tp-link Archer TBE550E Wi-Fi 7 Bluetooth PCIe Adapter User Guide

tp-link Archer TBE550E Wi-Fi 7 Bluetooth PCIe Adapter

Specifications

• Product: BE9300 Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth PCIe Adapter Archer TBE550E
• Maximum wireless signal rates: Based on IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications, actual rates may vary
• Features: Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), 320 MHz Bandwidth, 4096-QAM, Multi-RUs, OFDMA, MU-MIMO, BSS Color
• Bandwidth Availability: 320 MHz on the 6 GHz band, 160 MHz on the 5 GHz band (availability may vary by region)
• Network Speed Limitations : Dependent on various factors including interface, cable, ISP, OS, and environmental conditions
• Security: WPA3 support requires AP compatibility
• Trademark: TP-Link is a registered trademark of TP-LINK CORPORATION PTE. LTD.

About This Guide
This guide is a complement to Quick Installation Guide. The Quick Installation Guide instructs you on quick installation, and this guide provides the product overview and more detailed instructions for each steps.
When using this guide, please notice that features available of the adapter may vary by model and software version. It may also vary by region or ISP. All images, steps, and descriptions in this guide are only examples and may not reflect your actual experience.

Conventions
In this guide, the following conventions are used:G

Specifications are subject to change without notice. TP-Link is a registered trademark of TP-LINK CORPORATION PTE. LTD.
Maximum wireless signal rates are the physical rates derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. Actual wireless data throughput and wireless coverage are not guaranteed and will vary as a result of network conditions, AP limitations, and environmental factors, including building materials, obstacles, volume and density of traffic, and AP location.

Use of Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), and other features including 320 MHz Bandwidth, 4096-QAM, Multi-RUs, OFDMA, MU-MIMO, and BSS Color requires the AP and PC OS to also support the corresponding features.

Certain features of Archer TBE550E, such as Bluetooth 5.4, may be restricted on some computing systems
and platforms. Please try to update the device’s driver for feature compatibility.

The 320 MHz bandwidth is only available on the 6 GHz band. The 320 MHz bandwidth on the 6 GHz band and 160 MHz bandwidth on the 5 GHz band may be unavailable in some regions/countries due to regulatory restrictions. Double channel width and speed refer to 320 MHz compared to 160 MHz for Wi-Fi 6 adapters.

Actual network speed may be limited by the rate of the product’s PCI Express Interface, Ethernet WAN
or LAN port, the rate supported by the network cable, internet service provider factors, operating system factors, and other environmental conditions.

The use of WPA3 requires APs to also support the corresponding feature.

More Info

• The latest driver can be found at the Download Center at
  https://www.tp-link.com/support.

• The Quick Installation Guide (QIG) can be found where you find this guide or inside the package of the product.

• Specifications can be found on the product page at https://www.tp-link.com.

• A TP-Link Community is provided for you to discuss our products at https://community.tp-link.com.

Get to Know About Your Adapter

Product Overview

Archer TBE550E offers you an incredibly smooth Wi-Fi experience. Wi-Fi 7 unlocks the full potential of the 6 GHz band, providing exceptional bandwidth and congestion-free channels exclusive to your desktop. Enhanced by 4096-QAM and 320MHz, TBE550E delivers astonishing wireless speeds, facilitating instant multi-stream media playback.‡

• Wireless Standards: 5760 Mbps on 6 GHz + 2880 Mbps on 5 GHz + 688 Mbps on 2.4 GHz, compatible with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be standard.
• Antennas: 2× High-Performance Tri-Band Antennas
• Wireless Security: WPA/WPA2/WPA3, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK*
• Dimensions (without the antenna base): 3.7×4.8×0.8 in ( 95.2120.821.5 mm)
• System Requirements: Windows 11(64-bit) only§

Environment

• Operating Temperature : 0°C~40°C (32°F~104°F)
• Storage Temperature : -40℃~70℃ (-40℉~158℉)
• Operating Humidity : 10%~90% non-condensing
• Storage Humidity : 5%~90% non-condensing

Appearance

LED Description

Connect to a Computer

This chapter introduces how to connect the adapter to your computer. Please note that images are for demonstration only.

Before You Start
If you plan on using Bluetooth and already have connected Bluetooth devices, proceed with step 1. Otherwise, skip to step 2.

• Disable Bluetooth

  • a. Right-click My Computer, select Manage, go to Device Manager.
  • b. Expand the Bluetooth node to find your existing Bluetooth device.
  • c. Right-click the existing Bluetooth device and select Disable.
    Not e: Make sure you have disabled all existing Bluetooth devices (both built-in and third party).

• Connect to a Computer

  • a. Turn off your computer, unplug the power cable then remove the case panel.

  • b. Connect the provided Bluetooth USB cable to the adapter.

  • c. Locate an available PCIE slot ( X1, X4, X8, or X16) and carefully insert the adapter.
    Tip: If the bracket is not suitable for your computer, detach it from the adapter’s board and replace it with the low-profile bracket.

  • d. Locate an available F_USB connector and carefully plug the Bluetooth USB cable into it. Note: If the Bluetooth USB cable is not correctly connected to the motherboard, the Bluetooth function won’t work even after driver installation.

  • Install the antennas on the magnetized antenna base, then connect the base to the adapter.
    Tip:

  • To maximize performance, make sure the path between the antenna and your router is clear.
    DO NOT connect one SMA male connector directly to another with wires or other conductors to prevent short circuits or adapter damage.

  • f. Replace the case panel, plug in the power cable and turn on your computer. After connecting your adapter to the computer, follow the instructions in the next chapter to install Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drivers.

Use Your Adapter

This chapter introduces how to install or uninstall your adapter’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drivers, connect to a wireless network, and pair with a Bluetooth device on a Windows system.
This chapter includes the following sections:

Install Drivers

1. Insert the provided Resource USB drive into your computer and go to My Computer or This PC.
   Note: You can also check the new release and download the driver at https://www.tp-link.com/support/download/

2. Double-click the TP-Link CD to run the installation program.

3. Install the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drivers.
   Note: DO NOT install the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi drivers simultaneously. If one driver is being installed, please wait until it is finished, then install the other driver.

   • Wi-Fi: Click and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the Wi-Fi installation.
   • Bluetooth: Click and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the Bluetooth installation.

Note:

• To check if the drivers are installed successfully or not , refer to How to check if I have installed the drivers successfully or not?
• If an unknown publisher message pops up, select Yes to continue.
• If Windows User Account Control requires admin credentials, type user name and password of your Windows administrator account.

Join a Wireless Network

1. Click the internet icon on the taskbar (the icon might look like one of these:
2. Select your Wi-Fi network, click Connect, and enter the password when prompted.

Note: To connect to a 6GHz, check the following:

1. Make sure the 6 GHz band is not prohibited by regulations in your country.
2. Make sure your router or access point supports 6 GHz Wi-Fi.
3. The 6 GHz band requires operating system support. Make sure you are using the Windows 11.
4. Make sure the Wi-Fi driver is successfully installed according to the Quick Installation Guide. Note: If you want to update your operating system, refer to Troubleshooting-T7.

Pair with Bluetooth Devices

1. Right click the (Bluetooth) icon on the taskbar.
   Note: If its not displayed, refer to Troubleshooting-T4.

2. Select Add a Bluetooth Device to scan for available devices.

3. Select your Bluetooth device from the list and follow the on-screen instructions to complete pairing.
   Note: Make sure your device’s Bluetooth is enabled and discoverable.

Uninstall Drivers

Uninstall Wi-Fi driver
Go to Start > Apps, find the Wi-Fi driver TP-Link Archer TBE550E 1.0 WiFi Driver. Click on it and select Uninstall, then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation.

Uninstall Bluetooth driver
Go to Start > Apps, find the Bluetooth driver TP-Link Archer TBE550E 1.0 Bluetooth Driver. Click on it and select Uninstall, then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation.

Troubleshooting

What should I do if the adapter is not detected?

• Make sure the adapter is securely located in the appropriate PCI-E slot.
• Try a different PCI-E slot on the computer.
• Make sure you use the latest driver for your specific adapter. The latest drivers can be found at the product’s Support page at https://www.tp-link.com
• Try restarting the computer or try the adapter on a different computer.

How to check if I have installed the drivers successfully or not?
Check your taskbar if there are Wi-Fi and Bluetooth icons.

• If you can see the icon ( Network icon) on the taskbar, you have already installed the Wi-Fi driver successfully.
• If you can see the (Bluetooth) icon on the taskbar, you have already installed the Bluetooth driver successfully.

What should I do if can’t connect to the Wi-Fi after installing the driver?

• Refer to T1 to check if the adapter is detected.
• Refer to T2 to check if you have installed the driver for your adapter successfully .
• Disable the antivirus software and firewall, then try again.
• Make sure the adapter is securely located in the appropriate slot.
• Try a different PCI-E slot on the computer.
• Restart your computer and try again.
• Reinstall the driver and try again.

What should I do if the Bluetooth icon doesn’t appear?

• Make sure you have turned on the Bluetooth in your Windows settings. To enable Bluetooth, go to Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices and turn on Bluetooth.
• Make sure there are no other Bluetooth devices on the computer. If there are, disable all existing Bluetooth devices in Device Manager, then reinstall the adapter and try again.
  TIp : To go to Device Manager: Right-click My Computer or This PC, select Manage, go to Device

How to find the hardware version of the adapter?
The hardware version printed on the product label on the package or the adapter. There is a character string “Ver:X.Y” (for example, Ver:1.0) in the Serial Number field, and the number X is the hardware version of the adapter.

What do I do when the LEDs on the antenna base are off?

• Make sure the magnetized antenna base is properly connected to the adapter.
• Refer to T1 to check if the adapter is detected.
• Refer to T2 to check if you have installed the driver for your adapter successfully.
• Ensure that the two SMA male connectors on the adapter are not in contact with any other metal parts or conductors to prevent short circuits.
• Locate the network icon in the bottom right corner of your desktop on your computer and make sure you have enabled the Wi-Fi Radio signal. If not, click the network icon on the taskbar and select the Wi-Fi button to turn on the Wi-Fi.
• Single press the LED button to turn on the LED.

How do I update my operating system

Refer to the official website to download Win 11
https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11/

For more detailed instructions:

• Can’t find the hardware version of the adapter: https://www.tp-link.com/faq-46.html
• Can’t find or connect to the wireless networks: https://www.tp-link.com/faq-2253.html
• Can’t install the driver: https://www.tp-link.com/faq-2252.html

FCC STATEMENT

Product Name: BE9300 Wi-Fi 7 Bluetooth PCIe Adapter
Model Number: Archer TBE550E

Responsible party:
TP-Link USA Corporation

• Address: 10 Mauchly, Irvine, CA 92618
• Website: http://www.tp-link.com/us/
• Tel: +1 626 333 0234
• Fax: +1 909 527 6804
• E-mail: sales.usa@tp-link.com

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, under part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used by the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ TV technician for help.

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
   Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Note: The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by unauthorized modifications to this equipment. Such modifications could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement:
This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This device and its antenna must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
“To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, this grant applies to only Mobile Configurations. The antennas used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.”

Operation of transmitters in the 5.925-7.125 GHz band is prohibited for control of or communications with unmanned aircraft systems.
We, TP-Link USA Corporation, have determined that the equipment shown above has been shown to comply with the applicable technical standards, FCC part 15. There is no unauthorized change is made in the equipment and the equipment is properly maintained and operated.

CE Mark Warning

This is a class B product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

OPERATING FREQUENCY(the maximum transmitted power)

• 2400MHz-2483.5MHz(20dBm)
• 5150MHz-5250MHz(23dBm)
• 5250MHz-5350MHz(23dBm)
• 5470MHz-5725MHz(23dBm)
• 5745MHz-5825MHz(14dBm)
• 5945MHz-6425MHz(23dBm)

EU declaration of conformity
TP-Link hereby declares that the device complies with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of directives 2014/53/EU, 2011 /65/EU, and (EU) 2015/863.
The original EU declaration of Conformity may be found
at https://www.tp-link.com/en/support/ce/

UK declaration of conformity

TP-Link hereby declares that the device complies with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of the Radio Equipment Regulations 2017.
The original UK Declaration of Conformity may be found at https://www.tp- link.com/support/ukca/

RF Exposure Information
This device meets the EU requirements (2014/53/EU Article 3.1a) on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields by way of health protection.

The device complies with RF specifications when the device is used at 20 cm from your body.

• Frequency band: 5150 – 5250 MHz:
• Indoor use: Inside buildings only. Installations and use inside road vehicles and train carriages are not permitted. Limited outdoor use: If used outdoors, equipment shall not be attached to a fixed installation or to the external body of road vehicles, a fixed infrastructure or a fixed outdoor antenna. Use by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) is limited to within the 5170 – 5250 MHz band.
• Frequency band: 5250 – 5350 MHz:
• Indoor use: Inside buildings only. Installations and use in road vehicles, trains, and aircraft are not permitted. Outdoor use is not permitted.
• Frequency band: 5470 – 5725 MHz:
  Installations and use in road vehicles, trains, and aircraft and use for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are not permitted.

Attention: This device may only be used indoors in Great Britain.

Canadian Compliance Statement
This device contains license-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s license-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Caution:

1. The device for operation in the band 5150–5250 MHz is only for indoor use to reduce the potential for harmful interference to co-channel mobile satellite systems;
2. For devices with detachable antenna(s), the maximum antenna gain permitted for devices in the bands 5250-5350 MHz and 5470-5725 MHz shall be such that the equipment still complies with the e.i.r.p. limit;
3. For devices with detachable antenna(s), the maximum antenna gain permitted for devices in the band 5725-5850 MHz shall be such that the equipment still complies with the e.i.r.p. limits specified for point-to-point and non-point-to-point operation as appropriate; and

DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) products that operate in the bands 5250- 5350 MHz, 5470-5600MHz, and 5650-5725MHz.

Radiation Exposure Statement:
This equipment complies with IC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator & your body.

Déclaration d’exposition aux radiations:
ISED regulations restrict operation of this device to indoor use only. The operation of this device is prohibited on oil platforms, cars, trains, boats, and aircraft, except that operation of this device is permitted in large aircraft while flying above 10000 feet. Operation of transmitters in the 5.925-7.125 GHz band is prohibited for control of or communications with unmanned aircraft systems. Les réglementations ISED limitent le fonctionnement de cet appareil à une utilisation en intérieur uniquement. L’utilisation de cet appareil est interdite sur les plates-formes pétrolières, les voitures, les trains, les bateaux et les avions, sauf que l’utilisation de cet appareil est autorisée dans les avions long courrier en vol au-dessus de 10 000 pieds. L’exploitation d’émetteurs dans la bande 5,925-7,125 GHz est interdite pour le contrôle ou les communications avec des systèmes d’avions sans pilote.

Industry Canada Statement
CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)

Korea Warning Statements

Note 1: “Exceeding 0.1 wt %” and “exceeding 0.01 wt %” indicate that the percentage content of the restricted substance exceeds the reference percentage value of presence condition.=
Note 2: “○” indicates that the percentage content of the restricted substance does not exceed the percentage of reference value of presence.
Note 3: The indicates that the restricted substance corresponds to the exemption

Safety Information

• Keep the device away from water, fire, humidity or hot environments.
• Do not attempt to disassemble, repair, or modify the device. If you need service, please contact us.
• Do not use the device where wireless devices are not allowed.

Please read and follow the above safety information when operating the device. We cannot guarantee that no accidents or damage will occur due to improper use of the device. Please use this product with care and operate at your own risk.
This product uses radios and other components that emit electromagnetic fields. Electromagnetic fields and magnets may interfere with pacemakers and other implanted medical devices. Always keep the product and its power adapter more than 15 cm (6 inches) away from any pacemakers or other implanted medical devices. If you suspect your product is interfering with your pacemaker or any other implanted medical device, turn off your product and consult your physician for information specific to your medical device.

Environment
Operating Temperature: 0℃~40℃ (32℉~104℉)

Explanation of the symbols on the product label

Symbols may vary from products.

FAQ

• Q: Do I need special drivers to use the BE9300 Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth PCIe Adapter?
  • A: Yes, you will need to install the appropriate drivers for the adapter to function correctly. Drivers can usually be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website.
• Q: Can I use this adapter with older Wi-Fi standards such as Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 4?
  • A: While the adapter is designed for newer Wi-Fi standards like  Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7, it may be backward compatible with older standards. However, for optimal performance, it is recommended to use it with compatible standards.
• Q: How can I ensure I am getting the maximum wireless signal rates with this adapter?
  • A: To achieve the maximum signal rates, ensure that your access point (AP) and PC operating system also support the corresponding features of the adapter, such as 320 MHz Bandwidth, Multi-RUs, and MU-MIMO. Additionally, consider environmental factors that may affect signal strength.

© 2024 TP-Link REV1.0.0 1910013584

References

• Link: Simple, secure one-click payments
• WiFi Networking Equipment for Home & Business | TP-Link
• TP-Link Community
• Download Windows 11
• CE Regulatory Compliance | TP-Link
• Difficulties Experienced While Installing a TP-Link Wireless Adapter
• Why cannot I connect to my wireless network | TP-Link
• How to find the hardware version on a TP-Link device

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