I have been using the TP-Link RE305 repeater for several weeks now. I decided to make a small overview and demonstrate the setup process. Maybe someone will find this information useful. The device is simple, as is its setup. But still, there are times when difficulties arise in the connection process, or in the operation of the amplifier. So you can set everything up according to the instructions, and if there are any problems, we will discuss them in the comments.
I will not tell you what a repeater is. If you are not in the subject, then you can read this article. Consider only the main features of TP-Link RE305.
- This is a dual band amplifier. It can amplify the signal of Wi-Fi networks that operate in different bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. But, if you even now have a single-band router, then it's okay. The repeater will only amplify the 2.4GHz network. But after buying a dual-band router (I wrote about them here), you will not have to change the amplifier.
- Wi-Fi network speed up to 1.2 Gbps. Up to 300 Mbps at 2.4 GHz and up to 867 Mbps at 5 GHz.
- Can work in access point mode. Receive the Internet not via Wi-Fi, but via a network cable from a router and distribute it wirelessly. Just recently I answered a question about setting up such a scheme: TP-Link Wi-Fi repeater in access point mode.
- Compatible with almost any router.
- Indicators by which it is very convenient to navigate when setting up TP-Link RE305.
- The repeater can be controlled via the Tether app.
A small overview for those who haven't bought yet.
TP-Link RE305 Review
As usual, our review is very short, but informative:
The repeater is delivered in a beautiful box, which indicates its characteristics and other useful information. True, in English. In the box you will find only the repeater itself and various pieces of paper with instructions.
TP-Link RE305 (like other devices from TP-Link) is made of cool, white plastic. The assembly is perfect. The quality is felt immediately. Whoever has this device will understand me.
The antennas are folded. There are ventilation holes on the side faces and below. All indicators and the WPS button are located on the top of the amplifier.
Below is a RESET button (to reset the settings) and 1 Ethernet port. With which you can connect one device to the Internet via cable. And in the access point mode, connect the repeater to the router.
And this is how TP-Link RE305 works 🙂
The indicators, by the way, are blue and bright enough. At night, they are likely to interfere. But in the settings, you can turn on the night mode, when the indicators at a certain time (at night) will not light up.
Configuring Wi-Fi Repeater TP-Link RE305
I do not remember a case when I could not configure the repeater via WPS, without entering the control panel. Therefore, let's first consider this method.
We plug the TP-Link RE305 into an outlet, wait 20 seconds and press the WPS button.
And quickly press the WPS button on the router. Most likely, one of the indicators will start flashing actively.
We wait a bit and look at the indicators on the amplifier. When the connection is set up, the 2.4GHz and / or 5GHz indicator will light. My router distributes the network only in the 2.4GHz range and the repeater connected only to this network and began to strengthen it. The Signal indicator will also be on.
You can turn it off and plug it into an outlet elsewhere. It will automatically connect to your Wi-Fi network and amplify it. Provided that it will be within the range of the Wi-Fi network from the router. If the indicator is orange, it means that the repeater is in the area of bad signal from the router. And for stable operation, you need to move it closer, for better reception.
The setup is complete.
Configuration process via the web interface
If it was not possible to configure using the button, then you can do it through the control panel. We plug the device into an outlet, connect to it via cable, or to a Wi-Fi network with a factory name and go to the settings attplinkrepeater.net... Just go to this address in any browser. Read more in the article: tplinkrepeater.net and tplinkextender.net - admin password, enter the repeater settings. If it doesn't work, then we try to go to the addresshttp://192.168.0.254.
Standard login and password - admin and admin
We immediately change the factory username and password. You can leave the name, but it is desirable to specify a new password (instead of admin) and remember it.
The repeater will immediately start scanning for available networks. First in the 2.4 GHz band. We select our network, enter the password for it, and click "Next".
Then he will give us networks from the 5 GHz range. If you don't have such a network, then just skip it.
In the next step, you can change the name of the Wi-Fi network that the repeater will broadcast. But, as a rule, this is not necessary. So let's continue.
We save the parameters.
We are waiting for the amplifier to reboot.
After that, if you did not change the network name, there will be one Wi-Fi network, but strengthened. Or there will be a new network - if the name has changed.
Everything, you can use it.
Some additional settings
Even if your router only distributes Wi-Fi in the 2.4 GHz range, the TP-Link RE305 will still distribute the network in the 5 GHz range. If you don't need it, you can easily turn it off. In the "Wireless" section.
Well, setting the night mode so that the indicators do not interfere with you in the dark. These settings are located in the "System Tools" - "Indicator Settings" section. We just turn on the function and set the time. Before that, it is advisable to check the time settings in the "Time Settings" section.
Remember to save your settings.
That's all. Leave your feedback on TP-Link RE305, tips and questions in the comments.
