Using BearExtender to extend the range of your network
On certain Macintosh computers, you can use BearExtender to extend the range of your network. This allows you to share BearExtender’s strong signal with other Wi-Fi users nearby, including other Macs, iPhones, iPads, iPod Touches, mobile devices, and even Windows computers.
HotSpot mode requirements:
- A Macintosh notebook or desktop computer with a built-in AirPort (Wi-Fi) card
- Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger, Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard or Mac OS X 10.7 Lion
Example scenario:
Your wireless router is located on the second floor. Using BearExtender, you are able to connect reliably on the first floor. Other computers requiring Wi-Fi on the first floor encounter low signal strength.
By setting up BearExtender in HotSpot mode, you can turn your Mac with the BearExtender connected into a Wi-Fi repeater.
This will allow Wi-Fi users around you on the first floor to use BearExtender’s stronger signal.
Step 1: Turn on Wi-Fi card
For HotSpot mode, your internal AirPort (Wi-Fi) card must be turned on.
Step 2: Open System Preferences, select Sharing
Go to the Apple Menu and choose System Preferences.
Under Internet & Network click on Sharing.
Step 3: Unlock
Click the lock icon and enter your password to make changes.
Step 4: Select Internet Sharing
Select Internet Sharing from the left sidebar, but do not click the checkbox next to Inernet Sharing yet.
Step 5: Drop down menu
From the drop down menu next to Share your connection from: select USB Ethernet (en#).
Step 6: Select Airport (Wi-Fi)
Under To computers using: place a check mark next to AirPort.
Lion users: Place a check mark next to “Wi-Fi” instead.
Step 7: AirPort (Wi-Fi) Options
Click AirPort Options to set a wireless network name and password that other Wi-Fi users must use to connect.
Lion users: Click “Wi-Fi Options” instead
Step 8: Check Internet Sharing
Finally, place a check mark next to Internet Sharing. This will start sharing Internet from BearExtender’s signal, and re-broadcast it over your Airport card to nearby Wi-Fi users.
Congratulations
Other Wi-Fi devices should now be able to see and join the network name you created in Step 6.
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