TP Link WA901ND User Guide
TL-WA901ND
300 Mbps Wireless N Access Point
Rev: 1.1.0
1910010319
COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARKS
Specifications are subject to change without notice. is a registered trademark of
TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD. Other brands and product names are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective holders.
No part of the specifications may be reproduced in any form or by any means or used to make any
derivative such as translation, transformation, or adaptation without permission from TP-LINK
TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD. Copyright © 2010 TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
All rights reserved.
http://www.tp-link.com
FCC STATEMENT
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ TV technician for help.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
1) This device may not cause harmful interference.
2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Note: The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or tv interference caused by unauthorized
modifications to this equipment. Such modifications could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement
This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment. This device and its antenna must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with
any other antenna or transmitter.
“To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, this grant is applicable to only
Mobile Configurations. The antennas used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a
separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in
conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.”
CE Mark Warning
This is a class B product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference, in
which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
National restrictions
This device is intended for home and office use in all EU countries (and other countries following
the EU directive 1999/5/EC) without any limitation except for the countries mentioned below:
Country Restriction Reason/remark
Bulgaria None
Outdoor use limited to 10
France
Italy None
Luxembourg None
Norway Implemented
Russian Federation None Only for indoor applications
Note: Please don’t use the product outdoors in France.
mW e.i.r.p. within the band
2454-2483.5 MHz
General authorization required for outdoor use and
public service
Military Radiolocation use. Refarming of the 2.4 GHz
band has been ongoing in recent years to allow current
relaxed regulation. Full implementation planned 2012
If used outside of own premises, general authorization is
required
General authorization required for network and service
supply(not for spectrum)
This subsection does not apply for the geographical area
within a radius of 20 km from the centre of Ny-Ålesund
TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
For the following equipment:
Product Description: 300 Mbps Wireless N Access Point
Model No.: TL-WA901ND
Trademark: TP-LINK
We declare under our own responsibility that the above products satisfy all the technical
regulations applicable to the product within the scope of Council Directives:
Directives 1999/5/EC
The above product is in conformity with the following standards or other normative documents
ETSI EN 300 328 V1.7.1: 2006
ETSI EN 301 489-1 V1.8.1:2008& ETSI EN 301 489-17 V2.1.1:2009
EN60950-1:2006
Recommendation 1999/519/EC
EN62311:2008
Directives 2004/108/EC
The above product is in conformity with the following standards or other normative documents
EN 55022:2006 +A1:2007
EN 55024:1998+A1:2001+A2:2003
EN 61000-3-2:2006
EN 61000-3-3:1995+A1:2001+A2:2005
Directives 2006/95/EC
The above product is in conformity with the following standards or other normative documents
EN60950-1:2006
Directive（ErP） 2009/125/EC
Audio/Video, information and communication technology equipment- Environmentally conscious
design
EN62075:2008
Person is responsible for marking this declaration:
Yang Hongliang
Product Manager of International Business
TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
South Building, No.5 Keyuan Road, Central Zone, Science & Technology Park, Nanshan,
Shenzhen, P. R. China
CONTENTS
Package Contents.................................................................................................... 1
Conventions ............................................................................................................. 1
Overview of This Guide ........................................................................................... 2
Chapter 1 Introduction........................................................................................... 3
1.1 Product Overview.............................................................................................. 3
1.2 Main Features ................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Appearance....................................................................................................... 5
1.3.1 The Front Panel.................................................................................................5
1.3.2 The Rear Panel..................................................................................................6
Chapter 2 Hardware Installation ...........................................................................7
2.1 Before You Begin.............................................................................................. 7
2.2 Basic Requirements.......................................................................................... 7
2.3 Connecting the Device...................................................................................... 7
Chapter 3 Configure the PC ..................................................................................9
Chapter 4 Configure the Device..........................................................................13
4.1 Login ............................................................................................................... 13
4.2 Status.............................................................................................................. 13
4.3 QSS ................................................................................................................ 15
4.4 Network........................................................................................................... 21
4.5 Wireless .......................................................................................................... 22
4.5.1 Wireless Settings............................................................................................. 22
4.5.2 Wireless Security.............................................................................................32
4.5.3 Wireless MAC Filtering....................................................................................44
4.5.4 Wireless Advanced.......................................................................................... 46
4.5.5 Throughput Monitor .........................................................................................48
4.5.6 Wireless Statistics............................................................................................48
4.6 DHCP.............................................................................................................. 49
4.6.1 DHCP Settings.................................................................................................50
4.6.2 DHCP Clients List............................................................................................ 51
4.6.3 Address Reservation .......................................................................................51
4.7 System Tools .................................................................................................. 52
4.7.1 SNMP .............................................................................................................. 53
4.7.2 Diagnostic........................................................................................................54
4.7.3 Ping Watch Dog...............................................................................................56
4.7.4 Firmware Upgrade........................................................................................... 57
4.7.5 Factory Defaults...............................................................................................58
4.7.6 Backup & Restore............................................................................................58
4.7.7 Reboot .............................................................................................................59
4.7.8 Password.........................................................................................................60
4.7.9 System Log......................................................................................................60
Appendix A: Application Example........................................................................ 62
Appendix B: Factory Defaults...............................................................................65
Appendix C: Troubleshooting............................................................................... 66
Appendix D: Specifications................................................................................... 67
Appendix E: Glossary............................................................................................68
Package Contents
TL-WA901ND 300 Mbps Wireless N Access
Point
Resource CD, including:
z This User Guide
Quick Installation Guide
PoE Guide
z Other Helpful Information
Power Adapter for TL-WA901ND 300 Mbps
Wireless N Access Point
Power Injector
Ethernet Cables
Note:
)
Make sure that the package contains the above items. If any of the listed items are damaged or
missing, please contact with your distributor.
Conventions
The AP or TL-WA901ND, or device mentioned in this User guide stands for TL-WA901ND 300
Mbps Wireless N Access Point without any explanations.
Parameters provided in the pictures are just references for setting up the product, which may differ
from the actual situation. You can set the parameters according to your demand.
1
Overview of This Guide
Package Contents: Tells what are contained in the box.
Chapter 1 Introduction:
Gives an introduction for the TL-WA901ND 300 Mbps
Wireless N Access Point.
1.1 Product Overview: Introduces advantages of using this AP.
1.2 Main Feature:
Introduces main features and their benefits.
1.3 Appearance: Gives descriptions of LEDs, ports and buttons on the
front and rear panel.
Chapter 2 Hardware Installation:
Tells how to connect the AP and the requirements.
2.1 Before You Begin: Gives suggestions for better performance of the wireless
network.
2.2 Basic Requirement:
Introduces some basic requirements for successful
installation and long-term use
2.3 Connecting the Device:
Chapter 3 Configure the PC:
Introduces steps to connect the AP.
Tells how to configure the IP address of your PC in order
to access the AP.
Chapter 4 Configure the Device: Tells how to configure the AP via the web-based
management page.
4.1 Login: Tells how to log on to the web-based management page.
4.2 Status:
4.3 QSS
Gives information about the AP’s current configuration.
Guides how to add a new wireless device to an existing
network quickly.
4.4 Network:
4.5 Wireless:
Tells how to configure the IP parameters of AP.
Guides to establish the wireless network in different
wireless modes and deploy the security features
appropriate to your needs.
4.6 DHCP:
Introduces how to set your AP to be a DHCP server so
that the AP will automatically assign an IP address for
your PC.
4.7 System Tools: Provides some useful tools.
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TL-WA901ND 300 Mbps Wireless N Access Point User Guide
Chapter 1 Introduction
Thank you for choosing the TL-WA901ND 300 Mbps Wireless N Access Point.
1.1 Product Overview
The TL-WA901ND 300 Mbps Wireless N Access Point is dedicated to Small Office/Home Office
(SOHO) wireless network solutions. It allows for greater range and mobility within your wireless
network while also allowing you to connect the wireless devices to a wired environment. Increased
mobility and the absence of cabling will be beneficial for your network.
With using IEEE 802.11n wireless technology, your device can transmit wireless data at the rate of
up to 300Mbps. With multiple protection measures, including SSID broadcast control and wireless
LAN 64/128/152-bit WEP encryption, WiFi protected Access (WPA2- PSK, WPA- PSK), as well as
advanced Firewall protections, the TL-WA901ND 300 Mbps Wireless N Access Point delivers
complete data privacy.
It supports an easy, web-based setup for installation and management. Even though you may not
be familiar with the Access Point, you can easily configure it with the help of this Guide. Before
installing the AP, please look through this Guide to get the full information of the TL-WA901ND
300 Mbps Wireless N Access Point.
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TL-WA901ND 300Mbps Wireless N Access Point User Guide
1.2 Main Features
Features Benefits
Make use of IEEE 802.11n wireless technology Allows your device to transmit wireless data at
the rate of up to 300Mbps
Provides multiple encryption security Types
including: 64/128/152-bit WEP WPA/WPA2
Secures your data while the data packets are
being transmitted
WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK
Supports Built-in DHCP server Supports dynamic IP address distributing
Supports MAC address filtering Allows you to control the access rights of the
wireless stations, depending on the stations'
MAC addresses
Supports multiple operating modes including:
z Access Point
Makes the AP an ideal solution for your wireless
local area network
You can create a wireless local area network
z Multi-SSID Allows the wireless adapter to access to
different LANs appropriate to your needs by
connecting to different SSID
z Client Wirelessly connects Ethernet devices
z Repeater（Universal Repeater）
Relays signal between its stations and the root
AP for greater wireless range
z Bridge with AP (Point to Point,
Point to Multi-point)
Bridges the AP and another AP also in bridge
mode to connect two or more wired LANs
Supports Firmware Upgrade You can easily upgrade the firmware to the
latest version through the web-based
management page
Supports Remote and Web management Allows you to manage your wireless LAN easily
through the web-based management page,
while the management by remote computer is
also available
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TL-WA901ND 300Mbps Wireless N Access Point User Guide
1.3 Appearance
1.3.1 The Front Panel
Figure 1-1
The front panel of the TL-WA901ND consists of several LED indicators, which is designed to
indicate connections. View from left to right, Table 1-1 describes the LEDs on the front panel of the
device.
LED Explanation
Name Status Indication
Power
System
LAN
WLAN
QSS
Off No Power
On Power on
Off The device has a system error
On
Flash
Off
On
Flash
Off
Flash
Slow Flash
On
Quick Flash
The device is initialising
The device is working properly
There is no device linked to the corresponding port
There is a device linked to the corresponding port but no activity
There is an active device linked to the corresponding port
The Wireless function is disabled
The Wireless function is enabled
A wireless device is connecting to the network by QSS function.
This process will last in the first 2 minutes.
A wireless device has been successfully added to the network by
QSS function.
A wireless device failed to be added to the network by QSS
function.
Table 1-1
5
1.3.2 The Rear Panel
TL-WA901ND 300Mbps Wireless N Access Point User Guide
Figure 1-2
Viewed from left to right, the following parts are located on the rear panel of TL-WA901ND.
Wireless antenna：The external antenna is used to transmit and receive wireless data.
POWER: The power port connects to the power adapter provided with the TL-WA901ND 300
Mbps Wireless N Access Point.
LAN: One LAN 10/100Mbps RJ45 port connects to a network device, such as a switch or a router.
RESET: The Reset button is used to restore the AP’s factory default settings. There are two ways
to reset the Access Point’s factory defaults:
z Method one: With the AP powered on, use a pin to press and hold the Reset button (about 5
seconds) until the System LED becomes quick-flash from slow-flash. And then release the
button and wait the router to reboot to its factory default settings.
z Method two: Restore the default settings from “System Tools > Factory Defaults” of the
Modem's Web-based management page.
) Note:
Ensure the AP is powered on before it restarts completely.
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TL-WA901ND 300Mbps Wireless N Access Point User Guide
Chapter 2 Hardware Installation
2.1 Before You Begin
Please read this User Guide carefully before installing and using the equipment. The operating
distance range of your wireless connection can vary significantly depending on the physical
position of the wireless devices. Factors that can weaken signals by getting in the way of your
network’s radio waves are metal appliances or obstructions, and walls. Typical ranges vary base
on the types of materials and background RF (radio frequency) noise in your home or office.
For best performance of your wireless network, you are suggested to:
1). Avoid redundant obstacles and interference between the wireless devices.
2). Keep your AP away from appliances with a strong electric field or magnetic field, such as a
microwave oven or refrigerator.
Place the AP near the center of the area in which your computers operates.
2.2 Basic Requirements
z Use only the power adapter provided with your AP
z The electrical outlet shall be installed near the device and shall be easily accessible
z Place your AP in a well ventilated place far from direct sunlight, any heater or heating vent
z Leave at least 2 inches (5cm) space around the device for heat dissipation
z Turn off your AP and unplug the power adapter in a lighting storm to avoid damage
z Web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or above, Netscape Navigator 6.0 or
above
z Operating temperature: 0℃~40℃ (32℉~104℉)
z Operating Humidity: 10%~90%RH, Non-condensing
2.3 Connecting the Device
Figure 2-1 is an example of the typical application of TL-WA901ND in the infrastructure network.
An Infrastructure network contains an access point or a wireless router.
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TL-WA901ND 300Mbps Wireless N Access Point User Guide
Figure 2-1 The Example of Infrastructure Network Incorporating the TL-WA901ND
To establish a typical connection of the AP, please take the following steps:
1. Connect the Cable or DSL modem to a Router.
2. Locate an optimum location for the AP. The best place is usually near the center of the area in
which your PC(s) will wirelessly connect.
3. Adjust the direction of the antenna. Normally, upright is a good direction.
4. Connect the Ethernet Broadband Router to the TL-WA901ND Access Point. Power on the
AP.
5. Then you can connect a desktop PC or laptop to your network. (Make sure your computer or
laptop is equipped with a Wireless Adapter.)
Note:
)
If you are not so clear about how to connect your devices to the network, please refer to Appendix
A Application Example.
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TL-WA901ND 300Mbps Wireless N Access Point User Guide
Chapter 3 Configure the PC
This chapter will guide you to configure your PC to communicate with the AP. The wireless
adapter-equipped computers in your network must be in the same IP Address range without
overlap with each other. Manually configure the IP address as 192.168.1.* (* is any integer
between 1 and 253), and the Subnet mask as 255.255.255.0 for your PC by following the
instructions below.
Connect the local PCs to the LAN ports on the AP and configure the IP address manually for your
PCs.
1. Click Start (in the lower left corner of the screen), right-click My Network Connections and
choose Properties.
Figure 3-1
2. On the My Network Connections window shown as Figure 3-2 below, right-click LAN (Local
Area Connection) and choose Properties.
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TL-WA901ND 300Mbps Wireless N Access Point User Guide
Figure 3-2
3. In the General tab of Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window, highlight Internet
Protocol (TCP/IP) and click Properties.
Figure 3-3
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TL-WA901ND 300Mbps Wireless N Access Point User Guide
4. Configure the IP address manually.
1) Select Use the following IP address.
2) Enter 192.168.1.* (* is any integer between 1 and 253) into the IP address filed, and
255.255.255.0 into the Subnet mask filed.
3) Click OK to keep your settings.
Figure 3-4
5. Verify the network connection between your PC and the AP via the Ping command. The
following example is in Windows XP Operating System.
1) Click Start > Run tab. Enter cmd in the filed and click OK.
2) Type ping 192.168.1.254 on the screen that displays and then press Enter.
If the result displayed is similar to that shown in Figure 3-5 below, the connection
between your PC and the AP has been successfully established.
Figure 3-5
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TL-WA901ND 300Mbps Wireless N Access Point User Guide
If the result displayed is similar to that shown in Figure 3-6 below, it means that your PC
has not connected to the AP.
Figure 3-6
Please check following these steps:
a) Check to see if your PC and the AP are right connected. The LED of LAN port which
you link to on the device and the LED on your PC’s adapter should be lit up.
b) Make sure the TCP/IP for your PC is right configured. If the AP’s IP address is
192.168.1.254, your PC’s IP address must be within the range of 192.168.1.1 ~
192.168.1.253.
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TL-WA901ND 300Mbps Wireless N Access Point User Guide
Chapter 4 Configure the Device
This Chapter describes how to configure your Access Point via the web-based management page.
The TL-WA901ND 300 Mbps Wireless N Access Point is easy to configure and manage with the
Web-based (Internet Explorer, Netscape
management page, which can be launched on any windows, Macintosh or UNIX OS with a web
browser.
4.1 Login
Open your web browser. Type in IP address http://192.168.1.254 in the address field of web
browser and press Enter.
Figure 4-1 Login to the AP
Enter admin for the User Name and Password (both in lower case letters) in Figure 4-2 below.
Then click OK or press Enter.
®
Navigator, Firefox, Safari, Opera or Chrome)
Figure 4-2 Login Windows
Note:
)
If the above screen does not prompt, it means that your web-browser has been set to a proxy. Go
to Tools menu>Internet Options>Connections>LAN Settings, in the screen that appears,
cancel the Using Proxy checkbox, and click OK to finish it.
After a successful login, you can configure and manage the device. There are six main menus on
the leftmost column of the web-based management page: Status, QSS, Network, Wireless,
DHCP and System Tools. Submenus will be available after clicking one of the main menus. On
the right of the web-based management page lies the detailed explanations and instructions for
the corresponding page.
4.2 Status
Selecting Status will enable you to view the AP’s current status and configuration, all of which is
13
read-only.
TL-WA901ND 300Mbps Wireless N Access Point User Guide
Figure 4-3 Device Status
¾ Firmware Version - This field displays the current firmware version of the AP.
¾ Hardware Version - This field displays the current hardware version of the AP
¾ Wired - This field displays the current settings or information for the Network, including the
MAC address, IP address and Subnet Mask.
¾ Wireless - This field displays basic information or status for wireless function, including
Operating Mode, SSID, Channel, Mode, Channel Width, Max Tx Rate and MAC Address.
¾ Traffic Statistics - This field displays the AP's traffic statistics.
¾ System Up Time - This filed displays the run time of the AP since it’s powered on or reset.
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TL-WA901ND 300Mbps Wireless N Access Point User Guide
Note:
)
If you select Client mode in Figure 4-10, the wireless status in Figure 4-3 will change, similar to the
figure below:
4.3 QSS
QSS (Quick Secure Setup) can help you to quickly and securely connect to a network. This
section will guide you to add a new wireless device to an existing network quickly by function. The
QSS function is only available when the Operation Mode is set to Access Point and Multi-SSID.
Here we take the Access Point mode for example. Select menu “QSS”, you will see the next
screen shown in Figure 4-4.
Figure 4-4 QSS
¾ Operation Mode - Displays the current operation mode of the device.
¾ QSS Status - To enable or disable the QSS function here.
¾ Current PIN - The current value of the device's PIN is displayed here. The default PIN of the
device can be found in the label or User Guide.
¾ Restore PIN - Restore the PIN of the device to its default.
¾ Gen New PIN - Click this button, and then you can get a new random value for the device's
PIN. You can ensure the network security by generating a new PIN.
¾ Add device - You can add a new device to the existing network manually by clicking this
button.
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TL-WA901ND 300Mbps Wireless N Access Point User Guide
To add a new device:
If the wireless adapter supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), you can establish a wireless
connection between wireless adapter and device using either Push Button Configuration (PBC)
method or PIN method.
Note:
)
To build a successful connection by QSS, you should also do the corresponding configuration of
the new device for QSS function meanwhile.
For the configuration of the new device, here takes the Wireless Adapter of our company for
example.
I. By PBC
If the wireless adapter supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup and the Push Button Configuration (PBC)
method, you can add it to the network by PBC with the following two methods.
Method One:
Step 1: Press the QSS button on the front panel of the device.
Step 2: Press and hold the QSS button of the adapter directly for 2 or 3 seconds.
Step 3: Wait for a while until the next screen appears. Click Finish to complete the QSS
configuration.
The QSS Configuration Screen of Wireless Adapter
Method Two:
Step 1: Press the QSS button on the front panel of the device.
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