Network Connectivity Required

For performance reasons, all Sentinel Computers systems require a wired Ethernet port to provide network connectivity. The Sentinel StudyStation and LaunchPad models requires one connection and the Mini and Pro series both require two. If the system is not located near a router, ethernet wall jack, access point or WIFI extender with ethernet jacks, then one will need to be purchased.

In addition to dedicated WIFI Extenders/Repeaters, there are many low cost high performance WIFI routers that can be easily configured for the same purpose. The advantage of most routers is their range and performance levels. Because of security concerns regarding certain brands, the county of origin information is provided.

Please note that this information is provided for convenience and no endorsement or guarantees are implied.

For convenience, the following models have been tested and the device can be setup easily from the Sentinel itself. While each device includes setup instructions to configure the device as a repeater and to connect to your network, Sentinel Computers has provided a simplified quick setup process once the Extender/router is connected to the Sentinel and the Sentinel is powered up. Follow the instructions provided below for each model. If the instructions don’t match the current models, refer to the setup guide provided with the product.

For other product models not listed, follow the instructions provided with the WIFI Extender/Repeater or Router before powering the Sentinel. For many range extender/repeaters, setup may be as simple as using the WPS buttons on both your home router and the WIFI extender to pair. We recommend you use an Internet Speed Test (i.e. search Google) to assess your actual speed to the internet after installation. If unacceptable, consider choosing a higher end router as listed below. Remember: System performance will only be as good as the internet connection speed.

WIFI Extender / Repeaters

NETGEAR EX6120 AC1200 WIFI Range Extender

County of Origin: USA
Comments: Reasonable performance depending on range, distance and antenna positioning.

Setup instructions

1.      Ensure the range extender is plugged in and powered (LEDs should illuminate).
2.      Connect the range extender to the Sentinel Ethernet port with the Ethernet cable. At the Network Error screen, Press “n” to setup the NETGEAR brand WIFI Extender.
3.      When the password prompt is displayed, enter the User 8 Password (default is “pass”), then <Enter> .
4.      A NETGEAR genie welcome page should be displayed. Click on NEW EXTENDER SETUP.
5.      A Create Account page will be displayed. Enter email address, password and security questions to create an account and click NEXT. At the next page, click WIFI RANGE EXTENDER.
6.      The NETGEAR genie will then scan for available WIFI networks for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Select your WIFI network(s). If you do not have an available 5GHz network, uncheck the 5GHz WIFI Networks option above the scanned WIFI Networks. Click NEXT.
7.      Enter the Password (network key) for the network or networks. Note this is case sensitive. Click NEXT.
8.      The WIFI extender should now start to setup the connection between the WIFI extender and the WIFI router and prompt to confirm the settings. Click NEXT.
9 .At the next screen press the Power Button on the front panel. The system will reset and should now be connected.

Tenda A15/A18 AC1200 Dual Band WIFI Repeater

County of Origin: China
Comments: Good performance and range for standalone WIFI Repeater.

Setup instruction

1.      Ensure the range extender is plugged in and powered (LEDs should illuminate).
2.      Connect the range extender to the Sentinel Ethernet port with the Ethernet cable. At the Network Error screen, Press “t” to setup the Tenda brand WIFI Extender.
3.      When the prompt is displayed. enter the User 8 Password (default is “pass”) then <Enter>.
4.      A Tenda Create your login password page should be displayed. Enter a chosen password, confirm and click on Next.
5.      Select the WIFI network you want to extend. If a -5G version of your network is available, choose that one.
6. Enter the password for the selected WIFI network. Click on Extend.
7. Press the front panel Power button. The Sentinel will now reset.

Routers Setup as a Repeater

WIFI Routers used as a repeater generally have greater range and performance due to larger and improved antenna designs.

ASUS RT-AX1800S Router / Extender Setup

County of Origin: Taiwan
Comments: Higher price but very high performance WIFI connection. Ideal for gaming

Setup instructions:

1.      Ensure the router is plugged in and powered on (power switch in back).
2.      Connect the router to the Sentinel Ethernet port with supplied cable. At the Network Error screen, Press “a” to setup the ASUS brand WIFI Router.
3. When the password prompt is displayed, enter the User 8 Password (default is “pass”), then <Enter>
4 . Read, scroll down and select “Agree” to End User License Agreement, Select I am above the age of 16 years and Agree.
5.      Read, scroll and “Agree” to ASUS Privacy Notice.
6.      At the Welcome screen, click on Advanced Settings. Then click on Choose operation mode:
7.      Select Repeater mode.  The device will start searching for WIFI networks.
8.      Select the WIFI network to connect with (choose 5G if available) and enter the password / network key.
9.      Select Automatic IP.
10.    The Wireless Settings screen will show the 2.4GHz and if available 5GHz SSIDs of the repeater. The SSIDs (name of network) and passcodes can be edited but not blank. If you do not want others to access this repeater change the password/passcode.
11.     Enter a Router Login Name and password to secure your repeater. Click Next.
12.   Summary page will be displayed. Press the Power Button on the back of the router to power off. Then power it back on.
13.   Press the Power Button on the front panel of the Sentinel. The system will log out and reset. The Sentinel will then restart and should end up at the Sentinel Login Screen. If it returns to the Network Error screen, press <r> to reboot and try again.

D-Link R12 Router

County of Origin: Taiwan
Comments: Good performance and range for the price.

Setup instruction

1.      Ensure the router is plugged in and powered (LEDs should illuminate).
2.      Connect the router to the Sentinel Ethernet port with the Ethernet cable. At the Network Error screen, Press “d” to setup the D-Link brand WIFI Router.
3.      When the password prompt is displayed, enter the User 8 Password (default is “pass”) then <Enter>.
4.      Admin Password: Enter the Device Password printed on the bottom label of the device. It is typically a 6 digit number. Click Login.
5.      Terms of Use and Privacy Policy: read and click on Agree
6.      Operation Mode: Set as Extender Mode and click on Next.
4.      Welcome: click on Next.
5.      Select a WI-FI Network To Extend: The device will scan the WIFI networks and display those available. Select the WIFI network of your router. If a -5G version is available, select that one first.
6.      Select a WI-FI Network To Extend:  You will then be prompted for the WIFI password. Enter that password and click on Next.
7.      Extended Network:  Select if you want to Clone the existing WIFI name and password. This will allow others to connect to the extender using the same SSID and password. Click on Next.
8.      Admin Password: Enter a new admin password (8-15 characters) for your extender, click on Next.
9.      Time Zone: Select/confirm your time zone.
10 .   Install Updates Automatically: Choose to keep your device up to date. Click on Next.
11. Configuration: Review, go back if necessary or click Finish.
11.   The device will reset. This will take a few minutes. Wait for the count down and if the Sentinel does not restart automatically, press the front panel Power button. The Sentinel will reset and go to the Sentinel Login Screen.

WAVLINK WL-532A3 WIFI Router/Repeater Setup

County of Origin: China
Comments: Modest performance and range for the price.

1.    Ensure the router is plugged in and powered (LEDs should illuminate).
2.     Connect the router (Lan port) to the Sentinel Ethernet port with the Ethernet cable. At the Network Error screen, Press “v” (NOT “W”) to setup the Wavlink brand WIFI Router.
3.      When the password prompt is displayed, enter the User 8 Password (default is “pass”) then <Enter>.
4. A WAVLINK login web page should display. Enter “admin” for default password and click Login.
5. At the System Setup page enter Country Region=”FCC (US)”, select your Time Zone and enter a 6 or more digit Password to secure the device. Click Next.
6. At the Wizard page select “Repeater”.
7. At the Repeater Wizard page, select Repeater Mode = “Bridge”, Select a WIFI network from list at the bottom of the page (may scan for while) and enter the WIFI Password. Click Connect.
8. After a delay, “Setup is Complete” should be displayed. Press the front panel Power Button and The Sentinel will reset and go to the Sentinel Login Screen.