This Article Applies to: 

TL-WPA7510, TL-WPA9610, TL-WPA8730/8630(P) V2, WPA4220 V3, etc.

Problem Description/ Phenomenon:

What is Smart DHCP, and How does Smart DHCP work? Visit TP-Link Smart DHCP Makes Network Configuration Simple.

Some users may find that after the power outage or router’s rebooting, even after router’s internet is back and up running, client devices still get IP address from powerline extender, and cannot connect to the internet.

Note: if router loses internet and then goes back afterwards, powerline extender will do a scan automatically, if it detects another DHCP Server is running, it will disable its own automatically (when powerline units remain paired), and the devices will get IP address from main router then access the internet through that.

Troubleshooting Suggestions:

1. Double check if the main router’s internet is actually back ON and working fine.

To confirm this, wire a computer or laptop to another LAN port of the router using an Ethernet cable, leave the main powerline adapter connected to the LAN port of the router as well, check if you can access the internet successfully on the computer or laptop. If yes, that means the router's DHCP server is up and running; If not, you will need to check what's wrong with the router after the reboot or power outage.

2. Make sure the powerline adapter and extender are still paired (house LEDs are ON), show us the IP address on the clients devices. Compare that when the internet is good and when it is not.

How to check the IP address on a computer: https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/669/.

If your model is not listed or the issue persists,  please report back with the information below to help locate the issue. 

Or send a support email to TP-Link technical support with title ‘[Forum ID 265692] Powerline Extender Acting as the DHCP server’ to get further assistance: 

1. How did you find out powerline device's DHCP server does not work properly? Did you often reboot main router or is there often power outage in your house?

2. Does router’s internet work fine at that moment?

3. LED status on both powerline units.

4. Brand and Model of router, the network topology, for example:

ISP modem --- Router Archer C7 --- PA8010 .... <powerline> ...WPA8630P --- Asus laptop model X.

5. Model & OS of devices that connected to wireless powerline unit.

6. Model number & firmware and hardware version of your powerline KIT, update the firmware if it is not the latest version:

How to update the firmware of the powerline adapter using the tpPLC Utility: https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/1091/