TP-Link N300 WiFi Extender (TL-WA855RE) User Manual

1. Introduction

The TP-Link N300 WiFi Extender (TL-WA855RE) is designed to extend your existing Wi-Fi coverage, eliminating dead zones and providing a stable wireless connection throughout your home or office. This device boosts your internet Wi-Fi coverage up to 800 square feet and is compatible with any standard Wi-Fi router, gateway, or access point. It supports wireless speeds of up to 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, ensuring your devices run efficiently.

2. Product Overview

The TL-WA855RE features a compact, wall-plug design with two external antennas for enhanced signal strength and reliability. It includes an Ethernet port for connecting wired devices and a WPS button for quick setup.

Figure 2.1: Front view of the TP-Link N300 WiFi Extender (TL-WA855RE).

Figure 2.2: Side view of the TP-Link N300 WiFi Extender, showing the Ethernet port.

Key Features:

• Extended Wi-Fi Coverage: Boosts Wi-Fi signal up to 800 square feet.
• Eliminates Dead Zones: Provides lag-free connection for various devices.
• Ethernet Port: Allows connection of wired devices like smart TVs or gaming consoles.
• Single Band 2.4GHz: Operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency band.
• External Antennas: Two external antennas with MIMO technology for improved range.
• Easy Setup: Simple setup process using WPS button or web UI.

3. Package Contents

Upon opening the package, ensure all items are present:

• TP-Link N300 WiFi Extender (TL-WA855RE)
• Quick Installation Guide

Note: The product may also include a Smart television, Tablet, and Smartphone for illustrative purposes in some bundles, but these are not typically included in the standard extender package.

4. Setup

The TL-WA855RE offers two primary methods for setup: using the WPS button or via a web browser.

Method 1: Using the WPS Button (Recommended for quick setup)

1. Plug the TL-WA855RE into an electrical outlet near your main router. Wait for the Power LED to turn solid blue.
2. Press the WPS button on your router.
3. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on the TL-WA855RE. The Signal LED should begin to flash.
4. Wait for the Signal LED on the extender to turn solid green. This indicates a successful connection to your router.
5. Unplug the extender and relocate it to a midway point between your router and the Wi-Fi dead zone. Ensure the Signal LED remains solid green for optimal performance. If it turns yellow or red, move it closer to the router.

Figure 4.1: The WPS button on the TP-Link N300 WiFi Extender.

Method 2: Using a Web Browser

1. Plug the TL-WA855RE into an electrical outlet near your main router.
2. Connect your computer or mobile device to the extender's Wi-Fi network (e.g., 'TP-Link_Extender').
3. Open a web browser and type tplinkrepeater.net or 192.168.0.254 in the address bar.
4. Create a new username and password for security and management purposes when prompted.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to select your host network and enter its password.
6. Once configured, relocate the extender to an optimal location as described in Method 1.

5. Operating the Extender

Once the extender is successfully set up and the Signal LED is solid green, it will broadcast an extended Wi-Fi network. Devices can connect to this extended network using the same password as your main router.

Connecting Devices:

• On your Wi-Fi enabled device (smartphone, tablet, laptop, smart TV), open your Wi-Fi settings.
• Locate your original Wi-Fi network name followed by '_EXT' (e.g., 'MyHomeWiFi_EXT').
• Select this network and enter your original Wi-Fi password.
• Your device should now be connected to the extended network.

Using the Ethernet Port:

The TL-WA855RE includes a 10/100M Ethernet Port (RJ45). You can connect a wired device, such as a desktop computer, gaming console, or smart TV, directly to this port using an Ethernet cable. This provides a stable wired connection to your extended network.

Figure 5.1: Illustration of extended Wi-Fi coverage provided by the TL-WA855RE.

6. Maintenance

To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your TP-Link N300 WiFi Extender, consider the following maintenance tips:

• Placement: Ensure the extender is placed in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and excessive moisture.
• Cleaning: Gently wipe the device with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using liquid cleaners or aerosols.
• Firmware Updates: Periodically check the TP-Link official website for firmware updates. Updating the firmware can improve performance, add new features, and fix bugs.
• Power Cycle: If you experience intermittent connectivity issues, try unplugging the extender from the power outlet for a few seconds and then plugging it back in.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your TL-WA855RE, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

No Internet Access / Weak Signal:

• Check Signal LED: If the Signal LED is yellow or red, the extender is too far from your router. Relocate it closer to the router until the Signal LED turns solid green.
• Router Compatibility: Ensure your router's firmware is standard and not altered or based on open-source programs, as this may affect compatibility.
• Interference: Wireless performance can be affected by environmental factors such as building materials, physical objects, and other electronic devices. Try repositioning the extender to minimize interference.
• Network Conditions: High volume or density of traffic on your main network can impact extender performance.

Cannot Access Web Management Page:

• Ensure your device is connected to the extender's Wi-Fi network.
• Verify that you are typing the correct address: tplinkrepeater.net or 192.168.0.254.
• Try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, or use a different browser.
• If issues persist, perform a factory reset on the extender by pressing and holding the Reset button until all LEDs flash briefly. Then, reconfigure the extender.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information and technical support, please visit the official TP-Link website or refer to the documentation included with your product.

You can also find additional resources and user guides online:

• User Manual (PDF): Download Here
• TP-Link Support Page: www.tp-link.com/us/support/