Early Access Archer BE550 V1 Supports Guest and IoT Network Extension via EasyMesh, VPN Merge, and More
Hello everyone!
We are pleased to announce the latest firmware update for the Archer BE550 V1, which introduces a range of new features, especially significant enhancements to the VPN Feature and EasyMesh Network usage.
We encourage all users to upgrade to the latest firmware and share your feedback. Your feedback remains invaluable - please share your experience to help us continue refining our products.
Download the update now and explore all new features!
New Features/Enhancements:
1. Enhanced VPN feature
(1) VPN Merge
We have officially upgraded the previous VPN Client feature to the new, more powerful VPN Merge. This optimization significantly improves your network flexibility. With VPN Merge, you can now connect different devices on your network to multiple VPN servers simultaneously. For example, your work laptop can connect to a corporate VPN while your smart TV uses another VPN for video streaming. To use this feature, simply enable VPN Merge, add your desired servers to the Server List, and assign them to specific devices in the Client List.
(2) VPN Kill Switch
The VPN Kill Switch improves your network security. When you enable this feature for a VPN server, it will continuously monitor the connection status. If your VPN connection drops unexpectedly, the Kill Switch will immediately block internet access for all devices using that VPN. This protection remains active until the connection to the VPN server is safely restored, preventing potential data leaks.
(3) Other Enhancements:
- Supports DDNS synchronization during OpenVPN server configuration.
- Add third-party VPN support when configuring the VPN Client: IPVanish, PureVPN.
2. Enhanced EasyMesh Network
(1) EasyMesh Traffic Separation (*Extend Guest Network)
We have introduced the Traffic Separation feature within the EasyMesh R3 protocol, enabling the synchronous extension of the main router's Guest Network capabilities to satellite devices. This enhances the security of your main network.
(2) Guest/IoT Network configuration synchronization
The introduction of these two features further enhances the performance of EasyMesh satellite units.
(3) EasyMesh Client Binding
EasyMesh Client Binding allows you to pin specific devices (e.g., smart TVs or IoT sensors) to a designated EasyMesh node, preventing unnecessary roaming and improving connection stability for latency-sensitive or stationary clients.
(4) EasyMesh Satellite Node Binding
EasyMesh Satellite Node Binding allows you to manually specify which upstream node a satellite should connect to.
3. ECO Mode V2
The new ECO Mode Feature is designed to help you save power intelligently. You can select the default Smart ECO mode, which automatically adjusts power consumption based on your real-time traffic usage and turns off the LEDs. This minimizes the impact on your regular internet activities while reducing energy use. For more personalized control, you can also choose from several other power-saving modes and even schedule them to be active only during a specific time period.
4. Admin Password Recovery
We have introduced new methods to recover your local administrator password, ensuring you never lose access to your router's settings. You can now choose between two secure recovery options. You can enable and configure these options under System > Administration.
(1) Security Questions
Set up answers to predefined security questions. This allows you to verify your identity and reset your password quickly.
(2) Email Recovery
Configure a designated email address and your own SMTP server to receive password recovery instructions directly to your inbox.
5. Advanced USB Feature
We have upgraded the USB Sharing feature with two powerful new management tools. First, you can now perform a Disk Scan to verify the health of your connected drive. This can be triggered manually or scheduled to run automatically at regular intervals for proactive data protection. Second, we have integrated a Format function, allowing you to format a USB drive directly from the router's interface without the need for a computer. These features provide greater convenience and control over your network storage.
6. Backup & Restore
We have significantly upgraded the router's backup functionality for greater control and security. You can now perform a Selective Backup, allowing you to choose specific configuration modules to save, such as Network, Wireless, or Security settings. Additionally, you can now encrypt the backup file with a password, ensuring your sensitive configuration data is protected from unauthorized access.
7. DHCP Detection
To help you troubleshoot common network issues, we have added a DHCP Server Detection tool. Having more than one DHCP server active on a network can cause IP address conflicts and prevent devices from accessing the internet. This new one-click tool allows you to scan your local network to easily identify any other active DHCP servers, helping you resolve conflicts to ensure a stable and reliable connection.
8. Guest Network Exception Button
Add a button to the Access Control whitelist that does not apply to the Guest Network. When enabled, the allow list mode will not affect the Guest Network. All devices in the Guest Network can connect to the internet.
9. New features on Tether App
(1) Added support for TSS (TP-Link Simple Setup) Auto Discovery & Quick Configuration of Tether App.
(2) Added support for QoS (Quality of Service) configuration within the Tether App.
Other Enhancements/Bug Fixes:
(1) Optimizations of IPv6 Dial-Up Methods and Functional Experience.
(2) Enhanced system security, stability, and performance.
Firmware Download:
Before the Upgrade
(1) Please be sure you have read the Beta Test Agreement before upgrading the pre-release firmware!
(2) For the sake of insurance, it's always recommended to save a copy of the router's Backup Config file before upgrading or downgrading.
(3) This pre-release firmware for Archer BE550 V1 is available for all versions (EU/US/AU/CA/etc).
(4) You may follow the guide to upgrade the firmware of your router. How to Upgrade the Firmware on the TP-Link Wi-Fi Routers.
(5) This version of the software can't be degraded to the previous 1.2.x official version.
Direct Firmware Download Link
| Archer BE550_V1 | Archer BE550_V1_1.3.1 Build 20260731 (Pre-release version) |
Additional Information
As always, we value your feedback. If you happen to encounter any concerns during or after the router firmware upgrade, please leave a message below and provide the following information. Your feedback helps us continuously improve and provide you with better products and support.
Please provide detailed information, including but not limited to:
- A complete network topology diagram.
- The device's connection method, whether EasyMesh networking is enabled, the list of involved EasyMesh devices, and their hardware and firmware versions.
- Screenshots of relevant error messages, etc.
Thank you for your continued support and for being a member of our community.
Thanks for this new firmware update!
I very much appreciate the EasyMesh enhancements. The "EasyMesh Client Binding" feature will surely help to avoid those frustrating situations when a client device insisted on connecting to a slow satellite instead of connecting to the much faster main router.
I noticed VPN Merge has an option to have all client devices connect through the VPN connection by default. This is also a nice new feature.
And a heads-up to users (like me) who have been using a certain workaround to assign reserved IP addresses that are outside of the DHCP server's IP address pool. That workaround does not work anymore with this new firmware version.
Hi this is genuinly a step forward.
I have the V1 BE550 as my main router but all 7 of my satellites are Archer AX1800. Witth the IOT mesh to these devices?
I notice in the images shown in the guid page, the AX55 is shown and it's in the same range as the AX1800 which can have IOT as a standalone but before I go and try the upgrade I want to know if the AX1800 will work?
