which third-party software for TP-Link C9 AC 1900?

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x509

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I just posted this other thread about how TP-Link's software doesn't really do bridging, despite what their documentation says. https://hardforum.com/threads/reall...leading-documentation-about-bridging.1989844/

I still want to set up this router as a bridge to support network printing to an HP Laserjet, but I don't know where to start. I've done some reading, but it seems like I could spend all my free time just figuring out the differences between different versions of DD-WRT and then maintaining this software on my router.

I'm technically savvy, I build all my own systems from parts that I buy from the Egg, load up Windows and do quite a lot of configuration and tuning, etc.. But I don't have the time to do the same for just a network bridge.

Can anyone get me started on a "cookbook" approach. Something almost set-it-and-forget it.

In advance, replies much appreciated.
 
scrappymouse said:
Is this what you're trying to accomplish? https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/faq/415/

With their print-service set up you really shouldn't have to mess with bridging.
Click to expand...
I guess so but the devil could be lurking in the details. I am no longer using the TP-Link as my router. I upgraded to a Netgear R8000. I only want to use the TP-Link as a print server. I would not want it to have separate SSIDs from the Netgear R8000.

I would be very happy to not mess with some form of DD-WRT.

Should I start a new thread, maybe with a better subject?
 
x509 said:
I guess so but the devil could be lurking in the details. I am no longer using the TP-Link as my router. I upgraded to a Netgear R8000. I only want to use the TP-Link as a print server. I would not want it to have separate SSIDs from the Netgear R8000.

I would be very happy to not mess with some form of DD-WRT.

Should I start a new thread, maybe with a better subject?
Click to expand...

I think this thread is fine, it's just trying to understand what the ultimate goal is, and how the network is set up. The easiest way to do this is to put the TP-LInk router into AP mode, but when you do this you may end up with losing the print-service capability on the TP-link. That would be a question for TP-LINK support, can you share a printer(Via USB I presume) on this router to the rest of the network when the TP-LINK is in AP mode......when putting a router in AP mode a lot of functions of the router itself could be lost, I'm just not sure if the print-service would be one of those functions
 
scrappymouse said:
I think this thread is fine, it's just trying to understand what the ultimate goal is, and how the network is set up. The easiest way to do this is to put the TP-LInk router into AP mode, but when you do this you may end up with losing the print-service capability on the TP-link. That would be a question for TP-LINK support, can you share a printer(Via USB I presume) on this router to the rest of the network when the TP-LINK is in AP mode......when putting a router in AP mode a lot of functions of the router itself could be lost, I'm just not sure if the print-service would be one of those functions
Click to expand...
Thanks. I'm about go on a long business trip, so all this work will have to wait for several weeks. TP-Link support chat sessions usually have a wait time of 30+ minutes and they move along slowly.
 
scrappymouse said:
I think this thread is fine, it's just trying to understand what the ultimate goal is, and how the network is set up. The easiest way to do this is to put the TP-LInk router into AP mode, but when you do this you may end up with losing the print-service capability on the TP-link. That would be a question for TP-LINK support, can you share a printer(Via USB I presume) on this router to the rest of the network when the TP-LINK is in AP mode......when putting a router in AP mode a lot of functions of the router itself could be lost, I'm just not sure if the print-service would be one of those functions
Click to expand...
I have read that when you have an AP, you lose 50% of your total bandwidth everywhere in your house. Is that true?
 
x509 said:
I have read that when you have an AP, you lose 50% of your total bandwidth everywhere in your house. Is that true?
Click to expand...

I suspect you are confusing AP with extender and even then that's not accurate.
 
Nicklebon said:
I suspect you are confusing AP with extender and even then that's not accurate.
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I wouldn't doubt it.:confused:

I used to have a DLink 5122 (IIRC) that had a bridge mode, and did exactly what I needed. I know I don't want an AP because I don't need it and I don't need to "extend" the reach of my WiFi. I just want this device to operate on TCP/IP Layer 2 on the WiFi network and move packets to the printer which would be attached via Ethernet.
 
x509 said:
I wouldn't doubt it.:confused:

I used to have a DLink 5122 (IIRC) that had a bridge mode, and did exactly what I needed. I know I don't want an AP because I don't need it and I don't need to "extend" the reach of my WiFi. I just want this device to operate on TCP/IP Layer 2 on the WiFi network and move packets to the printer which would be attached via Ethernet.
Click to expand...

That's what an AP is, a bridge. If the printer already has a network port WTF are you trying to to bridge it to POS consumer gear anyway? Plug into a switch port of your existing gear.
 
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I'd suggest checking out this link, https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/faq/442/ My guess is you are trying to get your printer in a different location than your existing gear, hence running it off your TP-Link, Check out the link and try the different settings for what you are trying to accomplish, I'd imagine TP-LInks repeater mode may be exactly what you're looking for
 
Nicklebon said:
That's what an AP is, a bridge. If the printer already has a network port WTF are you trying to to bridge it to POS consumer gear anyway? Plug into a switch port of your existing gear.
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Dude, hey, chill.

With my old DLink, AP and bridge were two separate modes. The printer has both Ethernet and USB ports, but now that the DLink has gone to the great recycling center in the sky, I don't have any switches upstairs, where the printer is located. I have networking equipment downstairs, the cable modem and Netgear R8000.
 
x509 said:
Dude, hey, chill.

I don't have any switches upstairs, where the printer is located. I have networking equipment downstairs, the cable modem and Netgear R8000.
Click to expand...

Sounds like a good time to fix that and stop with ghetto networking. Cable fishing is not that hard and the results will destroy what your trying to do and open up potential. I managed to fish 2 pair of 10Gb fiber and 4 Cat 6 cables from my basement into my attic through main floor and upper floor in just a cpl of hours.
 
I'm curious what happens if you plug your printer into your TP-LINK upstairs(Ethernet to one of the LAN ports), and then set the TP-LINK to repeater mode, this(in theory) should allow your main router to act as the DHCP server, your SSID's/Security would stay the same, and it should then 'just work'....hopefully :)
 
scrappymouse said:
I'm curious what happens if you plug your printer into your TP-LINK upstairs(Ethernet to one of the LAN ports), and then set the TP-LINK to repeater mode, this(in theory) should allow your main router to act as the DHCP server, your SSID's/Security would stay the same, and it should then 'just work'....hopefully :)
Click to expand...
I am also curious, but I'm now on a short-term assignment away from home, so it will be at least 4 weeks before I'm home so I can try out this repeater mode.
Nicklebon said:
Sounds like a good time to fix that and stop with ghetto networking. Cable fishing is not that hard and the results will destroy what your trying to do and open up potential. I managed to fish 2 pair of 10Gb fiber and 4 Cat 6 cables from my basement into my attic through main floor and upper floor in just a cpl of hours.
Click to expand...
Yeah, there was a time when I would also do cable fishing. I ran 10Base 2 between first and second floors, as well as video cable. But I hate to say it, my back might not tolerate it any longer. Also, how do you deal with firestops? If I have to cut into the drywall, I probably won't do the cable fishing just for that reason.
 
x509 said:
I am also curious, but I'm now on a short-term assignment away from home, so it will be at least 4 weeks before I'm home so I can try out this repeater mode.

Yeah, there was a time when I would also do cable fishing. I ran 10Base 2 between first and second floors, as well as video cable. But I hate to say it, my back might not tolerate it any longer. Also, how do you deal with firestops? If I have to cut into the drywall, I probably won't do the cable fishing just for that reason.
Click to expand...

In this case of going from attic to basement I got lucky and was able to run down beside the gas line and the drip lines for my upstairs hvac. It was very tight so I pulled each line separately vs as a bundle. Seriously, don't drywall stand in the way. A monkey could repair the small hole you would need for this. Hell when I put up my tv over the fireplace I cut a hole big enough to drawl into so I could run the conduit and power over to the stupid built in tv cubby. I can't even see the repair now and I know exactly where it is. This isn't because I'm very good at it either because I am not.
 
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