TP-Link Archer T3U AC1300 Mini Wireless MU-MIMO USB Adapter

About This Guide

This guide complements the Quick Installation Guide, providing product overview and detailed instructions. Features may vary slightly by model and software version. Screenshots, images, parameters, and descriptions are for demonstration purposes only.

Conventions

Note on Wireless Performance: Maximum wireless signal rates are derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. Actual throughput and coverage vary due to environmental factors, network conditions, and client limitations. MU-MIMO requires compatible clients. For compatibility after OS updates, update drivers from TP-Link's download center.

More Info

• Latest software and utility: tp-link.com/download-center
• Quick Installation Guide (QIG): Available with this guide or in the product package.
• Specifications: Found on the product page at tp-link.com.
• Technical Support: Contact information available at tp-link.com/support.

Chapter 1: Get to Know About Your Adapter

This chapter introduces the adapter's capabilities and appearance.

1.1. Product Overview

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

• High wireless data transmission rates: up to 867Mbps at 5GHz and 400Mbps at 2.4GHz.
• Small, unobtrusive design for easy plug-and-forget use.
• Utilizes 802.11ac standard, backward compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n.
• Super speed USB 3.0 port (up to 10x faster than USB 2.0).
• Supports MU-MIMO technology.
• Supports ad-hoc and infrastructure modes.
• Supports 64/128 bit WEP, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK.
• Supports Windows and Mac operating systems.

1.2. LED Status

The adapter's working status is indicated by the LED. The following table explains the LED states:

Tips: If the LED is off, try these troubleshooting steps:

1. Check if the adapter is recognized and enabled. Refer to Troubleshooting section T2 for details.
2. Remove and reinsert the adapter.
3. Reinstall the software, if necessary.

Chapter 2: Connect to a Computer

This chapter explains how to connect the adapter to your computer.

Before use, insert the adapter into a USB port on your computer directly.

[Image description: A diagram showing a computer monitor and tower, with a close-up view of a USB port and the Archer T3U adapter being plugged into it.]

After connecting, follow the instructions in the appropriate chapter for your operating system: Windows or Mac OS X.

Chapter 3: Windows

This chapter covers installing the adapter's driver, joining a wireless network, and uninstalling the adapter in Windows. The adapter includes a Setup Wizard to guide the installation process.

3.1. Install Driver

1. Insert the resource CD into your CD drive and run Autorun.exe from the Autoplay window.

   Note: You can also download the latest driver from tp-link.com/download-center. Some operating systems may automatically display the CD screen; otherwise, run the CD manually.

2. Select "Archer T3U" and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

   Note: If installation fails, try disabling your antivirus software and firewall, then retry.

[Image description: Screenshot of the TP-Link driver installation wizard showing "First, select your model to begin installing the driver." with the Archer T3U model highlighted.]

After successful installation, a confirmation screen will appear:

[Image description: Screenshot of the TP-Link driver installation wizard showing "Driver is installed! Now you can connect your computer to a Wi-Fi network." with an OK button.]

3.2. Join a Wireless Network

You can join a wireless network using Windows' built-in wireless utility:

1. Click the network icon [Wi-Fi signal icon] on the taskbar. Select your desired Wi-Fi network and click "Connect". Enter the network password when prompted.
2. The network icon [Wi-Fi signal icon] changing to [Wi-Fi signal icon] indicates a successful connection.

3.3. Uninstall Driver

Uninstallation steps vary by Windows version. Follow the instructions for your OS:

• Windows 8/8.1/10: Go to the Start menu, find the TP-Link application, click "Uninstall TP-Link Archer T3U Driver", and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Windows XP/7: Go to Start > All Programs > TP-Link > Uninstall TP-Link Archer T3U Driver, and follow the on-screen instructions.

Chapter 4: Mac OS X

This chapter guides you through installing the adapter's driver and utility, joining a wireless network, managing your adapter, and uninstalling in Mac OS X.

4.1. Install Driver and Utility

Steps are shown using Mac OS X 10.10 as an example; other versions may have slight variations.

1. Download the driver and utility from tp-link.com/download-center.

   Note: The product package may include a CD for installation if your computer has a CD drive.

2. Double-click to unzip the downloaded folder and run Install.pkg.

[Image description: Screenshot of a Mac OS X Finder window showing a folder named "MacDriverSetup" containing "Install.pkg" and "Uninstall.command".]

3. The "Install TP-Link Wireless USB Adapter Utility and Driver Wizard" window will appear. Click "Continue" and follow the instructions.

[Image description: Screenshot of the Mac OS X installer wizard showing the "Introduction" screen.]

Upon successful installation, a confirmation screen will appear. Click "Restart" to finish.

[Image description: Screenshot of the Mac OS X installer wizard showing "The installation was successful." with a Restart button.]

After restarting, the TP-Link Utility icon [TP-Link Utility icon] will appear on the menu bar. Use it to join a Wi-Fi network (refer to Section 4.2).

Note: If the TP-Link Utility icon does not appear, ensure the USB wireless network adapter is properly connected and its LED is on.

4.2. Join a Wireless Network

Two methods are available to join a Wi-Fi network:

• Option 1: TP-Link Utility
  Use the TP-Link Utility to easily connect to and manage Wi-Fi networks. Click the TP-Link Utility icon [TP-Link Utility icon] on the menu bar, choose a Wi-Fi network, and enter the password when prompted. The network icon [Wi-Fi signal icon] will update upon connection.
• Option 2: WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
  WPS is a standard for easily adding devices to a home network, usable if your router/access point supports it.

4.2.1. TP-Link Utility (Option 1)

Click the TP-Link Utility icon [TP-Link Utility icon] on the menu bar, select a Wi-Fi network from the list, and enter the password. The network icon [Wi-Fi signal icon] will change upon successful connection.

[Image description: Screenshot of Mac OS X menu bar with TP-Link Utility icon, and a dropdown list showing available Wi-Fi networks like TP-LINK_0115, TP-LINK_0919, etc.]

4.2.1. TP-Link Utility (Option 2 - WPS)

Click the TP-Link Utility icon [TP-Link Utility icon] on the menu bar, then click "Open Wireless Utility" at the bottom of the network list. Select your network and enter the password, then click "Join".

Note: If your Wi-Fi network is not listed, try WPS or click "Join Other" and follow the on-screen instructions.

4.2.2. WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)

WPS can be activated via Push Button Configuration (PBC) or PIN code.

• PBC:
  1. Press the WPS/QSS button on your router or AP.
  2. Within 2 minutes, click the TP-Link Utility icon [TP-Link Utility icon] on the menu bar and select "WPS".

  [Image description: Diagram showing a router with a WPS button highlighted.]

• PIN:
  1. Click the TP-Link Utility icon [TP-Link Utility icon] on the menu bar and select "WPS".
  2. Click "PIN".
  3. Within 2 minutes, log in to your router's web management page, navigate to the WPS page, enter the adapter's PIN (e.g., 82505707), and click "Connect".

  [Image description: Screenshot of a WPS configuration window asking to enter a PIN code.]

  A successful connection is indicated by a "WPS Protocol Finished !!" message. Click "OK".

  [Image description: Screenshot of a WPS confirmation window showing "WPS Protocol Finished !! It will connect to WPS AP automatically." with an OK button.]

4.3. Management

The TP-Link Utility helps manage Wi-Fi connection settings.

1. Click the TP-Link Utility icon [TP-Link Utility icon] on the menu bar, then click "Open Wireless Utility".
2. In the TP-Link Utility window, click the "Profiles" button to open the Profiles screen.

[Image description: Screenshot of Mac OS X menu bar with TP-Link Utility icon, and a dropdown list showing available Wi-Fi networks.]

[Image description: Screenshot of the TP-Link Utility window showing a list of networks and a "Profiles" button.]

The Profiles screen allows you to manage Wi-Fi connection settings as profiles for easy network connection.

Preferred Networks: Displays previously connected networks with their status and information.

• To join a Wi-Fi network: Select the desired network profile and click "Apply".
• To manage an existing profile: Select a profile to edit its Security and Password settings. Select a profile and click "Remove" to delete it.

4.4. Uninstall Driver and Utility

1. Double-click Uninstall.command in the downloaded folder.

[Image description: Screenshot of Mac OS X Finder window showing "MacDriverSetup" folder with "Install.pkg" and "Uninstall.command".]

2. Enter your computer's password. The uninstallation is complete when the "Uninstall Complete" message appears.

[Image description: Screenshot of a Mac OS X Terminal window showing the uninstallation process, including prompts for root password and the final "Uninstall Complete" message.]

Appendix: Troubleshooting

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

• Ensure the adapter is securely connected to the computer.
• Verify your computer meets the minimum system requirements and has the latest Windows/system updates installed.
• Use the latest driver for your adapter, available at tp-link.com/download-center.
• Try a different USB port on the computer.
• Restart your computer or try the adapter on a different computer.

T2. How to check if the driver is installed successfully?

1. Right-click the "Computer" icon on your computer and select "Manage".
2. Open "Device Manager", navigate to "Network adapters", find the TP-Link adapter, right-click it, and select "Properties".

[Image description: Screenshot showing the "Computer Management" window with "Device Manager" selected, and a context menu for a network adapter showing "Properties".]

3. If the "Device status" shows "This device is working properly.", the driver is installed successfully.

[Image description: Screenshot of the "TP-Link Adapter Properties" window showing "Device status: This device is working properly." in a red box.]

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

• Refer to T2 to confirm the driver is installed correctly.
• Ensure the adapter is securely connected.
• Disable antivirus software and firewall, then try again.
• Try a different USB port.
• Restart your computer.
• 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 itself. Look for a string like "Ver:X.Y" (e.g., Ver:2.0) in the Serial Number field, where X is the hardware version.

[Image description: A barcode with "Model: S/N: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX Ver:2.0" below it.]

You can also find the hardware version by visiting tp-link.com/faq-46.html and following the second method.

For more detailed instructions:

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

Copyright & Trademarks

Specifications are subject to change without notice. TP-Link is a registered trademark of TP-Link Technologies Co., Ltd. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Reproduction or derivative use of specifications requires written permission from TP-Link Technologies Co., Ltd. Copyright © 2018 TP-Link Technologies Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.

FCC Compliance Information Statement

Product Name: AC1300 Mini Wireless MU-MIMO USB Adapter

Model Number: Archer T3U

Responsible party: TP-Link USA Corporation, d/b/a TP-Link North America, Inc.

Address: 145 South State College Blvd. Suite 400, Brea, CA 92821

Website: tp-link.com/us/

Tel: +1 626 333 0234

Fax: +1 909 527 6803

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 provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. The equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used per instructions, it may cause harmful interference to radio communications. No guarantee of no interference in a particular installation. If interference occurs, users are encouraged to correct it by:

• Reorienting or relocating the receiving antenna.
• Increasing the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connecting the equipment to an outlet on a different circuit than the receiver.
• Consulting a dealer or experienced radio/TV technician.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to 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. Unauthorized modifications may void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Note: The manufacturer is not responsible for radio/TV interference caused by unauthorized modifications.

FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement: This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits for an uncontrolled environment. End users must follow operating instructions for RF exposure compliance. The transmitter must not be co-located or operated with any other antenna or transmitter. SAR measurements are based on a 5mm spacing from the body.

TP-Link USA Corporation has determined that the equipment complies with applicable technical standards (FCC Part 15) and is properly maintained and operated.

Issue Date: 2018.9.27

CE Mark Warning

This is a Class B product. In a domestic environment, it may cause radio interference, requiring the user to take adequate measures.

OPERATING FREQUENCY (maximum transmitted power)

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

EU Declaration of Conformity

TP-Link declares this device complies with essential requirements and provisions of directives 2014/53/EU, 2009/125/EC, and 2011/65/EU. The original EU declaration of conformity can be found at tp-link.com/en/ce.

RF Exposure Information (EU)

This device meets EU requirements (2014/53/EU Article 3.1a) for public exposure to electromagnetic fields. Tested according to ICNIRP guidelines and EN 62209-2. SAR is measured at 0.5 cm separation from the body at the highest certified output power. Keep the device at least 0.5 cm away from your body. Restricted to indoor use.

Canadian Compliance Statement

This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to two conditions: 1) This device may not cause interference, and 2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

(French translation of Canadian Compliance Statement provided in original document, omitted here for brevity and focus on primary language.)

Cautions and Warnings

Caution (English):

1. Operation in the 5150–5250 MHz band is for indoor use only to reduce interference with mobile satellite systems.
2. For devices with detachable antennas, maximum antenna gain must comply with e.i.r.p. limits for bands 5250-5350 MHz and 5470-5725 MHz.
3. For devices with detachable antennas, maximum antenna gain must comply with e.i.r.p. limits for band 5725-5850 MHz for point-to-point and non-point-to-point operation.

High-power radars are primary users of bands 5250-5350 MHz and 5650-5850 MHz and may cause interference or damage to LE-LAN devices. DFS products operate in bands 5250-5350 MHz, 5470-5600MHz, and 5650-5725MHz.

Avertissement (French):

(French text regarding operating bands and radar interference, summarized in English above.)

Radiation Exposure Statement (Canada):

This EUT complies with SAR limits for general population/uncontrolled exposure in RSS-102. Tested per IEEE 1528 and IEC 62209. Install and operate with at least 1.0 cm separation between the radiator and your body. The device and its antenna(s) must not be co-located or operated with any other antenna or transmitter.

(French translation of Radiation Exposure Statement provided in original document, omitted here.)

Industry Canada Statement

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

Korea Warning Statements

(Korean text regarding potential radio interference, omitted for brevity.)

NCC Notice (Taiwan)

(Chinese text regarding low-power radio frequency device regulations, omitted for brevity.)

BSMI Notice (Taiwan)

(Chinese text regarding safety advice and precautions, omitted for brevity.)

Safety Information

• Keep the device away from water, fire, humidity, or hot environments.
• Do not attempt to disassemble, repair, or modify the device.
• Do not use a damaged charger or USB cable.
• Use only recommended chargers.
• Do not use the device where wireless devices are not allowed.
• This USB Adapter must be powered by computers complying with Limited Power Source (LPS).

Please read and follow this safety information. TP-Link cannot guarantee against accidents or damage from improper use. Use with care and at your own risk.

In EU member states and EFTA countries, operation in the 5150MHz-5350MHz frequency range is permitted indoors only.

[Table of EU/EFTA countries listed, omitted for brevity.]

Explanation of the symbols on the product label