TP-Link 54Mbps Wireless Access Point TL-WA501G User manual

TL-WA501G
54M Wireless Access Point
Rev：1.0.1

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COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARKS
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 © 2007 TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
All rights reserved.

FCC STATEMENT
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ TV technician for help.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1) This device may not cause harmful interference.
2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement
This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an
uncontrolled environment. This device and its antenna must not be co-located or
operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
“To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, this grant is applicable to
only Mobile Configurations. The antennas used for this transmitter must be installed to
provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and must not be
co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.”
CE Mark Warning
This is a class B product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio
interference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
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Package contents
The following contents should be found in your box:
¾One TL-WA501G 54Mbps Wireless Access Point
¾One AC power Adapter for TL-WA501G 54Mbps Wireless Access Point
¾One Resource CD , including:
zThis User Guide
zOther Helpful Information
)Note:
If any of the listed contents are damaged or missing, please contact the retailer from whom you
purchased the product for assistance.

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COMMENT
Chapter 1 Introduction ........................................................................................1
1.1 Product Overview ...................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Main Features ........................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Overview the User Guide .......................................................................................... 1
1.4 Conventions .............................................................................................................. 1
Chapter 2 Hardware Installation.........................................................................3
2.1 The Front Panel ........................................................................................................ 3
2.1.1 LED Explanation............................................................................................................... 3
2.2 The Back Panel......................................................................................................... 3
2.3 System Requirements ............................................................................................... 4
2.4 Installation Environment Requirements..................................................................... 4
2.5 Connecting the Device .............................................................................................. 4
2.6 Configure PC............................................................................................................. 5
Chapter 3 Software Configuration......................................................................9
3.1 Login ......................................................................................................................... 9
3.2 Status ...................................................................................................................... 10
3.3 Network ................................................................................................................... 11
3.4 Wireless .................................................................................................................. 12
3.4.1 Basic Settings.................................................................................................................12
3.4.2 Site Survey .....................................................................................................................19
3.4.3 Security Settings ............................................................................................................20
3.4.4 MAC Filtering..................................................................................................................22
3.4.5 Wireless Statistics ..........................................................................................................24
3.5 DHCP ...................................................................................................................... 25
3.5.1 DHCP Settings ...............................................................................................................25
3.5.2 DHCP Clients List...........................................................................................................26
3.5.3 Address Reservation ...................................................................................................... 27
3.6 Wireless Advanced Settings ................................................................................... 28
3.7 System Tools .......................................................................................................... 30
3.7.1 Firmware.........................................................................................................................30
3.7.2 Factory Defaults .............................................................................................................31
3.7.3 Reboot............................................................................................................................31
3.7.4 Password........................................................................................................................32

VI
3.7.5 Log..................................................................................................................................32
Appendix A: Glossary............................................................................................ 34
Appendix B: Specifications...................................................................................36
Appendix C: FAQ....................................................................................................37
Appendix D: Contact Information ......................................................................... 38

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Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 Product Overview
Thank you for choosing the TL-WA501G 54Mbps Wireless Access Point. This AP provides
connectivity between Ethernet wired networks and radio-equipped wireless devices.
It adopts 2x to 3x eXtended Range™WLAN transmission technology so that transmission
distance is 2-3 times of traditional IEEE 802.11g and IEEE 802.11b solutions, up to 855.36m
tested in China. The transmission range is extended to 4-9 times.
It is an easy, web-based setup for installation and management. Even though you may not be
familiar with the AP, this guide will make configuring the AP easy. Before installing the AP, please
look through this guide to get to know all the AP’s functions.
1.2 Main Features
¾Complies with IEEE802.11g, IEEE802.11b, IEEE802.3, IEEE802.3u standards
¾Adopts 2x to 3x eXtended Range™
¾Supports 54/48/36/24/18/12/9/6Mbps or 11/5.5/3/2/1Mbps wireless LAN data transfer rates
¾Provides 64/128/152-bit WEP encryption security
¾Provides WPA/WPA2 and WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK authentication and TKIP/AES encryption
security
¾Built-in DHCP server supporting dynamic IP address distributing
¾Supports MAC address filtering
¾Supports multiple operating modes (Access Point, Client, Repeater, Point to Point, Point to
Multi-point)
¾Supports TCP/IP, DHCP, SNMP
¾Supports Traffic statistics
¾Supports firmware upgrade
¾Supports Remote and Web management
1.3 Overview the User Guide
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Hardware Installation Guide
Chapter 3: Software Installation Guide
Chapter 4: Appendix
1.4 Conventions
The AP or TL-WA501G, or device mentioned in this User guide stands for TL-WA501G 54M
Wireless Access Point without any explanations.
Parameters provided in the pictures are just references for setting up the product, which may

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differ from the actual situation.
You can set the parameters according to your demand.

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Chapter 2 Hardware Installation
2.1 The Front Panel
Figure 2-1
The LED indicators displayed on the front panel, the status of these LED indicators represent the
device’s working circs. For details, please refer to 2.1.1 LED Explanation
2.1.1 LED Explanation
Name Status Description
Off No Power
Power On Power on
Off The AP has a hardware error
On The AP is initialising
System
Flashing The AP is working properly
Off There is no device linked to the corresponding port
On There is a device linked to the corresponding port but no activity
LAN
Flashing There is an active device linked to the corresponding port
Off The Wireless Radio function is disabled
WLAN Flashing The Wireless Radio function is enabled
2.2 The Back Panel
Figure 2-2

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¾Wireless antenna
¾Factory Default Reset button
¾There are two ways to reset the AP's factory defaults:
•Use the Factory Defaults function on System Tools -> Factory Defaults page in the
AP's Web-based Utility.
•Use the Factory Default Reset button: First, turn off the AP's power. Second, press and
hold the default reset button then turn on the AP's power, until the system LED lights up
(about 3 seconds). Last, release the reset button and wait for the AP to reboot.
)Note:
Ensure the AP is powered on before it restarts completely.
¾One LAN 10/100Mbps RJ45 port for connecting the AP to hub or switch
¾AC power socket: only use the power adapter supplied with the TL-WA501G 54Mbps
Wireless Access Point, use of a different adapter may result in product damage.
2.3 System Requirements
¾Broadband Internet Access Service (DSL/Cable/Ethernet)
¾One DSL/Cable Modem that has an RJ45 connector
¾A Ethernet broadband router
¾TCP/IP protocol must be installed on each PC
¾Web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or later, Netscape Navigator 6.0 or later
¾802.11g or 802.11b-compliant devices, such as the TL-WN510G Wireless Adapter
2.4 Installation Environment Requirements
¾Not in direct sunlight or near a heater or heating vent
¾Not cluttered or crowded. There should be at least 2 inches (5 cm) of clear space on all sides
of the AP
¾Well ventilated (especially if it is in a closet)
¾Operating temperature: 0℃~40℃(32℉~104℉)
¾Operating Humidity: 10%~90%RH, Non-condensing
2.5 Connecting the Device
Figure 2-3 is an example of an infrastructure network incorporating the TL-WA501G. An
Infrastructure network contains an access point or a wireless router. For a typical connection of
the AP, please do the following:
1. You will need broadband Internet access (a Cable or DSL-subscriber line into your home or
office). Consult with your Cable or DSL provider for proper installation of the modem.
2. Connect the Cable or DSL modem to a Router. Quickly install the router.
3. Locate an optimum location for the AP. The best place is usually near the center of the area
in which your PC(s) will wirelessly connect. The place must accord with the Installation
Environment Requirements.

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4. Adjust the direction of the antenna. Normally, upright is a good direction.
5. Connect the Ethernet Broadband Router to the TL-WA501G AP. Power on the AP.
6. If you are connecting a desktop PC or laptop to your network, install the TP-LINK Wireless
Adapter on the PC.
Figure 2-3 The Example of Infrastructure Network Incorporating the TL-WA501G
2.6 Configure PC
After connecting the TL-WA501G AP into your network, you should configure it. The default IP
address of the TL-WA501G 54Mbps Wireless Access Point is 192.168.1.1, and the default
Subnet Mask is 255.255.255.0. These values can be seen from the LAN. They can be changed as
you desire, as an example we use the default values for description in this guide.
Connect the local PCs to the LAN ports on the AP. There are then two means to configure the IP
address for your PCs.
¾Configure the IP address automatically
1. From the Start menu on your desktop, go to Settings, and then click on Network
Connections.

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Figure 2-4
2. In the Network Connections window, right-click on LAN (Local Area Connection), then click
Properties.
Figure 2-5
3. In the General tab of Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties menu, highlight Internet
Protocol (TCP/IP) under “This connection uses the following items:” by clicking on it once.
Click on the Properties button.

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Figure 2-6
4. Select “Obtain an IP address automatically” by clicking the radio-button. Click OK
Figure 2-7
¾Configure the IP address manually
1. Open TCP/IP Properties of the LAN card in your PC, enter the IP address as 192.168.1.*
(* is any value between 2 to 254, Subnet mask is 255.255.255.0, Gateway is 192.168.1.1,
DNS address is the value provided by ISP).
2. Now, you can run the Ping command in the command prompt to verify the network
connection between your PC and the Router. The following example is in Windows XP

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Operating System.
3. Open a command prompt, From the Start menu on your desktop, select run tab, type
cmd in the field, and type ping 192.168.1.1 on the screen that appears, and then press
Enter.
If the result displayed is similar to that shown in Figure below, the connection between your PC
and the Router has been established.
Figure 2-8
If the result displayed is similar to that shown in Figure below, it means that your PC has not
connected to the Router.
Figure 2-9
Please check it following these steps:
)Note:
If the connection between your PC and the Router is correct?
The LEDs of LAN port which you link to on the devicer and LEDs on your PC's adapter should be
lit.
If the TCP/IP configuration for your PC is correct?
If the Router's IP address is 192.168.1.1, your PC's IP address must be within the range of
192.168.1.2 ~ 192.168.1.254, the gateway must be 192.168.1.1.

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Chapter 3 Software Configuration
This User Guide recommends using the “Quick Installation Guide” for first-time installation, For
advanced users, if you want to know more about this device and make use of its functions
adequately, you need to read this chapter and configure advanced settings through the
Web-based Utility.
3.1 Login
With a Web-based (Internet Explorer or Netscape®Navigator) utility, the TL-WA501G 54Mbps
Wireless Access Point is easy to configure and manage. The Web-based utility can be used on
any Windows, Macintosh or UNIX OS with a web browser.
Connect to the AP by typing http://192.168.1.1 in the address field of web browser.
Figure 3-1 Login to the AP
After a moment, a login window will appear similar to that shown in Figure 3-2. Enter admin for
the User Name and Password, both in lower case letters. Then click the OK button or press the
Enter key.
Figure 3-2 Login Windows
)Note:
If the above screen does not prompt, it means that your web-browser has been set to a proxy. Go
to Tools menu>Internet Options>Connections>LAN Settings, in the screen that appears, cancel
the Using Proxy checkbox, and click OK to finish it.
After your successful login, you can configure and manage the AP. There are six main menus on
the left of the web-based utility. Submenus will be available after you click one of the main menus.
The six main menus are: Status, Network, Wireless, DHCP, Wireless Advanced Settings and
System Tools. On the right of the web-based utility, there are the detailed explanations and
instructions for the corresponding page. To apply any settings you have altered on the page,
please click the Save button.
There are the detailed explanations for each web page's key functions below.

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3.2 Status
The Status page displays the AP's current status and configuration. All information is read-only.
Network
This field displays the current settings or information for the Network, including the MAC address,
IP address and Subnet Mask.
Wireless
This field displays basic information or status for wireless function, including Operating Mode,
SSID, Channel, Mode, MAC Address and IP Address.
Traffic Statistics
This field displays the AP's traffic statistics.
System Up Time
The time of the AP running from it's powered on or reset.
Figure 3-3 AP Status

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)Note:
If you select client mode in Figure 3-6 the wireless status in Figure 3-3 will change, as it showed
below:
3.3 Network
You can configure the IP parameters of Network on this page.
Figure 3-4 Network
¾Type - Choosing dynamic IP to get IP address from DHCP server, or choosing static IP to
configure IP address manually.
¾IP Address - Enter the IP address of your AP in dotted-decimal notation (factory default:
192.168.1.1).
¾Subnet Mask - An address code that determines the size of the network. Normally use
255.255.255.0 as the subnet mask.
¾Gateway - The gateway should be in the same subnet as your IP address.
¾MAC Address -the physical address of the AP, as seen from the LAN. The value can't be
changed.
)Note:

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If you change the IP Address, you must use the new IP Address to login the AP.
If the new LAN IP Address you set is not in the same subnet, the IP Address pool in the DHCP
sever will not take effect, until they are re-configured.
3.4 Wireless
Figure 3-5 The Wireless menu
There are four submenus under the Wireless menu (shown in Figure 3-5): Basic Settings,
Security Settings, MAC Filtering and Wireless Statistics. Click any of them, and you will be
able to configure the corresponding function. The detailed explanations for each submenu are
provided below.
3.4.1 Basic Settings
The basic settings for the wireless network are set on this page, Figure 3-6:

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Figure 3-6 Wireless Settings
¾SSID - Enter a value of up to 32 characters. The same name (SSID) must be assigned to all
wireless devices in your network. The default SSID is TP-LINK, but it is recommended
strongly that you change your networks name (SSID) to a different value. This value is