Friends, I specially purchased a Tp-Link Archer C20i (AC750) router to see what kind of model it is, and tell you how to set it up. As it turned out, a good router, quite for a normal price. The main feature of the Tp-Link Archer C20i (see photos, review and reviews here), which we will now configure, is that it is dual-band. That is, it broadcasts two Wi-Fi networks: one at the 2.4 GHz frequency we are used to, and the second at 5 GHz. This is probably the most affordable dual band router from Tp-Link.
There is also a USB connector for connecting flash drives, and printers that can be shared from the network. But more on that in separate articles. By the way, I do not understand why, if there is a USB connector, it is not possible to support 3G / 4G USB modems.
I liked the Archer C20i, except for the case, or rather the front part. It is made of glossy black plastic. I have not yet had time to remove the film from it, as dust has already adhered to it, and I do not even want to talk about fingerprints 🙂 But if you wipe the router and do not touch it, then it looks pretty. I would also like to note the blue, not very bright indicators. They look cool on the black glossy panel.
Tp-Link Archer C20i package contents
- The router itself.
- White, beautiful network cable for connecting a computer, TV, etc.
- Power adapter.
- Various pieces of paper and a CD with the Archer C20i setup program.
Controls and connectors
On the back you will see 4 LAN connectors, 1 WAN connector, and a power connector. On the side panel there is 1 USB connector, a power on / off button, a separate on / off button. Wi-Fi networks, and a combined WPS / Reset button (by holding it for 10 seconds, you can reset the settings on the Tp-Link Archer C20i).
This was a small review and my review. Moving on to the main body of this article, setting up our Archer C20i.
Connecting a Tp-Link AC750 Archer C20i router
First of all, we connect the power adapter to the router, plug it into an outlet, and turn on the power with the button on the side of the device. To light up the indicators. Then we connect the Internet to the blue WAN connector (it is signed as Internet). Cable from our internet provider, or ADSL modem.
If you will be configuring the router from a computer via cable, then simply connect the computer or laptop with the Archer C20i using the cable that comes with the kit.
If you want to configure the router wirelessly, then connect to the Wi-Fi network that appears after turning on our router. It will have a standard name, for example: "TP-LINK_9729". Let me remind you that there can be two networks, the second will be with "5G" at the end of the name. But, not all devices see networks at 5 GHz (wrote about it here). By default, the Wi-Fi network is secured. The password is indicated on the bottom of the router, on a sticker. The name of the wireless network is also indicated there.
If you want to configure your router from a mobile device, then this can be done using the proprietary TP-LINK Tether program. I wrote about this in a separate article: setting up and managing a Tp-Link router through the TP-LINK Tether program.
Logging into the Archer C20i control panel and setting up the Internet
If your router is not new, and you have already tried to configure it, then I advise you to do a factory reset. There is a button on the side of the Archer C20i WPS / Reset... Press it and hold for 10 seconds until all the indicators on the front panel light up and go out.
Open any browser and go tohttp://tplinkwifi.net, or 192.168.0.1... You will be prompted for a username and password (if you are connected to a router). By default, it is admin and admin (this data is also indicated on the bottom of the router). The control panel will open, where we will configure the router. If you can go to the settings, then see this manual.
Configuring an Internet Service Provider (WAN) Connection
If you already have the Internet through a router, then you do not need to configure anything, go straight to setting up a Wi-Fi network.
The main thing that you need to know before proceeding with the configuration is what type of connection your ISP uses, and all the necessary parameters: username, password, IP address (if required). This information can be checked with the provider, or can be viewed in the Internet connection agreement.
In the settings, go to the tabNetwork – WAN... In the dropdown menuConnection Type we need to select the type of connection: Dynamic IP, Static IP, PPPoE, L2TP, PPTP.
Depending on the selected type of connection, you will need to set the necessary parameters that are issued by the provider. Only if you have a Dynamic IP, then nothing else needs to be configured. We save the settings right away and everything will work.
If you have for example a popular connection typePPPoE, you will need to set at least a username and password. And press the button Save.
If your provider binds by MAC address, then you need to clone it according to this instruction.
Only after you have the Internet working through the router, you can proceed to the next settings.
Setting up Wi-Fi and setting a password on Tp-Link Archer C20i
Since we have a dual-band router, we need to separately configure the Wi-Fi network and protection for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Or just turn off one of the Wi-Fi networks. If you don't need a 5 GHz wireless network, for example. To do this, in the settings you need to go to the tabDual Band Selection... Uncheck the network that you want to disable and click Save.
Let's set up a Wi-Fi network. Let's change the name of the network and set a password. To do this, go to the tab of the network that you want to configure. First, let's set up a 2.4 GHz network. Open the tabWireless 2.4GHz... In fieldWireless Network Name set the name of the wireless network. We indicate our region, and save the settings.
Go to the next tab Wireless Security to set the wireless password. Choosing the type of securityWPA / WPA2 - Personal (Recommended), set all the parameters as in the screenshot below, and in the fieldWireless password create and write down a password. It must be at least 8 characters long. English letters and numbers can be used. Remember, or save the password that you set, so as not to forget it. Click the button Save to save the settings.
If you configure when connecting via Wi-Fi (and not via cable), then after changing the network name and / or password, you will need to reconnect to the wireless network with new parameters. And if there are problems with the connection, then you need to delete the network on the computer and re-establish the connection.
If you have not disconnected the network in the 5 GHz range, and will use it, then you need to perform exactly the same settings for it. Change the network name and install the key. This is done on the tabWireless 5GHz.
The wireless network was configured and protected with a password.
Password protection of router settings (change admin)
I have already written how to change the default admin password, which is used to protect the settings of the router. Let's take a look at this using the Tp-Link Archer C20i as an example. In the settings you need to open the tabSystem Tools – Password.
There you need to specify the old username and old password (remember that the default is admin). And you need to specify a new username (you can leave admin), and you need to specify a new password twice. To save, click on the button Save.
Now, when entering the control panel, you will need to specify a new password. And try not to forget it, otherwise you will have to reset the settings to the factory settings.
Afterword
I wrote only about the most important settings, which must be performed without fail, and which are enough to use the router. Of course, there are a lot of settings there. And they cannot be considered in one article. You will find many instructions for Tp-Link routers in a separate section on our website: https://help-wifi.com/category/tp-link/. All of them will fit Tp-Link AC750 without any problems.
If, for example, you want to update the Archer C20i's firmware, then this can be done according to the standard instructions, which can be found here.
I would be grateful if you share your feedback about the Tp-Link Archer C20i router in the comments. Well, ask questions if you are interested in something, or if you can't configure it.
