TP-Link PW-AN401 User manual

PW-AN401/PW-AN401D
150M Wireless N Access Point
Rev: 2.0.0
1910020540

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:
This device may not cause harmful interference.
This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Note: The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by
unauthorized modifications to this equipment. Such modifications could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment.
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.
This device has been designed to operate with the antennas listed below, and having a maximum
gain of 3 dBi. Antennas not included in this list or having a gain greater than 3 dBi are strictly
prohibited for use with this device. The required antenna impedance is 50 ohms.

To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so
chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that permitted for
successful communication.

CONTENTS
Package Contents....................................................................................................1
Chapter 1 Introduction...........................................................................................2
1.1 Product Overview.............................................................................................. 2
1.2 Conventions...................................................................................................... 2
1.3 Main Features................................................................................................... 2
1.4 Appearance....................................................................................................... 2
1.4.1 The Front Panel.................................................................................................2
1.4.2 The Rear Panel..................................................................................................4
Chapter 2 Hardware Installation ...........................................................................5
2.1 Before You Begin.............................................................................................. 5
2.2 Basic Requirements.......................................................................................... 5
2.3 Connecting the Device...................................................................................... 5
Chapter 3 Quick Installation Guide.......................................................................7
3.1 Configure the PC ..............................................................................................7
3.2 Quick Setup .................................................................................................... 10
Chapter 4 Configure the Device..........................................................................20
4.1 Login ............................................................................................................... 20
4.2 Status.............................................................................................................. 21
4.3 Quick Setup .................................................................................................... 22
4.4 Operation Mode .............................................................................................. 22
4.5 WPS................................................................................................................ 23
4.6 Network........................................................................................................... 29
4.7 Wireless.......................................................................................................... 30
4.7.1 Wireless Settings.............................................................................................30
4.7.2 Wireless Security.............................................................................................40
4.7.3 Wireless MAC Filtering....................................................................................49
4.7.4 Wireless Advanced..........................................................................................52
4.7.5 Antenna Alignment ..........................................................................................52
4.7.6 Throughput Monitor .........................................................................................53
4.7.7 Wireless Statistics............................................................................................54
4.8 DHCP.............................................................................................................. 54
4.8.1 DHCP Settings.................................................................................................55
4.8.2 DHCP Clients List............................................................................................56
4.8.3 Address Reservation .......................................................................................56

4.9 System Tools..................................................................................................57
4.9.1 SNMP ..............................................................................................................58
4.9.2 Time Settings...................................................................................................59
4.9.3 Diagnostic........................................................................................................60
4.9.4 Ping Watch Dog...............................................................................................62
4.9.5 Firmware Upgrade...........................................................................................63
4.9.6 Factory Defaults...............................................................................................64
4.9.7 Backup & Restore............................................................................................64
4.9.8 Reboot.............................................................................................................65
4.9.9 Password.........................................................................................................66
4.9.10 System Log......................................................................................................66
4.9.11 Statistics ..........................................................................................................67
Appendix A: Application Example........................................................................70
Appendix B: Factory Defaults...............................................................................73
Appendix C: Troubleshooting...............................................................................74
Appendix D: Specifications...................................................................................78
Appendix E: Glossary............................................................................................79

PW-AN401/PW-AN401D 150M Wireless N Access Point User Guide
1
Package Contents
¾The following items should be found in your package:
¾One PW-AN401/PW-AN401D 150M Wireless N Access Point
¾One Power Injector
¾Ethernet Cable
¾One Power Adapter for PW-AN401/PW-AN401D 150M Wireless N Access Point
¾Quick Installation Guide
¾One Resource CD for PW-AN401/PW-AN401D 150M Wireless N Access Point, including:
zThis User Guide
zOther helpful information
)Note:
Make sure that the package contains the above items. If any of the listed items are damaged or
missing, please contact with your distributor.

PW-AN401/PW-AN401D 150M Wireless N Access Point User Guide
2
Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 Product Overview
The PW-AN401/PW-AN401D 150M Wireless N Access Point is dedicated to Small Office/Home
Office (SOHO) wireless network solutions. It allows for greater range and mobility within your
wireless network while also allowing you to connect the wireless devices to a wired environment.
Increased mobility and the absence of cabling will be beneficial for your network.
With using IEEE 802.11n wireless technology, your device can transmit wireless data at the rate of
up to 150Mbps. With multiple protection measures, including SSID broadcast control and wireless
LAN 64/128/152-bit WEP encryption, WiFi protected Access (WPA2- PSK, WPA- PSK), the
PW-AN401/PW-AN401D 150M Wireless N Access Point delivers complete data privacy. This
device leverages some 802.11n features to provide improved performance and coverage
compared to 802.11a/g devices, and fully interoperates with 802.11n products if they are Wi-Fi
CERTIFIED, but it does not conform to all of the requirements in the IEEE specification and is not
classified as "n" in the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED program.
It supports an easy, web-based setup for installation and management. Even though you may not
be familiar with the Access Point, you can easily configure it with the help of this Guide. Before
installing the AP, please look through this Guide to get the full information of the
PW-AN401/PW-AN401D 150M Wireless N Access Point.
1.2 Conventions
The AP or PW-AN401/PW-AN401D, or device mentioned in this User guide stands for
PW-AN401/PW-AN401D 150M Wireless N Access Point without any explanations.
Parameters provided in the pictures are just references for setting up the product, which may differ
from the actual situation. You can set the parameters according to your demand.
1.3 Main Features
¾Wireless speed up to 150Mbps
¾Supports Access Point, Multi-SSID, Client, Repeater（Universal Repeater）and Bridge with AP
modes
¾Up to 4 SSIDs and VLAN support
¾Up to 30 meters (100 feet) of flexible deployment with included Power over Ethernet Injector
¾Easily setup a WPA encrypted secure connection at a push of the WPS button
¾Supports Remote and Web management
¾Backward compatible with 802.11b/g products
1.4 Appearance
1.4.1 The Front Panel
Figure 1-1
The front panel of the PW-AN401/PW-AN401D consists of several LED indicators, which is

PW-AN401/PW-AN401D 150M Wireless N Access Point User Guide
3
designed to indicate connections. View from left to right, Table 1-1 describes the LEDs on the front
panel of the device.
LED Explanation
Name Status Indication
Off No Power
PWR On Power on
Off The device has a system error
On The device is initialising
SYS
Flashing The device 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 function is disabled
WLAN Flashing The Wireless function is enabled
Slow Flash A wireless device is connecting to the network by WPS function.
This process will last in the first 2 minutes.
On A wireless device has been successfully added to the network by
WPS function.
WPS
Quick Flash A wireless device failed to be added to the network by WPS
function.
Table 1-1

PW-AN401/PW-AN401D 150M Wireless N Access Point User Guide
4
1.4.2 The Rear Panel
Figure 1-2
Viewed from left to right, the following parts are located on the rear panel of
PW-AN401/PW-AN401D.
POWER: The power port connects to the power adapter provided with the
PW-AN401/PW-AN401D 150M Wireless N Access Point.
ON/OFF: The switch for the power.
LAN: One LAN 10/100Mbps RJ45 port connects to a network device, such as a switch or a router.
RESET: The Reset button is used to restore the AP’s factory default settings. There are two ways
to reset the Access Point’s factory defaults:
zMethod one: With the AP powered on, use a pin to press and hold the Reset button (about 5
seconds) until the System LED becomes quick-flash from slow-flash. And then release the
button and wait the AP to reboot to its factory default settings.
zMethod two: Restore the default settings from “System Tools > Factory Defaults” of the
AP's Web-based management page.
Wireless antenna: The external antenna is used to transmit and receive wireless data.
)Note:
Ensure the AP is powered on before it restarts completely.

PW-AN401/PW-AN401D 150M Wireless N Access Point User Guide
5
Chapter 2 Hardware Installation
2.1 Before You Begin
Please read this User Guide carefully before installing and using the equipment. 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 vary base
on the types of materials and background RF (radio frequency) noise in your home or office.
For best performance of your wireless network, you are suggested to:
1). Avoid redundant obstacles and interference between the wireless devices.
2). Keep your AP away from appliances with a strong electric field or magnetic field, such as a
microwave oven or refrigerator.
Place the AP near the center of the area in which your computers operates.
2.2 Basic Requirements
zUse only the power adapter provided with your AP
zThe electrical outlet shall be installed near the device and shall be easily accessible
zPlace your AP in a well ventilated place far from direct sunlight, any heater or heating vent
zLeave at least 2 inches (5cm) space around the device for heat dissipation
zTurn off your AP and unplug the power adapter in a lighting storm to avoid damage
zWeb browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or above, Netscape Navigator 6.0 or
above
zOperating temperature: 0℃~40℃(32℉~104℉)
zOperating Humidity: 10%~90%RH, Non-condensing
2.3 Connecting the Device
Figure 2-1 is an example of the typical application of PW-AN401/PW-AN401D in the infrastructure
network. An Infrastructure network contains an access point or a wireless router.
Figure 2-1 The Example of Infrastructure Network Incorporating the PW-AN401/PW-AN401D

PW-AN401/PW-AN401D 150M Wireless N Access Point User Guide
6
To establish a typical connection of the AP, please take the following steps:
1. Connect the Cable or DSL modem to a Router.
2. 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.
3. Adjust the direction of the antenna. Normally, upright is a good direction.
4. Connect the Ethernet Broadband Router to the PW-AN401/PW-AN401D Access Point. Power
on the AP.
5. Then you can connect a desktop PC or laptop to your network. (Make sure your computer or
laptop is equipped with a Wireless Adapter.)
)Note:
If you are not so clear about how to connect your devices to the network, please refer to Appendix
A Application Example.

PW-AN401/PW-AN401D 150M Wireless N Access Point User Guide
7
Chapter 3 Quick Installation Guide
This chapter will guide you to configure your PC to communicate with the AP and to configure and
manage the PW-AN401/PW-AN401D 150M Wireless N Access Point easily with a Web-based
utility.
3.1 Configure the PC
This chapter will guide you to configure your PC to communicate with the AP. The wireless
adapter-equipped computers in your network must be in the same IP Address range without
overlap with each other. Manually configure the IP address as 192.168.0.* (* is any integer
between 1 to 253), and the Subnet mask as 255.255.255.0 for your PC by following the
instructions below.
Connect the local PCs to the LAN ports on the AP and configure the IP address manually for your
PCs.
1. Click Start (in the lower left corner of the screen), right-click My Network Connections and
choose Properties.
Figure 3-1
2. On the My Network Connections window shown as Figure 3-2 below, right-click LAN (Local
Area Connection) and choose Properties.

PW-AN401/PW-AN401D 150M Wireless N Access Point User Guide
8
Figure 3-2
3. In the General tab of Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window, highlight Internet
Protocol (TCP/IP) and click Properties.
Figure 3-3

PW-AN401/PW-AN401D 150M Wireless N Access Point User Guide
9
4. Configure the IP address manually.
1) Select Use the following IP address.
2) Enter 192.168.0.* (* is any integer between 1 to 253) into the IP address filed,
255.255.255.0 into the Subnet mask filed.
3) Click OK to keep your settings.
Figure 3-4
5. Verify the network connection between your PC and the AP via the Ping command. The
following example is in Windows XP Operating System.
1) Click Start > Run tab. Enter cmd in the filed and click OK.
2) Type ping 192.168.0.254 on the screen that displays and then press Enter.
If the result displayed is similar to that shown in Figure 3-5 below, the connection
between your PC and the AP has been successfully established.
Figure 3-5

PW-AN401/PW-AN401D 150M Wireless N Access Point User Guide
10
If the result displayed is similar to that shown in Figure 3-6 below, it means that your PC
has not connected to the AP.
Figure 3-6
Please check following these steps:
a) Check to see if your PC and the AP are right connected. The LED of LAN port which
you link to on the device and the LED on your PC’s adapter should be lit up.
b) Make sure the TCP/IP for your PC is right configured. If the AP’s IP address is
192.168.0.254, your PC’s IP address must be within the range of 192.168.0.1 ~
192.168.0.253.
3.2 Quick Setup
With a Web-based utility, it is easy to configure and manage the PW-AN401/PW-AN401D 150M
Wireless N Access Point. 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.
1. To access the configuration utility, open a web-browser and type in the default address
http://192.168.0.254 in the address field of the browser.
Figure 3-7 Login to the AP
After a moment, a login window will appear, similar to the Figure 3-8. Enter admin for the User
Name and Password (both in lower case letters). Then click OK or press Enter.
Figure 3-8 Login Windows

PW-AN401/PW-AN401D 150M Wireless N Access Point User Guide
11
)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.
2. After successfully logging in, the Quick Setup page will display. Click Next to continue.
Figure 3-9 Quick Setup
3. The Operation Mode page will appear then, shown in Figure 3-10. The
PW-AN401/PW-AN401D supports up to five operation modes.
Figure 3-10 Operation Mode
¾In Access Point mode, the product will act as a wireless central hub for your wireless
LAN clients, giving a wireless extension for your current wired network.
¾In Multi-SSID mode, the product can be assigned up to four SSIDs to work with your
VLAN.
¾In Repeater(Range Extender) mode, the product can extend the coverage of another
wireless Access Point or Router. The universal repeater mode is for the wireless Access
Point or Router which does not support WDS function.
¾In Bridge with AP mode, the product can wirelessly connect two or more remote LANs
together.

PW-AN401/PW-AN401D 150M Wireless N Access Point User Guide
12
¾In Client mode, the product will act as a wireless adapter to connect your wired devices
(e.g. PC, Xbox, PS3, etc. ) to a wireless network.
4. Select the operation mode based on your need.
A. When you choose Access Point mode, the Wireless Setting page will be shown in Figure
3-11.
Figure 3-11 Wireless Settings - Access Point mode
1) Create an easy-to-remember name for your wireless network, write it into Wireless
Network Name(SSID).
2) Select Most Secure (WPA/WPA2-PSK) encryption mode and enter a password below to
prevent unauthorized access to your AP.
3) Click Next, you will then come to Network Setting page for furthers configuration.
B. When you choose Multi-SSID mode, the Wireless Setting page will be shown in Figure
3-12.
Figure 3-12 Wireless Settings – Multi-SSID mode
You are suggested to implement Multi-SSID function with a switch that supports Tag VLAN
feature.

PW-AN401/PW-AN401D 150M Wireless N Access Point User Guide
13
For advanced configuration of this step, please refer to explanations of this mode in 4.7.1
Wireless Settings.
C. When you choose Repeater(Range Extender) mode, the Wireless Setting page will be
shown in Figure 3-13.
Figure 3-13 Wireless Settings – Repeater(Range Extender) mode
1) Select the Repeater Mode, for example Universal Repeater.
2) Click Survey, then the window displaying a list of available SSIDs will appear in Figure
3-14.

PW-AN401/PW-AN401D 150M Wireless N Access Point User Guide
14
Figure 3-14 AP List
3) Find the SSID of the Access Point / Router or WISP, and click Connect in the corresponding
row. You will then return to the previous page.
4) Select the security mode and enter the password that is the same as on your router or
access point in Figure 3-13.
5) Click Next, you will then come to Network Setting page for furthers configuration.
D. When you choose Bridge with AP mode, the Wireless Setting page will be shown in
Figure 3-15.
Figure 3-15 Wireless Settings – Bridge with AP mode

PW-AN401/PW-AN401D 150M Wireless N Access Point User Guide
15
1) Click Survey, then the window displaying a list of available SSIDs will appear in Figure
3-14.
2) Find the SSID of the Access Point / Router or WISP, and click Connect in the corresponding
row. You will then return to the page shown in Figure 3-15.
3) Select the security mode and enter the password that is the same as on your router or
access point.
4) Click Next in Figure 3-15, then the page below will appear.
You can name the bridge AP in Local Wireless Name. With Use the same security
settings for the local wireless network as the root AP selected, the security settings
of the wireless network will be the same with the root AP.
Figure 3-16
)Note:
If you do not select Use the same security settings for the local wireless network as the
root AP, the page will be shown as below, you can then separately configure the security
settings for the local wireless network.
When the Wireless Security Mode in this page and in Figure 3-15 are both chosen
Secure(WEP), the security settings of the local wireless network will/shall keep the same with
the root AP.