Wi-Fi 5/6/6E/7 Router Features_SPF_UG

About This Guide

This guide introduces each function of your device and demonstrates how to configure them.

When using this guide, please notice that features of the device may vary slightly depending on the model and software version you have, and on your location, language, and internet service provider. Because each device model supports different frequency bands (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz), the settings you can configure will also vary. If your device does not support a particular frequency band, the corresponding configuration options will not be available in the web interface. The page layout may also differ. Please refer to the actual interface. All screenshots, images, parameters and descriptions documented in this guide are used for demonstration only.

 

Conventions

In this guide the following conventions are used:

Convention	Description
Underline	Underlined words or phrases are hyperlinks. You can click to redirect to a website or a specific section.
Bold	Contents to be emphasized and texts on the web page are in bold, including the menus, items, buttons and so on.
>	The menu structures to show the path to load the corresponding page. For example, Settings > System Tools > Firmware Upgrade means the Firmware Upgrade page is under the System Tools menu that is located in the Settings tab.
Note:	Ignoring this type of note might result in a malfunction or damage to the device.
Tip:	Indicates important information that helps you make better use of your device.

 

More Info

The latest software, management app and utility can be found at Download Center at https://www.tp-link.com/support/download.
The Quick Installation Guide can be found where you find this guide or inside the package.
Specifications can be found on the product page at https://www.tp-link.com.
TP-Link Community is provided for you to discuss our products and share knowledge 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.

Log In to Your Router

With a web-based utility, it is easy to configure and manage the router. The web-based utility can be used on any Windows, Mac OS or UNIX OS with a Web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or Apple Safari.

Follow the steps below to log in to your router.

1. Set up the TCP/IP Protocol in Obtain an IP address automatically mode on your computer.
2. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and create a login password for secure management purposes. Then click Let’s Get Started to log in.

Note: If the login window does not appear, please refer to the FAQ Section.

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
• Quick Setup Via TP-Link Tether App
• Manually Set Up Your Internet Connection
• Set Up the Router as an Access Point
• Set Up an IPv6 Internet Connection

 

Use Quick Setup Wizard

The Quick Setup Wizard will guide you to set up your router.

Tips: If you need the IPv6 internet connection, please refer to the section of Set Up an IPv6 Internet Connection.

Follow the steps below to set up your router.

1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with the password you set for the router.
2. Follow the step-by-step instructions to complete Quick Setup configuration or go to Advanced > Quick Setup for configuration to connect your router to the internet. Then follow the step-by-step instructions to connect your router to the internet.
3. To enjoy a more complete service from TP-Link (remote management, TP-Link DDNS, and more.), log in with your TP-Link ID or click Sign Up 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 Skip 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.

 

Quick Setup Via TP-Link Tether App

The Tether app runs on iOS and Android devices, such as smartphones and tablets.

1. Launch the Apple App Store or Google Play store and search “TP-Link Tether” or simply scan the QR code to download and install the app.

   

2. Launch the Tether app and log in with your TP-Link ID.

   Note: If you don’t have a TP-Link ID, create one first.

3. Tap the + button, tap Add a Router and select your product model.

   Note: Due to Tether app updates, your actual user interface and pathway may differ from those depicted here.

4. Follow the steps to complete the setup and connect to the internet.
5. Connect your devices to the newly configured wireless networks of the router and enjoy the internet!

 

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 Internet.

3. Select your internet connection type from the drop-down list.

Note: Some models may require you to select a port for internet service. Please follow the instructions.

4.Follow the instructions on the page to continue the configuration. Parameters on the figures are just used for demonstration.

• 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.

  

• If you choose Static IP, enter the information provided by your ISP in the corresponding fields.

  

• If you choose PPPoE, enter the username and password provided by your ISP. PPPoE users usually have DSL cable modems.

  

• 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.

  

• 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.

Tips:

• 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.

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 > System > Operation Mode, select Access Point Mode and click SAVE. The router will reboot and switch to Access Point mode.

   

3. After rebooting, connect the router to your existing wired router via an Ethernet cable.
4. Log in again to the web management page http://tplinkwifi.net, and go to Advanced > Quick Setup.
5. Configure your wireless settings and click Next.
6. Confirm the information and click SAVE. Now, you can enjoy Wi-Fi.

Tips:

• Functions, such as Parental Controls, QoS and NAT Forwarding, are not supported in the Access Point mode.
• Functions, such as Guest Network, are the same as those in the Router mode.

Set Up an IPv6 Internet Connection

Your ISP provides information about one of the following IPv6 internet connection types: PPPoE, Dynamic IP(SLAAC/DHCPv6), Static IP, 6to4 tunnel, Pass-Through (Bridge). After setting up the IPv6 internet connection, you can add IPv6 firewall rules to protect your IPv6 network.

Set up an IPv6 Internet 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 > IPv6.

3. Enable IPv6 and select the internet connection type provided by your ISP.

4. You can also configure DoT/DoH to provide you with a more secure and private internet connection.

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.

5. Fill in information as required by different connection types.

• Static IP: Fill in blanks and click SAVE.

  

• Dynamic IP(SLAAC/DHCPv6): Click Advanced Settings to input further information if your ISP requires. Click SAVE and then click RENEW.

  

• PPPoE: By default, the router uses the IPv4 account to connect to the IPv6 server. Click Advanced Settings to input further information if your ISP requires. Click SAVE and then click CONNECT.

  Note: If your ISP provides two separate accounts for the IPv4 and IPv6 connections, manually enter the username and password for the IPv6 connection.

  

• 6to4 Tunnel: An IPv4 internet connection type is a prerequisite for this connection type. Click Advanced Settings to input further information if your ISP requires. Click SAVE and then click CONNECT.

  

• Pass-Through (Bridge): Click SAVE and skip to Step 7.

  

6. Configure LAN ports. Windows users are recommended to choose from DHCPv6 and SLAAC+Stateless DHCP. Fill in Address Prefix provided by your ISP, and click SAVE. If your internet connection type is Pass-Through (Bridge), no configuration is required for this step.

7. In MAC Clone section, set the MAC address of your router. Use the default address unless your ISP allows internet access from only a specific MAC address.

8. Go to Internet to check whether you have successfully set up an IPv6 connection.

Tips: Visit the FAQ section if there is no internet connection.

 

Set up IPv6 Firewall Rules

IPv6 Firewall protects your IPv6 network by preventing access from the internet. However, when you are hosting a service, such as a file sharing server in your local network, you can choose to allow access to the server from the internet by adding entries on this page. This feature is available only when you’ve set up an IPv6 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 > IPv6, enable IPv6 and locate the Firewall Rules section. If your internet connection type is Pass-Through (Bridge), you can not configure Firewall Rules.

3. Click Add.

4. Select a service from the drop-down list of Service Type. The Port and Protocol will be automatically filled in. It is recommended to keep the default Port and Protocol if you are unsure about which to use. If the service is not listed, please manually enter the Service Type, and specify the Port and Protocol.

5. Specify a Service Name for the rule.

6. In the Internal IP field, enter a valid IPv6 address to run the service. You can click Select from clients, choose a local host device, and its IPv6 address will be automatically filled in as the Internal IP.

7. Click SAVE, and the newly created IPv6 firewall rule will appear in Firewall Rules.

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. 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 available. 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

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 Advanced > TP-Link ID or click TP-Link ID on the very top of the page.
3. Click Sign Up and follow the instructions to register a TP-Link ID.

   

4. After activating your TP-Link ID, come back to the TP-Link ID 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 you have registered a TP-Link ID on the web management page, you can only register another TP-Link ID via the Tether APP. Please refer to Manage the Router via the TP-Link Tether App to install the app.
• If you want to unbind the admin TP-Link ID from your router, please go to Advanced > TP-Link ID, an click Unbind in the Device Information section.

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 Advanced > TP-Link ID, and focus on the Account Information section.

To change your email address:

1. Click the Edit icon behind the Email.
2. Enter the password of your TP-Link ID, then a new email address. And click Save.

To change your password:

1. Click the Edit icon behind the Password.
2. Enter the current password, then a new password twice. And click Save.

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.
• Add/remove other TP-Link IDs to/from the router.

Add TP-Link ID to Manage the Router

1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID.
2. Go to Advanced > TP-Link ID, and focus on the Bound Accounts section.
3. Click +Bind, enter another TP-Link ID as needed and click Save.

   Note: If you need another TP-Link ID, please register a new one via the Tether app. Refer to Manage the Router via the TP-Link Tether App to install the app and register a new TP-Link ID.

   

4. The new TP-Link ID will be displayed in the Bound Accounts table as a User.

   

Remove TP-Link ID(s) from Managing the Router

The Tether app runs on iOS and Android devices, such as smartphones and tablets.

Note: If you need to remotely access your router from your smart devices, you need to:

1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID.
2. Go to Advanced > TP-Link ID, 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.

Manage the Router via the TP-Link Tether App

1. Launch the Apple App Store or Google Play store and search “TP-Link Tether” or simply scan the QR code to download and install the app.

   

2. Launch the Tether app and log in with your TP-Link ID.

   Note: If you don’t have a TP-Link ID, create one first.

3. Connect your device to the router’s wireless network.
4. Go back to the Tether app, select the model of your router and log in with the password you set for the router.
5. Manage your router as needed.

Note: If you need to remotely access your router from your smart devices, you need to:

• Log in with your TP-Link ID. If you don’t have one, refer to Register a TP-Link ID.
• Make sure your smartphone or tablet can access the internet with cellular data or a Wi-Fi network.

Network Map

Network Map outlines device connectivity of your network visually and helps you manage general settings of the network.

Because different device models may support different frequency bands, and the network topology varies depending on the usage scenario, the network map may also differ. The following is for illustrative purposes only.

1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router.

2. Go to Network Map.

3. Click each network device icon to check and manage general network settings.

• Click Internet to check internet status.

• Click the router to check device status and network settings. You can turn on or off the wireless network or guest network, or click Edit to change related settings.

• Click Mesh Devices to view the devices that form a mesh network with the router.

• Click Clients to view the client devices in your network. You can block devices so they cannot access your network, or set Speed Limit to limit their upload and download speeds.

To specify a Device Name for each client:

1. Click the Edit icon in the Modify column.
2. Enter a Device Name for the device.
3. Click SAVE.

To limit the speeds of a device:

1. Click the Edit icon in the Modify column.
2. Enable Speed Limit.
3. Set the download and upload speed limit according to your needs.
4. Click SAVE. The speeds of the device will be limited.

Wireless Settings

This chapter guides you on how to configure the wireless settings. It contains the following sections:

• Specify Wireless Settings
• Create Multiple Wireless Networks
• Schedule Your Wireless Function
• Use WPS for Wireless Connection
• Advanced Wireless Settings

Specify Wireless Settings

The router’s wireless network names (SSIDs), password, and security option are preset in the factory. The preset SSIDs and password can be found on the label of the router. You can customize the wireless settings according to your needs.

1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router.

2. Go to Wireless or Advanced > Wireless > Wireless Settings.

To enable or disable TWT:

TWT (Target Wake Time) allows 802.11ax routers and clients to negotiate their periods to transmit and receive data packets. Clients only wake up at TWT sessions and remain in sleep mode for the rest of the time, which significantly extend their battery life. It is disabled by default.

1. Go to Advanced > Wireless > Wireless Settings.
2. Enable TWT.

To enable or disable OFDMA/MU-MIMO:

OFDMA enables multiple users to transmit data simultaneously, and thus greatly improves speed and efficiency. Noted that only when your clients also support OFDMA, can you fully enjoy the benefits. It is disabled by default.

A router with the MU-MIMO feature serves multiple devices simultaneously while a traditional router serves only one user at a time. That means MU-MIMO can provide a faster, more efficient Wi-Fi network for multiusers. It is disabled by default.

Note: Devices supporting 5GHz wireless band can enjoy the MU-MIMO service.

1. Go to Advanced > Wireless > Wireless Settings.
2. Select OFDMA+MU-MIMO or OFDMA only.

To use the Smart Connect function:

Smart Connect combines the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands and assigns your devices between them to balance network demands, while leaving the brand-new 6 GHz band exclusive for your Wi-Fi 6E devices to unleash the most out of the latest Wi-Fi.

1. Go to Advanced > Wireless > Wireless Settings.
2. Enable Smart Connect.

   

3. Keep the default values or set a new SSID and password, and click SAVE. This SSID and password will be applied for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless networks. If you want to configure the wireless settings separately for each band, deselect the checkbox to disable this feature.

To enable or disable the wireless function:

1. Go to Wireless or Advanced > Wireless > Wireless Settings.
2. The wireless bands are enabled by default. If you want to disable a wireless band, just deselect its Enable checkbox.

To change the wireless network name (SSID) and wireless password:

1. Go to Wireless or Advanced > Wireless > Wireless Settings.
2. Create a new SSID in Network Name (SSID) and customize the password for the network in Password. The value is case-sensitive. If Open is selected as the security type, no password is needed.

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 Wireless or Advanced > Wireless > Wireless Settings.
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.

To change the security option:

1. Go to Advanced > Wireless > Wireless Settings.
2. Select an option from the Security drop-down list. We recommend you don’t change the default settings unless necessary.

To change the transmit power:

1. Go to Advanced > Wireless > Wireless Settings. Click Advanced Settings for further configuration.
2. Select an option from the Transmit Power drop-down list: High, Middle or Low. The default and recommended setting is High.

To change channel settings:

1. Go to Advanced > Wireless > Wireless Settings. Click Advanced Settings for further configuration.
2. Select a Channel Width (bandwidth) for the wireless network. It is recommended to just leave it as default.
3. 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.
4. For the 6 GHz network, you can select the Enable PSC checkbox. When PSC (Preferred Scanning Channel) is enabled, only channels with higher connectivity will be reserved to ensure 6 GHz device connections.

To change the transmission mode:

1. Go to Advanced > Wireless > Wireless Settings.
2. For the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, disable Smart Connect, then click Advanced Settings and select a transmission Mode according to your wireless client devices. It is recommended to just leave it as default. For the Mode of the 6 GHz network, please keep the default settings.

To create your MLO network:

MLO (Multi-Link Operation) network enables the connected Wi-Fi 7 clients to simultaneously send and receive data across different frequency bands, greatly improving the transmission rate and reliability.

1. Go to Advanced > Wireless > Wireless Settings, and locate the MLO Network section.
2. Enable MLO Network.
3. View the radio bands that the MLO network takes effect.
4. Specify an SSID in Network Name (SSID).
5. Select the Security type. Specify a password if the security type you selected requires it. This value is case-sensitive.
6. You can also click Share Network to share the SSID and password with your guests.
7. If you select Hide SSID, your SSID won’t display when you scan for local wireless networks on your wireless device and you need to manually join the MLO network.
8. Click SAVE to save your settings.

Tips:

Tips:To view the MLO network information, go to Network Map and locate the Wireless section. You can turn on or off the MLO network conveniently.

 

Create Multiple Wireless Networks

The Multi-Network feature allows you to create multiple wireless networks, enabling different network names, security types, and access permissions. This enables network segmentation and resource isolation, improving security and management.

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 > Multi-Network.

3. Clink +Add.

4. Specify the Basic Settings for the network you want to add.

• Enter a Description for the network.
• Select 2.4GHz, 5GHz or 6GHz Band from the dropdown list.
• Enter the Network Name (SSID).
• Select a Security type and enter a password if required.

5. Click NEXT. Specify the Advanced Settings.

• Tick the Bandwidth Control checkbox if you want to limit the download or upload bandwidth of the network.
• Specify the Effective Time for how long the network turns on.
• Tick the Current Multi-Network Clients checkbox if you want to allow your clients to access the data of current Multi-Network clients.
• Tick the Other Multi-Network Clients checkbox if you want to allow your clients to access the data of other Multi-Network clients.
• Tick the Local Network Clients checkbox if you want to allow your clients to access the data of local network clients (include main network, guest network, IoT network).

6. Click SAVE. The networks added will appear in the Multi-Network list. You can change the settings, share the QR code of the network, disable it or delete it.

 

Schedule Your Wireless Function

The wireless network can be automatically off at a specific time 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.

3. Enable the Wireless Schedule feature.

4. Click Add to specify the wireless off band and the period during which you need the wireless off automatically, and click Save.

Note:

• The Effective Time Schedule is based on the time of the router. You can go to Advanced > System > Time & Language to modify the time.
• The wireless network will be automatically turned on after the time period you set.
• If your network contains smart home devices (such as IoT devices), it is recommended to turn on the 2.4 GHz band and not to set the Wireless Off Time, so as to ensure a stable connection.

 

Use WPS for Wireless Connection

Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) provides an easier approach to set up a security-protected Wi-Fi connection.

1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router.
2. Make sure the Wi-Fi of your router is on and go to Advanced > Wireless > WPS.

Connect via the Client’s PIN

Enter the PIN of your device and click Connect. Then your device will get connected to the router.

Connect via the Router’s PIN

Select Router’s PIN to enable Router’s PIN. You can use the default PIN or generate a new one.

Note: PIN (Personal Identification Number) is an eight-character identification number preset to each router. WPS supported devices can connect to your router with the PIN. The default PIN is printed on the label of the router.

Push the WPS Button

Click Start on the screen or directly press the router’s WPS button. Within two minutes, enable WPS on your personal device. Success will appear on the screen, indicating successful WPS connection.

 

Advanced Wireless Settings

Check advanced wireless settings for your device.

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 > Additional Settings.

3. Configure advanced wireless settings.

• WMM - WMM function can guarantee the packets with high-priority messages being transmitted preferentially.
• AP Isolation - This function isolates all connected wireless stations so that wireless stations cannot access each other through WLAN.
• Airtime Fairness - This function can improve the overall network performance by sacrificing a little bit of network time on your slow devices.
• Beacon Interval - Enter a value between 40 and 1000 in milliseconds to determine the duration between beacon packets that are broadcasted by the router to synchronize the wireless network. The default value is 100 milliseconds.
• RTS Threshold- Enter a value between 1 and 2346 to determine the packet size of data transmission through the router. By default, the RTS (Request to Send) Threshold size is 2346. If the packet size is greater than the preset threshold, the router will send RTS frames to a particular receiving station and negotiate the sending of a data frame.
• DTIM Interval - The value determines the interval of DTIM (Delivery Traffic Indication Message). Enter a value between 1 and 15 intervals. The default value is 1, which indicates the DTIM Interval is the same as Beacon Interval.
• Group Key Update Period - Enter a number of seconds (minimum 30) to control the time interval for the encryption key automatic renewal. The default value is 0, meaning no key renewal.

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

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 > Wireless > Guest Network or click Wireless on the top page. Locate the Guest Network section.

3. Create a guest network as needed.

• Tick the Enable checkbox for the 2.4GHz, 5 GHz, or 6GHz wireless network.
• Customize the SSID. Don‘t select Hide SSID unless you want your guests to manually input the SSID for guest network access.
• Enable Bandwidth Control if you want to limit the network speed of your guests. Then enter the limited bandwidth value.
• Set the effective time to keep the guest network.
• Select the Security type and customize your own password. If Open is selected, no password is needed to access your guest network.

4. Click SAVE. Now your guests can access your guest network using the SSID and password you set!

5. You can also click Sharing Network to share the SSID and password to your guests.

Tips: To view guest network information, go to Network Map and locate the Guest Network section. You can turn on or off the guest network function conveniently.

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 > Wireless > Guest Network. Locate the Guest Permissions section.
3. Customize guest network options according to your needs.

   

   • Allow guests to see each other

   Tick this checkbox 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 your local network

   Tick this checkbox 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!

IoT Network

This feature further secures your home network by allowing you to create a dedicated wireless network to manage your loT devices together, such as smart lights and cameras.

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 > IoT Network.

3. Create an IoT network as needed.

• Tick the Enable checkbox for the 2.4GHz, or 5 GHz wireless network. For the 5 GHz network, make sure your IoT devices can connect to a 5 GHz network.
• Customize the SSID. Don‘t select Hide SSID unless you want your IoT devices to manually input the SSID for network access.
• Select the Security type and customize your own password. If Open is selected, no password is needed to access the IoT network.

4. Click SAVE. Now you can connect your IoT devices to the dedicated IoT network.

5. You can also click Sharing Network to share the SSID and password to others.

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 and hard drives.

It contains the following sections:

• Access the USB Storage Device
• Media Sharing
• Time Machine

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 > USB Storage Device and click Remove. (For some model: Go to Advanced > USB > Storage Sharing)

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.

Windows computer

Method 1: Go to Computer > Network, then click the Network Server Name (TP-SHARE by default) in the Computer section. Note: Operations in different systems are similar. Here we take Windows 7 as an example.

Windows computer	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, then press Enter.
Mac	1. Select Go > Connect to Server. 2. Type the server address smb://tplinkwifi.net. 3. Click Connect. 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	Use a third-party app for network files management.

Tips: You can also access your USB storage device by using your Network/Media Server Name as the server address. Refer to To Customize the Address of the USB Storage Device to learn more.

Access the USB Device Remotely:

You can access your USB disk outside the local area network. For example, you can:

• 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 > USB Storage Device.
3.    Tick the Internet FTP checkbox, and then click SAVE.

4.    Refer to the following table to access your USB disk remotely.

Computer

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

Use a third-party app for network files management.

Tips: Click Set Up a Dynamic DNS Service Account to learn how to set up a domain name for you router.

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 > USB Storage Device.

 

• To Customize the Address of the USB Storage Device

You can customize the server name and use the name to access your USB storage device.

1.    In the Access Method session, make sure Samba for Windows Samba for macOS/Linux is ticked, and enter a Network/Media Server Name as you like, such as MyShare, then click SAVE.

2.    Now you can access the USB storage device by visiting \\MyShare (for Windows) or smb://MyShare (for Mac).

 

• To Only Share Specific Content

Focus on the File Sharing section. Specify sharing folders that you want to share and click SAVE.

 

• To Set Up Authentication for Data Security

You can set up authentication for your USB storage device so that network clients will be required to enter username and password when accessing the USB storage device.

1.    In the File Sharing section, enable Secure Sharing.

2.    Click the Edit icon to modify the access account, and pay attention to the default username and password. Accessing as an administrator can read and modify the shared folders while visitors can only read the shared folders.

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.
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 Storage Device.

 

Media Sharing

The feature of Media Sharing allows you to view photos, play music and watch movies stored on the USB storage device directly from DLNA-supported devices, such as your computer, tablet and PS2/3/4.

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 > USB Storage Device.

3. Tick the Internet FTP checkbox, and then click SAVE.

4. Refer to the following table to access your USB disk remotely.

5. Customize the Access Settings

Windows Computer	Go to Computer > Network, then click the Media Server Name (Model number-share by default) in the Media Devices section. Note: Here we take Windows 7 as an example.
Tablet	Use a third-party DLNA-supported player.

 

Time Machine

Time Machine backs up all files on your Mac computer to a USB storage device connected to your router. Please note that some models or firmware versions do not support this feature.

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 > Time Machine.

3. Tick the checkbox to enable Time Machine.

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.

HomeShield

Customize your home network with enhanced security using a kit of features built in TP-Link HomeShield. Whether protecting your sensitive data or limiting the access of kids and guests, TP-Link HomeShield provides you the tools you need to fully manage your network.

It contains the following sections:

• Network Check
• Parental Controls
• QoS
• More Features

*For an easier way to check your home network protection system, you can download the Tether app to enjoy full Homeshield Pro feature.

 

Network Check

Scan your whole network to help analyze and optimize your network.

1.Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router.

2.Go to HomeShield > Network Check, or Advanced > HomeShield > Network Check.

3.Click SCAN.

4.Optimize your network according to the tips.

 

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.

1.Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router.

2.Go to HomeShield > Parental Controls, or Advanced > HomeShield > Parental Controls.

3.Click  to create a profile for a family member.

4.Add basic profile information.

1 )Enter a Name for the profile to make it easier to identify. Set the age to get the corresponding filter level.

2 )Click + Add Devices.

3 )Select the devices that belong to this family member. Access restrictions will be applied to these devices. Click Add when finished.

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.

4 )Click NEXT

5.Block content for this profile.

1 )Select the content categories to block in the Content Filter list.

2 )You can also block a specific website. Enter a keyword (for example, “Facebook”) or a URL (for example, “www.facebook.com”), then click Add.

3 )You can allow access to specific websites that would be blocked by the Content Filter. You can also add from the Blocked History list of this profile.

4 )Click NEXT.

6.Set time restrictions on internet access.

1 )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.

2 )Click SAVE.

3 )After adding a profile, you can click the Insight icon to check the detailed visited history, and click the Pause icon to pause the network for this profile anytime. You can also click the Edit icon in the Modify column to edit the settings or click the Delete icon to delete the profile.

Note: You can go to HomeShield > More Features or Advanced > HomeShield > More Features for a detailed introduction and download Tether to enjoy full Homeshield Pro feature.

 

QoS

QoS (Quality of Service) allows you to prioritize connection of specific devices for a set duration. Devices set as high priority will be allocated more bandwidth and so continue to run smoothly even when there is heavy traffic on the network.

1.Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router.

2.Go to HomeShield > QoS or Advanced > HomeShield > QoS.

3.Enable QoS to set the total bandwidth. Then click SAVE.

4.Enable High Priority for the desired device and set its effective time.

 

More Features

Download the Tether app and subscribe to enjoy the full features of HomeShield.

1.Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router.

2.Go to HomeShield > More Features or Advanced > HomeShield > More Features.

3.Follow the web instructions to get full features of HomeShield.

EasyMesh with Seamless Roaming

This product is compatible with EasyMesh. This chapter introduces the EasyMesh feature.

It contains the following sections:

• Add a Router as a Satellite Device
• Add a Range Extender as a Satellite Device
• Manage Devices in the EasyMesh Network

EasyMesh routers and extenders work together to form one unified Wi-Fi network. Walk through your home and stay connected with the fastest possible speeds thanks to EasyMesh’s seamless coverage.

Note: Routers and range extenders must be compatible with EasyMesh or OneMesh™. Firmware upgrades may be required.

 

Add a Router as a Satellite Device

Method 1. Via an Ethernet cable

1.Connect your router’s LAN port to the satellite device’s LAN port via an Ethernet cable.

2.Connect the power adapter to the satellite device, then power on and reset it. Then the device will be added to the network automatically.

Note: You can check whether the router is added to the network on your router’s web management page or the Tether app.

Method 2. Via the WPS button

1.Place the router next to your router, then power on and reset it.

2.Press the WPS button on your router.

3.Press the WPS button on the new router within 2 minutes. Then the router will be added to the network automatically.

Note: You can check whether the router is added to the network on your router’s web management page or the Tether app.

Method 3. Via the Tether app

1.Connect your Laptop/PC/Mobile phone to your router’s Wi-Fi.

2.Open the Tether app, select your router and log in with your TP-Link ID.

3.Go to More > EasyMesh, turn on the EasyMesh button.

4.Tap Add Satellite Devices. Then select a satellite device type and follow the step-by-step instructions to add another router.

Note: After being successfully added to the EasyMesh network, the satellite device will appear in the EasyMesh Network list.

Method 4. Via the web browser

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 > EasyMesh, and enable EasyMesh.

3.Locate the Mesh Device Detail section and click +Add. Select TP-Link Router, then click NEXT.

4.Follow the page instructions to prepare your satellite router, then click DONE.

5.Click ADD. When prompted “This device has been added successfully“, click OK, then click FINISH.

Done! The satellite router will also appear on the web management page.

 

Add a Range Extender as a Satellite Device

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 > EasyMesh, and enable EasyMesh.

3.Locate the Mesh Device Detail section and click +Add. Select TP-Link Extender, then click NEXT.

4.Follow the page instructions to prepare your satellite extender, then click OK.

5.Done! You can check the mesh device on the router’s web page now.

 

Manage Devices in the EasyMesh Network

In an EasyMesh network, you can manage all mesh devices and connected clients on your main router’s web page.

•To view mesh devices and connected clients in the network:

1.Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router.

2.Go to Network Map.

3.Click the Clients icon to view all mesh devices, and click the Others icon to view all connected clients.

•To manage an EasyMesh device in the network:

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 > EasyMesh.

3.Click the Modify button to view detailed information and change its settings.

• Change device information such as Name and Location.
• Click Clients to view the clients connected to of this device.

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 protect your home network from cyber attacks, block or allow specific client devices to access your network using Access Control, you can prevent ARP spoofing and ARP attacks using IP & MAC Binding, protect your network security by isolating your IoT devices.

It contains the following sections:

• Protect the Network from Cyber Attacks
• Access Control
• IP & MAC Binding
• ALG
• Device Isolation

*For a more comprehensive home network protection system, refer to the HomeShield chapter.

Protect the Network from Cyber Attacks

The SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection) Firewall protects the router from cyber attacks and validate 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. It’s recommended to keep the default settings.

 

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 (Deny List) or a list of allowed devices (Allow List).

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. Toggle on to enable Access Control.

4. Click Change Mode to select the access mode to either block (recommended) or allow the device(s) in the list.

To block specific device(s):

1. Select Deny List.

   

2. Click +Add and select devices you want to be blocked. You can select from the device list or add it manually. Click ADD.

   

   

3. The Operation Succeeded message will appear on the screen, which means the selected devices have been successfully added to the Deny List.

   

To allow specific device(s):

1. Select Allow List and click SAVE.

   

2. You can toggle on to enable Guest Network Exception. When enabled, the allow list mode will not affect the Guest Network. All devices in the Guest Network can connect to the internet.
3. Click +Add to add devices to the Allow List. You can add devices that have connected to your network before from the device list or add any device manually. Then click ADD.

   

   

4. The Operation Succeeded message will appear on the screen, which means the selected devices have been successfully added to the Allow List.

Done!

Now you can block or allow specific client devices to access your network (via wired or wireless) using the Deny List or Allow List.

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 need.

• To bind the connected device(s):

1. Click +Add in the Binding List section.

   

2. Click VIEW CONNECTED DEVICES and select the device you want to bind. The MAC Address and IP Address fields will be automatically filled in.

   

3. Click SAVE.

• To bind the unconnected device:

1. Click +Add in the Binding List section.

   

2. Enter the MAC Address and IP Address that you want to bind.

   

3. Click SAVE.

Done!

Now you don’t need to worry about ARP spoofing and ARP attacks!

ALG

ALG allows customized NAT traversal filters to be plugged into the gateway to support address and port translation for certain application layer “control/data” protocols such as FTP, TFTP, H323 etc. It is recommended to keep the default settings.

You may need to disable SIP ALG when you are using voice and video applications to create and accept a call through the router, since some voice and video communication applications do not work well with SIP ALG.

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 > ALG.

 

Device Isolation

Some devices, such as IoT devices, are vulnerable to security threats. To keep your important devices and data safe, you can isolate these devices to protect your network from being infected.

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 > Device Isolation. Enable Device Isolation.

   

3. Click +Add to add your IoT devices.

   

Done!

While isolated, isolated devices (these devices) can still access the internet and communicate with other isolated devices. However, isolated devices (these devices) cannot transfer data with devices on your home, including managing gateway devices, accessing USB devices, etc.

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 Port Forwarding, Port Triggering, UPNP and DMZ.

It contains the following sections:

• Share Local Resources on the Internet by Port Forwarding
• Open Ports Dynamically by Port Triggering
• Make Applications Free from Port Restriction by DMZ
• Make Xbox Online Games Run Smoothly by UPnP

 

Share Local Resources on the Internet by Port Forwarding

When you build up a server on the local network and want to share it on the internet, Port Forwarding can realize the service and provide it to internet users. At the same time Port Forwarding can keep the local network safe as other services are still invisible from the internet.

Port Forwarding 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.

*Image may differ from your actual product.

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 > Port Forwarding.
4. Click +Add.

   

5. Click VIEW COMMON SERVICES and select HTTP. The External Port, Internal Port and Protocol will be automatically filled in.
6. Click VIEW CONNECTED DEVICES and select your home PC. The Device IP Address will be automatically filled in. Or enter the PC’s IP address 192.168.0.100 manually in the Device IP Address field.
7. Click SAVE.

   

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 common services list, you can enter the corresponding parameters manually. You should verify the port number that the service needs.
• You can add multiple port forwarding rules if you want to provide several services in a router. Please note that the External Port should not be overlapped.

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.

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.
2. Go to Advanced > NAT Forwarding > Port Triggering and click +Add.

   

3. Click VIEW COMMON SERVICES, and select the desired application. The Triggering Port, Triggering Protocol and External Port will be automatically filled in. The following picture takes application MSN Gaming Zone as an example.

   

4. Click SAVE.

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.

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.

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.

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 log in 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 tick to enable DMZ.
4. Click VIEW CONNECTED DEVICES and select your PC. The Device IP
   Address will be automatically filled in. Or enter the PC’s IP address 192.168.0.100 manually in the DMZ Host IP Address field.

   

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.

 

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.

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).

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.

*Image may differ from your actual product.

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.

   

VPN Server&VPN Merge

The router offers several ways to set up VPN connections:

VPN Server allows remote devices to access your home network in a secured way through the internet. The router supports three types of VPN Server:

OpenVPN is somewhat complex but with higher security and more stability, suitable for restricted environments such as campus network and company intranet.

PPTP VPN is easy to use with the built-in VPN software of computers and mobile devices, but it is vulnerable and may be blocked by some ISPs.

L2TP/IPSec VPN is more secure but slower than PPTP VPN, and may have trouble getting around firewalls.

WireGuard VPN is a secure, fast and modern VPN protocol. It is based on the UDP protocol and uses modern encryption algorithms to improve work efficiency.

VPN Merge (Multi-VPN Clients) allows your client devices to simultaneously access multiple VPN servers to satisfy your work, gaming, and video streaming needs.

This chapter contains the following sections:

• Use OpenVPN to Access Your Home Network
• Use PPTP VPN to Access Your Home Network
• Use L2TP/IPSec VPN to Access Your Home Network
• Use WireGuard VPN to Access Your Home Network
• Use VPN Merge (Multi-VPN Clients) to Access Remote VPN Servers

Use OpenVPN to Access Your Home Network

OpenVPN Server is used to create an OpenVPN connection for remote devices to access your home network.

To use the VPN feature, you need to enable OpenVPN Server on your router, and install and run VPN client software on remote devices. Please follow the steps below to set up an OpenVPN connection.

*Image may differ from your actual product.

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 tick the Enable box of OpenVPN.

   

   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 Service Type (communication protocol) for OpenVPN Server: UDP, TCP.
4. Select the Interface Type for OpenVPN Server: TUN, TAP. You can select TAP to address the limitations of the traditional TUN mode such as the inability to support broadcast packets and seamless integration of local networks.
5. Enter a VPN Service Port to which a VPN device connects, and the port number should be between 1024 and 65535.
6. In the VPN Subnet/Netmask fields, enter the range of IP addresses that can be leased to the device by the OpenVPN server.
7. 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.
8. Click SAVE.
9. 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.

10. 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 function 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.

Use PPTP VPN to Access Your Home Network

PPTP VPN Server is used to create a PPTP VPN connection for remote devices to access your home network.

To use the VPN feature, you need to set up PPTP VPN Server on your router, and configure the PPTP connection on remote devices. 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, and tick the Enable box of PPTP.

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.

3. In the Client IP Address field, enter the range of IP addresses (up to 10) that can be leased to the devices by the PPTP VPN server.

4. Set the PPTP connection permission according to your needs.

• Select Allow Samba (Network Place) access to allow your VPN device to access your local Samba server.
• Select Allow NetBIOS passthrough to allow your VPN device to access your Samba server using NetBIOS name.
• Select Allow Unencrypted connections to allow unencrypted connections to your VPN server.

5. Click SAVE.

6. Configure the PPTP VPN connection account for the remote device. You can create up to 16 accounts.

• Click Add.
• Enter the Username and Password to authenticate devices to the PPTP VPN Server.

7. Click ADD.

 

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.

   

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.

   

6. Enter the User name and Password you have set for the PPTP VPN server on your router, and click Connect.

   

7. Click Connect Now when the VPN connection is ready to use.

   

Use L2TP/IPSec VPN to Access Your Home Network

L2TP/IPSec VPN Server is used to create a L2TP/IPSec VPN connection for remote devices to access your home network.

To use the VPN feature, you need to set up L2TP/IPSec VPN Server on your router, and configure the L2TP/IPSec connection on remote devices. Please follow the steps below to set up the L2TP/IPSec VPN connection.

*Image may differ from your actual product.

Step 1. Set up L2TP/IPSec 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 > L2TP/IPSec, and enable L2TP/IPSec.

Note:

• Firmware update may be required to support L2TP/IPSec VPN Server.
• 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.

          

3. In the Client IP Address field, enter the range of IP addresses (up to 10) that can be leased to the devices by the L2TP/IPSec VPN server.

4. Keep IPSec Encryption as Encrypted and create an IPSec Pre-Shared Key.

5. Tick the Allow NetBIOS passthrough checkbox if you want to allow your VPN device to access your Samba server using NetBIOS name.

6. Click SAVE.

7. Configure the L2TP/IPSec VPN connection account for the remote device. You can create up to 16 accounts.

• Click Add.
• Enter the Username and Password to authenticate devices to the L2TP/IPSec VPN Server. Click ADD.

  

 

Step 2. Configure L2TP/IPSec VPN Connection on Your Remote Device

The remote device can use the Windows or Mac OS built-in L2TP/IPSec software or a third-party L2TP/IPSec software to connect to L2TP/IPSec Server. Here we use the Windows built-in L2TP/IPSec 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.

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, and select the checkbox Don’t connect now; just set it up so I can connect later. Click Next.

6. Enter the User name and Password you have set for the L2TP/IPSec VPN server on your router, and click Connect.

7. Click Close when the VPN connection is ready to use

8. Go to Network and Sharing Center and click Change adapter settings.

9. Find the VPN connection you created, then double-click it.

10. Enter the User name and Password you have set for the L2TP/IPSec VPN server on your router, and click Properties.

11. Switch to the Security tab, select Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol with IPsec (L2TP/IPSec) and click Advanced settings.

12. Select Use preshared key for authentication and enter the IPSec Pre-Shared Key you have set for the L2TP/IPSec VPN server on your router. Then click OK.

Done! Click Connect to start VPN connection.

 

Use WireGuard VPN to Access Your Home Network

WireGuard VPN Server is used to create a Wire Guard VPN connection for remote devices to access your home network.

Step 1. Set up WireGuard 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 > WireGuard, and tick the Enable box of WireGuard.

   

3. Set the Tunnel IP Address and Listen Port. Do NOT change it unless necessary.
4. 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.
5. (Optional) Click Advanced Settings to display more settings. If DNS is turned on, the router will become the DNS server of the VPN client that establishes a connection with it. Change the Persistent Keepalive time (25 seconds by default) to send out heartbeat regularly, you can also click RENEW KEY to update the private key and public key.

 

Step 2. Create accounts that can be used by remote clients to connect to the VPN server.

1. Locate the Account List section. Click Add to create an account.

2. Give a Username to this account.

3. View the Address of the virtual interface assigned to this account. Do NOT change it unless necessary.

4. Traffic sent from the WireGuard VPN client to the Allowed IPs (Client) will be transmitted through the tunnel. By default, all network traffic from clients will be transmitted through the tunnel. Do NOT change it unless necessary.

5. Traffic sent from the WireGard VPN server to the Allowed IPs(Server) will be transmitted through the tunnel. Do NOT change it unless necessary.

6. Enable or disable Pre-shared Key.

7. Click SAVE.

Note: One account can only be used by one WireGuard VPN client at the same time to connect to the WireGuard VPN server.

8. Connect to the WireGuard server.

> For mobile phones, download WireGuard App from Google Play or Apple Store. Then, click the Edit icon in the Modify column, use WireGuard App to scan the QR Code to connect to this server.

> For other devices (e.g. TP-Link WireGuard VPN client), click  in the Modify column and click Export. Click EXPORT to save the WireGuard VPN configuration file which will be used by the remote device to access your router.

9. On the account list, you can click the icons to modify the VPN server settings, connect to the server, or delete the account.

 

Use VPN Merge (Multi-VPN Clients) to Access Remote VPN Servers

VPN Merge allows your client devices to simultaneously access multiple VPN servers to satisfy your work, gaming, and video streaming needs.

Some models or firmware versions do not support VPN Merge. Please configure the VPN Client feature according to the instructions on the webpage.

To use the VPN feature, simply configure a VPN connection and choose your desired devices on your router, then these devices can access the remote VPN server. Please follow the steps below:

*Image may differ from your actual product.

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 Merge.

Note: Firmware update may be required to support VPN Client.

3. Enable VPN Merge.

4. In Server List, add remote VPN servers. And enable the server(s) you need.

(1) In the Server List section, click Add.

(2) Specify a Description for the VPN, and choose the VPN Type.

(3) Enter the VPN information provided by your VPN provider.

> OpenVPN: Enter the VPN username and password if required by your VPN provider, otherwise simply leave them empty. Then import the configuration file provided by your VPN provider.

Note: You can also check the box of Import the CA file or edit the . ovpn file manually, then upload the CA file or manually configure the settings.

 

> PPTP: Enter the VPN server address (for example: 218.18.1.73) and the VPN username and password provided by your VPN provider.

> L2TP/IPSec VPN: Enter the VPN server address (for example: 218.18.1.73), VPN username and password, and IPSec pre-shared key provided by your VPN provider.

 

> WireGuard VPN: Give a description, and click UPLOAD to import the WireGuard VPN server configuration. Then you will see the detailed parameters. Do NOT change the parameters unless necessary.

(4) Save the settings.

(5) In the Server List, enable the VPN server(s) you need.

5. In Client List, assign the VPN servers to your client devices. You can connect all clients to a selected VPN server or assign different VPN servers to your clients individually.

(For models that only support the VPN client rather than VPN Merge feature, simply select the device(s) that will access the VPN server(s) you have enabled.)

> To connect all clients to a selected VPN server:

(1) In the Client List section, click  and select All Clients Mode.

(2) Select All Clients Mode, and select a server from the dropdown list.

(3) Click CHANGE. Now all your client devices can access the VPN server you specified.

> To assign different VPN servers to your clients individually:

(1) In the Client List section, click Change Mode and select Custom Mode.

(2) Click +Add Devices and select the device(s) that will access the VPN server(s) you have enabled.

(3) Set up the VPN server for each selected client device.

(4) Click SAVE. Now the device(s) can access the VPN server you specified.

Customize Your Network Settings

This chapter guides you on how to configure advanced network features.

It contains the following sections:

• Change the Internet Settings
• Change the LAN Settings
• Flow Controller
• Configure to Support IPTV Service
• Specify DHCP Server Settings
• Set Up a Dynamic DNS Service Account
• Create Static Routes
• Link Aggregation

Change the Internet Settings

After setting up your internet, you can also easily change the internet settings if needed in the future.

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 > Internet.

To change the internet connection settings:

1. Select the internet connection type and configure the settings according to the information provided by your ISP.
2. (Optional) Reveal the advanced settings and change the settings if needed. It’s recommended to keep the default settings.
3. Click Save.

To change the MAC address of the router:

You have three options:

• Use Default MAC Address - Do not change the default MAC address of your router in case the ISP does not bind the assigned IP address to the MAC address.
• Clone Current Device MAC - Select to copy the current MAC address of the computer that is connected to the router, in case the ISP binds the assigned IP address to the MAC address.
• Use Custom MAC Address - Select if your ISP requires you to register the MAC address and enter the correct MAC address in this field, in case the ISP binds the assigned IP address to the specific MAC address.

To Set up NAT

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.

If you want to enable NAT, tick the checkbox, and click SAVE.

To enable or disable DoT/DoH

Encrypting DNS queries by TLS/HTTPS, DoT/DoH can provide you with a more secure and private internet connection.

1. If you want to enable DoT or DoH, select the corresponding checkbox in DNS Privacy. If you want to disable DoT/DoH, select None.
2. Select a DNS Mode according to your need.
   • Default Mode - The router will prioritize the secure DNS server you selected. If the server is unavailable, the default DNS server will take effect.
   • Ultra Secure Mode - In this mode, the router only uses the secure DNS server you selected. If the server is unavailable, the internet connectivity will be affected.
3. Enter or click to select DNS Server(s).

   

4. You can click DETECT DNS SERVER to detect whether the selected DNS servers are available or not.
5. Click SAVE. Then DoH/DoT will be applied to these DNS servers, and the Primary & Secondary DNS servers you’ve set won’t take effect.

To change the Internet Port Negotiation Speed Setting

You can change the internet port speed mode. Auto Negotiation is recommended.

 

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 Port Forwarding, 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.

 

Flow Controller

With Flow Controller enabled, when a device gets overloaded it will send a PAUSE frame to notify the peer device to stop sending data for a specified period of time, thus avoiding the packet loss caused by congestion.

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, and locate the Flow Controller section.

3. Flow Controller is enabled by default. Please note that enable Flow Controller may cause internet drop with some devices.

 

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/VLAN.

> If your ISP provides the networking service based on IGMP technology, e.g., British Telecom(BT) and Talk Talk in UK:

(1) Tick the IGMP Proxy and IGMP Snooping checkbox, then select the IGMP Version, either V2 or V3, as required by your ISP.

(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/VLAN.

(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.

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 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. Tick the Enable checkbox.

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. You can click DETECT DHCP SERVER to check if there are multiple DHCP servers in your network. It is recommended to enable only one server.

5. Click SAVE.

To reserve an IP address for a specified client device:

1. Click Add in the Address Reservation section.

2. Click VIEW CONNECTED DEVICES and select the you device you want to reserve an IP for. Then the MAC Address will be automatically filled in. Or enter the MAC address of the client device manually.

3. Enter the IP address to reserve for the client device.

4. Click SAVE.

To view devices assigned with IP addresses by the DHCP server:

You can view the devices that are currently assigned with IP addresses by the DHCP server in DHCP Client List.

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 Register Now.

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.

4. Click Register in the Domain Name List if you have selected TP-Link, and enter the Domain Name as needed.

If you have selected NO-IP or DynDNS, enter the username, password and domain name of your account.

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.

 

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.

*Image may differ from your actual product.

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 Advanced > Network > 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/WLAN should be selected.
• Description: Enter a description for this static routing entry.

5. Click Save.

6. Check the 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.

 

Link Aggregation

The Link Aggregation feature combines two LAN ports together to make a single highbandwidth data path, thus sustaining a higher-speed and more stable wired network. Please note that some models or firmware versions do not support this feature.

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. Enable Link Aggregation.

Note: Link Aggregation and IPTV/VLAN cannot be enabled at the same time to avoid LAN port conflicts.

4. Select the Static LAG or LACP mode. It’s recommended that you select the same link aggregation mode for both ends of the link.

5. Click SAVE. The LAN2 and LAN3 ports will be used for Link Aggregation.

Note: If you have set the Port Forwarding, 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.

 

Manage the Router

This chapter will show you the configuration for managing and maintaining your router.

It contains the following sections:

• Update the Firmware
• Backup and Restore Configuration Settings
• Password Recovery
• Security Questions
• Change the Login Password
• Local Management
• Remote Management
• System Log
• Test the Network Connectivity
• Set System Time
• Set System Language
• Set the Router to Reboot Regularly
• Control the LED
• Set ECO Mode to Save Power
• Other System Settings

 

Update the Firmware

TP-Link aims at providing better network experience for users.

We will inform you through the web management page if there’s any new 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:

• Back up your router’s configurations before firmware update.
• Do NOT turn off the router during the firmware update.

Auto Update

The router will update firmware automatically at the specified time when new version is available.

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 > Firmware Update.
3. Enable Auto Update.

   

4. Specify the Update Time and save the settings.

Online Update

Tips: If there’s a new and important firmware update for your router, you will see the prompt notification on your computer as long as a web browser is opened. Click to update, and log in to the web management page with the username and password you set for the router. You will see the Firmware Update page.

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 Update page.

   Alternatively, you can go to Advanced > System > Firmware Update, and click CHECK FOR UPDATES to see whether the latest firmware is released.

3. Focus on the Online Update section, and click UPDATE if there is new firmware.

   

4. Wait a few minutes for the update and reboot to complete.

Local Update

Note: If you fail to update the firmware for the router, please contact our Technical Support.

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 > Firmware Update.
4. Focus on the Local Update section. Click UPLOAD to locate the downloaded new firmware file, and click UPDATE.

   

5. Wait a few minutes for the update and reboot to complete.

EasyMesh Satellite Update

EasyMesh Satellite Update allows you to remotely check and update the firmware of the satellite devices connected to this router via EasyMesh.

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 > Firmware Update, and locate the EasyMesh Satellite Update section.

3. The router’s satellite devices will appear on the table. Click CHECK FOR UPDATES to see whether the latest firmware is released. If you want to update a satellite device, click  on the right of the corresponding device.

Note: The update will take a few minutes and the satellite router will reboot.

 

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 > Backup & Restore.

To backup configuration settings:

Click BACK UP 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 UPLOAD 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 TP-Link ID:

1. In the Factory Default Restore section, click RESTORE.

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.

 

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 Advanced > TP-Link ID.

1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with the password you set for the router.

2. Go to Advanced > System > Administration and focus on the Admin Password Recovery section.

3. Tick the Enable box of 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) to send the recovery letter requires encryption, Tick the Enable box of 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.
• Generally, Authentication should be enabled if the login of the mailbox requires username and password.

5. Click SAVE.

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.

 

Security Questions

You can enhance the account security by setting security questions that only the administrators know the answers to. The security questions can be used for verification when changing password. 

Please note that some models or firmware versions do not support this feature.

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 > Administration and locate the Admin Password Recovery section.

3. Click Question Settings to set or change your security questions.

4. Enter your admin password and click NEXT.

5. Select security questions from the dropdown list and enter the answers.

6. Click SAVE. The security questions are set.

 

Change the Login Password

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 Advanced > TP-Link ID.

1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with the password you set for the router.

2. Go to Advanced > System > Administration and focus on the Change Password section.

> Local Password Vertification:

(1) Select Local Password as Vertification Type.

(2) Enter the old password, then a new password twice (both case-sensitive). Click SAVE.

(3) Use the new password for future logins.

> Security Questions Vertification:

(1) Select Security Questions as Vertification Type.

(2) Enter the answers of the security questions.

(3) Enter a new password twice (case-sensitive). Click SAVE.

(4) Use the new password for future logins.

 

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 > Administration and complete the settings In Local Management section as needed.

Access the router via HTTPS and HTTP:

Tick the Enable box of Local Management via HTTPS to access the router via HTTPS and HTTP, or keep it disabled to access the router only via HTTP.

Allow all LAN connected devices to manage the router:

Select All Devices for Local Managers.

Allow specific devices to manage the router:

1. Select All Devices for Local Managers and click SAVE.

2. Click Add Device.

3. Click VIEW CONNECTED DEVICES and select the device to manage the router from the Connected Devices list, or enter the MAC address of the device manually.

4. Specify a Description for this entry.

5. Click SAVE.

 

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 > Administration and complete the settings in Remote Management section as needed.

Forbid all devices to manage the router remotely:

Do not tick the Enable checkbox of Remote Management.

Allow all devices to manage the router remotely:

1. Tick the Enable checkbox of Remote Management.

2. Keep the HTTPS port as default settings (recommended) or enter a value between 1024 and 65535.

3. Select All Devices for Specified Devices.

4. Click SAVE.

Devices on the internet can log in to https://Router’s WAN IP address:port number (such as https://113.116.60.229:1024) to manage the router.

Tips:

• You can find the WAN IP address of the router on Network Map > 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.

Allow a specific device to manage the router remotely:

1. Tick the Enable checkbox of Remote Management.

2. Keep the HTTPS and HTTP port as default settings (recommended) or enter a value between 1024 and 65535.

3. Select Specified Device for Remote Managers.

4. In the Only this IP Address field, enter the IP address of the remote device to manage the router.

5. Click SAVE.

Devices using this WAN IP can manage the router by logging in to http://Router’s WAN IP:port number (such as http://113.116.60.229:1024).

Tips: 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.

 

System Log

When the router does not work normally, you can save the system log and send it to the technical support for troubleshooting.

To save the system log locally:

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 > System Log.

3. Choose the type and level of the system logs as needed.

4. In the Save Log section, click SAVE TO LOCAL to save the system logs to a local disk.

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 > System Log.

3. In the Save Log section, click MAIL LOG.

4. Enter the information required:

(1) Email From: Enter the email address used for sending the system log.

(2) Select Require Password.

Tips: Generally, Require Password should be selected if the login of the mailbox requires username and password.

(3) Username: Enter the email address used for sending the system log.

(4) Email Password: Enter the password to login the sender’s email address.

(5) 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.

(6) Email To: Enter the recipient’s email address, which can be the same as or different from the sender’s email address.

(7) Select Mail Log Automatically.

Tips: The router will send the system log to the designated email address if this option is enabled.

(8) Frequency: This determines how often the recipient will receive the system log .

5. Click SAVE.

 

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 > Diagnostics.

3. Enter the information:

(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.

(3) Modify the Ping Count number and the Ping Packet Size. It’s recommended to keep the default value.

(4) If you have chosen Traceroute, you can modify the Traceroute Max TTL. It’s recommended to keep the default value.

4. Click START to begin the diagnostics.

> 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.

 

Set 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.

Please note that for some models or firmware versions, you need to go to Advanced > System > Time & Language to set the system time and region.

To get time from the internet:

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 > Time.
3. Enable 24-Hour Time if you want the time to display in a 24-hour way.
4. In the Set Time field, select Get from Internet.
5. Select your local Time Zone from the drop-down list.
6. In the NTP Server I field, enter the IP address or domain name of your desired NTP Server.
7. (Optional) In the NTP Server II field, enter the IP address or domain name of the second NTP Server.
8. Click SAVE.

To get time from your computer:

1. In the Set Time field, select Get from Managing Device.

   

2. The time of your computer will then be displayed and click SAVE.

To manually set the date and time:

1. In the Set Time field, select Manually.
2. Specify your Time Zone.
3. Set the current Date.
4. Set the current Time (In HH/MM/SS format).
5. Click SAVE.

To set Daylight Saving Time:

1. Tick the Enable box of Daylight Saving Time.
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.

 

Set System Language

System language is the language displayed when you log into the router. You can change the system language as needed.

Please note that for some models or firmware versions, you need to go to Advanced > System > Time & Language to set the system time and region.

1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router.
2. Click the Language icon in the top-right corner of the page.
3. Select the language from the dropdown list, then click SAVE.

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 > Reboot.
3. Tick the Enable box of Reboot Schedule.
4. Specify the Reboot Time when the router reboots and Repeat to decide how often it reboots.
5. Click SAVE.

 

Control the LED

The LED of the router indicates its activities and status. You can enable the Night Mode feature to specify a time period during which the LED is off.

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 > LED Control.
3. Enable Night Mode.
4. Specify the LED off time, and the LED will be off during this period every day.
5. Click SAVE.

Set ECO Mode to Save Power

ECO Mode helps to decrease electricity usage by lowering the power output of the router. Smart ECO mode automatically adjusts power consumption based on your traffic usage, minimizing the impact on your regular Internet traffic. It will also turned off the LEDs. You can also manually select the ECO mode to reduce router’s energy consumption by lowering power, controlling Wi-Fi and LED usage time.

Please note that some models or firmware versions do not support this feature.

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 > ECO Mode.

3. Toggle on to enable ECO Mode

Automatically adjust power consumption:

Locate the ECO Mode Settings section. Enable Smart ECO.

ECO Mode is intelligently activated. The intensity level of ECO mode will be automatically adjusted based on your traffic usage, ensuring maximum power savings while maintaining usability.

Customize your power-saving mode settings manually:

1. Locate the ECO Mode Settings section. Disable Smart ECO.

2. Select a Power-saving mode according to your need.

• Balance Mode - Moderately adjusts Wi-Fi signal strength for stable connectivity. Ideal for daily use with minimal impact on performance.
• Efficient Mode - Saves more energy with a noticeable speed reduction. The 6 GHz band will be disabled. Suitable for basic browsing with some impact on high-demand tasks like HD streaming or gaming.
• Standby Mode - Maximizes power saving by shutting off unused ports and limiting Wi-Fi to the 2.4 GHz band only. LED lights will also be turned off. Expect significant speed reduction—suitable for minimal internet use.

3. Select the Effective Time of ECO mode.

4. If you select Only On During a Time Period, click SET REPEAT SCHEDULE, click or drag the grids in the table to select timeslots. Then click SAVE.

 

Other System Settings

Please note that some models or firmware versions do not support these features.

Authorize Third-Party Services:

Once enabled, we will share your clients’ information to a third-party services to identify your clients better. We won’t save your private information.

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 > Authorize Third-Party Services.

3. Toggle on to enable Client Identification.

Join User Experience Improvement Program:

Joining User Experience Improvement Program means you agree to send anonymous usage data to help TP-Link improve their products. Without interrupting you, the program automatically collects information about how you use the product and its features anonymously without any information that can be used to identify you.

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 > About.

3. Toggle on to Join User Experience Improvement Program.

Screen Display

This chapter only applies to models with an LED screen and/or touchscreen. If your device has an LED screen or touchscreen, please refer to the corresponding chapter.

The patterns displayed on the LED screen or touchscreen may vary depending on product model and firmware version. The images shown here are for illustrative purposes only.

 

LED Screen

Customize the LED screen to intuitively display real-time weather, time, text, emojis, and even your favorite custom content.

1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router.

2. Go to Screen Display > LED Screen.

3. Enable LED Screen.

4. Select an LED Mode and customize the settings.

Slides Mode: You can select and edit slides to auto display on the LED screen, including slides for date & time, weather, and emojis. You can also cutomize a slide.

Animation Mode: You can select an animation to loop on the LED screen, or customize a new one as you like.

Text Mode: Enter the text to auto play on the LED screen.

5. Adjust the brightness and speed for each mode. Enable Night Mode to set a screen off time to save the electricity when idled.

6. Click SAVE to apply the settings.

 

Touchscreen

Customize the touchscreen settings to adjust the brightness, auto-off time and more according to actual use. The touchscreen also simplifies management and gives immediate responses.

1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router.

2. Go to Screen Display > Touchscreen.

3. Enable Touchscreen and customize the settings.

4. Enable Touchscreen Lock and customize a password to lock the touchscreen if necessary.

5. Enable Night Mode to set a screen off time to save the electricity when idled.

6. In Screen Display, click Sort to set the display order of the touch screen.

7. Click SAVE to apply the settings.

 

Explore More

Download TP-Link Tether app to enjoy the fun with the LED screen and touchscreen, also for easy network management.

FAQ

Q1.What should I do if I forget my wireless password?

The default wireless password is printed on the label of the router. If the password has been altered:

1. Connect your computer to the router using an Ethernet cable.

2. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router.

3. Go to Wireless to retrieve or reset your wireless password.

Q2.What should I do if I forget my web management password?

> If you are using a TP-Link ID to log in, or you have enabled the Password Recovery feature of the router, click Forgot password on the login page and then follow the instructions to reset it.

> Alternatively, press and hold the Reset button of the router until the Power LED blinks to restore factory default settings, and then visit http://tplinkwifi.net to create a new login password.

Note:

• Please refer to Password Recovery to learn how to configure Password Recovery.
• You’ll need to reconfigure the router to surf the internet once the router is reset, and please mark down your new password for future use.

Q3. What should I do if I can’t log in to the router’s web management page?

This can happen for a variety of reasons. Please try the methods below to log in again.

> Make sure your computer is connected to the router correctly and the corresponding LED indicator(s) light up.

> Make sure the IP address of your computer is configured as Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically.

> Make sure http://tplinkwifi.net or http://192.168.0.1 is correctly entered.

> Check your computer’s settings:

1. Go to Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet, and click View network status and tasks.
2. Click Internet Options on the bottom left.
3. Click Connections and select Never dial a connection.

   

4. Click LAN settings and deselect the following three options and click OK.

   

5. Go to Advanced > Restore advanced settings, click OK to save the settings.

   

> Use another web browser or computer to log in again.

> Reset the router to factory default settings and try again. If login still fails, please contact the technical support.

Note: You’ll need to reconfigure the router to surf the internet once the router is reset.

 

Q4. What should I do if I can’t access the internet even though the configuration is finished?

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 > Status to check internet status:

If IP Address is a valid one, please try the methods below and try again:

> Your computer might not recognize any DNS server addresses. Please manually configure the DNS server.

(1) Go to Advanced > Network > DHCP Server.

(2) Enter 8.8.8.8 as Primary DNS, click SAVE.

Tips: 8.8.8.8 is a safe and public DNS server operated by Google.

> Restart the modem and the router.

(1) Power off your modem and router, and leave them off for 1 minute.

(2) Power on your modem first, and wait about 2 minutes until it gets a solid cable or Internet light.

(3) Power on the router.

(4) Wait another 1 or 2 minutes and check the internet access.

> Reset the router to factory default settings and reconfigure the router.

> Upgrade the firmware of the router.

> Check the TCP/IP settings on the particular device if all other devices can get internet from the router.

As the picture below shows, if the IP Address is 0.0.0.0, please try the methods below and try again:

> Make sure the physical connection between the router and the modem is proper.

> Clone the MAC address of your computer.

1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router.
2. Go to Internet or Advanced > Network > Internet and focus on the MAC Clone section.
3. Choose an option as needed (enter the MAC address if Use Custom MAC Address is selected), and click SAVE.

Tips:

• Some ISP will register the MAC address of your computer when you access the internet for the first time through their Cable modem, if you add a router into your network to share your internet connection, the ISP will not accept it as the MAC address is changed, so we need to clone your computer’s MAC address to the router.
• The MAC addresses of a computer in wired connection and wireless connection are different.

> Modify the LAN IP address of the router.

Note:

Most TP-Link routers use 192.168.0.1/192.168.1.1 as their default LAN IP address, which may conflict with the IP range of your existing ADSL modem/router. If so, the router is not able to communicate with your modem and you can’t access the internet. To resolve this problem, we need to change the LAN IP address of the router to avoid such conflict, for example, 192.168.2.1.

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. Modify the LAN IP address as the follow picture shows. Here we take 192.168.2.1 as an example.
4. Click SAVE.

> Restart the modem and the router.

1. Power off your modem and router, and leave them off for 1 minute.
2. Power on your modem first, and wait about 2 minutes until it get a solid cable or Internet light.
3. Power on the router.
4. Wait another 1 or 2 minutes and check the internet access.

> Double check the internet connection type.

1. Confirm your internet connection type, which can be learned from the ISP.
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 > Network > Internet.
4. Select your Internet Connection Type and fill in other parameters.
5. Click SAVE.

   

6. Restart the modem and the router again.

> Please upgrade the firmware of the router.

If you’ve tried every method above but still cannot access the internet, please contact the technical support.

 

Q5. What should I do if I can’t find my wireless network or I cannot connect the wireless network?

If you fail to find any wireless network, please follow the steps below:

> Make sure the wireless function of your device is enabled if you’re using a laptop with built-in wireless adapter. You can refer to the relevant document or contact the laptop manufacturer.

> Make sure the wireless adapter driver is installed successfully and the wireless adapter is enabled.

• On Windows 7

1. If you see the message No connections are available, it is usually because the wireless function is disabled or blocked somehow.
2. Click Troubleshoot and windows might be able to fix the problem by itself.

• On Windows XP

1. If you see the message Windows cannot configure this wireless connection, this is usually because windows configuration utility is disabled or you are running another wireless configuration tool to connect the wireless.
2. Exit the wireless configuration tool (the TP-Link Utility, for example).
3. Select and right click on My Computer on desktop, select Manage to open Computer Management window.
4. Expand Services and Applications > Services, find and locate Wireless Zero Configuration in the Services list on the right side.
5. Right click Wireless Zero Configuration, and then select Properties.
6. Change Startup type to Automatic, click on Start button and make sure the Service status is Started. And then click OK.

If you can find other wireless network except your own, please follow the steps below:

• Check the WLAN LED indicator on your wireless router/modem.
• Make sure your computer/device is still in the range of your router/modem. Move it closer if it is currently too far away.
• Go to Wireless or Advanced > Wireless > Wireless Settings, and check the wireless settings. Double check your wireless Network Name and SSID is not hided.

If you can find your wireless network but fail to connect, please follow the steps below:

• Authenticating problem/password mismatch:
  1. Sometimes you will be asked to type in a PIN number when you connect to the wireless network for the first time. This PIN number is different from the Wireless Password/Network Security Key, usually you can only find it on the label of your router.

     

  2. If you cannot find the PIN or PIN failed, you may choose Connecting using a security key instead, and then type in the Wireless Password/Network Security Key.
  3. If it continues to show note of Network Security Key Mismatch, it is suggested to confirm the wireless password of your wireless router.

  Note: Wireless Password/Network Security Key is case sensitive.

• Windows unable to connect to XXXX / Can not join this network / Taking longer than usual to connect to this network:
  • Check the wireless signal strength of your network. If it is weak (1~3 bars), please move the router closer and try again.
  • Change the wireless Channel of the router to 1, 6 or 11 to reduce interference from other networks.
  • Re-install or update the driver for your wireless adapter of the computer.