Tl wr841n under dd wrt as a repeater. How to set up a wireless bridge (WDS) between two Wi-Fi routers? We use the router as a “Repeater”. Using a router from TP-Link as an example. How to log into a TP-Link router that is configured in WiFi repeater mode

There are times when it is not possible to install a cable to remote parts of the premises to provide Internet access, or it is necessary to combine 2 networks into a single one. Such problems can be easily solved using the TP-Link archer c20 or c2 wireless router; the function is called WDS. Preparing the router: We connect the TP-Link archer router with a patch cord to your PC or laptop. In order to get to the web interface of the router, you need to specify “Obtain an IP address automatically” in the settings of your PC’s network card, after which the router will give you the network details automatically

After you have received/assigned the network details, enter the address 192.168.0.1 (default router address) in the address bar of your Internet browser. After entering the page, the router will ask you to authenticate, the default login/password for accessing the web is admin/admin . Let's consider setting up a router as a repeater (a signal repeater connected to another router on the network via a wireless bridge, with the ability to connect to it via cable and Wi-Fi). Before switching your router to repeater mode, you MUST consider several nuances:

1. Before connecting to another network, set the wireless network protection for this router, go to the “Wireless Mode - Wireless Protection” tab, select the encryption type (preferably as in the figure) and set a password.

2. 2 routers must have one Wi-Fi channel, you need to select it manually; if you select auto, the routers may not connect to each other. In our case, if the same channel is not selected, the router will report an error

In order to switch the router to the above mode, go to the Wireless mode tab - basic settings - check the "enable WDS" box, select the same channel as the first router and click Search.

In the window that appears, find the SSID of our access point to which we are connecting, click “Connect”

The figure shows that our access point (to which we connect) has the same channel that we selected in the settings above.

The router will redirect you to the previous page. The SSID of the access point to which we are connecting and the MAC address will be filled in automatically. After this, enter the password of the access point to which we want to connect, the device will recognize the rest of the settings, including the desired Wi-Fi channel, automatically. Click "Save".

Go to the DHCP - DHCP Settings page. Select “Disable DHCP server”, click the “Save” button, it is MANDATORY to disable it; if you don’t disable it, it will not work.

The system will ask you to reboot the device, click the corresponding button.

After this, we will no longer be able to enter the settings of the connected router (since we have turned off DHCP) until we reset it to factory settings. But the router will distribute the Internet using a connection to another router, both via Wi-Fi and cable.

The question of how to increase the range of a wireless network arises as the number of subscribers increases and their distance from the access point increases. To solve this issue, the manufacturer TP-Link specially produces models of Wi-Fi signal repeaters or amplifiers. But these devices are not universal.

Installing an additional router and configuring it as a TP-Link repeater expands the range of reliable Wi-Fi reception of the main router.

The original firmware of the TP router does not allow it to work in repeater mode, that is, as an amplifier of the existing network of the main router. This opportunity appears when replacing it with alternative firmware DD-WRT. However, this operation leads to termination of the manufacturer's warranty.

Purchasing the TL-WA850RE repeater from TP-Link solves the problem of expanding Wi-Fi coverage.

This solution is optimal. Setup doesn't take much time. On the main router whose signal you want to strengthen, press the WPS button.

Instructions for setting up TL-WA850RE

On the device installed in the area of ​​reliable reception, press the button with the image of a lock and wait for the RE indicator to light up. After the TP repeater connects to the main router via Wi-Fi, it begins relaying its signal over a greater distance. To assess the pulse level there is an electronic graphic scale. Stable work corresponds to 2-3 of its divisions. It is possible to achieve greater range by using several repeaters.

Another way to increase the coverage area is to use the standard “wireless bridge” mode for the TP-Link router.

Configuration in “wireless bridge” mode

Two Wi-Fi networks will be created, but if the settings are chosen correctly, users will not notice this. When moving, they will use the one with a stronger signal at the subscriber’s location. The main router should ideally also be from TP-Link. It is not always possible to pair a custom router with a product from another manufacturer.

So, the main router is configured and distributes Wi-Fi to subscribers. You need to make changes to its settings.

Manual setup

There is a chance to TP mechanically.

1. To do this, the connector of the network card of the external computer is connected using a patch cord to any LAN port of the future signal amplifier.
2. After entering 192.168.0.1 in the address bar and pressing Enter, you must log in using the admin/admin values.
   
3. After logging in, a menu window opens, where we select the “Network” section, and in it – the LAN item.
4. Now we assign the TP repeater a new IP address, located in the same subnet as the main router. For example, 192.168.0.2, execute the “Save” command.
   If additional confirmation of the address change is required, click OK and save.
5. After the reboot, enter the TP-Link repeater menu using the new IP address and check the set channel number. The latter must match the channel of the main router set on the device in advance. If this is not the case, with WPS mode disabled, register the desired channel and check the box next to WDS.
   We save the entered values.
6. New fields now appear on the page. Find “Search” and click on it.
   
7. A list of available Wi-Fi networks opens. From them, select the one created by the main router, click “Connect”.
   
8. On the page that opens, enter the network name - SSID - and region, matching the corresponding values ​​​​of the main router. We also enter its password, select mixed mode 11bgn, and save the entered values.
   
9. In the “Wireless Network Security” menu section, specify WPA/WPA2-PSK with AES encryption, write down the repeater network password, and save the entered values.
   
10. In the DHCP section, disable the use of the DHCP server.
    
11. After executing the “Save” command, the TP repeater “goes” to reboot. At the end of the process, a message indicating that the setup was successful appears.

Checking the operation of WDS mode

WDS is a technology through which all subscribers of an extended Wi-Fi network are connected to each other through an access point. To create it, it is necessary to implement the “wireless bridge” and “repeater” modes. To check WDS activation, select the “Status” section in the menu of the configured repeater. The “WDS Status” line should display “Installed.”
Information about the SSID, communication channel number, MAC address of the device and other parameters previously entered when setting up TP should also be available.

Connecting equipment to a Wi-Fi network with WDS

Devices with a wireless communication module can be connected to the network: laptop, tablet, smartphone with Wi-Fi support. On the computer, on the right side of the task bar (tray), find the Wi-Fi connection symbol and click on it with the left mouse button. A list of active networks opens. Among them, select the one created by the user, connect to it by clicking the “Connect” button. After entering the network password to the main router, we make sure that the device is capable of distributing Internet if there is a connection to the provider.

Checking the connection of devices to the TP Wi-Fi repeater

When the main router and repeater are turned on, you need to check the connection of wireless devices to the repeater network, and not the main router. Having moved to a distance where reception was previously impossible, we turn on the gadget and check the connections. To confirm the operation of the TP repeater, go to its menu, in the “Wireless Mode” section, select the “Wireless Mode Statistics” item.

On the new page in the list of x devices there is a MAC address of the product we need. If it is not there, but the Internet is working, it means that there is a connection to the main router. You need to check your TP repeater settings again. In this situation, disabling WPS mode in the settings of both devices helps. If the address of the gadget being tested is in the list at a considerable distance from the repeater, we conclude that its configuration was done correctly.

Restoring TP repeater parameters

If there is no connection to the TP repeater network, or the access password to it has been lost, it is possible to restore the repeater parameters and return the router to the factory settings. To do this, press and hold on the back panel of the device for 10 seconds. Reset button.
After the recovery process is completed (about 30 seconds), repeat the operations described above, carefully following the instructions.

We continue to understand the operation of different routers in repeater and bridge modes. In this manual, we will take a detailed look at setting up a Tp-Link router in bridge mode (WDS). I think that you immediately need to understand the question of what WDS is on Tp-Link routers and how it differs from the “Repeater” (repeater) operating mode.

I’ll say right away that on Tp-Link routers there is no such mode as a repeater, like, for example, Asus and Zyxel (there, routers really work like). Only access points from Tp-Link can work as network repeaters. As for ordinary routers, such as: TL-WR941ND, TL-WR740N, TL-WR841N, TL-MR3220, TL-WR842ND and other models, they have the ability to configure bridge mode, also known as WDS.

Update: In the settings of some TP-Link routers, it became possible to configure the router to work as a repeater. Look, maybe your router settings have this option.

What is the difference between bridge mode and repeater mode? I’ll explain it in simple language: in bridge mode, we simply connect two routers via Wi-Fi. This mode can also be used to expand the Wi-Fi network. For example, we have some kind of main router that distributes the Internet via Wi-Fi. And we need to expand this network, increase its range. We take a Tp-Link router, configure it in bridge mode according to these instructions, it receives the Internet via Wi-Fi from the main router, and distributes it further. But, unlike a repeater, you will have another wireless network, with your own name and password.

Of course, repeater (or router in repeater mode) much better suited for this purpose. It simply clones and strengthens an existing network, and in bridge mode another wireless network appears. And you will have to choose which network to connect to.

I was recently asked this question in the comments:

Good afternoon. The question arose, how to configure the tl-wr941nd router to receive Wifi, and then transmit the Internet via cable. That is, just use it as a receiver. Is it possible to somehow accomplish this?

By configuring your Tp-Link in WDS mode, it can be used as a receiver. To connect to the Internet, for example, a TV or computer that does not have a Wi-Fi receiver.

A few more points:

• You can have any main router. Of course, it’s good if both devices are Tp-Link, and even better if they are the same models. I have a main router, and I will configure the bridge on the TL-MR3220. By the way, I was unable to connect Tp-Link with the old Asus RT-N13U.
• We will also change the settings of the main router. We need to set a static channel.
• This method is ideal for wirelessly connecting two routers in bridge mode. For example, on the first floor you have a router, and on the second we install another one and connect it to the first one via Wi-Fi. There is no need to lay the cable anymore.

Setting up a bridge (WDS) on a Tp-Link router

1 First of all, we need to change the wireless network channel on the main router. Please note that the router to which we will connect in bridge mode must be configured. That is, the Internet must work, it must distribute a Wi-Fi network.

My main router is D-link DIR-615.. This means that we need to set a static channel for the wireless network in the settings on the main router. I don’t know what kind of router you have, so see the instructions. In it, I wrote about changing the channel on devices from different manufacturers.

If, for example, you also have Tp-Link as your main router, then the channel can be changed in the settings (which open at 192.168.1.1 (192.168.0.1), or see the instructions), on the tab Wireless. In field Channel specify a static channel. For example 1, or 6. Press the button Save to save settings.

The static channel has been installed. You can exit the settings of the main router.

First, we need to change the IP address of our Tp-Link. This is necessary to ensure that there are no two devices on the network with the same IP. For example, if the main IP address is 192.168.1.1, and the second one is 192.168.1.1, then there will be an address conflict. Go to the tab Network - LAN. In field IP Address replace the last digit from 1 to 2. You will get the address 192.168.1.1, or 192.168.0.1. Click the button Save. The router will reboot.

We need to know what IP address the main router we are going to connect to has. If it has 192.168.1.1, then on the router that we want to connect via WDS we change the address to 192.168.1.2. And if the main one has an address of 192.168.0.1, then set the second one to 192.168.0.2. It is important that they are on the same subnet.

Go to the settings again, only the IP address will be different - 192.168.1.2. Which we indicated above.

3 Go to the tab Wireless. In field Wireless Network Name you can specify the name of the second wireless network. And in the field Channel be sure to specify the same channel that you set in the settings of the main router. I have channel 1.

Select the desired network from the list from which the router will receive Internet. Next to the desired network, click on the link "Connect".

4 All we have left is the drop-down menu Key type select the type of security for your network (which we connect to). And in the field Password specify the password for this network. To save, click on the button Save.

Reboot your router. By turning off the power and turning it back on, or in the control panel by clicking on the link "click here".

5 After the reboot, go to the settings again. And right on the main screen (Status tab), look at the section Wireless. Against WDS Status should be written Run.

This means that our Tp-Link will already connect to the main router. And it must distribute the Internet via Wi-Fi and cable. The setup is complete.

If you need IP addresses to be issued by the main router (not the one configured in bridge mode), then on the router that we just configured, you need to disable the DHCP server. You can do this in the settings, on the tab DHCP. By installing a switch near Disable, and saving the settings.

6 Don’t forget to set a password for the Wi-Fi network that the router we configured will distribute. You can see the details. Everything is simple there. In the settings, on the tab Wireless - Wireless Security, highlight the item WPA/WPA2 - Personal(Recommended), in field Wireless Password set a password (minimum 8 characters), and click the button below Save.

Now our Tp-Link router receives the Internet from the main router and distributes it further. Choose the right location to install the second router so that it is within range of the main router.

Setting up a wireless bridge (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) on the new firmware version

I decided to update this article and add up-to-date information on setting up WDS on TP-Link routers with new firmware. Which is in blue tones. Everything is set up a little differently there. I will show you now.

If you have a router with a new control panel, then you need to go to the “Advanced settings” – “System tools” – “System settings” section. If you have a dual-band router, then you will see the option to configure bridge mode in two bands. At 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

1 Check the "Enable WDS Bridge" checkbox next to the required frequency. For example, I checked the box next to 2.4 GHz. Click on the "Search" button

2 Select the network you want to connect to from the list. Just click "Select" next to your network. I think you will easily find your network in the list of available ones.

3 If necessary, you can change the security settings (Protection, Password) and click on the “Save” button. If you set a password, then select "WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK". You can also leave the network without a password. If necessary.

The Roture will connect via Wi-Fi to another router and will receive the Internet via a wireless network.

If you need to disable the DHCP server, you can do this on the “Advanced settings” – “Network” – “DHCP server” tab.

If the Internet does not work via cable in WDS mode

If you complete the settings that I showed above, the Internet will only work via Wi-Fi, and when connected to a router (which is in WDS mode) via cable, the Internet does not work. No internet access. This, of course, is not the case, and using the router as a Wi-Fi network receiver, for example, will not work. Therefore, I wrote a question to TP-LINK support, and they answered me.

When setting up the WDS function, you receive IP addressing from the original router (the device to which the WDS client is connected) over both a wired and wireless network. To configure this function correctly, you must disable the DHCP server on the equipment on which the WDS bridge is configured. You also need its local IP address to be in the same subnet as the original router.

I checked everything on the TP-LINK TL-WR740N, and indeed, after turning off the DHCP server, the Internet immediately started working via the network cable. Disabling DHCP is not difficult at all. In the router settings, open the tab DHCP, set the switch near Disable(disable), and save the settings.

We reboot the router and everything works fine. I immediately got internet via cable. You can go to the settings of this router at the address that we set in the second step. For me it is 192.168.1.2.

If you can't set up a WDS connection

Update. There is often a situation when the router does not want to connect in bridge mode. Of course, there can be many reasons. In the comments, Eduard suggested one interesting solution - disabling WPS function on both routers. If you have problems setting up WDS mode, you can try. Moreover, few people use a WPS connection, and it is often recommended to disable this function for security reasons and to solve other problems with the wireless network.

This is not difficult to do on TP-Link routers. In the WPS (or QSS) section, you just need to disable this function.

And in the new firmware.

You need to disable it on both routers. On the main one, and on which we are trying to set up a connection in bridge mode. More information (including devices from other manufacturers) can be found in this article: .

If you have any questions, advice, or comments, write them in the comments.

TP-LINK network equipment is well known both in Russia and abroad. For those who have grown out of the capabilities of inexpensive single-antenna devices, the manufacturer offers a mid-level wireless router - TP-LINK TL-WR841N. Being only one and a half times more expensive than the single-antenna TP-LINK TL-WR740N, it provides twice as fast wireless network access at 300 Mbps. The internal filling of the router will allow you not only to provide Internet to an apartment or private house, but also to deploy a local network for a small office. The model has already undergone several modifications and is still in production. What are the differences between routers of different years of manufacture, how to connect and configure them for maximum efficiency - the topic of our article.

Description of the TP-LINK TL-WR841N router

TP-LINK TL-WR841N is a router designed for use in a home or small office. It allows you to connect clients to the Internet both via cable (twisted pair) and using a wireless connection (Wi-Fi). You can connect four computers via cable, and any number of clients via Wi-Fi. However, with each device connected via Wi-Fi, the access speed will drop. If one client can operate at a speed of 300 Mbit/s, two can already operate at a speed of 150 Mbit/s, and so on.

The router comes in a colorful box painted in the manufacturer’s corporate colors

The router has been on the market for more than ten years, during which time eight generations (revisions) of this router have been released. Each version has two versions - with a removable and fixed antenna. A router with a detachable antenna is called TL-WR841ND, where the letter D (detachable) indicates that the antenna can be disconnected and replaced with a more powerful one.

Appearance and equipment

The router’s body is trapezoidal, with strongly rounded corners; the white color of the plastic gives the device airiness and weightlessness. Early versions had black antennas; 2017–18 models are equipped with light gray antennas. On the top panel there is a black insert that hides the LEDs - indicators of device activity. Power, wireless network activity, data transfer via wired ports, and Internet connection status are displayed.

Router activity indicators display its operating modes at any given time

The router comes in a large colorful box in corporate colors, but the equipment included with the device is modest:

Specifications

Almost all revisions of the TL-WR841N router have 32 megabytes of RAM, four megabytes of permanent memory for storing settings and firmware, and a processor that, in addition to computing functions, controls the operation of the wireless communication module and network switch. The two latest versions of the router (tenth and eleventh), in addition to the faster processor, have doubled the amount of RAM, which is now 64 megabytes. If you plan to use the router in an office with a large number of connections, it is better to buy the latest revision model.

It should also be noted that early versions of the router were equipped with a processor cooling radiator. Later models do not have it, so in the warm season, under increased load, the router may overheat and freeze. The solution may be to install a small radiator, for example, from a faulty motherboard.

A passive heatsink on the processor will allow the router to operate reliably even in hot summers

Table: comparative characteristics of different versions of TP-LINK TL-WR841N

Video: review and configuration of the TP-LINK TL-WR841N router

Preparing the router for operation

In order for the TP-LINK TL-WR841N to connect all your devices into a single home network and provide each client with Internet access, it is necessary to carry out a number of preparatory measures. The router must be connected by cables to the provider's network and home computers, and the clients' network cards must be programmed to automatically obtain addresses. After this, you can configure Internet access and create a wireless network.

Connecting the router, preparing for setup

The router connection diagram is simple: the provider's cable is plugged into the Internet socket, local network computers are plugged into the network connectors LAN1-LAN4. Smartphones, tablets and other wireless devices connect using a Wi-Fi network.

To create a home network, the TP-LINK router has 4 wired ports and the ability to establish an unlimited number of wireless connections

Configuring a computer's network card to work with a router

The DHCP server is automatically activated in the router out of the box - the router itself will issue network addresses to connected computers. Therefore, before you start setting up your router, it would be useful to make sure that the network adapter of your computer or laptop is configured to automatically obtain an IP address.

1. Click on the “Start” button with the right mouse button and select “Network Connections” from the user menu.

   Open the network settings window from the Windows start menu

2. In the network connections window, select the desired adapter and use the right mouse button to open its properties.

   The properties of each network connection contain the TCP/IP protocol settings configured for it.

3. From the list of protocols, select TCP/IP settings and open them for editing.

   All network adapter parameters are set in the TCP/IP protocol settings

4. Configure to automatically obtain the network address and DNS server addresses, and then click OK.

   The mode for automatically obtaining addresses is configured by setting the appropriate checkboxes in the mode switch

Login to the router settings, default login and password

The modem's web interface, through which most of its settings are performed, is located at 192.168.1.1. Username - admin, password - admin. Change the access password immediately after turning on the router for the first time. This will protect your network from outside interference.

1. Open the web interface by entering the address 192.168.1.1 in the Internet browser.

   The home page of the router's web interface contains its system statistics

2. Go to the System Tools section, and from it select Password.

   In the router system settings section there is a submenu for setting a login and password

3. On the page for changing authorization data, sequentially enter the current login and password, and then their new values. The password must be confirmed to avoid accidental errors.

   To enter a new password, you will have to remember the old one

4. Save the changes with the Save button.

Internet connection settings

The router's web interface allows you to configure your Internet connection both semi-automatically (using the setup wizard) and completely manually. Before starting setup, make sure your Internet connection is activated by your service provider. To do this, try connecting to the Internet without a router by inserting the ISP cable into your computer's network card.

Connect the provider's cable to the computer's LAN socket to check the connection is working.

Setting up an L2TP connection

L2TP is one of the types of VPN in which a “tunnel” can be established not only over TCP/IP, but also over lower-level interfaces: ATM, X.25 and Frame Relay. The L2TP protocol provides encrypted traffic, so this connection is more often used in corporate networks than for connecting individuals to the Internet.

Setting up a PPPoE connection

Connection via the PPPoE protocol is the most common among Internet providers, and it is easier to configure than others, since the only authorization parameters required are a login and password.

Setting up PPTP

Setting up a connection using the PPTP protocol is no different from setting up L2TP, discussed earlier. Similarly, two types of connections are supported: with static and dynamic addresses. To authorize, all you need is your login, password and VPN server name. Please note that this type of connection creates a large load on the router processor. If your data plan provides a connection speed of 90 Mbps or higher, you should consider buying a new, more powerful router.

Setting up a static IP

If you connect to the Internet with a static IP address, a login and password are not required. In the parameters of the created connection, you enter the address received from the provider, the subnet mask and the gateway address, after which the router is ready for use.

Video: setting up a Wi-Fi router TP-LINK TL-WR841N

Settings for router operating parameters

After connecting to the provider, you need to set the internal network parameters - set up Wi-Fi distribution, local network addressing, port forwarding, etc. If necessary, you can change the firmware version or return the router to factory settings

Setting up Wi-Fi (creating an access point, setting a password)

Enabling and configuring a wireless access point will allow you to distribute the Internet to devices with a WI-FI module: laptops, tablets, smartphones.

The password set for the wireless network is used by the router to encrypt transmitted data. The more characters in the password, the more secure the encryption, but also the higher the load on the router’s processor. The optimal key size is 8–13 characters.

Port forwarding

Some users need to access resources on their local network from the Internet. This could be accessing home network folders, a picture from a home IP camera, remote administration using Remote Administrator or Team Viewer programs, and using a dozen other necessary applications. To organize the possibility of such access, so-called port forwarding is required, when a router connects an external network port to a specific internal network port. Setting up port forwarding is easy using the router's web interface.

Setting up IPTV (digital TV)

Setting up IPTV allows you to select one of four network ports for transmitting a digital video stream to it. You can connect a network media player, Smart-TV or digital television set-top box to this port.

Video: setting up PPPoE and IPTV

Local LAN and DHCP

If you are not satisfied with the default local network settings, for example, because there is another router in it, you can always change them in the appropriate section.

Updating the firmware of the TP-LINK TL-WR841N router

Updating the internal software will help eliminate errors, increase performance and improve the stability of the router.

1. Check the revision of your router; this information is on a sticker located on the bottom cover of the device.

   The memo located on the bottom of the case contains information about the router revision and firmware number

2. Download the firmware from the TP-LINK ftp server.

   The manufacturer's website contains firmware files for all revisions of the router

3. From the System Tools section, select Firmware Upgrade.
4. Using the “Select file” button, specify the path to the firmware file and click the Upgrade button. The router will begin the update procedure, which will take about 10 minutes.

   After the installation is complete, you can make sure that the router version has changed

Be extremely careful when choosing the firmware file. Software from a router of a different revision or even an older version of software can make your device completely inoperable when installed. It can only be restored at a service center.

Video: updating TP-Link router firmware

Setting up TP-LINK TL-WR841N in repeater mode

The standard software does not support switching the router to repeater (repeater) mode. If you decide to use the TL-WR841N to expand your wireless coverage area, you can try installing the alternative firmware DD-WRT, in which the repeater mode is configured in just a few clicks.

1. Using the firmware update function, install the DD-WRT firmware.
2. Disable the WAN interface and the DHCP server on the “Installation” tab (section “Basic Settings”). Enter the repeater network settings details. The device must be on the same network as the main router. We will have a network 192.168.128.0/255.255.255.0, in which the gateway is a machine with the address 192.168.128.5. It is also a DNS server. For the future Dir-300 repeater, the free address 192.168.128.2 was selected, which is not distributed by the DHCP server.

   Enter the network address, subnet mask and gateway information to configure the repeater

3. Specify the wireless network type as “Repeater-Bridge”, and as the wireless network name, enter the name of the network on the main router. For us this is the DizAr_net network. Save the settings again.

   Activate repeater mode in Wi-Fi settings

4. Go to the Wi-Fi tab and select the same encryption algorithm and network key as on the main router.

   Network security settings are set on the Wi-Fi tab and should be the same as on the main router

Unfortunately, DD-WRT firmware does not support the entire line of TP-LINK TL-WR841N models. On the project website you can download update images for revisions 3, 5, 7 and 8.

Video: setting up the WR841N router in repeater-bridge mode

Factory reset

Resetting the router to factory settings may be necessary if the device does not work correctly and access to the web interface is impossible. Fortunately, all TP-LINK routers have the ability to perform a hardware reset to factory settings.

How to reboot the router

The easiest and most effective way to reboot your router is to turn off the power. Unplug the AC adapter from the outlet, wait five to six seconds, and plug it back in.

In Wi-Fi access points, the WDS repeater or repeater (repeater) mode is used to expand the Wi-Fi coverage area. For example, in house C
Configuring a TP-Link router in WDS Wi-Fi repeater mode

Configuring a TP-Link router in WDS Wi-Fi repeater mode

In Wi-Fi access points, WDS repeater mode or repeater (repeater), used to expand Wi-Fi coverage.

For example, a router is installed in a house or apartment, but in the back room a laptop, phone or tablet has a weak signal level. At the same time, it is so weak that connection is sometimes impossible.

You can, of course, connect a more powerful Wi-Fi adapter to your laptop, but what to do with your phone and tablet? In this case, an access point that supports the operating mode will help us - repeater or repeater. Access point TP-Link TL-WR740N will connect via Wi-Fi to your router and transmit the wireless signal further than a phone, tablet or other client device can. With the help of a TP-Link repeater and WDS technology, you can boost Wi-Fi signal for your devices.

Setting up an access point in Wi-Fi repeater mode

Router TP-Link connects to a computer or laptop using a twisted pair cable. Power is connected to the access point using a power supply. The network card settings should be set to default.

After setting up the access point, the cable from the computer to the access point can be disconnected.

Open the browser Internet Explorer, Mozilla, Opera, Chrome or any other, and enter the address 192.168.0.1 . This is the default IP address, you can also see it on the bottom of the router.

In the next window, enter your username admin, password admin.

Open the menu: Wireless mode - Setting up wireless mode - Enable WDS.

After enable WDS mode- a group of text fields will appear below. Click the “Search” button

enable WDS mode

In the window that appears, click “Connection” opposite the Wifi network to which we will connect.

list of wifi networks

Select the encryption type: open, WEP or WPA2. In the last column we enter wifi network password, which we want to connect to. We also install channel number, the same as the Wi-Fi network with which we want to create a WDS connection.

After this, save the settings by clicking the Save button. If the wifi network channel differs from the required one, you will receive the following note:

Your access point's channel does not match the bridged access point's channel, do you want to change your channel to the bridged access point's channel?

We confirm, and the channel should automatically change to the correct one.

Now all that remains is to configure options

wifi network security. Go to the menu: Wireless mode - Wireless protection. We select the encryption type and password that is used on the router to which our TP-Link repeater is connected. In our case, WPA2-PSK encryption was used.

Please note that if your router uses WEP encryption, then in the fields Type, WEP Key Format, WEP Key, Key Type Settings similar to the router to which the access point will be connected must be specified. Otherwise, the TP-Link repeater will not connect to the router. Don't forget to indicate correct region where your router is located. If the source router has a different number in the channel column, then the repeater cannot connect to the router due to incorrectly specified security parameters.

After configuring the security settings, save the settings with the Save button and reboot.

Checking WDS mode activation

You can find out that the TP-Link repeater was able to connect to the router in the menu State.

WDS connection status

Open the menu and look at the connection parameters. In field Name (SSID)- the name of the wifi network should appear in the field MAC address- Mac of the router distributing the network, as well as channel number and other parameters.

Connecting equipment to a Wi-Fi network with WDS

You can connect to WDS Wi-Fi network smartphone with Wi-Fi, tablet or laptop. To connect a laptop to a Wi-Fi network, in the lower right corner of the screen we find the Wi-Fi connection management icon. Select our Wi-Fi network from the list and click the “Connect” button.

Enter the password to connect to the Wi-Fi network, which was set in the router settings. After this, the laptop will connect to the Wi-Fi network.

Checking the connection of devices to the Wi-Fi repeater

After connecting any wireless device (laptop, phone, tablet) to the Wi-Fi network, check that the device is connected to the repeater and not to the router. To do this, on the access point, open the menu Wireless mode - Wireless mode statistics and see the devices connected to the TP-Link repeater.

If the MAC address of your device is not in the list, and the Internet works on it, then the device has connected to the router, since at this point the router’s signal is better than the repeater’s signal. Place the access point far from the router and connect next to it. If the device still cannot connect to the access point, check that the access point is connected to the router and that its encryption type and password are set correctly in the security settings.