Setting Up A Wireless Access Point For The 1st Time - (Expect Some Questions...)

Hardware Hub Networking
1

Well, as the title obviously states it, I’m wanting to setup a wireless access point in my home for better wifi coverage. (Specifically in the 5 GHz band.) Do expect some questions on my part considering this is something I haven’t ever done before.

I’ll be providing 2 different links. The first link was a post I made with some general questions I had at the time which goes over some of the details & a couple other questions I had.

Link #1: Re: Setting Up A Wireless Access Point For The 1st… - NETGEAR Communities

The second link is my most recent post I made on the Netgear forum that is like part 2 to my original post going over some additional details which I forgot to include & my other questions are there as well. Link #2: Wanting To Set Up A Wireless A.P. For 5 GHz WiFi - NETGEAR Communities

So yeah, I’m still waiting on a reply to the 2nd post. But if anyone here has had any experience with Netgear’s routers or access points & is able to answer my questions, I would REALLY appreciate any replies which can clear up the questions I have! :+1:

Like always, if any of you happen to need more details or just have questions for me, please ask & I will be sure to answer right back! Thanks in advance! :slight_smile:

2

1.) I learned that during the process, I might have to reset the login info for the router/wireless access point since I don’t remember it. What I’m wondering is will I need to change anything within the router/wireless access point settings since I wish to use it in AP mode?

A factory reset will erase all settings and change the device back to Router Mode. You’ll need to login and then switch back to AP mode.

2.) Are there any suitable or proper guides out there on how to setup a wireless access point? If so, I hope they’re in-depth & easy to understand.

Yes, the User Manual contains step-by-step instructions for connecting Ethernet cables, logging into the AP, and switching modes. If you get stuck along the way and have a specific question, feel free to ask. Here’s a link to the User Manual.

3.) 1 other thing I am curious about: comparing 2.4 GHz wifi to 5 GHz wifi, is there any noticeable difference in latency or not? Just curious on that one.

That’s a complicated question. In a perfect world scenario where you lived 10 miles from your nearest neighbor, your device has line of sight with the AP, and the WiFi connection is not maxed out with a download… then I’d say “no”. There would be no notable difference in the latency.

But in the real world, things like interference from neighboring APs, construction materials in your walls, signal strength, and whether you’re maxing out the channel bandwidth during a download will certainly affect latency. You’ll just have to test and see what frequency works best for you. But unless there is a compelling reason to use 2.4GHz, I would suggest using 5GHz as it provides twice the throughput.
Edit: The AP runs both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz frequencies simultaneously. If your device supports both, it will usually pick the best frequency automatically based on signal strength. And there is no harm in some devices on your network being on 2.4 and other running on 5Ghz.

P.S. - Most users on this forum (including myself) would prefer not having to visit the Netgear Forum to read your questions. In the future, just paste your questions directly into the thread to make it easier on everyone :slight_smile:

3

@Four0Four I had meant to say in my post here I might need to reset the router, but probably not the A.P. (Minor typo on my part.)

I’ll be sure to look at the manual on how to set it up. Hopefully, it’s pretty straightforward.

As far as my 3rd question regarding latency goes, I meant typically around your place of residence because who would actually try to use the 5 GHz band from more than a mile away? Surely there are some people out there who just don’t do that, because why? I should have said latency is a possible factor to consider given that I like to have my gaming sessions. Just forgot to mention that. :man_shrugging:

Also, I’m sorry about providing 2 different links & it possibly being a slight inconvenience for you to go out of your way to read those separate posts, but I just wanted to provide full details regarding this topic in general. So I assume you probably did manage to view both of them. But next time when I think of it, I’ll just ask my questions. Still, thanks for the reply! :+1: