User Guide AC2300 Wireless MU-MIMO Gigabit Router Archer C2300 / Archer A2300 REV1.0.
Contents About This Guide..........................................................................................................1 Chapter 1. Get to Know About Your Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1. 1. 1. 2. Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Panel Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7. 2. Customize Guest Network Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Chapter 8. USB Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 8. 1. Access the USB Storage Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 8. 1. 1.Access the USB Device Locally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 8. 1. 2.
14. 3. 14. 4. 14. 5. 14. 6. 14. 7. 14. 8. Configure to Support IPTV Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Specify DHCP Server Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Set Up a Dynamic DNS Service Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Create Static Routes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
About This Guide This guide is a complement of Quick Installation Guide. The Quick Installation Guide instructs you on quick Internet setup, and this guide provides details of each function and shows you the way to configure these functions appropriate to your needs. When using this guide, please notice that features of the router may vary slightly depending on the model and software version you have, and on your location, language, and Internet service provider.
Chapter 1 Get to Know About Your Router This chapter introduces what the router can do and shows its appearance.
Chapter 1 1. 1. Get to Know About Your Router Product Overview The TP-Link router is designed to fully meet the need of Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) networks and users demanding higher networking performance. The powerful antennas ensure continuous Wi-Fi signal to all your devices while boosting widespread coverage throughout your home, and the built-in Ethernet ports supply high-speed connection to your wired devices.
Chapter 1 Get to Know About Your Router LED Explanation Name (5GHz Wireless) Status On The 5GHz wireless band is enabled. Off The 5GHz wireless band is disabled. Blue On (Internet) (Ethernet) (WPS) Orange On 1. 2. 2. Internet service is available. The router’s Internet port is connected, but the internet service is not available. Off The router’s Internet port is unplugged. On At least one powered-on device is connected to the router’s LAN port.
Chapter 1 Get to Know About Your Router Item Description Reset Button Press and hold this button for more than 5 seconds to reset the router to its factory default settings. WPS Button Press and hold this button for less than 5 seconds to enable the WPS function. USB 2.0 Port For connecting to a USB 2.0 device or a USB 2.0 printer. USB 3.0 Port For connecting to a USB 3.0 device or a USB 3.0 printer. It is also compatible with USB 2.0 devices. 1. 2. 3.
Chapter 2 Connect the Hardware This chapter contains the following sections: • Position Your Router • Connect Your Router
Chapter 2 2. 1. Connect the Hardware 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.
Chapter 2 Connect the Hardware 4. Turn on the modem, and then wait about 2 minutes for it to restart. 5. Connect the power adapter to the router and turn on the router. 6. Verify that the following LEDs are on and solid to confirm the harware is connected correctly. Power On 2.4GHz On Internet On 5GHz On Note: If the 2.4GHz LED and 5GHz LED are off, press and hold the Wi-Fi On/Off button on the side panel for about 2 seconds. Within a few seconds, both the LEDs shoud turn solid on. 7.
Chapter 2 Connect the Hardware • Method 3: Use the WPS button Wireless devices that support WPS, including Android phones, tablets, and most USB network adapters, can be connected to your router through this method. Note: • WPS is not supported by iOS devices. • The WPS function cannot be configured if the wireless function of the router is disabled. Also, the WPS function will be disabled if your wireless encryption is WEP.
Chapter 3 Log In to Your Router
Chapter 3 Log In to Your Router With a web-based utility, it is easy to configure and manage the router. The web-based utility can be used on any Windows, Macintosh or UNIX OS with a Web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or Apple Safari. Follow the steps below to log in to your router. 1. Set up the TCP/IP Protocol in Obtain an IP address automatically mode on your computer. 2. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and create a login password for secure management purposes.
Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection This chapter introduces how to connect your router to the internet. The router is equipped with a web-based Quick Setup wizard. It has necessary ISP information built in, automates many of the steps and verifies that those steps have been successfully completed. Furthermore, you can also set up an IPv6 connection if your ISP provides IPv6 service.
Chapter 4 4. 1. Set Up Internet Connection Use Quick Setup Wizard The Quick Setup Wizard will guide you through the process to set up your router. Tips: If you need the IPv6 internet connection, please refer to the section of Set Up an IPv6 Internet Connection. Follow the steps below to set up your router. 1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with the password you set for the router. 2. Click Quick Setup on the top of the page.
Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection Note: If you are unsure of what your connection type is, click Auto Detect. Since different connection types require different cables and connection information, you can also refer to the demonstrations in Step 4 to determine your connection type. 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.
Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection 3 ) If you choose PPPoE, enter the username and password provided by your ISP. PPPoE users usually have DSL cable modems. 4 ) If you choose L2TP, enter the username and password and choose the Secondary Connection provided by your ISP. Different parameters are needed according to the Secondary Connection you have chosen.
Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection 5 ) If you choose PPTP, enter the username and password, and choose the Secondary Connection provided by your ISP. Different parameters are needed according to the Secondary Connection you have chosen. 5. Click Save. 6. To check your internet connection, click Network Map on the left of the page. After the connection succeeds, the screen will display as follows. Here we take PPPoE as an example.
Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection Note: It may take 1-2 minutes to make the settings valid. Tips: • If your internet connection type is BigPond Cable, please go to Advanced > Network > Internet to set your router. • If you use Dynamic IP and PPPoE and you are provided with any other parameters that are not required on the page, please go to Advanced > Network > Internet to complete the configuration. • If you still cannot access the internet, refer to the FAQ section for further instructions. 4. 3.
Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection 2 ) Dynamic IP(SLAAC/DHCPv6): Click Advanced to input further information if your ISP requires. Click Save and then click Renew. 3 ) PPPoE: By default, the router uses the IPv4 account to connect to the IPv6 server. Click Advanced to input further information if your ISP requires. Click Save and then click Connect.
Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection 4 ) 6to4 Tunnel: An IPv4 internet connection type is a prerequisite for this connection type (Manually Set up Your Internet Connection). Click Advanced to input further information if your ISP requires. Click Save and then click Connect. 5 ) Pass-Through (Bridge): Click Save and skip to step 6.
Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection 5. Configure LAN ports. Windows users are recommended to choose from the first two types. Fill in Address Prefix provided by your ISP, and click Save. Tips: Find Help on the 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 5 Set Up the Router as an Access Point In the Access Point mode, your router connects to a wired or wireless router via an Ethernet cable and extends the wireless coverage of your existing network.
Chapter 5 Set Up the Router as an Access Point The router can work as an access point, transforming your existing wired network to a wireless one. 1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router. 2. Go to Advanced > Operation Mode, select Access Point and click Save. The router will reboot and switch to Access Point mode. 3. After rebooting, connect the router to your existing wired router via an Ethernet cable. 4.
Chapter 5 Set Up the Router as an Access Point Tips: • Functions, such as Parental Controls, Qos and NAT Forwarding, are not supported in the Access Point mode. • Functions, such as Guest Network and USB Sharing, are the same as those in the Router mode.
Chapter 6 TP-Link Cloud Service TP-Link Cloud service provides a better way to manage your cloud devices. Log in to your router with a TP-Link ID, and you can easily monitor and manage your home network when you are out and about via the Tether app on your smartphone or tablet. To ensure that your router stays new and gets better over time, the TP-Link Cloud will notify you when an important firmware upgrade is avaliable. Surely you can also manage multiple TP-Link Cloud devices with a single TP-Link ID.
Chapter 6 6. 1. TP-Link Cloud Service Register a TP-Link ID If you have skipped the registration during the Quick Setup process, you can： 1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with the password you set for the router. 2. Go to Basic > TP-Link Cloud. 3. Click Register Now and follow the instructions to register a TP-Link ID. 4. After activating your TP-Link ID, come back to the TP-Link Cloud page to log in.
Chapter 6 TP-Link Cloud Service ¾¾ To change your password 1. Click behind the Password. 6. 3. Manage the User TP-Link IDs 2. Enter the current password, then a new password twice. And click Save. The 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.
Chapter 6 TP-Link Cloud Service • Add/remove other TP-Link IDs to/from the router. 6. 3. 1. Add TP-Link ID to Manage the Router 1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID. 2. Go to Basic > TP-Link Cloud, and focus on the Bound Accounts section. 3. Click , 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.
Chapter 6 TP-Link Cloud Service 6. 4. Manage the Router via the TP-Link Tether App 6. 4. 1. Install the Tether App on Your Smartphones or Tablets The Tether app runs on iOS and Android devices, such as smartphones and tablets. Launch the Apple App Store or Google Play and search “TP-Link Tether” or simply scan the QR code to download and install the app. OR 6. 4. 2. Locally Manage Your Router Using the Tether App 1. Connect your device to the router’s wireless network. 2.
Chapter 6 6. 4. 3. TP-Link Cloud Service Remotely Manage Your Router Using the Tether App To remotely access your router in the Tether app, you need: • TP-Link Tether app with the latest version. Refer to Install the Tether App on Your Smartphones or Tablets to install the Tether app, or update the installed one to its latest version. • TP-Link Cloud router with the latest firmware. Refer to Upgrade the Firmware to update your router to the latest firmware version. • A TP-Link ID bound to your router.
Chapter 6 TP-Link Cloud Service 3. Select the model of your router from the My Cloud Device list. 4. On the home page, you can check your internet status and connected devices, or click to manage your router locally as needed.
Chapter 6 TP-Link Cloud Service 31
Chapter 7 Guest Network This function allows you to provide Wi-Fi access for guests without disclosing your main network. When you have guests in your house, apartment, or workplace, you can create a guest network for them. In addition, you can customize guest network options to ensure network security and privacy.
Chapter 7 7. 1. Guest Network Create a Network for Guests 1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router. 2. Go to Advanced > Guest Network. Locate the Wireless section. 3. Create a guest network as needed. 1 ) Tick the checkbox(es) to enable 2.4 GHz Wireless guest network or 5GHz Wireless guest network. 2 ) Customize the SSID. Don‘t select Hide SSID unless you want your guests to manually input the SSID for guest network access.
Chapter 7 7. 2. Guest Network Customize Guest Network Options 1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router. 2. Go to Advanced > Guest Network. Locate the Settings section. 3. Customize guest network options according to your needs.
Chapter 8 USB Settings This 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.
Chapter 8 8. 1. USB Settings 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+.
Chapter 8 USB Settings ¾¾ Method 2: Windows computer 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. 1 ) Select Go > Connect to Server 2 ) Type the server address smb://tplinkwifi.net 3 ) Click Connect Mac 4 ) When prompted, select the Guest radio box. (If you have set up a username and a password to deny anonymous access to the USB disks, you should select the Registered User radio box.
Chapter 8 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.
Chapter 8 USB Settings 1 ) Open the Windows Explorer (or go to Computer, only for Windows users) or open a web browser. 2 ) Type the server address in the address bar: Type in ftp://: (such as ftp://59.40.2.243:21). If you have specified the domain name of the router, you can also type in ftp://: (such as ftp://MyDomainName:21) Computer 3 ) Press Enter on the keyboard.
Chapter 8 USB Settings 2. Now you can access the USB disk by visiting \\MyShare (for Windows) or smb:// MyShare (for Mac). ¾¾ To Only Share Specific Content 1. On the Sharing Contents and Security part, focus on the Sharing Contents section. Click to change your settings. 2. Select the folder(s) you want to share. 3. Click Save.
Chapter 8 USB Settings 2. The username and password of the Administrator Account are both admin. Clients accessing with the Administrator Account can both read and write the contents of your USB disk. If you only permit your clients to read the contents of your USB disk, they might access with the User Account. Click to change the username and password of the User Account. Note: For Windows users, do not set the sharing username the same as the Windows username.
Chapter 8 8. 2. USB Settings Media Sharing The feature of Media Sharing allows you to view photos, play music and watch movies stored on the USB disk directly from DLNA-supported devices, such as your computer, tablet and PS2/3/4. 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.
Chapter 8 USB Settings Make 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 Printer Cable 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 Utility TP-Link USB Printer Controller Utility helps you access the shared printer.
Chapter 8 USB Settings Mac 3 ) Click the Auto-Connect for printing tab to pull down a list, then select Set AutoConnect Printer. Windows Mac 4 ) Select the printer you share, then click Apply.
Chapter 8 USB Settings Mac 5 ) You will see the printer marked as Auto-Connect Printer. Now you can print with this printer. Windows Mac Tips: 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.
Chapter 9 Parental Controls This function allows you to block inappropriate, explicit and malicious websites, and control access to specified websites at specified time.
