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:
x Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
x Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
x Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
xConsult 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 radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment. End users must follow the specific operating instructions for satisfying RF
exposure compliance. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with
any other antenna or transmitter. This equipment has been SAR-evaluated for use in hand.
SAR measurements are based on a
achieved at that distance.
20cm spacing from the body and that compliance is
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.
Canadian Compliance Statement
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
(1)This device may not cause interference, and
(2)This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Cet appareil est conforme aux norms CNR exemptes de licence d’Industrie Canada. Le
fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes:
(1)cet appareil ne doit pas provoquer d’interférences et
(2)cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence, y compris celles susceptibles de provoquer un
fonctionnement non souhaité de l’appareil.
Industry Canada Statement
Complies with the Canadian ICES-003 Class B specifications.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
This device complies with RSS 210 of Industry Canada. This Class B device meets all the
requirements of the Canadian interference-causing equipment regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la Classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le
Please verify that all the package contents below are available.
¾One TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
¾Quick Installation Guide
¾One USB cable (not for TL-WN823N)
¾One Resource CD for TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N, including:
x TP-LINK Wireless Configuration Utility (TWCU) and Drivers
x User Guide
x Other helpful information
Make sure that the above items are contained in the package. If any of the above items are
damaged or missing, please contact your distributor.
Note:
The ‘adapter’ mentioned in this User Guide stands for TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N
300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter without any explanation. TL-WN821N, TL-WN822N and
TL-WN823N are sharing this User Guide. For simplicity, we will take TL-WN822N for example
throughout this User Guide. TL-WN821N, TL-WN822N and TL-WN823N just differ in the
appearance, so all figures in this User Guide are those of TL-WN822N.
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TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Chapter 1 Product Overview
1.1Introduction
The adapter is a 802.11n client device designed to deliver a high-speed and unrivaled wireless
performance for your desktop. With a faster wireless connection, you can get a better Internet
experience, such as downloading, gaming, video streaming.
With the 802.11n technology, higher throughput improvements using MIMO (multiple input,
multiple output antennas), the adapter’s auto-sensing capability allows high packet transfer rate of
up to 300Mbps for maximum throughput. It has good capability on anti-jamming, and it can also
interoperate with other wireless (802.11b) products. The adapter supports WEP, WPA and WPA2
encryption to prevent outside intrusion and protect your personal information from being exposed.
The adapter is easy to install and manage with the Quick Setup Wizard guiding you step-by-step
through the installation process and the TP-LINK Wireless Configuration Utility instructing you to
quickly set up a wireless connection.
With unmatched wireless performance, reception, and security protection, the adapter is the best
choice for easily adding or upgrading wireless connectivity to your desktop.
1.2Features
¾ Complies with IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b standards
¾ Supports WPA/WPA2 data security, IEEE802.1x authentication, TKIP/AES encryption,
WEP encryption
¾ Supports high rate of up to 300Mbps for maximum throughput, supports automatically
adjust to lower speeds due to distance or other operating limitations
¾ TL-WN822N provides Mini USB interface and TL-WN821N/TL-WN823N provides USB 2.0
interface
¾ Supports Ad Hoc and Infrastructure modes
¾ Good capability on anti-jamming
¾ Supports roaming between access points when configured under Infrastructure mode
¾ Easy to configure and provides monitoring information
¾ Supports Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7
¾ TL-WN822N provides two external antennas which are listed in a format of 2x2 for two
receivers and two transmitters, and TL-WN821N/TL-WN823N provides internal antennas.
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TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
)
1.3Hardware Overview
LED status:
StatusWorking Status
The driver has not been installed;
Off
The adapter's radio has been disabled.
Flashing Slowly
Flashing Quickly Data is being transmitted or received.
Note:
When the card failed to connect to a wireless network, the LED may be off. Please choose your
network and try to connect again.
The driver has been installed but no data is being transmitted or
received.
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TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
)
Chapter 2 Installation
2.1Hardware Installation
1. Locate an available USB interface on your computer.
2. Connect the adapter and your computer with the USB cable contained in the package.
Note:
The prompted Found New Hardware Wizard screen will pop up when the adapter is installed
correctly. Click Cancel.
2.2Software Installation
The adapter’s Setup Wizard will guide you through the installation procedures for Windows 7,
Windows Vista, and Windows XP. The procedures in different systems are quite similar,
therefore here takes the procedures in Windows 7 for example.
1. Insert the Resource CD into your CD-ROM drive, and the window below will appear. Select
model TL-WN822N. There will be a menu including: Install Driver&Utility and User
Guide. Click Install Driver&Utility to begin.
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TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Figure 2-1
2. The InstallShield Wizard window will appear. Click Next to continue.
Figure 2-2
3. Choose a setup type. It is recommended to select Install TP-LINK Wireless
Configuration Utility and Driver. Selecting Install Driver Only will only install driver.
Click Next to continue.
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TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Figure 2-3
4. Click Change… to specify the destination location for the software or you can leave it
default. Click Next in the screen below to continue.
Figure 2-4
5. Click Install to continue the setup.
6
TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Figure 2-5
6. The utility and drivers will install. This may take 1~2 minutes.
Figure 2-6
7. After all the steps above, you will see the screen below. Click Finish to complete the setup.
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TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Figure 2-7
8. After installation, the utility configuration page will automatically pop up as shown in the
following figure and the icon
please refer to Chapter 3
Connect to a Wireless Network.
will appear in your system tray. To connect to a network,
Figure 2-8
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TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Chapter 3 Connect to a Wireless Network
With both the hardware and software successfully installed into your computer, you can quickly
connect to a wireless network using one of the following methods.
¾Method One:
To connect using TWCU (TP-LINK Wireless Configuration Utility)
TL-WN822N uses the TP-LINK Wireless Configuration Utility as the management software. The
utility provides you an easy interface to connect to a network and to change any settings related
to the wireless adapter.
¾Method Two:
To connect using WPS
By this method, you can connect to your network quickly on the condition that your router or
access point supports QSS or WPS as is called by some other brands.
¾Method Three:
To connect using Windows built-in wireless utility
Windows users may use the built-in wireless utility to connect to a wireless network. For specific
operations, please go to To connect using Windows built-in wireless utility
.
3.1To connect using TWCU
1. After installation, the utility configuration page will automatically pop up on the screen. If the
utility page does not pop up, you can also launch the utility by double-clicking on the
icon on your desktop or the
icon in your system tray.
Figure 3-1
2. The Network page will display all wireless networks that are available in your area. To
connect to a network, simply highlight the wireless network name (SSID) and click
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TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
)
Connect. If you tick Connect automatically, the adapter will automatically connect to your
target network next time.
Figure 3-2
3. You will be prompted different windows when you choose wireless network of different
security types.
1) Wireless network of WPA/WPA2-Personal
If you selected a wireless network of the security type WPA/WPA2-Personal, you will be
prompted to enter the password in the security key field, as shown in Figure 3-3. Or you
can push the WPS/QSS button on your Router (if it features the WPS/QSS function) to
quickly build a connection without entering the security key (password).
Figure 3-3
Note:
The security key (password) can be found on the configuration page of your Router or Access
Point.
2) Wireless network of WPA/WPA2-Enterprise
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TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
If you selected a wireless network of the security type WPA/WPA2-Enterprise, you will be
prompted to choose a type of authentication, either certificate or password. With
Certificate as your authentication, you need to select one specific certificate from the
drop-down list, as shown in Figure 3-4. With Passw
ord as your authentication, you should
enter the right user name and password in the corresponding field, as shown in Figure 3-5.
Figure 3-4
Figure 3-5
3) Wireless network of None
If you selected a wireless network of None (that is, no security is set.), you can get directly
connected to this network without any further configuration.
4. Please wait a few minutes for the connection process.
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TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Figure 3-6
5. You have now successfully connected to your network. Click Close to enjoy the Internet.
Figure 3-7
6. To view more information about the network currently connected, click Status in the tools
section and the page will display information such as the network type, link quality and
wireless mode.
Figure 3-8
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TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
3.2To connect using WPS
WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) function allows you to add a new wireless device to an existing
network quickly.
If the wireless router supports WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) or QSS, you can establish a
wireless connection between wireless card and router using either Push Button Configuration
(PBC) method or PIN method.
3.2.1 PBC (Push Button Configuration) method
1. Press the WPS/RESET button for 2~3 seconds on the back panel of the router. Here takes
router TL-WR841ND for example.
2. Press the WPS button on the adapter. There are two ways:
¾ Method One˖
Press and hold the WPS button on the adapter directly for 2~3 seconds until
appears.
Figure 3-9
¾ Method Two:
6Figure 3-11
Open TWCU and click WPS tab. Select Push the button on my access point or wireless
router and then click Connect.
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TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Figure 3-10
3. The adapter will be connecting to the target network.
Figure 3-11
4. When the following window appears, you have successfully connected to the network.
Figure 3-12
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TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
3.2.2 PIN method
There are two ways to configure the WPS by PIN method:
1) Enter the PIN from your AP device.
2) Enter a PIN into your AP device.
Following are detailed configuration procedures of each way.
3.2.2.1. Enter the PIN from your AP device
Open TWCU and click WPS tab. Select Enter the PIN of my access point or wireless
1.
router. In the empty field beside PIN, enter the PIN labeled on the bottom of the router
(here takes 13492564 for example). If you have generated a new PIN code for your router,
please enter the new one instead. Click Connect to continue.
Figure 3-13
2. The adapter will be connecting to the target network.
Figure 3-14
3. When Figure 3-12 appears, you have successfully
connected to the network.
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TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
3.2.2.2. Enter a PIN into your AP device
1.Open TWCU and click WPS tab. Select Enter the PIN of this device into my access
point or wireless router. In the field beside PIN, you will see the PIN value of the adapter
which is randomly generated. Click Connect to continue.
Figure 3-15
2. Open your router’s Web-based Utility and click WPS link on the left of the main menu. Then
click Add device and the following figure will appear. Enter the PIN value of the adapter in
the empty field beside PIN and then click Connect.
Figure 3-16
3. When Connect successfully appears on the screen, the WPS configuration is complete.
Or you can view the adapter’s utility page to see whether the connection has been
successful as shown in Figure 3-18.
Figure 3-17
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TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Figure 3-18
3.3To connect using Windows built-in wireless utility
3.3.1 In Windows 7
Windows 7 users may use the built-in wireless utility. Follow the steps below.
1. Left-click the wireless icon
display any available wireless networks in your area. Highlight the wireless network
(displayed using the SSID) to be connected and then click Connect.
in your system tray (lower-right corner). The utility will
Figure 3-19
2. If the network you would like to connect is security-enabled, enter the same security key or
passphrase that is on your router. Or push the WPS/QSS buttonon the router or access
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TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
point (You will be prompted to push the button on the window if WPS function is supported
as shown in the figure below). If the network to be connected is not secure, the connection
will be built without entering a key.
Figure 3-20
3. You have now successfully connected to the network.
Figure 3-21
3.3.2 In Windows Vista
Windows Vista users may use the built-in wireless utility. Follow the steps below.
1. Open the wireless utility by right-clicking on the wireless computer icon in your system tray
as shown in the figure below. Select Connect to a network.
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TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Figure 3-22
2. The utility will display any available wireless networks in your area. Highlight the wireless
network you would like to connect and then click Connect.
Figure 3-23
3. If the network you would like to connect is security-enabled, enter the same security key or
passphrase that is on your router. If the network to be connected is not secure, the
connection will be built without entering a key.
Figure 3-24
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TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
4. You have now successfully connected to the network.
Figure 3-25
3.3.3 In Windows XP
Windows XP users may use the built-in wireless utility. Follow the steps below.
1. Right-click on the utility icon in your system tray (lower-right corner). Select Switch to
Windows wireless configuration tool.
Figure 3-26
Or double-click the utility icon to load the utility configuration page. Click Advanced in the
tools section and then select Use Windows wireless configuration tool in the figure
shown below. Click OK when Figure 3-28 appears to continue.
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TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Figure 3-27
Figure 3-28
2. Right-click on the wireless computer icon in your system tray (lower-right corner). Select
View Available Wireless Networks.
Figure 3-29
3. The utility will display any available wireless networks in your area. Click on a network
(displayed using the SSID) and click the Connect button.
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TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Figure 3-30
4. If the network is security-enabled, you will be prompted to enter the key as shown below. If
not, you will connect to the network directly without entering a key.
Figure 3-31
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TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Chapter 4 Management
This section will show you how to configure your TL-WN822N adapter using the TP-LINK
Wireless Configuration Utility (TWCU).
The TL-WN822N adapter uses the TP-LINK Wireless Configuration Utility as the management
software. The utility provides users with an easy interface to change any settings related to the
adapter. Double-clicking on the
icon on your desktop will start the utility.
4.1Profile
Your wireless networks may vary in different places like home, office or coffee shop. With
Profile management, you can easily save and manage various networks to be connected,
saving you the trouble of having to repeat the same configurations. Click Profile in the tools
section, the following page will appear.
Figure 4-1
4.1.1 Add a profile
To add a profile, click the Add button on the bottom of the screen. Then the configuration
window will appear.
If you are connecting to a wireless router or access point, select Infrastructure as the Network
Type, and if you are connecting to another wireless client such as an adapter, select ad hoc as
the Network Type. Then, the screen bellow will appear. Follow the instructions below to finish
the setting.
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TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Figure 4-2
Figure 4-3
Figure 4-4
24
TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Figure 4-5
Figure 4-6
The following items can be found on the screen.
¾Profile Name: Enter a name for your profile (e.g. CoffeeShop, Home, Office). The same
name is not allowed. Please also note that no space is allowed between words.
¾SSID: Select the target network from the drop-down list.
¾Network Type: Select the network type. If you are connecting to a wireless router or
access point, select Infrastructure. If you are connecting to another wireless client such as
an adapter, select ad hoc.
¾Security Type: Select the security type from the list. In Infrastructure mode, four options
are available: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK, WPA/WPA2, WEP and None. In ad hoc mode, two
options are available: WEP and None. The security type should be the same as on your
router or access point, otherwise, you will not be able to build a successful
connection.WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK uses a passphrase or key to authenticate your wireless
connection. The key must be the exact same key entered on your wireless router or access
point. None stands for no security. In Infrastructure mode, it is recommended to enable
WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK on your wireless router or access point before configuring your
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TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
)
)
wireless adapter. While in ad hoc mode, it is recommended that you select WEP to secure
your wireless network.
Note:
In
Infrastructure
will see Figure 4-4 if you selected the security type
selected the security type
mode, you will see Figure 4-3 if you selected the security type
. While, if you
WPA/WPA2
WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK
(-Enterprise), Figure 4-5 or Figure 4-6 will be
WEP
; you
displayed.
In
ad hoc mode
¾Encryption Type: From the drop-down menu, select the encryption type that is the same
, you will see Figure 4-2 if you selected the security type
WEP
.
as on your router or access point.
¾Key Index: You can select ASCII or Hexadecimal format on the right. ASCII format stands
for any combination of keyboard characters in the specified length. Hexadecimal format
stands for any combination of hexadecimal digits (0-9, a-f, A-F) in the specified length.
xFor 64-bit encryption - You can enter 10 hexadecimal digits (any combination of 0-9,
a-f, A-F, zero key is not permitted) or 5 ASCII characters.
xFor 128-bit encryption - You can enter 26 hexadecimal digits (any combination of 0-9,
a-f, A-F, zero key is not permitted) or 13 ASCII characters.
¾Security Key: Enter the passphrase exactly as it is on your wireless router or access point.
Click the Show characters box to see the passphrase. Unchecking it will hide it.
¾Authentication: Select a type of authentication, either certificate or password.
Note:
In the security type of
WPA/WPA2
(-Enterprise), you will see Figure 4-5 if you choose
certificate as the authentication, you will see Figure 4-6 if you choose password as the
authentication.
¾Certificate: If you select certificate as your Authentication, then you need to specify your
certificate from the drop-down list here.
¾User Name: Enter the name of the enterprise network.
¾Password: Enter the password for the enterprise network. Click the Show characters box
to see the passphrase. Unchecking it will hide it.
¾Start this connection automatically: check this box to automatically connect to this
network next time.
¾Save: Click Save to save your settings.
Having completed the above settings, the Profile page should look like the following figure. To
connect to a desired network, just highlight the network you would like to connect to and click
the Connect button on the bottom of the window. Then click OK in Figure 4-8 to activate the
profile.
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TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Figure 4-7
Figure 4-8
4.1.2 Modify a profile
You may edit an existing profile by clicking the Modify button from the Profile page. For
instance, you may like to change the profile name from Home to Home1 or you may want to
specify another SSID for profile Home. After all the changes, click Save to make the changes
take effect.
Figure 4-9
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TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
4.1.3 Delete a profile
To delete an existing profile, highlight the profile name and click Remove on the bottom of the
screen or press the Delete button on your keyboard. When the following figure appears, click
OK to continue.
Figure 4-10
4.2Advanced
The following configurations can be made on the Advanced page:
1) To select wireless configuration tool.
Here you can decide which tool to use, either the TP-LINK Configuration Utility or the
Windows wireless configuration tool. (This option is available only in Windows XP.)
2) To switch to another wireless network adapter.
Here you can switch to another adapter installed in your computer. The adapters
successfully installed in your computer will be listed in the drop-down menu if the adapters
are supported by this utility.
3) To switch to SoftAP mode.
Once enabled, the adapter will be able to work as an AP.
4) To change the power save mode.
Figure 4-11
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TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
4.3About
The About screen gives you information about the Driver and Utility versions of the adapter.
Right-click on the
icon in your system tray and select About from the list.
Figure 4-12
Figure 4-13
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TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
Chapter 5 AP Mode
In Soft AP mode, the adapter will work as an AP.
Suppose that only one computer in your house can access the Internet for various reasons like
only one WLAN port is available on your wired broadband router, however, other
wireless-capable devices also want to share the Internet. Then the adapter can be configured
as an AP under the Soft AP mode, saving you the trouble of having to get a separate access
point or a router.
With this feature, a computer can use a single physical wireless adapter to connect as a client
to a hardware access point while at the same time acting as a software AP allowing other
wireless-capable devices to connect to it.
To switch to this mode, right-click on the utility icon in your system tray and select Switch to
SoftAP mode.
Figure 5-1
Or from the Advanced page of the utility, tick ON under the SoftAP mode as shown in the
following figure. Click OK when prompted to confirm the setting.
Figure 5-2
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TL-WN821/TL-WN822N/TL-WN823N 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter
The Soft AP icon should then appear beside Advanced icon in the utility.
Figure 5-3
¾SoftAP mode: Select to enable or disable the function.
¾Internet Connecting Share(ICS): Specify a connection through which devices connected
to your AP can access the Internet.
¾SSID: Enter the name for your soft AP (for example, Jone) so that others can know which
AP is yours when trying to connect to it. The default name (SSID) is “tp-link”.
¾Security Type: The security type here is set to be WPA2-PSK which is based on 802.11i
and uses Advanced Encryption Standard instead of TKIP. It was designed to improve the
security features of WEP. WPA2-PSK uses a passphrase or key to authenticate your
wireless connection. You needn’t make any configuration here.
¾Encryption Type: The encryption type here is set to be AES.
¾Security Key: Enter the Key in the field to make your AP security enabled. It is
recommended that you specify another key instead of the default key 12345678. Only by
entering the corresponding key can other computers establish a successful connection with
your AP.
¾IP Address: Here displays the IP address of the SoftAP.
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Chapter 6 Uninstall Software
6.1Uninstall the utility software from your PC
1. On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button, click All programsÆTP-LINK, and then