Optimal EasyMesh Setup Guide | Generated by AI

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Question: Suppose there is a main router (China Telecom’s 天翼 gateway using PPPoE account like 020xxx@163.gd), and two sub-routers (both TL-XDR3050 EasyMesh version). I want to get them all working with wired repeater / wireless repeater mode, and also considering DHCP mode to connect upstream.

Answer:

Your setup:

The TL-XDR3050 EasyMesh version supports three main modes:

You can mix modes: e.g., use EasyMesh for wireless extension or classic AP for wired. Since you have two sub-routers and mention “DHCP mode to connect upstream,” the safest and best-performing way is to use EasyMesh wireless (or hybrid wired+wireless) if wireless is needed, or AP mode if you can run cables.

Recommended Setup: Use EasyMesh (Wireless or Hybrid) – Easiest & Supports Multiple Subs

EasyMesh on XDR3050 allows up to 8 nodes total (main + subs), with multi-hop support (e.g., main → sub1 wireless → sub2 wireless). It handles DHCP automatically (only main dials PPPoE and runs DHCP; subs sync settings and disable their own DHCP).

Steps:

  1. Prepare the main 天翼 gateway:
    • Keep it in Router mode (default) — it dials PPPoE with your 020xxx@163.gd account and provides internet + DHCP (usually LAN 192.168.1.1).
    • Do not change to bridge mode unless you want the XDR3050 to dial PPPoE (more advanced, can give better performance but riskier if account/VLAN issues arise).
    • Connect nothing yet.
  2. Set one XDR3050 as the “main/extended” router (optional but recommended for better control):
    • Factory reset both XDR3050 (press RESET 10+ seconds).
    • Connect one XDR3050 temporarily to a PC (Wi-Fi or LAN cable).
    • Log in: http://tplinkwifi.net or 192.168.0.1.
    • If you want it to handle PPPoE instead of the gateway (for full Wi-Fi 6 speed, less double NAT):
      • Advanced > Internet > Change to PPPoE > Enter your 020xxx@163.gd account/password > Save.
      • But first test if the gateway can be bridged (login to gateway 192.168.1.1 with super admin password from telecom, set WAN to Bridge; search “天翼网关 桥接” for model-specific guide).
    • Most users keep gateway as main dialer to avoid complications.
  3. One-key EasyMesh pairing (for wireless repeating):
    • Place sub1 near the gateway (good signal overlap).
    • Power on gateway + sub1 XDR3050.
    • Press the EasyMesh button (back panel, labeled “易展”, hold 1-3 seconds) on either device.
    • Lights flash (searching) → solid/blue/green = paired.
    • Sub1 syncs Wi-Fi name/password from gateway (or you can set unified SSID later).
    • Repeat for sub2: Place sub2 near sub1 (or gateway), press EasyMesh button again — it joins the network (auto chooses best parent node, supports 2+ hops).
    • Result: Seamless roaming, single SSID, main gateway handles DHCP/internet, subs act as extenders without IP conflict.
  4. If you prefer wired repeating (better speed/stability, no multi-hop loss):
    • On each XDR3050 (after reset):
      • Log in → Advanced > Operation Mode > Select AP (有线中继) → Save & reboot.
      • After reboot, it disables DHCP automatically and becomes a pure access point.
    • Connect: Gateway LAN port → Ethernet cable → XDR3050 LAN port (not WAN!).
    • Do the same for sub2 (can chain: Gateway → sub1 LAN-to-LAN → sub2 LAN-to-LAN).
    • Set same Wi-Fi SSID/password as gateway for roaming (or different if you want separation).
    • No IP conflict because only gateway runs DHCP.
  5. Avoiding IP Conflicts & “No Response” Issues:
    • Never leave subs in Router mode when connected — they would run duplicate DHCP and cause conflicts (devices get wrong gateway IP, no internet).
    • In EasyMesh: Auto-handles (subs don’t run DHCP).
    • In AP mode: DHCP is disabled.
    • If conflict happens: Disconnect subs → reset them → set to AP/EasyMesh → reconnect.
    • Check IPs: On PC, run ipconfig (Windows) — Default Gateway should be only the 天翼 gateway IP (e.g. 192.168.1.1).

Which to Choose?

Test step-by-step: Start with one sub, confirm internet on its Wi-Fi, then add the second. Update firmware on all devices from TP-Link China site if pairing fails. If PPPoE issues arise when trying bridge, stick with gateway dialing.

References:

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