Question Extender not connecting to IPv4 sites

[graci117]

I got an extender to extend my hotspot signal. i know nothing about networking, but when I read online it says it has to do with dhcp or ip address. When I directly connect to the hotspot I can see all sites, however when I connect through the extender I see only IPv6 sites. Some of the sites that don't load are whop,com, tomshardware.com, reddit.com and many more, I also have my ISP with the router, when I connect the extender with the router all sites work, however, it is just the hotspot service that blocks all the Ipv4 sites. What can I try?

 

[Tech Junky]

Put the extender in AP mode and disable DHCP. It's likely trying to be a router by default

 

[JackMDS]

May be you can share with us the exact name and model of the "Extender" and how it configured to connects to the main Router.

 

[graci117]

Put the extender in AP mode and disable DHCP. It's likely trying to be a router by default

I will try that once I get home. Thanks!!

 

[Tech Junky]

I will try that once I get home. Thanks!!

9/10 times this is the issue with new extenders or additional WIFI nodes. The MFG figure they're special and leave the default as DHCP / NAT on for each one and they're typically an odd subnet that doesn't talk to yours properly. Usually they work just fine but, in some cases it causes what you're seeing.

 

[graci117]

It is TP-link RE330. I am not connecting it to the router. I am connecting it to a hotspot service

9/10 times this is the issue with new extenders or additional WIFI nodes. The MFG figure they're special and leave the default as DHCP / NAT on for each one and they're typically an odd subnet that doesn't talk to yours properly. Usually they work just fine but, in some cases it causes what you're seeing.

I have no clue what Access point does, but I did as you suggested. Now I see the extender name under my wifi but there is no connection. I can't even connect to the extender web management page anymore. I can reset but not sure what I missed.

 

[Tech Junky]

Putting it in AP mode makes it work though right? Management is what causes the issues. I would configure it with the same SSID as your main connection so you switch over when it sees the stronger signal.

Without knowing the brand and model it's hard to tell you more. Reset it if you can't get out to the Internet and with the manual we should be able to figure it out

 

[JackMDS]

Hot Spot is a General Term, what exactly (in technical term) is an Hot Spot?

As an example, if the Hotspot is an iPhone the it can not use it.

 

[mxnerd]

Looks like the hotspot OP talked about was smartphone hotspot or mobile hotspot devices from AT&T, Verizon or T-Mobile.

OP should reveal what kind of hotspot (service) device & model so someone here probably can help.

==

AP mode means it's wired between extender and uplink device (could be switch, router, phone company wireless hotspot devices with ethernet port)

Opening...

emulator.tp-link.com

 

[graci117]

Looks like the hotspot OP talked about was smartphone hotspot or mobile hotspot devices from AT&T, Verizon or T-Mobile.

OP should reveal what kind of hotspot (service) device & model so someone here probably can help.

==

AP mode means it's wired between extender and uplink device (could be switch, router, phone company wireless hotspot devices with ethernet port)

Opening...

emulator.tp-link.com

View attachment 86504

Thanks everyone for your help. My extender is TP Link RE330. The hotspot i am connecting to xfinity hotspot. When I connect at Access point I don’t see an option to connect to any wifi . I am sure I am doing something wrong.

 

[mxnerd]

I don't get it.

Are you talking about Xfinity Wifi hotspot that's supposed to be accessed outside of your home but you want to connect it using TP-Link RE330 at home wirelessly then share with other wifi devices?

On the other hand, AP mode only uplink to your (wifi) router with wired ethernet cable. In AP mode you don't connect RE330 to any other devices (including WiFi router or any hotspot wirelessly), so you don't have any SSID to connect to. In AP mode, RE330 has its own SSID (can be set as same or different from existing wifi router's SSID) that other wifi devices can connect.

 

[graci117]

I don't get it.

Are you talking about Xfinity Wifi hotspot that's supposed to be accessed outside of your home but you want to connect it using TP-Link RE330 at home wirelessly then share with other wifi devices?

On the other hand, AP mode only uplink to your (wifi) router with wired ethernet cable. In AP mode you don't connect RE330 to any other devices (including WiFi router or any hotspot wirelessly), so you don't have any SSID to connect to. In AP mode, RE330 has its own SSID (can be set as same or different from existing wifi router's SSID) that other wifi devices can connect.

View attachment 86505

Thanks! What if I don't have ethernet to connect to? You are right about the xfinity wifi.

Can I use a public WiFi hotspot for my home internet?

Xfinity offers a variety of internet options to help you decide based on your needs — including Xfinity WiFi pass and Xfinity Internet, among others.

www.xfinity.com

 

[JackMDS]

May be this can Help

Can you use a Wi-Fi extender on Xfinity hotspot? - Techprojournal

Yes, you can use most Wi-Fi extenders on Xfinity hotspots, as long as they are compatible with the system. For the best results though, the xFi pod mesh setup is the best extender to use

techprojournal.com

 

[graci117]

May be this can Help

Can you use a Wi-Fi extender on Xfinity hotspot? - Techprojournal

Yes, you can use most Wi-Fi extenders on Xfinity hotspots, as long as they are compatible with the system. For the best results though, the xFi pod mesh setup is the best extender to use

techprojournal.com

Thanks! I will try it, however I was wondering if there was anyway or any configuration that I could change to get the extender to work. It boosts the signal significantly.

 

[mxnerd]

The AP mode seems already working for RE330 extender, exactly what do you want to achieve? And are you Xfinity customer at home and using their wifi router/gateway or you have different ISP?

Why do you still try to connect to public Xfinity wifi hotspot outside of your house using RE330 range extender mode? Are you trying to use it as emergency backup and wonder if it works? Do you live nearby those public wifi hotspot? It doesn't make sense at all.

Public Xfinity wifi hotspot service is intended for people who use the service that's nearby and is using their smartphone/tablet/laptop to have internet service. Doesn't your smartphone have it's own data plan?

By the way, usually people don't call gateway/router/AP wifi signal as hotspot. Please use the term properly. It seems you are mixing it up and that will confuse people here.

 

[graci117]

The AP mode seems already working for RE330 extender, exactly what do you want to achieve? And are you Xfinity customer at home and using their wifi router/gateway or you have different ISP?

Why do you still try to connect to public Xfinity wifi hotspot outside of your house using RE330 range extender mode? Are you trying to use it as emergency backup and wonder if it works? Do you live nearby those public wifi hotspot? It doesn't make sense at all.

Public Xfinity wifi hotspot service is intended for people who use the service that's nearby and is using their smartphone/tablet/laptop to have internet service. Doesn't your smartphone have it's own data plan?

By the way, usually people don't call gateway/router/AP wifi signal as hotspot. Please use the term properly. It seems you are mixing it up and that will confuse people here.

This is for my work. Most sites including gmail are blocked at work. My phone does not get a good signal also. I apologize if I am not using the term correctly. Xfinity on their website calls it hotspot so I referred to it that way. I buy the xfinity now wifi (hotspot service) that I get at work but the signal is very weak. I tried to use the extender and it really sped up the internet but unfortunately now it cannot connect to IPv4 sites. I brought the extender home where I have my ISP and xfinity hotpot and confirmed that when I connect to my home router wifi, the extender works fine. However, when I connect to xfinity hotspot even from home, I cannot connect to IPv4 sites.
I again apologize if I am still not using the terms correctly. I am trying to explain the best I can.

 

[mxnerd]

Public wifi hotspot signal no matter it's AT&T, T-Mobile or Xfinity, etc is always weak. You have to be nearby or have line of sight. Soap box size wifi extender with internal antennas won't cut it.

You will need at least WISP ( Wireless Internet Service Provider) router which has wireless WAN capability, and put it near a window.

Amazon.com : wifi router with wisp mode

==

or maybe something like (not sure)

https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-CPE210-300Mbps-dual-polarized-directional/dp/B00P4JKQGK

Amazon.com: TP-Link 5GHz N300 Long Range Outdoor CPE for PtP and PtMP Transmission | Point to Point Wireless Bridge | 13dBi, 15km+ | Passive PoE Powered w/ Free PoE Injector | Pharos Control (CPE510) White: Computers & Accessories

Buy TP-Link 5GHz N300 Long Range Outdoor CPE for PtP and PtMP Transmission | Point to Point Wireless Bridge | 13dBi, 15km+ | Passive PoE Powered w/ Free PoE Injector | Pharos Control (CPE510) White: Electronics - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

both have AP/ client/ AP router/ AP client router (WISP) operation modes

Longer distance. However, these are directional.
=

Even if above products work (will connect to hotspot properly), don't know if they will solve IPv6/Ipv4 issues.

or

Amazon.com : 4g 5g signal booster

for your smartphone

No experience with any of the above products. Contact the vendors to verify they will work for your situation.

All of the above devices should be placed near a window.

 

[graci117]

Public wifi hotspot signal no matter it's AT&T, T-Mobile or Xfinity, etc is always weak. You have to be nearby or have line of sight. Soap box size wifi extender with internal antennas won't cut it.

You will need at least WISP ( Wireless Internet Service Provider) router which has wireless WAN capability, and put it near a window.

Amazon.com : wifi router with wisp mode

==

or maybe something like (not sure)

https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-CPE210-300Mbps-dual-polarized-directional/dp/B00P4JKQGK

Amazon.com: TP-Link 5GHz N300 Long Range Outdoor CPE for PtP and PtMP Transmission | Point to Point Wireless Bridge | 13dBi, 15km+ | Passive PoE Powered w/ Free PoE Injector | Pharos Control (CPE510) White: Computers & Accessories

Buy TP-Link 5GHz N300 Long Range Outdoor CPE for PtP and PtMP Transmission | Point to Point Wireless Bridge | 13dBi, 15km+ | Passive PoE Powered w/ Free PoE Injector | Pharos Control (CPE510) White: Electronics - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

both have AP/ client/ AP router/ AP client router (WISP) operation modes

Longer distance. However, these are directional.
=

Even if above products work (will connect to hotspot properly), don't know if they will solve IPv6/Ipv4 issues.

or

Amazon.com : 4g 5g signal booster

for your smartphone

No experience with any of the above products. Contact the vendors to verify they will work for your situation.

All of the above devices should be placed near a window.

Thanks so much! This is very helpful! Do you know if these routers boost the speed?

 

[mxnerd]

Thanks so much! This is very helpful! Do you know if these routers boost the speed?

Don't know, but they should. Just make sure you can return them if it doesn't work.

By the way, I wonder whether IPv6/IPv4 issue has something to do with DNS. I will use any public DNS to replace ISP DNS in router configuration.

Some common public DNS list :

public DNS list - Google Suche

like
1.1.1.1 cloudflare
8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4 google
9.9.9.9 quad9

 

[Fallen Kell]

You might also want to verify that your work is ok with this. Most places have a policy for network devices in the workplace, some including such provisions as violations being a fireable offense. Work may allow your phone, etc., to be used with other devices within the office, but also require you to use the office's local network for internet access so as to fight off possible infections from viruses and intrusion points. Introducing a wifi extender for a private/public wifi network that is not being monitored and controlled by your work's network team may very well be in violation of your local network security policy and you might even be fired for it and possibly sued for damages if a breach occurs (and trust me, the damages are a LOT higher than you think as they will add all the labor hours security and system administrator teams spend diagnosing and scanning the entire network to make sure they contained any issue, the time it takes for them to fix any affected system, the lost productivity for all the affected systems, and the time lawyers spent on the incident as well, which usually means several hundred hours of labor across people that are making between $50-200 an hour, plus the lost business productivity....).

 

[graci117]

You might also want to verify that your work is ok with this. Most places have a policy for network devices in the workplace, some including such provisions as violations being a fireable offense. Work may allow your phone, etc., to be used with other devices within the office, but also require you to use the office's local network for internet access so as to fight off possible infections from viruses and intrusion points. Introducing a wifi extender for a private/public wifi network that is not being monitored and controlled by your work's network team may very well be in violation of your local network security policy and you might even be fired for it and possibly sued for damages if a breach occurs (and trust me, the damages are a LOT higher than you think as they will add all the labor hours security and system administrator teams spend diagnosing and scanning the entire network to make sure they contained any issue, the time it takes for them to fix any affected system, the lost productivity for all the affected systems, and the time lawyers spent on the incident as well, which usually means several hundred hours of labor across people that are making between $50-200 an hour, plus the lost business productivity....).

I did check with my work people and they were okay with it. Thanks so much though!!

 

[graci117]

Don't know, but they should. Just make sure you can return them if it doesn't work.

By the way, I wonder whether IPv6/IPv4 issue has something to do with DNS. I will use any public DNS to replace ISP DNS in router configuration.

Some common public DNS list :

public DNS list - Google Suche

like
1.1.1.1 cloudflare
8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4 google
9.9.9.9 quad9

I had tried the Google DNS and it still does not work.