HG antennas on a regular Linksys RE6500.  The antennas will still work and will still provide the same performance as the Linksys RE6500HG.

6. What does the Power/WPS LED on the Linksys RE6500 indicate?  

Power/WPS LED Status:
  • Blinking white - When the extender is powered ON, is resetting to factory defaults, upgrading its firmware or WPS connection is in process
  • Solid white - When the extender is ready to use or WPS connection is successful
  • Blinking amber for two (2) minutes - When the extender cannot establish a connection or encounters a problem
7. What is the warranty period of the Linksys RE6500?

The warranty period is dependent on the country of purchase.  For more information about your device’s warranty, click here.

8. Where can I find the Linksys RE6500’s serial number?

The serial number is printed on the sticker located underneath the device.

9. What browsers are supported by the Linksys RE6500?

The following browsers are supported by the Linksys RE6500:
  • Internet Explorer® 8 or higher
  • Safari® 5 or higher
  • Chromeâ„¢ 34.0.1847.114 or higher
  • Firefox® 8 or higher
10. Is the Linksys RE6500 compatible with non-Linksys routers?

Yes.  The Linksys RE6500 is compatible with any 802.11ac, 802.11a, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.3u non-Linksys routers.  However, in order for you to maximize the Wireless-AC speed of your Linksys RE6500, your router must also have the same Wireless-AC capability.  Get to know more about Linksys RE6500 by clicking here.

SETUP & INSTALLATION

1. What are the requirements in setting up the Linksys RE6500?

Before setting up the Linksys RE6500, you will need the following:
  • An active wireless router (knowing its wireless network name (SSID), wireless channel, wireless security mode (WPA/WPA2 Personal or WEP) and wireless network password)
  • RJ45 Ethernet networking cable (for wired setup)
  • A computer with any of the Operating Systems (OS):
    • Windows®
      • Windows Vista® SP1 and higher 
      • Windows® 7
      • Windows® 8
      • Windows® XP SP3
    • OS X®:
      • Leopard 10.5.8 or later
      • Snow Leopard 10.6.1 or later
      • Lion 10.7
      • Mountain Lion 10.8
  • A mobile device running on Androidâ„¢ or iOS
  • Internet browser (Internet Explorer® 8 or higher, Firefox® 8 or higher, Chromeâ„¢ 34.0.1847.114 or higher, or Safari® 5 or higher) 
2. How do I set up the Linksys RE6500? 

Setting up the Linksys RE6500 range extender is simple since it already has the setup software built in the web-based setup page.  It eliminates the need for a setup CD.  For detailed instructions on how to do this, click here.

3. Can I set up the Linksys RE6500 using its WPS button? 

If your main router or access point supports WPS, you can set up the RE6500 with its WPS button.  To know more about this, click here.

4. What are the default IP Address, Username and Password of the Linksys RE6500? 

The default IP Address of the Linksys RE6500 is 192.168.1.1 and the Username and Password is admin.
 
NOTE:  When the Linksys RE6500 is already connected to your router, the router will automatically assign a different IP Address to it so that an IP Address conflict will not occur.

FIRMWARE UPGRADE

 
1. How do I upgrade the firmware of the Linksys RE6500?
 
To upgrade the firmware of the Linksys RE6500, you need to access its web-based setup page.  For more detailed instructions, click here.

2. Can I use the firmware of the Linksys RE6500 for the RE6500HG?
 
Yes.  Both models are compatible with the same firmware.

WIRELESS CONNECTION & SECURITY

1. What wireless security modes do the Linksys RE6500 support? 

The Linksys RE6500 supports WEP (64-bit/128-bit), WPA-Personal, and WPA2-Personal.
 
2. Which wireless connection standards and frequencies are supported by the Linksys RE6500? 

The Linksys RE6500 supported standards are 802.11ac, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, and 802.11a.  It supports the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, at the same time the 20 MHz, 40 MHz and 80 MHz (5 GHz band only) channel widths.

3. How do I connect a wireless device to the wireless network of the Linksys RE6500? 

To connect your wireless device to the network, follow the steps below:

 
Step 1:
Go to your device settings or adapter settings if you are using a laptop and enable the Wi-Fi setting.
 
Step 2:
Scan the wireless networks in the area and select the wireless network name (SSID) of the Linksys  RE6500.
 
4. Does the Linksys RE6500 support simultaneous dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)? 

Yes.  The Linksys RE6500 supports simultaneous dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).
 
5. What is the Auto option under SSID Broadcast? 

Selecting Auto will allow the Linksys RE6500 to follow the access point or wireless router setting it's connected to.

6. What are the Extended Wireless Settings?
 
These are the settings designated for the Extended Wireless Network.  When the Linksys RE6500 is set up, it will broadcast Extended Wireless Networks for the clients to connect.  You can change the Extended Wireless Settings for the Extended Wireless Network, such as the Extended SSID.

   
You can change the Extended Wireless Settings by logging in to the setup page of the range extender.  Go to Basic Settings and untick the Make same as router settings to allow you to change the wireless settings for the Extended Network, such as the Extended SSID, password, channel width and security mode.  Then make sure that to tick the SSID Broadcast as Enabled.  For the detailed instructions on how to do this, click here.

NOTE:  By default, the Make same as router settings is enabled and the check box is ticked.

8. Can I connect wireless devices using the WPS button?

Yes, you can connect wireless devices using the WPS button.  To know how to do this, click here.

SPECIAL FEATURES
 
1. What is the purpose of the audio port and how do I use it? 

The Linksys RE6500 boasts its wireless music playback feature.  The audio port lets you connect any 3.5 mm earphone and powered speaker to it.  The Linksys RE6500 range extender allows you to stream music on your network and play it on the speakers through the audio port.
 
2. What media players are supported by the Linksys RE6500? 

The following is a list of supported media players by the Linksys RE6500:
  • Windows® users can stream music with Windows Media Player 12
  • Mac® users can stream music with proprietary software or the SofaPlay app
  • Androidâ„¢ users can stream music with MediaHouse, UPnPlay, Skifta, ArkMC, BubbleUPnP, Pixel Media, and 2Player 2.0
  • iOS devices including iPhone®, iPad® or iPod® can stream music with proprietary software or other apps such as ArkMC, Smartstor Fusion, Mconnect, and DK UPnP/DLNA
  • The extender supports MP3, FLAC, WAV, WMA and AAC file formats, as long as those formats are supported by the device and the app doing the streaming 
NOTE:  This list is subject to change when new software or mobile apps are released in the market.
 
3. Can I connect multiple wireless devices to my Linksys RE6500 like my router or access point? 

Yes, the Linksys RE6500 acts as an extension to your router or access point so you can connect multiple devices to it.
 
4. Does the Linksys RE6500 have the Spot Finder feature?

If you upgrade your Linksys RE6500 with the latest firmware, it will have the Spot Finder feature.

TROUBLESHOOTING
 
1. What should I do when I cannot get the Linksys RE6500 connected to the router or access point? 

Here are some things you can do 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, 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 cause signal interference.
  • If you’re using WPS to connect, wait until the WPS indicator stops blinking before trying to make the connection again. 
2. What should I do when I cannot access the Linksys RE6500? 

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.
 
To fix the problem on computers with Windows
® OS:
 
Step 1:
On your computer’s desktop, right-click the wireless icon located on the system tray. 
 
NOTE:  The icon might look different depending on which version of Windows
® you are running.
 
Step 2:
Select View Available Wireless Networks.
 
Step 3:
Select the SSID of your wireless network then click Connect.
 
Step 4:
Enter the wireless network password if you are prompted to do so then click Connect.
 
To fix the problem on Mac computers:

Step 1:
In the menu bar across the top of the screen, click the Wi-Fi icon.
 
Step 2:
Select the SSID of your wireless network.
 
Step 3:
Enter the wireless network password if you are prompted to do so then click OK.

If you encounter issues in connecting, click here to learn how to properly set up your Linksys RE6500.
 
3. What should I do when I experience intermittent connection issues when connected to the Linksys RE6500? 

Plug in the range extender midway between your router and the area without Wi-Fi.  Be sure you have at least 50% of your router’s Wi-Fi signal at that point on the device you used for setup.  To resolve dropping wireless connections, click here.

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