Here is a fix if your Mac is dropping TP-Link Router’s Wi-Fi Network Connection intermittently

I know it happened to me when I purchased a new TP-Links router. But after setting up the router with my ISP (Internet Service Provider), my Mac / iMac / MacBook / MacBook Pro / MacBook Air / Mac Mini started dropping connection intermittently every 5 minutes or every 2 minutes or so.

After trying everything, here is a list of settings I used to get a stable connection from my router to my Mac.

Step 01: Sign in to your Router’s Admin Page

Step 02: Navigate to Wireless or Advanced > Wireless > Wireless Settings

Step 03: Uncheck ‘Smart Connect’. i.e. Disable Smart Connect Feature.

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About Smart Connect: TP-Link Smart Connect allows the router to automatically assign connected devices to the Wi-Fi band that provides the fastest speed. Smart Connect can reduce delays and interruptions by balancing the load and assigning devices to the most appropriate band. But I noticed that it somehow conflicts with Mac’s stable Wi-Fi connectivity, so it is better to disable it.

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Step 04: Now change the ‘Wireless Mode’ for 2.4GHz to ‘n’ only

Step 05: Now change the ‘Wireless Mode’ for 5GHz to n/ac mixed or ac only.

Step 06: Now Save All Changes you made to the router’s Wireless Settings.

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Note 01: You can use the same name for ‘Wireless Network Name’ for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless network modes.

Note 02: You can enable MU-MIMO for your 5GHz wireless mode. It will enhance your wireless speed and internet connection speed.

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After making all the above changes to my router settings, my Mac stopped dropping connection, and I did not find any compatibility issue between my Mac and TP-Link router.

I have found the solution to TP-Link Router Problem: I Contacted TP-Link Support Staff, They asked for the router to be sent to their warehouse for router diagnosis. After back and forth emails they said that the particular router itself has a hardware/software problem so they are going to send me a replacement.

After using my replaced router I can confirm I am not having any problem with Wifi connectivity on my Apple iPhone, iMac or any Android Device.

So talking with TP-Link Support Staff and asking for replacement is the right solution.

Thanks & Regards
Mandar Apte