We just got a new combo modem/router unit from Time Warner which they helped me set up easily. However, in order to get our existing Netgear wifi extender to work, I had to reset it to factory values and re-install it. It shows up as Netgear.ext and seems to work. The option to change the name and require a password is no longer available though-- formerly you did it through a Netgear wifi website which no longer exists.
The question is, since my netgear.ext runs off of the Time Warner unit which does have appropriate security, is the extender secure? I’m guessing/hoping that anyone nearby who tries to tap into the netgear.ext will be asked for the password of the Time Warner modem.
The online manuals for this two year old manual have not been updated. The option to connect via WPS buttons on each unit does not work wotj their new unit, according to Time Warner
Can you get any set up page, i.e. on http://192.168.1.1, which is the typical address.
I’d advise disabling WPS and setting it up manually if at all possible, I haven’t been following this stuff recently, but WPS used to have some security issues.
Try 192.168.0.1 also. If the device has a network cable port, try plugging a laptop (or whatever) directly into it. Open a browser and try logging into both the above addresses to see if you get a control panel interface. Sometimes wireless gear will let you do locally things it won’t allow wirelessly or remotely.
But it seems to me that if what you’ve got is a passive booster/repeater, then the signal its getting is already encrypted by your router. If you’re logging into your connection using the same pw & encryption method as the router, you should be good to go. The booster will be no more insecure than the unboosted signal already is.
I think security depends entirely on how your extender treats the connection it has. If it truly is an extender only then it just passes attempts to log in back to the router. If it actually establishes a separate zone that shows up (as yours apparently does) then it will have its own security, and you would have an open access for others unless you can set the password up.
The easiest way to find out is to get a friend with a tablet or smart phone over and have them try to access through netgear.ext. If they get in without a password request you have a problem.
If there is a problem the IP addresses others have suggested are good guesses at how to access internal setup things on the extender, but may not work.
I think your next step is looking at the Netgear website for help. If they’ve discontinued the web page they have probably put some help information out there somewhere that can guide you. Or, they may have a user forum where you will find the answer. If neither of those works they should have contact info where you can either email or contact them in other ways.