Today we will install and configure an interesting and useful device called a repeater. It is also called a repeater, or repeater of a Wi-Fi network; it is all one device, the task of which is to expand the range of an existing Wi-Fi network. Let's look at the setup process using the excellent TP-LINK TL-WA850RE repeater model as an example.
You can read more about repeaters in the article: what is a Wi-Fi repeater (repeater), how does it work. If you have a router installed and the Wi-Fi signal “does not reach” some distant rooms, or, for example, the second floor, then a device such as the TP-LINK TL-WA850RE can easily solve this problem. You can, of course, try to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal by correctly setting up the router, and in other ways that I wrote about in the article how to strengthen the signal of a Wi-Fi network? We increase the Wi-Fi range. Or, replace the antennas on your Wi-Fi router with more powerful ones. But you won’t get the same effect of expanding your Wi-Fi network as you would from installing a repeater. This is the best option to increase wireless network coverage. The repeater is not very expensive, but its effect is good.
A few words about how it all works. We have a router installed that distributes the Internet via Wi-Fi. But in some room there is no Wi-Fi, or the signal is very poor. We take a repeater, in our case TP-LINK TL-WA850RE, and turn it on in the place where the signal from the router is still stable (preferably 50-60%). We set up the connection, and there will be one Wi-Fi network (with the same name and password as on the main router), but reinforced by a repeater. All devices will automatically switch from the router to the repeater, and vice versa. Depending on the signal level. You can configure the repeater to broadcast another network, with a different name and password.
Description of the repeater: appearance, equipment, price
The TP-Link AC750 RE200 repeater is a small white adapter with a mesh pattern on the front panel. The Wi-Fi and power indicators are located on the front. The green button (WPS) allows you to quickly connect the repeater to the main router. You simply hold down the button first on the repeater, and then on the main router - the small device will copy the router’s network and transmit it further.
At the bottom you will see an Ethernet output for connecting a local cable
At the bottom of the repeater there is a Reset button for resetting settings and a LAN output for locally connecting various devices, for example, a computer. The repeater comes with a quick setup guide; there is no LAN cable. The device costs 1990 rubles on the manufacturer’s official website.
Table: technical characteristics of the TP-Link AC750 RE200 repeater
| System requirements | Microsoft® Windows® 98SE, NT, 2000, XP, Vista or Windows 7, 8, Mac® OS, NetWare®, UNIX® or Linux. |
| Socket type | EU, UK, US, AU |
| Standards and protocols | IEEE802.11ac,IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b |
| Interface | 1 Ethernet port 10/100 Mbps (RJ45) |
| Energy consumption | About 6.5 W |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 110.0 x 65.8 x 75.2 mm |
| Antenna | 3 built-in antennas |
| Frequency range (reception and transmission) | 2400–2483.5 MHz 5150–5350 MHz 5650–5725 MHz |
| Baud rate | 5 GHz: up to 433 Mbps 2.4 GHz: up to 300 Mbps |
| Wireless Security | 64/128/152-bit WEP encryption WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK |
Device operating modes
TP "Link wa850re" can work as an adapter and repeater. The tp link tl wa850re management process does not require any user action. The device can operate simultaneously in two modes. Activation of the repeater mode occurs immediately after switching on and quick configuration via the control panel. This is the main function of the repeater.
If you need a repeater as an adapter, you just need to connect the necessary device (Blu-ray player, media set-top box or laptop) via the RJ-45 interface. Repeater TP Link will automatically provide your device with Internet access. It will also be presented with its own IP address thanks to the work of the DHCP server. It is active by default, but if you wish, in the LAN section you can disable it or set a static IP address.
Setting up an access point
After successfully connecting the repeater, you can configure some modem parameters via the web interface. We recommend taking a look at the “Wireless Network” section. This is where the network name and password for it are set. In the “Wireless Mode Settings” subsection, the user can change:
- operating mode tp link wa850re (universal or WDS);
- region;
- network name of the main modem;
- MAC address;
- amplifier network name;
- channel width.
After all changes, click the “Save” button. In the “Wireless Security” subsection you can change:
- security level (no WPA2-PSK or WEP);
- protection version and encryption type;
- amplifier network password.
If necessary, you can also set MAC address filtering, but all other settings are not needed by the average user.
Connecting the repeater and entering settings
Insert the adapter into a free socket (it should be in the area of a stable, but already fading signal from the main router). The device will immediately start distributing Wi-Fi. You can immediately connect it to the router using the WPS button and log into the wireless network using the password from your main Wi-Fi.
If hardware synchronization fails, configure everything through the repeater web interface. First you need to go into it:
- Connect to the TP-Link Extender repeater network (it will not be password protected).
In the browser, enter the address 192.168.0.254 in the top line and click “Enter” on the keyboard. Login to the repeater network - Go to settings using the word admin.
- When you first launch the interface, the system will ask you to change the settings password. Enter new data and save.
Set a different password for settings
Problem solving
It happens that after installing a repeater, some problems arise - the Internet does not work or the repeater does not want to connect to the wireless network. What can you advise in such a situation:
- We place the repeater closer to the router to strengthen the signal from the router.
- Resetting the repeater and rebooting the router may help if the amplifier does not want to communicate with the router.
- If the connection via WPS fails, try through the settings.
- As a last resort, I can recommend reflashing the repeater.
If the problem is not solved, write, we will think together. All the best and successful setup!
Option 2: Old firmware version
The old version of the firmware not only has a different appearance, but also differs in some functions, so it would be appropriate to talk about the quick setup tool in it so that owners of amplifiers with such a web interface will not have problems when configuring the amplifier for the first time.
- Authorization in the settings is carried out in exactly the same way as was shown earlier, after which you will need to go to the “Quick Setup” section.
In it, click the “Next” button to start scanning available wireless access points.
One of the differences is the need to select your region, which is associated with the legal use of technologies of such network equipment.
Next, it will begin scanning available Wi-Fi networks. The older version of the firmware is slower, so it may take some time to complete this operation.
A list of available networks will appear, check the box next to the one you want to connect to, and then proceed to the next step.
Additionally, we note that opposite each access point its protection level is displayed. If it says “None”, then you can connect to this Wi-Fi without entering a password.
Once the selection of the appropriate Wi-Fi is successful, click “Next” to complete the setup.
Once again, make sure that the network is selected correctly, copy its name and password or reassign them to the extended point, and then apply the new settings.
Once the settings are complete, a window will appear with a list of selected parameters and you will be asked to export them as a file for restoration in the future, if this is suddenly needed.
Conclusion
The article provided a detailed review of the WA850RE amplifier from TP-Link. Various options for connecting to an existing Wi-Fi network are considered: automatic and manual, functionality is provided with a brief description of each possibility.
The advantages of the TP-Link model are its size, ease of setup and signal strength, and affordable price.
Podgornov Ilya Vladimirovich All articles on our site are audited by a technical consultant. If you have any questions, you can always ask them on his page.
Firmware update
Each device needs regular flashing, that is, software updating. This can be done by following the following algorithm:
- Go to system tools and click on the “Update” line with the mouse cursor, then “Check for an update.” Medium sized blue button.
- Wait until the system finds the required update for the firmware of a specific model. If it is found, the device will not only find it on its own, but also download and install it. If there are no updates, the relevant information will be displayed on the screen.
There is another way to update the amplifier software. To do this, the update is launched manually. First you need to familiarize yourself with the current firmware version, information about it is contained at the very bottom of the pages
It's important to remember her number
Finally, you need to unpack the downloaded file and in the web interface in the same section you need to click on the “Browse” button. Specify the path to the bin file, which was unpacked from the archive a little earlier. Upload this file to the interface and start the upgrade.
While updates are being installed, the device cannot be unplugged.
Functionality check
If you successfully configure the router in repeater mode, changes can be noticed almost immediately. That is, the signal will appear at those points where it was not there before, or where it was frankly weak.
If a bridge was used to expand the signal, then in places remote from the main router there will be a connection to the second created network. And the Internet will also be accessible.
You can also check the correct operation by going into the settings of the router itself. Here you need to do the following:
- open the settings section;
- go to the main screen;
- in the wireless networks section, look at the status;
- if everything works correctly, the value Run will appear here.
This indicates that you have managed to configure the supporting equipment yourself and now your regular router functions as a wireless repeater.
Recommendations
There are several general tips on how to configure a router in different modes, including repeater mode:
In the Wireless Security – “Security” section, set the protection level to maximum, that is, WPA2.
- After logging into the router for the first time, be sure to change the password to access the settings of the device itself. You should not give an attacker the opportunity to use someone else’s network device for personal purposes.
- The password is created based on the following simple requirements: minimum length – 8 characters; at least one digit – 1,2,3; one capital letter – D, F, G; any special character – $, *, +. The password itself should not contain any personal information about the user.
- If possible, it is better to use a separate device that functions as a repeater. Unfortunately, this is not always convenient; each user himself determines the most convenient option for him.
Mobile app
The vendor TP-Link has developed an application for its products on mobile platforms:
- Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tplink.tether
- iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tp-link-tether/id599496594?ls=1&mt=8
The online store contains a list of compatible equipment. It is updated with every software update.
Using the program, the “user” connects to the WA850R. The main screen displays general information about TP-Link equipment. Through it you can control the amplifier, change some parameters and other actions. The only exception is that you cannot update the WA850R firmware via mobile software.
