Archer TBE550E Setup Guide
Model: Archer TBE550E
Welcome! Let's get your adapter set up together!
This guide is here to make the setup easy for everyone. We’ll walk you through what’s in the box, how the adapter looks, and how to install it and its driver.
To use the adapter, install it into your PC, then install the driver. Our driver supports screen readers and can be installed using only a keyboard!
Ready to explore your adapter and get connected?
Part 1. Learn About Your Adapter
This section introduces the adapter's package contents and appearance.
1. Unpack Your Adapter
Your package includes: an adapter, a magnetized antenna base with a 1-meter braided RF cable, two high-performance antennas, a low-profile bracket, a Bluetooth header cable, a resource USB drive, and installation guides.
Magnetized Antenna Base with a 1-Meter Braided RF Cable: A rectangular metal base with a horizontal LED strip along the bottom edge. It magnetically attaches to metal surfaces. Two antennas screw into the threaded ports at the back. The 1-meter braided RF cable splits into two SMA connectors for a secure connection to the adapter.
Two High-Performance Antennas: Slim, tapered antennas with adjustable joints for better signal reception. Each has a threaded connector at the base for secure attachment to the antenna base.
Low-Profile Bracket: An L-shaped metal piece with two mounting holes designed for compact computer cases.
Bluetooth Header Cable: A short, thick cable with two connectors: one mini 4-pin for the adapter and one larger 9-pin for the motherboard’s F_USB header.
Resource USB Drive: A compact, metal-bodied thumb drive with a USB connector for plugging into your computer.
2. Appearance
The adapter is a flat, rectangular circuit board with a smooth surface and slight ridges from its embedded components.
The front of the adapter has an L-shaped metal bracket that features screw holes for secure mounting to the computer case. At the center of the mounting bracket, there are two slightly raised circular connector ports that provide connections for external antennas.
One side of the adapter has a gold-plated edge connector (the PCIe interface) with tiny, parallel metal pins, which plug into the motherboard’s PCIE slot.
On the back of the adapter, there is a small recessed rectangular port with pins in it. It’s for the Bluetooth header cable ‘s mini 4-pin USB connector.
Part 2. Get Started
Before You Start:
1. Make sure you are using Windows 11 (64-bit) or above and your router or access point supports the Wi-Fi 7 standard.
2. If you plan on using Bluetooth and have already connected Bluetooth devices, proceed with Step 1. Otherwise, skip to Step 2.
Step 1. Disable Bluetooth
a. Right-click My Computer, select Manage, and go to Device Manager.
b. Expand the Bluetooth node to find your existing Bluetooth device.
c. Right-click the existing Bluetooth device and select Disable.
Note: Make sure you have disabled all existing Bluetooth devices (both built-in and third-party).
Step 2. Connect to a Computer
a. Turn off your computer, unplug the power cable, and then remove the case panel.
b. Connect the 4-pin end of the provided Bluetooth USB cable to the adapter via the port on its back.
c. Locate an available PCIE slot (X1, X4, X8, or X16) on your computer and carefully insert the adapter.
Note: If the bracket is not suitable for your computer, detach it from the adapter's board and replace it with the low-profile bracket.
d. Locate an available F_USB connector on your computer and carefully plug the other end of the Bluetooth USB cable into it.
Note: If the Bluetooth USB cable is not correctly connected to the motherboard, the Bluetooth function won’t work even after driver installation.
e. Install the antennas on the magnetized antenna base, then connect the base to the adapter.
Tips:
• To maximize performance, make sure the path between the antenna and your router is clear.
• DO NOT connect an SMA male connector directly to another using wires or other conductors. This can cause a short circuit or damage the adapter
f. Replace the case panel, plug in the power cable, and turn on your computer.
Step 3. Install the Drivers
a. Insert the provided USB drive into your computer and go to My Computer or This PC.
Tip: You can also check for new releases and download the latest drivers at https://www.tp-link.com/support/download/
b. Double-click the TP-Link CD to run the installation program.
c. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drivers separately.
Note:
• If an unknown publisher message pops up, select Yes to continue.
• If Windows User Account Control requires admin credentials, type the username and password of your Windows administrator account.
Step 4. Join a Wireless Network
a. Click the network status icon on the taskbar.
b. Select your Wi-Fi network, click “Connect,” and enter the password when prompted.
Step 5. Pair with Bluetooth Devices
a. Right-click the Bluetooth icon on the taskbar.
Note: If the Bluetooth icon is not displayed, refer to https://www.tp-link.com/en/support/faq/3942/
b. Select “Add a Bluetooth Device” or “Add a Device” to scan for available devices.
c. Select your Bluetooth device from the list and follow the on-screen instructions to complete pairing.
Note: Make sure your device’s Bluetooth is enabled and discoverable.
Support
For technical support, driver downloads, replacement services, user guides, and other information about your product model, please visit https://www.tp-link.com/support/.