EDiMAX

 (I.)  Check Your Router First 

Before you start the setup of EW-7438AC Extender, you have to check what your router can and can't do.

1. Is it a dual-band (2.4GHz & 5GHz) or single-band (2.4GHz only) router?
   Answer:  For a single-band router, you have to disable the 5GHz radio during setup.  By default, it is enabled.  Also, you have to also disable the Enable Cross Band function.  Otherwise, the setup couldn't be done correctly and the unit is not to function properly.
2. Are you using the same SSID (a.k.a. Network Name) for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies?
   Answer:  It is highly recommended to use a different SSID for both radios.  You may still be OK with the same SSID for two(2) radios.  If you encounter any problem(s), separate them.
3. Does your router support DFS Channels for 5GHz and what is the current Channel setting?
   Answer:  EW-7438AC doesn't support DFS Channels, which are Channel numbers between 52 and 140.  Make sure your router is not using those Channels.  By default, most of the manufacturers use "Auto" for Channel setting.  A DFS supported router may use those Channel automatically from time to time depending on the auto update interval.  Therefore, changing to a fixed one, like 36 or 149 will help to avoid this to be happened and help to maintain a stable connectivity between the router and EW-7438AC.

 (II.)  Reset Back To Factory Defaults 

Please note that resetting the unit back to factory defaults will erase all your existing settings in it.  That means you have to re-do the setup the setup one more time.  Here's the steps to reset the unit.

• Plugin the unit to the power source and wait for about 30~45 seconds for it to finish booting up.
• Locate the WPS button.
• While the unit is powered ON, press and hold the WPS button for at least 20 seconds.
• Then, release it and wait for another 30~45 seconds for it to finish booting up.
• When finished, the unit should be using factory default settings and you have the following LEDs status:
  5G --> blinking blue
  2.4G --> blinking blue
  

   --> solid white

• If your LEDs status is different, please remove it from the power and wait for about 10 seconds.  Then, plug it back and repeat the steps above again.

 (III.)  Setup 

A wireless device with a web browser is needed to do the setup.  If you're using Windows 10, try not to use the default Edge browser.  The steps below are assuming you're using a laptop computer running Windows platform Operating System.

It is highly recommended you put the extender at the same area or very close to your main router.  After finished the setup and tested, you can then re-locate the unit to the location where you want it to be.

• From your computer, search for a WiFi network named "EdimaxEXT.Setup **" or "EdiamxEXT.Setup5G **" without the quotes where ** are the last two(2) hexadecimal numbers or your unit's MAC address.
• Once found, connect to it (it is an open network, i.e. no Security Key required.)
• Then, open a browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, or Safari.)
• At the URL Address bar (not Search bar), type in "http://edimaxext.setup" without the quotes.
• If everything is right, you should be at the Get Started page.
• Click the Get Started button to start the setup process.
• On the Change Mode page, select the operating mode — Wi-Fi Extender, Access Point, or Wi-Fi Bridge.
• On the next page, it just gives you an idea on where to put the equipment.  You don't need to move anything now.  Simply click the Next button to go to the next page.
• On the Frequency Selection page, you have to select which frequency to enable or disable based on (I.)1. above.  By default, both frequencies (2.4GHz & 5GHz) are enabled.  When finished the selection, click the Next button to continue.
• On the Cross Band page, you need to determine whether you want use Cross Band technology or not based on (I.)1. above and your preference.  By default, it is enabled.  If you don't know what Cross Band technology is, simply disable it, i.e. uncheck the box.  When finished, click the Next button to continue.
• The next page is 2.4GHz Wireless Site Survey.  From the table, select the your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network by clicking the little circle (○) in the front.  Please make sure the Signal percentage is at least 40%.
• Then, you will be asking to input Security Key (a.k.a. Network Password.)  Please input the exact same password from the main router.  The Device SSID is the name for the extender.  Please try to use a unique name for the 2.4GHz frequency.  When done, click the Next button to continue.
• It should be doing Testing wireless connection.  It is trying to verify the input key and getting IP address from the router.
• When completed, you need to select what IP address to use — automatic (default and recommended) or manual.  Unless you know what you're doing, please try to use the default.  Click the Next button to continue.
• The next page is 5GHz Wireless Site Survey.  From the table, select the your 5GHz Wi-Fi network by clicking the little circle (○) in the front.  Please make sure the Signal percentage is at least 40%.
• Then, you will be asking to input Security Key (a.k.a. Network Password.)  Please input the exact same password from the main router.  The Device SSID is the name for the extender.  Please try to use a unique name for the 5GHz frequency.  When done, click the Next button to continue.
• It should be doing Testing wireless connection.  It is trying to verify the input key and getting IP address from the router.
• When completed, you need to select what IP address to use — automatic (default and recommended) or manual.  Unless you know what you're doing, please try to use the default.  Click the Next button to continue.
• Configuration is completed and showed.  If everything looks OK to you, click the Next button to save the settings and restart the unit for the new settings to take effect.
• At the end, you should see Congratulation! messages.