Tenda N300 Mini WiFi Repeater A301 User Guide

1 At a Glance

1.1 Overview

As a high-performance WiFi repeater, Tenda A301 operates on the 2.4 GHz band and provides large WiFi coverage and strong signal strength. It works well with any WiFi routers and WiFi DSL modems available on the market.

1.2 Features

• Operates on 2.4 GHz band.
• Auto channel detection for stable, reliable, and fast internet connection.
• Supports extending a WiFi network encrypted with None, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, and mixed WPA/WPA2-PSK.
• Mixed WPA/WPA2-PSK and AES encryption mechanisms ensure higher network security.
• Supports extending using WPS.
• Supports quick setup using a mobile phone.
• Repeater mode and AP mode for various application scenarios.

1.3 Know your device

1.3.1 LED

The device features several LED indicators:

1.3.2 Ports & Buttons

• WPS button: Press the WPS button down for 1 second to establish a WPS connection; the WPS LED blinks.
• RESET button: With the PWR LED solid on, press the RESET button down using a paper clip. All LEDs blink once at the same time, and then light off. Wait about 40 seconds until the PWR LED lights solid on again. The repeater is reset successfully.
• LAN port: In Repeater mode, this port allows a wired device, such as a desktop computer, to be connected to A301 to access the internet. In AP mode, connecting this port to a router or a modem turns A301 into an AP to share your wireless network.

1.3.3 Labels

Labels on the device provide essential information:

• Label on the top of A301: Displays "WiFi Network Name (SSID):" and "Default Access:".
• Label at the back of A301: Displays the Tenda logo, model name (N300 Mini WiFi Repeater A301), default access (re.tenda.cn), power specifications (AC100-240V 0.3A 50/60Hz), Made in China, and certifications (ROHS, CE, FC). It also includes fields for MAC, SSID, and S/N.

2 Quick Installation Guide

2.1 Extending the current WiFi coverage

Method 1: Extending your WiFi network using web UI (Recommended)

1. Plug the repeater into a power outlet near the router in the same room. Wait until the PWR LED turns solid blue.
2. Connect your WiFi device, such as a mobile phone or a laptop, to the repeater's WiFi network named Tenda_EXT. By default, it has no password. (Note: A desktop computer can connect to the WiFi network only when it is installed with a wireless adapter.)
3. Start a web browser and enter re.tenda.cn to log in to the web UI of the repeater.
4. Create a login password (recommended) and tap Next.
5. Select the WiFi network you want to extend (e.g., Tenda_01).
6. Enter the password of the selected WiFi network, change the SSID as needed, and tap Extend.
7. Wait until the Signal LED turns blue or red. Then, relocate the repeater following the on-screen tips for optimal connection quality.
8. When the Signal LED turns solid blue, A301 is at a proper position.

Placement Tips:

• Move the repeater halfway between your WiFi router and WiFi dead zone (within the range of your existing WiFi network).
• Use the Signal LED color to help you relocate the repeater: Blue indicates a proper position; Red or Off indicates you should move the repeater closer to the WiFi router.
• For better performance, keep the repeater away from products with strong interference, such as microwaves, Bluetooth devices, and refrigerators.
• Place the repeater at a spacious position without obstacles.

Connect your WiFi devices to the extended network to access the internet. The SSID of the extended network can be set by you or will be your original SSID with a suffix "_EXT". The WiFi password of the extended network is the same as your existing WiFi network.

You can connect wired devices to the LAN port of the repeater to access the internet.

Method 2: Extending your WiFi network using WPS

? TIP: You can use this method if your router/modem has a WPS button (indicated by [WPS Button] or similar icons). Otherwise, use Method 1.

1. Plug the repeater into a power outlet within 2 meters of your router/modem in the same room. Wait until the PWR LED turns solid blue.
2. Press the WPS button on the router, and then press the WPS button on the repeater within 2 minutes.
3. Wait until the Signal LED on the repeater lights on. The repeater expands your existing WiFi network successfully. If the Signal LED does not light on, use Method 1.
4. Plug the repeater into an outlet halfway between the router and the WiFi dead zone. The location must be within the range of your existing WiFi network.
5. Wait about 1 minute. Use the Signal LED status to determine the proper position: Blue indicates a proper position; Red or Off means to move the repeater closer to the WiFi router/modem.

Placement Tips:

• For better performance, keep the repeater away from products with strong interference, such as microwaves, Bluetooth devices, and refrigerators.
• Place the repeater at a spacious position without obstacles.

Connect your WiFi devices to the extended network to access the internet. The SSID of the extended network is your existing WiFi network with a suffix "_EXT". The WiFi password of the extended network is the same as the upstream router/modem.

You can connect wired devices to the LAN port of the repeater to access the internet.

2.2 Turn wired network to WiFi network

NOTE: Before you start, ensure that your WiFi router/modem can access the internet.

1. Plug your repeater into a power outlet. Wait until the PWR LED turns solid blue.
2. Connect the repeater to the LAN port of the router using an Ethernet cable.
3. Connect your mobile phone or other WiFi device to the SSID of the repeater: Tenda_EXT. By default, it has no password. (Note: A desktop computer can connect to the WiFi network only when it is installed with a wireless adapter.)
4. Start a web browser, access re.tenda.cn.
5. Create a login password, and tap Next.
6. Tap Switch Mode at the lower-right corner.
7. Select AP mode, and tap OK.
8. Change SSID (optional), create your WiFi password (recommended), and tap Done.

The "Created Successfully!" page appears. Connect your WiFi devices to the internet using the SSIDs shown on the page and WiFi password you set.

3 More Functions

? TIP: For better experience, a computer is recommended to manage your repeater.

3.1 Status

This page allows you to view connection status, attached devices, and blacklist etc. To access the page, choose Status.

Internet connection status – Repeater Mode

The following figure shows the wireless bridging status between the repeater and your existing WiFi router/modem in Repeater mode.

The internet connection status between the repeater and the upstream WiFi router/modem is shown using figures:

• 83%: Extended successfully. The signal strength is indicated by percentage.
• Failed!: Extend failed.

Internet connection status – AP Mode

The following figure shows the wired connection status between the repeater and your existing WiFi router/modem in AP mode.

Internet connection status between the repeater and the upstream WiFi router/modem is shown using the following figures:

• Internet connection is normal between the repeater and your existing WiFi router/modem.
• The repeater fails to expand the WiFi network of your existing WiFi router/modem. Ensure that the repeater connects to your existing WiFi router/modem properly in wired manner, and DHCP of your existing WiFi router/modem is enabled.

Attached Device(s)

You can see the quantity of terminals connected to the repeater. Clicking "Attached Device(s)" enables you to view detailed information about online devices, including Device Name, Connection Type, and MAC Address etc.

Add to Blacklist allows you to block unauthorized or unknown devices. Devices in the blacklist cannot connect to the WiFi network of the repeater.

Blacklist

Clicking "Blacklist" enables you to view blocked devices. To unblock a device, click "Remove". Devices removed from the Blacklist can connect to the repeater again.

3.2 Re-extend

This module allows you to extend other WiFi networks. To access the page, choose Re-extend.

NOTE: This module is only available in Repeater mode.

Procedure

1. Click Re-extend to enter the configuration page.
2. Select the WiFi network you want to re-extend.
3. Select the SSID from the list. If the WiFi network you want to extend is not on the list, click [Scan Icon].
4. Enter the WiFi password of the WiFi network.
5. Change the SSID (optional). The default SSID of the extended WiFi network is your existing WiFi network's SSID with a suffix "_EXT". For example: Your existing WiFi network's SSID: Test. Default SSID of the extended WiFi network: Test_EXT.
6. Click Next.
7. Connect your WiFi devices to the re-extended WiFi network using the SSIDs shown on the page.
8. Plug the repeater into an outlet halfway between the router and the WiFi dead zone. The location you choose must be within the range of your existing WiFi network.
9. Wait about 1 minute. Use the following status of the Signal LED to see whether the repeater is at a proper position: Blue: Proper position; Red: Move the repeater closer to the WiFi router/modem; Off: Move the repeater closer to the WiFi router/modem.

Placement Tips:

• For better performance, keep the repeater away from products with strong interference, such as microwaves, Bluetooth devices, and refrigerators.
• Place the repeater at a spacious position without obstacles.

Enjoy your broader WiFi coverage.

3.3 WiFi Settings

This module allows you to change the repeater's SSID and WiFi password, or to hide the repeater's SSID.

Change SSID & WiFi password

1. Choose WiFi Settings.
2. Change the SSID and WiFi Password as needed.
3. Click Save.

NOTE: To access the internet on a mobile device, you need to connect to the new SSID using the WiFi password you set.

Hide

Check the box and click Save. Then terminals cannot find the repeater's SSID. To connect to the repeater, you are required to manually enter the repeater's SSID, which can improve the WiFi network security.

No Password

Check the box and click Save. Wireless network of the repeater is unencrypted. You can connect to the repeater without entering a password. This option is not recommended as it leads to low network security.

3.4 Operating Mode

This repeater can operate in the following two modes:

• Repeater Mode: to extend WiFi coverage of your existing WiFi network. By default, the repeater works in this mode.
• AP Mode: to convert a wired network to a WiFi network.

To change the repeater's operating mode, choose Operating Mode.

Procedure for switching from Repeater Mode to AP Mode:

NOTE: When switching from AP Mode to Repeater Mode, you are required to setup your repeater again, see steps 4-7 described in Method 1: Extending your WiFi network using web UI.

1. Choose Operating Mode.
2. Click AP Mode.
3. Click Switch Mode.
4. Click OK on the page that appears.
5. Wait a moment until the progress bar is complete.
6. Connect to the internet.
7. Log in to the web UI of the repeater and choose Status.
8. Use an Ethernet cable to connect the LAN port of your repeater to a LAN port of your existing WiFi router/modem.

Now, A301 works in AP mode.

3.5 Administration

This module allows you to set a login password, reboot or reset the repeater, export system logs, and upgrade the firmware.

Set Login Password

1. Choose Administration.
2. In the Old Password text box, enter the current login password of the repeater.
3. In the New Password text box, set a new login password.
4. In the Confirm text box, enter the new login password again.
5. Click Save at the bottom of this page.

The system will log you out automatically. You need to enter the new password to log in to the web UI of the repeater.

Reboot

You are recommended to reboot the repeater when the configured parameters do not take effect, or the repeater does not work properly. To reboot A301, choose Administration, click Reboot, and then click Reboot on the dialogue box that appears.

Reset

You are recommended to reset the repeater if you forget your login password, or you cannot find the problem that interrupts your repeater's WiFi network service. To reset the repeater, use either of the following options:

• Option 1: With the PWR LED solid on, press the RESET button down using a paper clip. All LEDs blink once at the same time, and then light off. Wait about 40 seconds until the PWR LED lights solid on again. The repeater is reset successfully.
• Option 2: Log in to the web UI of the repeater, choose Administration. Click Reset and follow the onscreen instructions to perform operations.

Export Syslog

System log records events happened since the repeater was started last time. You can export the system log if necessary. How to export: Choose Administration, click Export Syslog. A file named syslog.tar will be downloaded to your local computer.

Firmware Upgrade

You can go to www.tendacn.com to download the latest firmware for your repeater.

NOTE: Do not power off the repeater during an upgrade. Otherwise, the repeater may be damaged. If a power failure occurs during an upgrade, perform the upgrade again. If you cannot access the web UI of the repeater after the power failure, contact the aftersales service for a repair.

Upgrade the repeater:

1. Go to www.tendacn.com, download the latest firmware package to your local computer, and decompress the package.
2. Log in to the web UI of the repeater and choose Administration.
3. Click Firmware Upgrade and choose the firmware file you have downloaded.
4. Click OK in the dialog box that appears.

Wait until the progress bar is complete. Log in to the web UI of the repeater, choose Administration and verify if the Current Firmware Version is the one you select to upgrade.

Appendixes

A.1 FAQ

Q1: I cannot log in to the web UI of the repeater. What should I do?

A1: Try the following solutions:

• If a mobile device is used, ensure that your mobile device has connected to the repeater's WiFi network Tenda_EXT, and the Mobile Data (if any) function is disabled.
• If a computer is used, ensure that your computer has connected to the repeater's WiFi network Tenda_EXT, and your computer has set to Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically.
• Unplug the Ethernet cable connecting your computer to your existing router/modem.
• If re.tenda.cn does not work the first time you set up the repeater, try accessing 192.168.0.254.
• Reset the repeater, and try again.

Q2: How to reset the repeater?

A2: With the PWR LED solid on, press the RESET button down using a paper clip. All LEDs blink once at the same time, and then light off. Wait about 40 seconds until the PWR LED lights solid on again. The repeater is reset successfully.

Q3: The repeater cannot find the WiFi network of my router/modem. What should I do?

A3: Try the following solutions:

• Ensure that the WiFi network of your router/modem is enabled and can be detected by your WiFi device.
• Change the channel of your router/modem, and try again.
• Change the encryption type of the router/modem to WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK, and try again.

A.2 Default Parameter Values

The following table lists the default parameter values of the repeater.

A.3 Configure Your Computer (Example: Windows 7)

1. Click [Network Icon] in the lower-right corner of the desktop and choose Open Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click Change adapter settings.
3. Right-click Wireless Network Connection.
4. Click Property.
5. Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
6. Select Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically, and click OK.
7. Click OK in the Internet Protocol Version 4(TCP/IPv4) Properties window.

Environmental and Regulatory Information

Operating temperature: 0°C~40°C

Operating humidity: (10-90)% RH, non-condensing

RECYCLING: This product bears the selective sorting symbol for Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). This means that this product must be handled pursuant to European directive 2012/19/EU in order to be recycled or dismantled to minimize its impact on the environment. User has the choice to give his product to a competent recycling organization or to the retailer when he buys a new electrical or electronic equipment.

CE Mark Warning: This is a Class B product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator & your body. For PLUGGABLE EQUIPMENT, the socket-outlet shall be installed near the equipment and shall be easily accessible.

NOTE: (1) The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by unauthorized modifications to this equipment. (2) To avoid unnecessary radiation interference, it is recommended to use a shielded RJ45 cable.

Declaration of Conformity

SHENZHEN TENDA TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. declares that the radio equipment type A301 is in compliance with Directive 2014/53/EU. The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at: http://www.tendacn.com/en/service/download-cata-101.html.

Operate Frequency: 2.4G: EU/2400-2483.5MHz (CH1-CH13)

EIRP Power (Max.): 2.4GHz: 19.5dBm

Software Version: V15.13.08.12

FCC Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This device is restricted to be used in the indoor.

Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Radiation Exposure Statement

This device complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment and it also complies with Part 15 of the FCC RF Rules. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator & your body.

Caution:

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate this equipment. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

NOTE: (1) The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by unauthorized modifications to this equipment. (2) To avoid unnecessary radiation interference, it is recommended to use a shielded RJ45 cable.