Help me with WiFi

[Chevelle]

I bought a WiFi extender from Centurylink. It comes with 2 boxes. There’s one (WF-802G) that connects to power and and Ethernet cable that attaches to the modem.

Then there’s a box (WF-802GW) that you plug in to power and gives better WiFi wherever you want it.

All 3 lights are green on the base unit (802G) that’s connected to the modem as seen in the attached picture.

Only 2 lights are on and green on the wireless unit (802GW). I’m wondering if this makes sense? I’m thinking maybe, because I think that’s an Ethernet light and it’s not connected to Ethernet obviously because it’s receiving a wireless signal. Centurylink was useless.

 

[D.T.]

I think, based on what you said, and looking at the devices, the 802GW is not receiving the ethernet signal over the powerline, but it's got an active WiFi broadcasting - i.e., it's not receiving WiFi, it's available as a WiFi AP, but since it's not getting a network connection over the powerline, it's inert.

I'm assuming you can connect to it (the 802GW), but you're not getting internet access.

 

[Huntn]

I bought a WiFi extender from Centurylink. It comes with 2 boxes. There’s one (WF-802G) that connects to power and and Ethernet cable that attaches to the modem.

Then there’s a box (WF-802GW) that you plug in to power and gives better WiFi wherever you want it.

All 3 lights are green on the base unit (802G) that’s connected to the modem as seen in the attached picture.

Only 2 lights are on and green on the wireless unit (802GW). I’m wondering if this makes sense? I’m thinking maybe, because I think that’s an Ethernet light and it’s not connected to Ethernet obviously because it’s receiving a wireless signal. Centurylink was useless.

Is the wifi/ethernet going through the house/apartment electrical grid? If so, there is sometimes two boxes and a pairing button you need to press. The first box has an ethernet cable to the router. And from the second box, sometimes it matters which plug in the House to get a good connection. And from the second box, you run an ethernet cable to the computer. At least that is how mine worked until I ran an ethernet cable from the router, through the attic, to the computer.

If it is wireless from the first box to the second, the second box either transmits a WiFi signal itself, or it is relying on an ethernet cable to connect to the computer.

For a Ring device, I have a WiFi extender that is a single box that plugs into the receptical, is half way between the router and the doorbell, connects to the router wirelessly, but then strengthens/extends the WiFi signal to the Doorbell... wireless in both directions.

 

[D.T.]

If it is wireless from the first box to the second, the second box either transmits a WiFi signal itself, or it is relying on an ethernet cable to connect to the computer.

It's a wireless AP (access point) that uses a powerline as the network:

Modem/Router >> 802G >> power outlet 1 == power outlet 2 >> 802GW >> WiFi signal >> [WiFi devices]

The problem is probably the ==, i..e, the connection across the power line, that's extremely contingent on the wiring, etc.


@Chevelle

I know it might look like it's too complicated, but you'd be surprised how a little creativity will allow you to run ethernet across rooms, through different floors, etc., so if the power line option doesn't work, and you really need an AP, I bet a $50 spool of CAT6 cable, and your own AP (even a re-purposed AirPort), and you've got a strong WiFi to some other point.

I've got an ether run from our second floor to the first floor, by way of going through the floor, into the garage, around the ceiling, down, and through a wall - then into a switch, where most devices on the A/V rack are wired via ethernet, including a second AiRport Extreme being used an as AP for the 1st floor

 

[Huntn]

It's a wireless AP (access point) that uses a powerline as the network:

Modem/Router >> 802G >> power outlet 1 == power outlet 2 >> 802GW >> WiFi signal >> [WiFi devices]

The problem is probably the ==, i..e, the connection across the power line, that's extremely contingent on the wiring, etc.


@Chevelle

I know it might look like it's too complicated, but you'd be surprised how a little creativity will allow you to run ethernet across rooms, through different floors, etc., so if the power line option doesn't work, and you really need an AP, I bet a $50 spool of CAT6 cable, and your own AP (even a re-purposed AirPort), and you've got a strong WiFi to some other point.

I've got an ether run from our second floor to the first floor, by way of going through the floor, into the garage, around the ceiling, down, and through a wall - then into a switch, where most devices on the A/V rack are wired via ethernet, including a second AiRport Extreme being used an as AP for the 1st floor

I did not think it was wireless from the first box to the second, hedging my bets.
Yes, if one receptical (wall plug) does nor connect, try another. The OP made it sound like he was expecting the second box to connect wirelessly, when an ethernet cable from the second box to the computer/device is required.

 

[D.T.]

I did not think it was wireless from the first box to the second, hedging my bets.
Yes, if one receptical (wall plug) does nor connect, try another. The OP made it sound like he was expecting the second box to connect wirelessly, when an ethernet cable from the second box to the computer/device is required.

The second box provides WiFi, not an ethernet cable connection, it has to connect to the network, but instead of ethernet, it uses a powerline network connection.

 

[Huntn]

The second box provides WiFi, not an ethernet cable connection, it has to connect to the network, but instead of ethernet, it uses a powerline network connection.

Ok, that’s different than what I had.

 

[Chevelle]

@D.T. I’m actually a project manager for a low voltage contractor so I do giant AP, camera, data, network rooms, etc. lol. I have cat6 coming out of my ass.

But to clarify about this system. There’s an Ethernet cord that runs from the modem to the base unit. Then, you are supposed to plug the second unit in to an outlet in an area where you want better WiFi signal. There’s no Ethernet cable that hooks up to this unit. There’s an Ethernet output of you want but I just want better WiFi on one end of my house.

So, the base u it has all three lights lit up green. The second unit only has two that are lit up green. I’m wondering if this means it’s working properly or not. I think the light that’s missing is an Ethernet connection light, so it makes sense to me that it’s not lit up. But the instructions don’t say anything. They are very basic.

Basically, I’m not sure if it’s working or not. I’m connected to my network but I’m not sure if this second unit is actually capturing the WiFi signal and extending it. I’m thinking not because my WiFi signal drops a bar like usual when I’m in the back rooms.

 

[D.T.]

Yeah, it's the design I figured, it's a standard extender/AP, but using the power lines in the house for the physical connection between the main and remote extender, like I diagrammed above:

Modem/Router >> 802G >> power outlet 1 == power outlet 2 >> 802GW >> WiFi signal >> [WiFi devices]

You're correct about the GW indicator lights, that Ethernet light is just to show an active wired connection on that end, the Home indicator is the powerline "handshake" showing it's connecting to an active powerline (i.e., ethernet over electrical wiring).

Here's the same product, different branding:

802W WiFi Module for use in Extender Products User Manual (Host) CIG SHANGHAI .

WiFi Module for use in Extender Products User Manual (Host) details for FCC ID SFK-802W made by CIG SHANGHAI CO., LTD.. Document Includes User Manual User Manual (Host)

fccid.io

Looks like a solid green G.hn (i.e., "House" indicator), means it's on the powerline network, and communicating as expected.


I'd assume there's a unique SSID broadcasting from the extender/AP.

Just a general side note: years ago I tried some various powerline products and they were a "no go" in my house, they would connect but were super inconsistent and slow.

I'd grab some of that free CAT6 and get your own equipment

 

[Fishrrman]

Looks to me like "the middle light" is for ethernet.
If it's NOT connected to ethernet -- no light.

The bottom line:
Does everything seem to be working?