TP Link Technologies C9V4 Archer C9 User Manual Archer C9 Part1

TP-Link Technologies Co., Ltd. Archer C9 Archer C9 Part1

Contents

Archer C9_User Manual Part1

REV5.0.0 1910012057User GuideAC1900 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit RouterArcher C9
ContentsAbout This Guide .........................................................................................................1Chapter 1. Get to Know About Your Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21. 1. Product Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31. 2. Panel Layout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31. 2. 1. The Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31. 2. 2. The Side and Back Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Chapter 2. Connect the Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62. 1. Position Your Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72. 2. Connect Your Router. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Chapter 3. Log in to Your Router. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Chapter 4. Set Up Internet Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124. 1. Use Quick Setup Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134. 2. Manually Set up Your Internet Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134. 3. Set Up an IPv6 Internet Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Chapter 5. TP-Link Cloud Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215. 1. Register a TP-Link ID. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225. 2. Change Your TP-Link ID Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225. 3. Manage the User TP-Link IDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235. 3. 1. Add an TP-Link ID to Manage the Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245. 3. 2. Remove TP-Link ID(s) From Managing the Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245. 4. Manage the Router via TP-Link Tether App . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255. 4. 1. Install the Tether App on Your Smartphones or Tablets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255. 4. 2. Locally Manage Your Router Using the Tether App . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255. 4. 3. Remotely Manage Your Router Using the Tether App . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Chapter 6. Guest Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296. 1. Create a Network for Guests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306. 2. Customize Guest Network Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Chapter 7. USB Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
7. 1. Access the USB Storage Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337. 1. 1. Access the USB Device Locally. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337. 1. 2. Access the USB Device Remotely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347. 1. 3. Customize the Access Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367. 2. Media Sharing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407. 3. Printer Sharing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407. 4. Time Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Chapter 8. Parental Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Chapter 9. QoS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 499. 1. Prioritize Internet Traffic with QoS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 509. 2. Update the Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51Chapter 10. Network Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5310. 1. Protect the Network from Cyber Attacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5410. 2. Access Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5510. 3. IP & MAC Binding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56Chapter 11. NAT Forwarding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5811. 1. Share Local Resources on the Internet by Virtual Servers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5911. 2. Open Ports Dynamically by Port Triggering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6011. 3. Make Applications Free from Port Restriction by DMZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6111. 4. Make Xbox Online Games Run Smoothly by UPnP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62Chapter 12. VPN Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6412. 1. Use OpenVPN to Access Your Home Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6512. 1. 1. Step1. Set up OpenVPN Server on Your Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6512. 1. 2. Step 2. Configure OpenVPN Connection on Your Remote Device . . . . 6612. 2. Use PPTP VPN to Access Your Home Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6612. 2. 1. Step 1. Set up PPTP VPN Server on Your Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6712. 2. 2. Step 2. Configure PPTP VPN Connection on Your Remote Device. . . . 68Chapter 13. Customize Your Network Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7213. 1. Change the LAN Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7313. 2. Configure to Support IPTV Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7313. 3. Specify DHCP Server Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7513. 4. Set Up a Dynamic DNS Service Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7613. 5. Create Static Routes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
13. 6. Specify Wireless Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8013. 7. Use WPS for Wireless Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8113. 7. 1. Set the Router’s PIN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8113. 7. 2. Use the WPS Wizard for Wi-Fi Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82Chapter 14. Manage the Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8314. 1. Set Up System Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8414. 2. Control LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8514. 3. Test the Network Connectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8614. 4. Upgrade the Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8714. 4. 1. Online Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8714. 4. 2. Manual Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8814. 4. 3. Restore Interrupted Upgrade after Power Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8914. 5. Backup and Restore Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8914. 6. Change the Administrator Account. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9014. 7. Password Recovery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9114. 8. Local Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9214. 9. Remote Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9314. 10. System Log. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9414. 11. Monitor the Internet Traffic Statistics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96FAQ ................................................................................................................................98
1About This GuideThis guide is a complement of Quick Installation Guide. The Quick Installation Guide instructs you on quick Internet setup, and this guide provides details of each function and shows you the way to configure these functions appropriate to your needs. When using this guide, please notice that features of the router may vary slightly depending on the model and software version you have, and on your location, language, and Internet service provider. All screenshots, images, parameters and descriptions documented in this guide are used for demonstration only.ConventionsIn this guide the following conventions are used:Convention DescriptionUnderlined Underlined words or phrases are hyperlinks. You can click to redirect to a website or a specific section. Teal Contents to be emphasized and texts on the web page are in teal, including the menus, items, buttons, etc.>The menu structures to show the path to load the corresponding page. For example, Advanced > Wireless > MAC Filtering means the MAC Filtering function page is under the Wireless menu that is located in the Advanced tab.Note: Ignoring this type of note might result in a malfunction or damage to the device.Tips: Indicates important information that helps you make better use of your device.symbols on the web page• click to edit the corresponding entry.• click to delete the corresponding entry.• click to enable or disable the corresponding entry.• click to view more information about items on the page.More InfoThe latest software, management app and utility can be found at Download Center at http://www.tp-link.com/support.The Quick Installation Guide can be found where you find this guide or inside the package of the router.Specifications can be found on the product page at http://www.tp-link.com.A Technical Support Forum is provided for you to discuss our products at http://forum.tp-link.com.Our Technical Support contact information can be found at the Contact Technical Support page at http://www.tp-link.com/support.
Chapter 1Get to Know About Your RouterThis chapter introduces what the router can do and shows its appearance. It contains the following sections:• Product Overview• Panel Layout
3Chapter 1 Get to Know About Your Router1. 1. Product OverviewThe TP-Link router is designed to fully meet the need of Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) networks and users demanding higher networking performance. The powerful antennas ensure continuous Wi-Fi signal to all your devices while boosting widespread coverage throughout your home, and the built-in Ethernet ports supply high-speed connection to your wired devices.Moreover, it is simple and convenient to set up and use the TP-Link router due to its intuitive web interface and the powerful Tether app. 1. 2. Panel Layout1. 2. 1. The Front PanelThe router’s LEDs (view from left to right) are located on the front. You can check the router’s working status by following the LED Explanation table.
4Chapter 1 Get to Know About Your RouterLED ExplanationName Status Indication (Power)On The system has started up successfully.Flashing The system is starting up or firmware is being upgraded. Do not disconnect or power off your modem router.Off Power is off. (2.4GHz Wireless)On The 2.4GHz wireless band is enabled.Off The 2.4GHz wireless band is disabled. (5GHz Wireless)On The 5GHz wireless band is enabled.Off The 5GHz wireless band is disabled. (Ethernet)On At least one powered-on device is connected to the router’s LAN port.Off No powered-on device is connected to the router’s LAN port. (Internet)Green On Internet service is available.Orange On The router’s Internet port is connected, but the internet service is not available.Off The router’s Internet port is unplugged. (WPS)On/Off This light remains on for 5 minutes when a WPS connection is established, then turns off.Flashing WPS connection is in progress. This may take up to 2 minutes. (USB)On The inserted USB device is ready to use.Flashing A USB device is being identified.Off No device is plugged into the USB port.
5Chapter 1 Get to Know About Your Router1. 2. 2. The Side and Back PanelThe following parts (view from left to right) are located on the side and rear panel.Item DescriptionWiFi Button Press the WiFi button for about 2 seconds to turn on or off the wireless function of your router.USB 3.0 Port For connecting to a 3.0 USB device or a 3.0 USB printer. It is also compatible with USB 2.0 devices.USB 2.0 Port For connecting to a 2.0 USB device or a 2.0 USB printer.Reset/WPS ButtonPress this button for less than 5 seconds to enable the WPS function.Press this button for more than 5 seconds to reset the router to its factory default settings.Internet Port For connecting to the DSL/Cable modem, or an Ethernet.Ethernet Ports (1/2/3/4) For connecting the router to your PC or other Ethernet network devices.Power On/Off Button Press this button to power on or off the router.Power Port For connecting the router to power socket via the provided power adapter.Antennas Used for wireless operation and data transmit. Upright them for the best Wi-Fi performance.
Chapter 2Connect the HardwareThis chapter contains the following sections:• Position Your Router• Connect Your Router
7Chapter 2 Connect the Hardware2. 1. Position Your Router• The product should not be located in a place where it will be exposed to moisture or excessive heat.• Place the router in a location where it can be connected to multiple devices as well as to a power source.• Make sure the cables and power cord are safely placed out of the way so they do not create a tripping hazard.• The router can be placed on a shelf or desktop.• Keep the router away from devices with strong electromagnetic reference, such as Bluetooth devices, cordless phones and microwaves.2. 2. Connect Your RouterFollow the steps below to connect your router.If your internet connection is through an Ethernet cable directly from the wall instead of through a DSL / Cable / Satellite modem, connect the Ethernet cable to the router’s Internet port, and then follow Step 1, 5 and 6 to complete the hardware connection.ModemPower adapterRouterPower adapter5Internet24311. Install the antennas.
8Chapter 2 Connect the Hardware2. Turn off the modem, and remove the backup battery if it has one.3. Connect the modem to your router’s Internet port with an Ethernet cable.4. Turn on the modem, and then wait about 2 minutes for it to restart.5. Connect the power adapter to the router and turn on the router.6. Verify that the following LEDs are on and solid to confirm the harware is connected correctly.PowerOn On (Blue or Orange)Internet5GOn2.4GOnNote:If the 2.4G LED and 5G LED are off, press and hold the WiFi button on the side panel for about 2 seconds. Within a few seconds, both the LEDs shoud turn solid on.7. Connect your computer to the router.• Method 1: WiredTurn off the Wi-Fi on your computer and connect the devices as shown below.Ethernet cable• Method 2: Wirelessly1 ) Find the SSID (Network Name) and Wireless Password printed on the label at the bottom of the router.2 ) Click the network icon of your computer or go to Wi-Fi Settings of your smart device, and then select the SSID to join the network.Connections are availableWireless Network ConnectionConnect automatically Connect√TP-Link_XXXXTP-Link_XXXX_5GWi-FiWi-Fi TP-Link_XXXXTP-Link_XXXX_5GCHOOSE A NETWORK...Other...< SettingsSmart DeviceComputer
9Chapter 2 Connect the Hardware• Method 3: Use the WPS buttonWireless devices that support WPS, including Android phones, tablets, most USB network adapters, can be connected to your router through this method.Note:• WPS is not supported by iOS devices.• The WPS function cannot be configured if the wireless function of the router is disabled. Also, the WPS function will be disabled if your wireless encryption is WEP. Please make sure the wireless function is enabled and is configured with the appropriate encryption before configuring the WPS.1 ) Tab the WPS icon on the device’s screen. Here we take the Android phone for instance.2 ) Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router. close to
Chapter 3Log in to Your Router
11Chapter 3 Log in to Your RouterWith a web-based utility, it is easy to configure and manage the router. The web-based utility can be used on any Windows, Macintosh or UNIX OS with a Web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or Apple Safari.Follow the steps below to log in to your router.1. Set up the TCP/IP Protocol in Obtain an IP address automatically mode on your computer. 2. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and create a login password for secure management purpose. Then click Let’s Get Started to log in.Note: • If the login window does not appear, please refer to the FAQ Section.• If you have registered a TP-Link ID and bind your cloud router to it, the login password you created here should be ineffective. Please log in to the cloud router using your TP-Link ID.
Chapter 4Set Up Internet ConnectionThis chapter introduces how to connect your router to the internet. The router is equipped with a web-based Quick Setup wizard. It has necessary ISP information built in, automates many of the steps and verifies that those steps have been successfully completed. Furthermore, you can also set up an IPv6 connection if your ISP provides IPv6 service. It contains the following sections:• Use Quick Setup Wizard• Manually Set up Your Internet Connection• Set Up an IPv6 Internet Connection
13Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection4. 1. Use Quick Setup WizardThe Quick Setup Wizard will guide you through the process to set up your router.Tips:If you need the IPv6 internet connection, please refer to the section of Set Up an IPv6 Internet Connection.Follow the steps below to set up your router.1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router.2. Click Quick Setup on the top of the page. Then follow the step-by-step instructions to connect your router to the internet.3. To enjoy a more complete service from TP-Link (remote management, TP-Link DDNS, etc.), log in with your TP-Link ID or click Resigter Now to get one. Then follow the instructions to bind the cloud router to your TP-Link ID.Note:• To learn more about the TP-Link Cloud service, please refer to the TP-LINK Cloud section.• If you do not want to register a TP-Link ID for now, you may click Log In Later to proceed.• If you have changed the preset wireless network name (SSID) and wireless password during the Quick Setup process, all your wireless devices must use the new SSID and password to connect to the router.4. 2. Manually Set up Your Internet Connection In this part, you can check your current internet connection settings. You can also modify the settings according to the service information provided by your ISP.Follow the steps below to check or modify your internet connection settings.1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router.2. Go to Basic > Internet.
14Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection3. Select your internet connection type from the drop-down list. Note:If you are unsure of what your connection type is, click Auto Detect. Since different connection types need different cables and connection information, you can also refer to the demonstrations in Step 4 to determine your connection type.4. Follow the instructions on the page to continue the configuration. Parameters on the figures are just used for demonstration. 1 ) If you choose Dynamic IP, you need to select whether to clone the MAC address. Dynamic IP users are usually equipped with a cable TV or fiber cable. 2 ) If you choose Static IP, enter the information provided by your ISP in the corresponding fields.
15Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection 3 ) If you choose PPPoE, enter the username and password provided by your ISP. PPPoE users usually have DSL cable modems. 4 ) If you choose L2TP, enter the username and password and choose the Secondary Connection provided by your ISP. Different parameters are needed according to the Secondary Connection you have chosen.
16Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection 5 ) If you choose PPTP, enter the username and password, and choose the Secondary Connection provided by your ISP. Different parameters are needed according to the Secondary Connection you have chosen. 5. Click Save.6. To check your internet connection, click Network Map on the left of the page. After the connection succeeds, the screen will display as follows. Here we take PPPoE as an example.Note:
17Chapter 4 Set Up Internet ConnectionIt may take 1-2 minutes to make the settings valid. Tips: • If your internet connection type is BigPond Cable, please go to Advanced > Network > Internet to set your router.• If you use Dynamic IP and PPPoE and you are provided with any other parameters that are not required on the page, please go to Advanced > Network > Internet to complete the configuration.• If you still cannot access the internet, refer to the FAQ section for further instructions.4. 3. Set Up an IPv6 Internet ConnectionYour ISP provides information about one of the following IPv6 internet connection types: PPPoE, Dynamic IP(SLAAC/DHCPv6), Static IP, 6to4 tunnel, Pass-Through (Bridge).1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router.2. Go to Advanced > IPv6. 3. Enable IPv6 and select the internet connection type provided by your ISP.Tips:If you do not know what your internet connection type is, contact your ISP or judge according to the already known information provided by your ISP.4. Fill in information as required by different connection types. Red blanks must be filled in.1 ) Static IP: Fill in blanks and click Save.
18Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection2 ) Dynamic IP(SLAAC/DHCPv6): Click Advanced to input further information if your ISP requires. Click Save and then click Renew.3 ) PPPoE: By default, the router uses the IPv4 account to connect to the IPv6 server. Click Advanced to input further information if your ISP requires. Click Save and then click Connect.Note: If your ISP provides two separate accounts for the IPv4 and IPv6 connections, please uncheck the box for Use the same session with IPv4 connection and manually enter the username and password for the IPv6 connection.
19Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection4 ) 6to4 Tunnel: An IPv4 internet connection type is a prerequisite for this connection type (Manually Set up Your Internet Connection). Click Advanced to input further information if your ISP requires. Click Save and then click Connect.5 ) Pass-Through (Bridge): Click Save and skip to step 6.
20Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection5. Configure LAN ports. Windows users are recommended to choose from the first two types. Fill in Address Prefix provided by your ISP, and click Save.Tips:Find Help on the management interface to know more about items.6. Click Status to check whether you have successfully set up an IPv6 connection. The following figure is an example of a successful PPPoE configuration.Tips: Visit the FAQ section if there is no internet connection.
Chapter 5TP-Link Cloud ServiceTP-Link Cloud service provides a better way to manage your cloud devices. Log in to your router with a TP-Link ID, and you can easily monitor and manage your home network when you are out and about via the Tether app on your smartphone or tablet. To ensure that your router stays new and gets better over time, the TP-Link Cloud will notify you when an important firmware upgrade is avaliable. Surely you can also manage multiple TP-Link Cloud devices with a single TP-Link ID.This chapter introduces how to register a new TP-Link ID, bind or unbind TP-Link IDs to manage your router, and the Tether app with which you can manage your home network no matter where you may find yourself. It contains the following sections:• Register a TP-Link ID• Change Your TP-Link ID Information• Manage the User TP-Link IDs• Manage the Router via TP-Link Tether App
22Chapter 5 TP-Link Cloud Service5. 1. Register a TP-Link IDIf you have skipped the registration during the Quick Setup process, you can：1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with the password you set for the router.2. Go to Basic > TP-Link Cloud.3. Click Register Now and follow the instructions to register a TP-Link ID.4. After activating your TP-Link ID, come back to the TP-Link Cloud page to log in. The first-time login TP-Link ID will be bound automatically to your cloud router as an Admin.Note:• Once the router is bound to your TP-Link ID, you need to log in to the router with the TP-Link ID. • The TP-Link ID also can be registered via the TP-Link Tether app. Please refer to Install the Tether App on Your Smartphones or Tablets to install the app. Launch the app, tap in the top-left corner of the screen and tap Login, and then click New User to register a new one.• If you want to unbind the admin TP-Link ID from your router, please go to Basic > TP-Link Cloud, click Unbind in the Device Information section.5. 2. Change Your TP-Link ID InformationFollow the steps below to change your email address and password of your TP-Link ID as needed.1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID.2. Go to Basic > TP-Link Cloud, and focus on the Account Information section. ¾Change your email address1. Click behind the Email.2. Enter the password of your TP-Link ID, then the new email address. And click Save.
23Chapter 5 TP-Link Cloud Service ¾Change your password1. Click behind the Password.2. Enter the current password, then a new password twice. And click Save.5. 3. Manage the User TP-Link IDsThe first-time login TP-Link ID will be bound automatically to your router as an Admin account. An admin account can add or remove other TP-Link IDs to the same router as Users. Admin account and User accounts both can monitor and manage the router locally or remotely, except that user accounts cannot:• Reset the router to its factory default settings from the web management page or the Tether app.
24Chapter 5 TP-Link Cloud Service• Add/remove other TP-Link IDs to/from the router.5. 3. 1. Add an TP-Link ID to Manage the Router1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID.2. Go to Basic > TP-Link Cloud, and focus on the Bound Accounts section.3. Click , enter another TP-Link ID as needed and click Save.Note:If you need another TP-Link ID, please refer to Install the Tether App on Your Smartphones or Tablets to install the app. Launch the app, tap in the top-left corner of the screen and tap Login, and then click New User to register a new one.4. The new TP-Link ID will be displayed in the Bound Accounts table as a User.5. 3. 2. Remove TP-Link ID(s) From Managing the Router1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID.2. Go to Basic > TP-Link Cloud, and focus on the Bound Accounts section.3. Check the box(es) of the TP-Link ID(s) you want to remove and click Unbind. (Update)
25Chapter 5 TP-Link Cloud Service5. 4. Manage the Router via TP-Link Tether App5. 4. 1. Install the Tether App on Your Smartphones or TabletsThe Tether app runs on iOS and Android devices like smartphones and tablets.Open the Apple App Store or Google Play and search the key word “TP-Link Tether” or simply scan the QR code to download and install the app.OR5. 4. 2. Locally Manage Your Router Using the Tether App1. Connect your device to the router’s wireless network.2. Launch the Tether app, select the model of your router and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password your set for the router. 3. On the home page, you can check your internet status and connected devices, or click to manage your router locally as needed.
26Chapter 5 TP-Link Cloud Service5. 4. 3. Remotely Manage Your Router Using the Tether App ¾To remotely access your router on the Tether app, you need the following:• TP-Link Tether app with latest version: Refer to Install the Tether App on Your Smartphones or Tablets to install the Tether app, or update the installed one to its latest version.• TP-Link Cloud router with the latest firmware: Refer to Upgrade the Firmware to update your router with the latest firmware version.• The TP-Link ID bound to your router: If you don’t have a TP-Link ID, refer to Register a TP-Link ID to register one.• Internet Access: Make sure your smartphone can access the internet whether through the mobile network or a Wi-Fi network. ¾To remotely access your router from your smart devices:1. Launch the Tether app. Tap in the top-left corner of the screen and tap Login.2. Enter the email address and the password of your TP-Link ID, and then tap Login.
27Chapter 5 TP-Link Cloud Service3. Select the model of your router from the My Cloud Device list.(Update)
28Chapter 5 TP-Link Cloud Service4. On the home page, you can check your internet status and connected devices, or click to manage your router locally as needed.
Chapter 6Guest NetworkThis 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
30Chapter 6 Guest Network6. 1. Create a Network for Guests 1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router.2. Go to Advanced > Guest Network. Locate the Wireless section.3. Create a guest network as needed.1 ) Select 2.4GHz or 5GHz network and tick the Enable Guest Network checkbox.2 ) Customize the SSID. Don‘t select Hide SSID unless you want your guests to manually input the SSID for guest network access.3 ) Set Security to WPA/WPA2 Personal, keep the default Version and Encryption values, and customize your own password. 4. Click Save. Now your guests can access your guest network using the SSID and password you set!Tips:To view guest network information, go to Advanced > Status and locate the Guest Network section.
31Chapter 6 Guest Network6. 2. Customize Guest Network Options1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router.2. Go to Advanced > Guest Network. Locate the Settings section.3. Customize guest network options according to your needs.• Allow guests to see each otherCheck this box if you want to allow the wireless clients on your guest network to communicate with each other via methods such as network neighbors and Ping. • Allow guests to access my local network Check this box if you want to allow the wireless clients on your guest network to communicate with the devices connected to your router’s LAN ports or main network via methods such as network neighbors and Ping. 4. Click Save. Now you can ensure network security and privacy!Tips:To view guest network information, go to Advanced > Status and locate the Guest Network section.
Chapter 7USB SettingsThis chapter describes how to use the USB ports to share files, media and a printer from the USB storage devices over your home network locally, or remotely through the internet.The router supports USB external flash drives, hard drives and USB printers.It contains the following sections:• Access the USB Storage Device• Media Sharing• Printer Sharing• Time Machine
33Chapter 7 USB Settings7. 1. Access the USB Storage DeviceInsert 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 Settings > Device Settings and click .7. 1. 1. Access the USB Device LocallyInsert 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 ¾Method 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.
34Chapter 7 USB SettingsWindows computer ¾Method 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.Mac1 ) 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 disk by using your Network/Media Server Name as the server address. Refer to To Customize the Address of the USB Disk to learn more.7. 1. 2. Access the USB Device RemotelyYou can access your USB disk outside the local area network. For example, you can:
35Chapter 7 USB Settings• Share photos and other large files with your friends without logging in to (and paying for) a photo-sharing site or email system.• Get a safe backup for the materials for a presentation.• Remove the files on your camera’s memory card from time to time during the journey.Note:If your ISP assigns a private WAN IP address (such as 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x), you cannot use this feature because private addresses are not routed on the Internet.Follow the steps below to configure remote access settings.1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router.2. Go to Advanced > USB Settings > Sharing Access page.3. Select the check box to enable FTP(via Internet), and then click Save.4. Refer to the following table to access your USB disk remotely.
36Chapter 7 USB SettingsComputer1 ) 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.7. 1. 3. Customize the Access SettingsBy 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 Settings > Sharing Access page. ¾To Customize the Address of the USB DiskYou can customize the server name and use the name to access your USB disk.1. On the Sharing Settings part, make sure Network Neighborhood is ticked, and enter a Network/Media Server Name as you like, such as MyShare, then click Save.
37Chapter 7 USB Settings2. Now you can access the USB disk by visiting \\MyShare (for Windows) or smb://MyShare (for Mac). ¾To Only Share Specific Content1. Focus on the Folder Sharing section. Click the button to disable Share All, then click Add to add a new sharing folder.2. Select the Volume Name and Folder Path, then enter a Folder Name as you like.3. Decide the way you share the folder:
38Chapter 7 USB Settings• Enable Authentication: Tick to enable authentication for this folder sharing, and you will be required to log in to the Sharing Account to access the USB disk. Refer to To Set up Authentication for Data Security to learn more.• Enable Write Access: If you tick this check box, network clients can modify this folder.• Enable Media Sharing: Tick to enable media sharing for this folder, and you can view photos, play music and watch movies stored on the USB disk directly from DLNA-supported devices. Click Media Sharing to learn more.4. Click OK.Tips:The router can share 32 volumes at most. You can click on the page to detach the corresponding volume you do not need to share. ¾To Set up Authentication for Data SecurityYou can set up authentication for your USB device so that network clients will be required to enter username and password when accessing the USB disk.1. On the Sharing Accout part, Choose Use Default Account or Use New Account. The username and password are both admin for default account. If your choose Use New Account, you have to customize the username and a password.Note:
39Chapter 7 USB SettingsFor 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. 2. Enable Authentication to apply the account you just set.• If you leave Share All enabled, click the button to enable Authentication for all folders.• If Share All is disabled, enable Authentication for specific folders.Note:Due to Windows credential mechanism, you might be unable to access the USB disk after changing Authentication settings. Please log out from the Windows and try to access again. Or you can change the address of the USB disk by referring to To Customize the Address of the USB Disk.
40Chapter 7 USB Settings7. 2. Media SharingThe feature of Media Sharing allows you to view photos, play music and watch movies stored on the USB disk directly from DLNA-supported devices, such as your computer, tablet and PS2/3/4.1. When your USB disk is inseted into the router, your DLNA-supoorted devices (such as your computer and pad) connected to the router can detect and play the media files on the USB disks.2. Refer to the following table for detailed instructions. 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.7. 3. Printer SharingThe feature of Printer Sharing helps you share a printer with different computers connected to the router.Note:Printers unlisted on this page may be incompatible with the router: http://www.tp-link.com/common/compatible/print-server/.1. Install the Driver of the Printer
41Chapter 7 USB SettingsMake sure you have installed the driver of the printer on each computer that needs printer service.If you do not have the driver, contact the printer manufacturer.2. Connect the PrinterCable a printer to the USB port with the USB cable. Wait several seconds until the USB LED becomes solid on.3. Install the TP-Link USB Printer Controller UtilityTP-Link USB Printer Controller Utility helps you access the shared printer. Download and Install the utility on each computer that needs printer service.1 ) Visit http://www.tp-link.com/app/usb/.2 ) Click PC Utility (for Windows users) or Mac Utility to download the installation file and uncompress it.3 ) Open the uncompressed folder, then click TP-Link USB Printer Controller Setup (for Windows users) or TP-Link UDS Printer Controller Installer (for Mac users) to install the utility.4. Access the PrinterYou should set the shared printer as Auto-Connect Printer on every computer that needs printer service.1 ) Double-click the icon on your desktop to launch the USB Printer Controller.2 ) Highlight the printer you share.Windows
42Chapter 7 USB SettingsMac3 ) Click the Auto-Connect for printing tab to pull down a list, then select Set Auto-Connect Printer. Windows Mac4 ) Select the printer you share, then click Apply. Windows
43Chapter 7 USB Settings Mac5 ) You will see the printer marked as Auto-Connect Printer. Now you can print with this printer. WindowsMacTips:The Print Server also allows different clients to share the scan feature of MFPs (Multi-Function Printers). To scan with TP-Link USB Printer Controller, right-click the printer and select Network Scanner. Then, a scanning window will pop up. Finish the scanning process by following on-screen instructions.
44Chapter 7 USB Settings7. 4. Time MachineTime Machine backs up all files on your Mac computer to a USB storage device connected to your router.1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router.2. Go to Advanced > USB Settings > Time Machine page.3. Check the box to enable Time Machine.4. Click 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.
Chapter 8Parental ControlsThis function allows you to block inappropriate, explicit and malicious websites, and control access to specified websites at specified time.
46Chapter 8 Parental ControlsControl the times of day my children or other home network users are allowed to access the Internet and even types of websites they can visit.For example, I want to allow my children’s devices (e.g. a computer or a tablet) to access only www.tp-link.com and Wikipedia.org from 18:00 (6PM) to 22:00 (10PM) at the weekend and not other times.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 > Parental Controls and enable Parental Controls.3. Click Add. And then Click View Existing Devices, and select the access device. Or, input the Device Name and MAC Address manually.4. Click the icon to set the Internet Access Time. Drag the cursor over the appropriate cell(s) and click OK.I want to:I wantHow can I do that?
47Chapter 8 Parental Controls5. Enter a Description for the entry, check the box for Enable This Entry, and then click OK.6. Select Whitelist as the restriction policy.Tips:• With Blacklist selected, the controlled devices cannot access any websites containing the specified keywords during the Internet Access Time period.• With Whitelist selected, the controlled devices can only access websites containing the specified keywords during the Internet Access Time period.7. Click . Enter a website and click Save.You can add up to 32 keywords for either Blacklist or Whitelist. Below are some sample entries to allow access.• For Whitelist: Enter a web address (e.g. wikipedia.org) to allow access only to its related websites. If you wish to block all Internet browsing access, do not add any keyword to the Whitelist.• For Blacklist: Specify a web address (e.g. wikipedia.org), a web address keyword (e.g. wikipedia) or a domain suffix (eg. .edu or .org) to block access only to the websites containing that keyword or suffix.
48Chapter 8 Parental ControlsNow you can control your children’s Internet access as needed.Done!
Chapter 9QoSThis chapter introduces how to create a QoS (Quality of Service) rule to specify prioritization of traffic and minimize the impact caused when the connection is under heavy load.It contains the following sections:• Prioritize Internet Traffic with QoS• Update the Database
50Chapter 9 QoS9. 1. Prioritize Internet Traffic with QoSQoS (Quality of Service) is designed to ensure the efficient operation of the network when come across network overload or congestion. Specify priority levels for some devices or applications.For example, I have several devices that are connected to my wireless network. I would like to set an intermediate speed on the Internet for my phone.1. Enable QoS and set bandwidth allocation.1 ) Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router.2 ) Go to Advanced > QoS > Settings. 3 ) Select Enable QoS.4 ) Input the maximum upload and download bandwidth provided by your Internet service provider. 1Mbps equal s to 1000Kbps.5 ) Click Advanced and drag the scroll bar to set the bandwidth priority percentage.6 ) Click Save.2. Add a middle priority QoS rule for the phone.1 ) Select By Device and then click View Existing Devices.I want to:How can I do that?
51Chapter 9 QoS2 ) Choose the respective device from the list.3 ) Click OK. 3. Refer to the steps above to apply other QoS rules if any.Note: If you want to delete a QoS rule, click to remove the responding rule from the list.Now QoS is implemented to prioritize Internet traffic.9. 2. Update the DatabaseThis function can help to add or update the applications the router supports. If the applications you need are not listed in the Application list, you can try to download the new version and upgrade the datebase. New database versions are posted at www.tp-link.com and can be downloaded for free. Done!
52Chapter 9 QoS1. Download the latest QoS database from our website 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 > QoS > Database. Click Browse to select the database upgrade file, and then click Upgrade. Wait until the upgrade is completed and do not operate during the process.
Chapter 10Network SecurityThis 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 against DoS (Denial of Service) attacks from flooding your network with server requests using DoS Protection, block or allow specific client devices to access your network using Access Control, or you can prevent ARP spoofing and ARP attacks using IP & MAC Binding.It contains the following sections:• Protect the Network from Cyber Attacks• Access Control• IP & MAC Binding
54Chapter 10 Network Security10. 1. Protect the Network from Cyber AttacksThe SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection) Firewall and DoS (Denial of Service) Protection protect the router from cyber attacks. The SPI Firewall can prevent cyber attacks and validate the traffic that is passing through the router based on the protocol. This function is enabled by default, and it’s recommended to keep the default settings.DoS Protection can protect your home network against DoS attacks from flooding your network with server requests. Follow the steps below to configure DoS Protection.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 > Settings.3. Enable DoS Protection.4. Set the level (Off, Low, Middle or High) of protection for ICMP-FLOOD Attack Filtering, UDP-FlOOD Attack Filtering and TCP-SYN-FLOOD Attack Filtering.• ICMP-FLOOD Attack Filtering - Enable to prevent the ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) flood attack.• UDP-FlOOD Attack Filtering - Enable to prevent the UDP (User Datagram Protocol) flood attack.• TCP-SYN-FLOOD Attack Filtering - Enable to prevent the TCP-SYN (Transmission Control Protocol-Synchronize) flood attack.Tips: The level of protection is based on the number of traffic packets. The protection will be triggered immediately when the number of packets exceeds the preset threshold value (the value can be set on Advanced > System Tools > System Parameters > DoS Protection Level Settings), and the vicious host will be displayed in the Blocked DoS Host List.
55Chapter 10 Network Security5. If you want to ignore the ping packets from the WAN port, select Ignore Ping Packet From WAN Port; if you want to ignore the ping packets form the LAN port, select Ignore Ping Packet From LAN Port.6. Click Save.10. 2. Access ControlAccess Control is used to block or allow specific client devices to access your network (via wired or wireless) based on a list of blocked devices (Blacklist) or a list of allowed devices (Whitelist).Block or allow specific client devices to access my network (via wired or wireless).1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router.2. Go to Advanced > Security > Access Control.3. Enable Access Control.4. Select the access mode to either block (recommended) or allow the device(s) in the list.To block specific device(s)1 ) Select Blacklist and click Save.2 ) Select the device(s) to be blocked in the Online Devices table by ticking the box.I want to:How can I do that?
56Chapter 10 Network Security3 ) Click Block above the Online Devices table. The selected devices will be added to Devices in Blacklist automatically.To allow specific device(s)1 ) Select Whitelist and click Save.2 ) Click Add in the Devices in Whitelist section. Enter the Device Name and MAC Address (You can copy and paste the information from the Online Devices list if the device is connected to your network).3 ) Click OK.Now you can block or allow specific client devices to access your network (via wired or wireless) using the Blacklist or Whitelist.10. 3. IP & MAC BindingIP & 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.Done!

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