How to Connect to and Set Up WiFi Extender with Ethernet Port?

• WiFi Extender
• Claudia Holland
• November 23, 2023

When, on the one hand WiFi connections are taking over wired ones due to ease of access, the latter ones are not lagging because of their reliability. There is no doubt that wired connections are always more reliable than wireless ones and due to this, people generally look for a WiFi extender with Ethernet port so that they can improve the internet coverage throughout their house. Renowned brands like Linksys are known for manufacturing extenders with multiple Ethernet ports. But, how to connect to and set up a WiFi extender that comes with Ethernet ports, we will discuss in this very blog only.

Creating Connections for WiFi Extender with Ethernet Port

The Ethernet ports located on the range extender can help you connect it to various wired connection-supported devices. Such devices include WiFi routers, ISP-provided gateways (modems), various access points, and other client devices. However, the ports utilized in all these cases matter a lot. Sometimes, you have to use the LAN port of the extender whereas in some cases it is the WAN port that needs to be utilized. What are those cases, let’s find out.

When to Use the WAN Port of the Extender?

The extender’s WAN port is also known as the INTERNET port. You can easily discover it as it is marked as yellow or blue. You need to use this port when your extender itself is serving as a CLIENT or you are connecting it to a router or an ISP-provided gateway to amplify signals. In that case, you have to use the LAN ports of the router or ISP-provided gateway.

When to Use the LAN Port of the Extender?

The LAN port of the extender needs to be used when the extender itself acts as an internet provider or as an access point. It means when you are attempting to connect wired clients to the range extender, the Ethernet ports come into play. For example, if you wish TO CONNECT A LAPTOP to the range extender, it will be the LAN port that you have to use.

How to Use the WiFi Extender with Ethernet Port?

Using a WiFi range extender with Ethernet port doesn’t actually require proficiency. All you have to do is insert an Ethernet cable into the ports of your range extender and other devices. The hardwired connection will be established and you will be free to perform the desired operation. But, the WiFi extender with Ethernet port will only help you if:

• You are using an Ethernet cable with zero damage.
• The connections are created keeping the client and source in mind. It means the correct ports (LAN and WAN) ports have been utilized by you.

We are now assuming that you have learned the science behind creating connections with respect to the WiFi extender with Ethernet port. Keeping this in mind, let us have a look at the steps involved in the process of setting up a WiFi range extender with the help of an Ethernet port. For reference, we have used a Linksys extender i.e. one of the most popular WiFi range extenders in the market.

How to Set Up a WiFi Extender with Ethernet Port?

• Connect your Linksys WiFi extender (WAN port) to the router (LAN port).
• Now, you need to connect the laptop/computer (Ethernet port) to the extender (LAN port).
• Switch on the router, extender, and computer.
• Open your favorite web browser and visit extender.linksys.com.
• You might be prompted to input the extender’s credentials.
• Enter admin in the PASSWORD field and select LOG IN.

A few on-screen instructions will show up after you choose the operating mode and the network to be expanded. Follow them to set up the WiFi extender using the Ethernet port.

The Final Words

We hope that now you have complete information on how to connect to and use a WiFi extender with Ethernet port. The reason being, the blog highlighted all the major aspects related to the Ethernet ports of the range extender. You also learned when to use the LAN and WAN ports of the extender along with the steps to use them for the extender’s installation.

Now, you are completely aware of the fact that apart from the WPS method, you can set up a range extender with an Ethernet port. With the anticipation that you will use the information accordingly, we are now wrapping up the post.