How to configure Router, Or TP Link Router

TP Link Router / Any Router Why we use Router
   A router is a networking device that directs internet traffic between different networks. It acts as a gateway, managing and routing data packets between computers and other devices within a local network (LAN) and the broader internet (WAN). Routers are essential for both home and business networks, enabling multiple devices to connect to the internet simultaneously.
   A router is a hardware device that performs the following key functions:
- Routing: Directs data packets between different networks, ensuring they reach their intended destinations efficiently.
- Network Management: Manages the flow of data within a network, prioritizing traffic and ensuring smooth operation.
- Security: Provides a layer of security by acting as a firewall, protecting the network from unauthorized access and potential threats.
- Wireless Connectivity: Many routers also function as wireless access points, allowing devices to connect to the network via Wi-Fi.
Types of Routers
- Wired Routers: Use Ethernet cables to connect devices to the network.
- Wireless Routers: Provide Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing devices to connect wirelessly.
- Core Routers: Used in large networks to manage traffic between different sub-networks.
- Edge Routers: Connect local networks to external networks, such as the internet.
- Virtual Routers: Software-based routers that run on standard computers or servers.

Uses of a Router
Home Networking:
- Internet Access: Allows multiple devices (computers, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs) to connect to the internet simultaneously.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Provides wireless internet access throughout the home.
- Parental Controls: Enables parents to manage and monitor their children’s internet usage.
- Guest Network: Creates a separate network for guests to ensure the security of the main network.
Business Networking:
- Office Connectivity: Supports multiple users and devices, ensuring smooth operation for business needs.
- Network Segmentation: Allows for the creation of separate networks for different departments or functions.
- VPN Support: Facilitates secure remote access to the office network.
- Quality of Service (QoS): Prioritizes critical applications and services to ensure optimal performance.
Gaming:
- Low Latency: Provides low-latency connections for an optimal gaming experience.
- Bandwidth Management: Allocates bandwidth to gaming devices to ensure smooth gameplay.
Streaming:
- High-Speed Connections: Ensures smooth streaming of movies, TV shows, and music.
- Multi-Device Support: Supports multiple streaming devices simultaneously.
Security:
- Firewall: Acts as a firewall to protect the network from unauthorized access and potential threats.
- Encryption: Provides encryption for wireless connections to secure data transmission.
Remote Access:
- VPN: Supports Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for secure remote access to the network.
- Remote Management: Allows for remote management and monitoring of the network.

Key Features of Modern Routers
- Dual-Band and Tri-Band: Supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies for better performance and reduced interference.
- MU-MIMO: Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output technology allows multiple devices to receive data simultaneously, improving network efficiency.
- Beamforming: Directs the Wi-Fi signal towards specific devices, enhancing signal strength and coverage.
- Parental Controls: Allows parents to set time limits, block websites, and monitor internet usage.
- Guest Network: Provides a separate network for guests to ensure the security of the main network.
- QoS: Quality of Service features prioritize critical applications and services to ensure optimal performance.
- VPN Support: Facilitates secure remote access to the network.

Reference Image 1.1

Reference Image 1.2
How to Configure Router
   When You are trying to configure any router, Just see the backside of the physical router (Left side image), There must be some short details about how to connect router through IP address or website through.Â
I am showing about TP Link router, how to configure TP Link Router.
- Â In every router there is a default IP address: 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1
- or if there is no IP address use the website like http or https://tplinkwifi.net or based on router there must be displayed backside of the router follow the steps given in router backside.
- Â If you type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 IP or website name https://tplinkwifi.net and enter you can see the image reference 1.2 (Left Side).
- there is a default username and password both are admin
Password: admin
and press enterÂ

Reference Image 1.3
Now you will see this page after login in the aboveimage (Image Reference 1.3).
Â

Reference Image 1.4
1. Configuring Your Present Broadband Internet
1 Change your Default IP address first.
   To get login into your Router, write your Router Default IP in the Address bar of the Browser, If you want to use best browser can be downloaded here from this website click here to download Firefox, if you want o download Chrome, or use this browser Opera, and downlaod Brave Browser. And type IP address 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 and enter it will open above image reference 1.3.
If your IP is 192.168.1.1 and you want to make it 192.168.1.168 or 192.168.0.1 or any other number. Please follow this steps.
- From the Left Panel Click on LAN on the other side we can see MAC address, IP Address, Subnet Mask.Â
- Is necessary to change Default Ip address for the router, In answer. We must change the Defaul IP to some other ranges like 192.168.1.168 or 192.168.1.68 any odd numbers 71, 73, 109. If you keep default IP 192.168.1.1 Some people try to hack your router by using hacking password. Always cange the Default IP address. after changing IP address click on Save and it will rebout the router to take effect.

Reference Image 1.4

Reference Image 1.5
2. Changing SSID and Keep strong Password
- Click on Wireless Option and Wireless Settings.
- Change the SSID name from Router like TPLink_Router_850 to Your Suggested name like any thing you can keep SSID, For Example: Bond_007 And Keep Country as India (Image Reference 1.4).
- To set Password to your Router Click on Wireless Security (Left side Image reference 1.5 ), And right side in the password field type your password you wish to give and click on Save.

Reference Image 1.6
3. Now Configure your Broadband ISP to your Router
- Click on Network and WAN settings in the right side You can see PPPoE Click and select.
- You will be asked Username and Password ask your Broadband Service provider, he will give you the details.Type your username and password and lick on Connect and save. now check your internet connection Internet would be started. Now Enjoy with Your Internet.Â
Below settings are Optional Not require If you wish you can keep the settings.Â

Reference Image 1.7

Reference Image 1.8
What is Address Reservation.
   Address reservation in TP-Link routers allows you to assign a fixed IP address to a device on your network e.g. Network Printer. This ensures that the device always receives the same IP address, which can be useful for printers, servers, or other devices that require a consistent address. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up address reservation:
   In the Image Reference 1.8, The IP range from 192.168.0.100 to 192.168.1.199 and we can use for DHCP or we can set 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.200 or 192.168.1.225 for DHCP if we are working in the company, from 192.168.1.226 to 192.168.1.254 (Based on requirements)we can reserve for AD Servers, testing Servers, any Access Points, Printers and so – on. So we can reserve those IPs for fixed devices (Like Printers , Access Points, Testing Servers, AD Servers etc.)

Reference Image 1.9
DHCP Client List.
In DHCP List can be seen all the laptops / Desktops are connected to this router, We can see all the device mobiles / Laptops desktops with Mac Address if we want to disconnect the device like unwanted mobiles are connected and consuming more bandwidth we can delete/disable those devices from our router with the help of this DHCP Client List.Â

Reference Image 1.10

Reference Image 1.11

Reference Image 1.12
Mac Binding
   MAC Binding (also known as IP-MAC Binding) is a security feature on TP-Link routers that links a device’s IP address to its MAC (Media Access Control) address. This ensures that only devices with a specific MAC address can use a particular IP address, preventing IP spoofing and enhancing network security.
   For Home / Office Router, You want to stop unwanted access to the router. e.g. for home users if you have 3 members at home if you enable this Mac Binding Option in this router, The 4th Members comes to your Home and wants to Use your Internet, even using right password aslo he cannot acces to your internet, you need to enter his mobile or laptop mac address to the router first, later he will be able to use your internet.
If you don’t want to add his Mac address to your Router. You have only one option i.e. Guest Network.Â
Benefits of MAC Binding:
- Prevents IP Spoofing: Blocks unauthorized devices from mimicking IP addresses.
- Enhances Network Security: Only approved devices can use specific IPs.
- Stable Network Environment: Reduces IP conflicts and network interruptions.
How to Configure MAC Binding:
   For reference Image 1.11, Clcik on Mac Binding or IP Mac Binding. First click on Enable and Add New Reference Image 1.12, Add Your device Mac address and IP address, To check what is your device’s IP address and Mac Address Please see Reference Image 1.9 or 1.10, now click on Save button.
   Another method to check Ipaddress and Mac Address without getting login to router if you are using Laptop. Please open Command Prompt and Type IPCONFIG /ALL and enter. If your are using LAN, Check from  Ethernet adapter Ethernet: or if your using Wifi we need to check from Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi: here you can see IP address and Mac Address.
   Now your Laptop / Mobile is Configured successfully, from now no one can access your router’s internet even though they have your router access.

Reference Image 1.13
What is Guest Netwok
   A Guest Network on a TP-Link router allows you to create a separate Wi-Fi network for visitors. This keeps your main network secure by isolating guest devices from your private devices, while still providing internet access.
   If someone comes to your home or office for few minutes or few hours, Write a Guess router Password on the wall, and Keep Access time 8 Hours. After 8 Hours The client gets disconneted internet automatically.Â
   Just we need to Enable by clicking on Check box in Wireless field, keep password and write on the router or wall. Keep the Time Start time 8.00 AM and end time: 5.00 PM or Click on Schedule and select Timeout 30 Mins or 2 Hrs keep based on you wants. After time out The Internet connections will be disconnected automatically after time out.

Reference Image 1.13
What is Factory Default Settings
   Factory Default on a TP-Link router restores all settings to the original state when the router was first purchased. This is useful if you forget the admin password, encounter network issues, or want to start fresh with a clean configuration.
How to Reset TP-Link Router to Factory Default:
Method 1: Reset Using the Reset Button: If website Didn't start for any Reason
If you are unable to reset factory Through web then then you need to do hard reboot (Reset Factory by presseing Reset button which is located backside of the router written RST either in the form of Hole or button).Â
-
Power On the Router:
- Ensure the router is turned on and functioning.
-
Locate the Reset Button: Maximum available beside power button of the router
- Find a small reset hole or button on the back of the router.
-
Press and Hold:
- Use a paperclip or pin to press and hold the reset button for about 10-15 seconds until the router reboots.
-
Wait for Reboot:
- The router’s lights will blink and the device will restart.
- When the lights stabilize, the router will be reset to factory default.
After Reset
- Default IP Address:
192.168.0.1
or192.168.1.1
- Default Username/Password:
admin/admin
- Wi-Fi Name (SSID): Default printed on the router label.
- Wi-Fi Password: Printed on the router (if applicable).
- Default IP Address:
Why Reset to Factory Defaults?
- Forgotten Passwords (Admin/Wi-Fi).
- Troubleshooting Network Issues.
- Reconfiguring for New Setup.
- Selling or Donating the Router.