Today we are going to install and configure an interesting and useful device called a repeater. Also, it is called a repeater, or a Wi-Fi network repeater, all this is one device whose task is to expand the range of an existing Wi-Fi network. We will consider the setup process using the example of an excellent TP-LINK TL-WA850RE repeater model.
You can read more about repeaters in the article: What is a Wi-Fi repeater (repeater), how it works. If you have a router installed and the Wi-Fi signal "does not reach" some distant rooms, or, for example, to the second floor, then a device such as TP-LINK TL-WA850RE can solve this problem without any problems. You can, of course, try to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal by correctly setting up the router, and in other ways, which I wrote about in the article How to strengthen the Wi-Fi network signal? We increase the range of Wi-Fi. Or, replace the antennas on the Wi-Fi router with more powerful ones. But, you will not get such an effect of expanding a Wi-Fi network as from installing a repeater. This is the best way to increase your wireless coverage. The repeater is not very expensive, but the effect is good.
A few words about how it all works. We have a router installed that distributes the Internet via Wi-Fi. But, in some room, Wi-Fi does not catch, or a very bad signal. We take a repeater, in our case TP-LINK TL-WA850RE, and turn it on in the place where the signal from the router is still stable (preferably 50-60%). We set up the connection, and there will be one Wi-Fi network (with the same name and password as on the main router), but reinforced with a repeater. All devices will automatically switch from the router to the repeater, and vice versa. Depending on the signal level. You can configure it so that the repeater broadcasts another network, with a different name and password.
Configuring the TP-LINK TL-WA850RE repeater
The main thing is to choose the right place for the location of our repeater. You need to try to install the device in a place where there will be the maximum possible signal from the router (for a minimum loss of speed), and where the repeater will cover the rooms we need with a Wi-Fi signal.
The TL-WA850RE can be set up in one minute. We plug it in. On the router, look for and press the WPS button. It looks something like this:
Further, on the repeater, click on the large button with the image of the lock. The "RE" indicator will light up, the repeater will connect to the router, and will amplify the Wi-Fi.
The indicators that appear on the right side will show the signal strength from the router. In my photo above, you can see three divisions. This is a good signal. For stable operation, and a minimum loss in speed, you need to have at least two divisions. Better three.
That's it, the repeater amplifies the Wi-Fi signal. You will not even notice any changes, except for a stronger Wi-Fi signal, which will appear in places where you did not catch at all before.
You can turn off the TP-LINK TL-WA850RE, and plug it into a power outlet in another room. It will connect to the wireless network immediately, no need to re-configure it. Moreover, it remembers the networks with which you have established a connection.
There is one LAN port at the bottom of this repeater, for connecting devices to the Internet via a network cable. It can be used to connect desktops, TVs, and other devices that do not have the ability to connect via Wi-Fi, or need a stable connection.
As you can see, everything is very simple and straightforward. We turned it on, pressed the button, and everything works.
TP-LINK TL-WA850RE control panel. Configuring a repeater without a WPS button
This small device has its own control panel. There you can set up a connection to a Wi-Fi network if your router does not have a WPS button. Now we will look at how to enter the settings of the TP-LINK TL-WA850RE repeater.
To enter the TL-WA850RE control panel, you must first connect to it. You can use a network cable or Wi-Fi. Immediately after turning on the repeater, it will broadcast a Wi-Fi network without a password, with a factory name. If your repeater is already configured, then you can also go to its settings when connected via Wi-Fi.
It is enough to go to the address in the browsertplinkrepeater.net... The address for entering the settings, the factory username and password are indicated on the device itself:
On the authorization page, specify the username and password. By default, these are: admin and admin.
I wrote more about this in the article: tplinkrepeater.net and tplinkextender.net - admin password, enter the repeater settings.
The main page will display the current status of the repeater. If the connection is already configured, then you will see this information.
Configuring a TP-LINK Wi-Fi network repeater via the control panel (without WPS button)
There are some routers on which no WPS button... In such cases, the repeater can be manually configured, ideally through the Quick Setup Wizard. In the control panel, go to the "Quick Setup" tab and click the "Next" button.
In the next window, select your region, and click "Next".
The repeater will search for wireless networks to connect to. Highlight your network and click the "Next" button.
Enter the password for the Wi-Fi network to which you want to connect. Also, you can choose the name of the Wi-Fi network. You can clone it from the router, or enter your name. Click on the "Next" button.
We look at the specified settings, and click on the "Finish" button. The repeater will be rebooted. Then, it should connect to the network that we configured.
Resetting the TP-LINK TL-WA850RE repeater
If you want to reset the repeater settings to factory defaults, there are two ways to do this. Through the control panel, or by a button on the device itself. Turn on the repeater, take something sharp, and hold down the RESET button (bottom) for a couple of seconds. All LEDs will light up, the repeater will reboot and the settings will be reset to factory defaults.
Or, go to the web interface, go to the "System Tools" - "Factory Settings" tab, and click on the "Restore" button.
After a reboot, the settings will be reset.
If the Internet does not work after setting up the TP-LINK repeater
According to reviews, sometimes problems arise during the setup process. Either the repeater cannot connect to the router's Wi-Fi network, or there is a connection, but the Internet does not work. A few tips for solving problems:
- Install the repeater closer to the router. Most often, problems in the operation of the Wi-Fi network amplifier appear due to a weak signal, or interference.
- If the repeater cannot connect to the router, or the Internet does not work, then restore the factory settings on the TL-WA850RE (how to do it, wrote above), then restart the router and try to connect them again.
- If you have problems setting up via the WPS button, you can try to establish a connection to the desired Wi-Fi network through the control panel. I wrote above how to do it.
- You can also try updating your repeater's firmware.
- And yet, in the router settings, you can change the Wi-Fi network channel. How to do this, I wrote in the article: how to find a free Wi-Fi channel, and change the channel on the router.
These are the tips. If you cannot configure TP-LINK TL-WA850RE, and you have already tried everything, then ask a question in the comments. I try to help. Good luck!
