Tp-Link ARCHER C1200 User Manual

0 (0)
User Guide
AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router
Archer C1200
REV2.0.0 1910012083
Contents
About This Guide .........................................................................................................1
Chapter 1. Get to Know About Your Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1. 1. Product Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1. 2. Panel Layout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1. 2. 1. The Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1. 2. 2. The Back Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Chapter 2. Connect the Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
2. 1. Position Your Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2. 2. Connect Your Router. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Chapter 3. Log In to Your Router. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
5. 3. 1. Add TP-Link ID to Manage the Router. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
5. 3. 2. Remove TP-Link ID(s) from Managing the Router. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
5. 4. 1. Install the Tether App on Your Smartphones or Tablets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
5. 4. 2. Locally Manage Your Router Using the Tether App . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
5. 4. 3. Remotely Manage Your Router Using the Tether App. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Chapter 6. Guest Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Chapter 7. USB Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
7. 1. 1. Access the USB Device Locally. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
7. 1. 2. Access the USB Device Remotely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
7. 1. 3. Customize the Access Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
7. 3. Printer Sharing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Chapter 8. Parental Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
9. 2. Update the Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Chapter 10. Network Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Chapter 11. NAT Forwarding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
11. 4. Make Xbox Online Games Run Smoothly by UPnP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Chapter 12. VPN Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
13. 1. 1. Step1. Set up OpenVPN Server on Your Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
13. 1. 2. Step 2. Configure OpenVPN Connection on Your Remote Device . . . . 64
13. 2. 1. Step 1. Set up PPTP VPN Server on Your Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
13. 2. 2. Step 2. Configure PPTP VPN Connection on Your Remote Device. . . . 66
Chapter 13. Customize Your Network Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
14. 5. Create Static Routes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
14. 6. Specify Wireless Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
14. 7. 1. Set the Router’s PIN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
14. 7. 2. Use the WPS Wizard for Wi-Fi Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
14. 4. 1. Online Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
14. 4. 2. Manual Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
14. 4. 3. Restore Interrupted Upgrade After Power Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
14. 6. Change the Login Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
14. 8. Local Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
FAQ ................................................................................................................................ 96

About This Guide

This guide is a complement of Quick Installation Guide. The Quick Installation Guide instructs you on quick Internet setup, and this guide provides details of each function and shows you the way to configure these functions appropriate to your needs.
When using this guide, please notice that features of the router may vary slightly depending on the model and software version you have, and on your location, language, and internet service provider. All screenshots, images, parameters and descriptions documented in this guide are used for demonstration only.
Conventions
In this guide the following conventions are used:
Convention Description
Underlined
Teal
>
Note:
Tips:
symbols on the web
page
Underlined words or phrases are hyperlinks. You can click to redirect to a website or a specific section.
Contents to be emphasized and texts on the web page are in teal, including the menus, items, buttons, etc.
The menu structures to show the path to load the corresponding page. For example, Advanced > Wireless > MAC Filtering means the MAC Filtering function page is under the Wireless menu that is located in the Advanced tab.
Ignoring this type of note might result in a malfunction or damage to the device.
Indicates important information that helps you make better use of your device.
click to edit the corresponding entry.
click to delete the corresponding entry.
click to enable or disable the corresponding entry.
click to view more information about items on the page.
More Info
The latest software, management app and utility can be found at Download Center at
http://www.tp-link.com/support.
The Quick Installation Guide can be found where you find this guide or inside the package of the router.
Specifications can be found on the product page at http://www.tp-link.com.
A Technical Support Forum is provided for you to discuss our products at
http://forum.tp-link.com.
Our Technical Support contact information can be found at the Contact Technical
Support page at http://www.tp-link.com/support.
1
Chapter 1

Get to Know About Your Router

This chapter introduces what the router can do and shows its appearance.
It contains the following sections:
Product Overview
Panel Layout
Chapter 1
Get to Know About Your Router

1. 1. Product Overview

The TP-Link router is designed to fully meet the need of Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) networks and users demanding higher networking performance. The powerful antennas ensure continuous Wi-Fi signal to all your devices while boosting widespread coverage throughout your home, and the built-in Ethernet ports supply high-speed connection to your wired devices.
Moreover, it is simple and convenient to set up and use the TP-Link router due to its intuitive web interface and the powerful Tether app.

1. 2. Panel Layout

1. 2. 1. The Front Panel

The router’s LEDs (view from left to right) are located on the front. You can check the router’s working status by following the LED Explanation table.
2
Chapter 1
LED Explanation
Name Status Indication
Get to Know About Your Router
On The system has started up successfully.
(Power)
(2.4GHz
Wireless)
(5GHz Wireless)
(Internet)
(Ethernet)
(USB)
Flashing
Off Power is off.
On The 2.4GHz wireless band is enabled.
Off The 2.4GHz wireless band is disabled.
On The 5GHz wireless band is enabled.
Off The 5GHz wireless band is disabled.
Green On Internet service is available.
Orange On
Off The router’s Internet port is unplugged.
On
Off No powered-on device is connected to the router’s LAN port.
On The inserted USB device is ready to use.
Flashing A USB device is being identified.
Off No device is plugged into the USB port.
The system is starting up or the firmware is being upgraded. Do not disconnect or power off your router.
The router’s Internet port is connected, but the internet service is not available.
At least a powered-on device is connected to the router’s LAN port.
(WPS)
On/Off
Flashing WPS connection is in progress. This may take up to 2 minutes.
This light remains on for 5 minutes when a WPS connection is established, then turns off.
3
Chapter 1

1. 2. 2. The Back Panel

Get to Know About Your Router
The following parts (view from left to right) are located on the back panel.
Item Description
Power Port For connecting the router to a power socket via the provided power adapter.
Power On/Off Button Press this button to power on or off the router.
Reset Button
USB 2.0 Port For connecting to a USB 2.0 device or a USB 2.0 printer.
Internet Port For connecting to a DSL/Cable modem, or an Ethernet jack.
Ethernet Ports (1/2/3/4) For connecting your wired devices to the router.
WPS/Wi-Fi On/Off
Button
Antennas
Press and hold this button for more than 5 seconds to reset the router to its factory default settings.
Press and hold this button for less than 5 seconds to enable the WPS function.
Press and hold this button for about 2 seconds to turn on or off the wireless function of your router.
Used for wireless operation and data transmit. Upright them for the best Wi-Fi performance.
4
Chapter 2

Connect the Hardware

This chapter contains the following sections:
Position Your Router
Connect Your Router
Chapter 2
Connect the Hardware

2. 1. Position Your Router

• The product should not be located in a place where it will be exposed to moisture or excessive heat.
• Place the router in a location where it can be connected to multiple devices as well as to a power source.
• Make sure the cables and power cord are safely placed out of the way so they do not create a tripping hazard.
• The router can be placed on a shelf or desktop.
• Keep the router away from devices with strong electromagnetic reference, such as Bluetooth devices, cordless phones and microwaves.

2. 2. Connect Your Router

Follow the steps below to connect your router.
If your internet connection is through an Ethernet cable from the wall instead of through a DSL / Cable / Satellite modem, connect the Ethernet cable directly to the router’s Internet port, and then follow Step 4 and 5 to complete the hardware connection.
Power adapter
4
Power adapter
Router
Internet
1
2
Modem
3
1. Turn off the modem, and remove the backup battery if it has one.
2. Connect the modem to your router’s Internet port with an Ethernet cable.
3. Turn on the modem, and then wait about 2 minutes for it to restart.
4. Connect the power adapter to the router and turn on the router.
6
Chapter 2
Connections are available
Wireless Network Connection
Connect the Hardware
5. Verify that the following LEDs are on and solid before continuing with the configuration.
Power
On
Note:
If the 2.4G LED and 5G LED are off, please press the WPS/Wi-Fi On/Off button for 2 seconds and check the
LEDs again a few seconds later.
2.4G On
5G On
Internet
On
6. Connect your computer to the router.
Method 1: Wired
Turn off the Wi-Fi on your computer and connect the devices as shown below.
WPS/Wi-Fi On/O
Ethernet cable
Method 2: Wirelessly
1 ) Find the SSID (Network Name) and Wireless Password printed on the label at
the bottom of the router.
2 ) Click the network icon of your computer or go to Wi-Fi Settings of your smart
device, and then select the SSID to join the network.
TP-Link_XXXX
TP-Link_XXXX_5G
Connect automatically Connect
or
Smart DeviceComputer
< Settings
Wi-Fi
CHOOSE A NETWORK...
TP-Link_XXXX
TP-Link_XXXX_5G
Other...
Wi-Fi
7
Chapter 2
Connect the Hardware
Method 3: Use the WPS button
Wireless devices that support WPS, including Android phones, tablets, and most USB network adapters, can be connected to your router through this method.
Note:
• WPS is not supported by iOS devices.
• The WPS function cannot be configured if the wireless function of the router is disabled. Also, the WPS function will be
disabled if your wireless encryption is WEP. Please make sure the wireless function is enabled and is configured with
the appropriate encryption before configuring the WPS.
1 ) Tab the WPS icon on the device’s screen. Here we take an Android phone for
instance.
2 ) Within two minutes, press the WPS/Wi-Fi On/Off button on your router.
WLAN
On
TP-Link
Home
Oce
TP-Link_123
TP-Link_abc
MyHome
Test
close to
WPS/Wi-Fi On/OPower On/O
8
Chapter 3

Log In to Your Router

Chapter 3
Log In to Your Router
With a web-based utility, it is easy to configure and manage the router. The web-based utility can be used on any Windows, Mac OS or UNIX OS with a Web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or Apple Safari.
Follow the steps below to log in to your router.
1. Set up the TCP/IP Protocol in Obtain an IP address automatically mode on your
computer.
2. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and create a login password for secure management purposes. Then click Let’s Get Started to log in.
Note:
• If the login window does not appear, please refer to the FAQ Section.
• If you have registered a TP-Link ID and bound your cloud router to it, the login password you created here will be
invalid. Please log in to the cloud router using your TP-Link ID.
10
Chapter 4

Set Up Internet Connection

This chapter introduces how to connect your router to the internet. The router is equipped with a web-based Quick Setup wizard. It has necessary ISP information built in, automates many of the steps and verifies that those steps have been successfully completed. Furthermore, you can also set up an IPv6 connection if your ISP provides IPv6 service.
It contains the following sections:
Use Quick Setup Wizard
Manually Set Up Your Internet Connection
Set Up an IPv6 Internet Connection
Chapter 4
Set Up Internet Connection

4. 1. Use Quick Setup Wizard

The Quick Setup Wizard will guide you to set up your router.
Tips:
If you need the IPv6 internet connection, please refer to the section of Set Up an IPv6 Internet Connection.
Follow the steps below to set up your router.
1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with the password you set for the router.
2. Click Quick Setup on the top of the page. Then follow the step-by-step instructions to connect your router to the internet.
3. To enjoy a more complete service from TP-Link (remote management, TP-Link DDNS, and more), log in with your TP-Link ID or click Resigter Now to get one. Then follow the instructions to bind the cloud router to your TP-Link ID.
Note:
• To learn more about the TP-Link Cloud service, please refer to the TP-Link Cloud Service section.
• If you do not want to register a TP-Link ID now, you may click Log In Later to proceed.
• If you have changed the preset wireless network name (SSID) and wireless password during the Quick Setup process,
all your wireless devices must use the new SSID and password to connect to the router.

4. 2. Manually Set Up Your Internet Connection

In this part, you can check your current internet connection settings. You can also modify the settings according to the service information provided by your ISP.
Follow the steps below to check or modify your internet connection settings.
1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router.
2. Go to Basic > Internet.
3. Select your internet connection type from the drop-down list.
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Chapter 4
Note:
If you are unsure of what your connection type is, click Auto Detect. Since different connection types require different
cables and connection information, you can also refer to the demonstrations in Step 4 to determine your connection
type.
Set Up Internet Connection
4. Follow the instructions on the page to continue the configuration. Parameters on the figures are just used for demonstration.
1 ) If you choose Dynamic IP, you need to select whether to clone the MAC address.
Dynamic IP users are usually equipped with a cable TV or fiber cable.
2 ) If you choose Static IP, enter the information provided by your ISP in the
corresponding fields.
13
Chapter 4
Set Up Internet Connection
3 ) If you choose PPPoE, enter the Username and Password provided by your ISP.
PPPoE users usually have DSL cable modems.
4 ) If you choose L2TP, enter the Username and Password and choose the
Secondary Connection provided by your ISP. Different parameters are needed
according to the Secondary Connection you have chosen.
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Chapter 4
Set Up Internet Connection
5 ) If you choose PPTP, enter the Username and Password, and choose the
Secondary Connection provided by your ISP. Different parameters are needed
according to the Secondary Connection you have chosen.
5. Click Save.
6. To check your internet connection, click Network Map on the left of the page. After the connection succeeds, the screen will display as follows. Here we take PPPoE as an example.
15
Chapter 4
Note:
It may take 1-2 minutes to make the settings valid.
Set Up Internet Connection
Tips:
• If your internet connection type is BigPond Cable, please go to Advanced > Network > Internet to set your router.
• If you use Dynamic IP and PPPoE and you are provided with any other parameters that are not required on the page,
please go to Advanced > Network > Internet to complete the configuration.
• If you still cannot access the internet, refer to the FAQ section for further instructions.

4. 3. Set Up an IPv6 Internet Connection

Your ISP provides information about one of the following IPv6 internet connection types: PPPoE, Dynamic IP(SLAAC/DHCPv6), Static IP, 6to4 tunnel, Pass-Through (Bridge).
1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router.
2. Go to Advanced > IPv6.
3. Enable IPv6 and select the internet connection type provided by your ISP.
Tips:
If you do not know what your internet connection type is, contact your ISP or judge according to the already known
information provided by your ISP.
4. Fill in information as required by different connection types. Red blanks must be filled in.
1 ) Static IP: Fill in blanks and click Save.
16
Chapter 4
Set Up Internet Connection
2 ) Dynamic IP(SLAAC/DHCPv6): Click Advanced to input further information if
your ISP requires. Click Save and then click Renew.
3 ) PPPoE: By default, the router uses the IPv4 account to connect to the IPv6
server. Click Advanced to input further information if your ISP requires. Click
Save and then click Connect.
Note:
If your ISP provides two separate accounts for the IPv4 and IPv6 connections, please untick the Use the same
session with IPv4 connection checkbox and manually enter the username and password for the IPv6 connection.
17
Chapter 4
Set Up Internet Connection
4 ) 6to4 Tunnel: An IPv4 internet connection type is a prerequisite for this
connection type (Manually Set Up Your Internet Connection). Click Advanced to input further information if your ISP requires. Click Save and then click Connect.
5 ) Pass-Through (Bridge): Click Save and skip to Step 6.
18
Chapter 4
Set Up Internet Connection
5. Configure LAN ports. Windows users are recommended to choose from the first two types. Fill in Address Prefix provided by your ISP, and click Save.
Tips:
Find Help on the web management page to know more about items.
6. Click Status to check whether you have successfully set up an IPv6 connection. The following figure is an example of a successful PPPoE configuration.
Tips:
Visit the FAQ section if there is no internet connection.
19
Chapter 5

TP-Link Cloud Service

TP-Link Cloud service provides a better way to manage your cloud devices. Log in to your router with a TP-Link ID, and you can easily monitor and manage your home network when you are out and about via the Tether app on your smartphone or tablet. To ensure that your router stays new and gets better over time, the TP-Link Cloud will notify you when an important firmware upgrade is avaliable. Surely you can also manage multiple TP-Link Cloud devices with a single TP-Link ID.
This chapter introduces how to register a new TP-Link ID, bind or unbind TP-Link IDs to manage your router, and the Tether app with which you can manage your home network no matter where you may find yourself.
It contains the following sections:
Register a TP-Link ID
Change Your TP-Link ID Information
Manage the User TP-Link IDs
Manage the Router via the TP-Link Tether App
Chapter 5
TP-Link Cloud Service

5. 1. Register a TP-Link ID

If you have skipped the registration during the Quick Setup process, you can
1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with the password you set for the router.
2. Go to Basic > TP-Link Cloud.
3. Click Register Now and follow the instructions to register a TP-Link ID.
4. After activating your TP-Link ID, come back to the TP-Link Cloud page to log in. The TP-Link ID used to log in to the router for the first time will be automatically bound as an Admin.
Note:
• To learn more about the Admin and User TP-Link ID, refer to Manage the User TP-Link IDs.
• Once the router is bound to your TP-Link ID, you need to log in to the router with the TP-Link ID.
• Once you have registered a TP-Link ID on the web management page, you can only register another TP-Link ID via the
Tether APP. Please refer to Install the Tether App on Your Smartphones or Tablets to install the app. Launch the app,
tap in the top-left corner of the screen and tap Login, and then click New User to register a new one.
• If you want to unbind the admin TP-Link ID from your router, please go to Basic > TP-Link Cloud, an click Unbind in the
Device Information section.

5. 2. Change Your TP-Link ID Information

Follow the steps below to change your email address and password of your TP-Link ID as needed.
1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID.
2. Go to Basic > TP-Link Cloud, and focus on the Account Information section.
¾ To change your email address:
1. Click behind the Email.
2. Enter the password of your TP-Link ID, then a new email address. And click Save.
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Chapter 5
¾ To change your password:
1. Click behind the Password.
2. Enter the current password, then a new password twice. And click Save.
TP-Link Cloud Service

5. 3. Manage the User TP-Link IDs

The first TP-Link ID used to log in to the router for the first time will be automatically bound as the Admin account. An admin account can add or remove other TP-Link IDs to or from the same router as Users. All accounts can monitor and manage the router locally or remotely, but user accounts cannot:
• Reset the router to its factory default settings either on the web management page
or in the Tether app.
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Chapter 5
TP-Link Cloud Service
• Add/remove other TP-Link IDs to/from the router.

5. 3. 1. Add TP-Link ID to Manage the Router

1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID.
2. Go to Basic > TP-Link Cloud, and focus on the Bound Accounts section.
3. Click , enter another TP-Link ID as needed and click Save.
Note:
If you need another TP-Link ID, please register a new one via the Tether app. Install Tether referring to Install the Tether
App on Your Smartphones or Tablets. Launch the app, tap in the top-left corner of the screen and tap Login, and
then click New User to register a new one.
4. The new TP-Link ID will be displayed in the Bound Accounts table as a User.

5. 3. 2. Remove TP-Link ID(s) from Managing the Router

1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID.
2. Go to Basic > TP-Link Cloud, and focus on the Bound Accounts section.
3. Tick the checkbox(es) of the TP-Link ID(s) you want to remove and click Unbind.
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Chapter 5
TP-Link Cloud Service

5. 4. Manage the Router via the TP-Link Tether App

5. 4. 1. Install the Tether App on Your Smartphones or Tablets

The Tether app runs on iOS and Android devices, such as smartphones and tablets.
Launch the Apple App Store or Google Play store and search “TP-Link Tether” or simply scan the QR code to download and install the app.
OR

5. 4. 2. Locally Manage Your Router Using the Tether App

1. Connect your device to the router’s wireless network.
2. Launch the Tether app, select the model of your router and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password your set for the router.
3. On the home page, you can check your internet status and connected devices, or click to manage your router locally as needed.
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Chapter 5
TP-Link Cloud Service

5. 4. 3. Remotely Manage Your Router Using the Tether App

To remotely access your router in the Tether app, you need:
TP-Link Tether app with the latest version. Refer to Install the Tether App on Your
Smartphones or Tablets to install the Tether app, or update the installed one to its
latest version.
TP-Link Cloud router with the latest firmware. Refer to Upgrade the Firmware to
update your router to the latest firmware version.
A TP-Link ID bound to your router. If you don’t have a TP-Link ID, refer to Register a
TP-Link ID to get one.
Internet Access. Make sure your smartphone or tablet can access the internet with
cellular data or a Wi-Fi network.
¾ To remotely access your router from your smart devices:
1. Launch the Tether app. Tap in the top-left corner of the screen and tap Login.
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