Using a Setek Extender with the Linksys XAC1900: A Complete Guide

You wish to expand Linksys XAC1900 router signals. The Wifi works well in the main room but slows down or stops on the stairs or back terrace. That’s when a Setek WiFi extender may help.

The Setek’s mission is easy: it picks up the signal from your Linksys, boosts it, and sends it to places where your router can’t quite reach. But the thing is, if you don’t set it up appropriately, you’ll again end up with a similar kind of lagging connection that often drops and is just a little better than before.

This is going to be a thorough guide, from taking it out of the box to putting it in place to login in. Follow the steps carefully.

Before You Begin: Some Rules to Follow

Start with these if you want the configuration to function for a long time:

• The extender must be near the Linksys signal to function properly; it cannot replicate signals.
• Have your Linksys XAC1900 network name and password ready.
• Select a Wi-Fi name for smooth roaming or a unique name for the expanded network.

Step 1: Find the Right Place

What do people do wrong the most? Putting the extension right in the dead zone. The extension can’t reach that far either if the router can’t.

You want it to be approximately midway between the Linksys and the region you want to cover. Still in the range of a strong signal, but near enough to the issue region to make a difference.

Shelves that are high up function better than floors. Don’t plug it in behind huge metal things or appliances.

Step 2: Setting up the Setek WiFi Extender

There are two major ways: WPS and manual.

Option 1: Set Up WPS (Push Button)

1. Plug the Setek into the wall socket in the “halfway” place you choose.
2. On your Linksys XAC1900, press the WPS button.
3. Press the WPS button on the Setek in less than two minutes.
4. Wait for the LED to stay on. That signifies they are linked.

After finishing, the extender will transmit your network with “_EXT” attached.

Option 2: Independently configure 192.168.10.1

In case your router doesn’t support WPS method or if you yourself prefer manual control:

1. Plug the extender and wait for the power light to stop flashing.
2. Connect to the extender’s default network on your phone or laptop. This network is commonly called “Setek_XXXX.”
3. Enter 192.168.10.1 in your web browser’s address box.
4. Visit the Setek Wifi extender setup page. Register using the default username and password.
5. This is usually “admin” for both.
6. Pick “Repeater Mode” or anything like that.
7. From the list, choose your Linksys XAC1900 network.
8. Enter your router’s Wi-Fi password and click “Save.”

A minute after restarting the extender, the enlarged network will be up and operating.

Step 3: Connection Check

A green light doesn’t indicate it’s good.

• Go into the area that was previously dead and connect to the enlarged network.
• Test the speed. If the speed in that region is more than half of your main router’s speed, you’re fine to proceed.
• If it is still sluggish, bring the extension closer to the Linksys.

Fine-Tuning: Making the Most of It

The Linksys XAC1900 is a dual-band router, and the Setek extender can replicate networks on both the 2.4GHz (longer range) and 5GHz (higher speed) bands. You may opt to prolong one or both.

If you generally require speed in a room close by, choose 5GHz. 2.4GHz will work better if you’re going to the furthest parts of the home.

Later, logging back into the extender

You will use 192.168.10.1 again whenever you need to modify settings, such as when you change the password on the Linksys.

• Connect to the network of the extension.
• Put that IP in the browser.
• Type in your login information.

A Few Small yet Helpful Tips

• Every now and again, update the firmware on the extender. The choice is on the admin panel.
• Every month, restart both the router and the extension. It fixes little problems with connections.
• If you want a smart TV or game console to work perfectly all the time, connect an ethernet wire from the extender to that device.

The Big Picture

The Setek extender is easy to use. It’s there to fill in the gaps, not to take the place of the Linksys. If the XAC1900’s primary signal is strong and steady, the extender will provide you good coverage where you need it.

But most users have trouble with the configuration, notably the Setek Wifi extender setup via 192.168.10.1.

Final Thoughts

Putting a Setek extender with your Linksys XAC1900 is one of those things you can do once and forget about. You won’t even think about it once it’s in the right spot and hooked up properly. The Wi-Fi will function everywhere, including in the kitchen, upstairs, and maybe even on the balcony.

It’s not about speeding up your internet. It’s about getting more of the space you currently pay for to be faster.

And that’s worth a 10-minute Setek Wifi extender setup any day.

FAQs