Network Connectivity Required

For performance reasons, all Sentinel Computers systems generally require a wired Ethernet port to provide network connectivity. The Sentinel LaunchPad 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 manufacturers country of origin information is provided. Where the product is actually manufactured can vary.

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 Extender/Router.

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

LaunchPad Only. Not suitable for Luna Cloud or PC Remote or PS Remote Gaming. In general almost all WIFI Extenders are compatible for general use. Note most WIIF Extenders have only 1 Ethernet jack.

NETGEAR EX6120 AC1200 WIFI Range Extender

Manufacturer County of Origin: USA
Comments: Reasonable performance depending on distance to router 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. Power on the Sentinel by pressing the front panel Power Button.
3. At the WIFI Extender Setup login screen, Select the NETGEAR brand WIFI Extender. The setup program will launch.
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 Sentinel will reset and should now be connected.

Routers Setup as a Repeater

LaunchPad- Can be used for Luna Cloud and PC Remote and PS Remote Gaming.
Pro Series and Mini - can be used for gaming.

Performance will also depend on the performance of your existing WIFI Router.

WIFI Routers setup as a bridge/repeater generally have greater range due to larger and improved antenna designs and higher performance due to higher data rates of 5G WIFI band. They also have multiple Ethernet Jacks.

ASUS RT-AX1800S Router / Extender Setup
ASUS RT-AX55 Router / Extender Setup

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

Setup instructions:

1.      Ensure the router is plugged in and powered on (power switch in back).
2.      Connect the range extender to the Sentinel Ethernet port with the Ethernet cable. Power on the Sentinel by pressing the front panel Power Button.
3. At the WIFI Extender Setup login screen, Select the ASUS brand WIFI Extender. The setup program will launch.
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 ASUS router as a 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.

NETGEAR R6700AX Router / Extender Setup
NETGEAR RAX-30 Router / Extender Setup

Manufacturer County of Origin: United States
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 range extender to the Sentinel Ethernet port with the Ethernet cable. Power on the Sentinel by pressing the front panel Power Button.
3.     If the initial screen has a link “If you don’t have a compatible mobile phone or tablet…”  Click on the link.  Read and click on “I Agree” to the NETGEAR Terms and Conditions. At the Welcome screen, click on “Next”.

4.     Configuring the Internet Connection - select “No. manually enter settings…”. Click on “Next”.

5.     Admin Account Settings – Enter a new device password and confirm. Answer the security questions. Click “Next”.

4.     Set Up Your WiFi – Click on “Enable Smart Connect”. If you want to prevent others from connecting by WIFI to this device as a repeater, change the password from the default setting. Click “Next”.

6.     Configuration Complete – click “Next”. Firmware Version Check – Click “OK”.  Sign In - enter the router user name (“admin”) and password (the password you entered on Step 3). Click “Sign in”. If a NETGEAR Armor page is displayed, click on the X on the top right of the page to clear.

7.     My Router BASIC tab - Select “ADVANCED” tab (top, greyed out). Then select “Advanced Setup” (left menu). Then select “Router / AP / Bridge Mode”.

8.     Router / AP /Bridge Mode - Select “Bridge Mode”. Click the “Setup bridge mode wireless settings” button. In the Name (SSID) field, enter the wireless network name (SSID) for your 2.4 GHz network. Click on “WAPA2-PSK”. Enter the WiFi password (network key) that you use to connect wirelessly to your WIFI router for 2.4GHz. 

9.     If your router also supports 5GHz band, select from the option Please choose a wireless network, change to ”Wireless Networks (5GHz 802.11a.n.ac.ax)”. In the Name (SSID) field, enter the wireless network name (SSID) for the 5G network. Click on “WAPA2-PSK”. Enter the WiFi password that you use to connect wirelessly to your WIFI router for 5GHz. Click “Apply”.

10.     Router / AP / Bridge Mode page - Click “Apply”. If a pop up message says “Please change your computer’s IP address…”, Click “OK”.  Wait for the router to reboot and the Sentinel will log out, restart and, after a delay, will display the Sentinel Login Screen. If it returns to the Network Error screen or WIFI Extender Login, Reset the router and try again.