TP-LINK AP500 Owner's manual

REV2.0.1 1910011955

AP500

User Guide

AC1900 Wireless Gigabit Access Point

Contents

About This Guide ...............................................................................................1

Chapter 1. Get to Know About Your AP Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1. 1. Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

1. 2. Main Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

1. 3. Panel Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

1. 3. 1. Top View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

1. 3. 2. The Back Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

1. 4. Position Your AP Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Chapter 2. Operation Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2. 1. Determine the Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2. 2. Connect Your AP Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Chapter 3. Log into Your AP Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Chapter 4. Set Up Wireless Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

4. 1. Quick Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

4. 2. WPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

4. 3. Manually set up a wireless connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

4. 4. Check the connection status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Chapter 5. Customize Your Network and Security Settings. . . . . . . . . . 23

5. 1. Change the LAN Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

5. 2. Specify DHCP Server Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

5. 3. MAC Filtering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

5. 4. Advanced Wireless Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Chapter 6. Manage Your AP Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

6. 1. System Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

6. 2. Test the Network Connectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

6. 3. Upgrade the Firmware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

6. 4. Backup and Restore Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

6. 5. Change the Management Account. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

6. 6. Throughput Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

6. 7. Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

6. 8. SNMP Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

6. 9. Ping Watchdog. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

6. 10. LEDs Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

FAQ .....................................................................................................................41

Specifications ...................................................................................................46

1

About This Guide

This guide provides details of each function and shows how to configure the AP device

appropriate to your needs. In addition to this guide, a Quick Installation Guide is also

released with each TP-LINK AP device, you are suggested to configure your AP device

for quick Internet setup by following the published Quick Installation Guide before you

get started with a further configuration.

Conventions

In this guide the following conventions are used:

Convention Description

AP device Stands for 11AC Wireless Gigabit Access Point without any explanation.

parameters

Parameters provided in the screenshots are just references for setting up the device,

which may differ from the actual situation. You can set the parameters according to

your demand.

screenshots

The demonstrated screenshots may look a little different from the actual web page of

your device due to the various firmware versions. Please just configure your product

based on the actual web page.

Blue Italic Hyperlinks are in blue italic. You can click to redirect to a website or a specific section.

Blue

Contents to be emphasized and texts on the web page are in blue, including the

menus, items, buttons, etc.

>

The menu structures to show the path to load the corresponding page. For example,

Advanced > Wireless > WPS means the WPS 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.

•

click to enable or disable the corresponding entry.

Chapter 1

Get to Know About Your AP

Device

This chapter introduces what the AP device can do and shows its main features and

appearance.

This chapter contains the following sections:

• Product Overview

• Main Features

• Panel Layout

• Position Your AP Device

3

Chapter 1

1. 1. Product Overview

What This Product Does

The TP-LINK Wireless AC Access Point is designed to establish or expand a scalable high-

speed wireless AC network or to connect multiple Ethernet enabled devices such as

game consoles, digital media adapters, printers, or network attached storage devices

to a wireless network. The AP supports a host of different functions that make your

wireless networking experience more flexible than ever before. Now, you can enjoy a

better Internet experience when downloading, gaming or video streaming.

802.11ac - The Next Generation of Wi-Fi

TP-LINK’s Wireless AC Access Point comes with the next generation Wi-Fi standard -

802.11ac, backward compatible with 802.11n and 3 times faster than wireless N

speeds. With higher power efficiency and robust security, 802.11ac is the perfect way

to accelerate a home multimedia network and solve congestion that multiple devices

may cause.

Concurrent Dual Band - More Bandwidth, Less Interference

With the high wireless speeds over the crystal clear 5GHz band and the 2.4GHz band,

the Wireless AC Access Point offers you the flexibility of two dedicated networks and

ensures amazing wireless performance. Simple tasks such as sending e-mails or web

browsing can be handled by the 2.4GHz band while bandwidth intensive tasks like

online gaming or HD video streaming can be processed by the 5GHz band – all at the

same time.

Broad Wi-Fi Coverage and Targeted Connection

Featuring multiple detachable external antennas and high power amplifiers, the

Wireless AC Access Point is able to boost Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home.

Advanced Beamforming technology enables it to focus Wi-Fi signal on connected

devices, delivering a more targeted and highly efficient wireless connection.

Multiple Operating Modes - Easy to Build WLAN

Supports AP, Bridge/Repeater, Client and Multi-SSID operation modes to enable various

wireless applications to give you a more dynamic and comprehensive experience when

using the AP device. Multiple operating modes also helps you easily build wireless

network for hard-to-wire locations or eliminate wireless dead zone.

1. 2. Main Features

Wireless and Wired Performance

• Supports 802.11ac - The next generation of Wi-Fi, compatible with 802.11n

4

Chapter 1

• Support simultaneous 2.4GHz and 5GHz connections

• Multiple detachable external antennas and high power amplifiers provide stable

signals and optimal wireless coverage

• Up to 4 SSIDs and VLAN support

• Provides WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK authentication, TKIP/AES encryption

security

• Supports MAC filter, throughput monitor

• Easy one-touch WPA wireless security encryption with the WPS button

• Supports firmware upgrade and Web management

• Supports system log and Traffic Statistics

1. 3. Panel Layout

1. 3. 1. Top View

The AP device’s LEDs are located on the top panel. You can check the AP device’s

working status by following the LED Explanation table (view from left to right).

LED Explanation

Name Status Indication

(Power)

On System initialization completes.

Blinking

System initialization or firmware upgrade is in process. Do not

disconnect or power off the AP device.

Off

Power is off. Please ensure that the power adapter is connected

correctly.

5

Chapter 1

LED Explanation

Name Status Indication

(Wireless 2.4GHz)

On

The wireless 2.4GHz band is working properly (in AP/Multi-SSID

mode).

The host AP’s 2.4GHz network is selected (in Repeater/Bridge/Client

mode).

Off

The wireless 2.4GHz band is disabled (in AP/Multi-SSID mode).

The host AP’s 2.4GHz is not selected (in Repeater/Bridge/Client

mode).

(Wireless 5GHz)

On

The wireless 5GHz band is working properly (in AP/Multi-SSID mode).

The host AP’s 5GHz network is selected (in Repeater/Bridge/Client

mode).

Off

The wireless 5GHz band is disabled (in AP/Multi-SSID mode).

The host AP’s 5GHz is not selected (in Repeater/Bridge/Client mode).

(LAN)

On A device is connected to the Ethernet port.

Off No device is connected to the Ethernet port.

(WPS)

Slow blinking WPS connection is in process.

On WPS connection is successful. It will turn off after 5 minutes.

Quick blinking WPS connection is failed.

Solid orange The signal strength is too weak (in Repeater/Bridge/Client mode).

Off

The device is disconnected from the host network (in Repeater/

Bridge/Client mode).

Note:

After a device is successfully added to the network by WPS function, the WPS LED will keep on for about 5 minutes

and then turn off.

1. 3. 2. The Back Panel

The AP device’s back panel shows the connection ports, buttons and antennas. Refer to

the following for detailed instructions (view from left to right).

6

Chapter 1

Item Description

Ethernet One LAN 10/100/1000Mbps Auto-Negotiation RJ45 Port connects to a network device.

Reset

The switch for the reset function. With the device powered on, use a pin to press and

hold the Reset button for five seconds until the Power LED starts blinking, then release

the button.

WPS

Press and hold this button for two seconds to enable the WPS function. When the WPS

LED blinks slowly, the device is trying to connect or to be connected.

LED Press this button to turn on or turn off the LEDs.

On/Off The switch for the power. Press it to power on or off the AP device.

Power

The power port connects to the provided power adapter.

Antennas

Used for wireless operation and data transmit. Upright them for the best Wi-Fi

performance.

1. 4. Position Your AP Device

• Place your AP device in a well-ventilated place far from any heater or heating vent

• Avoid direct irradiation of any strong light (such as sunlight)

• Keep at least 2 inches (5 cm) of clear space around your AP device

• Operating Temperature: 0℃~40℃ (32℉~104℉)

• Operating Humidity: 10%~90%RH, Non-condensing

Generally, your AP device is placed on a horizontal surface. It also can be mounted on

the wall as shown below.

Note:

The diameter of the screw, 4mm<D<7mm, and the distance of two screws is 55.43mm. The screw that projects from

the wall needs around 3.5mm based, and the length of the screw need to be at least 20mm to withstand the weight

of the product.

Chapter 2

Operation Modes

The AP device supports four modes to satisfy user’s diversified network requirements

including Access Point mode, Repeater/Bridge mode, Client mode and multi-SSID

mode. This chapter introduces typical usage scenarios of each mode. You can choose

the desired scenario according to your needs, and refer to this part for hardware

connection instruction.

• Determine the Mode

• Connect Your AP Device

8

Chapter 2

2. 1. Determine the Mode

Use the following scenarios to determine an appropriate operating mode for your

network needs.

Modes Scenarios

Access Point mode (Default

mode)

You want to be able to access the Internet wirelessly, but this place only has an

Ethernet port (wired network) available. you need to transform the existing wired

network to a wireless network.

Repeater/Bridge mode

You are in a Wi-Fi dead-zone or a place with weak wireless signal. You want to have

a greater effective range of the wireless signal throughout your home or office.

Client mode

You have a wired device with an Ethernet port and no wireless capability, for

example, a Smart TV, Media Player, or game console. You want to connect it to the

Internet wirelessly.

Multi-SSID mode

You want to divide the exsting Wi-Fi network into serveral networks for different

people with different access level and authority, for example, the guests, the host,

the children and the parents.

2. 2. Connect Your AP Device

Follow the figures below to connect your AP device.

Note:

AP500 is used for demonstration in this guide.

• Access Point mode

Wired Router

Internet

AP500’s SSID

9

Chapter 2

• Repeater/Bridge mode

Host AP

Internet

Host AP’s SSID

AP500’s SSID

• Client mode

Host AP AP500

or

Other

Device

Internet

Host AP’s SSID

TV

• Multi-SSID mode

Switch

VLAN1

VLAN2

VLAN3

VLAN4

Router

Group A

AP500

SSID1

VLAN1

SSID2

VLAN2

SSID3

VLAN3

SSID4

VLAN4

Group B

Group C

Group D

Chapter 3

Log into Your AP Device

11

Chapter 3

With the Web-based management page, it is easy to configure and manage the AP

device. The Web-based utility can be used on any Windows, Macintosh or UNIX OS with

a Web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or Apple Safari.

Follow the steps below to log into your AP device.

1. Set up the TCP/IP Protocol in Obtain an IP address automatically mode on your

computer.

2. Launch your Web browser. Enter http://tplinkap.net in the address field and Press

Enter (PC) or Return (Mac).

3. Upon initial login, please enter admin in the username and password fields.

4. In the following pop-up window, it is recommended to change the device’s username

and password from its default settings for network security. Enter and confirm new

username and password, then click Confirm.

12

Chapter 3

5. For subsequent logins, you only need to enter the username and password that you

have set to log in.

Note:

If the login window does not appear, please refer to FAQ > Q3. I cannot log into the AP device’s web management page,

what can I do?

Chapter 4

Set Up Wireless

Connections

This chapter introduces how to connect your AP device to the wireless network. The

AP device is equipped with a web-based Quick Setup wizard. You can also set up the

wireless connection by the WPS feature or manually add a wireless connection.

This chapter contains the following sections:

• Quick Setup

• WPS

• Manually set up a wireless connection

• Check the connection status

14

Chapter 4

4. 1. Quick Setup

Quick Setup wizard allows you to quickly configure your AP device step by step. Choose

the suitable operation mode according to your network environment and follow the

step-by-step instructions.

1. Visit http://tplinkap.net, and log in with the username and password you set for the

AP device.

2. Go to Quick Setup on the top of the page, and follow the on-screen instrustions to

configure your AP device.

4. 2. WPS

WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) feature can help you to quickly and securely connect to

a network. WPS functions differently in different operation modes. In Access Point and

Multi-SSID modes, the WPS feature can be used only when the network security is set

to None or WPA2-PSK/AES. In Repeater/Bridge and Client modes, this device can use

WPS (Push button method) to connect to Host network while local wireless networks

do not support the WPS feature.

This section will guide you to add a new wireless device to an existing network quickly

by the WPS feature. There are two ways to use this feature: by push button method and

by PIN (Personal Identification Number). The PIN method can only be applied in Access

Point and Multi-SSID modes.

Push Button Method

Follow the steps below to use WPS by push button method.

1. Press the WPS button on the real panel of the AP device. The WPS LED will blink slowly,

which shows the function has been triggered and the device is trying to connect or

to be conected. This process may take up to 2 minutes.

15

Chapter 4

2. Press the WPS button of the device you want to connect to in 2 minutes.

Note:

The order to press the WPS button of the AP device and the device to be connected can be in reverse.

3. If the AP device’s WPS LED is solid on, it shows the WPS connection is successful. If

the AP device’s WPS LED blinks quickly, it shows the WPS connection is failed. Please

perform the steps again.

Note:

1. If the WPS connection is successful, after about 5 minutes, the WPS LED will turn off.

2. If the connection still fails, contact the technical support.

PIN Method

Other devices can connect to this AP device by WPS with the AP device’s PIN and the AP

device can connect to other devices by entering their PINs. The PIN method can only be

applied in Access Point and Multi-SSID modes.

Follow the steps below to use WPS by PIN method.

1. Visit http://tplinkap.net, then log in with the username and password you set for the

AP device.

2. Go to Advanced > Wireless > WPS. There are also two ways to use WPS PIN method:

using the AP device’s PIN and using the wireless client’s PIN.

16

Chapter 4

¾ Using the AP Device‘s PIN

1 ) Toggle On Enable Device’s PIN to allow wireless clients to connect to the device

using the Device’s PIN.

2 ) Click Generate to generate a new PIN randomly or click Default to restore the

current PIN to the factory default PIN. Using this PIN to connect to the AP

device. The default PIN can be found on the label of the AP device.

¾ Using the wireless client’s PIN

1 ) Select the PIN as the setup method.

2 ) Entering the wireless client’s WPS PIN into Enter the client’s WPS PIN field and

click Connect.

Note:

Selecting Push button method (Recommended) is equal to pressing the physical WPS button on the device.

4. 3. Manually set up a wireless connection

Follow the steps below to check or modify your wireless connection settings.

17

Chapter 4

1. Visit http://tplinkap.net, then log in with the username and password you set for the

AP device.

2. Go to Advanced > Wireless > Basic Settings.

3. Select the Operation mode from the drop-down list.

¾ Access Point Mode

If Access Point mode is selected, please take the following steps:

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TP-LINK AP500 Owner's manual

TP-LINK AP500 Owner's manual

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