How to Select Operation Mode of Pharos Series Products?

TP-Link’s Pharos series products support six operation modes to satisfy user‘s network requirements, including Access Point, Client, Repeater, Bridge, AP Router and AP Client Router (WISP Client) mode. The characteristics and application scenarios of different modes are introduced below.

Access Point

Access Point (AP) mode is used to transfer wired connection into wireless connection. In AP mode, the device acts as a central hub and provides wireless access point for wireless clients.

Typical Scenario

Network Requirements

In the campus, community, industrial park, or other public place with only wired network available, establish wireless network coverage to provide wireless access for users.

Client

Client mode is used to transfer wireless connection into wired connection. In Client mode, the device serves as a wireless adapter. It receives the wireless signal from root AP or station, and provides wired network for users.

Typical Scenario

Network Requirements

Connect the devices that are only applicable for wired network, such as Smart TV, Media Player to the wireless network.

Repeater

Repeater mode is used to extend wireless coverage of an existing wireless network. The SSID and encryption type of the device should be the same as those of the root AP.

Typical Scenario

Network Requirements

If you want to combine two networks via wireless connection but the distance is beyond the networks’ wireless coverage range, you can put one or more devices in Repeater mode along the path to repeat the wireless signal and extend the wireless transmission range.

Note:

The wireless signal of the device in Bridge/Repeater mode is normally weaker than that in other modes. We recommend that you use two devices in Client and Access Point mode respectively to replace the device in Bridge/Repeater mode.

Bridge

Bridge mode is used to extend wireless coverage of an existing wireless network. The SSID and encryption type of the device can be different from those of root AP.

Typical Scenario

Network Requirements

If you want to combine two networks via wireless connection but the distance is beyond the networks’ wireless coverage range, you can put one or more devices in Bridge mode along the path to repeat the wireless signal and extend the wireless transmission range. Users can use different SSID and encryption type from those of the root AP to access the network.

Note:

AP Router

The device in AP Router mode serves as a normal home wireless router but provides a wider wireless network range. It can connect to the wired network through PPPoE, L2TP, PPTP, Dynamic IP and Static IP, and provide wireless access for the clients.

Typical Scenario

Network Requirements

In the campus, community, industrial park, or other public place with only wired network available, establish wireless network coverage to provide wireless access for users. Unlike Access Point mode, the device in AP Router mode can connect to the modem directly without a router.

AP Client Router (WISP Client)

AP Client Router mode is used to access the internet provided by WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider) through wireless connection. For the downstream clients, the device serves as a normal home wireless router and can provide wired connection and wireless connection simultaneously.

Typical Scenario

Network Requirements

If you want to get internet service from a WISP, you can set the device as AP Client Mode. The device connects to the upstream device wirelessly through PPPoE, L2TP, PPTP, Dynamic IP and Static IP, and provide both wired access and wireless access for the users.