The TP-Link TL-WA855RE is simple to set up and can significantly improve Wi-Fi coverage in your home. Below are two methods for setup: using the WPS button and using the Tether app or web interface.
1. Setting Up Using the WPS Button (Recommended)
- Locate the WPS Button on Your Router:
- Ensure your router has a WPS button and that WPS is enabled in the router’s settings.
- Plug in the Extender:
- Connect the TL-WA855RE to a power outlet near your router.
- Connect the Devices:
- Press the WPS button on your router.
- Within 2 minutes, press the RE button (Range Extender button) on the TL-WA855RE.
- Wait for the Connection:
- The RE LED on the extender should turn solid blue or green, indicating a successful connection.
- Relocate the Extender:
- Unplug the extender and move it to a location halfway between your router and the area with poor Wi-Fi coverage.
- Use the Signal Strength LED to find the optimal location:
- Green/Blue LED: Good signal.
- Orange/Red LED: Weak signal; move the extender closer to the router.
- Test the Connection:
- Connect your device to the extended Wi-Fi network (same SSID as your router) and test for better coverage.
2. Setting Up Using the Tether App or Web Interface
Using the Tether App
- Download the Tether App:
- Available on the App Store or Google Play.
- Plug in the Extender:
- Place it near your router and power it on.
- Connect to the Extender:
- On your smartphone, connect to the extender’s Wi-Fi (e.g., “TP-Link_Extender”).
- Configure the Extender:
- Open the Tether app.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to:
- Select your router’s Wi-Fi network.
- Enter your router’s Wi-Fi password.
- Confirm the extended network settings.
- Relocate the Extender:
- Move it to an optimal location and test the signal strength.
Using the Web Interface
- Plug in the Extender:
- Connect the extender to a power outlet near your router.
- Connect Your Computer:
- Connect your computer to the extender’s default Wi-Fi (e.g., “TP-Link_Extender”) or via an Ethernet cable.
- Access the Setup Page:
- Open a web browser and go to http://tplinkrepeater.net.
- Log in with the default username and password (admin/admin).
- Follow the Setup Wizard:
- Select your router’s Wi-Fi network from the list.
- Enter the router’s Wi-Fi password.
- Confirm and save the settings.
- Relocate the Extender:
- Move it to an optimal location using the Signal Strength LED for guidance.
Additional Tips
- Resetting the Extender:
- If you encounter setup issues, press and hold the Reset button for 5 seconds until the extender reboots.
- Access Point Mode:
- Connect the TL-WA855RE to your router via an Ethernet cable to create a new Wi-Fi hotspot.
By following these steps, you should have a well-functioning Wi-Fi extender enhancing your network coverage. Let me know if you need more help!