In this article, we will connect and configure the TP-Link Archer A5 wireless router. Nice, inexpensive router with 5 GHz support and 802.11ac standard. I will not talk about the device itself and the technical characteristics in this article, since I have already done a separate review with photos and speed measurements, which you can find at this link.
The process for setting up TP-Link Archer A5 is practically the same as setting up other TP-Link routers. We need to install a router, connect the Internet to it, connect from any device, go to the settings and specify some parameters. True, it is not entirely clear which web interface will be installed on the next hardware versions and firmware of the Archer A5 router. Since the web interface that is installed on my router is different from the one drawn on the box with the router. I will show using the example of the web interface that is installed on my router.
First you need to connect everything correctly. We connect a cable from an Internet provider or modem to the WAN port (Internet). We also connect the power adapter and plug it into an outlet. If the indicators on the router do not light up, then check if the power is turned on with the Power On / Off button on the router.
You can immediately after connecting pay attention to the "Internet" indicator (in the form of a globe). When the cable is connected, it will glow orange. If after 30 seconds it turns green, it means that the router has automatically connected to the Internet and is already distributing it via Wi-Fi and LAN. And if it lights up orange all the time, then you need to configure the connection to the Internet (provider). We have access to the settings of the router; for this, the Internet is not needed.
Next, you need to decide from which device we will configure TP-Link Archer A5. If you have a computer or laptop with a network card, then it is better to connect the router to the computer via a cable. For customization only. Then you can disconnect this cable.
From a laptop, PC (with a Wi-Fi adapter), tablet, phone, you can connect to the router via Wi-Fi. Immediately after turning on the power, the router distributes two Wi-Fi networks (in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands). We can connect to this Wi-Fi network and go to the router settings. The factory network name (SSID) and password (Wi-Fi password / PIN) can be found on the sticker underneath the Archer A5. In the same place, on the left, the address for entering the web interface and the factory username / password are indicated.
We just select the Wi-Fi network of the router on our device, enter the factory password and connect.
If the router has already been configured (the network name is different from the factory name, the password does not work), then you need to reset the settings. Press the Reset button for 5-10 seconds.
The indicators will blink, turn off, and the router will boot up. And the settings will be reset.
If you have a smartphone or tablet, you can configure the settings in the same way through a browser, as well as from a computer. The main thing is to connect the device to the router. But on mobile devices, you can use the proprietary TP-LINK Tether application to configure and manage the router. Perhaps it will be more convenient for you.
At this stage, our router must be turned on, the Internet must be connected to it and some device from which we will perform the configuration.
Setting up TP-Link Archer A5
Open a browser (where there is no VPN or other add-ons) and go to http://tplinkwifi.net/. You can also use the IP address http://192.168.0.1. If you can't go to the TP-Link Archer A5 settings - see the article on how to enter the TP-Link router settings. First, select the language of the router's web interface and click on the "Start" button.
To enter the settings, you need to enter a username and password. Factory admin / admin.
The Quick Setup menu opens. Use this quick setup wizard to completely configure your router. Click Next.
We select the "Wireless Router" operating mode. For some reason, TP-Link Archer A5 did not make another working mode "Wi-Fi Signal Booster", as it was not done on some other models. But in our case, we don't need it.
This router has many preset internet settings. For different countries, cities, providers. Select your ISP and the type of connection it uses and click Next.
Further, depending on the selected provider and type of connection, you will need to specify a username, password, server address. This is for PPPoE, L2TP, PPTP. If you have a "Dynamic IP", then you do not need to configure anything further. Unless you can clone the MAC address if your ISP binds by MAC address.
If your provider is not there, then check the box next to "I did not find suitable settings" and click "Next".
We select the type of WAN connection that our Internet provider uses. Then we set the necessary parameters, or clone the MAC address (if it is necessary, in the case of a connection via "Dynamic IP").
If necessary, we immediately set the IPTV settings on TP-Link Archer A5. I have not connected this service. I leave the automatic settings. I wrote about setting up IPTV on TP-Link routers in a separate article.
Next, you need to select the operating frequency of the wireless network, since we have a dual-band router. If you, for example, do not want the router to distribute Wi-Fi at 5 GHz, then uncheck the box next to the corresponding item. Later it will be possible to enable Wi-Fi broadcasting in this range in the router settings. Section "Selecting the operating frequency".
Change the name of the Wi-Fi network and the password for the 2.4 GHz band.
Likewise, you can change the wireless settings in the 5 GHz band. The password can be left the same for both networks.
You need to check all the parameters and click on the "Save" button.
We are waiting for the router to save the settings. If you were connected via Wi-Fi, and during the setup process changed the name / password of the Wi-Fi network, then you need to reconnect to the wireless network. Once connected, you can re-enter the Archer A5 settings.
I also recommend going to the "System Tools" - "Administrator" section and change the administrator password of the router... Install some other instead of admin. So that only you have access to the settings, and not all clients who will connect to the router. Username can be left as admin.
Don't forget to save your settings and don't forget the password itself. You will need to enter it every time you enter the router settings.
If the TP-Link Archer A5 router does not distribute the Internet
In this case, the reason may be on the side of the Internet provider. Or you incorrectly set the parameters for connecting to the Internet during the router configuration (which is most likely). When the Internet is connected to the Archer A5 router (cable to the WAN port), but there is no Internet connection, the WAN indicator on the front panel lights up orange.
You can call the support of the Internet provider and find out if there are any problems on their part. Or check if the Internet works when connected directly to a computer. Also, check with support what type of connection they are using. If "Dynamic IP", then whether the binding is made by MAC address. And if PPPoE, L2TP, PPTP, then ask them for username, password, and server address (only for PPTP). If you do not have this information.
Then go back to the router settings and check all the parameters in the "Network" - "WAN" section.
When the router is properly configured and connected to the Internet, the WAN indicator will turn green.
If you cannot solve this problem, then read the article why the Internet indicator (WAN) on the TP-Link router is orange and there is no Internet access through the Tp-Link router.
You can always reset your router and re-configure it. Do not forget that the main thing is to correctly set the necessary parameters for connecting to the Internet (WAN). Which is issued by the Internet provider.
If you have any questions, ask them in the comments. Always happy to help.
