Introduction
This article aims to provide a solution to a common issue encountered when setting up a Zyxel or Huawei dual-band Wi-Fi router as an extender with different SSIDs (Wi-Fi names) and private IP addresses.
Understanding the Problem
When setting up a Wi-Fi extender using a dual-band router, such as Zyxel or Huawei, the private IP addresses of the extender and the main router may be assigned automatically. However, if the SSIDs of both routers are different, the extender may not be able to obtain an IP address from the main router. As a result, the extender may be assigned a static IP address outside the main router's IP address range, causing connectivity issues.
Solution
To resolve this issue, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Identify the Private IP Addresses
First, identify the private IP addresses of both the main router and the extender. The main router's IP address is usually 192.168.X.1, where X is a number between 0 and 255. The extender's IP address may be different, such as 192.168.X.X.
Step 2: Set the Extender's IP Address Manually
Log into the extender's web interface using a web browser. The default IP address for most Zyxel and Huawei extenders is 192.168.1.2. Enter this IP address in the address bar of your web browser and press Enter. Use the default username and password (admin for both) to log in.
Once logged in, navigate to the Network settings page and change the IP address of the extender to a static IP address within the main router's IP address range, such as 192.168.X.XX (where XX is a number between 2 and 254). Save the changes and reboot the extender.
Step 3: Set the Extender's SSID to Match the Main Router
Log back into the extender's web interface and navigate to the Wireless settings page. Change the SSID (Wi-Fi name) of the extender to match that of the main router. Save the changes and reboot the extender.
By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to resolve the issue of different private IP addresses and SSIDs on a Zyxel or Huawei dual-band Wi-Fi extender. This will ensure that the extender is able to connect to the main router and provide extended Wi-Fi coverage.