How to configure Access Control List in Access Point Mode on a TP-Link Wireless Router

Usage Scenario

Configuring the router in Access Point Mode allows you to create a wireless network from an existing Ethernet connection within your LAN. The Access Point Mode function is suitable for dorm rooms or homes where there’s already a wired router but you need a wireless hotspot.

The Access Control function in Access Point Mode is used to block or allow specific client devices from accessing the access point’s network (via wired or wireless) based on a list of blocked devices (Deny List) or a list of allowed devices (Allow List).

How to Configure

Step 1. Set Up the Router as an Access Point

1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router.

2. Go to Advanced → System → Operation Mode, select Access Point, and click SAVE. The router will reboot and switch to Access Point Mode.

3. After rebooting, connect the router (in Access Point Mode) to your existing wired router via an Ethernet cable.

4. Log back into the web management page via http://tplinkwifi.net and navigate to Advanced → Quick Setup.

5. Configure your wireless settings and click Next.

6. Confirm the information and click SAVE. Now you can set up the Access Control rules.

Step 2. Set Up the Access Control List

1. In the router that is configured in Access Point mode, navigate to Advanced → Security → Access Control.

2. Toggle the button next to Access Control.

3. Select the Access Mode option to either block (recommended) or allow the device(s) in the list.

To block specific device(s):

1) Select Deny List.

2) Click and select the devices you want to be blocked and click ADD. You can choose to select the devices from the device list, or to add them manually.

3) The Operation Succeeded message will appear on the screen, which means the selected devices have been successfully added to the Deny List.

To allow specific device(s):

1) Select Allow List and click SAVE.

2) Your own device is in the Allow List by default and cannot be deleted. Click to add other devices to the Allow List. You can choose to select the devices from the device list, or to add manually.

3) The Operation Succeeded message will appear on the screen, which means the device has been successfully added to the Allow List.

Done!

Now you can block or allow specific client devices to access your network (via wired or wireless).