User Guide MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Router Archer C6/Archer A6 © 2022 TP-Link 1910013208 REV4.0.
Contents About This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Chapter 1. Get to Know About Your Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 1. 1. 1. 2. Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Appearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8. 1. Setting Up Access Restrictions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Chapter 9. QoS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Chapter 10. Network Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 10. 1. 10. 2. 10. 3. 10. 4. Protect the Network from Cyber Attacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13. 9. Set the Router to Reboot Regularly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 13. 10. Control the LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 FAQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
About This Guide This guide is a complement of Quick Installation Guide. The Quick Installation Guide instructs you on quick internet setup, and this guide provides details of each function and shows you the way to configure these functions appropriate to your needs. When using this guide, please note that features available of the router may vary by model and software version. Router‘s availability may also vary by region or ISP.
• Specifications can be found on the product page at https://www.tp-link.com. • A TP-Link Community is provided for you to discuss our products at https://community.tp-link.com. • Our Technical Support contact information can be found at the Contact Technical Support page at https://www.tp-link.com/support.
Chapter 1 Get to Know About Your Router This chapter introduces what the router can do and shows its appearance.
Chapter 1 1. 1. Get to Know About Your Router Product Overview The TP-Link router is designed to fully meet the need of Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) networks and users demanding higher networking performance. The powerful antennas ensure continuous Wi-Fi signal to all your devices while boosting widespread coverage throughout your home, and the built-in Ethernet ports supply high-speed connection to your wired devices.
Chapter 1 Get to Know About Your Router Name (2.4 GHz Wireless) (5 GHz Wireless) (Ethernet) Status On The 2.4 GHz wireless band is enabled. Off The 2.4 GHz wireless band is disabled. On The 5 GHz wireless band is enabled. Off The 5 GHz wireless band is disabled. On A powered-on device is connected to the router’s corresponding Ethernet port. Off No powered-on device is connected to the router’s corresponding Ethernet port. Green On (Internet) Orange On Off 1. 2. 2.
Chapter 1 Item WAN Port LAN Ports (1/2/3/4) RESET Button WPS/Wi-Fi Antennas Get to Know About Your Router Description For connecting to a DSL/Cable modem, or an Ethernet jack. For connecting your PC or other Ethernet network devices to the router. Press and hold this button for more than 5 seconds to reset the router to its factory default settings. Press this button, and immediately press the WPS button on your device.
Chapter 2 Connect the Hardware This chapter contains the following sections: • Position Your Router • Connect Your Router
Chapter 2 2. 1. Connect the Hardware Position Your Router • The product should not be located in a place where it will be exposed to moisture or excessive heat. • Place the router in a location where it can be connected to multiple devices as well as to a power source. • Make sure the cables and power cord are safely placed out of the way so they do not create a tripping hazard. • The router can be placed on a shelf or desktop.
Chapter 2 Connect the Hardware 5. Verify that the following LEDs are on and solid to confirm the hardware is connected correctly. Power On 5 GHz On 2.4 GHz On Internet On Note: If the 2.4G LED and 5G LED are off, press and hold the WPS/Wi-Fi button on the back for more than 5 seconds. Both the LEDs should turn solid on. 6. Connect your computer to the router. • Method 1: Wired Turn off the Wi-Fi on your computer and connect the devices as shown below.
Chapter 2 Connect the Hardware Note: • WPS is not supported by iOS devices. • The WPS function cannot be configured if the wireless function of the router is disabled. Also, the WPS function will be disabled if your wireless encryption is WEP. Please make sure the wireless function is enabled and is configured with the appropriate encryption before configuring the WPS. 1 ) Tap the WPS icon on the device’s screen. Here we take an Android phone for instance.
Chapter 3 Log In to Your Router
Chapter 3 Log In to Your Router With a web-based utility, it is easy to configure and manage the router. The web-based utility can be used on any Windows, Mac OS or UNIX OS with a Web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or Apple Safari. Follow the steps below to log in to your router. 1. Set up the TCP/IP Protocol in Obtain an IP address automatically mode on your computer. 2. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and create a login password for secure management purposes.
Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection This chapter introduces how to connect your router to the internet. The router is equipped with a web-based Quick Setup wizard. It has necessary ISP information built in, automates many of the steps and verifies that those steps have been successfully completed. Furthermore, you can also set up an IPv6 connection if your ISP provides IPv6 service.
Chapter 4 4. 1. Set Up Internet Connection Use Quick Setup Wizard The Quick Setup Wizard will guide you to set up your router. Tips: If you need the IPv6 internet connection, please refer to the section of Set Up an IPv6 Internet Connection. Follow the steps below to set up your router. 1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with the password you set for the router. 2.
Chapter 4 4. 2. Set Up Internet Connection Quick Setup Via TP-Link Tether App The Tether app runs on iOS and Android devices, such as smartphones and tablets. 1. Launch the Apple App Store or Google Play store and search “TP-Link Tether” or simply scan the QR code to download and install the app. OR 2. Connect your device to the router’s wireless network. 3. Launch the Tether app, tap the + button and select Router > Wireless Router.
Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection 2 ) If you choose Static IP, enter the information provided by your ISP in the corresponding fields. 3 ) If you choose PPPoE, enter the username and password provided by your ISP. PPPoE users usually have DSL cable modems.
Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection 4 ) If you choose L2TP, enter the username and password and choose the Secondary Connection provided by your ISP. Different parameters are needed according to the Secondary Connection you have chosen. 5 ) If you choose PPTP, enter the username and password, and choose the Secondary Connection provided by your ISP. Different parameters are needed according to the Secondary Connection you have chosen. 5. Click Save.
Chapter 4 4. 4. Set Up Internet Connection Set Up the Router as an Access Point The router can work as an access point, transforming your existing wired network to a wireless one. 1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router. 2. Go to Advanced > Operation Mode, select Access Point and click Save. The router will reboot and switch to Access Point mode. 3. After rebooting, connect the router to your existing wired router via an Ethernet cable.
Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection 3. Select the mode provided by your ISP to enable IPv6 connection. Tips: If you do not know what your internet connection mode is, contact your ISP or judge according to the already known information provided by your ISP. • Pass-Through (Bridge): 1 ) Select Pass-Through (Bridge) and click Save. 2 ) Go to Network > Status to check whether you have successfully set up an IPv6 connection. • Router: 1 ) Select Router mode.
Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection 2 ) Configure the WAN connection. Notes: 1. If you do not know what your internet connection mode is, contact your ISP or judge according to the already known information provided by your ISP. 2. If your ISP provides two separate accounts for the IPv4 and IPv6 connections, manually enter the username and password for the IPv6 connection. 3 ) Keep the default settings of LAN. 4 ) Click Connect then click Save to apply your settings.
Chapter 5 TP-Link Cloud Service TP-Link Cloud service provides a better way to manage your cloud devices. Log in to your router with a TP-Link ID, and you can easily monitor and manage your home network when you are out and about via the Tether app. To ensure that your router stays new and gets better over time, the TP-Link Cloud will notify you when an important firmware upgrade is available. Surely you can also manage multiple TP-Link Cloud devices with a single TP-Link ID.
Chapter 5 5. 1. TP-Link Cloud Service Register a TP-Link ID If you have skipped the registration during the Quick Setup process, you can: 1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with the password you set for the router. 2. Go to Advanced > TP-Link ID or click TP-Link ID on the very top of the page. 3. Click Sign Up and follow the instructions to register a TP-Link ID. 4. After activating your TP-Link ID, come back to the TP-Link ID page to log in.
Chapter 5 • TP-Link Cloud Service To change your password: 1. Click behind the Password. 5. 3. Manage the User TP-Link IDs 2. Enter the current password, then a new password twice. And click Save. The TP-Link ID used to log in to the router for the first time will be automatically bound as the Admin account.
Chapter 5 TP-Link Cloud Service from the same router as Users. All accounts can monitor and manage the router locally or remotely, but user accounts cannot: • Reset the router to its factory default settings either on the web management page or in the Tether app. • Add/remove other TP-Link IDs to/from the router. 5. 3. 1. Add TP-Link ID to Manage the Router 1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID. 2. Go to Advanced > TP-Link ID, and focus on the Bound Accounts section. 3.
Chapter 5 5. 4. TP-Link Cloud Service Manage the Router via the TP-Link Tether App The Tether app runs on iOS and Android devices, such as smartphones and tablets. 1. Launch the Apple App Store or Google Play store and search “TP-Link Tether” or simply scan the QR code to download and install the app. OR 2. Connect your device to the router’s wireless network. 3. Launch the Tether app, select the model of your router and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router. 4.
Chapter 6 OneMesh with Seamless Roaming This chapter introduces the TP-Link OneMeshTM feature.
Chapter 6 OneMesh with Seamless Roaming TP-Link OneMesh router and TP-Link OneMesh extenders work together to form one unified Wi-Fi network. Walk through your home and stay connected with the fastest possible speeds thanks to OneMesh’s seamless coverage. SAME INTERNE T Network Name & Password for seamless roaming Unified Wi-Fi Network Router and extenders share the same wireless settings, including network name, password, access control settings and more.
Chapter 6 OneMesh with Seamless Roaming 3. Connect a OneMesh extender to this router by following the setup instructions in the extender’s manual. The extender will be listed on the router’s OneMesh page. Note: To check full list of TP-Link OneMesh devices, visit https://www.tp-link.com/onemesh/compatibility. 4. If you have set up the extender to join the OneMesh network, it will be listed on the router’s OneMesh page.
Chapter 6 6. 2. OneMesh with Seamless Roaming Manage Devices in the OneMesh Network In a OneMesh network, you can manage all mesh devices and connected clients on your router’s web page. • To view mesh devices and connected clients in the network: 1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router. 2. Go to Network Map. 3. Click • to view all mesh devices, and click to view all connected clients. To manage a OneMesh device in the network: 1.
Chapter 6 OneMesh with Seamless Roaming 4. Manage the OneMesh device as needed. You can: • Change device information. • Click Leave OneMesh to delete this device from the OneMesh network. • Click Manage Device to redirect to the web management page of this device.
Chapter 7 Guest Network This function allows you to provide Wi-Fi access for guests without disclosing your main network. When you have guests in your house, apartment, or workplace, you can create a guest network for them. In addition, you can customize guest network options to ensure network security and privacy.
Chapter 7 7. 1. Guest Network Create a Network for Guests 1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router. 2. Go to Advanced > Wireless > Guest Network or click Wireless on the top page. Locate the Guest Network section. 3. Create a guest network as needed. 1 ) Tick the Enable checkbox for the 2.4GHz or 5GHz wireless network. 2 ) Customize the SSID.
Chapter 7 7. 2. Guest Network Customize Guest Network Options 1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router. 2. Go to Advanced > Wireless >Guest Network. Locate the Guest Permissions section. 3. Customize guest network options according to your needs. • Allow guests to see each other Tick this checkbox if you want to allow the wireless clients on your guest network to communicate with each other via methods such as network neighbors and Ping.
Chapter 8 Parental Controls This function allows you to block inappropriate, explicit and malicious websites, and control access to specified websites at specified time.
Chapter 8 8. 1. Parental Controls Setting Up Access Restrictions I want to: Block access to inappropriate online content for my child’s devices, restrict internet access to 2 hours every day and block internet access during bed time (10 PM to 7 AM) on weekdays. How can I do that? 1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router. 2. Go to Advanced > Parental Controls. 3. Click to create a profile for a family member. 4.
Chapter 8 Parental Controls 1 ) Enter a keyword (for example, “Facebook”) or a URL (for example, “www. facebook.com”). All websites containing the keywords will be blocked. 2 ) Click Next. 6. Set time restrictions on internet access. 1 ) Enable Time Limits on Monday to Friday and Saturday & Sunday then set the allowed online time to 2 hours each day.
Chapter 8 Parental Controls 2 ) Enable Bed Time and use the up/down arrows or enter times in the fields. Devices under this profile will be unable to access the internet during this time period. 3 ) Click Save. Done! The amount of time your child spends online is controlled and inappropriate content is blocked on their devices.
Chapter 9 QoS This chapter introduces how to create a QoS (Quality of Service) rule to specify prioritization of traffic and minimize the impact caused when the connection is under heavy load.
Chapter 9 QoS I want to: Specify priority levels for some devices or applications. For example, I have several devices that are connected to my wireless network. I would like to set an intermediate speed on the internet for my computer for the next 2 hours. How can I do that? 1. Enable QoS and set bandwidth allocation. 1 ) Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router. 2 ) Go to Advanced > QoS > Global Settings. 3 ) Tick to enable QoS.
Chapter 10 Network Security This chapter guides you on how to protect your home network from cyber attacks and unauthorized users by implementing these three network security functions. You can protect your home network from cyber attacks, block or allow specific client devices to access your network using Access Control, or you can prevent ARP spoofing and ARP attacks using IP & MAC Binding.
Chapter 10 Network Security 10. 1. Protect the Network from Cyber Attacks The SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection) Firewall protects the router from cyber attacks and validate the traffic that is passing through the router based on the protocol. This function is enabled by default. 1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router. 2. Go to Advanced > Security > Firewall. It’s recommended to keep the default settings. 10. 2.
Chapter 10 2 ) Click Network Security and select devices you want to be blocked and Click ADD. 3 ) The Operation Succeeded message will appear on the screen, which means the selected devices have been successfully added to the blacklist. To allow specific device(s): 1 ) Select Whitelist and click SAVE. 2 ) Your own device is in the whitelist by default and cannot be deleted. Click to add other devices to the whitelist. • Add connected devices 1 ) Click Select From Device List.
Chapter 10 Network Security 3 ) The Operation Succeeded message will appear on the screen, which means the selected devices have been successfully added to the whitelist. • Add unconnected devices 1 ) Click Add Manually. 2 ) Enter the Device Name and MAC Address of the device you want to be allowed and click ADD. 3 ) The Operation Succeeded message will appear on the screen, which means the device has been successfully added to the whitelist.
Chapter 10 Network Security I want to: Prevent ARP spoofing and ARP attacks. How can I do that? 1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router. 2. Go to Advanced > Security > IP & MAC Binding. 3. Enable IP & MAC Binding. 4. Bind your device(s) according to your need. To bind the connected device(s): 1 ) Click in the Binding List section. 2 ) Click VIEW CONNECTED DEVICES and select the device you want to bind.
Chapter 10 Network Security To bind the unconnected device: 1 ) Click in the Binding List section. 2 ) Enter the MAC Address and IP Address that you want to bind. Done! Now you don’t need to worry about ARP spoofing and ARP attacks! 10. 4. ALG (Application Layer Gateway) View your ALG (Application Layer Gateway) settings in this page. It is recommended to keep them as default. 1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router. 2.
Chapter 11 NAT Forwarding The router’s NAT (Network Address Translation) feature makes devices on the LAN use the same public IP address to communicate with devices on the internet, which protects the local network by hiding IP addresses of the devices. However, it also brings about the problem that an external host cannot initiatively communicate with a specified device on the local network.
Chapter 11 NAT Forwarding 11. 1. Share Local Resources on the Internet by Port Forwarding When you build up a server on the local network and want to share it on the internet, Port Forwarding can realize the service and provide it to internet users. At the same time Port Forwarding can keep the local network safe as other services are still invisible from the internet. Port Forwarding can be used for setting up public services on your local network, such as HTTP, FTP, DNS, POP3/SMTP and Telnet.
Chapter 11 NAT Forwarding 5. Click VIEW COMMON SERVICES and select HTTP. The External Port, Internal Port and Protocol will be automatically filled in. 6. Click VIEW CONNECTED DEVICES and select your home PC. The Device IP Address will be automatically filled in. Or enter the PC’s IP address manually in the Device IP Address field. 7. Click SAVE. Tips: It is recommended to keep the default settings of Internal Port and Protocol if you are not clear about which port and protocol to use.
Chapter 11 NAT Forwarding Tips: The WAN IP should be a public IP address. For the WAN IP is assigned dynamically by the ISP, it is recommended to apply and register a domain name for the WAN referring to Make Applications Free from Port Restriction by DMZ. Then users on the internet can use http:// domain name to visit the website. • If you have changed the default External Port, you should use http:// WAN IP: External Port or http:// domain name: External Port to visit the website. • 11. 2.
Chapter 11 NAT Forwarding 4. Click SAVE. Tips: • You can add multiple port triggering rules according to your network need. • The triggering ports can not be overlapped. • If the application you need is not listed in the Existing Applications list, please enter the parameters manually. You should verify the external ports the application uses first and enter them into External Port field according to the format the page displays. 11. 3.
Chapter 11 NAT Forwarding Internet If necessary, you can follow the steps to change the status of UPnP. 1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router. 2. Go to Advanced > NAT Forwarding > UPnP and toggle on or off according to your needs. 11. 4.
Chapter 11 NAT Forwarding 3. Go to Advanced > NAT Forwarding > DMZ and tick to enable DMZ. 4. Click VIEW CONNECTED DEVICES and select your PC. The Device IP Address will be automatically filled in. Or enter the PC’s IP address 192.168.0.100 manually in the DMZ Host IP Address field. 5. Click SAVE. Done! The configuration is completed. You’ve set your PC to a DMZ host and now you can make a team to game with other players.
Chapter 12 Customize Your Network Settings This chapter guides you on how to configure advanced network features.
