TP-Link AP500 User manual

REV2.0.0 1910011560
AP500
User Guide
AC1900 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4. 3. Manually set up a wireless connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4. 4. Check the connection status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Chapter 5. Customize Your Network and Security Settings. . . . . . . . . . 23
5. 1. Change the LAN Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
5. 2. Specify DHCP Server Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
5. 3. MAC Filtering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
5. 4. Advanced Wireless Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Chapter 6. Manage Your AP Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
6. 1. System Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
6. 2. Test the Network Connectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
6. 3. Upgrade the Firmware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
6. 4. Backup and Restore Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
6. 5. Change the Management Account. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

6. 6. Throughput Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
6. 7. Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
6. 8. SNMP Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
6. 9. Ping Watchdog. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
6. 10. LEDs Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
FAQ .....................................................................................................................41
Specifications ...................................................................................................46

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

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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

8
Chapter 2
2. 1. Determine the Mode
Use the following scenarios to determine an appropriate operating mode for your
network needs.
Modes Scenarios
Access Point mode (Default
mode)
You want to be able to access the Internet wirelessly, but this place only has an
Ethernet port (wired network) available. you need to transform the existing wired
network to a wireless network.
Repeater/Bridge mode You are in a Wi-Fi dead-zone or a place with weak wireless signal. You want to have
a greater effective range of the wireless signal throughout your home or office.
Client mode
You have a wired device with an Ethernet port and no wireless capability, for
example, a Smart TV, Media Player, or game console. You want to connect it to the
Internet wirelessly.
Multi-SSID mode
You want to divide the exsting Wi-Fi network into serveral networks for different
people with different access level and authority, for example, the guests, the host,
the children and the parents.
2. 2. Connect Your AP Device
Follow the figures below to connect your AP device.
Note:
AP500 is used for demonstration in this guide.
• Access Point mode
Wired Router
Internet
AP500’s SSID

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Chapter 2
• Repeater/Bridge mode
Host AP
Internet
Host AP’s SSID AP500’s SSID
• Client mode
Host AP AP500
or
or
Other
Device
Internet
Host AP’s SSID
TV
• Multi-SSID mode
Switch
VLAN1 VLAN2 VLAN3 VLAN4
Router
Group A
AP500
SSID1
VLAN1
SSID2
VLAN2
SSID3
VLAN3
SSID4
VLAN4
Group B
Group C
Group D

Chapter 3
Log into Your AP Device

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Chapter 3
With the Web-based management page, it is easy to configure and manage the AP
device. The Web-based utility can be used on any Windows, Macintosh or UNIX OS with
a Web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or Apple Safari.
Follow the steps below to log into your AP device.
1. Set up the TCP/IP Protocol in Obtain an IP address automatically mode on your
computer.
2. Launch your Web browser. Enter http://tplinkap.net in the address field and Press
Enter (PC) or Return (Mac).
3. Upon initial login, please enter admin in the username and password fields.
4. In the following pop-up window, it is recommended to change the device’s username
and password from its default settings for network security. Enter and confirm new
username and password, then click Confirm.

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Chapter 3
5. For subsequent logins, you only need to enter the username and password that you
have set to log in.
Note:
If the login window does not appear, please refer to FAQ >Q3. I cannot log into the AP device’s web management page,
what can I do?

Chapter 4
Set Up Wireless
Connections
This chapter introduces how to connect your AP device to the wireless network. The
AP device is equipped with a web-based Quick Setup wizard. You can also set up the
wireless connection by the WPS feature or manually add a wireless connection.
This chapter contains the following sections:
• Quick Setup
• WPS
• Manually set up a wireless connection
• Check the connection status

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Chapter 4
4. 1. Quick Setup
Quick Setup wizard allows you to quickly configure your AP device step by step. Choose
the suitable operation mode according to your network environment and follow the
step-by-step instructions.
1. Visit http://tplinkap.net, and log in with the username and password you set for the
AP device.
2. Go to Quick Setup on the top of the page, and follow the on-screen instrustions to
configure your AP device.
4. 2. WPS
WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) feature can help you to quickly and securely connect to
a network. WPS functions differently in different operation modes. In Access Point and
Multi-SSID modes, the WPS feature can be used only when the network security is set
to None or WPA2-PSK/AES. In Repeater/Bridge and Client modes, this device can use
WPS (Push button method) to connect to Host network while local wireless networks
do not support the WPS feature.
This section will guide you to add a new wireless device to an existing network quickly
by the WPS feature. There are two ways to use this feature: by push button method and
by PIN (Personal Identification Number). The PIN method can only be applied in Access
Point and Multi-SSID modes.
Push Button Method
Follow the steps below to use WPS by push button method.
1. Press the WPS button on the real panel of the AP device.TheWPS LED will blink slowly,
which shows the function has been triggered and the device is trying to connect or
to be conected. This process may take up to 2 minutes.

15
Chapter 4
2. Press the WPS button of the device you want to connect to in 2 minutes.
Note:
The order to press the WPS button of the AP device and the device to be connected can be in reverse.
3. If the AP device’s WPS LED is solid on, it shows the WPS connection is successful. If
the AP device’s WPS LED blinks quickly, it shows the WPS connection is failed. Please
perform the steps again.
Note:
1. If the WPS connection is successful, after about 5 minutes, the WPS LED will turn off.
2. If the connection still fails, contact the technical support.
PIN Method
Other devices can connect to this AP device by WPS with the AP device’s PIN and the AP
device can connect to other devices by entering their PINs. The PIN method can only be
applied in Access Point and Multi-SSID modes.
Follow the steps below to use WPS by PIN method.
1. Visit http://tplinkap.net, then log in with the username and password you set for the
AP device.
2. Go to Advanced > Wireless >WPS. There are also two ways to use WPS PIN method:
using the AP device’s PIN and using the wireless client’s PIN.

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Chapter 4
¾Using the AP Device‘s PIN
1 ) Toggle On Enable Device’s PIN to allow wireless clients to connect to the device
using the Device’s PIN.
2 ) Click Generate to generate a new PIN randomly or click Default to restore the
current PIN to the factory default PIN. Using this PIN to connect to the AP
device. The default PIN can be found on the label of the AP device.
¾Using the wireless client’s PIN
1 ) Select the PIN as the setup method.
2 ) Entering the wireless client’s WPS PIN into Enter the client’s WPS PIN field and
click Connect.
Note:
Selecting Push button method (Recommended) is equal to pressing the physical WPS button on the device.
4. 3. Manually set up a wireless connection
Follow the steps below to check or modify your wireless connection settings.

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Chapter 4
1. Visit http://tplinkap.net, then log in with the username and password you set for the
AP device.
2. Go to Advanced > Wireless >Basic Settings.
3. Select the Operation mode from the drop-down list.
¾Access Point Mode
If Access Point mode is selected, please take the following steps: