TL-R473G Enterprise Full Gigabit Wired Router

1. Introduction

The TL-R473G is an enterprise-grade full Gigabit wired router designed for small to medium-sized businesses, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It offers robust network management capabilities including unified wireless AP control, multiple VPN options for secure remote communication, comprehensive internet behavior management, and a powerful firewall for data security. This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your TL-R473G router.

2. Key Features

• Full Gigabit Ports: Equipped with 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-speed wired connectivity.
• Unified Wireless AP Management: Built-in AC function allows for automatic discovery, unified configuration, status monitoring, and upgrading of TP-LINK wireless APs.
• Multiple VPN Support: Supports IPSec VPN for encrypting confidential enterprise data, and PPTP/L2TP VPN server/client modes for easy remote office access.
• Internet Behavior Management: Features include one-click control of common applications (e.g., QQ, Thunder), effective website filtering, granular permission management based on IP address and time groups, and intelligent bandwidth allocation to limit upload/download speeds per device.
• PPPoE Server: Provides intranet access authentication by assigning network accounts to users, ensuring only authorized users can access the network.
• Efficient Firewall: Offers multiple anti-attack methods including suspicious packet protection, MAC address filtering, ARP dual protection, DoS attack protection, and scan attack protection to safeguard data.
• Additional Practical Functions: Supports UPnP & ALG services, dynamic IP, static IP, PPPoE access methods, internal/external dual-port monitoring, DDNS, virtual server functions, detailed log recording, and diagnostic tools like Ping and Tracer.

3. Setup Guide

3.1 Package Contents

Before you begin, ensure all items are present:

• TL-R473G Enterprise Full Gigabit Wired Router
• Power Adapter
• Ethernet Cable
• Quick Installation Guide (if included)

3.2 Physical Installation

1. Connect the Power: Plug the power adapter into the router's power input port (100-240V~ 50/60Hz 0.3A) and then into a power outlet.
2. Connect WAN Port: Connect your modem or internet service provider's cable to the WAN port on the router using an Ethernet cable.
3. Connect LAN Ports: Connect your local network devices (computers, switches, wired APs) to the LAN ports (1-4) using Ethernet cables.

3.3 Initial Configuration Access

To access the router's web management interface:

1. Ensure your computer is connected to one of the router's LAN ports.
2. Open a web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox).
3. Enter the default IP address (commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar and press Enter. Refer to the Quick Installation Guide for the exact default IP.
4. Enter the default username and password (commonly admin/admin or found in the Quick Installation Guide) when prompted.
5. Follow the on-screen wizard for initial setup, including changing the default login credentials for security.

4. Operation Guide

4.1 Unified Wireless AP Management

The TL-R473G features a built-in AC function to manage TP-LINK wireless Access Points (APs) within your network.

• Navigate to the 'AP Management' section in the web interface.
• The router can automatically discover TP-LINK wireless APs.
• You can then perform unified configuration, monitor AP status, and upgrade firmware for connected APs from this interface.
• The TL-R473G can manage up to 20 TP-LINK wireless APs.

4.2 VPN Configuration

The router supports various VPN protocols for secure remote access and inter-office connectivity.

• IPSec VPN: For secure site-to-site connections, encrypting sensitive data between networks. Configure tunnels, encryption algorithms, and authentication methods in the 'VPN' section.
• PPTP/L2TP VPN Server/Client: Allows remote users or branch offices to connect securely to the main network. Configure user accounts and network settings for the VPN server, or client settings to connect to an external VPN server.

4.3 Internet Behavior Management

Control and optimize internet usage within your network.

• Application Control: Use the 'Behavior Management' section to enable one-click control for common applications, restricting their usage during specific times or for certain users.
• Website Filtering: Configure blacklists or whitelists for websites to prevent access to inappropriate content or to limit access to approved sites only.
• Permission Management: Implement granular access policies based on IP addresses and time groups, allowing different employees different network permissions.
• Bandwidth Allocation: Intelligently allocate bandwidth by setting upload and download speed limits for individual devices or user groups to ensure fair usage and prevent network congestion.

4.4 PPPoE Server

Set up a PPPoE server to manage intranet user access.

• In the 'PPPoE Server' settings, create and manage user accounts.
• Users will need to authenticate with these accounts to gain internet access, suitable for environments like apartments, residential areas, hotels, or campuses.

4.5 Firewall and Security

The router includes an efficient firewall to protect your network.

• Suspicious Packet Protection: Detects and blocks potentially malicious network packets.
• MAC Address Filtering: Control network access based on device MAC addresses.
• ARP Dual Protection: Guards against ARP spoofing attacks.
• DoS Attack Protection: Defends against Denial of Service attacks.
• Scan Attack Protection: Prevents network scanning attempts.

4.6 Other Practical Functions

Explore additional features for enhanced network control and diagnostics.

• UPnP & ALG: Ensures smooth operation for special network applications that require NAT traversal.
• Multiple Access Methods: Supports dynamic IP, static IP, and PPPoE for flexible internet connection.
• Dual-Port Monitoring: Internal and external dual-port monitoring to meet data monitoring requirements.
• DDNS & Virtual Server: Easily build intranet servers and private websites.
• Detailed Log Recording: Provides detailed records of router operation status.
• Detection Tools: Includes Ping and Tracer tools to quickly find and eliminate network faults.

5. Maintenance

• Firmware Updates: Regularly check the manufacturer's website for firmware updates to ensure optimal performance and security.
• Physical Environment: Place the router in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area to prevent overheating. Avoid direct sunlight and moisture.
• Cable Management: Ensure all Ethernet cables are securely connected and not excessively bent or tangled.
• Regular Reboot: Periodically reboot the router (e.g., once a month) to clear its memory and refresh network connections.
• Cleanliness: Keep the router free from dust. Use a soft, dry cloth for cleaning.

6. Troubleshooting

6.1 No Internet Access

• Check if the WAN port LED indicator is on. If not, ensure the cable from your modem is securely connected.
• Verify that your modem is working correctly and has an active internet connection.
• Reboot both your modem and the router.
• Check your router's WAN settings in the web interface to ensure they match your ISP's requirements (Dynamic IP, Static IP, or PPPoE).

6.2 Cannot Access Router Web Interface

• Ensure your computer is connected to a LAN port of the router.
• Verify your computer's IP settings are set to 'Obtain an IP address automatically' or configured with a static IP in the same subnet as the router.
• Try clearing your browser's cache or using a different browser.
• If you forgot the login password, you may need to perform a factory reset (see 6.4).

6.3 Slow Network Speed

• Check your internet service provider's speed.
• Review the 'Bandwidth Allocation' settings in the router's web interface to ensure no device is excessively limited or consuming too much bandwidth.
• Ensure all Ethernet cables are Gigabit-rated (Cat5e or Cat6) for optimal performance.
• Check for any active VPN connections or heavy network traffic from other devices.

6.4 Factory Reset

If the router is not functioning correctly or you have forgotten the login credentials, you can perform a factory reset:

1. With the router powered on, use a paperclip or a thin object to press and hold the 'Reset' button (located on the rear panel) for about 5-10 seconds until the system LED blinks rapidly.
2. Release the button. The router will reboot with factory default settings.
3. You will then need to reconfigure the router from scratch.

7. Specifications

8. User Tips

No specific user tips were available from the provided customer reviews or Q&A data.

9. Warranty and Support

The TL-R473G router comes with a 1-year warranty period. For after-sales services, please refer to the 'National Joint Insurance' policy. For technical support or further assistance, please contact your vendor or refer to the official TP-LINK support channels.