TP-Link TL-WA801N User manual

REV6.0.0 1910012715
User Guide
300Mbps Wireless N Access Point
TL-WA801N

Contents
About This Guide.........................................................................................................1
Chapter 1. Get to Know About Your Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
1. 1. Product Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1. 2. Appearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1. 2. 1.LED Explanation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1. 2. 2.The Back Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Chapter 2. Set Up Internet Connection Via Quick Setup Wizard. . . . . . .5
2. 1. Position Your Access Point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2. 2. Set Up Your Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2. 2. 1.Access Point Mode (Default). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2. 2. 2.Range Extender Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2. 2. 3.Client Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2. 2. 4.Multi-SSID Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Chapter 3. Customize Your Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3. 1. View Network Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3. 2. Change the LAN Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3. 3. Customize Wireless Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3. 3. 1.Customize the Network Name (Access Point/Multi-SSID mode) . . . . . . . 15
3. 3. 2.Customize Wireless Security (Access Point/Multi-SSID mode) . . . . . . . . 16
3. 3. 3.Extend Another Host Network (Range Extender/Client mode) . . . . . . . . . 16
3. 3. 4.Customize the Extended Network (Range Extender mode) . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3. 4. Use WPS for Wireless Connection (Access Point mode) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3. 5. Wireless MAC Filtering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
3. 6. Wireless Advanced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
3. 7. Wireless Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
3. 8. Throughput Monitor (Access Point mode) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
3. 9. DHCP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
3. 9. 1.DHCP Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
3. 9. 2.DHCP Clients List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
3. 9. 3.Address Reservation (Access Point mode). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Chapter 4. Manage Your Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

4. 1. Set Up System Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
4. 2. Diagnostic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
4. 3. SNMP Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
4. 4. Ping Watch Dog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4. 5. Firmware Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4. 6. Factory Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
4. 7. Backup & Restore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
4. 8. Reboot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
4. 9. Change Login Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
4. 10. System Log. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
4. 11. Log Out. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
FAQ ................................................................................................................................33

1
About This Guide
This guide is a complement to Quick Installation Guide. The Quick Installation Guide
provides instructions for quick Internet setup, while this guide contains details of each
function and demonstrates how to configure them.
Note: Features available in access point may vary by model and software version. Access point availability may also
vary by region or ISP. All images, steps, and descriptions in this guide are only examples and may not reflect your actual
access point experience.
Conventions
In this guide the following conventions are used:
Convention Description
Underlined Underlined words or phrases are hyperlinks. You can click to redirect to a website or a
specific section.
Teal Contents to be emphasized and texts on the web page are in teal, including the menus,
items, buttons and so on.
>
The menu structures to show the path to load the corresponding page. For example,
Advanced > Wireless > MAC Filtering means the MAC Filtering 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.
More Info
The latest software, management app and utility are available from the Download
Center at https://www.tp-link.com/support/.
The Quick Installation Guide can be found where you find this guide or inside the
package of the access point.
Specifications can be found on the product page at https://www.tp-link.com.
A community is provided for you to discuss our products at https://community.tp-link.
com.
Our Technical Support contact information can be found at the Contact Technical
Support page at https://www.tp-link.com/support/.
Speed/Coverage Disclaimer
*Maximum wireless signal rates are the physical rates derived from IEEE Standard
802.11 specifications. Actual wireless data throughput and wireless coverage are
not guaranteed and will vary as a result of 1) environmental factors, including building
materials, physical objects, and obstacles, 2) network conditions, including local
interference, volume and density of traffic, product location, network complexity, and
network overhead, and 3) client limitations, including rated performance, location,
connection, quality, and client condition.

Chapter 1
Get to Know About Your
Access Point
This chapter introduces what the access point can do and shows its appearance.
It contains the following sections:
• Product Overview
• Appearance

3
Chapter 1 Get to Know About Your Access Point
1. 1. Product Overview
The TP-Link Wireless N Access Point, with multiple operation modes, is designed to
establish or expand a scalable high-speed wireless N network or to connect multiple
Ethernet enabled devices to a wireless network, such as game consoles, digital media
adapters, printers, or network attached storage devices. 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, video streaming or with any other application that you may wish to use.
1. 2. Appearance
1. 2. 1. LED Explanation
The access point’s LEDs (view from left to right) are located on the front panel. You can
check the access point’s working status by following the LED Explanation table.
Name Status Indication
(Power)
On Power is on.
Flashing
The system is starting up, or the firmware is being
upgraded, or the WPS connection is in progress. Do not
disconnect or power off your access point.
Off Power is off.

4
Chapter 1 Get to Know About Your Access Point
Name Status Indication
(Ethernet)
On The ETHERNET port is connected to a powered-on
device.
Off The ETHERNET port is not connected to a powered-on
device.
(Wireless)
On The wireless function is enabled.
Off The wireless function is disabled.
1. 2. 2. The Back Panel
The following parts (view from left to right) are located on the rear panel.
Ports or Buttons Description
ON/OFF To power on or off the access point.
POWER For connecting the access point to a power socket via the provided
power adapter.
ETHERNET The 10/100Mbps LAN port connects to a network device, such as a
switch or a router.
WPS
If your client devices, such as wireless adapters, support Wi-Fi
Protected Setup, then you can press this button to quickly establish
a connection between the access point and the client devices,
which automatically configures wireless security for your wireless
network.
RESET Press and hold this button until all the LEDs turn on momentarily.
Antennas Used for wireless operation and data transmitting. Upright them for
the best Wi-Fi performance.

Chapter 2
Set Up Internet Connection
Via Quick Setup Wizard
This chapter introduces how to quickly set up the access point.
It contains the following sections:
• Position Your Access Point
• Set Up Your Access Point

6
Chapter 2 Set Up Internet Connection Via Quick Setup Wizard
2. 1. Position Your Access Point
• The product should not be located in a place where it will be exposed to moisture or
excessive heat.
• Place the access point in a location where it can be connected to various devices as
well as to a power source.
• Make sure the cables and power cord are safely placed out of the way so they do not
create a tripping hazard.
• The access point can be placed on a shelf or desktop.
• Keep the access point away from devices with strong electromagnetic interference,
such as Bluetooth devices, cordless phones and microwaves.
2. 2. Set Up Your Access Point
There are four operation modes supported by this access point: Access Point, Range
Extender, Client and Multi-SSID. Please determine which operation mode you need and
carry out the corresponding steps.
2. 2. 1. Access Point Mode (Default)
In Access Point mode, the access point transforms your existing wired network to a
wireless one. This mode is suitable for dorm rooms or homes where there’s already a
wired router but you need a wireless network.
Existing Router
Internet
TL-WA801N’s SSID
A
B
C
D
1. Connect the access point according to Step A to D in the diagram.
2. Power on the access point, and wait until the Power ( ) and Wireless ( ) LEDs are
lit and stable.
3. Use the default SSID and Password printed on the label of the access point to join its
Wi-Fi network.
Note:
You can surf the internet now. For your wireless network security, it is recommended to change the default SSID (network
name) and the password of your Wi-Fi network. To do so, perform the following steps.

7
Chapter 2 Set Up Internet Connection Via Quick Setup Wizard
4. Launch a web browser, and visit http://tplinkap.net. Create a password to log in.
Note:
If the login window does not appear, please refer to the FAQ Section.
5. Go to Quick Setup and click Next to start.
6. Select Access Point mode and click Next.
7. Follow the step-by-step instructions to complete the configuration.
8. Now, reconnect your wireless devices to the new Wi-Fi network, and enjoy the
internet!
2. 2. 2. Range Extender Mode
In Range Extender mode, the access point extends the range of an existing Wi-Fi
network. This mode is suitable when you are in a Wi-Fi dead-zone or a place with weak
wireless signal, and you want to have a larger effective range of the wireless signal
throughout your home or office.

8
Chapter 2 Set Up Internet Connection Via Quick Setup Wizard
Internet Host AP’s SSID TL-WA801N’s SSID
A
B
OR OR
TV Other
Wired
Devices
1. Connect the access point according to Step A and B in the diagram.
2. Power on the access point, and wait until the Power ( ) and Wireless ( ) LEDs are
lit and stable.
3. Use the default SSID and Password printed on the label of the access point to join its
Wi-Fi network.
4. Launch a web browser, and visit http://tplinkap.net. Create a password to log in.
Note:
If the login window does not appear, please refer to the FAQ Section.
5. Go to Quick Setup and click Next to start.
6. Select Range Extender mode and click Next.

9
Chapter 2 Set Up Internet Connection Via Quick Setup Wizard
7. Follow the step-by-step instructions to complete the configuration.
8. Relocate the access point about halfway between your host router and the Wi-Fi
dead zone.
Tip: To maximize the signal strength, refer to the FAQ section.
9. Now, connect your devices to the access point wirelessly or via an Ethernet cable,
and enjoy the internet!
2. 2. 3. Client Mode
In Client mode, the access point connects your wired devices to a wireless network.
This mode is suitable when you have a wired device with an Ethernet port and no
wireless capability, for example, a smart TV, media player, or game console and you
want to connect it to the internet wirelessly.
Internet Host AP’s SSID
A
B
OR OR
TV Other
Wired
Devices
1. Connect the access point according to Step A to D in the diagram.
2. Power on the access point, and wait until the Power ( ) and Wireless ( ) LEDs are
lit and stable.
3. Use the default SSID and Password printed on the label of the access point to join its
Wi-Fi network.
4. Launch a web browser, and visit http://tplinkap.net. Create a password to log in.
Note:
If the login window does not appear, please refer to the FAQ Section.

10
Chapter 2 Set Up Internet Connection Via Quick Setup Wizard
5. Go to Quick Setup and click Next to start.
6. Select Client mode and click Next.
7. Follow the step-by-step instructions to complete the configuration.
8. Now, connect your wired devices to the access point via an Ethernet cable, and enjoy
the internet!
2. 2. 4. Multi-SSID Mode
In Multi-SSID mode, the access point creates multiple wireless networks to provide
different security and VLAN groups. This mode is suitable when you want your devices
connected to different wireless networks and become isolated by VLANs.

11
Chapter 2 Set Up Internet Connection Via Quick Setup Wizard
SSID 1 for VLAN 1
SSID 2 for VLAN 2
SSID 3 for VLAN 3
SSID 4 for VLAN 4
VLAN 1
VLAN 2
VLAN 3
VLAN 4
Existing Router
Internet
C
D A
B
1. Connect the access point according to Step A to D in the diagram.
2. Power on the access point, and wait until the Power ( ) and Wireless ( ) LEDs are
lit and stable.
3. Use the default SSID and Password printed on the label of the access point to join its
Wi-Fi network.
4. Launch a web browser, and visit http://tplinkap.net. Create a password to log in.
Note:
If the login window does not appear, please refer to the FAQ Section.
5. Go to Quick Setup and click Next to start.
6. Select Multi-SSID mode and click Next.

12
Chapter 2 Set Up Internet Connection Via Quick Setup Wizard
7. Follow the step-by-step instructions to complete the configuration.
8. Now, connect your wireless devices to the Wi-Fi networks isolated by VLANs, and
enjoy the internet!

Chapter 3
Customize Your Network
This chapter introduces how to customize your network.
It contains the following sections:
• View Network Status
• Change the LAN Settings
• Customize Wireless Settings
• Use WPS for Wireless Connection (Access Point mode)
• Wireless MAC Filtering
• Wireless Advanced
• Wireless Statistics
• Throughput Monitor (Access Point mode)
• DHCP

14
Chapter 3 Customize Your Network
3. 1. View Network Status
1. Visit http://tplinkap.net, and log in with the password you set for the access point.
2. Go to Status. Click Refresh to get the latest network information of the access point.
3. 2. Change the LAN Settings
The access point is preset with Smart IP (DHCP), which allows the access point
to dynamically obtain an IP address and gateway from the main router/AP. It is
recommended to keep the default LAN settings to avoid IP conflict with the main router/
AP or other devices on your local network. If it is necessary to change the LAN settings,
for example, your network requires a specific IP subnet, follow the steps below:
1. Visit http://tplinkap.net, and log in with the password you set for the access point.
2. Go to Network > LAN.
3. Select Static IP, and set the IP address according to your needs, and then click Save.

15
Chapter 3 Customize Your Network
Note:
• After you have changed the IP address, you must use the new IP address to log in.
• If you select Smart IP (DHCP), the DHCP server settings of the access point will be disabled.
• If the new IP address you set is not in the same subnet as the old one, the IP Address pool in the DHCP
Server will be configured automatically.
3. 3. Customize Wireless Settings
The access point is preset with the wireless network name (SSID) and password. You
can find them on the product label or customize wireless settings according to your
needs.
3. 3. 1. Customize the Network Name (Access Point/Multi-SSID mode)
1. Visit http://tplinkap.net, and log in with the password you set for the access point.
2. Go to Wireless > Basic Settings.
3. Customize the Wireless Network Name (SSID) according to your needs, and leave
other parameters as the default settings.
4. Clive Save.

16
Chapter 3 Customize Your Network
3. 3. 2. Customize Wireless Security (Access Point/Multi-SSID mode)
1. Visit http://tplinkap.net, and log in with the password you set for the access point.
2. Go to Wireless > Wireless Security.
3. Customize the wireless security according to your needs.
4. Clive Save.
3. 3. 3. Extend Another Host Network (Range Extender/Client mode)
Range Extender Mode
1. Visit http://tplinkap.net, and log in with the password you set for the access point.
2. Go to Wireless > Connect to Network.
3. Enter the SSID and the password of a host network which the extender will be
connected to or click Scan and select a Wi-Fi network.
4. Click Save and the modified configuration will be synchronized to the extended
network settings.
Client Mode
1. Visit http://tplinkap.net, and log in with the password you set for the access point.
2. Go to Wireless > Basic Settings.

17
Chapter 3 Customize Your Network
3. Enter the SSID and the password of a host network which the extender will be
connected to or click Scan and select a Wi-Fi network.
4. Click Save and the modified configuration will be synchronized to the extended
network settings.
3. 3. 4. Customize the Extended Network (Range Extender mode)
1. Visit http://tplinkap.net, and log in with the password you set for the access point.
2. Go to Wireless > Extended Network.
3. Modify the SSID and the password of the extended network.
Tip:
SSID Broadcast is enabled by default. If you want to hide the SSID of the extended network, deselect Enable SSID
Broadcast, and then the corresponding SSID will not be displayed when wireless devices scan for local wireless networks.
3. 4. Use WPS for Wireless Connection (Access Point
mode)
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) provides an easier approach to set up a security-protected
Wi-Fi connection.
Note:
• The WPS function cannot be configured if the wireless function of the access point is disabled. Please
make sure the wireless function is enabled before configuration.
• When working in Range Extender, Client or Multi-SSID mode, the WPS funcion of the access point is not
available.
• The WPS function is enabled by default. You can go to Wireless > WPS to disable the function as needed.