What the device?
Extend wireless network, as currently only a Wi-Fi router for three floors used and this was erected on the top floor, there was only a very weak signal on the ground floor. Therefore, it was intended to use an AP for each floor.
Unpacked and connected:
AP unpacked, connected to electricity and directly to laptop via Ethernet cable, IP address manually set to the laptop to the AP (192.168.1.XX) and called via browser (192.168.1.254; see back of the AP). Then came the first shock, all in Chinese. But copy no problem, complete menu bar and translate with Google, the Firmware Update menu item to navigate and filled with the latest English firmware. Now everything was understandable again.
Configuration:
I wanted the AP run as "Access Point", so that a new existing WLAN signal is created and is not enhanced the previous (repeater). Why this way? We have in the floors enough Ethernet connections and the cable connection before is recommended!
Here is a brief step-by-step instructions in the case of the use to expand the AP to an existing Wi-Fi (not as a repeater!):
1. In your browser, AP (will login and PW are in the manual)
2. In the Network menu the following settings:
2.1 Type: Static IP
2.2 IP Address:. A free IP address of your IP range, ie the same range as the previous network (cmd -> "/ ipconfig all" run on your PC and look up (usually 192.168.0.XXX)
2.3 Subnet Mask: Similar to 2.2 (usually 255.255.255.0)
2.4 Gateway: similar to 2.2 (usually 192.168.0.1)
3. In the Wireless Settings:
3.1 Mode: Access Point (Standard)
3.2 SSID: same as your previous WLAN (SSID = name of the wireless network)
3.3 Region: Your Region
3.4 Channel: min a distance of 5 to your existing wireless router / AP (eg previous wireless router / AP used Channel 4, then set on Channel 9).
3.5 Mode: see your previous Wi-Fi, but recommended 11bgn mixed
3.6 Channel Width: see your existing wireless router / AP
3.7 MAX Tx Rate: 300Mbps
3.8 Both put checkmark
4. In the Wireless Security:
4.1 Use same settings as with your existing wireless router / AP, however, I would recommend WPA-PSK / WPA2-PSK.
4.2 Version: Automatic
4.3 Encryption: Automatic
4.4 PSK Password: Password same as in the previous WLAN
4.5 Group Key Update Period: 3600
These settings are, of course, only just for my application, but I think that this type is likely to be the most common use case.
If you set the same SSID and password, it causes the existing WLAN equipment received do not have to buy a new combine and thus carried out a "seamless" transition between the individual wireless signals. The wireless device then received automatically connect to the Wi-Fi signal stronger.
Whether this guide is helpful each must decide for themselves. I briefly skimmed the manual of TP-Link website and could not find these settings there so, but may be wrong.
Conclusion:
Pro:
- Value for money is very good
- Quick deployment
- Good and stable reception (for now)
- Good menu navigation (via browser)
Cons:
- Read Quick setup with some previous knowledge, otherwise you have to
- In the Chinese version, no Ethernet cable supplied attached
Conclusion: Buy recommendation!