Conventional wisdom in Simlim shops says that dead zones in your home require mesh router. They also believe that a good lone-wolf router would cost $500+. I think they didn’t know the simple technique in this bpost?

For a few years, I used an Aztech HAP (Home Access Point) built into my first (Aztech) powerline device. It provided a new SSID without any WebGUI. In 2023, again I am setting up a HAP. The devcie is a TPLink.

• I had no luck with the RangeExtender feature as described in the TPLink manual.
• I had no luck with the LAN-LAN set-up as described in https://hetmanrecovery.com/recovery_news/connection-of-2-routers-in-one-network-wifi-gain-shared-resources.htm
• So I ended up with WAN-LAN. This is also the recommended set-up on TPLink manual.

It can be helpful to run a ping test in an endless loop in a console window, during a lengthy set-up process.

For smart phones, private/random MAC (the default) proved to be problematic.

Due to frequent reset of the HAP, I have decided to keep the default password and SSID .. on sticker.

— j4 extra t$cost

• j4: lower mobile data usage while in the kitchen
• j4: easier to move the HP71

— admin WebGUI access.. I think 192.168.0.1 sometimes goes to the host rounter (DLink) sometimes to the TPLink 🙁

1. unplug the TPLink from the powerline device, disconnecting it from the host network
2. keep the TPLink on, so its WebGUI remains accessible.
3. A cable between the TPLink and the computer is possibly more stable. In contrast, the wifi connection is perceived less stable but was usable at least once.
4. now 192.168.0.1 goes to TPLink WebGUI. Log in with root/se8.
5. Now you can configure password, SSID,,,

Only after you gain admin WebGUI access, can you have confidence to proceed.