If your Wi-Fi signal is weak in some rooms, you don’t need to buy a new extender.
You can turn an old TP-Link router into a powerful wired repeater using an Ethernet cable.
This method is faster and more stable than wireless repeating because it uses a direct cable connection between routers.
Perfect for eliminating dead zones in homes and offices.
What You’ll Need
- Main router (connected to internet)
- TP-Link router (secondary router)
- Ethernet cable (Cat5e or Cat6 recommended)
- Phone or computer for setup
📌 Important Note
This is a LAN-to-LAN wired repeater setup.
Do NOT use the WAN port on the secondary router.
Using WAN will break the network.
Step 1 — Factory Reset TP-Link Router
If the router was used before:
- Power on router
- Hold reset button for 10 seconds
- Wait until LEDs blink
This clears old settings.
Step 2 — Connect to TP-Link Router
- Connect phone or PC to TP-Link Wi-Fi
- Password is printed on router label
- Open browser
- Enter IP:
192.168.0.1
Login using admin credentials.
Step 3 — Change LAN IP Address
This prevents IP conflict.
- Go to Network → LAN
- Check main router IP
- If main router is:
192.168.0.1
Set TP-Link router to:
192.168.0.2
Save settings and reboot router.
Step 4 — Disable DHCP Server
Only one router should assign IP addresses.
- Go to DHCP settings
- Disable DHCP
- Save settings
This ensures the primary router controls the network.
Step 5 — Connect Routers with Ethernet
Use LAN ports only.
- Plug cable into LAN port of main router
- Plug other end into LAN port of TP-Link router
- Do NOT use WAN port
This links both routers into one network.
Step 6 — Configure Wi-Fi Name
You can choose:
- Same SSID as main router (seamless roaming)
- Different SSID (easier identification)
Set password same or different — your choice.
Step 7 — Reboot Secondary Router
Unplug TP-Link router for 10 seconds.
Plug it back in.
Wait until fully booted.
Step 8 — Test Internet
Connect phone to the extended network.
Open speed test website.
You should see full internet access.
Connection will be stable and fast.
Why Ethernet Repeater is Better
- No signal loss
- Full bandwidth preserved
- Lower latency
- Better gaming performance
- Perfect for streaming
Troubleshooting
- No internet → DHCP still enabled
- IP conflict → wrong LAN IP
- Slow speed → bad cable
- Cannot login router → use new IP address
FAQs
Can I use any router?
Yes, most TP-Link routers support this.
Do I need WAN port?
No, LAN only.
Does speed drop?
No, Ethernet keeps full speed.
Works for gaming?
Yes, ideal for gaming.
Final Result
You turned your TP-Link router into a wired Wi-Fi repeater.
Your home now has stronger and more stable coverage.
If this guide helped you, bookmark it and share it.
