TP-Link TL-WR842ND User Manual

4 (1)
TL-WR842ND
300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router
Rev: 1.0.0
1910010537
COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARKS
Specifications are subject to change without notice. is a registered trademark of TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
No part of the specifications may be reproduced in any form or by any means or used to make any derivative such as translation, transformation, or adaptation without permission from TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD. Copyright © 2011 TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD. All rights reserved.
http://www.tp-link.com
FCC STATEMENT
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ TV technician for help.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1) This device may not cause harmful interference.
2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Note: The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or tv interference caused by unauthorized modifications to this equipment. Such modifications could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
For operation within 5.15-5.25GHz frequency range, it is restricted to indoor environment.
For products in the USA market, only channel 1-11 can be operated.
FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement
This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This device and its antenna must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
“To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, this grant is applicable to only Mobile Configurations. The antennas used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.”
CE Mark Warning
This is a Class B product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
National restrictions
This device is intended for home and office use in all EU countries (and other countries following the EU directive 1999/5/EC) without any limitation except for the countries mentioned below:
Country Restriction Reason/remark
Bulgaria None
Outdoor use limited to 10
France
Italy None
Luxembourg None
mW e.i.r.p. within the band
2454-2483.5 MHz
General authorization required for outdoor use and
public service
Military Radiolocation use. Refarming of the 2.4 GHz
band has been ongoing in recent years to allow current
relaxed regulation. Full implementation planned 2012
If used outside of own premises, general authorization is
required
General authorization required for network and service
supply(not for spectrum)
Norway Implemented
Russian Federation None Only for indoor applications
Note: Please don’t use the product outdoors in France.
This subsection does not apply for the geographical area
within a radius of 20 km from the centre of Ny-Ålesund
This device has been designed to operate with the antennas listed below, and having a maximum gain of 5 dBi. Antennas not included in this list or having a gain greater than 5 dBi are strictly prohibited for use with this device. The required antenna impedance is 50 ohms.
To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that permitted for successful communication.
TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
For the following equipment:
Product Description: 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router
Model No.: TL-WR842ND
Trademark: TP-LINK
We declare under our own responsibility that the above products satisfy all the technical regulations applicable to the product within the scope of Council Directives:
Directives 1999/5/EC
The above product is in conformity with the following standards or other normative documents
EN 301 893 V1.5.1:2008
EN 300 328 V1.7.1: 2006
EN 301 489-1 V1.8.1:2008& EN 301 489-17 V2.1.1:2009
Recommendation 1999/519/EC
EN62311:2008
Directives 2004/108/EC
The above product is in conformity with the following standards or other normative documents
EN 55022:2006 +A1:2007
EN 55024:1998+A1:2001+A2:2003
EN 61000-3-2:2006+A1:2009+A2:2009
EN 61000-3-3:2008
Directives 2006/95/EC
The above product is in conformity with the following standards or other normative documents
EN60950-1:2006+A11:2009
Person is responsible for marking this declaration:
Yang Hongliang Product Manager of International Business
TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
South Building, No.5 Keyuan Road, Central Zone, Science & Technology Park, Nanshan,
Shenzhen, P. R. China
CONTENTS
Package Contents.....................................................................................................1
Chapter 1. Introduction.........................................................................................2
1.1 Overview of the Router............................................................................................... 2
1.2 Conventions ...............................................................................................................3
1.3 Main Features ............................................................................................................3
1.4 Panel Layout ..............................................................................................................4
1.4.1 The Front Panel.............................................................................................. 4
1.4.2 The Rear Panel ..............................................................................................5
Chapter 2. Connecting the Router .......................................................................7
2.1 System Requirements ................................................................................................7
2.2 Installation Environment Requirements...................................................................... 7
2.3 Connecting the Router ...............................................................................................7
Chapter 3. Quick Installation Guide..................................................................... 9
3.1 TCP/IP Configuration ................................................................................................. 9
3.2 Quick Installation Guide ...........................................................................................10
Chapter 4. Configuring the Router ....................................................................19
4.1 Login ........................................................................................................................ 19
4.2 Status .......................................................................................................................19
4.3 Quick Setup.............................................................................................................. 20
4.4 WPS......................................................................................................................... 21
4.5 Network.................................................................................................................... 23
4.5.1 WAN ............................................................................................................. 23
4.5.2 LAN ..............................................................................................................33
4.5.3 MAC Clone ................................................................................................... 34
4.6 Wireless ...................................................................................................................35
4.6.1 Wireless Settings.......................................................................................... 35
4.6.2 Wireless Security.......................................................................................... 38
4.6.3 Wireless MAC Filtering................................................................................. 42
4.6.4 Wireless Advanced....................................................................................... 44
4.6.5 Wireless Statistics......................................................................................... 45
4.7 DHCP.......................................................................................................................46
4.7.1 DHCP Settings .............................................................................................46
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4.7.2 DHCP Clients List......................................................................................... 47
4.7.3 Address Reservation .................................................................................... 48
4.8 VPN.......................................................................................................................... 49
4.8.1 IKE................................................................................................................ 49
4.8.2 IPsec ............................................................................................................51
4.8.3 Security Alliance List..................................................................................... 53
4.9 USB Settings............................................................................................................ 54
4.9.1 Storage Sharing............................................................................................ 54
4.9.2 FTP Server ................................................................................................... 56
4.9.3 Media Server ................................................................................................ 57
4.9.4 Print Server...................................................................................................60
4.9.5 User Accounts .............................................................................................. 61
4.10 Forwarding ............................................................................................................... 63
4.10.1 Virtual Servers.............................................................................................. 63
4.10.2 Port Triggering.............................................................................................. 65
4.10.3 DMZ.............................................................................................................. 67
4.10.4 UPnP ............................................................................................................ 67
4.11 Security ....................................................................................................................69
4.11.1 Basic Security...............................................................................................69
4.11.2 Advanced Security........................................................................................ 70
4.11.3 Local Management ....................................................................................... 72
4.11.4 Remote Management ...................................................................................73
4.12 Parental Control ....................................................................................................... 74
4.13 Access Control......................................................................................................... 77
4.13.1 Rule .............................................................................................................. 77
4.13.2 Host .............................................................................................................. 83
4.13.3 Target............................................................................................................ 84
4.13.4 Schedule....................................................................................................... 87
4.14 Advanced Routing.................................................................................................... 88
4.14.1 Static Routing List......................................................................................... 89
4.14.2 System Routing Table................................................................................... 90
4.15 Bandwidth Control.................................................................................................... 91
4.15.1 Control Settings............................................................................................91
4.15.2 Rules List...................................................................................................... 91
4.16 IP & MAC Binding Setting ........................................................................................ 93
4.16.1 Binding Settings............................................................................................ 93
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4.16.2 ARP List........................................................................................................95
4.17 Dynamic DNS...........................................................................................................95
4.17.1 Comexe.cn DDNS ........................................................................................ 96
4.17.2 Dyndns.org DDNS ........................................................................................ 97
4.17.3 No-ip.com DDNS .......................................................................................... 98
4.18 System Tools............................................................................................................ 99
4.18.1 Time Setting..................................................................................................99
4.18.2 Diagnostic................................................................................................... 101
4.18.3 Firmware Upgrade...................................................................................... 102
4.18.4 Factory Defaults .........................................................................................104
4.18.5 Backup & Restore....................................................................................... 104
4.18.6 Reboot........................................................................................................ 105
4.18.7 Password.................................................................................................... 105
4.18.8 System Log................................................................................................. 106
4.18.9 Statistics .....................................................................................................108
Appendix A: FAQ .................................................................................................. 111
Appendix B: Configuring the PCs....................................................................... 117
Appendix C: Specifications .................................................................................120
Appendix D: Glossary .......................................................................................... 121
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TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router

Package Contents

The following items should be found in your package:
¾ TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router
¾ DC Power Adapter for TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router
¾ Quick Installation Guide
¾ Resource CD for TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router, including:
This Guide
Other Helpful Information
Note:
)
Make sure that the package contains the above items. If any of the listed items are damaged or missing, please contact your distributor.
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TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router

Chapter 1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing the TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router.

1.1 Overview of the Router

The TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router integrates 4-port Switch, Firewall, NAT-Router and Wireless AP. Powered by 2x2 MIMO technology, the 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router delivers exceptional range and speed, which can fully meet the need of Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) networks and the users demanding higher networking performance. Additionally, the TL-WR842ND provides a USB port which supports storage/FTP/Media/Print Server.
The TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router provides up to 300Mbps wireless connection with other 802.11n wireless clients. The incredible speed makes it ideal for handling multiple data streams at the same time, which ensures your network stable and smooth. The performance of this 802.11n wireless Router will give you the unexpected networking experience at speed much faster than 802.11g. It is also compatible with all IEEE 802.11g and IEEE 802.11b products.
Multiple Security Protections
With multiple protection measures, including SSID broadcast control and wireless LAN 64/128/152-bit WEP encryption, Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2- PSK, WPA- PSK), as well as advanced Firewall protections, the TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router provides complete data privacy.
The TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router provides flexible access control, so that parents or network administrators can establish restricted access policies for children or staff. It also supports Virtual Server and DMZ host for Port Triggering, and then the network administrators can manage and monitor the network in real time with the remote management function.
Incredible Speed
Flexible Access Control
Simple Installation
Since the Router is compatible with virtually all the major operating systems, it is very easy to manage. Quick Setup Wizard is supported and detailed instructions are provided step by step in this user guide. Before installing the Router, please look through this guide to know all the Router’s functions.
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TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router

1.2 Conventions

The Router or TL-WR842ND mentioned in this guide stands for TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router without any explanation.

1.3 Main Features

¾ Complies with IEEE 802.11n to provide a wireless data rate of up to 450Mbps.
¾ One 10/100M Auto-Negotiation RJ45 Internet port, four 10/100M Auto-Negotiation RJ45 LAN
ports, supporting Auto MDI/MDIX.
¾ Provides USB Port supporting storage/FTP/Media/Print Server.
¾ Provides WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK authentication, TKIP/AES encryption security.
¾ Up to 5 VPN tunnels enable remote VPN connections.
¾ Up to 4 SSIDs support multiple wireless networks with different SSIDs and passwords.
¾ Shares data and Internet access for users, supporting Dynamic IP/Static IP/PPPoE Internet
access.
¾ Supports Virtual Server, Special Application and DMZ host.
¾ Supports UPnP, Dynamic DNS, Static Routing.
¾ Provides Automatic-connection and Scheduled Connection on certain time to the Internet
¾ Built-in NAT and DHCP server supporting static IP address distributing.
¾ Supports Parental Control and Access Control.
¾ Connects Internet on demand and disconnects from the Internet when idle for PPPoE.
¾ Provides 64/128/152-bit WEP encryption security and wireless LAN ACL (Access Control
List).
¾ Supports Flow Statistics.
¾ Supports firmware upgrade and Web management.
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TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router

1.4 Panel Layout

1.4.1 The Front Panel

Figure 1-1 Front Panel sketch
The Router’s LEDs are located on the front panel (View from left to right).
Name Status Indication
The device has a system error.
The device is initialising.
There is a device linked to the corresponding port but there is no activity.
A wireless device is connecting to the network by WPS function. This process will last in the first 2 minutes.
A wireless device has been successfully added to the network by WPS function.
A wireless device failed to be added to the network by WPS function.
SYS
(Wireless)
(LAN 1-4) (Internet)
(USB)
(WPS)
Off
On
Flashing The device is working properly.
Off The wireless function is disabled.
Flashing The wireless function is enabled.
Off There is no device linked to the corresponding port.
On
Flashing There is an active device linked to the corresponding port.
Off No storage device or printer is plugged into the USB port. On A storage device or printer has connected to the USB port.
Slow Flash
On
Quick Flash
Table 1-1 The LEDs Description
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TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router
Note:
)
After a device is successfully added to the network by WPS function, the WPS LED will keep on for about 5 minutes and then turn off.

1.4.2 The Rear Panel

Figure 1-2 Rear Panel sketch
The following parts are located on the rear panel (View from left to right).
¾ POWER: The Power socket is where you will connect the power adapter. Please use the
power adapter provided with this TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router.
¾ WAN: This port is where you will connect the DSL/cable Modem, or Ethernet.
¾ 1,2,3,4 (LAN): These ports (1, 2, 3, 4) connect the Router to the local PC(s).
¾ USB: The USB port connects to a USB storage device or a USB printer.
¾ WPS/RESET: Press this button to quickly establish a connection between the Router and
client devices that support Wi-Fi Protected Setup. Press and hold this button for more than 5 seconds (approximately 8 seconds) to reset the Router.
There are two ways to reset to the Router's factory defaults:
1) Use the Factory Defaults function on “System Tools Factory Defaults” page in the Router's Web-based Utility.
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TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router
2) Use the Factory Default WPS/RESET button: With the Router powered on, use a pin to press and hold the WPS/RESET button (approximately 8 seconds) until the SYS LED becomes quick-flash from slow-flash. And then release the button and wait the Router to reboot to its factory default settings.
¾ WIFI ON/OFF: Press this button to enable or disable Wi-Fi.
¾ Wireless antenna: To receive and transmit the wireless data.
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TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router

Chapter 2. Connecting the Router

2.1 System Requirements

¾ Broadband Internet Access Service (DSL/Cable/Ethernet)
¾ One DSL/Cable Modem that has an RJ45 connector (which is not necessary if the Router is
connected directly to the Ethernet.)
¾ PCs with a working Ethernet Adapter and an Ethernet cable with RJ45 connectors
¾ TCP/IP protocol on each PC
¾ Web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or Apple Safari

2.2 Installation Environment Requirements

¾ Place the Router in a well ventilated place far from any heater or heating vent
¾ Avoid direct irradiation of any strong light (such as sunlight)
¾ Keep at least 2 inches (5 cm) of clear space around the Router
¾ Operating Temperature: 0~40 (32~104℉)
¾ Operating Humidity: 10%~90%RH, Non-condensing

2.3 Connecting the Router

Before installing the Router, make sure your PC is connected to the Internet through the broadband service successfully. If there is any problem, please contact your ISP. After that, please install the Router according to the following steps. Don't forget to pull out the power plug and keep your hands dry.
1. Power off your PC, Cable/DSL Modem, and the Router.
2. Locate an optimum location for the Router. The best place is usually at the center of your wireless network.
3. Adjust the direction of the antenna. Normally, upright is a good direction.
4. Connect the PC(s) and each Switch/Hub in your LAN to the LAN Ports on the Router, shown in Figure 2-1. (If you have the wireless NIC and want to use the wireless function, you can skip this step.)
5. Connect the DSL/Cable Modem to the Internet port on the Router, shown in Figure 2-1.
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TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router
Note:
)
If you want to use the Router to share files or printer, plug the USB storage device to the USB port or connect the printer to the Router with a matching cable.
6. Connect the power adapter to the power socket on the Router, and the other end into an electrical outlet. The Router will start to work automatically.
7. Power on your PC and Cable/DSL Modem.
Figure 2-1 Hardware Installation
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TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router

Chapter 3. Quick Installation Guide

This chapter will show you how to configure the basic functions of your 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router using Quick Setup Wizard within minutes.

3.1 TCP/IP Configuration

The default domain name of the Router is http://tplinklogin.net and the default Subnet Mask is
255.255.255.0. These values can be changed as you desire. In this guide, we use all the default
values for description.
Connect the local PC to the LAN ports of the Router and then you can configure the IP address for your PC by the following method: Set up the TCP/IP Protocol in "Obtain an IP address automatically" mode on your PC. If you need instructions as to how to do this, please refer to
Appendix B: "Configuring the PC”.
PC.
Now, you can run the Ping command in the command prompt to verify the network connection between your PC and the Router. The following example is in Windows 2000 OS.
Open a command prompt, and type ping 192.168.0.1, and then press Enter.
¾ If the result displayed is similar to the Figure 3-1, it means the connection between your PC
and the Router has been established well.
Then the built-in DHCP server will assign IP address for the
Figure 3-1 Success result of Ping command
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TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router
¾ If the result displayed is similar to Figure 3-2, it means the connection between your PC and
the Router failed.
Figure 3-2 Failure result of Ping command
Please check the connection following these steps:
1. Is the connection between your PC and the Router correct?
Note:
)
The 1/2/3/4 LEDs of LAN ports which you link to on the Router and LEDs on your PC's adapter should be lit.
2. Is the TCP/IP configuration for your PC correct?
)
If the Router's IP address is 192.168.0.1, your PC's IP address must be within the range of
192.168.0.2 ~ 192.168.0.254.
3. Is the default LAN IP of the Router correct?
Note:
) Note:
If the LAN IP of the modem connected with your router is 192.168.0.x, the default LAN IP of the Router will automatically switch from 192.168.0.1 to 192.168.1.1 to avoid IP conflict. Therefore, in order to verify the network connection between your PC and the Router, you can open a command prompt, and type ping 192.168.1.1, and then press Enter.

3.2 Quick Installation Guide

With a Web-based utility, it is easy to configure and manage the 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N 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. However, as the USB
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TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router
Settings interface may not be opened with some web browsers, it is strongly recommended that you use Internet Explorer.
1. To access the configuration utility, open a web-browser and type in the default domain name
http://tplinklogin.net
in the address field.
Figure 3-3 Log in the Router
After a moment, a login window will appear, similar to Figure 3-4. Enter admin for the User Name and Password, both in lower case letters. Then click the OK button or press the Enter key.
Figure 3-4 Login Windows
Note:
)
If the above screen does not pop up, it means that your Web-browser has been set to a proxy. Go to Tools menu>Internet Options>Connections>LAN Settings, in the screen that appears, cancel the Using Proxy checkbox, and click OK to finish it.
2. After successfully logging in, you can click the Quick Setup menu to quickly configure your Router.
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TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router
Figure 3-5 Quick Setup
3. Click Next, and then WAN Connection Type page will appear as shown in Figure 3-6.
Figure 3-6 WAN Connection Type
The Router provides Auto-Detect function and supports three popular ways PPPoE, Dynamic IP and Static IP to connect to the Internet. It’s recommended that you make use of the Auto-Detect function. If you are sure of what kind of connection type your ISP provides, you can select the very type and click Next to go on configuring.
4. If you select Auto-Detect, the Router will automatically detect the connection type your ISP provides. Make sure the cable is securely plugged into the WAN port before detection. The appropriate configuration page will be displayed when an active Internet service is successfully detected by the Router.
1) If the connection type detected is PPPoE, the next screen will appear as shown in Figure
3-7.
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TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router
Figure 3-7 Quick Setup - PPPoE
¾ User Name/Password - Enter the User Name and Password provided by your ISP.
These fields are case-sensitive. If you have difficulty with this process, please contact your ISP.
¾ Confirm Password - Enter the password again to make sure that the password is
correct.
2) If the connection type detected is Dynamic IP, the next screen will appear as shown in
Figure 3-8.
Figure 3-8 Quick Setup – MAC Clone
A MAC address is a 12-digit code assigned to a unique piece of hardware for identification. Some ISPs will register the MAC address of your computer when you access the Internet for the first time via the cable/ADSL modem they offered. If you add a router into your network to share the Internet, the ISP may not recognize the new MAC address of the router and will not offer the Internet connection any more. Therefore, it is necessary to clone the MAC address of the computer to the router.
z If you are visiting the Router from the main computer, please select Yes, and then click
Clone MAC Address.
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TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router
Figure 3-9 Quick Setup – MAC Clone
z If you are visiting the Router from another computer, rather than the main computer,
please select No, and then enter the main computer’s MAC in the field WAN MAC Address.
Figure 3-10 Quick Setup – MAC Clone
Note:
)
1. It’s strongly recommended that you visit and configure the Router from the main computer.
2. To find the main computer’s MAC, please go to Start > Run on your main computer, type in cmd and press Enter. At the command prompt, enter ipconfig/all and press Enter. The MAC will be displayed under Physical Address.shown in the following figure
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TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router
Figure 3-11 Find MAC Address
3) If the connection type detected is Static IP, the next screen will appear as shown in Figure 3-12.
Figure 3-12 Quick Setup - Static IP
¾ IP Address - This is the WAN IP address as seen by external users on the Internet
(including your ISP). Your ISP will provide you with the IP address you need to enter here. Enter the IP address into the field.
¾ Subnet Mask - The Subnet Mask is used for the WAN IP address. Your IPS will provide
you with the subnet mask which is usually 255.255.255.0.
¾ Default Gateway - Your ISP will provide you with the Gateway address which is the ISP
server’s address. Enter the gateway IP address into the box if required.
¾ Primary DNS - Enter the DNS Server IP address into the box if required.
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TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router
¾ Secondary DNS - If your ISP provides another DNS server, enter it into this field.
5. Click Next to continue, the Wireless settings page will appear as shown in Figure 3-13.
Figure 3-13 Quick Setup – Wireless
¾ Wireless Radio - Choose from the drop-down list to enable or disable the wireless
radio.
¾ Wireless Network Name - Also called the SSID (Service Set Identification). Enter a
value of up to 32 characters. The same name must be assigned to all wireless devices in your network. Considering your wireless network security, the default SSID is set to be TP-LINK_XXXXXX (XXXXXX indicates the last unique six numbers of each Router’s MAC address). This value is case-sensitive. For example, TEST is NOT the same as test.
¾ Region - Select your region from the drop-down list. This field specifies the region
where the wireless function of the Router can be used. It may be illegal to use the wireless function of the Router in a region other than one of those specified in this field. If your country or region is not listed, please contact your local government agency for assistance.
) Note:
Limited by local law regulations, version for North America does not have region selection option.
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TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router
¾ Channel - This field determines which operating frequency will be used. It is not
necessary to change the wireless channel unless you notice interference problems with another nearby access point. If you select auto, then the AP will select the best channel automatically.
¾ Mode - This field determines the wireless mode which the Router works on.
11b only - Select if all of your wireless clients are 802.11b.
11g only - Select if all of your wireless clients are 802.11g.
11n only- Select only if all of your wireless clients are 802.11n.
11bg mixed - Select if you are using both 802.11b and 802.11g wireless clients.
11bgn mixed - Select if you are using a mix of 802.11b, 11g, and 11n wireless clients.
¾ Channel Width - Select any channel width from the drop-down list. The default setting
is automatic, which can adjust the channel width for your clients automatically.
¾ Max Tx Rate - You can limit the maximum transmission rate of the Router through this
field.
¾ Disable Security - The wireless security function can be enabled or disabled. If
disabled, the wireless stations will be able to connect the Router without encryption. It is recommended strongly that you choose one of following options to enable security.
¾ WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK - Select WPA based on pre-shared passphrase.
z PSK Password - You can enter ASCII or Hexadecimal characters.
For ASCII, the key can be made up of any numbers from 0 to 9 and any letters from A to Z, the length should be between 8 and 63 characters.
For Hexadecimal, the key can be made up of any numbers from 0 to 9 and letters from A to F, the length should be between 8 and 64 characters.
Please also note the key is case-sensitive, this means that upper and lower case keys will affect the outcome. It would also be a good idea to write down the key and all related wireless security settings.
¾ No Change - If you choose this option, wireless security configuration will not change!
These settings are only for basic wireless parameters. For advanced settings, please refer to
4.6 Wireless
.
6. Click the Next button. You will then see the Finish page.
If you don’t make any change on the Wireless page, you will see the Finish page as shown in Figure 3-14. Click the Finish button to finish the Quick Setup.
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TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router
Figure 3-14 Quick Setup - Finish
If there is anything changed on the Wireless page, you will see the Finish page as shown in Figure 3-15. Click the Reboot button to make your wireless configuration take effect and finish the Quick Setup.
Figure 3-15 Quick Setup – Finish
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TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router

Chapter 4. Configuring the Router

This chapter will show each Web page's key functions and the configuration way.

4.1 Login

After your successful login, you will see the sixteen main menus on the left of the Web-based utility. On the right, there are the corresponding explanations and instructions.
The detailed explanations for each Web page’s key function are listed below.

4.2 Status

The Status page provides the current status information about the Router. All information is read-only.
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TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router
Figure 4-1 Router Status

4.3 Quick Setup

Please refer to 3.2 Quick Installation Guide.
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TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router

4.4 WPS

This section will guide you to add a new wireless device to an existing network quickly by WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) function.
a). Choose menu “WPS”, and you will see the next screen (shown in Figure 4-2 ).
Figure 4-2 WPS
¾ WPS Status - Enable or disable the WPS function here.
¾ Current PIN - The current value of the Router's PIN is displayed here. The default PIN of the
Router can be found in the label or User Guide.
¾ Restore PIN - Restore the PIN of the Router to its default.
¾ Gen New PIN - Click this button, and then you can get a new random value for the Router's
PIN. You can ensure the network security by generating a new PIN.
¾ Add device - You can add a new device to the existing network manually by clicking this
button.
b). To add a new device:
If the wireless adapter supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), you can establish a wireless connection between wireless adapter and Router using either Push Button Configuration (PBC) method or PIN method.
Note:
)
To build a successful connection by WPS, you should also do the corresponding configuration of the new device for WPS function meanwhile.
I. Use the Wi-Fi Protected Setup Button
Use this method if your client device has a Wi-Fi Protected Setup button.
Step 1: Press the WPS/RESET button on the back panel of the Router, as shown in the following
figure.
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TL-WR842ND 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router
You can also keep the default WPS Status as Enabled and click the Add device button in Figure 4-2, then Choose “Press the button of the new device in two minutes” and click Connect. (Shown in the following figure)
Figure 4-3 Add A New Device
Step 2: Press and hold the WPS button of the client device directly. Step 3: The Wi-Fi Protected Setup LED flashes for two minutes during the Wi-Fi Protected Setup
process.
Step 4: When the WPS LED is on, the client device has successfully connected to the Router. Step 5: Refer back to your client device or its documentation for further instructions.
II. Enter the client device’s PIN on the Router
Use this method if your client device has a Wi-Fi Protected Setup PIN number.
Step 1: Keep the default WPS Status as Enabled and click the Add device button in Figure 4-2,
then the following screen will appear.
Figure 4-4 Add A New Device
Step 2: Enter the PIN number from the client device in the field on the above WPS screen. Then
click Connect button.
Step 3: Connect successfully” will appear on the screen of Figure 4-4, which means the client
device has successfully connected to the Router.
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