TP-Link AP300 User manual

REV1.0.11910012036
AP300
User Guide
AC1200 Wireless Gigabit Access Point

Contents
About This Guide ...............................................................................................1
Chapter 1. Get to Know About Your AP Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1. 1. Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1. 2. Main Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1. 3. Panel Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1. 3. 1.Top View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1. 3. 2.The Back Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1. 4. Position Your AP Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Chapter 2. Operation Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2. 1. Determine the Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2. 2. Connect Your AP Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Chapter 3. Log into Your AP Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Chapter 4. Set Up Wireless Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4. 1. Quick Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4. 2. WPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4. 3. Manually set up a wireless connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4. 4. Check the connection status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Chapter 5. Customize Your Network and Security Settings. . . . . . . . . . 25
5. 1. Change the LAN Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
5. 2. Specify DHCP Server Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
5. 3. MAC Filtering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
5. 4. Advanced Wireless Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Chapter 6. Manage Your AP Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
6. 1. System Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
6. 2. Test the Network Connectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
6. 3. Upgrade the Firmware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
6. 4. Backup and Restore Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
6. 5. Change the Management Account. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

6. 6. Throughput Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
6. 7. Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
6. 8. SNMP Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
6. 9. Ping Watchdog. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
6. 10. LEDs Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
FAQ .....................................................................................................................43
Specifications ...................................................................................................47

1
About This Guide
This guide provides details of each function and shows how to configure the AP device
appropriate to your needs. In addition to this guide, a Quick Installation Guide is also
released with each TP-LINK AP device, you are suggested to configure your AP device
for quick Internet setup by following the published Quick Installation Guide before you
get started with a further configuration.
Conventions
In this guide the following conventions are used:
Convention Description
AP device Stands for 11AC Wireless Gigabit Access Point without any explanation.
parameters
Parameters provided in the screenshots are just references for setting up the device,
which may differ from the actual situation. You can set the parameters according to
your demand.
screenshots
The demonstrated screenshots may look a little different from the actual web page of
your device due to the various firmware versions. Please just configure your product
based on the actual web page.
Blue Italic Hyperlinks are in blue italic. You can click to redirect to a website or a specific section.
Blue Contents to be emphasized and texts on the web page are in blue, including the
menus, items, buttons, etc.
>
The menu structures to show the path to load the corresponding page. For example,
Advanced > Wireless > WPS means the WPS function page is under the Wireless menu
that is located in the Advanced 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.
symbols on the web
page
• click to edit the corresponding entry.
• click to delete the corresponding entry.
• click to enable or disable the corresponding entry.

Chapter 1
Get to Know About Your AP
Device
This chapter introduces what the AP device can do and shows its main features and
appearance.
This chapter contains the following sections:
• Product Overview
• Main Features
• Panel Layout
• Position Your AP Device

3
Chapter 1
1. 1. Product Overview
What This Product Does
TheTP-LINKWireless AC Access Point is designed to establish or expand a scalable high-
speed wireless AC network or to connect multiple Ethernet enabled devices such as
game consoles, digital media adapters, printers, or network attached storage devices
to a wireless network. The AP supports a host of different functions that make your
wireless networking experience more flexible than ever before. Now, you can enjoy a
better Internet experience when downloading, gaming or video streaming.
802.11ac - The Next Generation of Wi-Fi
TP-LINK’s Wireless AC Access Point comes with the next generation Wi-Fi standard -
802.11ac, backward compatible with 802.11n and 3 times faster than wireless N
speeds. With higher power efficiency and robust security, 802.11ac is the perfect way
to accelerate a home multimedia network and solve congestion that multiple devices
may cause.
Concurrent Dual Band - More Bandwidth, Less Interference
With the high wireless speeds over the crystal clear 5GHz band and the 2.4GHz band,
the Wireless AC Access Point offers you the flexibility of two dedicated networks and
ensures amazing wireless performance. Simple tasks such as sending e-mails or web
browsing can be handled by the 2.4GHz band while bandwidth intensive tasks like
online gaming or HD video streaming can be processed by the 5GHz band – all at the
same time.
Broad Wi-Fi Coverage and Targeted Connection
Featuring multiple detachable external antennas and high power amplifiers, the
Wireless AC Access Point is able to boost Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home.
Advanced Beamforming technology enables it to focus Wi-Fi signal on connected
devices, delivering a more targeted and highly efficient wireless connection.
Multiple Operating Modes - Easy to Build WLAN
Supports AP, Bridge/Repeater, Client and Multi-SSID operation modes to enable various
wireless applications to give you a more dynamic and comprehensive experience when
using the AP device. Multiple operating modes also helps you easily build wireless
network for hard-to-wire locations or eliminate wireless dead zone.
1. 2. Main Features
Wireless and Wired Performance
• Supports 802.11ac - The next generation of Wi-Fi, compatible with 802.11n

4
Chapter 1
• Support simultaneous 2.4GHz and 5GHz connections
• Multiple detachable external antennas and high power amplifiers provide stable
signals and optimal wireless coverage
• Up to 4 SSIDs and VLAN support
• Provides WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK authentication, TKIP/AES encryption
security
• Supports MAC filter, throughput monitor
• Easy one-touch WPA wireless security encryption with the WPS button
• Supports firmware upgrade and Web management
• Supports system log and Traffic Statistics
1. 3. Panel Layout
1. 3. 1. Top View
The AP device’s LEDs are located on the top panel. You can check the AP device’s
working status by following the LED Explanation table (view from left to right).
LED Explanation
Name Status Indication
(Power)
On System initialization completes.
Blinking System initialization or firmware upgrade is in process. Do not
disconnect or power off the AP device.
Off Power is off. Please ensure that the power adapter is connected
correctly.

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Chapter 1
LED Explanation
Name Status Indication
(Wireless 2.4GHz)
On
The wireless 2.4GHz band is working properly (in AP/Multi-SSID
mode).
The host AP’s 2.4GHz network is selected (in Repeater/Bridge/Client
mode).
Off
The wireless 2.4GHz band is disabled (in AP/Multi-SSID mode).
The host AP’s 2.4GHz is not selected (in Repeater/Bridge/Client
mode).
(Wireless 5GHz)
On
The wireless 5GHz band is working properly (in AP/Multi-SSID mode).
The host AP’s 5GHz network is selected (in Repeater/Bridge/Client
mode).
Off The wireless 5GHz band is disabled (in AP/Multi-SSID mode).
The host AP’s 5GHz is not selected (in Repeater/Bridge/Client mode).
(LAN)
On A device is connected to the Ethernet port.
Off No device is connected to the Ethernet port.
(WPS)
Slow blinking WPS connection is in process.
On WPS connection is successful. It will turn off after 5 minutes.
Quick blinking WPS connection is failed.
Solid orange The signal strength is too weak (in Repeater/Bridge/Client mode).
Off The device is disconnected from the host network (in Repeater/
Bridge/Client mode).
Note:
After a device is successfully added to the network by WPS function, the WPS LED will keep on for about 5 minutes
and then turn off.
1. 3. 2. The Back Panel
The AP device’s back panel shows the connection ports, buttons and antennas. Refer to
the following for detailed instructions (view from left to right).

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Chapter 1
Item Description
Ethernet One LAN 10/100/1000Mbps Auto-Negotiation RJ45 Port connects to a network device.
Reset
The switch for the reset function. With the device powered on, use a pin to press and
hold the Reset button for five seconds until the Power LED starts blinking, then release
the button.
WPS Press and hold this button for two seconds to enable the WPS function. When the WPS
LED blinks slowly, the device is trying to connect or to be connected.
LED Press this button to turn on or turn off the LEDs.
On/Off The switch for the power. Press it to power on or off the AP device.
Power The power port connects to the provided power adapter.
Antennas Used for wireless operation and data transmit. Upright them for the best Wi-Fi
performance.
1. 4. Position Your AP Device
• Place your AP device in a well-ventilated place far from any heater or heating vent
• Avoid direct irradiation of any strong light (such as sunlight)
• Keep at least 2 inches (5 cm) of clear space around your AP device
• Operating Temperature: 0℃~40℃(32℉~104℉)
• Operating Humidity: 10%~90%RH, Non-condensing
Generally, your AP device is placed on a horizontal surface. It also can be mounted on
the wall as shown below.
Note:
The diameter of the screw, 4mm<D<7mm, and the distance of two screws is 55.43mm. The screw that projects from
the wall needs around 3.5mm based, and the length of the screw need to be at least 20mm to withstand the weight
of the product.

Chapter 2
Operation Modes
The AP device supports four modes to satisfy user’s diversified network requirements
including Access Point mode, Repeater/Bridge mode, Client mode and multi-SSID
mode. This chapter introduces typical usage scenarios of each mode. You can choose
the desired scenario according to your needs, and refer to this part for hardware
connection instruction.
• Determine the Mode
• Connect Your AP Device