Configuring WPS Bridging With TP-Link Archer C9 and C7

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Overview

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

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 [1]
    • (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.
    • Change Wireless Network Name to match the root router's wireless network name. 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.[2]

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

Notes