I decided to prepare a small guide for setting up a TP-Link Archer MR400 Wi-Fi router. If you are not familiar with this router yet, I recommend reading my review of this model. Since Archer MR400 is mainly bought in order to connect to the Internet via a 3G / 4G network, I will definitely show you how to connect a SIM card to this router and configure the necessary settings for connecting to the Internet and Wi-Fi network. Also, just in case, consider the option of connecting to the Internet not via a 3G / 4G network, but an Ethernet cable. This router also has such an opportunity.
Two operating modes are available in the settings: "3G / 4G Router Mode" - when the router connects to the Internet via a SIM card (3G / 4G network). And "Wireless Router Mode" - when we connect the Internet to the router via cable (directly from the provider, or from the modem) to the WAN port. By default, the router operates in "3G / 4G Router Mode". By inserting a SIM card into a separate slot on the router, it immediately connects to the mobile operator's network and starts distributing the Internet. The Wi-Fi network settings and other functions on the Archer MR400 are practically the same as other TP-Link routers. This router has a new version of the web interface.
Configuring TP-Link Archer MR400 with a SIM card
The router has a slot for Micro SIM. If you have a Nano SIM, you can use the adapter that comes with your router.
It is necessary to insert the card into the adapter and fix it with a sticker on the back side. Then insert the SIM card into the slot on the router.
We turn on the router and observe the indicators on the front panel. After about a minute, the indicator of the signal strength of the cellular network (divisions, I have three in the photo) and the indicator of the Internet connection should light up. This is provided that the router was able to set up an Internet connection itself, there is a 3G / 4G network coverage and there are no restrictions on the part of our operator.
You can already connect devices to a router and use an internet connection. You can connect either via a network cable or via Wi-Fi. The factory Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password (Wirelles Password / PIN) can be found on the sticker underneath the TP-Link Archer MR400.
You just need to select a Wi-Fi network in the list of available networks on your device and enter a password. To enter the settings of the router (for example, to change the name of the Wi-Fi network and password), you must first connect to the router itself. The settings can be accessed through any browser. Including from the phone and tablet. But on mobile devices, you can install and use the TP-LINK Tether app to configure and manage the Archer MR400 router.
Through the browser, you can enter the settings at tplinkmodem.net, or 192.168.1.1. When you first log into the web interface, the router will ask you to set an administrator password, which will protect the settings of the router. You need to come up with and enter a password (2 times). Be sure to write it down somewhere.
All parameters related to connecting to the Internet through the mobile operator's network are located on the "Advanced" tab, in the "Network" section. If a message related to the PIN code appears immediately, then the SIM card is blocked. You need to go to the "Network" - "PIN Management" section and enter the PIN-code (indicated on the card from the SIM-card, if you have not changed it). Alternatively, disable PIN lock with the switch opposite to "PIN Lock".
In the "Network" - "Internet" section, you can change the parameters of the connection to the cellular network. If necessary. All my settings were registered automatically.
I recommend that you pay attention to the item "Network Mode" (network mode). By default, there is 4G Preferred (preferably 4G). This means that the router will connect to the 4G network if there is coverage. If there is no coverage, then it will connect to the 3G network. I recommend changing the settings to "3G Only" only when there is no 4G coverage at all. And "4G Only" - when there is 4G coverage, but the router for some reason periodically switches to 3G (while the speed in the 4G network is higher compared to 3G).
In the "USSD" section you can send USSD requests. For example, to check the balance, connect some tariffs, etc. You can manage SMS messages in a separate section "SMS".
I will talk about setting up a Wi-Fi network in one of the following sections in this article. Just scroll down the page.
Configuration in normal router mode (internet via cable)
If you want to connect the Internet to TP-Link Archer MR400 via a network cable, then you need to first connect to the router from a computer or mobile device via cable or Wi-Fi, go to the settings and switch it to the appropriate operating mode.
Above, I already wrote that you can go to the settings at http://tplinkmodem.net or http://192.168.1.1... On the "Advanced" tab, in the "Operation Mode" section, put the switch next to the "Wireless Router Mode" item and click on the "Save" button.
We confirm the change in the operating mode. We are waiting for the router to reboot. After that, if the page with the setting is not automatically hidden, open it manually.
You need to connect the Internet to the router. We connect the cable to the LAN4 / WAN port.
In the settings (web interface) open the section "Advanced" - "Network" - "Internet". The switch "3G / 4G Backup" is immediately evident there. As I understand it, if this function is enabled and a SIM card is connected to the router, then if the connection to the Internet via cable is lost, the connection via the cellular network will be used as a backup.
To set up a connection to an Internet provider, you need to create a new profile (click on the "Add" button).
First you need to select the correct Internet Connection Type. If you do not know what type of connection your ISP uses, then there is no point in continuing the configuration. Be sure to check with your ISP for this information.
In all cases except "Dynamic IP" (Dynamic IP, DHCP), you need to write the settings. Please note that the provider can also bind by MAC address. If the Internet does not work, then you need to find out this moment with the support. For PPPoE, you need to register a username and password. And for L2TP and PPTP also the server address. All these addresses and passwords are issued by the provider.
PPPoE setup, for example.
Save the settings and look at the connection status. If the router cannot connect to the Internet, then check all the parameters again. If necessary, check with your provider. And find out if there are any restrictions on his part.
Setting up a Wi-Fi network on TP-Link Archer MR400
All wireless network settings are collected in the "Advanced" - "Wireless"-" Wireless Settings ". Since we have a dual-band router, there are two tabs:" 2.4GHz "and" 5GHz ". Each network is configured separately. We only need to change the network name (Network Name (SSID)) and password (Password I do not recommend changing the rest of the settings unnecessarily. Set up the network to 2.4GHz:
And 5GHz. In the same way, we change the network name and password. I recommend setting a different network name. The password can be left the same.
After saving the settings, remember to reconnect your devices to the Wi-Fi network. If you connected them to the network with the old (factory) name and password.
Reset
You can always restore the factory settings on the TP-Link Archer MR400 and start the setup process again. To do this, press and hold the WPS / Reset button for about 5 seconds.
The power indicator starts flashing. After a few more seconds, the router will reboot and the settings will be reset to factory defaults.
