Hello

I have a client who owns 7 Archer C80 routers. They bought them a time ago (2 years) for their wireless needs in a closed environment on a 3 stories facility

After changes were made to the network, it was decided to control all the wireless devices on the network from the main router and DHCP server. The routers were previously all set as router mode, connected to the network through the ethernet port 1, with DHCP disabled and fixed IP addresses for management.

It was decided then to change them to access point mode. Three of the devices have either 1 or 2 of their ports 2-4 in use by a wired client

Well, after changing them to access point mode, all of them stop working. Meaning:

NO stable wireless signal, NO stable ethernet connection. Routers seem to enter an infinite boot lop. This happens to ALL of them in at least 1 of 2 attempts to set them to access point mode. Resetting them to default and starting over gets to the same result OR another scenario where wireless works, but wired from 1 to 4 DO NOT. Devices attached to ports show status as cable is not connected

After several tries, and 2 stressful days we get the same result, with ALL the 7 routers. NOT a sinle one of them gets to work well in access point mode.

We tried everything. Setting first a fixed IP before doing anything else, activating local and remote web management, using different ports, disabling DHCP or not before changing to access point mode and nothing worked with these devices. Really annoying.

Final, we ended reverting setup to router mode, and connecting them again to network with fixed IP through port 1 and disabling DHCP. That way, they work flawlessly.

Question is: Is this the common behavior of TP Link routers? Or it is something related to just this model? The fact that the routers tend to enter a failed state after activating access point mode suggests that there is either a bug in the software, or in the specific device model. Reverting to older firmware (Tried with one of them only) does not fix the problem. I refuse to believe that ALL the 7 routers are faulty?

We would like to set them as access points, but it seems that it is not going to happen. Client is currently studying to upgrade to newer, BETTER routers. I urged them to do so and I am suggesting to also change brand

Thanks in advance for your answer