The AmpliFi Alien Original: A Comprehensive Guide

Is My AmpliFi Alien Original Still Supported?

The AmpliFi Alien Original, while no longer actively sold by AmpliFi, continues to receive support in a limited form. While you may not find brand-new hardware, AmpliFi provides ongoing support through their online resources, forums, and customer support channels. However, it’s important to note that newer firmware updates might not be compatible with the Alien Original, and you may encounter limitations in functionality compared to newer AmpliFi models.

AmpliFi remains dedicated to ensuring a seamless user experience for their customers, even with legacy devices like the Alien Original. While the support level might differ compared to newer models, AmpliFi strives to assist their customers with any issues they might face. You can access a wealth of information on the AmpliFi website, including troubleshooting guides, firmware updates (if available), and community forums where other users share their experiences and provide assistance.

The Alien Original is known for its robust performance and reliability, even though it may not be cutting-edge technology. If you are experiencing issues with your Alien Original, contacting AmpliFi’s customer support directly can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding support availability and any potential limitations.

In summary, while the Alien Original is no longer actively sold, AmpliFi provides ongoing support through their website resources, forums, and customer support channels. You may encounter some limitations in functionality compared to newer models, but AmpliFi strives to assist their customers with any issues they might face.

Is My AmpliFi Alien Original Worth It In 2023?

Deciding whether the AmpliFi Alien Original is worth it in 2023 depends on your individual needs and priorities. Here’s a breakdown of its pros and cons:

Pros:

• Reliable Performance: The Alien Original is known for its strong signal strength and consistent performance, especially for home use.
• Easy Setup: The device boasts a user-friendly interface, making setup a breeze even for tech novices.
• Good Value: While no longer sold new, you can often find refurbished units at competitive prices, making it a potentially cost-effective option.

Cons:

• Outdated Technology: The Alien Original lacks features found in newer routers, such as WiFi 6 support and advanced security protocols.
• Limited Firmware Updates: Due to its age, the Alien Original may not receive frequent firmware updates, potentially limiting its security and performance improvements.
• Compatibility Issues: Some newer devices and applications might not be fully compatible with the Alien Original, leading to potential connectivity issues.

For casual home users who prioritize reliability and simplicity, the Alien Original can still be a viable option at a budget-friendly price. However, those seeking cutting-edge features, enhanced security, or the latest Wi-Fi standards might be better served by exploring newer models. Ultimately, the decision hinges on your individual needs and preferences.

How To Reset My AmpliFi Alien Original To Factory Settings?

Resetting your AmpliFi Alien Original to factory settings can be useful for various reasons, such as troubleshooting network issues, preparing to sell the device, or starting fresh with a new configuration.

Here’s how to reset your Alien Original:

1. Locate the Reset Button: Find the small reset button on the back of the Alien Original. It’s usually located near the power port.
2. Press and Hold: Press and hold the reset button for about 10-15 seconds. Do not release the button until the router’s lights start blinking.
3. Wait for Reset: The router will reboot and reset to its factory settings. This process may take a few minutes.
4. Reconfigure: Once the reset is complete, you can reconfigure your router by connecting to it through your web browser and following the setup instructions.

Important Note: Resetting your router will erase all existing settings, including your Wi-Fi network name and password. It’s essential to have this information available before proceeding with the reset.

How To Update My AmpliFi Alien Original To The Latest Firmware?

Keeping your AmpliFi Alien Original updated with the latest firmware is crucial for optimal performance, security, and stability.

However, it’s important to remember that the Alien Original is an older model, and newer firmware updates might not be compatible with it. To check for available updates, you can follow these steps:

1. Access the AmpliFi App: Launch the AmpliFi app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Check for Updates: Look for a “Settings” or “Updates” section within the app.
3. Follow Instructions: If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the latest firmware.

If you are unable to find any updates through the app, you can check the AmpliFi website for potential updates specific to the Alien Original. Remember, older models might have limited firmware support.

How To Connect My AmpliFi Alien Original To A VPN?

While the AmpliFi Alien Original does not offer native VPN support, you can still connect your network to a VPN service. There are a couple of ways to achieve this:

1. VPN Router:

Consider using a VPN router that has built-in VPN capabilities. You can either purchase a VPN-enabled router or replace the Alien Original’s firmware with DD-WRT or Tomato, which offer VPN support.

2. VPN Client:

Install a VPN client on your devices that you want to secure with VPN. This method requires installing and configuring a VPN client on each device connected to your network.

The best approach depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you want to protect all devices on your network without configuring each one, a VPN router is the ideal solution. If you only need to secure specific devices, a VPN client might be more efficient.

How To Setup My AmpliFi Alien Original With My Modem?

Setting up your AmpliFi Alien Original with your modem is a simple process. Here are the general steps:

1. Connect the Modem to the Router: Connect the Ethernet cable from your modem’s LAN port to the WAN port on the Alien Original.
2. Power Up Devices: Ensure both the modem and router are powered on and have established a stable connection.
3. Access the Router Interface: Connect to the Alien Original’s Wi-Fi network or through an Ethernet cable. Open your web browser and enter the router’s default IP address (typically 192.168.1.1).
4. Log In: Enter your router’s login credentials. If you haven’t changed the default credentials, you can find them in the router’s documentation.
5. Configure the Network: Choose a network name (SSID) and password for your Wi-Fi network. You can also customize other settings, such as the DHCP server and firewall.
6. Save Changes: Apply your settings and restart the router for the changes to take effect.

You should now be able to access the internet through your AmpliFi Alien Original and your newly created Wi-Fi network.

How To Configure My AmpliFi Alien Original With My ISP?

Configuring your AmpliFi Alien Original with your ISP (Internet Service Provider) is straightforward. You’ll typically need the following information from your ISP:

• Internet Protocol (IP) Address: This is the address that your ISP assigns to your router.
• Subnet Mask: Defines the network range of the IP addresses within your network.
• Default Gateway: The address of the router on your network.
• DNS Server: The IP address of the DNS server that translates domain names into IP addresses.
• Username and Password: These are required for authentication with your ISP’s network.

Once you have this information, you can log in to your Alien Original’s web interface and input these details into the appropriate fields. You can usually find the configuration options within the “Internet” or “WAN” settings section.

Remember, specific configuration steps may vary depending on your ISP’s network type and their requirements. If you’re facing difficulties, refer to your ISP’s documentation or contact their customer support for assistance.

How To Use My AmpliFi Alien Original As A Repeater?

While the Alien Original is not designed to function as a dedicated repeater, you can still use it to extend your Wi-Fi signal. This is a common workaround for areas where the original router’s signal is weak.

To use the Alien Original as a repeater, you’ll need a second router that can act as a primary router with a strong signal. Here are the steps:

1. Connect to the Primary Router: Connect the Alien Original to the primary router’s Wi-Fi network using an Ethernet cable.
2. Configure the Alien Original: Log in to the Alien Original’s web interface and configure it to connect to the primary router’s network. This usually involves setting up the Alien Original as a client or bridge.
3. Create a New Network: Set up a new Wi-Fi network on the Alien Original with a different SSID and password from the primary router. This allows you to extend your primary network’s coverage.

Keep in mind that this method might result in a slightly slower internet connection compared to directly connecting to the primary router. Additionally, you might need to manually configure the Alien Original to connect to the primary router’s network, as it might not automatically detect it.

Is My AmpliFi Alien Original Compatible With Google Wifi?

The AmpliFi Alien Original is not compatible with Google Wifi. Google Wifi is a mesh networking system that relies on its own dedicated hardware and software, while the Alien Original is a standalone router.

You cannot create a mesh network by combining an Alien Original with Google Wifi devices. If you want to benefit from mesh networking, you’ll need to replace the Alien Original with Google Wifi units or choose a different mesh networking system that meets your needs.

If you want to add additional coverage to your Google Wifi network, it’s recommended to use additional Google Wifi nodes, as these are specifically designed to work seamlessly with the system and provide the best performance.

Is My AmpliFi Alien Original Compatible With Eero?

Like Google Wifi, the AmpliFi Alien Original is not directly compatible with Eero. Eero also uses its own proprietary hardware and software, and the Alien Original is a standalone router.

You cannot combine an Alien Original with Eero devices to create a mesh network. If you want to expand your Eero network, it’s best to stick with additional Eero nodes for optimal performance and compatibility.

For a more comprehensive mesh networking solution, consider replacing the Alien Original with Eero units or choosing a mesh system that best suits your needs and budget.

Is My AmpliFi Alien Original Compatible With Orbi?

Similar to other mesh networking systems like Google Wifi and Eero, the AmpliFi Alien Original is not compatible with Netgear Orbi. Orbi uses its own proprietary hardware and software to create a mesh network, while the Alien Original is a standalone router.

You cannot seamlessly connect the Alien Original with Orbi devices to extend your network. If you’re looking to use Orbi’s mesh networking capabilities, you’ll need to replace the Alien Original with Orbi routers for optimal compatibility and performance.

For a cohesive mesh networking experience, it’s recommended to stick with Orbi devices if you’re planning to utilize their mesh networking capabilities.

Table Summarizing AmpliFi Alien Original Information

Feature	Details
Support	Limited support through AmpliFi website, forums, and customer support
Value in 2023	Can be a viable option for casual users seeking reliable performance at a budget-friendly price, but newer models offer more advanced features and security
Firmware Updates	Limited firmware updates due to its age, may not be compatible with the latest updates
Compatibility	Not compatible with mesh networking systems like Google Wifi, Eero, or Orbi
VPN Support	No native VPN support, but users can connect using a VPN router or client
Setup	Easy setup process, user-friendly interface

Frequently Asked Questions

Is My AmpliFi Alien Original Still Worth Buying In 2023?

The AmpliFi Alien Original is no longer sold new, but if you find a good deal on a refurbished unit, it can be a solid option for users with modest internet needs. However, if you’re looking for cutting-edge features and the latest Wi-Fi standards, newer routers offer more advanced capabilities and are more future-proof.

What Is The Difference Between The AmpliFi Alien Original And The AmpliFi HD?

The AmpliFi HD is a newer model that offers several improvements over the Alien Original. Here are some key differences:

• Wi-Fi Standard: The HD supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), while the Alien Original supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n). This means the HD can handle faster data rates and a larger number of connected devices.
• Speed: The HD boasts a faster processing speed, resulting in more efficient data transfer and lower latency.
• Features: The HD includes advanced features like MU-MIMO (Multi-User MIMO) and Beamforming, which optimize signal strength and device connectivity.
• Security: The HD supports more up-to-date security protocols, including WPA3, providing a more secure network.

Can I Use My AmpliFi Alien Original As A Wi-Fi Extender?

While the Alien Original doesn’t have a dedicated Wi-Fi extender mode, you can use it to extend your Wi-Fi network by connecting it to your primary router via an Ethernet cable and configuring it as a client or bridge. However, this method might result in a slightly slower connection.

Does My AmpliFi Alien Original Need A Modem?

Yes, the AmpliFi Alien Original requires a modem for internet connectivity. The modem converts your internet signal (typically cable, DSL, or fiber) into a signal that your router can understand and distribute on your network.

Is My AmpliFi Alien Original Compatible With My Existing Network?

The Alien Original is designed to be a standalone router, so it should be compatible with most existing networks. However, you might need to configure it to work with your specific ISP and network setup.

How Can I Improve My Wi-Fi Signal With My AmpliFi Alien Original?

Here are some tips to enhance your Wi-Fi signal:

• Place the router strategically: Avoid placing the router in a location with obstructions or in a corner of the room.
• Change the router’s channel: Experiment with different Wi-Fi channels to minimize interference from other networks.
• Upgrade your antenna: If your router allows it, consider upgrading to a high-gain antenna to improve signal strength.
• Use a Wi-Fi extender: For larger homes or areas with poor signal, a Wi-Fi extender can boost coverage.

What Are The Best AmpliFi Alien Original Alternatives In 2023?

If you’re looking for a more modern and feature-rich router, here are some top alternatives:

• Netgear Orbi: A popular mesh networking system that offers excellent performance and coverage.
• Google Wifi: A user-friendly mesh system with robust security features and a simple setup process.
• Eero: A reliable and easy-to-use mesh system with a focus on seamless connectivity.
• TP-Link Archer AX6000: A powerful standalone router with Wi-Fi 6 support, offering fast speeds and enhanced network capacity.
• Asus RT-AX86U: A high-performance router with advanced networking features and excellent security.