TP-Link TL-WA855RE - 300Mbps Wi-Fi Range Extender User Guide

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.

Features available in the extender may vary by model and software version. Extender 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 extender experience.

Conventions

In this guide the following conventions are used:

Convention	Description
Underlined	Underlined words or phrases are hyperlinks and 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.
symbols on the web page	click to edit the corresponding entry. click to delete the corresponding entry.

*Maximum wireless signal rates are the physical rates derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. Actual wireless data throughput and wireless coverage per ft² 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.

More Info
The latest software, management app and utility are available from the Download Center at www.tp-link.com/support.
The Quick Installation Guide can be found where you find this guide or inside the package of the range extender.
Specifications can be found on the product page at http://www.tp-link.com.
TP-Link Community is provided for you to discuss our products and share knowledge at https://community.tp-link.com.
Our Technical Support contact information can be found at Contact Technical Support page at www.tp-link.com/support.

Get to Know About Your Extender

Product Overview

Bring Dead Zones Back to Life

Tired of Wi-Fi "dead zones"? The TP-Link extender is connected to your router wirelessly, strengthening its signal and expanding its coverage into areas that could not otherwise be reached. The device also reduces signal interference to ensure reliable Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home or office.

Easy Installation & Quick Position

The extender works with any standard wireless router. Instantly connect the extender to a router by pressing the router's WPS button (if available) followed by the extender's WPS button. Alternatively, follow the Quick Setup instructions on the extender's web management page.

Once the extender is connected to a router, you can relocate it to your preferred location with no further configuration required. The intelligent signal light can help to find the best location.

Easy Management with the Tether APP

Tether provides a simple, intuitive way to access and manage your extender with your smart devices.

Appearance

Note: The provided plug may differ from the picture due to different regional power specifications. The European version is used for demonstration in this User Guide.

LED Explanation

You can check the extender's working status by following the LED Explanation table.

Port and Button Description

Note: Make sure the device is being used within 0-40℃ and stored within -40-70℃.

Set Up Internet Connection

Power On the Extender

Plug the extender into an electrical outlet near your host router, and then wait until the Power LED turns solid on.

Note: For safety, we suggest that you plug the extender in upright directions as shown below.

Set Up the Extender

There are three ways to connect to the host network: via the WPS button, via a web browser, or via the Tether app.

Method 1: Via the TP-Link Tether App

1. Launch the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and search TP-Link Tether or simply scan the QR code to download and install the app.
   
   
   
2. Launch the Tether app and log in with your TP-Link ID.
   Note: If you don't have a TP-Link ID, create one first.
   
3. Tap the + icon on the upper-right corner and select Range Extender.
   
4. Follow app instructions to set up your extender.
5. Relocate your extender to optimize Wi-Fi coverage and performance.
   1. Plug in the extender about halfway between your router and the Wi-Fi dead zone. The location you choose must be within the range of the host network.
   2. Wait for about 2 minutes until the Signal LED turns solid blue. If not, relocate the extender closer to the router to achieve better signal quality.
      
6. Enjoy! Connect to the extended network and enjoy internet.

Tips:
For more intuitive location assistance, access extender settings via Tether and go to Tools > Location Assistant. You can also manage your extender via Tether, such as controlling LEDs, sharing passwords of your networks and blocking devices.

Method 2: Via the WPS Button

Use this way if your router has a WPS button. The button might look like one of these: .

1. Press the WPS button on your host router, and then press the WPS button on the extender for 1 second within 2 minutes.
   Note: For more information about using WPS button on your host router, please refer to the router's user guide.
   
2. Wait until the Signal LED changes from blinking to solid on, indicating successful connection.
   Note: If the LED does not turn solid on, try again or refer to Method 1: Via the TP-Link Tether App or Method 3: Via a Web Browser.
3. The extender uses your router's network name with _EXT at the end and shares the same password as your router.
   Note: If you want to customize the extended network name, refer to Configure Wireless Network.
   
   Extended Network Name:
   Router's network name with _EXT at the end
   Password:
   Same as your router's
4. Relocate your extender for optimal Wi-Fi coverage and performance.
   1. Plug in the extender about halfway between your router and the Wi-Fi dead zone. The location you choose must be within the range of the host network.
   2. Wait for about 2 minutes until the Signal LED turns solid blue. If not, relocate the extender closer to the router to achieve better signal quality.
      
      Tips: To minimize signal interference, please choose a location which is far away from Bluetooth devices and other household electronic devices, such as cordless phones, microwave ovens and baby monitors.
      To minimize signal interference, please choose a location which is far away from Bluetooth devices and other household electronic devices, such as cordless phones, microwave ovens and baby monitors.
5. Enjoy! Connect to the extended network and enjoy internet.

Method 3: Via a Web Browser

1. Connect your computer to the extender via an Ethernet cable, or connect wirelessly as follows:
   • For Windows Users
     1. Unplug the Ethernet cable from your computer (if any).
     2. Click the Wi-Fi icon on the task bar and connect to the extender's network: TP-Link_Extender.
        
   • For Mac OS X Users
     1. Unplug the Ethernet cable from your computer (if any).
     2. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the top right corner of the screen, and connect to the extender's network: TP-Link_Extender.
        
2. Follow the instructions of Quick Setup Wizard to connect the extender to your host router.
   1. Launch a web browser, enter http://tplinkrepeater.net or http://192.168.0.254 in the address field, create a password for future logins, and click LOG IN.
      
      Note: If the login window does not appear, please refer to FAQ.
   2. Select your host router's 2.4GHz SSID (network name), enter its password (NOT the password you just created for logins), and click NEXT.
      
   3. Confirm the password of your 2.4GHz host network to make sure your extended network have internet access. If the password is right, click CONFIRM.
      
   4. Either keep the default SSID (network name) or customize it for the extended network, and then click NEXT.
      
   5. Follow web instructions to relocate your extender for optimal Wi-Fi coverage and performance, then click DONE.
      
   6. Enjoy! Connect to the extended network and click FINISH to enjoy internet.
      

Customize Your Network

Check Internet Status

1. You can view the internet status of your extender to check whether you have successfully set up the extended network(s).
2. Visit http://tplinkrepeater.net, and log in with the password you set for the extender.
3. Go to Network Map to view the internet status of your extender.
   • The extender is functioning normally.
     
   • The extender is not connected to the host network. Please go to Wireless to check whether the host network passwords are correct. If the problem still exists, relocate the extender closer to the router to achieve better signal quality.
     
   • The extender is connected to the host network, but is not transmitting data. Please check your router's internet connection.
     
   • The extender is connected to the router abnormally. Please go to Settings > Network and try setting your extender to obtain an IP address automatically.
     
     Click the Internet/Router/Range Extender/Clients icon to view the corresponding information.

Configure Wireless Network

If you want to extend another host network after Quick Setup, you can refer to this section. Moreover, you can change the wireless settings for your extended network.

Visit http://tplinkrepeater.net, and log in with the password you set for the extender.

• To extend another host network:
  1. Go to Wireless and locate the Connect to Host Network section.
     
  2. Click WIRELESS SCANNER to find all available networks.
  3. Select the host network you want to extend.
     Note:
     If the network you want to extend is on but not listed, please try the following steps.
     1. Move the extender closer to your router, and click Refresh in the top-right corner of the list.
     2. You can manually enter the parameters of the network you want to extend, and click SAVE.
  4. Once a host network is selected, the SSID and security type will be automatically filled in. If the selected network is encrypted, enter the password in the Password field.
  5. Click SAVE.
• To change the wireless network name (SSID):
  1. Go to Wireless and locate the Extended Network section.
     
  2. Create a new SSID in Extended 2.4GHz SSID or click COPY HOST SSID. The value is case-sensitive.
  3. Click SAVE.
  4. Click Sharing Network to save the picture of SSID, password and QR code for quickly sharing network.
     
     Note: If you have changed the wireless settings via a wireless device, you will be disconnected after the settings are applied. Please write down the new SSID for future use.
• To hide the SSID of the extended network:
  1. Go to Wireless and locate the Extended Network section.
     
  2. Select Hide SSID broadcast, and the corresponding SSID will not be displayed when wireless devices scan for local wireless networks. Devices must join the network manually in order to connect.
  3. Click SAVE.

Change LAN Settings

The extender is preset with a default LAN IP 192.168.0.254, with which you can log in to the web management page. The LAN IP address, together with the Subnet Mask, also defines the subnet that the connected devices are on. If the IP address conflicts with another device on your local network or your network requires a specific IP subnet, you can change it.

1. Visit http://tplinkrepeater.net, and log in with the password you set for the extender.
2. Go to Settings > Network.
3. Select Use the following IP address.
   
4. Enter a new IP address as needed and leave the Subnet Mask as the default settings.
5. Enter the gateway that is in the same subnet as the IP Address. The gateway is usually the LAN IP address of your extender.
6. Leave the primary and secondary DNS addresses as the default settings.
7. Click SAVE.

Adjust Wi-Fi Coverage

You can set the extender's Wi-Fi coverage depending on how large you want your Wi-Fi area to be.

1. Visit http://tplinkrepeater.net, and log in with the password you set for the extender.
2. Go to Settings > Advanced Settings > Wi-Fi Coverage.
3. Select Maximum Coverage, Intermediate Coverage or Minimum Coverage to adjust your Wi-Fi coverage of the extender.
   
4. Click SAVE.

Set Access Control

Access Control allows you to permit or block specific devices from accessing internet for a specific period.

1. Visit http://tplinkrepeater.net, and log in with the password you set for the extender.
2. Go to Settings > Advanced Settings > Access Control.
3. Enable Access Control.
   

• To block specific device(s):
  Note: Devices connected to the extender via an Ethernet cable cannot be blocked.
  1. Select Blacklist.
     
  2. Click Add.
     
  3. Select the device to be blocked in the online devices list and click ADD.
  4. Click SAVE.
  5. Now the device is added to the blacklist. You can click to remove it from the blacklist.
     
  6. Or go to Network Map and click the icon of Clients to check the status of connected devices.
     • Click View Blacklist to see the devices in blacklist.
     • Click of the corresponding device to add it to the blacklist.
       
• To permit specific device(s):
  1. Select Whitelist and click SAVE.
  2. Click Add.
  3. Select the device to be added in the whitelist.
     • Select From Device List
       Select the device from the device list and click ADD.
       
     • Add Manually
       1. Enter the Device Name and MAC Address of the device that you want to add to the whitelist.
       2. Click ADD.
          
       3. Now the device is added to the blacklist. You can click to remove it from the blacklist.
          
       4. Or go to Network Map and click the icon of Clients to check the status of connected devices.
          • Click View Whitelist to see the devices in blacklist.
          • Click of the corresponding device to add it to the blacklist.
            

More Features of Your Extender

Use Your Extender as a Wireless Adapter

The extender can be used as a wireless adapter to connect any wired-only device, such as a Blu-ray player, game console, DVR, or smart TV, to your wireless network.
After configuration, you can connect an Ethernet-enabled device to the extender via an Ethernet cable.

Transform Your Existing Wired Network to a Wireless One

The extender can work as an access point, transforming your existing wired network to a wireless one.

1. Visit http://tplinkrepeater.net, and log in with the password you set for the extender.
2. Click Change Mode in the top right corner of the page. Select Access Point Mode and click OK. The extender will reboot and switch to Access Point mode.
   
3. After rebooting, connect the extender to your modem or wired router via an Ethernet cable.
4. Visit http://tplinkrepeater.net, and log in with the password you set for the extender.
5. Go to Quick Setup to configure your extender.
   1. Configure your wireless settings and click NEXT.
      
   2. Confirm the information and save the picture for sharing network. Then click FINISH. Now, you can enjoy Wi-Fi.
      

Manage Your Extender

Set Up System Time

The System Time of the extender will be used for time-based functions such as the Power Schedule function. If you have enabled the Daylight Saving Time feature, the system time will be synchronized with the daylight saving time you configure.

To get system time

1. Visit http://tplinkrepeater.net, and log in with the password you set for the extender.
2. Go to Settings > System Tools > Time Settings.
3. Enable 24-Hour Time or keep it disabled if you don't want the 24-hour system of time reckoning.
4. Select the way to Set Time.
   • Get from Internet
     
     1. Select your local Time Zone from the drop-down list.
     2. Enter the NTP Server.
   • Set time manually
     
     1. Enter the current time and date.
5. Click SAVE.

To set up Daylight Saving Time

1. Visit http://tplinkrepeater.net, and log in with the password you set for the extender.
2. Go to Settings > System Tools > Time Settings and locate the Daylight Saving Time section.
3. Select Enable Daylight Saving Time.
   
4. Select the Start and End date and time of the daylight saving time at your local time zone.
5. Click SAVE.

Control LEDs

The LEDs of the extender indicate its activities and status. You can enable the Night Mode feature to specify a time period during which the LEDs are off.

1. Visit http://tplinkrepeater.net, and log in with the password you set for the extender.
2. Go to Settings > Advanced Settings > LED Control.

• To Turn the extender's LEDS on or off:
  1. Locate the LED Control section, enable or disabled LED Status.
     
• To specify a time period when LEDs are off:
  1. Enable Night Mode.
  2. Specify a LED Off time period, and the LEDs will be off during this period.
  3. Click SAVE.
     

Note: The effective LED off time is based on the system time of the router. Please go to Settings > System Tools > Time Settings to set up the correct time.

Power Schedule

The Power Schedule feature allows you to specify a time period during which the extender is off.

1. Visit http://tplinkrepeater.net, and log in with the password you set for the extender.
2. Go to Settings > Advanced Settings > Power Schedule.
3. Click Add.
   
4. Specify a time period in the Power-Off Time field and days for the power-off to repeat, and the extender will be off during this period in the days you specify.
   Note: The effective power-off time is based on the system time of the router. Please go to Settings > System Tools > Time Settings to set up the correct time.
   
   5. Click SAVE.
      Note: The effective power-off time is based on the system time of the router. Please go to Settings > System Tools > Time Settings to set up the correct time.

Upgrade the Firmware

TP-Link is committed to improving product features, giving you a better network experience. You can download the latest firmware file from the Support page of our website www.tp-link.com and upgrade the firmware to the latest version.

Note:

1. Make sure the latest firmware file is matched with the hardware version (as shown in the download section of the Support page).
2. Make sure that you have a stable connection between the extender and your computer. It is NOT recommended to upgrade the firmware wirelessly.
3. Backup your extender configuration.
4. Do NOT power off the extender during the firmware upgrade.

• To upgrade the firmware:
  1. Download the latest firmware file for the extender from our website www.tp-link.com.
  2. Visit http://tplinkrepeater.net, and log in with the password you set for the extender.
  3. Go to Settings > System Tools > Firmware Upgrade.
  4. Click BROWSE to locate the downloaded new firmware file, and then click UPGRADE.
     
  5. Wait a few minutes for the firmware upgrade to complete and the extender to reboot.

Backup and Restore Configuration Settings

The configuration settings are stored as a configuration file in the extender. You can back up the configuration file and restore the extender to the previous settings from the backup file when needed. Moreover, if necessary, you can erase the current settings and reset the extender to the default factory settings.

1. Visit http://tplinkrepeater.net, and log in with the password you set for the extender.
2. Go to Settings > System Tools > Backup & Restore.

• To back up configuration settings:
  Click BACK UP to save a copy of the current settings to your local computer. A '.bin' file of the current settings will be stored on your computer.
  
• To restore configuration settings:
  1. Click BROWSE to locate the backup configuration file stored on your computer, and click RESTORE.
     
  2. Wait a few minutes for the restore and reboot.
     Note: During the restore process, do not power off or reset the extender.
• To reset the extender to factory default settings:
  1. Click FACTORY RESTORE to reset the extender.
     
  2. Wait a few minutes for the reset and reboot.

Note:

1. During the reset process, do not power off or reset the extender.
2. We strongly recommend you backup the current configuration settings before resetting the extender.

Reboot Your Extender

The Reboot feature cleans the cache to enhance the running performance of the extender.

1. Visit http://tplinkrepeater.net, and log in with the password you set for the extender.
2. Go to Settings > System Tools > Reboot.

• To Reboot Manually
  Locate the Reboot section and click Reboot.
  
• To Reboot Automatically
  1. Locate the Reboot Schedule section and check the box to enable Reboot Schedule.
     
  2. Specify the Reboot Time when the router reboots and Repeat to decide how often it reboots.
     Note: The effective reboot time is based on the system time of the router. Please go to Settings > System Tools > Time Settings to set up the correct time.
  3. Click Save.

Change Login Password

The account management feature allows you to change your login password of the web management page.

1. Visit http://tplinkrepeater.net, and log in with the password you set for the extender.
2. Go to Settings > System Tools > Change Login Password.
3. Enter the old password, then the new password twice (both case-sensitive) and click SAVE.
   
4. Use the new password for future logins.

System Log
If the extender is not working normally, you can save the system log and send it to our technical support team.

1. Visit http://tplinkrepeater.net, and log in with the password you set for the extender.
2. Go to Settings > System Tools > System Log.

• To save the system log locally:
  1. Choose the type and level of the system log as needed.
  2. Click SAVE LOG to save the system logs to a local disk.

FAQ

Q1. How to reset the extender to its factory default settings?

• With the extender powered on, use a pin to press the RESET button for 1 second. The extender will reboot.
• Log in to the extender's web management page. Go to Settings > System Tools > Restore & Backup and click Factory Restore.

Q2. What can I do if I forgot my login password?

• Refer to FAQ > Q1 to reset the extender, and create a new password for future logins.

Note: The extender must be reconfigured after a reset to access internet. Please note down your new login password for future use.

Q3. What can I do if I forgot my wireless password?

• The extender shares the same wireless passwords as those of your host networks.

Q4. What can I do if I cannot access the web management page?

This can happen for a variety of reasons. Please try the methods below to log in again.

• Make sure your computer is connected to the extended network.
• Make sure your computer is configured as Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically.
• Use the IP address to access the extender. The default IP is 192.168.0.254. If the extender is connected to the router, you should go to your router's DHCP client list to obtain the extender's current IP address.
• Reset the extender. Then connect your computer to its wireless network, enter http://tplinkrepeater.net or http://192.168.0.254 in a web browser and press Enter.

Q5. I enabled wireless MAC filter, wireless access control, or access control list (ACL) on my router, what should I do to configure and use the extender?

When a device connects through the extender to your router, the MAC address of the device shown on the router is translated to another MAC address. If your router's MAC filter, wireless access control, or ACL is enabled, the devices connected to the extender cannot get an IP address from the extender and cannot access internet.

To solve this problem, please follow the steps below:

1. Log in to your router and disable the MAC filter, wireless access control or ACL.
   Note: For more information about how to disable your router's MAC filter, wireless access control or ACL, please refer to your router's user guide.
2. Power on your extender, and run the Quick Setup to configure your extender.
3. Connect all of your devices to the extended network, and make sure the router's Link LED remains lit.
4. On your router, add all the Online Devices' MAC addresses to your router's MAC filter table.
5. Enable the router's MAC filter, wireless access control, or ACL to complete the configuration.