How to set up the TP-Link TD-W8961N as a Wi-Fi repeater: full instructions with pictures

• Open Wireless → Wireless Settings and select Wireless Mode: WDS.
• In the field SSID Specify the name of the primary network.
• IN BSSID Enter the MAC address of the main router (can be found in its settings or via the command arp -a in Windows).
• Set the same channel and encryption type as on the main device.
• Turn it off DHCP on TD-W8961N (Network → DHCP Server → Disable).
• Change your IP address TD-W8961N to a free network of the main router (for example, 192.168.1.250, if the main router distributes 192.168.1.1–192.168.1.100).

After saving the settings, reboot both routers. TD-W8961N will retransmit the signal with the same SSID, but at a lower speed. To distinguish networks, add a suffix to the name (e.g., _REPEAT).

Parameter	Main router	TD-W8961N (repeater)
Wireless Mode	Access Point (AP)	WDS
SSID	MyWiFi	MyWiFi_REPEAT
Channel	6 (fixed)	6
Encryption	WPA2-PSK	WPA2-PSK (same password)
DHCP	On	Disabled

Why does the speed drop when using WDS?

When retransmitting via WDS, data is transmitted twice: first from the main router to the TD-W8961N, then from the TD-W8961N to the client device. Each "hop" adds latency and reduces throughput. On average, losses amount to 30-50% of the original speed. To minimize losses, place the repeater no more than 10 meters from the main router and avoid obstructions (walls, furniture).

Method 3: Client Mode for cable connection

If you don't need to rebroadcast Wi-Fi, but connect devices to a wireless network via cable (for example, Smart TV or game console), set up TD-W8961N in mode Client:

1. In the web interface, go to Wireless → Wireless Settings.
2. Select Wireless Mode: Client.
3. In the field SSID Specify the name of the primary network.
4. Click Survey, select the main network and click Connect.
5. In the section Network → LAN Change the router's IP address so that it does not conflict with the main network (for example, 192.168.1.253).
6. Turn it off DHCP (Network → DHCP Server → Disable).

Now connect your device (eg TV) to TD-W8961N via cable—it will receive internet via the main router's Wi-Fi. This method is useful if you can't run a cable from the main router to the remote device.

Common mistakes and their solutions

When setting up TD-W8961N As a repeater, users often encounter the following problems:

• 🚫 The repeater does not connect to the main network:
  • Check that the main router is enabled WDS and the MAC address is allowed TD-W8961N.
  • Make sure the Wi-Fi channels on both devices match.
  • If used WPA3, switch the main router to WPA2.
• 🔄 Constant connection breaks:
  • Reduce the distance between routers (maximum 10-15 meters).
  • Change your Wi-Fi channel to a less busy one (use apps like Wi-Fi Analyzer).
  • Disable the function on the main router Beamforming - it may conflict with WDS.
• 📉 Too low speed:
  • Check if your main router is using up your bandwidth. 40 MHz - For WDS It's better to install 20 MHz.
  • If possible, please connect TD-W8961N to the main router via cable (mode AP instead of WDS).

⚠️ Attention: If after setting up the repeater the devices connect to the network, but the Internet does not work, check the settings DNSManually enter Google's DNS (8.8.8.8 And 8.8.4.4) in the settings TD-W8961N (Network → WAN).

Optimal placement of the repeater

A repeater's effectiveness depends 70% on its location. Follow these rules:

• 📍 Coverage area: Place it TD-W8961N At the edge of the main router's coverage area. If the signal at the installation site is weak (1–2 bars on a smartphone), the repeater will operate unstable.
• 🚪 Obstacles: Avoid thick walls, metal surfaces, and appliances (microwaves, refrigerators). Ideally, an open space at a height of 1–1.5 meters.
• 📶 Antenna direction:
  • If the repeater and the main router are on the same floor, point the antennas vertically.
  • If on different floors, deploy the antennas horizontally (parallel to the floor).

To check the signal quality, use the following applications:

• Wi-Fi Analyzer (Android) - shows the signal level in dBm and channel load.
• NetSpot (Windows/macOS) — creates a heat map of the coverage.

If after installing a repeater the speed drops by more than 50%, try:

1. Move the repeater closer to the main router.
2. Reduce the Wi-Fi transmission power on the main router (if this option is available).
3. Use LAN cable to connect routers (if possible).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about setting up the TP-Link TD-W8961N as a repeater

Can the TD-W8961N be used as a 5GHz repeater?
No, TD-W8961N supports only frequency 2.4 GHzIf your main router is running on 5 GHz, the repeater will not be able to pick up this signal. Solutions:
• Switch the main router to mode 2.4 GHz (at the expense of speed).
• Buy a dual-band repeater (for example, TP-Link RE605X).
Why did my internet speed drop by half after setting up WDS?
This is a normal phenomenon when using WDSData is transmitted twice: from the router to the repeater and from the repeater to the device, which increases the load on the channel. To reduce losses:
• Use a fixed channel 2.4 GHz with minimal interference.
• Disconnect unnecessary devices from the main network.
• Reduce the channel width to 20 MHz (instead of 40 MHz).
How do I reset my TD-W8961N if I forgot my password?

Press and hold the button Reset on the back panel of the router during 10-15 seconds (until the indicators flash). After reset:

• IP address: 192.168.1.1.
• Login/Password: admin/admin.

If the button Reset If it doesn't work, try turning off the power for 30 seconds and then try resetting again.

Is it possible to connect a printer or IP camera to the TD-W8961N in repeater mode?

Yes, but with some reservations:

• In mode Universal Repeater or WDS the printer/camera must be connected via Wi-Fi (if they support wireless network).
• In mode Client Mode you can connect the device via cable to the LAN port TD-W8961N.

Please note that some IP cameras require a static IP address - configure it manually in the DHCP reservation of the main router.

How to update firmware on TD-W8961N?

Algorithm:

1. Download the latest firmware from official TP-Link website (model support section TD-W8961N).
2. Connect to the router via cable.
3. Go to System Tools → Firmware Upgrade.
4. Download the firmware file and wait for it to complete (do not turn off the power!).

After updating, reset your settings to factory settings (Reset).