Page 1
User Guide
AC2300 Wireless MU-MIMO Gigabit Router
Archer C2300
REV2.0.0 1910012713
Page 2
Contents
About This Guide .........................................................................................................1
Chapter 1. Get to Know About Your Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1. 1. Product Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1. 2. Panel Layout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1. 2. 1. The Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1. 2. 2. The Side Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1. 2. 3. The Back Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Chapter 2. Connect the Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
2. 1. Position Your Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2. 2. Connect Your Router. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Chapter 3. Log In to Your Router. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Chapter 4. Set Up Internet Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4. 1. Use Quick Setup Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4. 2. Manually Set up Your Internet Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4. 3. Set Up an IPv6 Internet Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Chapter 5. Set Up the Router as an Access Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Chapter 6. TP-Link Cloud Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
6. 1. Register a TP-Link ID. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
6. 2. Change Your TP-Link ID Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
6. 3. Manage the User TP-Link IDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
6. 3. 1. Add TP-Link ID to Manage the Router. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
6. 3. 2. Remove TP-Link ID(s) from Managing the Router. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
6. 4. Manage the Router via the TP-Link Tether App . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Chapter 7. Guest Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
7. 1. Create a Network for Guests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
7. 2. Customize Guest Network Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Chapter 8. USB Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
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8. 1. Access the USB Storage Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
8. 1. 1. Access the USB Device Locally. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
8. 1. 2. Access the USB Device Remotely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
8. 1. 3. Customize the Access Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
8. 2. Media Sharing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
8. 3. Time Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Chapter 9. HomeCare – Parental Controls, QoS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
9. 1. Parental Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
9. 1. 1. Scenario 1: Setting Up Access Restrictions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
9. 1. 2. Scenario 2: Monitoring Internet Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
9. 2. QoS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Chapter 10. Network Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
10. 1. Firewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
10. 2. Access Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
10. 3. IP & MAC Binding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Chapter 11. NAT Forwarding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
11. 1. Share Local Resources on the Internet by Virtual Servers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
11. 2. Open Ports Dynamically by Port Triggering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
11. 3. Make Applications Free from Port Restriction by DMZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
11. 4. Make Xbox Online Games Run Smoothly by UPnP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Chapter 12. VPN Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
12. 1. Use OpenVPN to Access Your Home Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
12. 2. Use PPTP VPN to Access Your Home Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Chapter 13. Customize Your Network Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
13. 1. Change the LAN Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
13. 2. Configure to Support IPTV Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
13. 3. Specify DHCP Server Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
13. 4. Set Up a Dynamic DNS Service Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
13. 5. Create Static Routes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
13. 6. Specify Wireless Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
13. 7. Use WPS for Wireless Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
13. 7. 1. Method 1: Use the WPS Button. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
13. 7. 2. Method 2: Use the WPS Button on the Web Management Page . . . . . . 77
13. 7. 3. Method 3: Enter the Router’s PIN on Your Client Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
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13. 7. 4. Method 4: Enter the Client Device’s PIN on the Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
13. 8. Schedule Your Wireless Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Chapter 14. Manage the Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
14. 1. Set Up System Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
14. 2. Control LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
14. 3. Test the Network Connectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
14. 4. Upgrade the Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
14. 4. 1. Online Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
14. 4. 2. Local Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
14. 4. 3. Restore Interrupted Upgrade after Power Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
14. 5. Backup and Restore Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
14. 6. Set the Router to Reboot Regularly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
14. 7. Change the Administrator Account. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
14. 8. Default Password Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
14. 9. Local Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
14. 10. Remote Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
14. 11. System Log. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
14. 12. Internet Traffic Statistics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
14. 13. System Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
14. 13. 1. 2.4GHz/5GHz Wireless. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
14. 13. 2. 2.4GHz/5GHz WDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
14. 13. 3. NAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
14. 13. 4. DoS Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
14. 13. 5. Internet Port Negotiation Speed Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Chapter 15. Work with Alexa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
FAQ ............................................................................................................................. 102
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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 available of the router 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:
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
https://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 https://www.tp-link.com.
A TP-Link Community is provided for you to discuss our products at
https://community.tp-link.com.
Our Technical Support contact information can be found at the Contact Technical
Support page at https://www.tp-link.com/support.
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Speed/Coverage Disclaimer
*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 1) environmental factors, including building
materials, physical objects, and obstacles, 2) network conditions, including local
interference, volume and density of traffic, product location, network complexity, and
network overhead, and 3) client limitations, including rated performance, location,
connection, quality, and client condition.
MU-MIMO Disclaimer
*Use of MU-MIMO requires clients to also support MU-MIMO.
2
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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
Page 8
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 are located on the front. You can check the router’s working status by
following the LED Explanation table.
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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)
(WPS)
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.
Blue 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/Off
Flashing WPS connection is in progress. This may take up to 2 minutes.
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 one powered-on device is connected to the router’s LAN
port.
This light remains on for 5 minutes when a WPS connection is
established, then turns off.
(USB)
(LED On/Off)
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.
On/Off Press this button to turn on or off the LED.
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Chapter 1
Get to Know About Your Router
1. 2. 2. The Side Panel
The following parts (view from left to right) are located on the side panel.
Item Description
Wi-Fi On/Off Button
Reset Button
WPS Button Press this button to enable the WPS function.
USB 3.0 Port For connecting to a USB device.
Press and hold the WiFi button for about 2 seconds to turn on or off the
wireless function of your router.
Press and hold this button for more than 5 seconds to reset the router to its
factory default settings.
1. 2. 3. The Back Panel
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Chapter 1
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.
Internet Port For connecting to a DSL/Cable modem, or an Ethernet jack.
LAN Ports (1/2/3/4) For connecting your PC or other Ethernet network devices to the router.
Antennas
Used for wireless operation and data transmit. Upright them for the best
Wi-Fi performance.
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Chapter 2
Connect the Hardware
This chapter contains the following sections:
• Position Your Router
• Connect Your Router
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Chapter 2
1
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 directly from the wall instead
of through a DSL / Cable / Satellite modem, connect the Ethernet cable to the router’s
Internet port, and then follow Step 1, 5 and 6 to complete the hardware connection.
Power adapter
Internet
Modem
Power adapter
2
3
Router
5
4
1. Install the antennas.
2. Turn off the powered-off modem, and remove the backup battery if any.
3. Connect the modem to your router’s Internet port with an Ethernet cable.
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Chapter 2
Connections are available
Wireless Network Connection
Connect the Hardware
4. Turn on the modem, and then wait about 2 minutes for it to restart.
5. Connect the power adapter to the router and turn on the router.
6. Verify that the following LEDs are on and solid to confirm the harware is connected
correctly.
Power
On
Note:
If the 2.4GHz LED and 5GHz LED are off, press and hold the Wi-Fi On/Off button on the side panel for about 2
seconds. Within a few seconds, both the LEDs shoud turn solid on.
2.4GHz
On
5GHz
On
Internet
On
7. Connect your computer to the router.
• Method 1: Wired
Turn off the Wi-Fi on your computer and connect the devices as shown below.
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.
Computer
TP-Link_XXXX
TP-Link_XXXX_5G
√
Connect automatically Connect
< Settings
Wi-Fi
CHOOSE A NETWORK...
or
TP-Link_XXXX
TP-Link_XXXX_5G
Other...
Smart Device
Wi-Fi
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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 Reset/WPS button on your router.
WLAN
On
TP-LINK
YSL
David
Hotdog
Ts_5G
Sunny
Test
close to
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Chapter 3
Log In to Your Router
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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, Macintosh 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.
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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
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Chapter 4
Set Up Internet Connection
4. 1. Use Quick Setup Wizard
The Quick Setup Wizard will guide you through the process 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,
etc.), 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.
3 ) If you choose PPPoE, enter the username and password provided by your ISP.
PPPoE users usually have DSL cable modems.
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Set Up Internet Connection
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.
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.
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Set Up Internet Connection
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.
Note:
It may take 1-2 minutes to make the settings valid.
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 and 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.
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Set Up Internet Connection
1 ) Static IP: Fill in blanks and click Save.
2 ) Dynamic IP(SLAAC/DHCPv6): Click Advanced to enable Prefix Delegation and
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 enable Prefix Delegation and 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 uncheck the box for Use
the same session with IPv4 connection and manually enter the username and password for the IPv6 connection.
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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.
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.
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Tips:
Find Help on the management interface to know more about items.
Set Up Internet Connection
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.
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Chapter 5
Set Up the Router as an Access Point
In the Access Point mode, your router connects to a wired or wireless router via an
Ethernet cable and extends the wireless coverage of your existing network.
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Chapter 5
Set Up the Router as an Access Point
The router can work as an access point, transforming your existing wired network to a
wireless one.
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 > Operation Mode, select Access Point and click Save. The router
will reboot and switch to Access Point mode.
3. After rebooting, connect the router’s Internet port to your existing router’s Ethernet
port via an Ethernet cable.
4. Log in again to the web management page http://tplinkwifi.net, and click Quick Setup.
5. Configure your wireless settings and click Next.
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Set Up the Router as an Access Point
6. Confirm the information and click Finish. Now, you can enjoy Wi-Fi.
Tips:
Functions, such as Parental Controls, Qos and NAT Forwarding, are not supported in the Access Point mode.
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Chapter 6
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
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TP-Link Cloud Service
6. 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.
• You can register another TP-Link ID via the Tether APP. Please refer to Manage the Router via TP-Link Tether App to
install the app and register a new one
• If you want to unbind the admin TP-Link ID from your router, please go to Basic > TP-Link Cloud, click Unbind in the
Device Information section.
6. 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.
• 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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• To change your password:
TP-Link Cloud Service
1. Click
2. Enter the current password, then a new password twice. And click Save.
behind the Password.
6. 3. Manage the User TP-Link IDs
The 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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TP-Link Cloud Service
• Add/remove other TP-Link IDs to/from the router.
6. 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
Note:
If you need another TP-Link ID, please refer to Manage the Router via TP-Link Tether App to install the app and register
a new one.
, enter another TP-Link ID as needed and click Save.
4. The new TP-Link ID will be displayed in the Bound Accounts table as a User.
6. 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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TP-Link Cloud Service
6. 4. Manage the Router via the TP-Link Tether App
The Tether app runs on iOS and Android devices like smartphones and tablets.
1. Open the Apple App Store or Google Play and search the key word “TP-Link Tether”
or simply scan the QR code to download and install the app.
OR
2. Open the Tether app and log in with your TP-Link ID. If you don’t have an account, sign
up first.
3. Select the model of your router and manage it as needed.
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Chapter 7
Guest Network
This function allows you to provide Wi-Fi access for guests without disclosing your
main network. When you have guests in your house, apartment, or workplace, you can
create a guest network for them. In addition, you can customize guest network options
to ensure network security and privacy.
It contains the following sections:
• Create a Network for Guests
• Customize Guest Network Options
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Chapter 7
Guest Network
7. 1. Create a Network for Guests
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 > Guest Network. Locate the Wireless section.
3. Create a guest network as needed.
1 ) Tick the checkbox(es) to enable 2.4 GHz Wireless guest network or 5GHz
Wireless guest network.
2 ) Customize the SSID. Don‘t select Hide SSID unless you want your guests to
manually input the SSID for guest network access.
3 ) Select the Security type.
• No Security - No password is needed to access your guest network.
• WPA/WPA2-Personal - Select this option to enable the standard authentication
method. It’s recommeded to keep the default Version and Encryption values,
and customize your own password.
• WPA2/WPA3-Personal - Select this option to enjoy stronger protections than
WPA/WPA2-Personal. It’s recommeded to select Auto and customize your own
password. WPA3-SAE provides stronger protections for the network, but only
allows clients supporting WPA3 to access the wireless network.
4. Click Save. Now your guests can access your guest network using the SSID and
password you set!
Tips:
To view guest network information, go to Advanced > Status and locate the Guest Network section.
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Guest Network
7. 2. Customize Guest Network Options
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 > Guest Network. Locate the Settings section.
3. Customize guest network options according to your needs.
• Allow guests to see each other
Check this box if you want to allow the wireless clients on your guest network to
communicate with each other via methods such as network neighbors and Ping.
• Allow guests to access my local network
Check this box if you want to allow the wireless clients on your guest network
to communicate with the devices connected to your router’s LAN ports or main
network via methods such as network neighbors and Ping.
4. Click Save. Now you can ensure network security and privacy!
Tips:
To view guest network information, go to Advanced > Status and locate the Guest Network section.
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Chapter 8
USB Settings
This chapter describes how to use the USB ports to share files and media from the USB
storage devices over your home network locally, or remotely through the internet.
The router supports USB external flash drives, hard drives and USB printers.
It contains the following sections:
• Access the USB Storage Device
• Media Sharing
• Time Machine
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Chapter 8
USB Settings
8. 1. Access the USB Storage Device
Insert your USB storage device into the router’s USB port and then access files stored
there locally or remotely.
Tips:
• If you use USB hubs, make sure no more than 4 devices are connected to the router.
• If the USB storage device requires using bundled external power, make sure the external power has been connected.
• If you use a USB hard drive, make sure its file system is FAT32, exFat, NTFS or HFS+.
• Before you physically disconnect a USB device from the router, safely remove it to avoid data damage: Go to Advanced
> USB Sharing > USB Storage Device and click .
8. 1. 1. Access the USB Device Locally
Insert your USB storage device into the router’s USB port and then refer to the following
table to access files stored on your USB storage device.
• Method 1:
Windows
computer
Go to Computer > Network, then click the Network Server Name
(ModelNumber-SHARE by default) in the Computer section.
Note:
Operations in different systems are similar. Here we take Windows 7 as an example.
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Windows
computer
USB Settings
• Method 2:
Open the Windows Explorer (or go to Computer) and type the server
address \\tplinkwifi.net or ftp://tplinkwifi.net in the address bar, and then
press Enter.
1 ) Select Go > Connect to Server
2 ) Type the server address smb://tplinkwifi.net
3 ) Click Connect
Mac
4 ) When prompted, select the Guest radio box. (If you have set up a
username and a password to deny anonymous access to the USB
disks, you should select the Registered User radio box. To learn how
to set up an account for the access, refer to To Set up Authentication
for Data Security.)
Tablet
Tips:
You can also access your USB disk by using your Network/Media Server Name as the server address. Refer to To
Customize the Address of the USB Disk to learn more.
Use a third-party app for network files management.
8. 1. 2. Access the USB Device Remotely
You can access your USB disk outside the local area network. For example, you can:
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USB Settings
• Share photos and other large files with your friends without logging in to (and paying
for) a photo-sharing site or email system.
• Get a safe backup for the materials for a presentation.
• Remove the files on your camera’s memory card from time to time during the journey.
Note:
If your ISP assigns a private WAN IP address (such as 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x), you cannot use this feature because
private addresses are not routed on the internet.
Follow the steps below to configure remote access 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 Advanced > USB Sharing > USB Storage Device page.
3. Tick the FTP (Via Internet) checkbox, and then click Save.
4. Refer to the following table to access your USB disk remotely.
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Computer
USB Settings
1 ) Open the Windows Explorer (or go to Computer, only for Windows
users) or open a web browser.
2 ) Type the server address in the address bar:
Type in ftp://<WAN IP address of the router>:<port number> (such
as ftp://59.40.2.243:21). If you have specified the domain name
of the router, you can also type in ftp://<domain name>:<port
number> (such as ftp://MyDomainName:21)
3 ) Press Enter on the keyboard.
4 ) Access with the username and password you set in To Set up
Authentication for Data Security.
Tips:
You can also access the USB disk via a third-party app for network files management, which can
resume broken file transfers.
Tablet
Tips:
Click Set Up a Dynamic DNS Service Account to learn how to set up a domain name for you router.
Use a third-party app for network files management.
8. 1. 3. Customize the Access Settings
By default, all the network clients can access all folders on your USB disk. You can
customize your sharing settings by setting a sharing account, sharing specific contents
and setting a new sharing address on the router’s web management page.
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 > USB Sharing > USB Storage Device page.
• To Customize the Address of the USB Disk
You can customize the server name and use the name to access your USB disk.
1. On the Access Address part, make sure Network Neighborhood is ticked, and enter
a Network/Media Server Name as you like, such as MyShare,and then click Save.
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USB Settings
2. Now you can access the USB disk by visiting \\MyShare (for Windows) or smb://
MyShare (for Mac).
• To Only Share Specific Content
1. On the Sharing Contents and Security part, focus on the Sharing Contents section.
Click
to change your settings.
2. Select the folder(s) you want to share.
3. Click Save.
• To Set up Authentication for Data Security
You can set up authentication for your USB device so that network clients will be
required to enter username and password when accessing the USB disk.
1. On the Sharing Contents and Security part, toggle on Access Authentication.
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USB Settings
2. The username and password of the admin account are both admin. Clients
accessing with the admin account can both read and write the contents of your
USB disk. If you only permit your clients to read the contents of your USB disk, they
might access with the visit account. Click
to change the username and password
of the admin or visit account.
Note:
For Windows users, do not set the sharing username the same as the Windows username. Otherwise, Windows
credential mechanism may cause the following problems:
• If the sharing password is also the same as the Windows password, authentication will not work since the Windows
will automatically use its account information for USB access.
• If the sharing password is different from the Windows password, the Windows will be unable to remember your
credentials and you will always be required to enter the sharing password for USB access.
3. Click Save.
Note:
Due to Windows credential mechanism, you might be unable to access the USB disk after changing Authentication
settings. Please log out from the Windows and try to access again. Or you can change the address of the USB disk by
referring to To Customize the Address of the USB Disk.
8. 2. Media Sharing
The feature of Media Sharing allows you to view photos, play music and watch movies
stored on the USB disk directly from DLNA-supported devices, such as your computer,
tablet and PS2/3/4. The feature is enabled by default.
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USB Settings
1. When your USB disk is inseted into the router, your DLNA-supoorted devices (such
as your computer and pad) connected to the router can detect and play the media
files on the USB disks.
2. Refer to the following table for detailed instructions.
Go to Computer > Network, and click the Media Server Name
(ModelNumber-SHARE by default) in the Media Devices section.
Note:
Here we take Windows 7 as an example.
Windows
Computer
Tablet Use a third-party DLNA-supported player.
8. 3. Time Machine
Time Machine backs up all files on your Mac computer to a USB storage device
connected to your router.
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 > USB Sharing > Time Machine page.
3. Tick the checkbox to enable Time Machine.
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4. Click Select to select a location for Time Machine backups.
5. Set the Size Limit for Backups.
Note:
0 means no limit for the space.
6. Click Save.
USB Settings
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Chapter 9
HomeCare – Parental Controls, QoS
TP-Link HomeCare provides a kit of features to help you create a personalized
network that caters for the whole family. You can ensure appropriate internet
access for everyone with Parental Controls and save bandwidth for the things
that matter with QoS.
It contains the following sections:
• Parental Controls
• QoS
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Chapter 9
HomeCare – Parental Controls, QoS
9. 1. Parental Controls
Parental Controls allows you to set up unique restrictions on internet access for each
member of your family. You can block inappropriate content, set daily limits for the total
time spent online and restrict internet access to certain times of the day.
9. 1. 1. Scenario 1: Setting Up Access Restrictions
I want to:
Block access to inappropriate online content for my child’s devices, restrict internet
access to 2 hours every day and block internet access during bed time (10 PM to 7 AM)
on weekdays.
How can I do that?
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 > HomeCare > Parental Controls or Advanced > Parental Controls.
3. Click
4. Add basic profile information.
to create a profile for a family member.
1 ) Enter a Name for the profile to make it easier to identify.
2 ) Under Devices, click
3 ) Select the devices that belong to this family member. Access restrictions will be
applied to these devices. Click Add when finished.
.
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Note: Only devices that have previously been connected to your router’s network are listed here. If you are unable
to find the device you want to add, connect it to your network and then try again.
HomeCare – Parental Controls, QoS
4 ) Click Next.
5. Customize the Blocked Content according to your needs for this profile.
1 ) Enter a keyword (for example, “Facebook”) or a URL (for example, “www.
facebook.com”), then click Add. All websites containing the keywords will be
blocked.
2 ) Click Next.
6. Set time restrictions on internet access.
1 ) Enable Time Limits on Monday to Friday and Saturday & Sunday then set the
allowed online time to 2 hours each day.
2 ) Enable Bed Time and use the up/down arrows or enter times in the fields. Devices
under this profile will be unable to access the internet during this time period.
3 ) Click Save.
Done!
The amount of time your child spends online is controlled and inappropriate content is
blocked on their devices.
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9. 1. 2. Scenario 2: Monitoring Internet Usage
I want to:
Check which websites my child has visited and how much time they have spent online
recently.
How can I do that?
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 > HomeCare > Parental Controls or Advanced > Parental Controls.
3. Find the correct profile and click in the Insights column.
Note: If you have not set up a profile for your child yet, you should do that first by clicking , then follow the
steps to create a profile. Refer to Scenario 1: Setting Up Access Restrictions for detailed instructions.
4. Use the drop-down menu to view the websites visited and time spent online for any
of the last 7 days. Click
Tip: Click to block the corresponding content for this profile.
to view a complete history.
Done! You can now check up on your child’s online activities.
9. 2. QoS
QoS (Quality of Service) allows you to specify prioritization of traffic and minimize the
impact caused when the connection is under heavy load.
I want to:
Specify priority levels for some devices or applications.
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HomeCare – Parental Controls, QoS
For example, I have several devices that are connected to my wireless network. I would
like to set an intermediate speed on the internet for my computer for the next 2 hours.
How can I do that?
1. Enable QoS and set bandwidth allocation.
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 > HomeCare > QoS or Advanced > QoS.
3 ) Select Enable QoS.
4 ) Input the maximum upload and download bandwidth provided by your internet
service provider. 1Mbps equal s to 1000Kbps.
5 ) Click Save.
2. In the Device Priority section, find your computer and toggle on Priority. Click the
entry in the Timing column and select 2 hours as the duration you want the device
to be prioritized for.
Done! You can now enjoy using your computer for the next 2 hours.
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Chapter 10
Network Security
This chapter guides you on how to protect your home network from cyber attacks and
unauthorized users by implementing these three network security functions. You can
block or allow specific client devices to access your network using Access Control, or
you can prevent ARP spoofing and ARP attacks using IP & MAC Binding.
It contains the following sections:
• Firewall
• Access Control
• IP & MAC Binding
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Chapter 10
Network Security
10. 1. Firewall
The SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection) Firewall protects the router from cyber attacks
and validates the traffic that is passing through the router based on the protocol. This
function is enabled by default.
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 > Security > Firewall.
3. It’s recommended to keep the default settings. If necessary, deselect the
corresponding checkbox and click Save.
10. 2. Access Control
Access Control is used to block or allow specific client devices to access your network
(via wired or wireless) based on a list of blocked devices (Blacklist) or a list of allowed
devices (Whitelist).
I want to:
Block or allow specific client devices to access my network (via wired or wireless).
How can I do that?
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 > Security > Access Control.
3. Enable Access Control.
4. Select the access mode to either block (recommended) or allow the device(s) in the
list.
• To block specific device(s)
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Network Security
1 ) Select Blacklist and click Save.
2 ) Select the device(s) to be blocked in the Online Devices table by ticking the
box.
3 ) Click Block above the Online Devices table. The selected devices will be added
to Devices in Blacklist automatically.
• To allow specific device(s)
1 ) Select Whitelist and click Save.
2 ) Click Add in the Devices in Whitelist section. Enter the Device Name and MAC
Address (You can copy and paste the information from the Online Devices list if
the device is connected to your network).
5. Click OK.
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Done!
Now you can block or allow specific client devices to access your network (via wired or
wireless) using the Blacklist or Whitelist.
10. 3. IP & MAC Binding
IP & MAC Binding, namely, ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) Binding, is used to bind
network device’s IP address to its MAC address. This will prevent ARP Spoofing and
other ARP attacks by denying network access to an device with matching IP address in
the Binding list, but unrecognized MAC address.
I want to:
Prevent ARP spoofing and ARP attacks.
How can I do that?
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 > Security > IP & MAC Binding.
3. Enable IP & MAC Binding.
4. Bind your device(s) according to your needs.
• To bind the connected device(s):
Click
• To bind the unconnected device
1 ) Click Add in the Binding List section.
to add the corresponding device to the Binding List.
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2 ) Enter the MAC address and IP address that you want to bind. Enter a Description
for this binding entry.
3 ) Check the box for Enable This Entry and click OK.
Done!
Now you don’t need to worry about ARP spoofing and ARP attacks!
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Chapter 11
NAT Forwarding
The router’s NAT (Network Address Translation) feature makes devices on the LAN use
the same public IP address to communicate with devices on the internet, which protects
the local network by hiding IP addresses of the devices. However, it also brings about
the problem that an external host cannot initiatively communicate with a specified
device on the local network.
With the forwarding feature the router can penetrate the isolation of NAT and allows
devices on the internet to initiatively communicate with devices on the local network,
thus realizing some special functions.
The TP-Link router supports four forwarding rules. If two or more rules are set, the
priority of implementation from high to low is Virtual Servers, Port Triggering, UPNP and
DMZ.
It contains the following sections:
• Share Local Resources on the Internet by Virtual Servers
• Open Ports Dynamically by Port Triggering
• Make Applications Free from Port Restriction by DMZ
• Make Xbox Online Games Run Smoothly by UPnP
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NAT Forwarding
11. 1. Share Local Resources on the Internet by Virtual
Servers
When you build up a server on the local network and want to share it on the internet,
Virtual Servers can realize the service and provide it to internet users. At the same time
Virtual Servers can keep the local network safe as other services are still invisible from
the internet.
Virtual Servers can be used for setting up public services on your local network, such as
HTTP, FTP, DNS, POP3/SMTP and Telnet. Different services use different service ports.
Port 80 is used in HTTP service, port 21 in FTP service, port 25 in SMTP service and port
110 in POP3 service. Please verify the service port number before the configuration.
I want to:
Share my personal website I’ve built in local network with my friends through the internet.
For example, the personal website has been built on my home PC (192.168.0.100). I hope
that my friends on the internet can visit my website in some way. The PC is connected
to the router with the WAN IP address 218.18.232.154.
Personal Website
Home
Router
Internet
WAN: 218.18.232.154LAN
How can I do that?
1. Assign a static IP address to your PC, for example 192.168.0.100.
2. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for
the router.
3. Go to Advanced > NAT Forwarding > Virtual Servers.
4. Click Add. Click View Existing Services and select HTTP. The External Port,
Internal Port and Protocol will be automatically filled in. Enter the PC’s IP address
192.168.0.100 in the Internal IP field.
5. Click OK.
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Tips:
• It is recommended to keep the default settings of Internal Port and Protocol if you are not clear about which port and
protocol to use.
• If the service you want to use is not in the Service Type, you can enter the corresponding parameters manually. You
should verify the port number that the service needs.
• You can add multiple virtual server rules if you want to provide several services in a router. Please note that the External
Port should not be overlapped.
NAT Forwarding
Done!
Users on the internet can enter http:// WAN IP (in this example: http:// 218.18.232.154)
to visit your personal website.
Tips:
• The WAN IP should be a public IP address. For the WAN IP is assigned dynamically by the ISP, it is recommended to apply and
register a domain name for the WAN referring to Set Up a Dynamic DNS Service Account. Then users on the internet can use
http:// domain name to visit the website.
• If you have changed the default External Port, you should use
http:// WAN IP: External Port or http:// domain name: External Port to visit the website.
11. 2. Open Ports Dynamically by Port Triggering
Port Triggering can specify a triggering port and its corresponding external ports.
When a host on the local network initiates a connection to the triggering port, all the
external ports will be opened for subsequent connections. The router can record the
IP address of the host. When the data from the internet return to the external ports, the
router can forward them to the corresponding host. Port Triggering is mainly applied to
online games, VoIPs, video players and common applications including MSN Gaming
Zone, Dialpad and Quick Time 4 players, etc.
Follow the steps below to configure the Port Triggering rules:
1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for
the router.
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2. Go to Advanced > NAT Forwarding > Port Triggering and click Add.
3. Click View Existing Applications, and select the desired application. The Triggering
Port, External Port and Protocol will be automatically filled in. The following picture
takes application MSN Gaming Zone as an example.
4. Click OK.
Tips:
• You can add multiple port triggering rules according to your network need.
• The triggering ports can not be overlapped.
• If the application you need is not listed in the Existing Applications list, please enter the parameters manually. You
should verify the external ports the application uses first and enter them into External Port field according to the
format the page displays.
11. 3. Make Applications Free from Port Restriction
by DMZ
When a PC is set to be a DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) host on the local network, it is totally
exposed to the internet, which can realize the unlimited bidirectional communication
between internal hosts and external hosts. The DMZ host becomes a virtual server with
all ports opened. When you are not clear about which ports to open in some special
applications, such as IP camera and database software, you can set the PC to be a DMZ
host.
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Note:
When DMZ is enabled, the DMZ host is totally exposed to the internet, which may bring some potential safety hazards. If
DMZ is not in use, please disable it in time.
NAT Forwarding
I want to:
Make the home PC join the internet online game without port restriction.
For example, due to some port restriction, when playing the online games, you can login
normally but cannot join a team with other players. To solve this problem, set your PC as
a DMZ host with all ports open.
How can I do that?
1. Assign a static IP address to your PC, for example 192.168.0.100.
2. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for
the router.
3. Go to Advanced > NAT Forwarding > DMZ and select Enable DMZ.
4. Enter the IP address 192.168.0.100 in the DMZ Host IP Address filed.
5. Click Save.
Done!
The configuration is completed. You’ve set your PC to a DMZ host and now you can
make a team to game with other players.
11. 4. Make Xbox Online Games Run Smoothly by
UPnP
The UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) protocol allows applications or host devices
to automatically find the front-end NAT device and send request to it to open the
corresponding ports. With UPnP enabled, the applications or host devices on the
local network and the internet can freely communicate with each other thus realizing
the seamless connection of the network. You may need to enable the UPnP if you
want to use applications for multiplayer gaming, peer-to-peer connections, real-time
communication (such as VoIP or telephone conference) or remote assistance, etc.
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Tips:
• UPnP is enabled by default in this router.
• Only the application supporting UPnP protocol can use this feature.
• UPnP feature needs the support of operating system (e.g. Windows Vista/ Windows 7/ Windows 8, etc. Some of
operating system need to install the UPnP components).
NAT Forwarding
For example, when you connect your Xbox to the router which has connected to
the internet to play online games, UPnP will send request to the router to open the
corresponding ports allowing the following data penetrating the NAT to transmit.
Therefore, you can play Xbox online games without a hitch.
LAN WAN
Internet
XBOX Router
If necessary, you can follow the steps to change the status of UPnP.
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 > NAT Forwarding > UPnP and toggle on or off according to your
needs.
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VPN Server
The VPN (Virtual Private Networking) Server allows you to access your home network in
a secured way through internet when you are out of home. The router offers two ways
to setup VPN connection: OpenVPN and PPTP (Point to Point Tunneling Protocol) VPN.
OpenVPN is somewhat complex but with greater security and more stable. It is suitable
for restricted environment, such as campus network and company intranet.
PPTP VPN is more easily used and its speed is faster, it’s compatible with most
operating systems and also supports mobile devices. Its security is poor and your
packets may be cracked easily, and PPTP VPN connection may be prevented by some
ISP.
It contains the following sections, please choose the appropriate VPN server
connection type as needed.
• Use OpenVPN to Access Your Home Network
• Use PPTP VPN to Access Your Home Network
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12. 1. Use OpenVPN to Access Your Home Network
In the OpenVPN connection, the home network can act as a server, and the remote
device can access the server through the router which acts as an OpenVPN Server
gateway. To use the VPN feature, you should enable OpenVPN Server on your router,
and install and run VPN client software on the remote device. Please follow the steps
below to set up an OpenVPN connection.
• Step1. Set up OpenVPN Server on Your Router
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 > VPN Server > OpenVPN, and select Enable VPN Server.
Note:
• Before you enable VPN Server, we recommend you configure Dynamic DNS Service (recommended) or assign a
static IP address for router’s WAN port and synchronize your System Time with internet.
• The first time you configure the OpenVPN Server, you may need to Generate a certificate before you enable the VPN
Server.
3. Select the Servive Type (communication protocol) for OpenVPN Server: UDP, TCP.
4. Enter a VPN Service Port to which a VPN device connects, and the port number
should be between 1024 and 65535.
5. In the VPN Subnet/Netmask fields, enter the range of IP addresses that can be leased
to the device by the OpenVPN server.
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6. Select your Client Access type. Select Home Network Only if you only want the
remote device to access your home network; select Internet and Home Network if
you also want the remote device to access internet through the VPN Server.
7. Click Save.
8. Click Generate to get a new certificate.
Note:
If you have already generated one, please skip this step, or click Generate to update the certificate.
9. Click Export to save the OpenVPN configuration file which will be used by the remote
device to access your router.
• Step 2. Configure OpenVPN Connection on Your Remote Device
1. Visit http://openvpn.net/index.php/download/community-downloads.html to
download the OpenVPN software, and install it on your device where you want to run
the OpenVPN client utility.
Note:
You need to install the OpenVPN client utility on each device that you plan to apply the VPN funxtion to access your
router. Mobile devices should download a third-party app from Google Play or Apple App Store.
2. After the installation, copy the file exported from your router to the OpenVPN client
utility’s “config” folder (for example, C:\Program Files\OpenVPN\config on Windows).
The path depends on where the OpenVPN client utility is installed.
3. Run the OpenVPN client utility and connect it to OpenVPN Server.
12. 2. Use PPTP VPN to Access Your Home Network
PPTP VPN Server is used to create a VPN connection for remote device. To use the VPN
feature, you should enable PPTP VPN Server on your router, and configure the PPTP
connection on the remote device. Please follow the steps below to set up a PPTP VPN
connection.
Step 1. Set up PPTP VPN Server on Your Router
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 > VPN Server > PPTP VPN, and select Enable VPN Server.
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Note:
Before you enable VPN Server, we recommend you configure Dynamic DNS Service (recommended) or assign a static
IP address for router’s WAN port and synchronize your System Time with internet.
VPN Server
3. In the Client IP Address filed, enter the range of IP addresses (up to 10) that can be
leased to the devices by the PPTP VPN server.
4. Select Allow Samba (Network Place) access to allow your VPN client to access your
Samba server.
5. Select Allow NetBIOS passthrough to allow your VPN client to access your Samba
server using NetBIOS name.
6. Select Allow Unencrypted connections to allow unencrypted connections to access
your VPN server.
7. Add the account to authenticate clients to the PPTP VPN server. The default account
is admin both for username and password.
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Step 2. Configure PPTP VPN Connection on Your Remote Device
The remote device can use the Windows built-in PPTP software or a third-party PPTP
software to connect to PPTP Server. Here we use the Windows built-in PPTP software
as an example.
1. Go to Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
2. Select Set up a new connection or network.
3. Select Connect to a workplace and click Next.
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4. Select Use my Internet connection (VPN).
5. Enter the internet IP address of the router (for example: 218.18.1.73) in the Internet
address field. Click Next.
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6. Enter the Username and Password you have set for the PPTP VPN server on your
router, and click Connect.
7. The PPTP VPN connection is created and ready to use.
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Chapter 13
Customize Your Network Settings
This chapter guides you on how to configure advanced network features.
It contains the following sections:
• Change the LAN Settings
• Configure to Support IPTV Service
• Specify DHCP Server Settings
• Set Up a Dynamic DNS Service Account
• Create Static Routes
• Specify Wireless Settings
• Use WPS for Wireless Connection
• Schedule Your Wireless Function
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13. 1. Change the LAN Settings
The router is preset with a default LAN IP 192.168.0.1, which you can use to log in to
its web management page. The LAN IP address together with the Subnet Mask also
defines the subnet that the connected devices are on. If the IP address conflicts with
another device on your local network or your network requires a specific IP subnet, you
can change it.
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 > Network > LAN.
3. Type in a new IP Address appropriate to your needs. And leave the Subnet Mask as
the default settings.
4. Click Save.
Note:
If you have set the Virtual Server, DMZ or DHCP address reservation, and the new LAN IP address is not in the same
subnet with the old one, then you should reconfigure these features.
13. 2. Configure to Support IPTV Service
I want to:
Configure IPTV setup to enable Internet/IPTV/Phone service provided by my internet
service provider (ISP).
How can I do that?
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 > Network > IPTV.
3. If your ISP provides the networking service based on IGMP technology, e.g.,
British Telecom(BT) and Talk Talk in UK:
1 ) IGMP is used to manage multicasting on TCP/IP networks, which is enabled by
default. Select the IGMP Version, either V2 or V3, as required by your ISP.
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2 ) Click Save.
3 ) After configuring IGMP proxy, IPTV can work behind your router now. You can
connect your set-top box to any of the router’s Ethernet port.
If IGMP is not the technology your ISP applies to provide IPTV service:
1 ) Tick Enable IPTV.
2 ) Select the appropriate Mode according to your ISP.
• Select Bridge if your ISP is not listed and no other parameters are required.
• Select Custom if your ISP is not listed but provides necessary parameters.
3 ) After you have selected a mode, the necessary parameters, including the LAN
port for IPTV connection, are predetermined. If not, select the LAN type to
determine which port is used to support IPTV service.
4 ) Click Save.
5 ) Connect the set-top box to the corresponding LAN port which is predetermined
or you have specified in Step 3.
Done!
Your IPTV setup is done now! You may need to configure your set-top box before
enjoying your TV.
Tips:
Qos and IPTV cannot be enabled at the same time.
13. 3. Specify DHCP Server Settings
By default, the DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) Server is enabled and
the router acts as a DHCP server; it dynamically assigns TCP/IP parameters to client
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devices from the IP Address Pool. You can change the settings of the DHCP Server if
necessary, and you can reserve LAN IP addresses for specified client devices.
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 > Network > DHCP Server.
• To specify the IP address that the router assigns:
1. Check the box for Enable DHCP Server.
2. Enter the starting and ending IP addresses in the IP Address Pool.
3. Enter other parameters if the ISP offers. The Default Gateway is automatically filled in
and is the same as the LAN IP address of the router.
4. Click Save.
• To reserve an IP address for a specified client device:
1. Click Add in the Address Reservation section.
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2. Click Scan or enter the MAC address of the client device.
3. Enter the IP address to reserve for the client device.
4. Enter the Description for this entry.
5. Tick the Enable This Entry checkbox and click OK.
13. 4. Set Up a Dynamic DNS Service Account
Most ISPs assign a dynamic IP address to the router and you can use this IP address
to access your router remotely. However, the IP address can change from time to time
and you don’t know when it changes. In this case, you might apply the DDNS (Dynamic
Domain Name Server) feature on the router to allow you and your friends to access your
router and local servers (FTP, HTTP, etc.) using a domain name without checking and
remembering the IP address.
Note:
DDNS does not work if the ISP assigns a private WAN IP address (such as 192.168.1.x) to the router.
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 > Network > Dynamic DNS.
3. Select the DDNS Service Provider (TP-Link, NO-IP or DynDNS). It is recommended
to select TP-Link so that you can enjoy TP-Link’s superior DDNS service. Otherwise,
please select NO-IP or DynDNS. If you don’t have a DDNS account, you have to
register first by clicking Go to register.
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Note:
To enjoy TP-Link’s DDNS service, you have to log in with a TP-Link ID. If you have not logged in with one, click Log in.
Customize Your Network Settings
4. Click Register in the Domain Name List if you have chosen TP-Link, and enter the
Domain Name as needed.
If you have chosen NO-IP or DynDNS, enter the username, password and domain name
of your account.
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5. Click Login and Save.
Tips:
If you want to use a new DDNS account, please click logout first, and then log in with a new account.
13. 5. Create Static Routes
Static routing is a form of routing that is configured manually by a network administrator
or a user by adding entries into a routing table. The manually-configured routing
information guides the router in forwarding data packets to the specific destination.
I want to:
Visit multiple networks and servers at the same time.
For example, in a small office, my PC can surf the internet through Router A, but I also
want to visit my company’s network. Now I have a switch and Router B. I connect the
devices as shown in the following figure so that the physical connection between my
PC and my company’s server is established. To surf the internet and visit my company’s
network at the same time, I need to configure the static routing.
Router A
LAN: 192.168.0.1
Router B
WAN: 172.30.30.100
LAN: 192.168.0.2
Switch
Company’s server
172.30.30.1
192.168.0.100
PC
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How can I do that
1. Change the routers’ LAN IP addresses to two different IP addresses on the same
subnet. Disable Router B’s DHCP function.
2. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for
Router A.
3. Go to Network > Static Routing.
4. Click Add and finish the settings according to the following explanations:
• Network Destination: The destination IP address that you want to assign to a
static route. This IP address cannot be on the same subnet with the WAN IP or
LAN IP of Router A. In the example, the IP address of the company network is
the destination IP address, so here enter 172.30.30.1.
• Subnet Mask: Determines the destination network with the destination IP
address. If the destination is a single IP address, enter 255.255.255.255;
otherwise, enter the subnet mask of the corresponding network IP. In the
example, the destination network is a single IP, so here enter 255.255.255.255.
• Default Gateway: The IP address of the gateway device to which the data
packets will be sent. This IP address must be on the same subnet with the
router’s IP which sends out data. In the example, the data packets will be sent to
the LAN port of Router B and then to the Server, so the default gateway should
be 192.168.0.2.
• Interface: Determined by the port (WAN/LAN) that sends out data packets. In
the example, the data are sent to the gateway through the LAN port of Router
A, so LAN should be selected.
• Description: Enter a description for this static routing entry.
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5. Click Save.
6. Check the System Routing Table below. If you can find the entry you’ve set, the
static routing is set successfully.
Done!
Open a web browser on your PC. Enter the company server’s IP address to visit the
company network.
13. 6. Specify Wireless Settings
The router’s wireless network name (SSID) and password, and security option are preset
in the factory. The preset SSID and password can be found on the label of the router.
You can customize the wireless settings according to your needs.
Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the
router.
• To enable or disable the wireless function:
1. Go to Basic > Wireless.
2. The wireless radio is enabled by default. If you want to disable the wireless function of
the router, just uncheck the box for Enable Wireless Radio. In this case, all the wireless
settings will be invalid.
• To change the wireless network name (SSID) and wireless password:
1. Go to Basic > Wireless.
2. Create a new SSID in Network Name (SSID) and customize the password for the
network in Password. The value is case-sensitive.
Note:
If you change the wireless settings with a wireless device, you will be disconnected when the settings are effective.
Please write down the new SSID and password for future use.
• To hide SSID:
1. Go to Basic > Wireless.
2. Select Hide SSID, and your SSID won’t display when you scan for local wireless
networks on your wireless device and you need to manually join the network.
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• To use the smart connect function
The smart connect function helps devices run faster by assigning them to best wireless
bands based on actual conditions to balance network demands.
1. Go to Advanced > Wireless > Wireless Settings.
2. Enable Smart Connect and click Save.
3. Keep the default or set a new SSID and password, and click Save. This SSID and
password will be applied both for 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless networks.
• To change the security option:
1. Go to Advanced > Wireless > Wireless Settings.
2. Select the wireless network 2.4GHz or 5GHz.
3. Select an option from the Security drop-down list.
• No Security - No password is needed to access your guest network.
• WPA/WPA2-Personal or WPA/WPA2-Enterprise - Select this option to enable the
standard authentication method. It’s recommeded to keep the default Version
and Encryption values, and customize your own password.
• WPA2/WPA3-Personal - Select this option to enjoy stronger protections than
WPA/WPA2-Personal. For the Version:
• Auto - It is recommended to select Auto, which allows for gradual migration
to a WPA3-Personal network while maintaining interoperability with WPA2Personal devices and without disruption to users.
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• WPA3-SAE - It provides stronger protections for the network, but only allows
clients supporting WPA3 to access the wireless network.
In addition
• Mode: Select a transmission mode according to your wireless client devices. It is
recommended to just leave it as default.
• Channel Width: Select a channel width (bandwidth) for the wireless network.
• Channel: Select an operating channel for the wireless network. It is recommended
to leave the channel to Auto, if you are not experiencing the intermittent wireless
connection issue.
• Transmit Power: Select either High, Middle or Low to specify the data transmit power.
The default and recommended setting is High.
• To enable the Airtime Fairness feature
The Airtime Fairness feature can improve the overall network performace by sacrificing
a little bit of network time on your slow devices. Enable Airtime Fairness when you wish
to sacrifice some of the networking time from the slow devices, so that your faster
devices can achieve better quality of service.
For example, you have a gaming computer next to the router in the living room, and a
slower family computer upstairs. Enable the airtime fairness feature so that your gaming
computer can perform as optimally as possible.
1. Go to Advanced > Wireless > Wireless Settings.
2. Select the wireless network 2.4GHz or 5GHz.
3. Tick the Enable Airtime Fairness checkbox.
4. Click Save.
• To enable the Multi-User MIMO feature
A router with the Multi-User MIMO feature serves 4 devices simultaneously while
a traditional router serves only one user at a time. That means Multi-User MIMO can
provide a faster, more efficient Wi-Fi network for multiusers.
Note:
Devices supporting 5GHz wireless band can enjoy the Multi-User MIMO service.
1. Go to Advanced > Wireless > Wireless Settings.
2. Select the wireless network 5GHz.
3. Check the box for Enable Multi-User MIMO.
4. Click Save.
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13. 7. Use WPS for Wireless Connection
You can use WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) feature to add a new wireless device to your
existing network quickly.
13. 7. 1. Method 1: Use the WPS Button
Use this method if your client device has a WPS button.
1. Press the WPS button of the router for 1 second.
2. Press the WPS button of the client device directly.
3. The WPS LED flashes for about 2 minutes during the WPS process.
4. When the WPS LED is on, the client device has successfully connected to the router.
13. 7. 2. Method 2: Use the WPS Button on the Web Management Page
Use this method if your client device has a WPS button.
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 > Wireless > WPS.
3. Click Start WPS.
4. Press the WPS button of the client device directly.
5. The WPS LED of the router flashes for about 2 minutes during the WPS process.
6. When the WPS LED is on, the client device has successfully connected to the router.
13. 7. 3. Method 3: Enter the Router’s PIN on Your Client Device
Use this method if your client device asks for the router’s PIN.
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 > Wireless > WPS. Click Method Two--PIN.
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3. Take a note of the router’s PIN. You can also click Generate to get a new PIN.
4. On the client device, enter the router’s PIN. (The default PIN is also printed on the
label of the router.)
5. The WPS LED flashes for about two minutes during the WPS process.
6. When the WPS LED is on, the client device has successfully connected to the router.
Note:
The WPS function cannot be configured if the wireless function of the router is disabled. Please make sure the wireless
function is enabled before configuring the WPS.
13. 7. 4. Method 4: Enter the Client Device’s PIN on the Router
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 > Wireless > WPS. Click Method Two--PIN.
3. Select Client’s PIN.
4. Enter the client device’s PIN in the field. Then click the Connect button.
5. Connect successfully will appear on the above screen, which means the client device
has successfully connected to the router.
13. 8. Schedule Your Wireless Function
This feature allows you to turn off the wireless netowrks at a specific time automatically
when you do not need the wireless connection.
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 > Wireless > Wireless Schedule.
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3. Toggle on the button to enable the Wireless Schedule feature.
4. Click Add to set the Wireless Off Time, and click Save.
5. Repeat Step 3 and 4 to set another entry if needed.
Note:
• Make sure that the time of the router is correct before applying this function. For details, refer to Set Up System Time.
• The wireless LEDs (2.4GHz and 5GHz) will be off if the wireless schedule takes effect.
• The wireless network(s) will be automatically turned on after the time period you have set.
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Manage the Router
This chapter will show you the configuration for managing and maintaining your router.
It contains the following sections:
• Set Up System Time
• Control LEDs
• Test the Network Connectivity
• Upgrade the Firmware
• Backup and Restore Configuration Settings
• Set the Router to Reboot Regularly
• Change the Administrator Account
• Default Password Recovery
• Local Management
• Remote Management
• System Log
• Internet Traffic Statistics
• System Parameters
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14. 1. Set Up System Time
System time is the time displayed while the router is running. The system time you
configure here will be used for other time-based functions like Parental Controls. You
can choose the way to obtain the system time as needed.
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 > System Tools > Time Settings.
3. If you want the time to be displayed in 24-hour format, toggle on the 24-Hour Time
button.
• To get time from the Internet:
1. In the Set Time field, select Get from the Internet.
2. Select your local Time Zone from the drop-down list.
3. In the NTP Server I fileld, enter the IP address or domain name of your desired NTP
Server.
4. (Optional) In the NTP Server II fileld, enter the IP address or domain name of the
second NTP Server.
5. Click Obtain to get the current internet time and click Save.
• To get time from PC
1. In the Set Time field, select Get from PC.
2. The current system time and date of your PC will display below. Click Save.
Tips:
Make sure the time on your PC is correct if you want to get the PC’s system time.
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• To manually set the time:
1. In the Set Time field, select Manually.
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2. Set the current Date (In MM/DD/YYYY format).
3. Set the current Time (In HH/MM/SS format).
4. Click Save.
• To set up Daylight Saving Time:
1. Select Enable Daylight Saving Time.
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2. Select the correct Start date and time when daylight saving time starts at your local
time zone.
3. Select the correct End date and time when daylight saving time ends at your local
time zone.
4. Click Save.
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14. 2. Control LEDs
The router‘s LEDs indicate router’s activities and status. You can turn on or turn off the
LEDs either from the web management page or by pressing the LED button.
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 > System Tools > LED Control.
3. Tick the Night Mode checkbox.
4. Specify a time period in the LED Off Time as needed, and the LEDs will be off during
this period.
5. Click Save.
14. 3. Test the Network Connectivity
Diagnostics is used to test the connectivity between the router and the host or other
network devices.
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 > System Tools > Diagnostics.
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3. Enter the information with the help of page tips:
1 ) Choose Ping or Traceroute as the diagnostic tool to test the connectivity;
• Ping is used to test the connectivity between the router and the tested host,
and measure the round-trip time.
• Traceroute is used to display the route (path) your router has passed to reach
the tested host, and measure transit delays of packets across an Internet
Protocol network.
2 ) Enter the IP Address or Domain Name of the tested host.
4. Click Start to begin the diagnostics.
Tips:
Click Advanced, you can modify the ping count, ping packet size or the Traceroute Max TTL. It’s recommended to keep
the default value.
The figure below indicates the proper connection between the router and the Yahoo
server (www.Yahoo.com) tested through Ping.
The figure below indicates the proper connection between the router and the Yahoo
server (www.Yahoo.com) tested through Traceroute.
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14. 4. Upgrade the Firmware
TP-Link aims at providing better network experience for users.
We will inform you throught the web management page if there’s any update firmware
available for your router. Also, the latest firmware will be released at the TP-Link official
website www.tp-link.com, and you can download it from the Support page for free.
Note:
• Make sure you remove all attached USB devices from the router before the firmware upgrade to prevent data loss.
• Backup your router configuration before firmware upgrade.
• Do NOT turn off the router during the firmware upgrade.
14. 4. 1. Online Upgrade
1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for
the router.
2. When the latest firmware is available for your router, the update icon
will display
in the top-right corner of the page. Click the icon to go to the Firmware Upgrade page.
Alternatively, you can go to Advanced > System Tools > Firmware Upgrade,
and click Check for upgrade to see whether the latest firmware is released.
3. Focus on the Online Upgrade section, and click Upgrade.
4. Wait a few minutes for the upgrade and reboot to complete.
Tips:
If there’s a new and important firmware update for your router, you will see the notification (similar as shown below) on
your computer as long as a web browser is opened. Click Upgrade now, and log into the web management page with the
username and password you set for the router. You will see the Firmware Upgrade page.
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14. 4. 2. Local Upgrade
1. Download the latest firmware file for the router from www.tp-link.com.
2. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for
the router.
3. Go to Advanced > System Tools > Firmware Upgrade.
4. Focus on the Device Information section. Make sure the downloaded firmware file is
matched with the Hardware Version.
5. Focus on the Local Upgrade section. Click Browse to locate the downloaded new
firmware file, and click Upgrade.
6. Wait a few minutes for the upgrade and reboot to complete.
14. 4. 3. Restore Interrupted Upgrade after Power Failure
If your router cannot start up after an upgrade interruption due to power failure, follow
the steps below to restore the interrupted upgrade. Otherwise, your router cannot work
again.
1. Make sure you have the latest firmware file in your computer. If not, try another way
to connect your computer to the Internet and download the latest firmware file from
www.tp-link.com.
2. Connect your computer to the router with an Ethernet cable.
3. Visit 192.168.0.1 and you will see the following upgrade page.
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4. Click Browse and select the downloaded firmware file.
5. Click Upgrade and wait for a few minutes until the router completes the upgrading
and restarts.
14. 5. Backup and Restore Configuration Settings
The configuration settings are stored as a configuration file in the router. You can
backup the configuration file to your computer for future use and restore the router to
a previous settings from the backup file when needed. Moreover, if necessary you can
erase the current settings and reset the router to the default factory 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 Advanced > System Tools > Backup & Restore.
• To backup configuration settings:
Click Backup to save a copy of the current settings to your local computer. A ‘.bin’ file of
the current settings will be stored to your computer.
• To restore configuration settings:
1. Click Browse to locate the backup configuration file stored on your computer, and
click Restore.
2. Wait a few minutes for the restoring and rebooting.
Note: During the restoring process, do not turn off or reset the router.
• To reset the router except your login password and bound TP-Link ID:
1. Click Restore under the Factory Default Restore session.
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2. Wait a few minutes for the resetting and rebooting.
Note:
• During the resetting process, do not turn off the router.
• After reset, you can still use the current login password or the TP-Link ID to log in to the web management page.
• To reset the router to factory default settings:
1. Click Factory Restore to reset the router.
2. Wait a few minutes for the resetting and rebooting.
Note:
• During the resetting process, do not turn off or reset the router.
• We strongly recommend you backup the current configuration settings before resetting the router.
14. 6. Set the Router to Reboot Regularly
The Scheduled Reboot feature cleans the cache to enhance the running performance
of the router.
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 > System Tools > Reboot Schedule.
3. Check the box to enable Reboot Schedule.
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4. Specify the Reboot Time when the router reboots and Repeat to decide how often it
reboots.
5. Click Save.
14. 7. Change the Administrator Account
The account management feature allows you to change your login password of the web
management page.
Note:
If you are using a TP-Link ID to log in to the web management page, the account management feature will be disabled.
To manage the TP-Link ID, go to Basic > TP-Link Cloud.
1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with the password you set for the router.
2. Go to Advanced > System Tools > Administration and focus on the Account
Management section.
3. Enter the old password, then a new password twice (both case-sensitive). Click Save.
4. Use the new password for future logins.
14. 8. Default Password Recovery
This feature allows you to recover the login password you set for you router in case you
forget it.
Note:
If you are using a TP-Link ID to log in to the web management page, the Password Recovery feature will be disabled. To
manage the TP-Link ID, go to Basic > TP-Link Cloud.
1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with the password you set for the router.
2. Go to Advanced > System Tools > Administration and focus on the Default Password
Recovery section.
3. Check the box for Enable Default Password Recovery.
4. Specify a mailbox (From) for sending the recovery letter and enter its SMTP Server
address. Specify a mailbox (To) for receiving the recovery letter. If the mailbox (From)
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to send the recovery letter requires encryption, select Enable Authentication and
enter its username and password.
Tips:
• SMTP server is available for users in most webmail systems. For example, the SMTP server address of Gmail is
smtp.gmail.com. You can refer to their Help page to learn the SMTP server address.
• Generally, Enable Authentication should be selected if the login of the mailbox requires username and
password.
5. Click Save.
You can click Test Email to test whether the configuration is successful.
To recover the login password, please visit http://tplinkwifi.net, click Forgot Password?
on the login page and follow the instructions to set a new password.
14. 9. Local Management
This feature allows you to limit the number of client devices on your LAN from accessing
the router by using the MAC address-based authentication.
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 > System Tools > Administration and complete the settings In Local
Management section as needed.
• Allow Local Management via both HTTPS and HTTP:
Toggle on Local Management via HTTPS.
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• Allow all LAN connected devices to manage the router:
Toggle on Access for All LAN Connected Devices.
• Allow specific devices to manage the router:
1. Toggle off Access for All LAN Connected Devices.
2. Click Add.
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3. Click Scan and select the device to manage the router from the Existing Devices list,
or enter the MAC address of the device manually.
4. Specify a Description for this entry.
5. Tick the Enable This Entry checkbox and click OK.
14. 10. Remote Management
This feature allows you to control remote devices’ authority to manage the router.
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 > System Tools > Administration and complete the settings in
Remote Management section as needed.
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• Forbid all devices to manage the router remotely:
Select Disable Remote Management and click Save.
• Allow all devices to manage the router remotely:
1. Select Enable Remote Management.
2. Use the default value HTTPS Port: 443 and HTTP Port: 80 or enter values between
1024 and 65535.
3. Select All Devices in Remote Managers.
4. Click Save.
• Allow Specified device to manage the router remotely:
1. Select Enable Remote Management.
2. Use the default value HTTPS Port: 443 and HTTP Port: 80 or enter values between
1024 and 65535.
3. Select Specified Devices in Remote Managers.
4. Enter IP address of the device in Only this IP address.
5. Click Save.
Devices on the internet can log in to https://Router’s WAN IP address: HTTPS port
number (such as http://113.116.60.229:1024) or http://Router’s WAN IP address: HTTP
port number to manage the router.
Tips:
• You can find the WAN IP address of the router on Basic > Network Maps > Internet.
• The router’s WAN IP is usually a dynamic IP. Please refer to Set Up a Dynamic DNS Service Account if you want to log
in to the router through a domain name.
14. 11. System Log
When the router does not work normally, you can save the system log and send it to the
technical support for troubleshooting.
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• To save the system log in local:
1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the
router.
2. Go to Advanced > System Tools > System Log.
3. Choose the type and level of the system logs as needed.
4. Click Save Log to save the system logs to local.
• To send the system log to a mailbox at a fixed time:
For example, I want to check my router’s working status at a fixed time every day,
however, it’s too troublesome to log in to the web management page every time I want
to go checking. It would be great if the system logs could be sent to my mailbox at 8
a.m. every day.
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 > System Tools > System Log.
3. Click Mail Settings.
4. Enter the information required:
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1 ) From: Enter the email address used for sending the system log.
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2 ) To: Enter the recipient’s email address, which can be the same as or different
from the sender’s email address.
3 ) SMTP Server: Enter the SMTP server address.
Tips: SMTP server is available for users in most webmail systems. For example, the SMTP server address of
Hotmail is smtp-mail.outlook.com. You can refer to their Help page to learn the SMTP server address.
4 ) Select Enable Authentication.
Tips: Generally, Enable Authentication should be selected if the login of the mailbox requires username and
password.
5 ) Username: Enter the email address used for sending the system log.
6 ) Password: Enter the password to login the sender’s email address.
7 ) Select Enable Auto Mail.
Tips: The router will send the system log to the designated email address if this option is enabled.
8 ) Set a fixed time. The recipient will receive the system log sent at this time every
day.
5. Click Save.
14. 12. Internet Traffic Statistics
The Traffic Statistics page displays the network traffic of the LAN, WAN and WLAN sent
and received packets, allowing you to monitor the volume of internet traffic statistics.
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 > System Tools > Traffic Monitor.
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3. Toggle on Traffic Monitor, and then you can monitor the traffic usage of all the
connected devices or a single device.
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4. Check the total traffic statistics of each device on Traffic Monitor List.
Click Refresh to update the statistic information on the page.
Click Reset All to reset all statistic values in the list to zero.
14. 13. System Parameters
14. 13. 1. 2.4GHz/5GHz Wireless
You can configure the parameters of traffic transmission rules in wireless networks. It’s
recommended to keep the default settings if you are not sure of the proper ones in the
case.
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 > System Tools > System Parameters. Focus on 2.4GHz/5GHz
Wireless section.
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• Bacon Interval - Enter a value between 40 and 1000 to determine the duration
between beacon packets that are broadcasted by the router to synchronize the
wireless network. The default is 100 milliseconds.
• RTS Threshold – Enter a value between 1 and 2346 to determine the packet
size of data transmission through the router. The default size is 2346. If the
packet size is greater than the preset threshold, the router sends Request of
Send frames to a particular receiving station and negotiates the sending of a
data frame, or else the packet will be sent immediately.
• DTIM Interval - Enter a value between 1 and 15 to determine the interval of
DTIM (Delivery Traffic Indication Message). The default interval is 1, indicating
the DTIM interval is the same as Beacon Interval.
• Group Key Update Period - Enter the number of seconds between 30 and
86400, or use the default value 0 that indicates no key interval to control the
time interval for the encryption key automatic renewal.
• WMM Feature - It is enabled by default and highly recommended, for the WMM
function guarantees the packets with high-priority messages being transmitted
preferentially.
• Short GI Feature - It is enabled by default and highly recommended, for it will
increase the packet capacity by reducing the GI (Guard Interval) time.
• AP Isolation Feature - If you want to confine and restrict all wireless devices
connected to the network from interacting with each other, but still able to
access the internet, enable AP Isolation feature.
• USB 3.0 Interference Reduction - When enabled, 2.4GHz wireless performance
will be improved, but USB 3.0 data transfer speed will be lowered.
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