Despite the fact that the TP-Link Archer C5400 router has a very simple equation panel, it is possible to configure from a mobile device (through the proprietary application) and there is a detailed manual with pictures in the kit, I still decided to prepare my own instructions for setting up this router ... If you have not bought the Archer C5400 yet, but are only choosing a router and consider this model as one of the options, then I recommend that you read the TP-Link Archer C5400 review.
Setting up any router can be divided into two stages: connecting all cables and the setup process itself. With the connection, I think everything is clear. Now I will show in detail how to properly connect the Archer C5400. But you can configure it in two ways:
- If from a computer or laptop, then the configuration can be done through the web interface, which opens in the browser (like a regular website). We will consider this option in the article.
- If from a smartphone or tablet, then it is best to use a proprietary TP-Link application called Tether. No, you can configure it through the browser, but through the application it is much more convenient. It will also then be possible to control the router through this application. We will not dwell on this in detail, since I already wrote about this application in the article: TP-LINK Tether program: configuring and managing a Tp-Link router.
First, let's connect our TP-Link Archer C5400. Connect the cable to the power supply, plug into a power outlet, and plug it into the router. Connect the Internet to the WAN port (Internet). And into one of the 4 LAN ports, connect the cable (it is included) to a laptop or PC.
If you can't connect the router to your computer via cable, you can connect to a Wi-Fi network. The factory network name (SSID) and factory password (Wireless Password / PIN) can be found on the sticker on the bottom of the router.
The network status may be "No internet connection". This is normal because the router has not been configured yet. In some cases, the Internet can work immediately. Make sure there is only one active connection on your computer. To the router only. Otherwise, we will not be able to enter the settings.
Setting up TP-Link Archer C5400
If you look at the sticker on the bottom of the router case, you can see the address http://tplinkwifi.net there. This is the address where you can go to the TP-Link router settings. How to do this, I told in the article: tplinkwifi.net - enter the router settings. You can also go to the settings at 192.168.0.1. Just open any browser, enter this address in the address bar (and not in the search bar!) And click Enter.
I immediately recommend changing the language of the web interface. Also on the first page, TP-Link Archer C5400 will ask us to set a password, which will need to be entered later when entering the control panel. This password is not for a Wi-Fi network (more on that later). This password is needed to protect the settings of the router. We come up with a password, enter it twice and click on the "Let's get started" button.
The "Quick Setup" section will open immediately. The first step is to specify the time zone.
Then there are very important settings! Internet connection. You need to choose the right type of Internet connection and set all the parameters that are necessary for the connection.
You might not know what type of internet connection your ISP is using. You can call support and ask, or click on the "Auto detect" button. True, there is no guarantee that the type will be defined correctly.
If you have PPPoE, L2TP, PPTP, then at the next stage you need to set a username and password (they are issued by the provider). If Static IP, then you need to register the addresses. And if the Dynamic IP (like mine), then nothing needs to be configured.
Selecting "Dynamic IP" will ask you to clone the MAC address. If your provider does not bind by MAC address, then leave the item "DO NOT clone the MAC address". If there is a binding, and the router is now connected by cable to the computer to which the Internet was connected, then set "Clone the MAC address of the current computer".
In the next window, we need to set the Wi-Fi network settings. Network name and password. For each of the three networks, because we have a tri-band router. If necessary, you can turn off a specific Wi-Fi network if you don't need it. For example, one network in the 5 GHz range. The password can be set the same for all Wi-Fi networks. See for an example my settings in the screenshot below.
We check all the settings and click on the "Save" button.
We wait a bit and see a window with a proposal to log in under TP-LINK ID. If you like, you can create an account and log into your account. But this is not necessary, you can simply click on the "Login later" button.
Completing TP-Link Archer C5400 setup!
The web interface and the "Network Diagram" window will open immediately.
From here you can manage your router. Change settings, customize various functions, view and manage connected devices, and much more. The interface is in Russian, very simple and pleasant. It is not at all difficult to understand it. And also, on each page there is a button in the form of a question mark (?) By clicking on it, detailed instructions on the settings will appear on the same page. Very comfortably.
If you still have any questions about setting up the TP-Link Archer C5400, then you can leave them in the comments. I will definitely answer, and if necessary, I will supplement the article.
