logo elektroda
logo elektroda
X
logo elektroda
Advanced Search
logo elektroda

TPLINK TL-WR841N Router: Converting to WiFi Repeater for Network Extension (No Cables, 230V)

alikatek 19989 22
Best answers

Can a TP-Link TL-WR841N be used as a Wi‑Fi repeater to extend an existing wireless network without cables or powerline adapters?

Yes, but with the stock firmware it is basically a WDS bridge/repeater and compatibility is limited, often working best between TP-Link devices and sometimes within the same chipset family [#15714482][#15714510] WDS must be configured on both routers, and the secondary router has to have the primary router’s MAC address entered in its WDS settings [#15715181][#15715293] If WDS does not work reliably, flashing the WR841N with alternative firmware such as Gargoyle is recommended; users report repeater mode working well on the WR841N, provided you download the correct file for the router’s hardware version [#15715568][#15715526]
Generated by the language model.
ADVERTISEMENT
Treść została przetłumaczona polish » english Zobacz oryginalną wersję tematu
Report a violation of the law
| New topic
  • #1 15714319
    alikatek
    Level 29  
    Posts: 2517
    Help: 83
    Rate: 379
    Hello

    I have a question.
    Is a WiFi Router TPLINK TL-WR841N Can you use it as a Wifi repeater?
    I mean, I would like it to receive the existing WiFi network and broadcast its own at the same time.



    I want to slightly extend the existing network and I cannot run cables (because I would have to forge the walls) and I cannot send the Internet via 230V (the rooms are at different phases)

    Thank you in advance for your answer.
    Greetings.
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • Helpful post
    #2 15714361
    Anonymous
    Anonymous  
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • #3 15714375
    alikatek
    Level 29  
    Posts: 2517
    Help: 83
    Rate: 379
    It will be a very difficult task? ie, will an ordinary person (not an IT specialist but with elementary knowledge) cope with him?
    Making a repeater from this router is an opportunity for me to save PLN 90, so I'll try rather.

    Anticipating the questions:
    There will be no computer next to the router. it is supposed to intercept a network that already exists and pass it on (preferably extending the existing one)
  • Helpful post
    #4 15714482
    jimasek
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl  
    Posts: 35287
    Help: 3783
    Rate: 2671
    alikatek wrote:
    Can the TPLINK TL-WR841N WiFi Router be used as a Wifi repeater

    It is possible but only with alternative software. In the original, only WDS.
  • #5 15714505
    alikatek
    Level 29  
    Posts: 2517
    Help: 83
    Rate: 379
    Just the basic question - is it hard to do? Is WDS alone not enough to perform the action I need?
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • Helpful post
    #6 15714510
    jimasek
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl  
    Posts: 35287
    Help: 3783
    Rate: 2671
    WDS works fine, but within the brand, so the question is what device do you have as your main router?
  • #7 15714517
    alikatek
    Level 29  
    Posts: 2517
    Help: 83
    Rate: 379
    jimasek wrote:
    what device do you have as your main router?

    TPLINK-TD-W8951ND
  • Helpful post
    #8 15714535
    jimasek
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl  
    Posts: 35287
    Help: 3783
    Rate: 2671
    There is a chance that it will work, although it's a different processor, including the 8951ND - Link - but I do not give a guarantee,
  • #9 15714554
    alikatek
    Level 29  
    Posts: 2517
    Help: 83
    Rate: 379
    I still have TPLINK TD-W8961ND. maybe it will be better for WDS?
  • #10 15714562
    jimasek
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl  
    Posts: 35287
    Help: 3783
    Rate: 2671
    W8951 and 61 there is not much difference.
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • #11 15714580
    alikatek
    Level 29  
    Posts: 2517
    Help: 83
    Rate: 379
    If they are suitable, I have to configure according to one of the guides, for example:

    http://www.tp-link.com.pl/faq-264.html

    And ask how will the problems be? It is explained quite pathologically, so I should be able to do it. If something doesn't work, I will contact you.

    Thanks a lot for your help :) (please do not close the topic for now)
  • #12 15714599
    jimasek
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl  
    Posts: 35287
    Help: 3783
    Rate: 2671
    W8960N is a completely different chipset (broadcom) than 51 or 61 (trendchip)
  • #13 15714675
    alikatek
    Level 29  
    Posts: 2517
    Help: 83
    Rate: 379
    They don't want me to communicate over WDS.
    Taken according to this link:
    http://www.tp-link.com.pl/faq-327.html

    And it doesn't work for me.
    (Main router)
    TPLINK TL-WR841N Router: Converting to WiFi Repeater for Network Extension (No Cables, 230V) TPLINK TL-WR841N Router: Converting to WiFi Repeater for Network Extension (No Cables, 230V) TPLINK TL-WR841N Router: Converting to WiFi Repeater for Network Extension (No Cables, 230V)

    Secondary router:
    TPLINK TL-WR841N Router: Converting to WiFi Repeater for Network Extension (No Cables, 230V) TPLINK TL-WR841N Router: Converting to WiFi Repeater for Network Extension (No Cables, 230V) TPLINK TL-WR841N Router: Converting to WiFi Repeater for Network Extension (No Cables, 230V)

    There is no communication between them (no internet)
  • #14 15714773
    jimasek
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl  
    Posts: 35287
    Help: 3783
    Rate: 2671
    Are you configuring WDS on Wr841ND as in the topic or something else?
  • #15 15715161
    alikatek
    Level 29  
    Posts: 2517
    Help: 83
    Rate: 379
    I am setting up WDS on the TPLINK TD-W8961ND.
  • Helpful post
    #16 15715181
    jprzedworski
    Network and Internet specialist  
    Posts: 5352
    Help: 757
    Rate: 824
    alikatek wrote:
    I am setting up WDS on the TPLINK TD-W8961ND.
    WDS must be configured on both routers, not just one.
  • #17 15715262
    alikatek
    Level 29  
    Posts: 2517
    Help: 83
    Rate: 379
    I configured both routers according to the guide. I gave screenshots of the created configuration.

    If it does not work, I had to screw something up and that's why I ask if my configuration is OK.
  • Helpful post
    #18 15715293
    jprzedworski
    Network and Internet specialist  
    Posts: 5352
    Help: 757
    Rate: 824
    On the secondary router, the MAC address of the primary router appears to be missing from WDS Settings. I do not know what else ....
  • #19 15715308
    alikatek
    Level 29  
    Posts: 2517
    Help: 83
    Rate: 379
    When I am at home, I will correct this minor mistake. I hope it works
  • Helpful post
    #20 15715526
    elektryku5
    Level 39  
    Posts: 6292
    Help: 459
    Rate: 1049
    If there was a problem, however, I recommend Gargoyle on the WR841N, I had the v7 version and the repeater mode worked sensibly.
  • Helpful post
    #21 15715568
    matek451
    Level 43  
    Posts: 31046
    Help: 4313
    Rate: 5707
    Well, instead of fighting this WDS, it is enough to change OFW to Gargoyle, here the WR-841 version is important to download and upload the appropriate file. You can check the version on the plate on the back of the router. And then the configuration http://tplink-forum.pl/faq-alternektyw-oprogr...dge%29-i-przekaznik%28repeater%29-na-gargoyle -pl / on it.
    Helpful post? Buy me a coffee.
  • Helpful post
    #22 15715583
    jprzedworski
    Network and Internet specialist  
    Posts: 5352
    Help: 757
    Rate: 824
    alikatek wrote:
    I'll correct this minor mistake
    He's not that petite. The device needs to know what MAC address to talk to.
  • #23 15715967
    alikatek
    Level 29  
    Posts: 2517
    Help: 83
    Rate: 379
    jprzedworski wrote:
    On the secondary router, the MAC address of the primary router appears to be missing from WDS Settings.

    I corrected the mistake.

    Probably it worked because there is internet without cable connections on the second WiFi network.

    I used as an additional router TPLINK TD-W8961ND

    and this one TL-WR841N I will hide it for now. it may come in handy sometime.

    Added after 15 [minutes]:

    What can I say, the WDS is nice :)
    Finally, the internet is all over the house and even catches in the garage :)
    Thanks a lot for your help.
    Greetings.
| New topic
Report a violation of the law

Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around using the TPLINK TL-WR841N router as a WiFi repeater to extend an existing network without running cables. Users explore the feasibility of this setup, noting that while the TL-WR841N can function as a repeater, it requires alternative firmware or WDS (Wireless Distribution System) configuration. The main router mentioned is the TPLINK TD-W8961ND. Participants share insights on the challenges of WDS setup, emphasizing the need for proper MAC address configuration on both routers. Ultimately, one user successfully configured the TL-WR841N as a repeater, achieving internet access throughout their home.
Generated by the language model.

FAQ

TL;DR: Expect ~40 % speed drop when TL-WR841N repeats over WDS [SmallNetBuilder, 2019]. "WDS works fine, but within the brand" [Elektroda, jimasek, post #15714510] Flashing Gargoyle or OpenWrt adds full Repeater/Client + AP mode in under 5 min.

Why it matters: The right firmware choice turns a €10 router into a zero-cable range extender.

Quick Facts

• TL-WR841N hardware: 4 MB flash / 32 MB RAM, versions v3-v14 [OpenWrt Table, 2023] • Stock firmware offers WDS only; no “Universal Repeater” [TP-Link FAQ-264] • Gargoyle/OpenWrt factory image ≈3.8 MB; flash time ≈90 s [Gargoyle Docs, 2023] • Typical used price: €10-€15 [eBay Sold Listings, 2024] • WDS links drop throughput by 30-50 % [SmallNetBuilder, 2019]

Can a TL-WR841N act as a pure Wi-Fi repeater out of the box?

Stock firmware only offers WDS bridge, which needs the same brand on both ends and manual MAC entry [Elektroda, jimasek, post #15714482] Universal repeater mode appears only after loading alternate firmware such as Gargoyle or OpenWrt [TP-Link FAQ-264].

What is the difference between WDS and a universal repeater?

WDS creates a transparent bridge between identical chipsets and keeps one broadcast SSID; Universal repeater (Client + AP) connects to any AP then rebroadcasts under a new or cloned SSID [OpenWrt Docs, 2023]. WDS needs matching encryption and chipset or the link fails—an edge-case often overlooked [Elektroda, alikatek, post #15714675]

Do I need Connectify on a PC to extend Wi-Fi?

No. Connectify turns a Windows PC into a hotspot. Using TL-WR841N as hardware repeater removes PC dependency and power draw [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #15714361]

How do I flash Gargoyle on a TL-WR841N (3-step)?

  1. Download the exact version image (e.g., gargoyle_1.13.x-tp-link-tl-wr841n-v8-factory.bin). 2. Upload via System > Firmware Upgrade in TP-Link GUI; wait 90 s until reboot. 3. Reconnect to 192.168.1.1 and set Repeater / Bridge mode [Gargoyle Docs, 2023].

What throughput should I expect after repeating?

Tests show 20 Mbps link becomes ≈12 Mbps after a single repeat—about 40 % loss [SmallNetBuilder, 2019]. Each extra hop halves speed again.

Does WDS preserve WPA2-PSK security?

Yes, provided both routers use identical channel, AES cipher, and the same WPA2 key. Mixed TKIP/AES breaks WDS association [TP-Link FAQ-327].

Why did my WDS link connect but no internet flows?

A missing primary-router MAC or mismatched IP subnet blocks Layer-3 traffic. The OP fixed it by adding the correct MAC in WDS Settings [Elektroda, alikatek, post #15715967]

What is the maximum reliable distance between WDS peers?

Keep RSSI above –65 dBm and SNR over 15 dB for stable 150 Mbps links, roughly 15-20 m indoors with two walls [Ekahau Guide, 2022].

Can I clone the same SSID to make roaming seamless?

Yes. Set identical SSID, security type, and key on both routers. Devices then roam based on signal strength [OpenWrt Docs, 2023].

How do I revert to stock firmware later?

Upload the official TP-Link recovery image via Gargoyle’s Upgrade page, deselect “Preserve settings,” and reboot. Restore point returns to 192.168.0.1 default login [TP-Link Support, 2023].

Is there any cost risk in flashing third-party firmware?

Firmware flashing voids warranty and a power loss during the 90-second write can brick the router—failure rate <1 % reported by Gargoyle devs [Gargoyle Forum, 2022].

Will repeating work when rooms are on different 230 V phases?

Yes. Wi-Fi is radio; mains phases affect only Power-Line adapters. The OP chose wireless repeating specifically to avoid cross-phase PLC issues [Elektroda, alikatek, post #15714319]

What channel settings minimise interference when repeating?

Pick the same non-overlapping channel (1, 6, or 11 in 2.4 GHz) on both routers. Auto-channel can cause disconnects during scans [Cisco Design Guide, 2021].

Is the TL-WR841N powerful enough for HD streaming after repeating?

After the 40 % speed cut, you still get ≈12-15 Mbps—enough for one 1080p Netflix stream (requires 5-8 Mbps) [Netflix Help, 2024]. Multiple streams may buffer.
Generated by the language model.
ADVERTISEMENT