Use TP-Link Router as WiFi Range Extender

If your house has weak WiFi zones, you don’t need to buy a new extender. You can convert an old TP-Link router into a powerful WiFi repeater and extend your network coverage for free.

This guide shows how to configure a TP-Link TL-WR841N router as a wireless range extender. No cable is required after setup.

This method works with most TP-Link N-series routers.

---

What You Need

• Main WiFi router
• TP-Link router (TL-WR841N or similar)
• Computer or laptop
• WiFi password of main router

---

Step 1 — Connect to TP-Link Router

Turn on the TP-Link router and connect your computer to it via WiFi or Ethernet cable.

Open a browser and type:

192.168.0.1

Login using default credentials:

Username: admin
Password: admin

---

Step 2 — Enable Repeater / Range Extender Mode

1. Go to Operation Mode
2. Select Range Extender
3. Click Save
4. Router will reboot

The router is now ready to act as a repeater.

---

Step 3 — Change Router IP Address

This prevents IP conflict with your main router.

If your main router IP is:

192.168.0.1

Change TP-Link router IP to:

192.168.0.2

Save and reboot.

---

Step 4 — Connect to Main WiFi Network

1. Open Wireless Settings
2. Click Scan
3. Select your main WiFi network
4. Enter WiFi password
5. Click Connect

The TP-Link router now connects wirelessly to your main router.

---

Step 5 — Disable DHCP

To avoid network conflict:

1. Go to DHCP settings
2. Disable DHCP server
3. Save settings

This ensures only the main router assigns IP addresses.

---

Step 6 — Create Separate WiFi Name (Optional)

By default, the repeater uses the same SSID as the main network.

If you want a separate WiFi name:

1. Open Extended Network Settings
2. Enter a new SSID
3. Create a password
4. Save and reboot

You will now see two WiFi networks:

• Main router WiFi
• Repeater WiFi

---

Step 7 — Test Connection

Connect your phone or laptop to the repeater WiFi and check internet access.

If the network does not appear:

• Restart repeater
• Restart main router
• Reconnect

---

Troubleshooting

• No internet → re-enter WiFi password
• Repeater not showing → reboot router
• Slow speed → move repeater closer
• Login page not opening → use new IP address

---

Placement Tips

• Place repeater halfway between router and weak area
• Avoid walls and metal objects
• Keep router elevated
• Do not place inside cupboar