TP-LINK Archer C2 AC750 Dual Band Wireless AC Gigabit Router User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides instructions for the installation, configuration, and operation of the TP-LINK Archer C2 AC750 Dual Band Wireless AC Gigabit Router. The Archer C2 is designed to provide high-speed wireless connectivity for home and small office environments, supporting the 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard.

Key features include simultaneous 2.4GHz (300Mbps) and 5GHz (433Mbps) connections for a total of 733Mbps available bandwidth, two detachable external antennas for stable signal, and full gigabit ports for fast wired data transfer.

2. Package Contents

Verify that your package contains the following items:

• Archer C2 Wireless Dual-band Gigabit Router
• Power Adapter
• Ethernet Cable
• Quick Installation Guide

3. Hardware Overview

Familiarize yourself with the physical components of your Archer C2 router.

Image: Front view of the TP-LINK Archer C2 router, showcasing its two external antennas and the status indicator lights on the front panel.

Front Panel Indicators

• Power LED: Indicates power status.
• System LED: Indicates system activity.
• Wi-Fi LEDs (2.4GHz & 5GHz): Indicate wireless network activity for each band.
• Internet LED: Indicates WAN port connection status.
• LAN LEDs: Indicate LAN port connection status.
• USB LED: Indicates USB port activity.

Rear Panel Ports and Buttons

• Power Port: Connects to the power adapter.
• Power On/Off Button: Turns the router on or off.
• WAN Port (Blue): Connects to your modem or internet service provider's Ethernet cable.
• LAN Ports (Yellow): Connects to wired devices such as computers or switches.
• USB 2.0 Port: Connects to USB storage devices or printers for sharing.
• WPS/Reset Button: Press briefly for WPS function; press and hold for 5 seconds to reset to factory defaults.
• Wi-Fi On/Off Button: Turns the wireless radio on or off.

4. Setup

4.1. Hardware Connection

1. Power Off: Disconnect power from your modem and router (if applicable).
2. Connect Antennas: Screw the two detachable antennas firmly onto the connectors on the rear panel.
3. Connect Modem: Connect your modem to the blue WAN port on the router using an Ethernet cable.
4. Connect Power: Connect the power adapter to the router's power port and plug it into an electrical outlet.
5. Power On: Power on your modem first, then power on the router. Wait approximately one minute for the router to initialize.
6. Connect Devices: Connect your computer to one of the yellow LAN ports on the router using an Ethernet cable, or connect wirelessly using the default Wi-Fi name (SSID) and password printed on the label at the bottom of the router.

4.2. Initial Configuration (Web Interface)

1. Access Router: Open a web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox) and type http://tplinkwifi.net or http://192.168.0.1 into the address bar. Press Enter.
2. Login: When prompted, enter the default username and password, which are typically admin for both.
3. Run Quick Setup: Follow the on-screen instructions of the Quick Setup wizard. This will guide you through setting up your internet connection type and wireless network settings.
4. Set Wireless Network: Create unique Wi-Fi network names (SSIDs) for both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands and strong passwords. It is recommended to use WPA2-PSK encryption.
5. Save Settings: Complete the wizard and save your settings.

5. Operating the Router

5.1. Basic Network Settings

• WAN Settings: Configure your internet connection type (e.g., Dynamic IP, Static IP, PPPoE) as provided by your ISP.
• LAN Settings: View or modify the router's IP address and subnet mask.
• DHCP Server: Enable or disable the DHCP server, which assigns IP addresses to devices on your network.

5.2. Wireless Settings

• Wireless Security: Change your Wi-Fi passwords and encryption type (WPA2-PSK is recommended).
• Guest Network: Enable a separate network for guests, providing internet access without allowing access to your main network resources.
• Wireless Schedule: Set specific times for the Wi-Fi to be active or inactive.

5.3. USB Features

The Archer C2 features a USB 2.0 port for sharing resources.

• Storage Sharing: Connect a USB storage device to share files across your network.
• Printer Sharing: Connect a USB printer to allow multiple users on the network to print. This may require installing specific utility software on client computers.

5.4. Security Features

• Firewall: Basic firewall protection to secure your network.
• Access Control: Manage internet access for specific devices or users.
• Parental Controls: Restrict internet access based on time or content.

6. Maintenance

6.1. Firmware Upgrade

Regularly check the TP-Link website for firmware updates to ensure optimal performance and security. Download the latest firmware file and follow the instructions in the router's web interface to perform the upgrade.

6.2. Backup & Restore Configuration

It is recommended to back up your router's configuration settings before performing major changes or firmware upgrades. This allows you to restore your settings if needed.

6.3. System Tools

• Reboot: Restart the router from the web interface.
• Time Settings: Configure the router's system time.
• Diagnostic Tools: Utilize tools like Ping or Traceroute for network diagnostics.

7. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your router.

• No Internet Access:
  • Check all cable connections between the modem, router, and computer.
  • Verify that the Internet LED on the router is lit.
  • Restart your modem and router.
  • Confirm your WAN settings in the router's web interface match your ISP's requirements.
• Cannot Access Web Management Page:
  • Ensure your computer is connected to the router (wired or wirelessly).
  • Verify that the router's IP address (http://tplinkwifi.net or http://192.168.0.1) is entered correctly.
  • Clear your browser's cache or try a different browser.
  • Temporarily disable any firewall or antivirus software on your computer.
• Slow Wireless Speed or Dropped Connections:
  • Ensure the router is placed in a central location, away from obstructions and interference sources (e.g., microwaves, cordless phones).
  • Check for firmware updates.
  • Adjust wireless channel settings in the router's web interface to avoid interference from neighboring networks.
  • Verify that your wireless devices support 802.11ac for optimal 5GHz performance.
• Forgot Wireless Password:
  • Log in to the router's web management page and navigate to the Wireless Settings to retrieve or change your password.
• Forgot Router Login Password:
  • Perform a factory reset by pressing and holding the WPS/Reset button for 5 seconds while the router is powered on. This will revert the login credentials to the default admin/admin. Note that a factory reset will erase all custom configurations.

8. Specifications

• Wireless Type: 802.11ac
• Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band (2.4GHz & 5GHz)
• Wireless Speed: 2.4GHz 300Mbps, 5GHz 433Mbps
• USB Ports: 1 x USB 2.0 Port
• Ethernet Ports: Full Gigabit Ports (1 WAN, 4 LAN)
• Antennas: 2 detachable external antennas
• Operating System Compatibility: Microsoft Windows 8/7/Vista/XP/2000/NT/98SE, MAC OS, NetWare, UNIX or Linux.
• Item Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 3 x 9 inches
• Voltage: 240 Volts

9. Warranty and Support

The TP-LINK Archer C2 AC750 Dual Band Wireless AC Gigabit Router comes with an industry-leading 2-year warranty.

For technical assistance and support, please contact TP-Link Technical Support:

• Technical Support: +1 866 225 8139