D-Link DAP-1820 Wireless AC2000 Range Extender

1. Introduction

The D-Link DAP-1820 Wireless AC2000 Range Extender is designed to expand your existing wireless network coverage. It utilizes high-speed dual-band AC2000 Wi-Fi to eliminate Wi-Fi dead zones in your home or office. When paired with a D-Link Wi-Fi Mesh enabled router, it can create a unified Wi-Fi Mesh network for seamless connectivity.

This manual provides instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your DAP-1820 range extender.

2. Package Contents

Verify that your package contains the following items:

• D-Link DAP-1820 Wireless AC2000 Range Extender
• Quick Installation Guide
• Wi-Fi Configuration Card

If any items are missing or damaged, please contact your retailer.

Figure 2.1: D-Link DAP-1820 Product Packaging

3. Product Overview

The DAP-1820 is a compact, wall-plug design range extender. It features a Smart Signal Indicator for optimal placement and a Gigabit Ethernet port for wired connectivity.

Figure 3.1: Front View of DAP-1820

The back of the device contains important information such as the model number, MAC ID, hardware and firmware versions, default Wi-Fi Name (SSID), and password. It also includes regulatory compliance details.

Figure 3.2: Back Label with Device Information

4. Setup

There are two primary methods to set up your D-Link DAP-1820 range extender: using Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) or through a web browser.

4.1. WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) Method

1. Plug the DAP-1820 into a power outlet near your existing Wi-Fi router.
2. Wait for the LED on the extender to turn solid amber, indicating it is ready for setup.
3. Press the WPS button on your existing Wi-Fi router.
4. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on the side of your DAP-1820 extender.
5. The LED on the extender will flash green during connection and then turn solid green when successfully connected.

Figure 4.1: WPS Button Location

4.2. Web Browser Method

1. Plug the DAP-1820 into a power outlet.
2. Connect your computer or mobile device to the extender's default Wi-Fi network (SSID and password are on the Wi-Fi Configuration Card or the back of the device).
3. Open a web browser and enter the default IP address or URL provided in the Quick Installation Guide (e.g., http://dlinkap.local/).
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the extender, selecting your existing Wi-Fi network and entering its password.

5. Operating Modes

The DAP-1820 can operate in two main modes:

5.1. Range Extender Mode

In this mode, the device extends the coverage of your existing Wi-Fi network. It connects wirelessly to your router and rebroadcasts the signal, allowing devices further away to connect with a stronger signal.

5.2. Access Point Mode

When connected to your router via an Ethernet cable (using the Gigabit Port), the DAP-1820 can function as a wireless access point, creating a new Wi-Fi network from a wired connection. This is useful for adding Wi-Fi capability to a wired-only network or creating a separate Wi-Fi network.

Figure 5.1: Multi-mode Operation with Gigabit Port

6. Placement

Optimal placement of your range extender is crucial for maximizing Wi-Fi coverage and performance. The DAP-1820 features a Smart Signal Indicator to assist with this.

6.1. Smart Signal Indicator

After setup, move the DAP-1820 to a location between your router and the area with poor Wi-Fi coverage. The Smart Signal Indicator LED will change color to show the signal strength from your router:

• Solid Green: Excellent signal strength.
• Solid Amber: Good signal strength, but consider moving closer to the router if possible.
• Solid Red: Poor signal strength. Move the extender closer to your router.

Aim for a solid green indicator for the best performance.

Figure 6.1: Smart Signal Indicator Guide

Figure 6.2: Typical Placement in an Outlet

Figure 6.3: Wi-Fi Mesh Network Example

7. Maintenance

7.1. Firmware Updates

Periodically check the D-Link support website for firmware updates. Firmware updates can improve performance, add new features, and fix security vulnerabilities. Follow the instructions provided with the firmware update carefully.

7.2. Factory Reset

If you encounter persistent issues or wish to clear all configurations, you can perform a factory reset. Locate the reset button (often a small pinhole) on the device. With the device powered on, use a paperclip to press and hold the reset button for approximately 10 seconds until the LEDs react (e.g., flash or change color). The device will then reboot with factory default settings.

8. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your DAP-1820 range extender.

8.1. No Internet Access After Connecting to Extender

• Ensure the extender is successfully connected to your main router (check the Smart Signal Indicator).
• Verify that your main router has an active internet connection.
• Try restarting both your router and the extender.
• Confirm that you entered the correct Wi-Fi password for your main router during setup.

8.2. Poor Signal or Slow Speeds

• Relocate the extender closer to your main router, ensuring the Smart Signal Indicator shows a strong (green) connection.
• Avoid placing the extender near large metal objects, concrete walls, or other devices that may cause interference (e.g., microwaves, cordless phones).
• Ensure your router's Wi-Fi signal is strong and stable.

8.3. Cannot Access Web-Based Setup

• Ensure your device is connected to the extender's Wi-Fi network (not your main router's).
• Try using a different web browser.
• Verify the correct setup URL or IP address (e.g., http://dlinkap.local/).
• Perform a factory reset on the extender and try setup again.

9. Specifications

10. Warranty and Support Information

For warranty information, technical support, and product registration, please refer to the documentation included in your product package or visit the official D-Link website. Support resources typically include FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and contact information for customer service.