For those who have already read my review of the TP-Link Archer C5400X router and managed to purchase this gaming monster, I decided to prepare instructions for setting it up. You will be able to configure this router without any problems, even if you have never encountered such devices. TP-Link Archer C5400X still has the same simple and intuitive control panel. There are Russian and Ukrainian languages. And if you encounter any problems during the setup process, you can see the setup guide (included in the kit), or my article. And also ask a question in the comments.
If you don't have a computer (which is unlikely, since you bought a gaming router), then you can perform the setup from your mobile device. To do this, install the TP-Link Tether app from the Android or iOS app store. But it's somehow more convenient for me to configure it via a computer. I also recommend that you use a computer. Install the application later to control the router.
Connect all antennas to TP-Link Archer C5400X. Connect and plug in the power supply and plug it into a power outlet. If the indicator on the top of the router does not light up, check if the power is turned on with the button on the back of the router.
Further into the Internet port (it is blue), connect the cable from the Internet provider (or from the modem). And using the network cable that comes with the router, connect it to the computer. On the router, we connect the cable to one of the LAN ports. On a computer - to a network card.
Sometimes it is not possible to connect the router to the computer using a network cable. Most often when setting up from a laptop (without a LAN port), smartphone, or tablet. When you turn on the Archer C5400X, it will share Wi-Fi right away. The factory name (SSID) of all three networks and the password (Password / PIN) can be viewed from the bottom of the router.
You can always reset your router settings to factory defaults. A reset can be done with the Reset button. Press on it with something sharp and hold it for a few seconds. The indicator will start flashing actively. After a reboot, the settings will be reset.
After connecting to the Wi-Fi network of the router, you can go to its web interface for configuration. Even though the connection may be without internet access.
How do I set up?
Open any browser (preferably a standard one, or in which a minimum of different add-ons) and go to the addresshttp://tplinkwifi.net (more in this article). You can also go to the settings at http://192.168.0.1... Read more here. In these articles (by links), I also showed what to do if the router settings do not open.
In the first window, you need to come up with and set a password that will protect the settings of our TP-Link Archer C5400X. You can also immediately change the language there.
We set the time zone.
The most important step! Internet connection setup. If these settings are incorrectly set, the router will not be able to connect to the Internet and distribute it to other devices.
My connection type is Dynamic IP. But this does not mean that you have the same. If you do not know, then you need to look at the documents that the provider gave you, look at the instructions on the provider's website, or call support. If you have PPPoE, L2TP or PPTP, then on the next page you need to specify the username and password (for L2TP and PPTP, also the server address). All these parameters are provided by the provider.
If you also have a Dynamic IP, then it would be good to check with the provider if he does not bind by MAC address. If it does, then you can clone the MAC from the computer to which the Internet is tied. Or register the MAC address of the router with the provider (it is indicated on the bottom of the sticker).
Setting up a Wi-Fi network. Everything is simple here. We change the name of each Wi-Fi network (one network in the 2.4 GHz range and two networks in the 5 GHz range). We put a password on the Wi-Fi network. Can be the same for all networks. You can disable a specific network (by unchecking the box next to "Enable wireless broadcasting"), if necessary.
We save the parameters.
The router should report that the network configuration was successful. You will be prompted to log into your TP-Link ID. If you don't want to do this, you can skip this step.
Congratulations 🙂
After clicking on the "Finish" button, the "Network Diagram" will open. It displays the network status, information about connected clients, connected USB devices, etc. If the status is "Internet Status: Connected", then everything is fine. If there is no connection, then on the left, on the "Internet" tab, you can check the parameters of the connection to the Internet provider.
We have completed the basic settings. Our router is connected to the internet and is secure. Save passwords (from settings and Wi-Fi) so you don't forget them. You can connect your devices to TP-Link Archer C5400X and enjoy fast and stable connection.
Setting up additional functions
Since I have already written many separate instructions for setting up various functions on TP-Link routers, I'll just leave links to these instructions. In order not to repeat.
- IPTV. You can set the parameters for IPTV through TP-Link Archer C5400X on the "Additional Settings" tab, in the "Network" section - "IPTV". Read more in the article Configuring IPTV on TP-Link routers.
- Shared network access to a USB storage device that is connected to the Archer C5400X. The settings are very simple there. In principle, everything starts working immediately after connecting a flash drive, or an external hard drive. I wrote about this in the article accessing a USB disk (flash drive) through a TP-Link router over the network.
- Setting up a guest Wi-Fi network on a Tp-Link router
- If you want to change your Wi-Fi network password, then this article will come in handy.
It's hard to remember and find all the instructions. If you don't know how to set up something, ask in the comments. Also, do not forget to leave your feedback about TP-Link Archer C5400X. Write how he behaves in online games and other complex tasks.
