A:Answer The Nighthawk AC1900 (and most other WiFi range extenders) must be paired with the host WiFi access point or wireless router.
If the wireless access point has "WPS" or "WiFi Protected Setup" protocol, the pairing is very easy since the Nighthawk does support the protocol.
The WiFi network you are attempting to extend will need to have been setup with WPA or WPA2 passwords for the source access point in order to use the protocol.
Unsecured WiFi "guest" networks without WPA or WPA2 passwords won't allow WPS pairing.
This is a security measure to prevent folks from unauthorized extension to someone else's WiFi network.
With that said, if you have the ability to get within a few feet of the wireless access point, it has a "WPS" button, AND you know the WPA or WPA2 password, you will be able to pair your Nighthawk to the WiFi access point, and then relocate your Nighthawk to your boat and as long as you your boat is within 100-150 feet of the wireless access point. And you should be able to enjoy the benefits of extending and amplifying the WiFi network. The Nighthawk, once configured will maintain the last pairing configuration even when unplugged and relocated to your boat.
