Method 1: Quick Setup via WPS
This method can only be used if your Router or Access Point (AP) supports WPS.
1. Power On
Insert the Range Extender into an electrical outlet near your Router/AP.
Wait until the Wireless LED starts blinking.
Diagram: Shows the Range Extender plugged into a wall socket, with the Wireless LED indicated as blinking.
2. Connection
a) Press the WPS button on your Router/AP.
b) Immediately press the WPS button on the Range Extender.
Diagram: Illustrates pressing the WPS button on the router, followed by pressing the WPS button on the Range Extender.
Wait for the RE LED to become solid (within 2 minutes), indicating that the WPS connection has been established. The LED may then turn off within 2 minutes.
If the WPS connection fails, proceed to Method 2.
3. Repositioning
Move the Range Extender to the location in your home that provides the best signal coverage and quality. The Range Extender will automatically reconnect to your main Router/AP within approximately 30 seconds after you power it on. The ideal placement for your Range Extender is halfway between your main Router/AP and your Wi-Fi devices. If possible, place your Range Extender in a location where the LED ring shows 3 signal LEDs. If possible, position your extender in open areas rather than places with physical obstacles.
The Range Extender shares the same Wi-Fi Network Name (SSID) and Wi-Fi Password as your main Router/AP.
Diagram: Shows the extender being moved, with an indicator for signal strength (3 bars ideal). Example SSIDs and passwords are shown.
Remember the following points:
- [Keep Away From] Cordless phones ☎️
- [Keep Away From] Bluetooth devices ?
- [Keep Away From] Microwave ovens ♨️
Method 2: Setup via Web Browser
1. Power On
Insert the Range Extender into an electrical outlet near your Router/AP.
Wait until the Power and Wireless LEDs turn on.
2. Connect Your Computer to the Range Extender
Wired Connection
- Disconnect your computer from all wireless networks.
- Connect the Range Extender to your computer using an Ethernet cable.
Wireless Connection
- Disconnect any Ethernet cable connected to your computer's LAN port. Click the Wireless Connections icon on your desktop.
- Click the Refresh icon and connect to the Range Extender (the default wireless network name is: TP-LINK_Extender_XXXXX).
Diagram: Illustrates connecting the computer to the Range Extender via an Ethernet cable, and alternatively, connecting wirelessly.
3. Configuration
Type http://tplinkextender.net (or http://tplinkrepeater.net) into your Web browser and press Enter. Log in to the management page by entering 'admin' for both username and password.
The Quick Setup page will appear after you log in.
Screenshot: Shows the login page with fields for username and password, and an 'OK' and 'Cancel' button. Below this, a status message indicates 'Connection Status: Disconnected' and prompts to click 'Next' or 'Exit'.
Screenshot: Shows the 'Available Wireless Networks (2.4GHz)' list, prompting the user to select their Router/AP's network (e.g., TP-LINK_XXXXX).
Screenshot: Shows the configuration screen where users input their Main Router/AP's WiFi Network Name (SSID) and Password. It also shows options to set the Range Extender's SSID, either copying from the main router or customizing it.
Screenshot: Indicates 'Configuration Completed Successfully' with a progress bar at 100%. It advises waiting for automatic refresh or clicking the browser's refresh button. It also notes that the RE LED will turn on if successful.
Diagram: Shows the RE LED changing from blinking to solid, indicating successful connection.
4. Repositioning
Refer to Step 3 of Method 1.
Diagram: Shows example SSIDs and passwords for the extender and connected devices, reinforcing that the extender uses the same credentials as the main router.
Select the Wi-Fi Network Name of the Range Extender (e.g., TP-LINK_XXXXX). The Range Extender shares the same Wi-Fi Network Name (SSID) and Wi-Fi Password as your main Router/AP.
Adapter for Entertainment Use
The Range Extender's Ethernet port allows it to be used as a wireless network adapter by connecting it to wired devices such as Blu-Ray players, game consoles, DVRs, and smart TVs. The device can simultaneously share the wireless network.
*You can connect only one device at a time.
Follow Method 1 or 2 to set up the Range Extender, then refer to this connection diagram to connect it to a wired Ethernet device.
Diagram: Illustrates the TL-WA850RE connected via Ethernet to various wired devices like a Smart TV, Game Console, Desktop PC, Laptop, Smartphone, and Tablet, showing both Ethernet and Wireless connection types.
LED Explanation
RE
- The Range Extender is connected to the wireless network of your main Router/AP, and the signal is strong.
- The Range Extender is connecting to the wireless network of your main Router/AP.
- The Range Extender is not connected to your main Router/AP.
Wireless
- The wireless of the Range Extender is activated.
- The wireless of the Range Extender is deactivated.
Ethernet
- The Ethernet port is connected.
- The Ethernet port is operational.
- The Ethernet port is disconnected.
Power
- The Range Extender is powered on.
- The Range Extender is powered off.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How do I reset the Range Extender?
With the Range Extender powered on, press the RESET button with a metal pin for 1 second. Wait 5 seconds until the LEDs blink once.
Alternatively: Use your web browser to access the management page, go to 'System Tools -> Factory Defaults' and click 'Restore'. Wait 5 seconds until the LEDs blink once.
Q2: I typed http://tplinkextender.net (or http://tplinkrepeater.net) into the browser address bar. Why don't I see the quick setup page?
- Ensure that your computer is connected to the Range Extender and disconnected from any other network.
- Ensure that your computer is set to 'Obtain an IP address automatically'.
