Connecting the Hardware
If phone service is not required, skip step 1 and connect the modem router directly to the phone jack with a phone cable, then proceed with steps 3 and 4 to complete the hardware connection.
Hardware Connection Diagram Description: The diagram illustrates the physical connections for the modem router setup. A phone jack connects to an ADSL splitter (labeled '1'). The ADSL splitter then connects to the modem router (labeled '2'). A power adapter connects to the modem router. The modem router is shown with multiple LAN ports and antennas. An optional connection from the ADSL splitter to a phone is also indicated. Below the modem router, the power adapter is shown connected. A large arrow points from the modem router to a power outlet, indicating '3 Turn on the modem router'. Finally, a section shows three LED indicators (Power, ADSL, Wireless) with their respective statuses, labeled '4 Verify that the hardware connection is correct by checking these LEDs'.
- Connect the ADSL splitter to the phone jack.
- Connect the modem router to the ADSL splitter.
- Turn on the modem router.
- Verify that the hardware connection is correct by checking these LEDs.Power: OnADSL: OnWireless: On/FlashingNotes:
- The ADSL LED takes about 1 to 2 minutes to stabilize.
- If the Wireless LED is off, press the WiFi button on the rear panel for 2 seconds, then check the LEDs again in a few seconds.
Configuring the Modem Router
1. Connecting your computer to the modem router (Wired or Wireless)
Wired Connection
Connect the computer to any of the LAN 1, LAN 2, LAN 3, or LAN 4 ports on your modem router with an Ethernet cable.
Wired Connection Diagram Description: An Ethernet cable is shown connecting a laptop computer to one of the LAN ports on the modem router. The modem router's label is visible, showing model TD-W8961ND and default settings like http://tplinkmodem.net, Username: admin, Password: admin.
Wireless Connection
Connect wirelessly by using the SSID (wireless network name) and Wireless Password printed on the product label at the bottom of the modem router.
2. Configuring the modem router via a web browser or the CD Setup Wizard
Before configuring the modem router, consult your ISP (Internet Service Provider) for the following information: ISP Connection Type, VPI, VCI, and Connection Type (Encapsulation Type). If your ISP Connection Type is PPPoE/PPPoA, you will also need your account username and password.
Option 1: Via a web browser
- Enter http://tplinkmodem.net or 192.168.1.1 in the address bar of a web browser. Use 'admin' for both username and password, then click Login.If the login window does not appear, refer to FAQ > Q1.Login Screen Diagram Description: A web browser window shows the address bar with http://tplinkmodem.net. Below it, fields for Username (pre-filled with 'admin') and Password (pre-filled with 'admin') are shown, with a 'Login' button.
- A Quick Start screen will show up. Click NEXT to continue, then select your Time Zone and click NEXT.If the Quick Start screen does not appear, select Quick Start from the menu and click RUN WIZARD.Quick Start - Time Zone Screen Diagram Description: A screen titled 'Quick Start - Time Zone' is displayed, showing a dropdown menu for selecting a time zone, with '(GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, London, Lisbon' selected. Buttons for 'BACK', 'NEXT', and 'EXIT' are at the bottom.
- Complete the Internet Settings with the information provided by your ISP and click NEXT. (PPPoE/PPPoA is used for demonstration.)Per FCC regulations, all Wi-Fi products marketed in the U.S. must be fixed to the U.S. region only. All Internet settings shown are for demonstration only. Contact your ISP if unsure.Quick Start - Internet Settings Screen Diagram Description: A screen titled 'Quick Start - Internet Settings' shows dropdowns for 'Country' and 'ISP' (both 'Other' selected). 'ISP Connection Type' is 'PPPoE/PPPoA'. Fields for 'Username' and 'Password' (both 'XXXXXXXXXX' masked) are present. 'VPI' is '8' (range 0-255) and 'VCI' is '35' (range 32-65535). 'Connection Type' is 'PPPoE LLC'. Buttons for 'BACK', 'NEXT', and 'EXIT' are at the bottom.
- Verify or change the WLAN settings (wireless network settings) and click NEXT to continue.You may personalize your SSID (wireless network name) and key. Once done, you will have to reconnect to your wireless network using the new SSID and key.Quick Start - WLAN Screen Diagram Description: A screen titled 'Quick Start - WLAN' shows 'Access Point' as 'Activated'. 'SSID' is 'TP-LINK_XXXXXX'. 'Broadcast SSID' is 'Yes'. 'Authentication Type' is 'WPA2-PSK'. 'Encryption' is 'AES'. 'Pre-Shared Key' is 'XXXXXXXX'. Buttons for 'BACK', 'NEXT', and 'EXIT' are at the bottom.
- Click SAVE to complete the configuration.
Option 2: Via the CD Setup Wizard (For Windows users only)
Mac OS and Linux users should refer to Option 1 to configure the modem router.
- Insert the TP-LINK Resource CD into the CD-ROM drive.
- Choose your language, select TD-W8961ND and click Start Setup. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the initial configuration of the modem router.CD Setup Wizard Screen Diagram Description: A TP-LINK setup screen shows images of three modem router models (TD-W8970, TD-W8968, TD-W8961ND). 'TD-W8961ND' is highlighted. A 'Start Setup' button is prominent. A dropdown for 'Choose your language' is set to 'English'. Buttons for 'Browse CD' and 'EXIT' are also present.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. What can I do if the login page does not appear?
A1. Ensure the computer is connected to the modem router properly.
A2. If the computer is set to a static or fixed IP address, change it to obtain an IP address automatically from the modem router.
A3. Verify http://tplinkmodem.net or 192.168.1.1 is correctly entered in the web browser and press Enter.
A4. Use another web browser and try again.
A5. Reboot your modem router and try again.
A6. Disable and enable the active network adapter.
Q2. What can I do if I cannot access the Internet?
A1. Ensure the telephone and Ethernet cables are plugged in correctly.
A2. Try to log into the web management page of the modem router using the default address at http://tplinkmodem.net or 192.168.1.1. If successful, try the following answers. If not, change your computer to obtain an IP address automatically from the modem router.
A3. Consult your ISP and make sure all the VPI/VCI, Connection Type, account username and password are correct. If they are not, replace them with the correct settings and try again.
A4. Restore the modem router to its factory default settings and reconfigure the modem router by following the instructions in this Quick Installation Guide.
A5. Contact TP-LINK Technical Support if the problem still exists.
Q3. How do I restore the modem router to its factory default settings?
A1. With the modem router powered on, press and hold down the WPS/RESET button on the rear panel of the modem router for at least 8 seconds until some LEDs go off, then release the button.
WPS/RESET Button Diagram Description: A small button labeled 'WPS/RESET' is shown, with text indicating 'Press & Hold 8 seconds'.
A2. Log into the web management page of the modem router, and go to Maintenance > SysRestart, select Factory Default Settings and click RESTART, then wait until the reset process is complete.
Q4. What can I do if I forget my password?
Web Management page password: Refer to FAQ > Q3 to reset the modem router, and then use 'admin' (all lowercase) for both username and password to log in.
Wireless Network password:
A1. The default Wireless Password/PIN is printed on the product label of the modem router.
A2. If the default wireless password has been changed, log into the modem router's web management page and go to Interface Setup > Wireless to retrieve or reset your password.
Q5. What can I do if the ADSL LED ? does not turn solid on?
A1. Check your cables and make sure they are all plugged in correctly, including the telephone lines and power adapter.
A2. Manually change your DSL settings. Log into the modem router's web management page. Go to Advanced Setup > ADSL, change the ADSL Mode to G.DMT, and click SAVE. If this cannot work, try to change the ADSL Mode to ADSL2 and click SAVE.
A3. Restore your modem router to its factory default settings.
A4. Remove the ADSL splitter, directly connect the modem router to the phone jack and then reconfigure the modem router by following the instructions in this Quick Installation Guide.
A5. Contact your Internet service provider to verify if the ADSL line is in good status.
A6. If you have tried all the suggestions above and the problem still exists, contact TP-LINK Technical Support.
