TP-Link Archer TX21UH AX1800 High Gain Wireless USB Adapter

About This Guide

This guide is a complement to the Quick Installation Guide. The Quick Installation Guide instructs you on quick installation, and this guide provides the product overview and detailed instructions for each step.

When using this guide, please notice that features available of the adapter may vary by model and software version. It may also vary by region or ISP. All images, steps, and descriptions in this guide are only examples and may not reflect your actual experience.

Conventions

*Maximum wireless signal rates are the physical rates derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. Actual wireless data throughput and wireless coverage, and number of connected devices are not guaranteed and will vary as a result of network conditions, AP limitations, and environmental factors, including building materials, obstacles, volume and density of traffic, and AP location.

*To ensure compatibility, you may need to update the adapter's drivers after an OS update. You can find our latest drivers in the download center at tp-link.com/en/download-center.

*Use of MU-MIMO requires AP to also support MU-MIMO.

More Info

• The latest driver can be found at Download Center at https://www.tp-link.com/support.
• The Quick Installation Guide can be found where you find this guide or inside the package of the router.
• Specifications can be found on the product page at https://www.tp-link.com.
• A TP-Link Community is provided for you to discuss our products at https://community.tp-link.com.
• Our Technical Support contact information can be found at the Contact Technical Support page at https://www.tp-link.com/support.

Chapter 1: Get to Know About Your Adapter

This chapter introduces what the adapter can do and shows its appearance. This chapter contains the following sections:

• Product Overview
• LED Status

1.1. Product Overview

TP-Link Wireless USB Adapter connects your computer to a Wi-Fi network for smooth HD video, voice streaming and online gaming.

• The high-gain antennas greatly enhance the reception and transmission signal strength of the USB adapter
• Utilizes 802.11ax standard and is backward compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
• Supports WEP, WPA/WPA2/WPA3, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK, WPA3-SAE
• Supports Windows

1.2. LED Status

You can check the adapter's working status by following the LED explanation table.

[?] Tips: If the LED is off, try these troubleshooting tips:

1. Check if the adapter is recognized and enabled or not. Refer to Appendix: Troubleshooting for detailed instructions.
2. Remove and reinsert the adapter.
3. Reinstall the software, if necessary.

Chapter 2: Use the Adapter

This chapter introduces how to install your adapter's driver, use your adapter to join a wireless network, and uninstall your adapter in a Windows system. The adapter is equipped with a Setup Wizard, which can guide you through the installation process.

This chapter includes the following sections:

• Install Driver
• Join a Wireless Network
• Uninstall Driver

2.1. Install Driver

1. Insert the adapter into a USB port on your computer via the provided USB cable. It is recommended to connect the adapter to a USB 3.0 [SS] port.
2. Go to My Computer or This PC.
3. Double click the TP-Link disk then run SetupInstall.exe to install driver.

[!] Note:

1. If you cannot find the setup program, please download the driver at www.tp-link.com/support.
2. If an unknown publisher message pops up, select Yes to continue.
3. If Windows User Account Control requires admin credentials, type user name and password of your Windows administrator account.

2.2. Join a Wireless Network

You can join a wireless network via Windows built-in wireless utility. Follow the instructions below to use your computer system's built-in wireless utility:

Click the Network icon on the taskbar. Select the Wi-Fi network you want to join, and click Connect. Enter the network password when prompted.

2.3. Uninstall Driver

The software uninstallation steps vary a bit from different systems. Here we take the instructions for Windows 10 as an example.

Go to Control Panel > Programs, click Uninstall a program, then double click TP-Link Archer TX21UH, then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation.

Appendix: Troubleshooting

T1. What should I do if the adapter is not detected?

• Make sure the adapter is securely connected to the computer.
• Make sure you meet the minimum system requirements for the adapter and that the latest Windows and system updates are installed on your computer.
• Make sure you use the latest driver for your specific adapter. The latest drivers can be found at https://www.tp-link.com/download-center.
• Try a different USB port on the computer.
• Try restarting the computer or try using the adapter on a different computer.

T2. How to check if I have installed the driver for my adapter successfully or not?

1. On your computer, please right click Computer icon and go to Manage.
2. Open the Device Manager and go to Network adapters, and then find the corresponding TP-Link adapter, right click it and then go to Properties.
3. If you can see "This device is working properly." in the red box, you have already installed the driver successfully.

T3. What should I do if can't connect to the Wi-Fi after installing the driver?

• Refer to T2 to check if you have installed the driver for your adapter successfully.
• Make sure the adapter is securely connected to the computer.
• Disable the antivirus software and firewall, then try again.
• Try a different USB port on the computer.
• Restart your computer and try again.
• Re-install the driver and try again.

T4. How to find the hardware version of the adapter?

• The hardware version is printed on the product label on the package or the adapter. There is a character string "Ver:X.Y" (for example, Ver:2.0) in the Serial Number field, and the number X is the hardware version of the adapter.
• Visit https://www.tp-link.com/faq-46.html and follow the second method to find the hardware version of the adapter.

For more detailed instructions:

• Can't find the hardware version of the adapter: https://www.tp-link.com/faq-46.html
• Can't find or join the wireless networks: https://www.tp-link.com/faq-2253.html
• Can't install the driver: https://www.tp-link.com/faq-2252.html

FCC compliance information statement

Product Name: AX1800 High Gain Wireless USB Adapter

Model Number: Archer TX21UH

Responsible party: TP-Link USA Corporation

Address: 10 Mauchly, Irvine, CA 92618

Website: https://www.tp-link.com/us/

Tel: +1 626 333 0234

Fax: +1 909 527 6804

E-mail: sales.usa@tp-link.com

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 complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. End users must follow the specific operating instructions for satisfying RF exposure compliance. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. This equipment has been SAR-evaluated for use in hand. SAR measurements are based on a 5mm spacing from the body and that compliance is achieved at that distance.

We, TP-Link USA Corporation, has determined that the equipment shown as above has been shown to comply with the applicable technical standards, FCC part 15. There is no unauthorized change is made in the equipment and the equipment is properly maintained and operated.

Issue Date: 2023.05.11

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.

OPERATING FREQUENCY (the maximum transmitted power)

• 2400 MHz -2483.5 MHz(20dBm)
• 5150 MHz -5250 MHz(23dBm)
• 5250 MHz -5350 MHz (23dBm)
• 5470 MHz -5725 MHz (23dBm)

EU declaration of conformity

TP-Link hereby declares that the device is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of directives 2014/53/EU, 2011/65/ EU and (EU)2015/863. The original EU declaration of conformity may be found at https://www.tp-link.com/en/ce.

UK declaration of conformity

TP-Link hereby declares that the device is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of the Radio Equipment Regulations 2017. The original UK declaration of conformity may be found at https://www.tp-link.com/support/ukca/.

RF Exposure Information

This device meets the EU requirements (2014/53/EU Article 3.1a) on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields by way of health protection.

This device has been tested and meets the ICNIRP exposure guidelines and the European Standard EN 62209-2. SAR is measured with this device at a separation of 0.5 cm to the body, while transmitting at the highest certified output power level in all frequency bands of this device. Carry this device at least 0.5 cm away from your body to ensure exposure levels remain at or below the as-tested levels.

National restrictions

Attention: This device may only be used indoors in all EU member states and EFTA countries.

Attention: This device may only be used indoors in Great Britain.

Canadian Compliance Statement

This device contains licence-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's licence-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

L'émetteur/récepteur exempt de licence contenu dans le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes:

1. l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage;
2. l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, meme si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.

Caution:

1. The device for operation in the band 5150-5250 MHz is only for indoor use to reduce the potential for harmful interference to co-channel mobile satellite systems;
2. DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) products that operate in the bands 5250-5350 MHz, 5470-5600MHz, and 5650-5725MHz.

Avertissement

1. Le dispositif fonctionnant dans la bande 5150-5250 MHz est réservé uniquement pour une utilisation à l'intérieur afin de réduire les risques de brouillage préjudiciable aux systèmes de satellites mobiles utilisant les mêmes canaux;
2. Les produits utilisant la technique d'atténuation DFS (sélection dynamique des fréquences) sur les bandes 5250-5350 MHz, 5470-5600MHz et 5650-5725MHz.

Radiation Exposure Statement:

This EUT is compliance with SAR for general population/uncontrolled exposure limits in RSS-102 and had been tested in accordance with the measurement methods and procedures specified in IEEE 1528 and IEC 62209. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 5 mm between the radiator and your body. This device and its antenna(s) must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

Déclaration d'exposition aux radiations :

Cet adaptateur est conforme au SAR pour la population générale/limites d'exposition non contrôlées dans RSS-102 et a été testé conformément aux méthodes et procédures de mesure spécifiées dans IEEE 1528 et CEI 62209. Cet équipement doit être installé et utilisé avec une distance minimale de 5 mm entre le radiateur et votre corps. Cet appareil et ses antennes ne doivent pas être situés ou fonctionner en conjonction avec une autre antenne ou un autre émetteur.

Industry Canada Statement

CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)

Korea Warning Statements

당해 무선설비는 운용중 전파혼신 가능성이 있음.

NCC Notice

注意!

取得審驗證明之低功率射頻器材,非經核准,公司、商號或使用者均不得擅自變更頻率、加大功率或變更原設計之特性及功能。

低功率射頻器材之使用不得影響飛航安全及干擾合法通信;經發現有干擾現象時,應立即停用,並改善至無干擾時方得繼續使用。

前述合法通信,指依電信管理法規定作業之無線電通信。

低功率射頻器材須忍受合法通信或工業、科學及醫療用電波輻射性電機設備之干擾。

BSMI Notice

安全諮詢及注意事項

• 請使用原裝電源供應器或只能按照本產品注明的電源類型使用本產品。
• 清潔本產品之前請先拔掉電源線。請勿使用液體、噴霧清潔劑或濕布進行清潔。
• 注意防潮,請勿將水或其他液體潑灑到本產品上。
• 插槽與開口供通風使用,以確保本產品的操作可靠並防止過熱,請勿堵塞或覆蓋開口。
• 請勿將本產品置放於靠近熱源的地方。除非有正常的通風,否則不可放在密閉位置中。
• 不要私自拆開機殼或自行維修,如產品有故障請與原廠或代理商聯繫。

限用物質含有情況標示聲明書

備考1.“超出0.1wt%”及“超出0.01wt%”系指限用物質之百分比含量超出百分比含量基準值。

備考2.“○”系指該項限用物質之百分比含量未超出百分比含量基準值。

Продукт сертифіковано згідно с правилами системи УкрСЕПРО на відповідність вимогам нормативних документів та вимогам, що передбачені чинними законодавчими актами України.

[EAC logo]

Safety Information

• Keep the device away from water, fire, humidity or hot environments.
• Do not attempt to disassemble, repair, or modify the device. If you need service, please contact us.
• Do not use the device where wireless devices are not allowed.
• This product can be powered only by computers that comply with Power Source Class 2 (PS2) or Limited Power Source(LPS) of IEC 62368-1.
• This product uses radios and other components that emit electromagnetic fields. Electromagnetic fields and magnets may interfere with pacemakers and other implanted medical devices. Always keep the product and its power adapter more than 15 cm (6 inches) away from any pacemakers or other implanted medical devices. If you suspect your product is interfering with your pacemaker or any other implanted medical device, turn off your product and consult your physician for information specific to your medical device.

Operating Temperature: 0°C~40°C (32°F ~104°F)

Please read and follow the above safety information when operating the device. We cannot guarantee that no accidents or damage will occur due to improper use of the device. Please use this product with care and operate at your own risk.

Attention: This device may only be used indoors in all EU member states and EFTA countries.

Explanation of the symbols on the product label

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.