Ubiquiti WIFI Extender Setup: Complete Connection Guide

What is a Ubiquiti WiFi Extender? A Ubiquiti WiFi Extender is a powerful device designed to improve your wireless network's range and performance. This complete connection guide explains what the extender does, the benefits it brings to a smart home or office, and the step-by-step setup process from unboxing to switching off the WiFi on your original router.

What is a Ubiquiti WiFi Extender?

Unlike standard routers, this extender uses advanced technology to eliminate dead zones in your home or office, ensuring consistent connectivity. It is especially useful in larger spaces where the signal from your existing modem or router struggles to reach certain areas, such as a back bedroom, an upstairs office or a patio. By acting as a bridge between your router and your devices, the Ubiquiti WiFi Extender allows for uninterrupted internet access, even in challenging environments.

In practice the Ubiquiti unit is a ceiling-mounted access point. It is fed by a data cable from your existing modem or router, and it broadcasts a new, stronger wireless signal from the centre of the building. Your phones, laptops, smart switches, cameras and other WiFi devices then connect to the Ubiquiti rather than to the router tucked away in a corner.

Benefits of using a Ubiquiti WiFi Extender

Using a Ubiquiti WiFi Extender offers several benefits, particularly for users with high internet demands.

• Far more devices. It significantly boosts the number of devices that can connect simultaneously, from about 12 to up to 300. This makes it ideal for smart homes or offices where multiple devices are constantly in use. A typical home with smart lighting, smart switches, cameras, TVs, phones and tablets can quickly exceed what a standard modem router handles well.
• Stronger signal and speed. It enhances signal strength and speed, providing a seamless experience for streaming, gaming or video conferencing.
• Dual-band support. It supports dual-band frequencies (2.4GHz and 5GHz), ensuring flexibility and compatibility with various devices. Most smart lighting products and smart switches use 2.4GHz, which travels further through walls, while laptops and phones can use the faster 5GHz band.
• Better coverage from a central position. With its central placement under the ceiling, the extender ensures optimal signal distribution throughout your space, rather than the signal having to fight its way from one end of the house to the other.

Watch the video for a hassle-free guide to connecting your Ubiquiti WiFi Extender. The steps below follow the same order.

How to connect a Ubiquiti WiFi Extender

1. Unbox the device. Remove the device from its packaging and ensure you have all the necessary components, including power adapters and cables. Ubiquiti uses P.O.E (Power Over Ethernet), which means the unit receives both power and data through the single network cable, so you will require the correct P.O.E power supply. There is no separate power lead at the ceiling.
2. Connect to power and data. Connect a data cable from the original modem or router to the P.O.E adapter, then run the data cable from the adapter to the Ubiquiti device. Ideally, place the device centrally in your home, under the ceiling. Data cables are usually run through the ceiling space, which keeps the installation tidy and puts the access point where its signal spreads evenly.
3. Prepare for installation. Before installing, take a clear picture of the barcode on the back of the Ubiquiti device, as you will need it later for app configuration. Once the unit is mounted on the ceiling the barcode is out of sight.
4. Install the Ubiquiti app. Download and open the Ubiquiti app on your phone. Select "Add Device" and scan the barcode when prompted. The app will find the unit on your network and register it.
5. Configure the device. Once added, configure the WiFi name and password for both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies.
6. Optimise device settings. If multiple devices are already connected to your existing router, use the same WiFi name and password for the Ubiquiti extender to maintain continuity. Your smart lights, switches and other devices will then reconnect automatically without needing to be set up again.
7. Disable the original WiFi. After setup, switch off the WiFi on your original modem or router to fully utilise the extender's capabilities. This stops devices from clinging to the weaker router signal and ensures everything connects through the Ubiquiti.

Practical notes

• The modem or router still does its job of connecting to the internet. Only its wireless broadcast is turned off; the cable to the Ubiquiti carries everything else.
• If a data cable needs to be run through the ceiling and terminated at a wall plate, a licensed cabler should do the work.
• Keep the photo of the barcode. If you ever reset the device or change phones you can add it again quickly.

Wrap-up

With the Ubiquiti WiFi Extender you can enjoy enhanced internet connectivity and seamless operation of your smart devices, with capacity for hundreds of connections and a strong signal in every room. Greenhse Technologies is your go-to destination for the best LED lighting products and smart home solutions in Perth. Visit the showroom at 5/1 Locke Lane, Ellenbrook WA 6069, or call (08) 9297 2969, to talk about WiFi coverage and smart lighting for your home or office.