TP-Link AC50 User manual

Configuration Guide
Wireless Controller
1910012001 REV 1.0.0
AC50/AC500

Content
About This Guide.................................................................................................................. 1
1 Quick Start....................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 Determine the Network Topology ............................................................................................................2
1.1.1 Manage CAPs in the LAN................................................................................................................................2
1.1.2 Manage CAPs in Different Network Segment.....................................................................................3
1.2 Log in to the AC ...............................................................................................................................................3
1.2.1 Preparations...........................................................................................................................................................3
1.2.2 Log in..........................................................................................................................................................................4
2 Status ................................................................................................................................ 6
2.1 System Status ..................................................................................................................................................6
2.2 Client Status...................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.3 AP Status............................................................................................................................................................ 8
2.4 Authentication Status....................................................................................................................................9
2.4.1 Authentication Status .......................................................................................................................................9
2.4.2 Non-sense Authenticated User ...............................................................................................................10
3 Network ..........................................................................................................................11
3.1 Interface........................................................................................................................................................... 11
3.2 DHCP Server.................................................................................................................................................. 12
3.2.1 DHCP Server.......................................................................................................................................................12
3.2.2 DHCP Client List................................................................................................................................................14
3.2.3 Address Reservation......................................................................................................................................14
3.3 VLAN ................................................................................................................................................................. 15
3.3.1 VLAN........................................................................................................................................................................15
3.3.2 Ports.........................................................................................................................................................................17
3.3.3 Relations................................................................................................................................................................18
3.4 Switch ............................................................................................................................................................... 19

3.4.1 Statistics................................................................................................................................................................19
3.4.2 Mirror .......................................................................................................................................................................20
3.4.3 Rate Control.........................................................................................................................................................20
3.4.4 Port Config ...........................................................................................................................................................21
3.4.5 Port Status............................................................................................................................................................22
4 AP Control......................................................................................................................23
4.1 AP Settings..................................................................................................................................................... 23
4.2 AP Firmware Upgrade................................................................................................................................. 26
4.3 AP Database................................................................................................................................................... 27
4.4 Load Balancing.............................................................................................................................................. 28
5 Radio................................................................................................................................30
5.1 Radio Settings ............................................................................................................................................... 30
5.2 Rate Settings ................................................................................................................................................. 33
5.3 Band Steering................................................................................................................................................ 34
6 Wireless..........................................................................................................................37
6.1 Wireless Service........................................................................................................................................... 37
7 Authentication..............................................................................................................41
7.1 MAC Authentication.................................................................................................................................... 41
7.1.1 MAC Address......................................................................................................................................................42
7.1.2 MAC Authentication........................................................................................................................................43
7.2 Portal Authentication.................................................................................................................................. 44
7.2.1 Redirect Page .....................................................................................................................................................44
7.2.2 Web Authentication ........................................................................................................................................46
7.2.3 Configuring Web Authentication .............................................................................................................47
7.2.4 Onekey Online....................................................................................................................................................50
7.2.5 Remote Portal.....................................................................................................................................................51
7.2.6 Free Authentication Policy..........................................................................................................................53
7.2.7 Authentication Config....................................................................................................................................56

7.3 User Management ....................................................................................................................................... 57
7.3.1 Authentication Server....................................................................................................................................59
7.4 Applications ................................................................................................................................................... 62
7.4.1 Application for Onekey Online ..................................................................................................................62
7.4.2 Application for Web Authentication.......................................................................................................65
8 Link Backup...................................................................................................................69
8.1 Dual-link Backup........................................................................................................................................... 69
8.2 Application...................................................................................................................................................... 70
9 System Tools................................................................................................................73
9.1 Account............................................................................................................................................................ 73
9.1.1 Account..................................................................................................................................................................73
9.1.2 System Settings................................................................................................................................................74
9.2 Administration............................................................................................................................................... 74
9.2.1 Factory Default Restore................................................................................................................................74
9.2.2 Backup & Restore.............................................................................................................................................75
9.2.3 Reboot....................................................................................................................................................................76
9.2.4 Firmware Upgrade............................................................................................................................................76
9.3 Traffic Statistics............................................................................................................................................ 77
9.4 Diagnostics..................................................................................................................................................... 78
9.5 Time Settings................................................................................................................................................. 79
9.6 System Log..................................................................................................................................................... 81

1
About This Guide
This Configuration Guide provides information for managing AC500/AC50 Series Wireless
Controller. Please read this guide carefully before operation.
Intended Readers
This Guide is intended for network managers familiar with IT concepts and network
terminologies.
Conventions
When using this guide, please notice that features of the device may vary slightly
depending on the model and software version you have. All screenshots, images,
parameters and descriptions documented in this guide are used for demonstration only.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. Every effort has
been made in the preparation of this document to ensure accuracy of the contents, but
all statements, information, and recommendations in this document do not constitute
the warranty of any kind, express or implied. Users must take full responsibility for their
application of any products.
In this Guide, the following conventions are used:
Notes contains suggestions or references that helps you make better use of your device.
For GUI, Menu Name > Submenu Name > Tab page indicates the menu structure. Network >
DHCP Server > DHCP Client List means the DHCP Client List page under the DHCP Server
menu option that is located under the Network menu.
Bold font indicates a button, a toolbar icon, menu or menu item.
More Information
The latest software and documentations can be found at Download Center at
http://www.tp-link.com/support.
The Installation Guide (IG) can be found where you find this guide or inside the package
of the wireless controller.
Specifications can be found on the product page at http://www.tp-link.com.
A Technical Support Forum is provided for you to discuss our products at
http://forum.tp-link.com.
Our Technical Support contact information can be found at the Contact Technical
Support page at http://www.tp-link.com/support.

2
1 Quick Start
The wireless controller (AC) is a device used for centralized management of access points
(APs). At present, the supported APs are TP-Link’s CAPs. The AC can configure CAPs
in batches using a web browser and conduct a real-time monitoring of each CAP in the
network. This AC supports AP automatic discovery, AP status monitoring, AP centralized
control, MAC filtering, radio management, load balance, dual-link backup and various
authentication types.
This wireless controller makes it easier to configure and manage dozens or hundreds of
CAPs in a large public environment, such as markets, hotels, companies and campuses,etc.
AC500 wireless controller supports to manage 500 CAPs at the same time and AC50
wireless controller supports 50 CAPs.
1.1 Determine the Network Topology
You can use the AC to centrally manage the CAPs in the same or different network
segment.
1.1.1 Manage CAPs in the LAN
If you want to manage the CAPs in the LAN, refer to the following network topology.
Wireless Controller
IP: 192.168.0.100 Switch
Host A
IP: 192.168.0.200
Internet
CAP
Clients
Router (DHCP Server)
LAN IP:192.168.0.1

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1.1.2 Manage CAPs in Different Network Segment
If the AC needs to manage CAPs in a different network segment, refer to the following
topology.
1.1.1.2192.168.1.1
Wireless Controller
IP: 1.1.1.100
Host A
IP: 1.1.1.101
Router
Switch
CAP
Clients
Note:
In this situation, the router acting as the CAPs' DHCP server should support option 60 and option138 in DHCP
settings.
1.2 Log in to the AC
1.2.1 Preparations
Before login, you should verify the following:
The AC is powered on and correctly connected. The management host is accessible to
the AC.
Specify the management host with a static IP address on the 192.168.0.x subnet (for
example, IP address 192.168.0.100 and subnet mask 255.255.255.0).
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10.
Web Browser: Mozilla Firefox 32 (or above), Google Chrome 37 (or above), Opera 24 (or
above), or Microsoft Internet Explorer 8-11.

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1.2.2 Log in
1 Open a web browser and enter 192.168.0.253 in the address field, then press Enter key.
Figure 1-1 Enter the IP Address
2 Create a username and a password for subsequent login attempts.
Figure 1-2 Create an account
3 Use the username and password set above to log in to the webpage.
Figure 1-3 Log in to the webpage

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4 After a successful login, the main page will appear as in the figure below, and you can
configure the function by clicking the setup menu on the left side of the screen.
Figure 1-4 Main Page
The wireless controller’s configuration files fall into two types: the running configuration file
and the start-up configuration file. After you perform configurations on the sub-interfaces
and click Save, the modifications will be saved in the running configuration file. However,
the configurations will be lost when the device reboots.
If you need to keep the configurations even if the device reboots, please use the function
to save the configurations in the start-up configuration file. Click Save Config on the top-
right of the interface, especially before you power off or reboot the device.

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2 Status
2.1 System Status
Choose the menu Status > System Status > System Status to load the following page.
Figure 2-1 System Status
In the Resource Utilization section, you can monitor the utilization of the memory and CPU.
It is recommended that the CPU utilization should be at about 50%. The CPU utilization
above 85% indicates that the AC is under a high load and above 95% means AC is
completely loaded. When the CPU utilization keeps at high loads, some function of the AC
may be abnormal. Please check to find the real reason.
In the Quick Display section, click the button to select the desired interface and its
basic information such as interface name, type and IP address will be shown in this section.

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2.2 Client Status
Choose the menu Status > Client Status > Client Status to load the following page.
Figure 2-2 Client Status
You can check the information of the connected clients on this page. Select the desired
clients by checking the boxes in front of the entries. Click the buttons above the list for
additional operations.
Select the Group Select the group from the drop-down list to see the clients' information in the
corresponding group.
Disconnect Disconnect one or more clients from the AP(s).
Search Search the specified clients in the list.
Global Search Search the specified clients globally.
Refresh Refresh the list manually.
Auto Refresh Check the box to enable the Auto Refresh function. With it enabled, the list will
refresh every few seconds automatically.
Disconnect the client from the AP in this corresponding entry.

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2.3 AP Status
Choose the menu Status > AP Status > AP Status to load the following page.
Figure 2-3 AP Status
The information of the connected CAPs will be displayed in this section. Select the desired
CAPs by checking the boxes in front of the entries. Click the buttons above the list for
additional operations.
Select the Group Select the group from the drop-down list to see the CAPs' information in the
corresponding group.
LED ON Select the corresponding CAPs and click this button to turn on their LEDs.
LED OFF Select the corresponding CAPs and click this button to turn off their LEDs. For
example, if the CAP's LED disturbs you at night, you can turn off it.
Reboot Select the corresponding CAPs and click this button to reboot them.
Search Search the specified clients in the list.
Global Search Search the specified clients globally.
Refresh Refresh the list manually.
Auto Refresh Check the box to enable the Auto Refresh function. With it enabled, the list will
refresh every few seconds automatically.
It indicates the LED is on. you can click the icon to turn off it.
It indicates the LED is off. you can click the icon to turn on it.
Click this icon to reboot the CAP.
Detail Click Detail to check the information of the radio list and SSID and click
to return.

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2.4 Authentication Status
2.4.1 Authentication Status
Choose the menu Status > Authentication Status > Authentication Status to load the
following page.
Figure 2-4 Authentication Status
You can check the information of the authentication status on this page. Select the desired
users by checking the boxes in front of the entries. Click the buttons above the list for
additional operations.
Delete Delete the users from the authentication list.
Search Search the specified users in the list.
Global Search Search the specified users globally.
Refresh Refresh the list manually.
Auto Refresh Check the box to enable the Auto Refresh function. With it enabled, the list will
refresh every few seconds automatically.
Disconnect the client from the AP in this corresponding entry.

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2.4.2 Non-sense Authenticated User
Non-sense authenticated users are users who have passed the authentication, leave the
wireless network and then join the wireless network again. If the time they left is within the
time threshold set by the AC, they don’t have to re-authenticate.
Choose the menu Status > Authentication Status > Non-sense Authenticated User to load
the following page.
Figure 2-5 Non-sense Authenticated User
You can check the information of the non-sense authenticated users on this page. Select
the desired users by checking the box in the front of the entries. Click the buttons above
the list for additional operations.
Delete Delete the users from the authentication list.
Search Search the specified users in the list.
Global Search Search the specified users globally.
Refresh Refresh the list manually.
Auto Refresh Check the box to enable the Auto Refresh function. With it enabled, the list will
refresh every few seconds automatically.
Disconnect the client from the AP in this corresponding entry.

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3 Network
3.1 Interface
Choose the menu Network > Interface > Interface to load the following page. On this page
you can create a logical interface and specify it to a specified VLAN. Please refer to 3.3.1
VLAN to set VLANs first.
Figure 3-1 Interface
Click to create a new interface. The page will be shown as below.
Figure 3-2 Add an Interface
Interface Name Specify a name for the interface to make it easier to search for and manage.
VLAN Specify a VLAN for the interface.

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Connection Type Select the connection type for the interface. Only static IP is supported at
present.
IP Address Specify an IP address for the interface.
Subnet Mask Specify a subnet mask for the interface.
Default Gateway (Optional) Specify a default gateway for the interface.
MTU Specify the MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) for the interface. Its value is
between 576 to 1500 and 1500 by default.
Primary DNS (Optional) Specify the primary DNS server for the interface.
Secondary DNS (Optional) Specify the secondary DNS server for the interface.
MAC Address The MAC address is filled automatically. You can modify it manually.
Description Specify a description for the entry to make it easier to search for and manage.
Click OK to finish the settings.
3.2 DHCP Server
3.2.1 DHCP Server
Choose the menu Network > DHCP Server > DHCP Server to load the following page.
Figure 3-3 DHCP Server
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) allows the wireless controller to assign IP
addresses, subnet masks, default gateways and other IP parameters to CAPs and clients

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that request this information. In the global settings you can select that the DHCP server
assigns IP parameters to AP only or both AP and client.
Click to create a DHCP server. The page will be shown as below.
Figure 3-4 Add a DHCP Server
Interface Select the interface which you want to create the DHCP server for. Refer to 3.1
Interface to set the interface first.
Starting/Ending IP
Address
Specify the starting IP address and ending IP address of the DHCP server IP
pool. The IP pool should be in the same segment with the interface IP address.
Lease Time Enter the time duration of the IP address assigned by the DHCP server between
2 and 2880 minutes. The default is 120 minutes. Before the time is up, DHCP
server would not assign this IP address to other APs or clients.
Default Gateway Optional: Specify the IP address of gateway for the server.
Default Domain Optional: Specify the domain of for the server.
Primary DNS Optional: Specify the primary DNS server for the server.
Secondary DNS Optional: Specify the secondary DNS server for the server.
Status Check the box to enable the DHCP service.
Click OK to finish the settings.

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3.2.2 DHCP Client List
Choose the menu Network > DHCP Server > DHCP Client List to load the following page.
The list displays the information such as the IP address, MAC address and lease time of the
connected clients.
Figure 3-5 DHCP Client List
3.2.3 Address Reservation
Choose the menu Network > DHCP Server > Address Reservation to load the following
page.
Figure 3-6 Address Reservation
If the CAP or client requires a static IP address, you can manually reserve an IP address
for it. Once reserved, the IP address will only be assigned to the same client by the DHCP
server.

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Click to create an IP address reservation.
Figure 3-7 Create an IP Address Reservation
Interface Select the interface which the CAP or client requiring the static IP address
belongs to. Refer to 3.1 Interface to set the interface first.
MAC Address Enter the MAC address of the specified AP or client to which you want to assign
the static IP address.
IP Address Specify a static IP address to the specified AP or client. The IP address should
be in the same segment as the interface.
Description Specify a description for the entry to make it easier to search for and manage.
Status Check the box to enable the address reservation.
Click OK to finish the settings.
3.3 VLAN
3.3.1 VLAN
Choose the menu Network > VLAN > VLAN to load the following page.
Figure 3-8 VLAN

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VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) is a network technique that solves broadcasting issues
in local area networks. A local area network is partitioned into several VLANs, and all VLAN
traffic remains within its VLAN. Therefore, you can group and isolate APs and clients to
enhance network security. VLANs group devices logically instead of physically, so devices
in the same VLAN can be located in different places.
Click to create a VLAN.
Figure 3-9 Create a VLAN
VLAN ID Specify a VLAN ID between 2 to 4094.
Name Specify an easy-to-remember name for the VLAN.
Ports Select the ports that belong to the VLAN.
Description Specify a description for the entry to make it easier to search for and manage.
Click OK to finish the settings.