TP-LINK RE450 AC1750 Wi-Fi Range Extender

Introduction

This chapter covers the following topics:

• Product Overview
• Appearance

Product Overview

The RE450 AC1750 WiFi Range Extender is ideal for Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) wireless network solutions. It enlarges your existing wireless network, enhancing mobility and allowing you to connect wired devices wirelessly. The extender offers two setup options: a quick setup using the WPS button on the front panel for an easy wireless connection to the host network, or installation and management via a web browser.

Support for the 802.11ac wireless technology

Utilizing IEEE 802.11ac wireless technology, this device can transmit wireless data at speeds up to 300Mbps (2.4GHz) and 433Mbps (5GHz). It provides robust data privacy through multiple protection measures, including wireless LAN 64/128/152-bit WEP encryption and Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK). The RE450 AC1750 WiFi Range Extender is compatible with all IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, and IEEE 802.11g products.

Main Features

• Complies with IEEE 802.11ac
• Provides multiple encryption security types, including 64/128/152-bit WEP and WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK
• Supports Built-in DHCP server
• Supports Firmware Upgrade
• Supports Web-based Management

Appearance

The extender features an Ethernet Port, an RE Button, a Reset Button, an LED Button, and a Power Button.

LED Explanation

Button Explanation

• (Range Extender/WPS) Button: Press to establish a secure connection between the wireless router and the extender if your router supports WPS or QSS.
• Reset Button: Restores the extender to its factory default settings. This can be done by pressing and holding the button with a pin until all LEDs turn on, or through the System Tools > Backup & Restore menu in the web-based management page.
• LED Button: Press to turn all LEDs on or off. The extender continues to function even with LEDs off.
• Power Button: Press to turn the extender on or off.
• Ethernet Port: A 10/100Mbps RJ45 Ethernet port for connecting Ethernet-enabled devices to your network. This port cannot be connected to a router.

Connect the Extender to the Internet

This chapter covers the following topics:

• Before You Begin
• Basic Requirements
• Quick Setup

Before You Begin

Read this guide carefully before installation and use. The operating distance of your wireless connection can be affected by physical positioning, metal appliances, obstructions, and walls. Signal strength can also be influenced by materials and background RF noise. To optimize RE450 performance, place it ideally halfway between the wireless router and the wireless client. If the signal is unsatisfactory, move the RE450 closer to the router. Ensure there are no obstacles between the RE450 and the router, and choose a spacious location. Avoid placing the extender near Bluetooth devices and other household electronics that may cause interference.

Basic Requirements

• Place the extender in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Ensure at least 2 inches (5cm) of space around the device for heat dissipation.
• Turn off and unplug the extender during lightning storms to prevent damage.
• Use a web browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or above, or Netscape Navigator 6.0 or above.
• Operating temperature: 0°C~40°C (32°F~104°F).
• Operating humidity: 10%~90% RH (Non-condensing).

Quick Setup

Using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)

Note: Your router must support WPS. If not, use the web browser setup.

1. Power On: Plug the extender into an electrical outlet near your router and wait for the Power LED to turn solid blue.
2. Connect: Press the WPS button on your router/AP. Then, immediately press the RE button on your extender. The RE LED should change from flashing to solid, indicating a successful WPS connection. If the RE LED does not change, refer to the 'Using your Web Browser' section. Some ISP gateways may disable WPS by default; if the WPS method fails, use the web browser setup.
3. Dual-Band Connection: If connecting to a dual-band router, repeat steps 1 and 2 to connect the other band (if only one band's LED is on).
4. Relocate: Plug the extender into an outlet halfway between your router and the Wi-Fi dead zone. Wait for the RE LED to turn solid blue. If it doesn't, move the extender closer to the router for better signal quality.

Using your Web Browser

The extender shares the same wireless network name (SSID) and password as your router.

1. Power On: Plug the extender into an electrical outlet near your router and wait for the Power LED to turn solid blue.
2. Connect to the Extender:
   • Via Ethernet Cable: Disable Wi-Fi on your computer and connect the extender to your computer using an Ethernet cable.
   • Via Wireless: Disconnect any wired connection. Click the Wi-Fi icon on your taskbar and connect to the extender's network (e.g., TP-LINK_Extender_2.4GHz or _5GHz).
3. Login: Launch a web browser and navigate to http://tplinkrepeater.net. Use 'admin' (lowercase) for both username and password to log in.
4. Configure:
   • Create a new username and password for the web management page and click 'Confirm'.
   • Select your country/region and click 'Next'. (Note: Per FCC regulations, Wi-Fi products marketed in the U.S. are fixed to the U.S. region.)
   • Select your router's 2.4GHz host network and enter the password, then click 'Next'.
   • Select your router's 5GHz host network and enter the password, then click 'Next'. If your router does not support 5GHz, click 'Skip'.
   • Keep the same SSIDs as your host network or create new names for the extended networks, then click 'Next'.
   • Verify your wireless settings and click 'Finish'. The 2.4GHz and 5GHz LEDs should turn on and remain solid.

View the Information of the Extender

This chapter covers the following topics:

• View the Extender's Current Status
• View the Information about the Host Network, the Extender and the Clients

View the Extender's Current Status

Launch a web browser, navigate to http://tplinkrepeater.net, and go to Settings > Status. You can view the network connection status here.

• Normal Status: Indicates a successful connection.
• Connection Failure: The extender failed to connect to the router's wireless network.
• No Data Transmission: The extender is connected but not transmitting data. Check your host network.
• Abnormal Connection: The extender is connected abnormally, possibly due to incorrect gateway settings in Static IP. Consider selecting 'Obtain an IP address automatically' on the 'LAN Settings' page.

View the Information about the Host Network, the Extender and the Clients

Navigate to Settings > Status. Click the icons for the router, extender, and clients to view detailed information. Icons indicate wireless status: encrypted, unencrypted, off, or selected.

Manage the Extended Network and Security Settings

This chapter covers the following topics:

• Extend another Network
• Extender Settings
• Manage the Extender's Wi-Fi Security Settings
• Change the Extender's IP Address
• DHCP Server

Extend another Network

To extend another network, go to Settings > Wireless > Connect to Network. Enable 'Connect to 2.4GHz/5GHz Network' and click 'Wireless Scanner' to find the desired network. Select the network, enter its SSID and security settings (and password if encrypted). If the network is not shown, move the extender closer to the router and click 'Refresh', or manually enter the network details. Click 'Save' to connect.

Extender Settings

On the Extended Network page (Settings > Wireless > Extended Network), you can enable/disable the extender's wireless network, change the SSID, and hide the SSID broadcast. Click 'Save' to apply changes.

Manage the Extender's Wi-Fi Security Settings

Change your Admin Account

Navigate to Settings > System Tools > Admin Account. Create a new username and password, then click 'Save'.

Control the Wireless Devices Access to the Extender

Use the Access Control function (Settings > Wireless > Access Control) to manage connected devices. You can create a 'Blacklist' to block specific devices or a 'Whitelist' to allow only designated devices.

• Blacklist Mode: Devices in the blacklist cannot connect. Add devices from the 'Online Devices' list or manually enter their name and MAC address.
• Whitelist Mode: Only devices in the whitelist can connect. Add devices similarly.
• Modify or Remove a Device: You can modify or remove devices from the Blacklist/Whitelist via the Access Control page.

Change the Extender's IP Address

It is not recommended to change the IP address unless necessary. Go to Settings > Network. Select 'Use the following IP address' and enter the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway. Click 'Save'.

DHCP Server

The DHCP server automatically assigns dynamic IP addresses to network devices. Ensure the DHCP Server status is 'Auto' (default). If enabled ('On'), verify that the IP Address Pool, Default Gateway, and LAN IP address are on the same segment as your router. You can configure the IP Address Pool, Address Lease Time, Default Gateway, Primary DNS, and Secondary DNS. Click 'Save' to apply changes.

• Disable DHCP Server: If the extender's DHCP server is off, ensure your router's DHCP server is on.
• View the DHCP Client List: Access Settings > Network to view the Client Name, MAC Address, Assigned IP, and Lease Time for connected devices. Click 'Refresh' to update the list.

More Functions

This chapter covers the following topics:

• Entertainment Adapter

Entertainment Adapter

The RE450 can function as a wireless adapter for Ethernet-enabled devices like Blu-ray players, game consoles, DVRs, and smart TVs. Connect your device to the extender using an Ethernet cable. By default, the Ethernet port connects to the 5GHz network. To connect to the 2.4GHz network, go to Settings > Network and select the 2.4GHz radio button, then click 'Save'.

Manage the Extender

This chapter covers the following topics:

• LED Control
• Firmware Upgrade
• Backup & Restore
• Factory Defaults
• System Log
• Reboot
• Logout

LED Control

Control LED behavior by setting time schedules. Go to Settings > System Tools > Time Settings to set your Time Zone and save. Then, go to Settings > System Tools > LED Control to set the 'LED Off Time' or enable 'Night Mode' to turn off LEDs during specific times. Ensure Time Settings are correct before enabling LED Control.

Firmware Upgrade

Check for the latest firmware on www.tp-link.com. Download the firmware file, then go to Settings > System Tools > Firmware Upgrade. Click 'Browse' to select the downloaded file and click 'Upgrade'. The extender will reboot after the upgrade.

Backup & Restore

It is recommended to back up your configurations. Go to Settings > System Tools > Backup & Restore. Click 'Backup' to save your current settings as a '.bin' file. For restoration, click 'Browse' to select the backup file, click 'Restore', and confirm. The extender will reboot after restoration.

Factory Defaults

To reset the extender to factory default settings, go to Settings > System Tools > Backup & Restore and click 'Factory Restore'. This will erase all configurations, and you will need to log in with the default username 'admin' and password 'admin'.

System Log

Access Settings > System Tools > System Log to view system logs. You can select 'Log Type' and 'Log Level' to filter logs. Use 'Refresh' to update, 'Delete All' to clear logs, and 'Save Log' to save logs to your computer.

Reboot

Go to http://tplinkrepeater.net and click 'Reboot' in the top right corner to restart the extender.

Logout

Go to http://tplinkrepeater.net and click 'Logout' in the top right corner to safely exit the management webpage.

Appendix

This chapter covers the following topics:

• Factory Defaults
• Troubleshooting
• Specifications
• Glossary

Factory Defaults

Troubleshooting

• T1. Restore to Factory Default Settings: Two methods: press the RESET button or use System Tools > Restore & Backup.
• T2. Forgot Password: Restore to factory defaults, use default credentials (admin/admin), or reconfigure the device.
• T3. Cannot Access Web-based Configuration Page: Check connections. Try obtaining an IP address. If issues persist, RESET the device and use the default IP. Contact support if needed.
• T4. Verify Signal Boost: Compare signal strength with and without the RE450. Ensure your computer can obtain an IP address and access the internet.
• T5. Connecting Extender's Ethernet Port to Router: This is not supported. The Ethernet port is for wired devices, not for connecting to the router.
• T6. Wireless Speed Reduction: Extenders operate in half-duplex mode, which can reduce speed. This is normal. Use the extender for extended coverage or to eliminate dead zones.

Specifications

General

• Standards and Protocols: IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.1x, IEEE 802.11e, IEEE 802.11i, IEEE 802.11ac, TCP/IP, DHCP
• Safety & Emission: CE
• Ports: One 10/100/1000M Auto-Negotiation LAN RJ45 port

Wireless

• Frequency Band: 2.4GHz: 2.4~2.4835GHz; 5GHz: 5.15~5.25GHz
• Radio Data Rate: 2.4GHz: 11n: up to 450Mbps, 11b: 11/5.5/2/1Mbps; 5GHz: 11ac: up to 1300Mbps, 11n: up to 450Mbps, 11a: 54/48/36/24/18/12/9/6Mbps, 11g: 54/48/36/24/18/12/9/6Mbps
• Security: WEP, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK

Physical and Environment

• Working Temperature: 0°C~40°C (32°F~104°F)
• Working Humidity: 10% ~ 90% RH, Non-condensing
• Storage Temperature: -40°C~70°C(-40°F~158°F)
• Storage Humidity: 5% ~ 95% RH, Non-condensing

Glossary

• 802.11b: Wireless networking at 11 Mbps using DSSS technology, operating at 2.4GHz with WEP encryption.
• 802.11g: Wireless networking at 54 Mbps using DSSS technology, OFDM modulation, operating at 2.4GHz, backward compatible with 802.11b, and WEP encryption.
• 802.11n: Builds on previous standards with MIMO technology for increased data throughput and range.
• Access Point (Range Extender): A wireless LAN transceiver that connects wired LAN to wireless devices.
• DNS (Domain Name System): Translates website names to IP addresses.
• Domain Name: A descriptive name for an internet address.
• DoS (Denial of Service): A hacker attack to prevent network operation.
• DSL (Digital Subscriber Line): Technology for sending/receiving data over phone lines.
• ISP (Internet Service Provider): Company providing internet access.
• MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit): The largest packet size in bytes.
• SSID: Alphanumeric key identifying a wireless network.
• WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy): Data privacy mechanism using shared key algorithms.
• Wi-Fi: Trademark for products using IEEE 802.11 standards.
• WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network): A group of computers communicating wirelessly in a local area.
• WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access): Security technology for wireless networks, improving on WEP with TKIP and built-in authentication. WPA-Personal uses a pre-shared key.