As more users share internet access at home and connect laptops to the internet via wireless routers at work, wireless routers have become increasingly popular due to their affordability and the ability to use both wireless and wired connections simultaneously. This article discusses the setup of TP-Link wireless routers.
Generally, there are two types of network environments for routers: direct access to Ethernet broadband and access to Ethernet broadband through other routers or servers within a local area network.
1. Single-level Wireless Router Setup: (Directly connecting to Ethernet broadband through this router)
This method is quite simple. Just read the manual and understand how your broadband is connected. There are generally three types: virtual dial-up, automatic IP allocation, and fixed IP (static). Then follow the instructions in the manual step by step. Here’s a brief overview:
1. Connect the router’s LAN port to the computer’s network card, ensuring that the IP settings on the network card are in the same subnet as the router;
2. Open a browser and enter the router’s IP address, such as: 192.168.1.1, to access the settings page (enter the default password, e.g., admin, admin);
3. Set the network parameters: (using virtual dial-up as an example)
① Internet connection type: ADSL virtual dial-up (PPPoE)
② Fill in the information box: ADSL account
Password: The login password provided by the ISP
③ Wireless parameter settings: These can remain unchanged, or you can set a password, toggle switches, etc.;
④ Set the gateway of the network cards of connected computers to this router’s IP address (note: not the IP of the WAN port!) such as: 192.168.1.1;
DNS: The DNS address of the telecom server.
⑤ All LAN ports and wireless connections can access the internet.
If using one of the other two methods to connect to the internet, you will need to set the information for the WAN port.
If using TP-Link within a local area network, pay attention to the following points:
2. Multi-level Router Cascading Setup: (Connecting to the internet wirelessly within a local area network)
Open the router’s settings page as previously described, no need to elaborate further;
Set the network parameters:
① Internet connection type: Ethernet broadband with a fixed IP (static). If connecting through a server, you may choose to automatically allocate IPs based on the server’s settings;
② Fill in the information box: IP address: can be chosen arbitrarily (if connecting through a server and there are allocation rules, please follow those rules) such as: 192.168.1.2
Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
Gateway: The IP address of the upper-level router (server’s internal card IP) such as: 192.168.1.254
DNS server: The DNS address of the telecom server, such as: 202.102.197.122 (varies by telecom office location)
③ Set the gateway of the network cards of connected computers to this router’s IP address (note: not the IP of the WAN port!) such as: 192.168.1.1; DNS: The DNS address of the telecom server.
④ Wireless parameter settings
⑤ All LAN ports and wireless connections can access the internet.
That’s it, not too complicated. Those who need it should give it a try!