How do I configure TL-WA501G/ TL-WA601G to Point to Multi-Point Bridge mode

Definition: In Wi-Fi network, Bridge mode allows two or more wireless access points (APs) to communicate with each for the purpose of joining multiple LANs.

Some wireless bridges support only a single point-to-point connection to another AP. Others support point-to-multipoint connections to several other APs. This article is about to setup a Point to Multi-Point Bridge.

Note:

1. For setting up such network as above topology shown by using Point to Multi-Point Bridge mode, you need configure the Access Point A to Point to Multi-Point Bridge mode and points to Access Point B and Access Point C; you also need to configure both Access Point B and Access Point C to “Point to Point Bridge mode” and point them to Access Point A.

For configuring Access Point B and Access C to Point to Point Bridge mode, please refer to How do I configure TL-WA501G/TL-WA601G to Point to Point Bridge mode. Below steps are based on configuring Access Point A to Point to Multi-Point Bridge mode.

2. Before the configuration, please check and write down the Wireless MAC Address of the Access Points.

In the bottom of the device, there is a label with the MAC address printed.

Configuring the access point (TL-WA501G/TL-WA601G)

Step 1 Connect your computer to TL-WA501G/TL-WA601G which used to be configured to Point to Multi-Point Bridge mode (Access Point A), and then log into the Web-based Utility by entering the IP address 192.168.1.1 into Web Browser.

If you can not log into the Web-based Utility, please follow the instruction How do I log into the Web-based Utility of TL-WA501G/TL-WA601G for a try.

Step 2 Change the LAN IP address of the access point (TL-WA501G/TL-WA601G) to avoid IP conflict if necessary. This is due to your own network, please refer to Why & How do I change the IP address of TL-WA501G/TL-WA601G for some detailed information.

After changed the IP address of your access point, you need re-log into it by using the new IP address. And please note that the IP addresses of the access points can not be the same in your network.

Step 3 Configure your TL-WA501G/TL-WA601G to Point to Multi-Point Bridge mode

1. Click Wireless -> Wireless Mode on the left, select Bridge (Point to Multi-Point). And then enter the MAC addresses of the other access points (Access Point A and Access Point B) which you want to connect into the MAC of AP boxes.

Note: Very two numbers should be separated by the character ‘-‘, and please enter the correct MAC addresses of the other Access Points which you want to connect into the boxes, otherwise, the wireless connection will be can not set up.

2. After done the configuration, enable Reboot and click on Save button, the settings will take effect after the device reboot.

After done the steps in the Access Points, the Bridge mode based wireless connection will be setup successfully.

Additional information:

There is an option called With AP Mode in the setting page, if you enable it, the access point (TL-WA501G/TL-WA601G) also can work in AP mode at the same time when it had been configured to Bridge mode. This means that you can connect other wireless clients to this access point when it had been configured to Bridge mode.

And if you do not enable it, you can not connect any wireless client to this access point when it had been configured to Bridge mode.

Source: http://www.tp-link.com/support/showfaq.asp?id=178