Recommended settings on the host router to work well with TP-Link Range Extenders

TP-Link wireless range extenders are widely compatible with various brands of wireless routers. However, there are cases that the extender failed to connect to the host router in spite of numerous basic troubleshooting steps in some special network environments. After further cooperation with our customers, we have summarized the following configurations that could help establish a successful and stable connection with your main router.

1. Turn off Access Control settings, such as MAC Filtering, Whitelist/Blacklist.

A pre-configured Access Control rule will block the new connection from range extenders. It is always suggested to disable the default filtering rules during the first time setup.

2. Set up separate SSIDs for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

Many Mesh routers have Band steering/Whole Home Wi-Fi function enabled by default to have one SSID for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, which sometimes might confuse the extender to locate the correct band.

3. Fix the wireless channel on the host router, such as Band1 (36-48) or Band4 (149-165) for 5 GHz, channel 1/6/11 for 2.4 GHz.

During further troubleshooting with some users, we noticed the 5 GHz band on some routers randomly jumped to band 2 and band 3  which are DFS channels and would be easily interfered with the radar signals. A fixed non-DFS channel will help stabilize the connection between main routers and extenders.

*The followings are some typical examples to guide you in setting up a different SSID and changing the wireless channels:

Please feel free to comment below if you have found more advanced configurations which help connect the range extender with your main router!

If the range extender keeps disconnecting from the host router, please visit the below community forum troubleshooting suggestions instead:

[Troubleshooting] What can I do if the range extender keeps losing connection