Editing Configuring WPS Bridging With TP-Link Archer C9 and C7

[[Category:LAN]]
== Overview ==

Bridge a router in order to provide extended wireless range to the studio/garage.

<div class="alert alert-warning">Note that this is a documented way of ''wirelessly'' connecting two routers. That is typically NOT the setup when looking up how to configure the LAN. This setup does not allow for consistent internet connectivity and should not be used. See [[Configuring Archer C7 As Wireless Access Point]] instead. This documentation has been saved for archival purposes.</div>

== Setup ==

`Internet provider's modem ---CAT 6---> TP-Link Archer C9 (root router) ---CAT 6---> gigabit switch ---CAT 6---> TP-Link Archer C7 (bridge)`

* '''Archer C9''' as the main wireless router
* '''Archer C7''' as the repeater/bridge

== Configuration ==

=== Archer C7 web management utility ===

See [[Resetting WP-Link Archer Router#Archer_C7]] if it's necessary to reset the router and start from scratch.

* Log in via web management
* '''Advanced''' tab > '''Wireless 2.4GHz''' > '''Wireless Settings''' <ref>[http://www.tp-link.com/us/faq-440.html How to Configure WDS Bridging on TP-Link Dual Band Routers (green UI)?] TP-Link FAQ</ref>
** ''(If there is no '''Advanced''' tab, simply start at '''Wireless 2.5GHz'''.
** Alternatively the 5GHz wireless network could be used. 
** '''Enable WDS Bridging''' checked
** Click '''Survey''' button.
*** Find the SSID of the router & click '''Connect'''.
** The '''Channel''' must match the root router's setting. 
** Set the '''Password''' to match the password that has been created for the SSID. 
** ''The '''Wireless Network Name''' can be the same or different from the root router's wireless network name.''
** <strike>Change '''Wireless Network Name''' to match the root router's wireless network name.</strike> Tried it with the same name and the network connections were problematic. Tried with a different name (e.g. `bottomsup-grage`) with better luck so far. Until problems arise, use a ''different'' identifier.
** Click '''Save''' button. ''* Do NOT reboot router yet. *''
* '''Advanced''' tab > '''Wireless 2.4GHz''' > '''Wireless Security'''
** '''Wireless Password''' can be the same or different as the root router's password.
** The password will be set to the default (the password printed on the back of the router). Change it to the root router's password.
** Click '''Save''' button.
* '''Advanced''' tab > '''Network''' > '''WAN'''
** '''WAN Connection Type:''' Static IP
** Enter same settings as root router for '''IP Address''', '''Subnet Mask''', '''Default Gateway''', '''Primary DNS''', '''Secondary DNS'''
** Click '''Save''' button.
* '''Advanced''' tab > '''Network''' > '''LAN'''
** '''IP Address: ''' `192.168.123.2`
** Click '''Save''' button and reboot the router. 
* After the router has rebooted, '''Advanced''' tab > '''Status'''
** Confirm that '''Wireless 2.4GHz''' > '''WDS Status''' is "Run"
* '''Advanced''' tab > '''System Tools''' > '''Password'''
** Update `admin` password to match root routers. 
* '''Advanced''' tab > '''DHCP''' > '''DHCP Settings'''
** '''DHCP Server:''' Disable
** Click '''Save''' button. Allow router to reboot.<ref>[http://www.tp-link.us/faq-825.html How to configure WDS Bridging on the Archer C8, C9, C5 V2?] - TP-Link</ref>

=== Using the wireless network ===

* Confirm that the ethernet cable coming from the root router is plugged into the blue Internet port on the Archer C7 router.
* Connect to the 2.4GHz network on and iPad to confirm that the mobile device can connect to the internet. 
* Internet connections on Mac & PC workstations should use DHCP server for their internet connections.
* Confirm Mac & PC workstations that don't use wireless can also connect to the internet.

== Accessing router web management interfaces after setting up WPS bridging ==

* '''Archer C9''' (root router): [http://tplinkwifi.net http://tplinkwifi.net]
* '''Archer C7''' (bridge): [http://192.168.123.2 http://192.168.123.2]

== Notes ==

=== See also ===

* [[Configuring Archer C7 As Wireless Access Point]]

=== References ===
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