User Guide AX1800 Dual Band Wi-Fi 6 Router Archer AX23 © 2021 TP-Link 1910013052 REV1.0.
Contents About This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Chapter 1. Get to Know About Your Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 1. 1. 1. 2. Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Appearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6. 4. 6. 3. 3.Push the WPS Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Advanced Wireless Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Chapter 7. Guest Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 7. 1. 7. 2. Create a Network for Guests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 15. Manage the Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 15. 1. Update the Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 15. 1. 1.Online Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 15. 1. 2.Local Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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. Note: Features available in the router may vary by model and software version. Router availability may also vary by region or ISP.
*Maximum wireless signal rates are the physical rates derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications.
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 TP-Link AX router, with next-generation 802.11ax Wi-Fi Technology, achieves WiFi performance at its ultimate level. The revolutionary combination of OFDMA and 1024QAM improve throughput by 4 times and dramatically increase the whole network capacity and efficiency. It’s also backwards compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac.
Chapter 1 Get to Know About Your Router Name Status (5 GHz Wireless) On The 5 GHz wireless band is enabled. Off The 5 GHz wireless band is disabled. Green On (Internet) (Ethernet) (WPS) 1. 2. 2. Orange On Indication 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 Ethernet port.
Chapter 1 Item LAN Port (1-4) WAN Port Power On/Off Button Power Port Antennas Get to Know About Your Router Description For connecting your PC or other wired devices to the router. For connecting to a modem or an Ethernet outlet. Press this button to power on or off the router. For connecting the router to a power socket via the provided power adapter. Used for wireless operation and data transmit.
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 1 Internet 2 3 1. Connect the powered-off modem to the router’s WAN port with an Ethernet cable. 2. Turn on the modem, and then wait about 2 minutes for it to restart. 3. Connect the power adapter to the router and turn on the router. 4. Verify that the hardware connection is correct by checking the following LEDs. Note: If the 2.4GHz LED and 5GHz LED are off, press and hold the WPS/Wi-Fi button on the back for more than 2 seconds, then release the button.
Chapter 2 Connect the Hardware Computer Smart Device < Settings Connections are available Wi-Fi Wireless Network Connection TP-Link_XXXX OR TP-Link_XXXX_5G Connect automatically Wi-Fi Connect CHOOSE A NETWORK... TP-Link_XXXX TP-Link_XXXX_5G Other... • Method 3: Use the WPS button Wireless devices that support WPS, including Android phones, tablets, and most USB network cards, can be connected to your router through this method. Note: • WPS is not supported by iOS devices.
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, 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.
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 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.
Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection OR 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 and select Router > Wireless Router. Follow the steps to complete the setup and connect to the internet. 4. Connect your devices to the newly configured wireless networks of the router and enjoy the internet! 4. 3. Manually Set Up Your Internet Connection In this part, you can check your current internet connection settings.
Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection 2 ) If you choose Static IP, enter the information provided by your ISP in the corresponding fields. 3 ) If you choose PPPoE, enter the username and password provided by your ISP. PPPoE users usually have DSL cable modems.
Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection 4 ) If you choose L2TP, enter the username and password and choose the Secondary Connection provided by your ISP. Different parameters are needed according to the Secondary Connection you have chosen. 5 ) If you choose PPTP, enter the username and password, and choose the Secondary Connection provided by your ISP. Different parameters are needed according to the Secondary Connection you have chosen. 5. Click SAVE.
Chapter 4 4. 4. Set Up Internet Connection 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 and click SAVE. The router will reboot and switch to Access Point mode. 3.
Chapter 4 Set Up 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. 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.
Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection 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, manually enter the username and password for the IPv6 connection.
Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection 5 ) Pass-Through (Bridge): Click SAVE and skip to Step 6. 5. Configure LAN ports. Windows users are recommended to choose from the first two types. Fill in Address Prefix provided by your ISP, and click SAVE. 6. Click Status to check whether you have successfully set up an IPv6 connection. Tips: Visit the FAQ section if there is no internet connection.
Chapter 5 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.
Chapter 5 5. 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 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.
Chapter 5 • TP-Link Cloud Service To change your password: 1. Click behind the Password. 5. 3. Manage the User TP-Link IDs 2. Enter the current password, then a new password twice. And click SAVE. The TP-Link ID used to log in to the router for the first time will be automatically bound as the Admin account.
Chapter 5 TP-Link Cloud Service 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. 5. 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 Advanced > TP-Link ID, and focus on the Bound Accounts section. 3.
Chapter 5 5. 4. TP-Link Cloud Service Manage the Router via the 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. OR 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.
Chapter 6 Wireless Settings This chapter guides you on how to configure the wireless settings.
Chapter 6 6. 1. Wireless Settings Specify Wireless Settings The router’s wireless network name (SSID) and password, and security option are preset in the factory. The preset SSID and password can be found on the label of the router. You can customize the wireless settings according to your needs. 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.
Chapter 6 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. 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.
Chapter 6 Wireless Settings 4. Click Add to specify a wireless off 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. • 6. 3.
Chapter 6 6. 3. 2. Wireless Settings Connect via the Router’s PIN Select Router’s PIN in Method 1 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. 6. 3. 3. Push the WPS Button Click Start on the screen or directly press the router’s WPS button.
Chapter 6 6. 4. Wireless Settings 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.
Chapter 6 Wireless Settings • 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.
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 > Wireless > Guest Network or click Wireless on the top page. Locate the Guest Network section. 3. Create a guest network as needed. 1 ) Tick the Enable checkbox for the 2.4GHz or 5GHz wireless network. 2 ) Customize the SSID.
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 > Wireless >Guest Network. Locate the Guest Permissions section. 3. Customize guest network options according to your needs.
Chapter 8 Parental Controls Parental Controls allows you to set up unique restrictions on internet access for each member of your family. You can block inappropriate, explicit and malicious websites, and control access to specified websites at specified time.
Chapter 8 8. 1. Parental Controls Setting Up Access Restrictions I want to: Block access to inappropriate online content for my kids’ devices, limit when and how long they can access the internet. 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 > Parental Controls. 3. Click Add to create a profile for a family member. 4. Add basic profile information.
Chapter 8 Parental Controls 1 ) Select Blacklist or Whitelist as the Filter Rule, enter a keyword (for example, “Facebook”) or a URL (for example, “www.facebook.com”), then click ADD. • • Blacklist: All websites containing the specified keywords will be blocked. Whitelist: Only websites that contain the specified keywords will be allowed. 2 ) Click NEXT. 6. Set time restrictions on internet access.