TP-Link TL-WA855RE User manual

1910011642
REV 1.1.0

Specifications are subject to change without notice. is
a registered trademark of TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD. Other
brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective holders.
No part of the specifications may be reproduced in any form or by any
means or used to make any derivative such as translation, transformation,
or adaptation without permission from TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
Copyright ©2016 TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
All rights reserved.
http://www.tp-link.com

Appearance.......................................................................1
LED Explanation ...................................................................... 1
Button and Port Explanation.................................................... 2
Position the Extender............................................................... 2
Connect the Extender to the Internet.................................3
Before You Begin..................................................................... 3
Quick Setup.............................................................................. 4
Option One: Using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) ............... 4
Option Two: Using Web Browser......................................... 5
Use the Extender as a Network Adapter................................. 9
Use the Extender as an AP...................................................... 9
Set the extender as an AP ................................................... 9
Connect your devices to the AP by WPS........................... 11
View the Information of the Extender ..............................13
Current Status of the Extender.............................................. 13
Information about the Host Network, the Extender and the
Clients .................................................................................... 14
Manage the Extended Network and Security Settings ....15
Extend Another Network........................................................ 15
Customize the Extended SSID.............................................. 17
Secure the Extended Network............................................... 17
Change your Admin Account ............................................. 17
Block / Allow Network Access for Specific Clients............. 18
Change Wi-Fi Coverage.........................................................20
Change the Extender’s IP Address ........................................21
DHCP Server..........................................................................22
Set the DHCP Server..........................................................22
DHCP Client List.................................................................22
Manage the Extender ..................................................... 24
Power Schedule......................................................................24
Time Settings..........................................................................25
Daylight Saving Time..............................................................25
LED Control ............................................................................25
Firmware Upgrade..................................................................26
Backup & Restore...................................................................26
Backup Configurations........................................................26
Restore Configurations.......................................................27
Factory Default Restore..........................................................27
System Log.............................................................................27
Reboot ....................................................................................28
Logout.....................................................................................28
Appendix......................................................................... 29
Factory Default Settings.........................................................29
Troubleshooting......................................................................29
Specifications..........................................................................31
Glossary..................................................................................32
Contents

Appearance
This chapter covers the following topics:
LED Explanation
Button and Port Explanation
Position the Extender
Statue
Color
Indication
On
Green
The extender is connected to the router, and is in a
good location.
Orange
The extender is connected to the router, but is too far
away from the router.
Red
No active connection.
Blinking
Green
WPS connection is in progress, or the extender is
initializing.
Off
--
The extender is powered off.
RE Button
LED
RESET
Ethernet Port

Appearance
(Range Extender/WPS) Button: If your Wireless router supports WPS
function, you can press the WPS button and then press the RE button of the
extender to establish a secure connection between the wireless router and
the extender.
RESET: This button is used to restore the extender’s factory default settings.
There are two ways to reset the extender:
Option One: While the extender is powered on, use a pin to press the
RESET button, and the LED should turn off momentarily. Release the button
and wait the extender to reboot to its factory default settings.
Option Two: Log in to the extender’s web management page, and go to
Settings > System Tools > Backup & Restore page, click Factory
Restore.
Ethernet Port: One 10/100Mbps RJ45 Ethernet port is used to connect an
Ethernet-enabled device to a Wi-Fi network, such as Internet TV, DVR,
Gaming console and so on. Please note that this port cannot be connected
to a router.
For safety, we suggest you plug the extender right way up as the picture shows
below.
Right way up

Connect the Extender to the Internet
This chapter covers the following topics:
Before You Begin
Quick Setup
Use the Extender as a Network Adapter
Use the Extender as an AP
Please read this chapter carefully before using the device. The operating
distance range of your wireless connection can vary significantly depending on
the physical position of the wireless devices. Factors that can weaken signals
by getting in the way of your network’s radio waves are metal appliances or
obstructions and walls.Typical ranges varybased on the types of materials and
background RF (radio frequency) noise in your home or office.
In order to optimize the performance of the extender, please follow the
instructions below to achieve an ideal location (please make sure it is always
within the wireless coverage of the wireless router).
●The Best Way is Halfway Generally, the ideal location for the extender is
half-way between the wireless router and Wi-Fi dead zone. If the wireless
signal is not satisfactory, you may place the extender somewhat nearer to
the wireless router.
●Less Obstacles Ensure Better Performance - Clear obstacles in the way
between the extender and the wireless router. It’s better to locate it in a
spacious place.
●Less Interference Provides More Stability - Choose a location away
from Bluetooth devices and other household electronics, such as cordless
phone, microwave, and baby monitor, etc., to minimize signal interference.

Connect the Extender to the Internet
Place your extender in a well-ventilated place far from direct sunlight, any
heater or heating vent.
Leave at least 2 inches (5cm) space around the device for heat dissipation.
Unplug your extender in a lighting storm to avoid damage.
Use appropriate web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or
above, Netscape Navigator 6.0 or above.
Operating temperature of the extender should be 0℃~40℃(32℉~104℉).
Operating humidity of the extender should be 10%~90%RH (Non-
condensing).
Power On
Plug in next to your router.
Connect
Press the WPS button on your router.
Immediately press the button on your extender. The LED starts
blinking.
WPS is an easier way to extend your host network. We recommend
you to use this way if your host router has a WPS button. The
button might look like one of these: , , . Otherwise,
please use Option Two: Using Web Browser.
For more information about using WPS on your router,
please refer to the router manufacturer's user guide.

Connect the Extender to the Internet
Relocate
Plug the extender into an electrical outlet about halfway between your
router (Host Network) and the Wi-Fi dead zone.
Wait about 1 minute until the LED is lit with a solid green. If not,
relocate it closer to the router to achieve better signal quality.
Enjoy!
The extender adds _EXT to the end of the host network’s SSID and has the
same Wi-Fi password.
Power On
Plug in next to your router.
If the LED does not turn solid green (or orange), please
use Option Two: Using Web Browser.
Some ISP gateways disable the WPS function by
default, if the WPS method fails, please use Option
Two: Using Web Browser.

Connect the Extender to the Internet
Connect to the Extender
●Via Wireless
For Windows Users
Disconnect the Ethernet (wired) connection to your computer.
Click the Wi-Fi icon on the taskbar and connect to the extender's
network TP-LINK_WA855RE.
For Mac OS X Users
Unplug the Ethernet cable from your Mac (if any).
Click the Wi-Fi icon in the top right corner of the screen and
connect to the extender’s network TP-LINK_WA855RE.
●Via Ethernet Cable
Disable the Wi-Fi on your computer.
Connect your computer to the extender via an Ethernet cable.
Configure
Launch a web browser on your computer and type
http://tplinkrepeater.net in the address field. Enter admin (all
lowercase) for both username and password and click Login.

Connect the Extender to the Internet
Create an account for secure management purpose, then click
Confirm.
Select your router’s 2.4GHz Network and enter its wireless password
(NOT the account password you just created for management), then
click Next.

Connect the Extender to the Internet
Either keep the default SSID or customize it for the extended 2.4GHz
network, then click Next.
Verify your wireless settings and click Save. The LED should turn solid
green (or orange), indicating successful connection.
Relocate
Plug the extender into an electrical outlet about halfway between
your router (Host Network) and the Wi-Fi dead zone.
Wait about 1 minute until the LED is lit with a solid green. If not,
relocate the extender closer to the router to achieve better signal
quality.
Enjoy!
Unless you customized the extended network name during the configuration,
the extender adds _EXT to the end of the host network’s SSID and has the
same Wi-Fi password.

Connect the Extender to the Internet
The extender can be used as a wireless adapter to connect any Ethernet-
enabled device, such as a Blu-ray player, game console, DVR, or smart TV, to
your wireless network.
After the extender connected to the Internet, you can connect an Ethernet-only
device to the extender using an Ethernet cable.
The extender can be used as an access point, thus to transform your existing
wired network to a wireless network.
Connect the extender to your router
Power on the extender, and connect it to your router’s Ethernet port with
an Ethernet cable.
Set the extender to AP mode
Connect your computer to your extender’s wireless network.
Launch a web browser and log into http://tplinkrepeater.net, click
Mode in the top right corner, select Access Point and click Save.
The extender will switch to AP mode and reboot automatically.
After rebooting, you may need to reconnect to the extender’s network
and log in again.
Change the SSID and Password (Optional)
Go to Settings > Wireless > Wireless Settings page, configure the
extender as the picture shows below, and click Save.

Connect the Extender to the Internet
Network Name (SSID): Set a SSID for your AP’s wireless network.
Security: Select the security type. WPA/WPA2 - Personal is
recommended.
If WPA/WPA2 –Personal is selected,
Select the security version. WPA2-PSK is recommended.
Select the encryption type. TKIP is NOT recommended if the
extender operates in 802.11n mode, because TKIP is not
supported by 802.11n specification and the WPS function.
Enter a new password in the Password field.
If WEP is selected,
Select the security type. The defult is auto, which automatically
chooses Open System or Shared Key based on the capability
and access request of the wireless client.
Select the WEP key format. ASCII format is a combination of
alphabetic and numeric characters. Hexadecimal format is a
combination of the numbers (0-9) and letters (A-F, a-f).
Select the key type. 64-bit allows you to enter 10 hexadecimal
digits or 5 ASCII characters into the Key Value field. 128-bit
allows you to enter 26 hexadecimal digits or 13 ASCII characters
into the Key Value field.
Enter the WEP key into the Key Value field.
Mode: Select a transmission mixed mode.
Channel Width: Select a channel bandwidth for the wireless
network.

Connect the Extender to the Internet
Channel: Select the operating channel for the wireless network. It is
recommended to leave the channel to Auto, if you are not
experiencing the intermittent wireless connection issue.
Enjoy the Internet
Now you can connect to the AP’s wireless network to enjoy the Internet.
There are three ways to connect your devices to the AP by WPS.
Method ONE: Use your device’s WPS button
Launch a web browser, log into http://tplinkrepeater.net, and then
go to Settings > Wireless > WPS page.
Enable the WPS function of the AP.
Select Push Button at WPS Wizard section, and click Connect.
Within 2 minutes push the WPS button on your client device.
“Connect successfully” will appear on the WPS page, which means
that your client device has connected to the AP by WPS.
Method TWO: Enter the client’s PIN code on the AP
Use this method if your client device has a WPS PIN code.
Launch a web browser, log into http://tplinkrepeater.net, and then
go to Settings > Wireless > WPS page.
Enable the WPS function of the AP.
Select PIN code at WPS Wizard section, enter the client’s WPS PIN
code and click Connect.
You can connect your wireless devices to the AP’s wireless
network by WPS. For detailed instructions, please refer to
Connect your devices to the AP by WPS.

Connect the Extender to the Internet
“Connect successfully” will appear on this page, which means that
your client device has connected to the AP byWPS.
Method THREE: Enter the AP’s PIN code on your client
device
Use this method if your client device requires the AP’s PIN code.
Launch a web browser, log into http://tplinkrepeater.net, and then
go to Settings > Wireless > WPS page.
Enable the WPS function of the AP.
Enable the AP’s PIN. The current PIN code of the AP is displayed
here, you can click Generate to get a new one.
On your client device, enter the AP’s PIN code. When the AP’s LED
is solid on, the client device has successfully connected to the AP.

View the Information of the Extender
This chapter covers the following topics:
Current Status of the Extender
Information about the Host Network, the Extender
and the Clients
Launch a web browser, log into http://tplinkrepeater.net, and then go to
Settings > Status page.
You can view the network connection status in this page.
●The normal status.
●The extender is failed to connect to the wireless network of your router.
●The extender is connected to your router, but no transmitting data.
Please check your host network.
●The extender is connected to the router unnormally. Maybe the gateway
is set incorrectly in the Static IP. You can select “Obtain an IP address
automatically” on the “Settings > Network” page.
3

View the Information of the Extender
●The extender is failed to connect to the NTP server, or failed to obtain
the DNS server address. Please check your host network.
Instructions
The wireless is on and encrypted.
The wireless is on and unencrypted.
/
Router：The wireless is off, or the connection is failed.
Extender：The wireless is off.
/
The icons are selected.
1. Launch a web browser, log into http://tplinkrepeater.net, and then go to
Settings > Status page.
2. Click the icon of your router, the extender and clients. The detailed
information of the corresponding icon are displayed below.

Manage the Extended Network and Security Settings
This chapter covers the following topics:
Extend Another Network
Customize the Extended SSID
Secure the Extended Network
Change Wi-Fi Coverage
Change the Extender’s IP Address
DHCP Server
If you want to extend another network, you can refer to the following steps to
finish it quickly.
1. Launch a web browser, log into http://tplinkrepeater.net, and then go to
Settings > Wireless > Connect to Network page.
2. Enable Connect to 2.4GHz Network. Then click Wireless Scanner to
scan the wireless network you want to extend.
3

Manage the Extended Network and Security Settings
3. Select the network you want to extend from the list. 4. Once a network is selected, the SSID and security settings of that network
will automatically be filled in. If the host network is encrypted, enter the
password and click Save.
5. Relocate
Plug in the extender halfway between your wireless router (Host Network)
and the Wi-Fi dead zone.
Wait about 1 minute until the LED is lit with a solid green. If not,
relocate the extender closer to the router to achieve better signal
quality.
Enjoy!
The extender shares the same wireless network name (SSID) and wireless
password as your host network. If you want to change the wireless network
name (SSID), please refer to Customize the Extended SSID.
If the network you want to extend is on but not shown in the
list, please try the steps below.
Move the extender closer to your router. Then click
Refresh on the top-right corner of the list to scan the
network again.
You can also enter the SSID and password of the network
you want to extend on the Connect to Network page.
Then click Save to connect to the host network.
When Host 2.4GHz Security is WEP, please select the index
same as the host network.

Manage the Extended Network and Security Settings
On the Extended Network page, you can change and hide the wireless network
name (SSID) of the extender, as well as enable or disable the wireless network
of the extender.
1. Launch a web browser, log into http://tplinkrepeater.net, and then go to
Settings > Wireless > Extended Network page.
2. Either click Copy Host SSID or create a new one using up to 32
characters for the extended 2.4GHz nework. The SSID is case-sensitive.
3. Select the Hide SSID broadcast checkbox if you want to hide the
extender’s SSID from the wireless devices. If you want to connect to the
hiden SSID, please enter the SSID and the password manaully.
4. Click Save to save the settings.
Secure the Extended Network
Change your Admin Account
1. Launch a web browser, log into http://tplinkrepeater.net, and then go to
Settings > System Tools > Admin Account page.
2. Create a new username and password as shown in the figure below.
Old Username / Password：Enteryourcurrentusername/ password.
New Username / Password: Enter your new username / pawword.
Confirm Password: Re-enter your new password.
3. Click Save to save the settings.