How To Configure a Router as Wireless Access Point

In this article we will discuss about how To Configure a Router as Wireless Access Point. Recently, there has been more interest in making easy-to-use routers that are easy to set up and configure. Following this pattern, two interesting mesh Wi-Fi systems came out last year. They were also easy to set up and configure, but they were even more expensive.

Now, these systems are very good at what they do. You get one unit that connects to the Internet by wire, and the next two or three units send the signal to the rest of the house, filling in any blank spots. We have seen how the Eero system works, and we liked what we saw. A wireless access point is a piece of technology that lets you turn a wired LAN connection into a wireless network.

This means that you give devices that can connect to the Internet wirelessly a way to connect to your wired Internet network. Access Points are often used in large offices, where a good Internet connection can make a big difference in how much work gets done. You can also find this technology in coffee shops or airports, where it’s called a “hotspot,” but most people use it in their homes, where it’s called a “wireless router.”

How To Configure a Router as Wireless Access Point

Most wireless routers can be set up to work as either a full router or just an access point. In this tutorial, we will do the second option. We’ll set up a TP-Link router as a wireless access point (WAP) that can also act as a range extender.

First, you’ll need to use Ethernet to connect your TP-Link router to your main router. You can use WiFi if you want to, but setting it up is a little harder. Plus, if your main router has WiFi, using a second router just to extend the range is like hitting a peanut with a sledgehammer. A little bit too much.

• Connect your TP-Link router to your main router using Ethernet.
• Power your TP-Link router on and let it communicate with your main router.
• Once the link light goes green, you have a connection and are ready to configure.
• Connect a computer directly to the TP-Link router using Ethernet.
• Open a browser and type the IP address on the label of the router. This is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. You should see the TP-Link screen appear.
• Log in using the credentials also on the router, usually admin and admin. The credentials are often printed on the bottom of the device.
• Now, select Network > LAN.
• Configure your TP-Link router manually to an address within your home network.
• Save your change. You will be kicked out of the admin screen; that’s normal.

A lot depends on the IP address. If your main router uses a DHCP range of 192.168.1.10 to 192.168.1.100, you will need to set up the TP-Link router outside of this range but within the same subnet. For instance, give it the address 192.168.1.210. This makes sure the two routers can talk to each other, but IP address conflicts won’t happen.

• Log back into your TP-Link router using the new IP address.
• Select Wireless and Wireless Settings from the menu.
• Set your SSID to something different from any Wi-Fi network you may already have configured, and select Save.
• Select Wireless Security and make sure WPA2 Personal is enabled.
• Set a wireless password and make it a good one. Save the password.
• Select DHCP > DHCP Settings and select Disable. You only need one DHCP server per network, and your main router should do that job.
• Select Save.
• Next, select System Tools and then Reboot.
• Allow the TP-Link router to reboot and give it a minute to reload its config.
• Disconnect your computer from Ethernet and try to connect to the internet using Wi-Fi.

FAQ

Can I setup a router as a wireless access point?

In the last few years, more and more routers have an Access Point mode that can be turned on through the interface. Note: Some Wi-Fi routers have an Access Point mode, which you can see on the list of the router’s features. If that’s the case with your Router B, you can just turn this mode on and it will start working as an AP.

Should I make my router an access point?

A wireless router is all you need if all you want is a wireless network at home for your family. But if you want to make a more reliable wireless network that a lot of people can use, you should use a wireless access point.

What is AP mode on a router?

Access Point mode: In Access Point (AP) mode, the router connects to a wireless router with an Ethernet cable so that the wireless signal can reach more network clients. The firewall, IP sharing, and NAT functions are all turned off by default in this mode.

What are three basic parameters to configure on a wireless access point?

What are the three most important settings to make on a wireless access point? The SSID, the RF channel, and the authentication method are the three most important things to set up when setting up an access point.