Wavlink AC1200: (Overview and Complete Setup Guide)

WiFi coverage can be a real problem in large homes and buildings. Dead spots where the WiFi signal struggles to reach are all too common. This is where a WiFi range extender comes in. The Wavlink AC1200 is a popular and affordable option for boosting your existing network’s coverage. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about setting up and using the Wavlink AC1200 WiFi Range Extender.

Overview of the Wavlink AC1200

The Wavlink AC1200 is a dual-band wireless range extender that supports transfer speeds up to 1167Mbps on the 5GHz band and 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. Some key features and specifications include:

• Dual-band support (2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi bands)
• 802.11ac wireless standard
• Up to 1167Mbps wireless transfer speed
• 2 detachable antennas to maximize signal range
• 4 Ethernet ports for wired device connectivity
• Wall plug design for flexible placement
• Easy setup using the WPS button or app
• LED indicators for power, WiFi, and status

The compact wall plug design allows you to install the Wavlink AC1200 discreetly in any location where you need a WiFi boost. It plugs directly into an outlet to draw power without needing an adapter.

How to Setup the Wavlink AC1200 WiFi Range Extender

There are two main ways to setup the Wavlink AC1200 extender – using the WPS button or the app. We’ll cover both methods step-by-step:

Wavlink ac1200 setup

• Connect the extender to your router using an Ethernet cable. Plug it into one of the LAN ports on the router.
• Press the WPS button on the router to enable WPS pairing mode.
• Press and hold the WPS button on the extender for 3-5 seconds until the power LED starts flashing. It will then sync with the router.
• Once synced, the power LED will stay solid. Now you can disconnect the Ethernet cable and the extender will operate wirelessly.

Extender setup

Here we are going to do Wavlink AC1200 extender setup:

• Connect the extender to your router using an Ethernet cable as above.
• Download the “Wavlink” app on your mobile device and open it.
• Select “Add a device” and select the extender model from the list.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process. The app will automatically configure the settings.
• Once configured, you can disconnect the Ethernet cable and the extender will operate wirelessly.

Manual Setup

Here we are going to do Wavlink AC1200 manual setup:

• Refer to the user manual that comes with the extender package. It provides detailed step-by-step instructions on setup.
• Connect the extender via Ethernet cable as the first step.
• Select the operating mode – extender, repeater or access point.
• Configure the wireless settings like SSID, password and security protocol.
• Configure other advanced settings if needed.
• Save and apply the settings. Disconnect Ethernet to operate wirelessly.

Repeater setup

Here we are going to do Wavlink AC1200 repeater setup:

• Place the repeater in between the router and dead zone area.
• Connect it to the router using an Ethernet cable.
• Press the WPS button on the router and within 2 minutes, press and hold the WPS button on the repeater for 3-5 seconds. It will sync automatically.
• Once synced, configure the wireless settings on the repeater like SSID, password etc to match the router’s settings.
• Save and apply. Disconnect Ethernet cable to operate in wireless repeater mode.

How to Setup with WPS Button

1. Plug the Wavlink AC1200 into an outlet near the area with poor WiFi coverage.
2. Press and hold the WPS button on the extender for 5 seconds until the LED flashes.
3. Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your router or find it in your router settings.
4. The extender LED will turn solid when the connection is established.
5. Connect your devices to the extended network name (SSID) which starts with “REP-“.

How to Setup with Wavlink App

1. Download the Wavlink app on your iOS or Android device.
2. Plug in the extender and wait for the LED to start flashing.
3. Open the app, tap “Add Device” and select your extender model.
4. The app will automatically detect the extender and connect it to your WiFi network.
5. Name the extended network and set the password (same as your main network).
6. Connect your devices to the new extended network name from the app.

Troubleshooting Tips for the Wavlink AC1200

• Check LED indicators: The LED behavior will help diagnose issues like improper placement or faulty connections.
• Reset to Defaults: In case the setup gets stuck, reset restores factory settings and clears caches/connections.
• Update Firmware: Outdated firmware can cause instability. Check for and install any new updates.
• Temporary Placement: Experiment with different locations near the dead zone to find optimal spot.
• Avoid Interference: Don’t place near appliances, cordless phones or other WiFi devices which may obstruct signals.
• Reboot Connected Devices: Sometimes glitches occur due to device firmware bugs. A reboot clears temporary issues.
• Check for Router Updates: Make sure the main router also has the latest firmware for best overall stability.
• Limit Connected Devices: Overloading the extender with too many connections affects performance. Remove unused connections.
• Contact Support: If issues persist, reach out to Wavlink support for possible hardware faults.

Optimizing your Wavlink AC1200 Setup

Here are some tips for getting the best performance from your new Wavlink AC1200 WiFi extender:

Use 5GHz Band for Speed

The 5GHz band has less interference and higher speeds but shorter range than 2.4GHz. Place the extender halfway between devices and router for best 5GHz connectivity.

Position Antennas Correctly

The dual detachable antennas boost signal range. Position them vertically for longer distance and horizontally for wider coverage area.

Reduce WiFi Interference

Avoid placing the extender near other WiFi networks, baby monitors, Bluetooth devices etc which use the same frequencies and may interfere.

Enable WMM Access Category

This feature controls network traffic for optimal speeds on competing apps like video streaming. Enable it in extender’s advanced wireless settings.

Connect Wired Devices If Possible

Wirelessly connecting dozens of devices overloads the extender. Connect game consoles, PCs, smart TVs using the Ethernet ports for lag-free connectivity.

Assign Device Priority

In the app, you can assign priority to critical devices like smart home or IP security cameras which need uninterrupted access.

Enable WPA/WPA2 Security

For best protection, make sure the extender and all connected devices use a strong WPA2 or WPA3 encryption standard in security settings.

Separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz SSID

Give them unique names to avoid issues with certain devices not connecting properly when they share an SSID and password.

Change the Wireless Channel

If you see interference, manually change the extender’s channel to one with less crosstalk in wireless analyzer apps or router settings.

FAQ About Wavlink AC1200 Setup

Q1- How do I change the extender’s SSID/network name?

You can change the SSID/network name of the extended network in the Wavlink app settings. Go to “My Devices”, select your extender, tap “Settings”, and change the value in the “Extended Network Name” field.

Q2-What is the default admin password?

The default admin password that comes pre-set on the extender is “admin”. You should change this for security after the initial setup.

Q3-How do I connect wired devices to the extender?

The Wavlink AC1200 has 4 auto-sensing Gigabit Ethernet ports on the back which you can use to connect wired devices like desktop PCs, smart TVs, and game consoles for stable connectivity. Simply plug an Ethernet cable from the device into one of the ports.

Q4-The setup is not working, what should I do?

• Make sure the extender is within range of your router but not too close which can cause interference issues.
• Try different placement spots around the problem area and check if connectivity improves.
• Reset the extender to factory defaults and repeat setup steps if issues persist.

Conclusion

Used correctly, the affordable Wavlink AC1200 has excellent coverage and speed benefits to solve WiFi dead zones in homes and offices. With proper setup and some optimization tips, it can deliver reliable wireless access to all your devices around the property. Let us know if you have any other questions!