TP-Link RE205 User manual

© 2021 TP-Link 1910012965 REV4.1.0
AC750/AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender
RE205/RE305
User Guide

Contents
About This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Chapter 1. Get to Know About Your Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
1. 1. Product Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1. 2. Appearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1. 2. 1.LED Explanation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1. 2. 2.Port and Button Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Chapter 2. Set Up Internet Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
2. 1. Power on the Extender. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2. 2. Set Up the Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2. 2. 1.Method 1: Via the TP-Link Tether App. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2. 2. 2.Method 2: Via a Web Browser. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2. 2. 3.Method 3: Via the WPS Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Chapter 3. OneMesh with Seamless Roaming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3. 1. What‘s a OneMesh Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3. 2. How to Set Up a OneMesh Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3. 3. How to Manage a OneMesh Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Chapter 4. TP-Link Cloud Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4. 1. Register a TP-Link ID. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4. 2. Change Your TP-Link ID Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4. 3. Manage the User TP-Link IDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4. 3. 1.Add TP-Link ID to Manage the Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4. 3. 2.Remove TP-Link ID(s) from Managing the Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4. 4. Manage the Extender via the TP-Link Tether App . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Chapter 5. Customize Your Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
5. 1. Check Internet Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
5. 2. Configure Wireless Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
5. 3. Change LAN Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
5. 4. Specify DHCP Server Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
5. 5. Set High Speed Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
5. 6. Set Access Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
5. 7. Adjust Wi-Fi Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Chapter 6. Use Your Extender as an Access Point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
6. 1. Set Up the Extender as an Access Point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

6. 2. Connect Your Wireless Devices to the Extender via WPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
6. 3. LED Explanation for the Access Point Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Chapter 7. Manage Your Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
7. 1. Set System Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
7. 2. Control LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
7. 3. Set Power Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
7. 4. Upgrade the Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
7. 4. 1.Online Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
7. 4. 2.Local Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
7. 5. Backup and Restore Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
7. 6. Reboot the Extender. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
7. 7. Change Login Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
7. 8. Check System Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
FAQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

1
About This Guide
This guide is a complement to Quick Installation Guide. The Quick Installation Guide
provides instructions for quick internet setup, while this guide contains details of each
function and demonstrates how to configure them.
Features available in this range extender may vary by model and software version.
Range extender availability may also vary by region or ISP. All images, steps, and
descriptions in this guide are only examples and may not reflect your actual range
extender experience.
Conventions
In this guide the following conventions are used:
Convention Description
Underlined Underlined words or phrases are hyperlinks. You can click to redirect to a website or a
specific section.
Teal Contents to be emphasized and texts on the web page are in teal, including the menus,
items, buttons, and so on.
>
The menu structures to show the path to load the corresponding page. For example,
Settings > System Tools > Firmware Upgrade means the Firmware Upgrade function
page is under the System Tools menu that is located in the Settings tab.
Note: Ignoring this type of note might result in a malfunction or damage to the device.
Tips: Indicates important information that helps you make better use of your device.
More Info
The latest software, management app and utility are available from 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 extender.
Specifications can be found on the product page at https://www.tp-link.com.
TP-Link Community is provided for you to discuss our products and share knowledge 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.
Speed/Coverage Disclaimer
Maximum wireless signal rates are the physical rates derived from IEEE Standard
802.11 specifications. Actual wireless data throughput and wireless coverage are
not guaranteed and will vary as a result of 1) environmental factors, including building
materials, physical objects, and obstacles, 2) network conditions, including local
interference, volume and density of traffic, product location, network complexity, and
network overhead, and 3) client limitations, including rated performance, location,
connection quality, and client condition.

Chapter 1
Get to Know About Your
Extender
This chapter introduces what the extender can do and its appearance.
It contains the following sections:
• Product Overview
• Appearance

3
Chapter 1 Get to Know About Your Extender
1. 1. Product Overview
Bring Dead Zones Back to Life
The TP-Link extender is connected to your router wirelessly, strengthening its signal
and expanding its coverage into areas that could not otherwise be reached.
Easy Installation & Quick Position
Instantly connect the extender to a router by pressing the router’s WPS button (if
available) followed by the extender’s WPS button. Alternatively, follow the Quick Setup
instructions found on the extender’s web management page.
Once the extender is connected to a router, you can relocate it to your preferred location
with no further configuration required. The intelligent signal light can help to find the
best location.
Easy Management with the Tether App
Tether provides a simple, intuitive way to access and manage your extender with your
smart devices.
1. 2. Appearance
Note:
The provided plug may differ from the picture due to different regional power specifications.

4
Chapter 1 Get to Know About Your Extender
1. 2. 1. LED Explanation
You can check the extender’s working status by following the LED Explanation table.
Name Status Indication (For Range Extender Mode)
Power
On/Off The extender is on or off.
Blinking The system is starting up or firmware is being upgraded.
Signal
Solid Blue The extender is connected to your router’s wireless network
and is in a suitable location.
Solid Red The extender is experiencing poor signal strength. Try
relocating it closer to your router.
Blinking WPS connection is in progress.
Off No wireless connection is established.
2.4GHz On/Off The extender is connected or not connected to the 2.4GHz
wireless network of your host router.
5GHz On/Off The extender is connected or not connected to the 5GHz
wireless network of your host router.
1. 2. 2. Port and Button Description
Ports or Buttons Description
WPS Button
Press the WPS button on your host router, and immediately press the WPS
button on the extender for 1 second. The Signal LED of the extender should
change to solid on, indicating successful WPS connection.
RESET Button (Hole) Use a pin to press the button for 1 second to reset the extender.
Ethernet Port Connect your Ethernet-only device (such as a Blu-ray player, game console,
DVR, or smart TV) to the Ethernet port of the extender to join the Wi-Fi network.

Chapter 2
Set Up Internet Connection
This chapter introduces how to boost your host wireless coverage. Please follow the
step-by-step instructions to set up the internet connection.
It contains the following sections:
• Power on the Extender
• Set Up the Extender

6
Chapter 2 Set Up Internet Connection
2. 1. Power on the Extender
Plug the extender into an electrical outlet next to your router, and then wait until the
Power LED turns solid on.
Note:
1. The operating temperature should be between 0°C and 40°C (32°F - 104°F).
2. For safety, only plug the extender in the direction as shown below.
Solid On
2. 2. Set Up the Extender
There are three ways to set up the extender: via the TP-Link Tether app, via a web
browser, or via the WPS button.
2. 2. 1. Method 1: Via the TP-Link Tether App
1. Launch the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and search TP-Link Tether or simply
scan the QR code to download and install the app.
OR
2. Launch the Tether app and log in with your TP-Link ID.
Note: If you don’t have a TP-Link ID, create one first.

7
Chapter 2 Set Up Internet Connection
3. Tap the +icon on the upper-right corner and select Range Extender.
4. Follow app instructions to set up your extender.
If the extender connects to a OneMesh router, it will copy the router’s wireless settings
for seamless roaming. For more information about OneMesh, refer to OneMesh with
Seamless Roaming.
Tip:
It is recommended to enable Smart Connect on your host router to enjoy a seamless connection between dual-band
networks. With Smart Connect enabled, your host router’s 2.4GHz and 5GHz share the same SSID (network name) and
password. Refer to your host router’s user guide to enable Smart Connect.
5. Follow app instructions to relocate your extender.
Tip:
For more intuitive location assistant, access extender settings via Tether and go to Tools > Location Assistant. You
can also manage your extender via Tether, such as controlling LEDs, sharing passwords of your networks and blocking
devices.
6. Enjoy! Connect your devices to the extender wirelessly or via an Ethernet cable, then
enjoy the internet.
Laptop
Smartphone
Tablet
Smart TV
Game Console
Desktop
2. 2. 2. Method 2: Via a Web Browser
1. Connect your computer to the extender wirelessly as follows:
• For Windows Users

8
Chapter 2 Set Up Internet Connection
1 ) Unplug the Ethernet cable from your computer (if any).
2 ) Click the Wi-Fi icon on the taskbar and connect to the extender’s wireless network:
TP-Link_Extender.
C
onnections are available
Wireless Network
C
onnection
TP-Link_Extender
Connect automatically Connect
√
• For Mac OS X Users
1 ) Unplug the Ethernet cable from your computer (if any).
2 ) Click the Wi-Fi icon in the top right corner of the screen, and connect to the
extender’s network: TP-Link_Extender.
Wi-Fi: On
Tu rn Wi-Fi O
Join Other Network...
Create Network...
Open Network Preferences...
TP-Link_Extender
2. Follow the instructions of the Quick Setup Wizard to connect the extender to your
host router.
1 ) Launch a web browser, enter http://tplinkrepeater.net or http://192.168.0.254 in
the address bar, and then create a password to log in.
Note:
If the login window does not appear, please refer to FAQ.
2 ) Select your host router’s 2.4GHz SSID (network name), enter its password (NOT
the password you just created for management), and click NEXT.

9
Chapter 2 Set Up Internet Connection
3 ) Select your host router’s 5GHz SSID (network name), enter its password (NOT the
password you just created for management), and click NEXT.
Note:
1. If your host router does not support 5GHz wireless network, please click SKIP to continue.
2. It is recommended to enable Smart Connect on your host router to enjoy a seamless connection between
dual-band networks. With Smart Connect enabled, your host router’s 2.4GHz and 5GHz share the same SSID
(network name) and password. Refer to your host router’s user guide to enable Smart Connect.
4 ) Confirm your host network password.

10
Chapter 2 Set Up Internet Connection
5 ) Either keep the default SSIDs (network names) or customize them for the extended
networks, and then click NEXT.
Tip:
If you connect the extender to a TP-Link OneMesh router, the extender will automatically join the router’s OneMesh
network and copy the router’s wireless settings. For more information, refer to OneMesh with Seamless Roaming.
6 ) Follow web instructions to relocate your extender for optimal Wi-Fi coverage and
performance, and then click DONE.

11
Chapter 2 Set Up Internet Connection
7 ) Note down your extended network information and finish the setup.
If you connect the extender to a TP-Link OneMesh router and a success screen as
below appears at the end of the setup, the extender has successfully joined the router’s
OneMesh network and copied the router’s wireless settings. For more information, refer
to OneMesh with Seamless Roaming.

12
Chapter 2 Set Up Internet Connection
8 ) Enjoy! Connect your devices to the extender wirelessly or via an Ethernet cable,
then enjoy the internet.
Laptop
Smartphone
Tablet
Smart TV
Game Console
Desktop
2. 2. 3. Method 3: Via the WPS Button
Use this way if your router has a WPS button. The button might look like one of these:
.
1. Press the WPS button on your host router, and then press the WPS button on the
extender for 1 second within 2 minutes.
Note:
For more information about using WPS button on your host router, please refer to the router manufacturer’s user
guide.

13
Chapter 2 Set Up Internet Connection
2. Wait until the Signal LED changes to solid on, which indicates that the WPS connection
is successful.
Note:
If the LED does not turn solid on, try again or refer to Method 1: Via the TP-Link Tether App or Method 2: Via a Web
Browser.
3. (Optional) If the extender connects to a dual band router, repeat steps 1 and 2 above
to connect to the other band.
4. Relocate your extender for optimal Wi-Fi coverage and performance.
1 ) Plug in the extender about halfway between your router and the Wi-Fi dead zone.
The location you choose must be within the range of your router.
2 ) Wait for about 2 minutes until the Signal LED turns solid blue. If it doesn’t, relocate
the extender closer to the router to achieve better signal quality.
Router Devices
Halfway
Suitable location
Too far from router
No connection
Note:
To minimize signal interference, please choose a location which is far away from Bluetooth devices and other
household electronic devices, such as cordless phones, microwave ovens and baby monitors.
5. Enjoy! Connect your devices to the extender wirelessly or via an Ethernet cable, then
enjoy the internet.
Laptop
Smartphone
Tablet
Smart TV
Game Console
Desktop
The extended network information is as follows:

14
Chapter 2 Set Up Internet Connection
Extended Network Names:
Router’s network name with
_EXT at the end
or
Same as your OneMesh router
Passwords:
Same as your router
Solid On
Tip:
• If you want to customize the extended network name, refer to Configure Wireless Network.
• If you cannot find the network names with _EXT in your Wi-Fi network list, this means that the extender has been
connected to a OneMesh router and automatically copied its wireless settings. For more information, refer to
OneMesh with Seamless Roaming.

Chapter 3
OneMesh with Seamless
Roaming
This chapter introduces the TP-Link OneMeshTM feature.
It contains the following sections:
• What‘s a OneMesh Network
• How to Set Up a OneMesh Network
• How to Manage a OneMesh Network

16
Chapter 3 OneMesh with Seamless Roaming
3. 1. What‘s a OneMesh Network
TP-Link OneMeshTM router and TP-Link OneMeshTM extenders work together to
form one unified Wi-Fi network. Walk through your home and stay connected with the
fastest possible speeds thanks to OneMesh’s seamless coverage.
INT E R NET
SAME
Network Name & Password
for seamless roaming
Unified Wi-Fi Network
Router and extenders share the same wireless settings, including network name,
password, access control settings and more.
Seamless Roaming
Devices automatically switch between your router and extenders as you move
through your home for the fastest possible speeds.
Easy Setup and Management
Set up a OneMeshTM network with a push of WPS buttons. Manage all network devices
on the Tether app or at your router’s web management page.
To check full list of TP-Link OneMeshTM devices, scan the QR code, or visit
https://www.tp-link.com/onemesh/compatibility.

17
Chapter 3 OneMesh with Seamless Roaming
3. 2. How to Set Up a OneMesh Network
1. Make sure your router supports OneMesh.
Note: To check full list of OneMesh devices, visit https://www.tp-link.com/onemesh/compatibility. Firmware update
may be required for some firmware versions.
2. Connect the extender to your router by referring to the provided Quick Installation
Guide or Set Up Internet Connection. The extender will automatically join your router’s
OneMesh network.
3. 3. How to Manage a OneMesh Network
• To leave or rejoin a OneMesh network:
1. Visit http://tplinkrepeater.net, and log in with the password you set for the extender.
2. Go to Settings > OneMesh.
3. Toggle off or on Join OneMesh according to your needs.
Note: This function is available only when the extender is connected to a OneMesh router.
• To change wireless settings:
Simply change wireless settings on your OneMesh router, the extender will automatically
copy the settings.
• To manage devices in the OneMesh network:
1. Connect your computer or smartphone to the extender‘s or router’s network.
2. Log in to your router’s web management page (http://tplinkwifi.net).
3. Go to the OneMesh page to view and manage all mesh devices and their clients.