How to Setup a TP-Link Router as a Wireless Access Point

TP-Link routers are a popular choice among residential customers since they balance functionality and pricing while also providing adequate protection. They are well known for their WiFi performance and make an excellent complement to a home network. This article is for you if you own one and want to set up your TP-Link router as a wireless access point.

This is a frequently asked issue in the TechJunkie inbox, and it is widely debated online. I'll guide you through the whole procedure from start to finish, resulting in a fully functional access point in your house.

The Distinctions Between a Router and an Access Point

Before we begin, let me explain the distinction between a router and an access point. I believe it is critical to understand this in order to make an informed judgment about whether an access point is a proper tool for the task.

A router is a piece of hardware or software that routes packets based on their IP address. It basically links devices to one other, the internet, or other network appliances such as a hardware firewall.

Most people are aware of SOHO (Small Office Home Office) routers, which often include a modem, switch, internet gateway, and wireless access point all in one device. They are devices that use their own firmware to provide functionality such as a firewall, port forwarding, NAT (Network Address Translation), DHCP, DNS, and others. It may also feature WiFi functionality.

It makes use of routing tables (IP tables) to determine where to route traffic. A router will detect and identify the devices on your home network using MAC addresses. It will also determine if you use a modem or connect directly to your broadband connection and will route internet traffic accordingly.

A wireless access point (WAP) is distinct. A router can incorporate a WAP, but there are also independent WAP devices, which are commonly visible along the top of the ceiling in schools and companies. These serve as a wireless gateway on your network, allowing you to extend your wireless network or enable wireless access if your router lacks WiFi.

Using a TP-Link Router to Create a Wireless Access Point

Most wireless routers may be set up as either a complete router or a wireless access point. This tutorial will cover the latter. We will set up a TP-Link router as a wireless access point that will serve as both a range extender and a WAP.

To begin, connect your TP-Link router to your primary network via Ethernet. If you like, you may utilize WiFi, although the setting is a little more complicated. Furthermore, if your primary network includes WiFi, utilizing another router just as a range extender is akin to slamming a peanut with a sledgehammer. A little too much.

• Connect your TP-Link router to your primary network via Ethernet.
• Turn on your TP-Link router and allow it to interact with your primary router.
• When the link indicator becomes green, you have a connection and are ready to setup.
• Connect a PC to the TP-Link router via Ethernet.
• Launch a browser and enter the IP address listed on the router's label. This is generally 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. You should see the TP-Link interface appear.
• Log in using the router's credentials, which are normally admin and admin. Credentials are frequently printed on the device's bottom.
• Select Network > LAN.
• Manually configure your TP-Link router to an address on your home network.
• Keep your change. It's usual to get thrown out of the admin screen.
• IP addressing is critical. If your primary router's DHCP range is 192.168.1.10 to 192.168.1.100, set the TP-Link router outside of this range but within the same subnet. Assign it, for example, 192.168.1.210. This guarantees that the two routers may interact while avoiding IP address conflicts.
• Return to your TP-Link router and enter the new IP address.
• From the menu, choose Wireless and Wireless Settings.
• Set your SSID to something different from any other WiFi networks you may have set up and click Save.
• Choose Wireless Security and ensure that WPA2 Personal is activated.
• Create an effective wifi password. Keep the password safe.
• Select DHCP > DHCP Settings > Disable. You only need one DHCP server per network, and it should be your primary router.
• Choose Save.
• Then, select System Tools, followed by Reboot.
• Allow the TP-Link router to reset and refresh its configuration for a minute.
• Disconnect your PC from the Ethernet network and attempt to connect to the internet over WiFi.
• Networks that are wireless

Although it may appear to be a difficult operation, setting up a second router as a wireless access point is not difficult. Computer networks aren't intimidating if you know what the alphabet soup of acronyms stands for. If you're having problems, make sure you've connected the two routers using a LAN port on each, and then make sure DHCP is turned off on the router that's operating as the wireless access point.