Connecting the wifi tp link repeater. Detailed instructions for connecting and configuring the TP Link TL Wa850re modem. Convenient to use

There is a technology that allows you to increase the coverage of a Wi-Fi network without increasing the transmitter power. It is called WDS and implies the installation of at least one more device that is a repeater, that is, a repeater. Through the router, the repeater gains access to the local network using a wireless channel, and the repeater itself can be considered a switch. WDS technology does not allow using a radio channel that is not occupied by the "main" router, so the traffic speed for subscribers connected to the repeater will be low. It differs from the speed obtained without using a repeater by about two times. But the Wi-Fi coverage area can also be doubled, so there is definitely a benefit from using WDS technology.

Repeater network connection

Now we will list the restrictions that you need to be aware of when choosing a device operating in repeater mode:

• For WDS technology to be useful in practice, buy devices from the same company (the router itself and the repeater must be of the same brand). There are exceptions, but their presence only proves the rule.
• Even if you manage to configure everything correctly, be prepared for the fact that the traffic speed in the repeater's network will be twice as low as was typical for the router's network.
• Using WDS technology, the automatic selection of the channel number must be disabled in the router. First, set the radio channel manually (any of the set 1-14), and then try to tune the repeater.

It seems that they are selling universal Wi-Fi repeaters that should work with any access point or router. We will not comment on their actual capabilities, but note that even universal routers, if you switch them to repeater mode, may not support WPA protection in this mode (only WEP is used). The choice is left to the user.

Repeater setup, TP-Link equipment

We will be looking at a configuration method that allows you to use WDS in practice and is suitable for TP-Link devices. First of all, in the main router or access point, you must fix the number of the radio channel. Set the number that was used at the time of the setup (see its value on the "Status" tab).

Setting up the primary access point

It is also recommended to fix the radio channel width, if such a setting is provided. You set all the parameters on the “Wireless” -\u003e “Wireless Settings” tab, and then press the “Save” button. And now we will look at how to properly configure the second device (router-repeater).

We prepare the computer, open the interface

It is necessary to understand that two routers with the same settings cannot work at the same time. The second device, which is a repeater, must receive a static address that is different from the address of the main access point. In addition, since the DHCP server will be turned off in the repeater, we will not be able to enter the configuration interface from the computer just like that. But if you assign a static IP to the PC network card, there will be no restrictions:

Setting up a wired computer connection

Please note that we will use a static IP address temporarily, and after the network starts working, it is recommended to return the network card settings to "auto".

Having entered the web-interface of the future repeater, first of all, disable the WPS mode. It is disabled on the "WPS" tab, and after pressing the "Disable" button, do not forget to save the settings:

Disable WPS Mode Tab

To save the parameters, you press the inscription "Click here", which will appear at the bottom of the page. After that, the device will reboot. Enter the interface again and go to the "Network" -\u003e "LAN" tab.

LAN settings tab

So, the final touch before enabling the WDS protocol is changing the local address of our future repeater. We changed only the last digit in the address (there was one, now there was a two). Do the same, but you can use a different number that does not belong to the DHCP range of the main router. Tip: try small numbers, or, conversely, close to 255.

We now turn to turning on the Repeater mode. Do not forget that the web interface is now available at a new address, the one that you yourself set on the "LAN" tab.

Step-by-step configuration of a repeater router

All the preparatory steps have been completed, and there is only one thing left - to use the new mode on the second device, and then connect to the Wi-Fi network that already exists. Let us recall once again what the preliminary events contained:

1. We have disabled the WPS protocol, which is used by default in any TP-Link model.
2. The local IP address was changed (but not randomly, but guided by certain requirements)
3. Using the new address value, we entered the interface of the second device

Now it remains to open the "Wireless" -\u003e "Wireless Settings" tab, and check the "Enable WDS ..." box, but do not rush! Set the parameters as shown below:

Repeater setup

You are setting a different name for the wireless network from the main one, and just in case it is better to set the same channel that is used by the main network.

Finally, we check the "Enable WDS ..." checkbox and press the "Servey" button. The device will find all available wireless networks at the moment, and you need to connect to one of them:

Repeater setup, search for networks

Setting wireless parameters

Finally, click the "Save" button on the tab. So, we have two networks with different SSIDs, which are actually one local segment. Happy settings!

Using equipment from other companies

Guided by the above principles, you can configure any router: ASUS, D-Link, and so on.

But even if there is a “Router / Repeater” switch on the case, this does not mean that the considered recommendations can be neglected. The main one is that you actually need to change the IP address of the second device. All subscribers, as well as the repeater itself, will be in one local segment, and they must have corresponding addresses. They cannot be the same, and at the same time they must differ only in the last digit. See which DHCP range is used in the first device and assign the second one to an address that does not belong to this range.

It can also be noted that you will get a full-fledged repeater if both devices use the same wireless protocol. It talks about the N150 and N300 standards, as well as the choice between options B, G, N. First, it is better to set the "Mixed" mode and see how much the speed drops. Here's the result of a little testing:

Wireless traffic

As you can see, using a Wi-Fi signal repeater provides bandwidth that is 50% lower than the exchange rate on the main network. If so, consider yourself lucky.

Wall Plugged repeaters are now available. If such a device has the designation "Noname", it is from an unknown company. And although this does not mean that such products themselves are of poor quality, it is better to buy a D-Link repeater for a D-Link network combine, and so on. Simply, the WDS protocol itself is not standardized, and the Wi-Fi standard lists only two classes of devices: an access point, a subscriber. No "repeaters" are provided by the standard, it's true.

Repeater mode

Using a repeater TP-LINK TL-WA850RE will allow significantly.

This will solve all problems that arise from a bad router signal, including low internet speed.

How does a repeater work and when should you use it?

A Wi-Fi repeater is considered a separate device whose task is to amplify the signal of an already configured network.

This process takes place by connecting the repeater to the router via a web interface or Ethernet channel.

The amplifier model must match the router. Popular manufacturers such as others produce repeater lines for their respective routers.

The compatibility of the devices must be indicated in their technical parameters.

The appearance of the repeater may differ depending on the model and the company, but they are all small, much smaller than a standard router.

In appearance, the gadget resembles an ordinary outlet. There are also repeaters that completely repeat the shape of the router.

You can buy TP-LINK TL-WA850RE, like any other amplifier model, in almost all stores that sell computer equipment and communications.

The cost of such a gadget is equal to the price of a budget router.

Fig. 1 - TP-LINK TL-WA850RE appearance

The repeater is advisable to use in the following situations:

• To enhance the signal in the office network. TP-LINK TL-WA850RE is able to significantly increase the coverage range even in large rooms;
• For home use. Users often face a problem. Uneven distribution of the signal in an apartment or house can lead to an instant disconnection of the Internet on the device and loss of unsaved data.

As a rule, in order to increase the signal level and, accordingly, the speed of the Internet, users begin to do a lot of unnecessary and sometimes unsuccessful work.

Constantly dragging the router around the entire perimeter of the room, purchasing additional wires, connecting to a more expensive provider's tariff - all these actions will not be able to improve the router's performance.

To solve the problem, it is enough to purchase a small and inexpensive repeater.

The principle of operation of the TP-LINK TL-WA850RE gadget is very simple: you plug it into an outlet closer to the router.

Then you set up the connection of two devices. As a result, the house will have a coating that will be several times more powerful.

To create the best signal level, which is simultaneously connected to the antennas of the router and amplifier.

Thus, the area for client connections is increased. The principle of signal amplification is shown schematically in the figure below:

Fig. 2 - the principle of interaction between a repeater and a router

As you can see, the task of the repeater is to receive the signal from the router and distribute it further indoors, where the area of \u200b\u200bthe usual coverage of the router no longer works.

TL-WA850RE Router Compatibility

TL-WA850RE is a universal type extender. It works with all routers manufactured by TP-Link.

There are no restrictions on the compatibility of any of the characteristics of the two gadgets.

Due to its unique and compact form, as well as the presence of special slots for connecting cables, TL-WA850RE can be used not only as an amplifier, but also as a wired device to connect to the Internet.

Fig. 3 - control panel and connectors in the TL-WA850RE

Overview of characteristics and equipment

TL-WA850RE is the most popular amplifier for TP-link. This model can be found in almost every online store.

Let's take a closer look at all the features and characteristics of this gadget.

Amplifier complete set. The gadget comes in a branded box from the manufacturer TP-Link.

Before buying, first of all, you should pay attention to the box and its distinctive features, because with the growing demand for this extender, fakes began to appear.

The original box is decorated in blue and white colors. The box should contain the following information:

• Manufacturer - TP-Link (The Realizable Choice);
• Description of the structure and principle of operation of the repeater;
• Indication of model, device type (Range Extender) and maximum operating speed (300 Mbps).

The appearance of the official box is shown in the image:

Figure: 4 - amplifier box TL-WA850RE

The gadget package includes the following items:

• The extender itself (white body and blue border of the router connection button);
• User's manual for setting up (in Russian and English);
• Brochure indicating device parameters;
• Warranty document;
• Mini-disk, with which you can view all instructions and other documentation for the repeater on your computer;
• Adapter. With it, you can connect a TV, router or router to a repeater.

Figure: 5 - amplifier package

Thanks to the unique design of the repeater, the manufacturer managed to remove such a detail as a power supply from the package.

The body of the device is designed in such a way that it can be immediately connected to an outlet without worrying about constant recharging from external sources.

Figure: 6 - appearance of the extender from TP-Link

The body of the gadget is made of glossy white plastic. Dimensions: height - 11 cm, width - 6.6 cm, thickness - 7.5 cm.

On the front cover of the amplifier there is a panel of buttons and operation indicators. The main element is this. With its help, you can connect to the router in one click.

If the amplifier is connected to the mains, the button will be illuminated blue.

Figure: 7 - image of the front panel of the gadget

On the bottom panel of the gadget there is a reset button (emergency device recovery), a port for connecting an Ethernet cable.

The repeater works with 802.11b / g / n connection standards. The range of operation is 2.4 GHz, and the speed reaches 300 Mbps (maximum).

The main component of the repeater is the Qualcomm Atheros AR9341 chipset.

Features and benefits of use

The extender has the following advantages:

• The ability to configure the optimal connection option. Depending on the type of device that creates the network, you can connect to the amplifier using a wired Ethernet connection or set up a wireless connection using WPS technology;
• Compact case that contains all the necessary ports and indicators without the need for additional power supplies and wires;
• Work indication. This allows you to quickly determine the status of the connection and correctly;
• TL-WA850RE works without problems, both in open networks and in coverage that uses encryption, in particular, the most common WEP and WPA / WPA2 standards.

Figure: 8 - TL-WA850RE demo

Remember! The stability of the repeater is directly dependent on the quality of the router itself. If there is a problem with the network, you should first update the router firmware or replace it with a new model.

Setting up a repeater

The standard setup procedure will take no more than a few minutes. Typically, users need to set up a repeater to router connection.

To do this, just follow these steps:

• Take an amplifier and plug it into an outlet;
• Wait for the gadget to load. This will take 1-2 minutes. Work activation status is shown by indicator lights;
• ... To do this, simply press the corresponding key located on the front panel of the case;
• Find the key to activate WPS on your router and click on it.

The router will connect to the extender. In turn, strengthen fully duplicates all the parameters of the existing network, creating a new instance of it.

The parameters of the active network include login, password and channel number. Note that the repeater has a different IP address from the router.

Thanks to the WPS connection, you don't have to deal with interface settings and wired connections.

This technology can also be used when connecting the amplifier to TVs, game consoles.

The only requirement is that the second device must also support WPS.

Expansion of the existing network will be terminated if at least one of the devices (repeater or) is disconnected from the power supply.

Figure: 9 - schematic setup for connecting a router and repeater

Connecting TP-LINK TL-WA850RE to a router without a WPS key

Some do not support WPS, so you may not find the corresponding key on the router toolbar.

The amplifier developers foresaw a similar situation, so they created the ability to connect two devices via the router's web interface.

Follow the instructions:

• Plug into a power outlet. This will create an open network with the name of the amplifier. Connection to it is possible through the settings of your router;
• Using any browser on your computer, enter 192.168.0.254 into the address bar. Press Enter. It will automatically connect to the extender web interface;
• Enter your username and password to gain access. By default, these are admin and admin. The main window of the amplifier web interface looks like this:

Figure: 10 - main window of the TL-WA850RE amplifier interface

• Click the WPS tab on the left menu. Repeat all the parameters shown in the figure below. It is not necessary to use a PIN to access the repeater's network. After configuring the active WPS status, click on the Add device button and select the name of the router from the list provided;

Figure: 11 - manual WPS setup

If you want to use the repeater in several networks at once, you must create separate work profiles.

To do this, go to the Profiles tab and add a separate element for each router.

Figure: 12 - setting up multiple profiles

Testing the device

Extender test results are a comprehensive diagnosis of the speed of the Internet connection at different distances from both the router and its extender.

The test results are summarized in a diagram, which is shown in Figure 13.

The test showed that the TL-WA850RE copes well with the task of expanding coverage to 30 meters or more.

The speed gradually decreases with increasing range, however, the Internet continues to work without interruption.

Figure: 13 - test results TL-WA850RE

Outcome

When faced with the problem of poor network connection, it is better to get a small TL-WA850RE amplifier.

Review of the TP-LINK TL-WA850RE Wi-Fi signal booster which allows you to increase the Wi-Fi coverage area

The TP-LINK Wi-Fi Signal Amplifier with a data transfer rate of up to 300 Mbps model TL-WA850RE is designed to expand the coverage and increase the signal strength of an existing wireless network, as well as to eliminate "dead zones" in homes, apartments, hotels and offices ... In general, in fact, the signals of the original network are not amplified in any way, but a new network is created, connected with the first, which allows you to increase the coverage area. TP-LINK TL-WA850RE is made of white glossy plastic, thanks to its compact and convenient housing, the amplifier is easy to install and carry

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 strength. At the same time, it is so weak that connection is sometimes impossible.

Of course, you can 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 operation mode will help us - repeater or repeater... Access point 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 do. Using the TP-Link repeater, you can strengthen wifi signal for your devices.

Setting up an access point in Wi-Fi repeater mode

TP-Link router 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 by default.

After configuring 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 and can also be viewed on the bottom of the router.

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

Open the menu: Wireless mode - Configure wireless mode -.

After - a group of text fields will appear below. Press the button "Search"

In the window that appears, click "Connect" opposite the Wifi network to which we will connect.

Select the type of encryption: open, or. In the last column we enter password from wifi networkto which we want to connect. And also install channel number, the same as the wi-fi network with which we want to create a WDS connection.

After that we save the settings by clicking the Save button. If the wifi network channel differs from the required one, then you will receive the following remark:

The channel of your AP does not match the channel of the bridged AP, would you like to change your channel to that of the bridged AP?

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

Now all that remains is to configure wifi network security parameters... Go to the menu: Wireless Mode - Wireless Security. We select the type of encryption and the password that is used on the router to which our TP-Link repeater is connected. In our case, encryption was used.

Please note that if your router is used, then in the fields Type, WEP Key Format, WEP Key, Key Type settings similar to the router to which the access point will connect should 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 on the source router there is 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.

Verifying WDS Mode Activation

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

Open the menu and look at the connection parameters. In field Name () - the name of the wifi network should appear, in the field - the mac of the router distributing the network, and 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 the laptop to a Wi-Fi network, in the lower right corner of the screen we find the Wi-Fi connection control icon. In the list, select our Wi-Fi network and click the "Connect" button.

Enter the password for connecting to the Wi-Fi network, which was set in the router settings. After that, 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, we will check that the device is connected to the repeater and not to the router. To do this, on the access point, open the Wireless Mode - Wireless Statistics menu and see the devices connected to the TP-Link repeater.

If there is no MAC address of your device in the list, and the Internet is working on it, then the device is connected to the router, since at this point the router signal is better than the repeater signal. Place the access point away from the router and connect next to it. If the device still fails to connect to the access point, check that the access point is connected to the router and has the correct encryption type and password set in the security settings.

No matter how good modern routers are, the situation with insufficient coverage area can be encountered by every user. There are several solutions to this problem, and one of the easiest in terms of installation and configuration is the use of special network devices. In English, they are commonly referred to as "Range Extender", which is sometimes translated as "amplifier". From the point of view of functioning, this is a completely understandable name, but in fact the signals of the original network are not amplified in any way, but a new network is created, connected with the first and with another location of the antennas, which makes it possible to increase the zone of confident reception of clients. So we will use the term “repeater” in this article as more accurate.

On the pages of our resource, we have already met reviews of devices of this class, and today we will consider the TL-WA850RE model of one of the largest manufacturers of network equipment - TP-Link.

Delivery set, appearance and technical characteristics

The device comes in a standard cardboard box. It is decorated in light colors and looks stylish. The package contains information about the device, including a photo, use cases, specifications.

The package includes a network patch cord, a quick installation guide in Russian and English, a warranty card, a mini-CD with an electronic version of the documentation.

As you have already noticed, there is no external power supply in the package bundle list. The fact is that the device is made in a rare case, which is directly plugged into a power outlet.

To say unequivocally that this simplifies the installation, perhaps, it is impossible. On the one hand, it has fewer components and connectors. On the other hand, a relatively large model case can be more difficult to place than a compact switching power supply.

External dimensions are approximately 110 x 65 x 75 mm. The body is made of white glossy plastic. On the front panel there is a circle of indicators, in the center of which there is a WPS button. At the bottom there is a 10/100 Mbps wired network port for connecting clients and a hidden reset button.

All indicators are blue and bright enough, which is especially noticeable at night. Considering that the repeater is difficult to hide or deploy in any way, this feature can be perceived negatively. In total, there are four status LEDs (connection to the main router, own Wi-Fi network, wired port, power supply) and a five-segment signal strength indicator from the router. The latter will be useful in determining the optimal location for the repeater.

During operation, our copy emitted a barely noticeable "squeak", familiar from low-quality switching power supplies. This did not affect work in any way. Let's hope that this is an isolated case.

The device supports work with wireless networks of standards 802.11b / g / n in the 2.4 GHz band at speeds up to 300 Mbps. In this case, the networks can be open, and also use WEP or WPA / WPA2. According to the manufacturer, the system is based on the Qualcomm Atheros AR9341 chip. Checking the broadcasts of multicast streams showed that the device has their support, but the stability of the operation depends significantly on the main router and provider. In any case, multicast and Wi-Fi are not the best combination of technologies. The wired port can be used to connect additional clients, such as TVs, media players, game consoles. If necessary, through the switch, you can implement work with several devices at once. According to the manufacturer, the power consumption of the model is about 3 W. Since no drivers are required to work, all existing operating systems, including mobile, are on the compatibility list.

The device was tested with firmware 3.14.4 Build 130313 Rel.63007n.

Customization and capabilities

The easiest way to turn on the repeater is to use WPS technology: plug the device into a power outlet, wait for it to boot, then activate WPS on the router and press the button on the repeater. The device connects to the existing network on the router, creates its own one with the same parameters (channel number, network name and password will be the same), receives its own IP address from the router. So the user does not even need to enter the web interface or enter any passwords. There is no doubt that this is a very significant plus for novice users.

If for some reason you cannot or do not want to use WPS on the router, then there is a second scenario: turn on the device, connect with a cable or to an open network with a distinctive name, access the web-based configuration interface. For the latter, you can use the address http://tplinkextender.net/, but note that the manufacturer forgot the "external" version of this domain or could not take it, so a site not related to TP-Link lives on it. Through the web interface, you can quickly set up a connection to an existing network using the assistant. Note that it allows you to select a different name (SSID) from your main network. Oddly enough, there is no such option in the full settings menu.

As a result, all clients that previously worked with the original router will be able to work in the repeater's coverage area without reconfiguration. You can also use the port for wired connection of devices, which is located on the repeater. And the repeater itself can be reinstalled into another outlet within the coverage area of \u200b\u200bthe main router.

The model's web interface is in English only. However, in our opinion, most users will not need it. The status page provides information about the current state of the device: firmware version, main network parameters (name, MAC address, signal strength), local MAC and IP addresses, network parameters (name, channel number, mode, maximum speed, MAC -address), packet statistics and uptime.

The WPS section is used to configure client connection to the extender's own access point. Note that there is support for the option with a PIN-code, and there is protection against code selection.

In the case of mobile use, when it is required to work as part of different networks, it makes sense to use pre-programmed profiles. Each of them contains the name, SSID, MAC and password. After that, you can quickly switch them through the web interface. In the same situation, the ability to set a fixed IP address of the repeater can be useful. Although in most cases DHCP will suffice.

Perhaps the most interesting group of settings in the interface is “Wireless”. It is six pages long. The first contains the name and MAC address of the main network, as well as the choice of region and channel width. The last setting, however, does not seem to affect the operation of the repeater, which creates its own network in the same mode that is selected on the main router. Recall that since there is only one radio unit, the channel numbers of the original and new networks will necessarily coincide.

The second page allows you to specify the network security mode. In addition, it is possible to set a MAC address filter for wireless clients connected to the repeater. Additional Wi-Fi options include power level setting, enabling WMM, GI, and wireless client isolation.

A separate page contains a list of connected devices with an indication of the amount of received and transmitted data. And another one allows you to graphically view the transmission speed of the device. The only pity is that the data is reset if you leave the page, and the charts are not visible in all browsers.

In some configurations, the built-in DHCP server may be helpful. Here you can specify the range of IP addresses that are issued to clients and parameters such as lease times, default router and DNS server addresses.

The structure of the "System" group is traditional for this class of devices: firmware update, work with configuration, reboot, change of administrator password. There is also an event log with local storage. It is interesting that the time indicated in it is almost correct (there is no zone setting), apparently, the device is able to independently set it via the Internet.

Testing

To test the maximum capabilities of the wireless module of the model, we used a Netgear WNDR3800 router and an ASUS USB-N53 adapter. Both devices support 300Mbps connection speed. The test server was connected to the router with a cable, and the client worked in the following configurations: via a USB adapter to the router, via a cable and TL-WA850RE to the router, via a USB adapter and TL-WA850RE to the router. The first group evaluates the speed of the USB adapter itself, the second - the work of the client through the repeater over the cable, and the third - the work of the client through the repeater over Wi-Fi. The distance between the router and the wireless devices was about five meters. The USB adapter was placed within one meter of the extender. Direction indicated is relative to the client.

The results show that, in general, the repeater does its job well. When the client works via cable, the speed is about 60-70 Mbit / s. This should be enough for broadcasting high definition video. The Wi-Fi connection is expected to reduce the speed by about half, since there are twice as many streams on the air.

Another configuration was used as a profile scenario in testing. The ZyXEL NBG-460N router provided access to the Internet and was installed near one of the walls of a wooden house. In these conditions, it was possible to use Internet access inside the house and near this wall, but on the street from the opposite side the signal was already very weak. Therefore, we connected a repeater at the other end of the house, about 10 meters away from the router. For convenience, a network was created on it with a different name from the main one.

To measure the speed, the www.speedtest.net service with a fixed nearest server was used. The clients were smartphones Apple iPhone 4S and LG Optimus G. Note that in terms of latency, in all tests we received values \u200b\u200bof 5-15 ms, so these figures are not shown on the graphs. The maximum speed of reception and transmission after several launches was chosen and rounded up to the whole Mbit / s.

Three control points were chosen in the house and five on the street from the side of the repeater: near the router (at a distance of about 2 meters), at an equal distance between devices (about 4 meters each to the router and the repeater), near the repeater (1.5 meters ), outdoors at distances of 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 meters from the repeater. Connecting smartphones to a router at a distance of more than 10 meters from the wall on the “inconvenient” side was already unstable due to a significant decrease in the signal level.

The results show that the TL-WA850RE has successfully met the challenge of expanding wireless coverage, providing reliable reception at distances of up to 30 meters or more. Of course, the speed decreases with increasing range, but even devices as relatively weak in terms of Wi-Fi as smartphones can work well through a repeater.

conclusions

TP-Link TL-WA850RE Wireless Repeater is an interesting enough device for those users who need to increase the wireless coverage area.

The most attractive aspect of the model is the ease of installation. The user may not even know the original network password for the installation. It is enough to use WPS technology to connect to the router, and all clients will be able to work with the new network without reconfiguring, since both the name and password will be saved.

Speaking about performance, the model showed good results in this class in tests. Do not forget that Wi-Fi uses a common environment and any decisions on the same channel will reduce the speed.

TP-Link TL-WA850RE will be useful in cases where the router has a not very powerful wireless module and you need to work at a considerable distance from it. Or if the configuration of the room has pronounced "difficult" zones. In addition, it can be used as a Wi-Fi adapter for TVs or media players.

We also note the unusual design of the device, good compatibility with routers from other manufacturers and stable operation of the firmware. It is a pity that it did not implement the mode of operation as an access point.

The average retail price of TP-Link TL-WA850RE in Moscow, current at the time of your reading this article, is $ 25 ().

Hello. I have already been asked several times in the comments about how you can connect two routers via Wi-Fi in wireless bridge mode (WDS)... More precisely, one router will work as usual for itself, and the second will connect to it wirelessly, take the Internet and distribute it as another network. This method can enhance the wireless signal.

For example, you already have one router installed in your home, but it is not enough and the network does not catch the whole house. To strengthen the Wi-Fi network, of course, there are special devices - Wi-Fi repeaters... Which simply catch the signal from the router and distribute it further. But almost all modern routers can work in this mode, that is, they can act as a Wi-Fi repeater.

If you have not yet understood what and how I will configure, then I found an excellent picture on the official TP-Link website that clearly shows the diagram of such a connection.

Honestly, I do not know how things are with this in the routers of such companies as: Asus, D-Link, Tenda, Linksys, etc. I will show you how to set up a wireless bridge (WDS) on a router from TP-Link... Now I work through a router on it and experimented. But for example, setting the same in repeater mode will be no different. Checked. Anyway, my instructions should come in handy.

Here is another comment that was left a few days ago, and we will answer it today.

If you have a main router for example from TP-Link and you want to install another router as a repeater, then I advise you to buy a device from the same company, in our case TP-Link. Devices from the same company perform better and more stable.

We use a TP-Link router as a "Repeater"

This means that only the channel needs to be changed on our main router.

Configuring the main router

Go to the router settings and go to the tab Wireless... Opposite parameter Channel set channel number like 6 (the same channel will need to be installed on the router, which we will configure as a repeater)... Save the settings by clicking the button "Save".

Configuring the "Repeater" router

At the time of setup, the router (which will work as a repeater) you need to connect to your computer via cable.

We go into the settings of the router. To do this, in the browser, type the address 192.168.0.1 , or 192.168.1.1 (the address can be viewed from the bottom of the router).

Then you will be prompted to enter your login and password to access the router settings. If you have not changed them, then usually by default they are admin and admin (you can also look at the bottom of the device).

I wrote more about WPS in the article, you can read it. We need to disable this feature.

To do this, go to the tab WPS and click on the button "Disable WPS".

Reboot your router. To do this, you can click on the link “Click here” which will appear on the page after changing the settings.

After rebooting, the page with the router settings should open again.

Change the IP address of the TP-Link router

Go to the tab Network – LAN... In field IP Address change the last number of the IP address to a digit 2 ... For example, I had the address 192.168.0.1, and I changed to 192.168.0.2 ... Press the button to save the settings. "Save".

The router will reboot itself, will ask you to enter your login and password again to access the settings, and you will be taken to the settings page. Please note that the IP address in the browser will be different.

Setting up a wireless bridge (WDS) on a TP-Link router

Go to the tab Wireless.

Near Wireless Network Name specify the name of the new wireless network that our new so-called "Repeater" will distribute. And near Region specify your region.

On the contrary Channel I advise you to change the channel to digital 6 (or better set 1, so that the channels do not match. Try this and that).

Attention! If, when installing the same channels (for example, 6) on the main router and on the “repeater” router, the Internet does not work, then set channel 1 (or another) on the second router. Try this and that.

To enable bridge mode (WDS), check the box next to Enable WDS Bridging.

Well, all that remains is to start the search for Wi-Fi routers. To do this, click on the button "Survey".

A page will open with a list of wireless networks (there can be only one network)... Select the network (main router) and in front of it press the button "Connect".

You will see that the fields SSID (to be bridged) and BSSID (to be bridged) will be filled. If a password for the Wi-Fi network is set on the main router, then in the field Key type specify the type of encryption, and in the field Password enter the password for accessing the wireless network of the main router.

Click the button "Save" and restart your router.

Everything should work. On the main page of the router settings, you can see the connection status. If opposite is written Run, then this means that the router has connected to the main router and should distribute the Internet.

Potential Problems When Setting Up a Wireless Bridge (WDS)

If on the main page of the router settings in the status for a long time it is written Scan ..., then this means that our repeater router cannot connect to the main router.

Only when configuring the main router, you need to specify the MAC address of the secondary router. And when configuring the secondary, specify the MAC address of the primary. The MAC address of the router can be viewed from the bottom of the device.

Afterword

Perhaps a little confusing article turned out, but I tried to sort everything out on the shelves. In fact, setting up a wireless bridge on a router is not difficult.

To be honest, I had an HTC phone as the main router, it has the ability to work as a router. So here is mine TP-Link TL-MR3220, which I configured as "Repeater" connected to the phone via Wi-Fi and distributed the wireless network further. And everything worked great. But this is not a very important point, since the settings do not differ.

I just wanted to make sure that everything works, and it's not very good to write unverified information.

There will be questions, ask! Good luck!