TP Link Network Router TL WPA271 User Manual

TL-WPA281/TL-WPA271  
Wireless N Powerline Extender  
Rev: 1.0.0  
1910010522  
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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.  
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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  
General authorization required for outdoor use and  
public service  
Bulgaria  
None  
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  
Outdoor use limited to 10  
mW e.i.r.p. within the band  
2454-2483.5 MHz  
France  
If used outside of own premises, general authorization is  
required  
Italy  
None  
None  
General authorization required for network and service  
supply(not for spectrum)  
Luxembourg  
This subsection does not apply for the geographical area  
within a radius of 20 km from the centre of Ny-Ålesund  
Norway  
Implemented  
None  
Russian Federation  
Only for indoor applications  
Note: Please don’t use the product outdoors in France.  
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TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD  
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY  
For the following equipment:  
Product Description: Wireless N Powerline Extender  
Model No.: TL-WPA281/TL-WPA271  
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+A11:2009+A1:2010  
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  
EN50412-2-12005  
EN 61000-3-2:2006+A1:2009+A2:2009  
EN 61000-3-3:2008  
Directives 2006/95/EC  
The above product is in conformity with the following standards or other normative documents  
EN60950-1:2006+A11:2009+A1:2010  
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  
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Important Safety Instructions  
1. Do not open this product or attempt to service it; it may expose you to dangerous high voltage or  
other risks.  
2. Do not operate this product near water.  
3. Do not place or operate this product near a radiator or a heat register.  
4. Do not expose this product to dampness, dust or corrosive liquids.  
5. Do not connect this product or disconnect it from a wall socket during a lightning or a thunderstorm  
6. Do not block the ventilation slots of this product, for insufficient airflow may harm it.  
7. Do not put anything on this product.  
8. Plug this product directly into a wall socket (100V~240V, 50~60Hz). Do not use an extension cord  
between this product and the AC power source.  
9. When plugging this product into a wall socket, make sure that the electrical socket is not damaged,  
and that there is no gas leakage.  
10. Place the connecting cables properly so that people won’t stumble or walk on it.  
11. This product should be operated from the type of power indicated on the marking label. If you are not  
sure of the type of power available, consult the qualified technician.  
12. Unplug this product from the mains and refer the product to qualified service personnel for the  
following conditions:  
¾ If liquid has been spilled on the product  
¾ If the product has been exposed to rain or water  
13. Unplug this product from the wall socket before cleaning. Use a damp cloth for cleaning. Do not use  
liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners.  
14. The specification of the fuse is T2.5AL250V. To avoid damage, please do not change the fuse.  
15. The Operating temperature is 0~40(32~104).  
The Storage temperature is -40~70(-40~158).  
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CONTENTS  
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TL-WPA281/TL-WPA271 Wireless N Powerline Extender  
Chapter 1 Introduction  
Congratulations on your purchase of this outstanding Wireless N Powerline Extender. This device is not  
only a 200Mbps Powerline Ethernet Adapter which transforms your house’s existing electrical wiring into  
a ubiquitous networking infrastructure but also a 300Mbps/150Mbps Wireless N Access Point which  
creates a wireless network allowing for greater range and mobility.  
As a Powerline Ethernet Adapter, it uses the existing power lines installed in a home as a path to  
transmit digital data, voice, audio and video between devices. Simply plug this Wireless N Powerline  
Extender into an ordinary AC power outlet, and then your Cable/xDSL broadband connection or existing  
Ethernet (LAN) network can be easily extended to any other electrical outlet in any room of a house with  
the absence of cabling. With powerline data rates of 200Mbps, full multimedia application can easily be  
supported throughout the whole house.  
As a Wireless N Access Point, it uses IEEE 802.11n wireless technology and can transmit wireless data  
at the rate of up to 300Mbps/150Mbps. With multiple protection measures including SSID broadcast  
control, wireless LAN WEP encryption, and WiFi Protected Access (WPA2- PSK, WPA-PSK), the device  
delivers complete data privacy.  
It supports an easy, Web-based management utility. Even though you may not be familiar with the  
device, you can easily configure it with the help of this Guide. The adapter adds two new functions which  
are found to be useful.  
1.Connection with a new unassociated device via the Pair button.  
2.Reset to default settings via the Reset button.  
1.1 System Requirement  
a) At least two AC 100V ~ 240V power outlets with standard home power wiring  
b) A computer with the following:  
¾ Operating System of Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7  
¾ Operating System with TCP/IP installed  
¾ Pentium III compatible processor and above  
¾ Ethernet LAN card installed with TCP/IP protocol  
¾ 64 MB RAM or more  
¾ 50 MB of free disk space (Minimum)  
¾ CD-ROM Drive  
1.2 Package Contents  
The package contains the following items:  
¾
¾
¾
¾
One Wireless N Powerline Extender  
One Ethernet Cable  
One Quick Installation Guide  
One Resource CD (including Management Utility and User Guide)  
If any of the above items are damaged or missing, please contact your distributor immediately.  
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TL-WPA281/TL-WPA271 Wireless N Powerline Extender  
1.3 Conventions  
The Extender, or TL-WPA281/TL-WPA271, or device mentioned in this User Guide stands for  
TL-WPA281/TL-WPA271 Wireless N Powerline Extender without any explanations.  
Parameters provided in the pictures are just references for setting up the product. They may differ from  
the actual situation.  
You can set the parameters according to your demand.  
Note:  
)
This User Guide is shared by TL-WPA281 and TL-WPA271. Here in this Guide we use TL-WPA281 for  
example.  
The difference between them is:  
¾
¾
TL-WPA281 Wireless N Powerline Extender with wireless data rate of up to 300Mbps;  
TL-WPA271 Wireless N Powerline Extender with wireless data rate of up to 150Mbps.  
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TL-WPA281/TL-WPA271 Wireless N Powerline Extender  
Chapter 2 Hardware Connection  
2.1 Before You Begin  
Please read this User Guide carefully before installing and using the equipment. The operating distance  
or range of your wireless connection varies significantly based on the physical placement of the  
Powerline Extender. 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 based 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 place your Powerline Extender:  
1). Near the center of the area in which your wireless stations will operate.  
2). In an elevated location such as a high shelf.  
3). Away from the potential sources of interference, such as PCs, microwaves, and cordless phones.  
4). With the Antenna in the upright position.  
5). Away from large metal surfaces.  
Failure to follow these guidelines can result in significant performance degradation or inability to  
wirelessly connect to the Powerline Extender.  
Note:  
)
Take notes that this Wireless N Powerline Extender works in pairs or with another powerline adapter.  
You need to plug the Wireless N Powerline Extender into a power outlet; you will also need another  
Wireless N Powerline Extender or Powerline Ethernet Adapter connected to your Cable/xDSL  
broadband (Ethernet port) in order to extend your broadband connection or Internet surfing. With clean  
powerline, the distance between two Powerline Ethernet Adapters can reach 300 meters, but the actual  
distance may vary due to the environment.  
Section below describes the Wireless N Powerline Extender’s LED indicators, physical interface and  
hardware connection mechanism.  
2.2 LED Indicator  
The LED indicator displays information about the device’s status.  
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TL-WPA281/TL-WPA271 Wireless N Powerline Extender  
LEDs  
Name  
Status  
Solid  
Off  
Indication  
The device is on.  
Power LED  
The device is off.  
Solid  
Off  
The device is connected to a powerline network.  
The adapter isn’t connected to any powerline network.  
The device is transferring data.  
Powerline  
LED  
Blinking  
The Ethernet port is connected, but there is no data being  
transferred.  
Solid  
Ethernet LED  
Off  
The Ethernet port isn’t connected.  
Blinking  
The Ethernet port is transferring data.  
If the LED becomes solid light for 300 seconds, this  
indicates a successful WPS connection.  
Solid  
Off  
The wireless function has been disabled.  
WiFi/WPS  
LED  
The device is waiting for client devices to connect to it by  
WPS.  
Blinking quickly The wireless function has been enabled.  
Blinking slowly  
2.3 Physical Interface  
There are four physical items on this device.  
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TL-WPA281/TL-WPA271 Wireless N Powerline Extender  
WiFi/WPS Button  
Ethernet Port  
Pair Button  
Reset Button  
Item  
WiFi/WPS  
Ethernet  
Reset  
Description  
Press the button for 2 seconds, the Extender will wait to be connected by WPS.  
Pressing the button for 5 seconds will enable or disable the wireless function.  
One 10/100Mbps Ethernet port connected to PC LAN card or broadband device.  
Use a pin to press and hold this Reset button for approximately 10 seconds, then  
the device will restore to factory defaults.  
Pair  
Pair buttons are used to secure a powerline network.  
Note:  
)
1. If you press the Pair button for more than 10 seconds, The Extender will leave the network it is  
associated with and its network name assumes a random value.  
2. For detail information about the Reset button and Pair button, please refer to Chapter 5 Pair  
2.4 Hardware Connection  
Please first make sure that your PC can successfully access the Internet via the Router. Then connect  
the powerline devices following the instructions below.  
Step 1: Connecting to the Internet  
This section describes how to connect the Powerline Extender into your existing network. Follow the  
procedures described below:  
1Connect an Ethernet (RJ45) cable to the Ethernet port of the Powerline Extender or a compatible  
Powerline Adapter like TL-PA211.  
2Connect the other end of the Ethernet (RJ45) cable to an available Ethernet port of your broadband  
Router.  
3Plug the Powerline Extender or Powerline Adapter into a wall socket.  
5
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TL-WPA281/TL-WPA271 Wireless N Powerline Extender  
4Check and confirm the LEDs status. (The Power LED and Ethernet LED on the Powerline Extender  
should be ON.)  
The hardware connection mechanism is shown below:  
)
Note:  
Do not connect the Powerline Extender or Powerline Adapter to an extension lead, power strip,  
extension cord, or surge protector as this may degrade the network performance.  
Step 2: Connecting the Computer  
Following are the steps to properly connect the Powerline Extender to your computer:  
1Connect the provided Ethernet (RJ45) cable to the Powerline Extender’s Ethernet port.  
2Connect the other end of the Ethernet (RJ45) cable to you computer’s LAN port.  
3Plug the Powerline Extender into a wall socket next to the computer.  
4Turn on your computer.  
5Check and confirm that the Power LED and Ethernet LED on the Powerline Extender are ON.  
The hardware connection mechanism is shown below:  
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TL-WPA281/TL-WPA271 Wireless N Powerline Extender  
As soon as the powerline devices are connected following the steps above, a usable powerline network  
is available.  
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TL-WPA281/TL-WPA271 Wireless N Powerline Extender  
Chapter 3 Configure the Device  
This Chapter describes how to configure your Access Point via the web-based management page. The  
TL-WPA281 Wireless N Powerline Extender is easy to configure and manage with the Web-based  
(Internet Explorer, Netscape® Navigator, Firefox, Safari, Opera or Chrome) management page, which  
can be launched on any windows, Macintosh or UNIX OS with a web browser.  
3.1 Login  
1. Insert the TP-LINK Resource CD into the CD-ROM drive. The following screen will appear. Select  
model TL-WPA281 and then choose Management Utility from the drop-down menu.  
Figure 3-1 Setup Wizard  
2. Find the model to be configured and click Connect to log in the Web-based management utility.  
Figure 3-2 Management Utility  
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TL-WPA281/TL-WPA271 Wireless N Powerline Extender  
)
Note:  
If another TL-WPA281 is displayed on the screen above and you cannot decide which model is the one  
you are configuring, please refer to the MAC address under MAC Address column. The device’s MAC  
address can be found on the label at the bottom of the device.  
3. Enter admin for the User name and Password (both in lower case letters) in the screen below. Then  
click OK or press Enter.  
Figure 3-3 Login Window  
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, WPS, Network, Wireless, Powerline  
and System Tools. Submenus will be available after clicking one of the main menus. On the right of the  
Web-based management page lays the detailed explanations and instructions for the corresponding  
page.  
3.2 Status  
The Status page displays the Powerline Extender’s current status and configuration. All information is  
read-only.  
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TL-WPA281/TL-WPA271 Wireless N Powerline Extender  
Figure 3-4 Status  
¾
¾
¾
Firmware Version - This field displays the current firmware version of the Powerline Extender.  
Hardware Version - This field displays the current hardware version of the Powerline Extender.  
Powerline - This field displays the current settings or information for powerline, including the MAC  
address, Device Password and Network Name which can be configured on the Powerline →  
Network Settings page.  
z
z
z
MAC Address - The physical address of the Powerline Extender, as seen from powerline.  
Device Password - The security ID that restricts access to critical device functions.  
Network Name - The name that identifies a logical network.  
¾
Network - The following parameters apply to the Ethernet port of the Powerline Extender. You can  
configure them on the Network page.  
z
z
z
MAC Address - The physical address of the Powerline Extender's Ethernet port.  
IP Address - The IP address of the Powerline Extender.  
Subnet Mask - The subnet mask associated with IP address.  
¾
Wireless - This field displays the current settings or information for Wireless. They can be  
configured on the Wireless Wireless Settings page.  
10  
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TL-WPA281/TL-WPA271 Wireless N Powerline Extender  
z
Wireless Radio - Indicates whether the wireless radio feature of the Powerline Extender is  
enabled or disabled.  
z
z
z
z
z
Name (SSID) - The SSID of the Powerline Extender.  
Channel - The wireless channel in use.  
Mode - The current wireless mode the Powerline Extender works on.  
Channel Width - The bandwidth of the wireless channel.  
MAC Address - The physical address of the Powerline Extender, as seen from the WLAN.  
¾
System Up Time - This filed displays the length of the time since the Powerline Extender was last  
powered on or reset.  
Click the Refresh button to get the latest status and settings of the Powerline Extender.  
3.3 WPS  
WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) can help you quickly and securely connect to a network. This section will  
guide you to add a new wireless device to an existing network quickly by WPS function. Select menu  
WPS to load the next screen as shown in Figure 3-5.  
Figure 3-5 WPS  
¾
¾
WPS Status - Enable or disable the WPS function here.  
Current PIN - The current value of the Powerline Extender's PIN is displayed here. The default  
PIN of the Powerline Extender can be found in the User Guide or on the label at the bottom of the  
device.  
¾
¾
Restore PIN - Restore the PIN of the device to its default.  
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.  
To add a new device:  
If a wireless adapter supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) or QSS (Quick Secure Setup) you can  
establish a wireless connection between the wireless adapter and the Powerline Extender using either  
Push Button Configuration (PBC) method or PIN method.  
Note:  
)
To build a successful connection by WPS, you should also do corresponding configuration on the new  
device meanwhile.  
For the configuration of the new device, here takes the Wireless Adapter of our company for example.  
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TL-WPA281/TL-WPA271 Wireless N Powerline Extender  
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 WPS button on the front panel of the device for 2 seconds.  
Step 2: Within two minutes, press and hold the QSS button of the adapter directly for 2 or 3 seconds.  
(QSS, also called WPS, is used by our company on the wireless adapter.)  
Step 3: Wait for a while until the next screen appears. Click Finish to complete the WPS configuration.  
The status LED on the Powerline Extender will light green for five minutes if the device has  
been successfully added to the network.  
The WPS Configuration Screen of Wireless Adapter  
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TL-WPA281/TL-WPA271 Wireless N Powerline Extender  
Method Two:  
Step 1: Press the WPS button on the front panel of the device for 2 seconds.  
Step 2: For the configuration of the wireless adapter, please choose Push the button on my access  
point in the configuration utility of the WPS as below, and click Next. (QSS, also called WPS, is  
used by our company on the wireless adapter.)  
The WPS Configuration Screen of Wireless Adapter  
Step 3: Wait for a while until the next screen appears. Click Finish to complete the WPS configuration.  
The status LED on the Powerline Extender will light green for five minutes if the device has  
been successfully added to the network.  
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TL-WPA281/TL-WPA271 Wireless N Powerline Extender  
The WPS Configuration Screen of Wireless Adapter  
Method Three:  
Step 1: Keep the default WPS Status as Enabled and click the Add device button in Figure 3-5, then  
the following screen will appear.  
Figure 3-6 Add a New Device  
Step 2: Choose Press the button of the new device in two minutes and click Connect.  
Step 3: For the configuration of the wireless adapter, please choose Push the button on my access  
point in the configuration utility of the WPS as below, and click Next. (QSS, also called WPS,  
is used by our company on the wireless adapter.)  
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TL-WPA281/TL-WPA271 Wireless N Powerline Extender  
The WPS Configuration Screen of Wireless Adapter  
Step 4: Wait for a while until the next screen appears. Click Finish to complete the WPS configuration.  
The status LED on the Powerline Extender will light green for five minutes if the device has  
been successfully added to the network.  
The WPS Configuration Screen of Wireless Adapter  
II. By PIN  
If the new device supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup and the PIN method, you can add it to the network by  
PIN with the following two methods.  
Method One: Enter the PIN into my Powerline Extender  
Step 1: Keep the default WPS Status as Enabled and click the Add device button in Figure 3-5, then  
the following screen will appear.  
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TL-WPA281/TL-WPA271 Wireless N Powerline Extender  
Figure 3-7 Add a New Device  
Step 2: Choose Enter the new device's PIN and enter the PIN code (take 16952898 for example) of  
the wireless adapter in the field after PIN as shown in the figure above. Then click Connect.  
Note:  
)
The PIN code of the adapter is always displayed on the WPS configuration screen as shown in the  
following figure.  
Step 3: For the configuration of the wireless adapter, please choose Enter a PIN into my access point  
or a registrar in the configuration utility of the WPS as below, and click Next. (QSS, also called  
WPS, is used by our company on the wireless adapter.)  
The WPS Configuration Screen of Wireless Adapter  
Note:  
)
In this example, the default PIN code of this adapter is 16952898 as the above figure shows.  
Method Two: Enter the PIN from my Powerline Extender  
Step 1: Get the Current PIN code of the Powerline Extender in Figure 3-5 (Each Powerline Extender  
has its unique PIN code. Here takes the PIN code 12345670 of this device for example).  
Step 2: For the configuration of the wireless adapter, please choose Enter a PIN from my access  
point in the configuration utility of the WPS as below, and enter the PIN code of the Extender  
into the field after Access Point PIN. Then click Next. (QSS, also called WPS, is used by our  
company on the wireless adapter.)  
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TL-WPA281/TL-WPA271 Wireless N Powerline Extender  
The WPS Configuration Screen of Wireless Adapter  
Note:  
)
The default PIN code of the Powerline Extender can be found on its label or on its WPS configuration  
page as shown in Figure 3-5.  
You will see the following screen when the new device has successfully connected to the network.  
Figure 3-8 Successfully Added a New Device  
Note:  
)
a. The WPS LED on the Powerline Extender will light green for five minutes if the device has been  
successfully added to the network.  
b. The WPS function cannot be configured if the Wireless function of the Powerline Extender is  
disabled. Please make sure the wireless function is enabled before configuring the WPS.  
3.4 Network  
You can configure the IP parameters of the Powerline Extender on this page.  
Figure 3-9 Network  
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TL-WPA281/TL-WPA271 Wireless N Powerline Extender  
¾
¾
¾
MAC Address - The physical address of the Powerline Extender's Ethernet port. The value can not  
be changed.  
IP Address - Enter the IP address of the Powerline Extender in dotted-decimal notation (factory  
default setting is 192.168.1.1).  
Subnet Mask - An address code that determines the size of the network. Usually it is  
255.255.255.0.  
Click the Save button to save your settings.  
Note:  
)
If you change the IP address, you must use the new IP address to log in to the Powerline Extender.  
3.5 Wireless  
The Wireless option, improving functionality and performance for wireless network, can help you make  
the Powerline Extender an ideal solution for your wireless network. Here you can create a wireless local  
area network just through a few settings. Wireless Settings is used for the configuration of some basic  
parameters of the Powerline Extender. Wireless Security provides three different security types to  
secure your data and thus providing greater security for your wireless network. MAC filtering allows you  
to control the access of wireless stations to the Powerline Extender. Wireless Advanced allows you to  
configure some advanced parameters for the Powerline Extender. Wireless statistics enables you to get  
detailed information about the current connected wireless stations.  
There are five submenus under the Wireless menu (shown in Figure 3-10): Wireless Settings,  
Wireless Security, Wireless MAC Filtering, Wireless Advanced and Wireless Statistics. Click any  
of them and you will be able to configure the corresponding function. The detailed explanations for each  
submenu are provided below.  
Figure 3-10 Wireless menu  
3.5.1 Wireless Settings  
Selecting Wireless > Wireless Settings will enable you to configure the basic settings for your wireless  
network on the screen below (Figure 3-11).  
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TL-WPA281/TL-WPA271 Wireless N Powerline Extender  
Figure 3-11 Wireless Settings  
¾
¾
SSID (Set Service Identifier) - Identifies your wireless network name. Enter a value of up to 32  
characters. The same Name (SSID) must be assigned to all wireless devices in your network. The  
default SSID is TP-LINK_XXXXXX (XXXXXX indicates the last six unique characters of each  
device’s MAC address). This value is case-sensitive. For example, TEST is not the same as test.  
Region - Select your region from the pull-down list. This field specifies the region where the  
wireless function of the Powerline Extender can be used. It may be illegal to use the wireless  
function of the Powerline Extender in a region other than one of those specified in this filed. If your  
country or region is not listed, please contact your local government agency for assistance.  
When you select your local region from the pull-down list, click the Save button, then the Note  
Dialog appears. Click OK.  
Note Dialog  
¾
¾
Channel - This field determines which operating frequency will be used. It is not necessary to  
change the wireless channel unless you notice interference problems with another nearby access  
point. If you select Auto, then the Powerline Extender will choose the best channel automatically.  
Mode - Select the desired wireless mode. The options are:  
11b only - Only 802.11b wireless stations can connect to the device.  
11g only - Only 802.11g wireless stations can connect to the device.  
11n only - Only 802.11n wireless stations can connect to the device.  
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11bg mixed - Both 802.11b and 802.11g wireless stations can connect to the device.  
11bgn mixed - All 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n wireless stations can connect to the device.  
If all of the wireless devices connected with the Powerline Extender can connect in the same  
transmission mode (eg. 802.11b), you can choose the Only mode (eg. 11b only). If you have some  
devices that use different transmission modes, choose the appropriate Mixed mode.  
¾
Channel Width - Determines the channel width to be used. It is unnecessary to change the default  
value unless required.  
¾
¾
Max Tx Rate - Specifies the maximum transmit rate of the device through this field.  
Enable Wireless Powerline Extender Radio - The wireless radio of the Powerline Extender can  
be enabled or disabled to allow or deny wireless stations to access. If it is enabled, the wireless  
stations will be able to access the Powerline Extender; otherwise, wireless stations will not be able  
to access the Powerline Extender.  
¾
Enable SSID Broadcast - Selecting this check box will allow the device to broadcast its name  
(SSID) on the air. If it’s allowed, when wireless clients survey the local area for wireless networks  
to associate with, they will detect the SSID broadcast by the device.  
Note:  
)
To apply any settings you have altered on the page, please click the Save button, and then you will be  
reminded to reboot the device.  
3.5.2 Wireless Security  
Selecting Wireless > Wireless Security will enable you to configure wireless security for your wireless  
network to protect your data from intruders. The Powerline Extender provides three security types: WEP,  
WPA/WPA2 and WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK. Wireless security can be set on the following screen shown as  
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Figure 3-12 Wireless Security  
¾
¾
Disable Security - Check this radio button to disable wireless security. If disabled, the wireless  
stations will be able to connect this device without encryption. It is strongly recommended that you  
choose one of the security types to enable security.  
WEP - Select 802.11 WEP security.  
Figure 3-13 WEP  
Type - You can select one of following types.  
9
Automatic - Select Shared Key or Open System authentication type automatically based  
on the wireless station's capability and request.  
9
9
Shared Key - Select 802.11 Shared Key authentication type.  
Open System - Select 802.11 Open System authentication.  
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WEP Key Format - You can select ASCII or Hexadecimal format. 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.  
WEP Key - Select which of the four keys will be used and enter the matching WEP key  
information for your network in the selected key radio button. These values must be identical on  
all wireless stations in your network.  
Key Type - You can select the WEP key length (64-bit, or 128-bit) for encryption. "Disabled"  
means this WEP key entry is invalid.  
9
9
For 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.  
For 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.  
Note:  
)
If you do not set the key, the wireless security function is still disabled even if you have selected Shared  
Key as Authentication Type.  
¾
WPA/WPA2 - Select WPA/WPA2 based on Radius Server.  
Figure 3-14 WPA/WPA2  
Version - You can select one of following versions.  
9
Automatic - Select WPA or WPA2 automatically based on the wireless station's capability  
and request.  
9
9
WPA - Wi-Fi Protected Access.  
WPA2 - WPA version 2.  
Encryption - You can select either Automatic, TKIP or AES.  
Radius Server IP - Enter the IP address of the Radius Server.  
Radius Port - Enter the port used by radius service.  
Radius Password - Enter the password for the Radius Server.  
Group Key Update Period - Specify the group key update interval in seconds. The value can  
be either 0 or at least 30. Enter 0 to disable the update.  
¾
WPA-PSK/ WPA2-PSK - Select WPA based on pre-shared key.  
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Figure 3-15 WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK  
Version - You can select one of following versions.  
9
Automatic - Select WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK automatically based on the wireless station's  
capability and request.  
9
9
WPA-PSK - Pre-shared key of WPA.  
WPA2-PSK - Pre-shared key of WPA2.  
Encryption - When you select WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK for Authentication Type, you can  
select either Automatic, TKIP or AES as Encryption.  
PSK Passphrase - Enter a passphrase here.  
Group Key Update Period - Specify the group key update interval in seconds. The value can  
be either 0 or at least 30. Enter 0 to disable the update.  
Be sure to click the Save button to save your settings on this page.  
Note:  
)
You will be reminded to reboot the device after clicking the Save button.  
3.5.3 Wireless MAC Filtering  
Selecting Wireless > Wireless MAC Filtering will allow you to set up some filtering rules to control  
wireless stations accessing the device, which depends on the station’s MAC address on the following  
screen as shown in Figure 3-16.  
Figure 3-16 Wireless MAC Filtering  
¾
Wireless MAC Filtering - Click the Enable button to enable the Wireless MAC Address Filtering.  
The default setting is disabled.  
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To Add a Wireless MAC Address filtering entry, click the Add New… button. The “Add or Modify  
Wireless MAC Address Filtering entry" page will appear, shown in Figure 3-17.  
Figure 3-17 Add or Modify Wireless MAC Address Filtering entry  
¾
¾
¾
MAC Address - Enter the wireless station's MAC address that you want to control.  
Description - Give a simple description of the wireless station.  
Status - Select a status for this entry, either Enabled or Disabled.  
To set up an entry, follow these instructions:  
First, you must decide whether the unspecified wireless stations can access the device or not. If you  
desire that the unspecified wireless stations can access the device, please select the radio button Allow  
the stations not specified by any enabled entries in the list to access, otherwise, select the radio  
button Deny the stations not specified by any enabled entries in the list to access.  
To add a MAC Address Filtering entry, follow these instructions:  
1. Enter the appropriate MAC Address into the MAC Address field. The format of the MAC Address is  
XX-XX-XX-XX-XX-XX (X is any hexadecimal digit). For example: 00-0A-EB-B0-00-0B.  
2. Enter a simple description of the wireless station in the Description field. For example: wireless  
station A.  
3. Select Enabled or Disabled for this entry on the Status pull-down list.  
4. Click the Save button to save this entry.  
To add additional entries, repeat steps 1-4.  
To modify or delete an existing entry:  
1. Click the Modify in the entry you want to modify. If you want to delete the entry, click the Delete.  
2. Modify the information.  
3. Click the Save button.  
Click the Enable All button to make all entries enabled  
Click the Disabled All button to make all entries disabled.  
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Click the Delete All button to delete all entries  
Click the Next button to go to the next page and click the Previous button to return to the previous page.  
For example: If you desire that the wireless station A with MAC address 00-0A-EB-00- 07-BE is able to  
access the device, while all other wireless stations cannot access the device, you should configure the  
Wireless MAC Address Filtering list by following these steps:  
1. Click the Enable button to enable this function.  
2. Select the radio button: Deny the stations not specified by any enabled entries in the list to  
access for Filtering Rules.  
3. Delete all or disable all entries if there are any entries already.  
4. Click the Add New... button and enter the MAC address 00-0A-EB-00-07-BE in the MAC Address  
field, enter Wireless Station A in the Description field and select Enabled in the Status pull-down  
list. Click the Save button.  
The filtering rules that configured should be similar to the following list:  
Note:  
)
If you enable the function and select Deny the stations not specified by any enabled entries in the  
list to access for Filtering Rules but there isn’t any enabled entry in the list, thus, no wireless stations  
can access the device.  
3.5.4 Wireless Advanced  
Selecting Wireless > Wireless Advanced will allow you to do some advanced settings for the device in  
the following screen shown in Figure 3-18. As the configuration for each operation mode is almost the  
same, we take Access Point mode for example here.  
Figure 3-18 Wireless Advanced  
¾
Transmit Power - Specifies the transmit power of the device. You can select High, Middle or Low  
based on your need. High is the default setting and is recommended.  
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¾
¾
¾
¾
Beacon Interval - Specifies a value between 40-1000 milliseconds. The beacons are the packets  
sent by the device to synchronize a wireless network. Beacon Interval value determines the time  
interval of the beacons. The default value is 100.  
RTS Threshold - Specifies the RTS (Request to Send) Threshold. If the packet is larger than the  
specified RTS Threshold size, the device will send RTS frames to a particular receiving station and  
negotiate the sending of a data frame. The default value is 2346.  
Fragmentation Threshold - This value is the maximum size determining whether packets will be  
fragmented. Setting the Fragmentation Threshold too low may result in poor network performance  
since excessive packets. 2346 is the default setting and is recommended.  
DTIM Interval - Determines the interval of the Delivery Traffic Indication Message (DTIM). You can  
specify the value between 1-255 Beacon Intervals. The default value is 1, which indicates the  
DTIM Interval is the same as Beacon Interval.  
¾
¾
¾
Enable WMM - WMM function can guarantee the packets with high- priority messages being  
transmitted preferentially. It is strongly recommended that this function be enabled.  
Enable Short GI - This function is recommended for it will increase the data capacity by reducing  
the guard interval time.  
Enable AP Isolation - Isolates all connected wireless stations so that wireless stations cannot  
access each other through WLAN. This function will be disabled if WDS/Bridge is enabled.  
Note:  
)
If you are not familiar with the setting items on this page, it's strongly recommended that you keep the  
provided default values; otherwise, it may result in low wireless network performance.  
3.5.5 Wireless Statistics  
Selecting Wireless > Wireless Statistics will allow you to see the wireless transmission information in  
the following screen shown in Figure 3-19. This page shows MAC Address, Current Status, Received  
Packets and Sent Packets for each connected wireless station.  
Figure 3-19 Statistics of the device attached wireless stations  
¾
¾
MAC Address - Shows the connected wireless station's MAC address.  
Current Status - The connected wireless station's running status, one of STA-AUTH / STA-ASSOC  
/ STA-JOINED / WPA / WPA-PSK / WPA2 / WPA2-PSK / AP-UP / AP-DOWN / Disconnected.  
¾
¾
Received Packets - Packets received by the station.  
Sent Packets - Packets sent by the station.  
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You cannot change any of the values on this page. To update this page and to show the current  
connected wireless stations, click the Refresh button.  
If the numbers of connected wireless stations go beyond one page, click the Next button to go to the  
next page and click the Previous button to return to the previous page.  
Note:  
)
This page will be refreshed automatically every 5 seconds.  
3.6 Powerline  
There are three submenus under the Powerline menu (shown in Figure 3-10): Network Settings,  
Station Settings and QoS Setting. Click any of them, and you will be able to configure the  
corresponding function. The detailed explanations for each submenu are provided below.  
Figure 3-20 Wireless menu  
3.6.1 Network Settings  
Selecting Powerline > Network Settings, and you can configure the network name of the Powerline  
Extender or all the stations in current network on this page.  
Figure 3-21 Network Settings  
¾
MAC Address - The physical address of the Powerline Extender, as seen from the powerline. The  
value can not be changed.  
¾
¾
Device Password - The password of the Powerline Extender. The value can not be changed.  
Network Name - Enter the network name (factory default - HomePlugAV).  
Click the Default button to enter the default network name.  
Click the Set Local button to set the Powerline Extender.  
Click the Set All button to set all stations which entered the correct passwords in current network,  
including the Powerline Extender.  
Note:  
)
If you set all stations network name, the remote ones which power off or entered the wrong password  
will not take effect.  
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3.6.2 Station Settings  
The Station Settings page shows remote stations in current network and allows you to enter, modify or  
delete the password and name for each station.  
Figure 3-22 Station Settings  
¾
¾
¾
MAC Address - The remote station's MAC address. The value can not be changed.  
Device Password - The security ID of remote station.  
Device Name - The name used for identifing a station.  
To add or modify a station entry, click the Add or Modify button in operation column and following these  
instructions:  
1. Enter the station password in Device Password field. The format of the password is  
XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX (X is any character). For example, RLXL-BYPI-MZBO-OPAB.  
2. Enter a name you want to give the station in the Device Name field or leave it empty. For  
example, Station A.  
3. Click the Save button to save this entry.  
Figure 3-23 Add or Modify PLC Station entry  
To add or modify another entries, repeat steps 1~3.  
Click the Delete button in the operation column to delete a station entry.  
Click the Add New... button to add a station into current network. The steps are the same as adding a  
station entry.  
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Figure 3-24 Add a new station  
Click the Refresh button to update the current connected stations.  
Click the Next button to go to the next page and click the Previous button to return to the previous  
page.  
Note:  
)
You can do Add or Modify operation only when the remote station is connected. If the remote station  
which you entered the password is power off or leave the current network, you can only do Delete  
operation.  
3.6.3 QoS Setting  
You can configure the QoS parameters of the Powerline Extender on this page.  
Figure 3-25 QoS Setttings  
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¾
Simple Application Mapping - The group allows you to choose what type of traffic with the highest  
user priority you will use your local device for by pitching on one of the following four radios.  
z
z
z
z
Internet - The Internet Application Mapping be use to Internet server.  
Online Game - The Online Game Application Mapping be use to Online Game server.  
Audio or Video - The Audio or Video Application Mapping be use to Audio or Video server.  
Voice over IP - The Voice over IP Application Mapping be use to Voice over IP server.  
¾
Advanced Priority Mapping: The group sets VLAN priority and TOS priority to CAP mapping and  
other priority.  
z
z
z
z
z
VLAN Tages - Host frames can be priority classified based on VLAN CoS bits. Each  
combination of the CoS bits can be independently assigned to a priority queue.  
TOS Bits - Classification can be based on TOS priority bits in the same manner as the VLAN  
CoS bits.  
Unicast Priority - Unicast frames are those destined to a unique MAC addresses. These  
frames to CAP1 by default.  
Mcast Priority - Multicast frames not managed by IGMP and broadcast frames such as ARP  
frames are transmitted at the specified priority, default is CAP1.  
IGMP Priority - IGMP frames are defined by the Internet Group Management Protocol and  
represent management messages passed between various network infrastructure  
components.As a management protocol, these frames are by default classified at the highest  
CAP3 by default.  
z
AV Stream Priority - AV Stream is placed in the specified priority queue, default is CAP2.  
Note:  
)
1.  
CAP3 is the highest priority while CAP0 is the lowest priority.CAP3 is used for the delivery of voice  
and urgent MMEs and control messages such as IGMP and MLD,CAP2 is used for the delivery of  
video and non urgent MMEs, CAP0 and CAP1 are used for delivery of best effort data.  
2.  
If both VLAN and TOS are enabled and a frame is found that contains both, VLAN Tags will  
override TOS Bits.  
Click the Save button to save your settings.  
3.7 System Tools  
System Tools option helps you to optimize the configuration of your device. You can upgrade the  
Powerline Extender to the latest version of firmware as well as backup or restore the device’s  
configuration files. It’s suggested that you change the default password to a more secure one because it  
controls access to the device’s web-based management page. Besides, you can find out what  
happened to the system in System Log.  
There are six submenus under the System Tools menu (shown as Figure 3-26): Firmware Upgrade,  
Factory Defaults, Backup & Restore, Reboot, Password and System Log. Clicking any of them will  
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enable you to configure the corresponding function. The detailed explanations for each submenu are  
provided below.  
Figure 3-26 The System Tools menu  
3.7.1 Firmware Upgrade  
Selecting System Tools > Firmware Upgrade allows you to upgrade the latest version of firmware for  
the device on the screen shown in Figure 3-27.  
Figure 3-27 Firmware Upgrade  
New firmware versions are posted at http://www.tp-link.com and can be downloaded for free.  
¾
¾
Firmware Version - Here displays the current firmware version.  
Hardware Version - Here displays the current hardware version. The hardware version of the  
upgrade file must accord with the current hardware version.  
Note:  
)
1
There is no need to upgrade the firmware unless the new firmware has a new feature you want to  
use. However, when experiencing problems caused by the device itself, you can try to upgrade the  
firmware.  
2
Before upgrading the device’s firmware, you should write down some of your customized settings to  
avoid losing important configuration settings of device.  
To upgrade the device's firmware, follow these instructions:  
1. Download a more recent firmware upgrade file from the TP-LINK website (http://www.tp-link.com).  
2. Enter the path name or click Browse… to select the downloaded file on the computer into the File  
blank.  
3. Click Upgrade.  
4. The Powerline Extender will reboot while the upgrading has been finished.  
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Note:  
)
The firmware version must correspond to the hardware. The upgrade process takes a few moments and  
the Powerline Extender restarts automatically when the upgrade is complete. It is important to keep  
power applied during the entire process. Loss of power during the upgrade could damage the Powerline  
Extender.  
3.7.2 Factory Defaults  
Selecting System Tools > Factory Defaults allows you to restore the factory default settings for the  
device on the screen shown in Figure 3-28.  
Figure 3-28 Restore Factory Defaults  
Click Restore to reset all configuration settings to their default values.  
Default User Name: admin  
Default Password: admin  
Default IP Address: 192.168.1.1  
Default Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0  
Note:  
)
Any settings you have saved will be lost when the default settings are restored.  
3.7.3 Backup & Restore  
Selecting System Tools > Backup & Restore allows you to save all configuration settings to your local  
computer as a file or restore the device's configuration on the screen shown in Figure 3-29.  
Figure 3-29 Save or Restore the Configuration  
Click Backup to save all configuration settings to your local computer as a file.  
To restore the device's configuration, follow these instructions:  
Click Browse… to find the configuration file which you want to restore.  
Click Restore to update the configuration with the file whose path is the one you have input or  
selected in the blank.  
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Note:  
)
1. The current configuration will be covered with the uploading configuration file.  
2. Wrong process will lead the device unmanaged.  
3. The restoring process lasts for about 20 seconds and restarts automatically. Do not power off the  
device during the process to avoid any damage.  
3.7.4 Reboot  
Selecting System Tools > Reboot allows you to reboot the device on the screen shown in Figure 3-30.  
Figure 3-30 Reboot the device  
Click the Reboot button to reboot the device.  
Some settings of the device will take effect only after rebooting, which include:  
Change the Powerline Extender's IP Address (system will reboot automatically).  
Change the Wireless configurations.  
Upgrade the firmware of the Powerline Extender (system will reboot automatically).  
Restore the Powerline Extender's settings to the factory defaults (system will reboot  
automatically).  
Update the configuration with the file (system will reboot automatically).  
3.7.5 Password  
Selecting System Tools > Password allows you to change the factory default user name and password  
of the device on the screen shown in Figure 3-31.  
Figure 3-31 Password  
It is strongly recommended that you change the factory default user name and password of the device.  
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All users who try to access the device's web-based management page or Quick Setup will be prompted  
for the device's user name and password.  
Note:  
)
The new user name and password must not exceed 14 characters in length and must not include any  
spaces. Enter the new Password again to confirm it.  
Click Save when finished.  
Click Clear All to clear all.  
3.7.6 System Log  
Selecting System Tools > System Log allows you to query the Logs of the device on the screen shown  
in Figure 3-32.  
Figure 3-32 System Log  
The device can keep logs of all traffic. You can query the logs to find what happened to the device.  
Click the Refresh button to show the latest log list.  
Click the Clear All button to clear all logs.  
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Chapter 4 Connecting to Wireless Network  
4.1 In Windows 7  
Windows 7 users may use the built-in wireless utility. Follow the steps below.  
1. Left-click the wireless icon  
in your system tray (lower-right corner). The utility will display any  
available wireless networks in your area. Select the wireless network (displayed using the SSID) to  
be connected and then click Connect.  
Figure 4-1  
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 button on the router or access 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.  
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Figure 4-2  
3. You have joined the home network and can surf the Internet now.  
Figure 4-3  
4.2 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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Figure 4-4  
2. The utility will display any available wireless networks in your area. Select the wireless network you  
would like to connect and then click Connect.  
Figure 4-5  
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.  
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Figure 4-6  
4. You have joined the home network and can surf the Internet now. Click close to finish the  
connection.  
Figure 4-7  
4.3 In Windows XP  
Windows XP users may use the built-in wireless utility. Follow the steps below.  
1. Right-click on the wireless computer icon in your system tray (lower-right corner). Select View  
Available Wireless Networks.  
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Figure 4-8  
2. The utility will display any available wireless networks in your area. Click on a network (displayed  
using the SSID) and click the Connect button.  
Figure 4-9  
3. 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 4-10  
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Chapter 5 Pair Buttons  
5.1 Pair (Secure with 128 bits-AES)  
The Homeplug AV standard uses 128-bit AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) to safely transmit data  
between powerline dvices. For the powerline devices to communicate with each other, they all need to  
use the same Network Membership Key (NMK). Otherwise, they cannot unscramble the encrypted data  
sent in the powerline network.  
The Pair button allows you to set up a secure powerline connection with other HomePlug AV compliant  
powerline devices which also support the Pair feature. Here takes TP-LINK powerline devices for  
example (PA211 for device A and C, WPA281 for device B).  
5.2 Setting Up a Powerline Network with the Pair Button  
You can connect a number of devices on a powerline network, but you can use the Pair button on only  
two devices at a time.  
Create a Powerline network using the Pair button:  
Step 1. Press and hold the Pair button of Powerline device A TL-PA211 for 3 to 8 seconds, the Power  
LED will start flashing.  
Step 2. Press and hold the Pair button of Powerline device B TL-WPA281 for 1 second, the Power LED  
will start flashing.  
(This must be done within 120 seconds after pressing the Pair button of Powerline device A.)  
Step 3. Wait for about 60 seconds while your Powerline device A and B are connecting. The Power  
LED on both devices will stop flashing and become solid light when the connection is made.  
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TL-WPA281/TL-WPA271 Wireless N Powerline Extender  
Join an existing Powerline Network:  
Powerline device A and Powerline device B form a HomeplugAV Network, and Powerline device C  
wants to join this network.  
Step 1. Press and hold the Pair button on Powerline device C TL-PA211 for 3 to 8 seconds.  
Step 2. Press and hold the Pair button on Powerline device A/B for 1 second/3 to 8 seconds.  
(This step must be taken within 120 seconds after step 1 is finished.)  
Step 3. Wait for about 60 seconds while your Powerline devices are connecting. The Power LED on  
Powerline device A/B and C will stop flashing and become solid light when the connection is  
made.  
)
Note:  
The sequence of Step 1 and Step 2 can be exchanged.  
Leave an existing Powerline Network:  
As the figure above shows, Powerline device A, B and C have formed a HomeplugAV Network. The user  
wants to remove one device (Powerline adapter C) from this network.  
Step 1. Press and hold the Pair button on Powerline device C for at least 10 seconds. Powerline  
device C will reset and restart.  
Step 2. Wait for the reset to complete.  
5.3 Reset  
To reset the Powerline device:  
Press and hold the Reset button for about 10 seconds, and then release the button. You will see all  
LEDs begin to flash. At this moment, the default settings have been restored.  
Be careful, don’t power off when the device is in reset process.  
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TL-WPA281/TL-WPA271 Wireless N Powerline Extender  
Appendix A: Troubleshooting Guide  
The Troubleshooting Guide provides answers to common problems regarding the Powerline Ethernet  
Adapter.  
1. The Power LED does not light up.  
Ans. Check the following:  
1. Make sure that the Powerline Extender is properly plugged into a power outlet.  
2. Make sure the power outlet is active (working) by plugging another electric device into it.  
3. Re-plug the Powerline Extender to the power outlet.  
4. If the Power LED still fails to light up, contact your local dealer for technical support.  
2. The Ethernet LED does not light up.  
Ans. Check the following:  
1. Make sure that the Ethernet cable (RJ-45) is properly connected to the Powerline Extender’s  
Ethernet port and the other end of the Ethernet cable (RJ-45) is properly connected to the  
computer LAN card or to your Cable/xDSL Ethernet port.  
2. Make sure your computer LAN card is properly installed and configured.  
3. Make sure your Cable/xDSL broadband access is working and configured correctly.  
4. Contact your local dealer for technical support if the Ethernet LED still fails to light up after the  
above procedures.  
3. Powerline LED does not light up.  
Ans. Check the following:  
1. Double-click to enable the Management Utility and click the “Rescan” tab. The Management  
Utility will automatically detect all other Powerline Extender on your powerline network.  
2. Try to plug a Powerline Ethernet Adapter into a nearby power outlet and check whether the  
Powerline LED lights up or not.  
3. Make sure that the device is plugged into a wall socket instead of a power strip,  
4. Follow the method in “5.2 Setting Up a Powerline Network with the Pair Button” to establish the  
connection again.  
5. Reset the device to its factory default values.  
6. Contact your local dealer for technical support if the Powerline LED still fails to light up after the  
above procedures.  
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TL-WPA281/TL-WPA271 Wireless N Powerline Extender  
Appendix B: Specifications  
General  
Standards  
HomePlug AV, IEEE802.3, IEEE802.3u  
Modulation Technology  
OFDM, 1024/256/64/16/8-QAM, QPSK, BPSK and ROBO  
200Mbps for powerline  
300Mbps for wireless  
Data Rate  
Range  
LEDs  
300 meters in house  
Power, Powerline, Ethernet, WiFi/WPS  
1 Ethernet LAN Port  
Interface  
128-bit AES  
Encryption  
Physical and Environment  
0~40(32~104)  
Operating Temperature  
Operating Humidity  
10%~90%RH, Non-condensing  
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