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WDS Bridging TP-Link Router

WDS Bridging TP-Link Router – A Step-by-Step Guide

WDS Bridging TP-Link Router

TP-Link included the WDS Bridging feature in the latest wireless routers. It allows the users to connect the Wi-Fi enabled devices with multiple access points. The Wireless Distribution System (WDS) changes the wireless links into an ethernet connection. This technology also reduces the bandwidth consumption of wireless networks. WDS Bridge function supports the TP-Link routers that offer IEEE 802.11 network.

Connect the extended and root router with the same MAC address to use WDS Bridging. The Wireless Distribution System might be incompatible with a few TP-Link products. Certain factors need to be considered before configuring a WDS bridging TP-Link router. Ensure the extended router’s LAN IP is different from the root router.  Don’t set up WDS bridging in both the routers.

Easy Steps for WDS Bridging TP-Link Router

Change the WDS settings of either the extended or root router. Choose a WDS bridging TP-Link router Wi-Fi band ( 2.4ghz or 5Ghz) before the setup. Check whether the router supports the WDS bridge function. Update the web browser and the router firmware to avoid unwanted IP conflicts. Connect the ethernet and power cables of the routers properly.

Don’t proceed to the WDS configuration if the router doesn’t have a stable connection. Restart the device to resolve this connectivity issue. Locate the TP-Link router’s IP address and login details. Otherwise, it might take ample time to set up WDS bridging. Once you find that, open a web browser go to the address bar to enter the gateway IP.

Press the “Enter” key, provide the login information, and tap on “OK”. It will direct you to the TP-Link router’s web interface. Now, move to “Network” and click on the “LAN” option. Change the LAN IP address of the extended router and choose “Save”.

Additionally, you can also change the TP-Link router’s subnet mask address. Open a web browser again, enter this new LAN IP, and head towards the “Wireless” section.

What else needs to be Done?

Click on “Wireless Settings” and choose the Wi-Fi band afterwards. Go for the “Enable WDS bridging” option when the pop-up window opens. Enter the network name (SSID) that you want to be bridged. Choose the “Key” type, change the WEP index and write the password. Then, click on “Survey” and wait until a pop-up window appears. Find the root router’s network name (SSID) from the AP count.

Check the channel number and security options once. Tap on “Connect” to fill the root AP’s SSID and BSSID (MAC address). Now, it’s time to configure the router’s security settings. Change the key type to “WPA-2 Personal” and enter a 10-12 character password.

Combine letters, numbers and special characters there. Don’t change the “Auth Type” or “WEP Index”. Choose “Save”, and when the pop-up window opens, click on “OK”.

Open the TP-Link router’s setup page again. Locate the DHCP” section and opt for the “DHCP Settings” option. Disable the “DHCP Server” option and check the start and end IP addresses.

Additionally, you need to check the router’s default gateway and domains. Ensure the primary and secondary DNS servers are set properly. Click on “Save” to complete the WDS bridging TP-Link router process. Don’t reboot the TP-Link router while changing the WDS settings.

How to Check the WDS Bridging TP-Link Router Performance?

TP-Link router users can check the WDS performance from the Ping utility. Don’t know where to check the device’s ping? Hold the Windows and R keys simultaneously to access the Run program. Write “cmd”, press the “Enter” key or click on the “OK” button.

Enter “ping 192.168.1.1” in the Command Prompt window. And, the old TP-LInk router model users should enter “192.168.1.0” as the IP address. Hit the “Enter” button and check whether the “reply from 192.168.1.1” message. This means you have set up the WDS bridging TP-Link router successfully. Contact a router expert if you can not see this ping message.

For Mac Users:

Do you use a MacBook? Then, open “Finder”, click on “Applications”, and choose “Utilities”. Select “Terminal” from the list of macOS applications. Wait until the Terminal window opens, and then write “ping 192.168.1.1” or “ping 192.168.1.0”. Press the “Enter” button to check the wireless router’s WDS performance. Hold the Control and C keys simultaneously to stop the ping test.

Many TP-Link router users receive the “Request Timeout” message during the ping test. This could be caused by network congestion and faulty router cables. Moreover, a firewall can cause issues in the WDS bridging TP-Link router process. Disable firewall and third-party programs to resolve this critical issue. And, restart the dual-band router if the WDS bridging function isn’t working.

Unable to Perform WDS Bridging TP-Link Router? Here’s How to Fix It

Change the TP-Link router’s LAN IP address to eliminate WDS bridging issues. Open a web browser, and enter the networking equipment’s default gateway. Press the “Enter” key, enter the login credentials and tap on “OK”. It will open the router’s web management page. Navigate to the “Network” section and click on “LAN” afterwards. Write the TP-Link router’s private gateway IP in the IP address field.

Tap on “Save” and perform the WDS bridging TP-Link steps again. Keep the extended router’s and root router’s IP address the same as the network. For instance, if the root router’s IP address is 192.168.1. 254 and IP range is 192.168.1.1- 192.168.1.100. And, the TP-Link router’s LAN IP address is 192.1168.1.1, change it to 192.168.1.101. Go to the “System Tools” section and select “Reboot” to restart the TP-Link router.

Can you connect the PC with the router after changing the IP address? If not, then power cycle the root router’s access point immediately. First, unplug the router’s power sources and reconnect them after a few seconds.

Hold the TP-Link router’s “Reset” button for 15-30 seconds. Release this button when the access point’s lights blink green. Turn on the router and connect the Wi-Fi enabled devices without further disruption.