TP-Link Archer C50 User manual

Archer C50
AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Router
REV1.0.0
1910011182

COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARKS
Specifications are subject to change without notice. is a registered trademark of
TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD. Other brands and product names are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective holders.
No part of the specifications may be reproduced in any form or by any means or used to make any
derivative such as translation, transformation, or adaptation without permission from TP-LINK
TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD. Copyright © 2015 TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD. All rights
reserved.
http://www.tp-link.com

FCC STATEMENT
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ TV technician for help.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
1）This device may not cause harmful interference.
2）This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Note: The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by
unauthorized modifications to this equipment. Such modifications could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment.
FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement:
This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment. This device and its antenna must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with
any other antenna or transmitter.
“To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, this grant is applicable to only
Mobile Configurations. The antennas used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a
separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in
conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.”

CE Mark Warning
This is a class B product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference, in
which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
National Restrictions
This device is intended for home and office use in all EU countries (and other countries following
the EU directive 1999/5/EC) without any limitation except for the countries mentioned below:
Country Restriction Reason/remark
Bulgaria None General authorization required for outdoor use and
public service
France
Outdoor use limited to
10 mW e.i.r.p. within
the band 2454-2483.5
MHz
Military Radiolocation use. Refarming of the 2.4 GHz
band has been ongoing in recent years to allow current
relaxed regulation. Full implementation planned 2012
Italy None If used outside of own premises, general authorization is
required
Luxembourg None General authorization required for network and service
supply(not for spectrum)
Norway Implemented
This subsection does not apply for the geographical area
within a radius of 20 km from the centre of Ny-Ålesund
Russian Federation None Only for indoor applications
Note: Please don’t use the product outdoors in France.
5150-5250 MHz
Country Restriction Reason/remark
Bulgaria Not implemented Planned
Croatia License required
Italy General authorization required if used outside own
premises

Country Restriction Reason/remark
Luxembourg None General authorization required for network and service
supply (not for spectrum)
Russian Federation No info
Note: Please don’t use the product outdoors in France.
Canadian Compliance Statement
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject
to the following two conditions:
(1)This device may not cause interference, and
(2)This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Cet appareil est conforme aux norms CNR exemptes de licence d’Industrie Canada. Le
fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes:
(1) cet appareil ne doit pas provoquer d’interférences et
(2) cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence, y compris celles susceptibles de provoquer un
fonctionnement non souhaité de l’appareil.
Industry Canada Statement
Complies with the Canadian ICES-003 Class B specifications.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
This device complies with RSS 210 of Industry Canada. This Class B device meets all the
requirements of the Canadian interference-causing equipment regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la Classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le
matériel brouilleur du Canada.
Korea Warning Statements
당해 무선설비는 운용중 전파혼신 가능성이 있음.
NCC Notice & BSMI Notice
注意！
依據 低功率電波輻射性電機管理辦法
第十二條 經型式認證合格之低功率射頻電機，非經許可，公司、商號或使用者均不得擅自變更頻率、

加大功率或變更原設計之特性或功能。
第十四條 低功率射頻電機之使用不得影響飛航安全及干擾合法通行；經發現有干擾現象時，應立即
停用，並改善至無干擾時方得繼續使用。前項合法通信，指依電信規定作業之無線電信。低功率射
頻電機需忍受合法通信或工業、科學以及醫療用電波輻射性電機設備之干擾。
減少電磁波影響，請妥適使用。
安全諮詢及注意事項
●請使用原裝電源供應器或只能按照本產品注明的電源類型使用本產品。
●清潔本產品之前請先拔掉電源線。請勿使用液體、噴霧清潔劑或濕布進行清潔。
●注意防潮，請勿將水或其他液體潑灑到本產品上。
●插槽與開口供通風使用，以確保本產品的操作可靠並防止過熱，請勿堵塞或覆蓋開口。
●請勿將本產品置放於靠近熱源的地方。除非有正常的通風，否則不可放在密閉位置中。
●請不要私自打開機殼，不要嘗試自行維修本產品，請由授權的專業人士進行此項工作。
Продукт сертифіковано згідно справилами системи УкрСЕПРО на відповідність вимогам
нормативних документів та вимогам, що передбачені чинними законодавчими актами
України.
Safety Information
When product has power button, the power button is one of the way to shut off the product;
when there is no power button, the only way to completely shut off power is to disconnect the
product or the power adapter from the power source.
Don’t disassemble the product, or make repairs yourself. You run the risk of electric shock and
voiding the limited warranty. If you need service, please contact us.
Avoid water and wet locations.

This product can be used in the following countries:
AT BG BY CA CZ DE DK EE
ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT
LT LV MT NL NO PL PT RO
RU SE SK TR UA US

TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
For the following equipment:
Product Description: AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Router
Model No.: C50
Trademark: TP-LINK
We declare under our own responsibility that the above products satisfy all the technical
regulations applicable to the product within the scope of Council Directives:
Directives 1999/5/EC, Directives 2004/108/EC, Directives 2006/95/EC, Directives 1999/519/EC,
Directives 2011/65/EU
The above product is in conformity with the following standards or other normative documents
EN 300 328 V1.8.1
EN 301 489-1 V1.9.2 & EN 301 489-17 V2.2.1
EN 55022: 2010 + AC: 2011
EN 55024: 2010
EN 61000-3-2: 2006 + A1: 2009 + A2: 2009
EN 61000-3-3: 2013
EN 60950-1: 2006 + A11: 2009 + A1: 2010 + A12: 2011
EN 50385: 2002
EN 301 893 V1.7.1
The product carries the CE Mark:
Person is responsible for making this declaration:
Yang Hongliang
Product Manager of International Business
Date of Issue: 2015
TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
Building 24 (floors 1, 3, 4, 5), and 28 (floors 1-4) Central Science and Technology Park, Shennan Rd,
Nanshan, Shenzhen, China

CONTENTS
Package Contents.....................................................................................................1
Chapter 1.Introduction.........................................................................................2
1.1Overview of the Router...............................................................................................2
1.2Conventions ...............................................................................................................3
1.3Main Features ............................................................................................................ 3
1.4Panel Layout ..............................................................................................................4
1.4.1The Front Panel..............................................................................................4
1.4.2The Rear Panel ..............................................................................................5
Chapter 2.Connecting the router ........................................................................7
2.1System Requirements ................................................................................................7
2.2Installation Environment Requirements......................................................................7
2.3Connecting the Router ............................................................................................... 7
Chapter 3.Quick Installation Guide...................................................................10
3.1TCP/IP Configuration ............................................................................................... 10
3.2Quick Installation Guide ........................................................................................... 12
Chapter 4.Configuring the router......................................................................23
4.1Login ........................................................................................................................ 23
4.2Status ....................................................................................................................... 23
4.3Quick Setup.............................................................................................................. 25
4.4Network .................................................................................................................... 25
4.4.1WAN ............................................................................................................. 25
4.4.2LAN .............................................................................................................. 35
4.4.3MAC Clone ................................................................................................... 36
4.5Dual Band Selection................................................................................................. 36
4.6Wireless 2.4GHz ...................................................................................................... 37
4.6.1Basic Settings............................................................................................... 37
4.6.2WPS ............................................................................................................. 40
4.6.3Wireless Security.......................................................................................... 42
4.6.4Wireless MAC Filtering ................................................................................. 46
4.6.5Wireless Advanced ....................................................................................... 48
4.6.6Wireless Statistics......................................................................................... 49
4.7Wireless 5GHz ......................................................................................................... 50
- I -

4.7.1Basic Settings............................................................................................... 50
4.7.2WPS ............................................................................................................. 53
4.7.3Wireless Security.......................................................................................... 55
4.7.4Wireless MAC Filtering ................................................................................. 59
4.7.5Wireless Advanced ....................................................................................... 61
4.7.6Wireless Statistics......................................................................................... 62
4.8Guest Network ......................................................................................................... 63
4.9DHCP ....................................................................................................................... 64
4.9.1DHCP Settings ............................................................................................. 64
4.9.2DHCP Clients List ......................................................................................... 65
4.9.3Address Reservation .................................................................................... 66
4.10USB Settings............................................................................................................ 67
4.10.1USB Mass Storage ....................................................................................... 68
4.10.2User Accounts .............................................................................................. 68
4.10.3Storage Sharing............................................................................................ 69
4.10.4FTP Server ................................................................................................... 71
4.10.5Media Server ................................................................................................ 73
4.10.6Print Server................................................................................................... 75
4.11NAT .......................................................................................................................... 75
4.12Forwarding ............................................................................................................... 76
4.12.1Virtual Servers .............................................................................................. 76
4.12.2Port Triggering .............................................................................................. 78
4.12.3DMZ.............................................................................................................. 80
4.12.4UPnP ............................................................................................................ 80
4.13Security .................................................................................................................... 81
4.13.1Basic Security............................................................................................... 82
4.13.2Advanced Security........................................................................................ 83
4.13.3Local Management ....................................................................................... 85
4.13.4Remote Management ................................................................................... 85
4.14Parent Control .......................................................................................................... 86
4.15Access Control ......................................................................................................... 90
4.15.1Rule .............................................................................................................. 90
4.15.2Host .............................................................................................................. 92
4.15.3Target............................................................................................................ 94
4.15.4Schedule....................................................................................................... 96
4.16Advanced Routing.................................................................................................... 98
- II -

- III -
4.16.1Static Route List............................................................................................ 99
4.16.2System Routing Table................................................................................. 100
4.17Bandwidth Control.................................................................................................. 101
4.18IP & MAC Binding................................................................................................... 102
4.18.1Binding Settings.......................................................................................... 102
4.18.2ARP List...................................................................................................... 103
4.19Dynamic DNS......................................................................................................... 104
4.19.1No-ip.com DDNS ........................................................................................ 104
4.19.2Comexe.cn DDNS ...................................................................................... 105
4.19.3Dyn.com/dns DDNS ................................................................................... 106
4.20IPv6........................................................................................................................ 107
4.20.1IPv6 Status ................................................................................................. 108
4.20.2IPv6 WAN ................................................................................................... 109
4.20.3IPv6 LAN .................................................................................................... 113
4.21System Tools.......................................................................................................... 114
4.21.1Time Settings.............................................................................................. 114
4.21.2Diagnostic................................................................................................... 116
4.21.3Firmware Upgrade...................................................................................... 118
4.21.4Factory Defaults ......................................................................................... 119
4.21.5Backup & Restore....................................................................................... 119
4.21.6Reboot........................................................................................................ 120
4.21.7Password.................................................................................................... 120
4.21.8System Log................................................................................................. 121
4.21.9Statistics ..................................................................................................... 122
4.22Logout .................................................................................................................... 124
Appendix A: FAQ ..................................................................................................125
Appendix B: Configuring the PC.........................................................................130
Appendix C: Specifications .................................................................................132
Appendix D: Glossary ..........................................................................................133

Archer C50 AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Router
- 1 -
Package Contents
The following items should be found in your package:
Archer C50 AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Router
DC Power Adapter for Archer C50 AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Router
Quick Installation Guide
Resource CD for Archer C50 AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Router, including:
This Guide
Other Helpful Information
Note:
Make sure that the package contains the above items. If any of the listed items are damaged or
missing, please contact your distributor.

Archer C50 AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Router
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Chapter 1. Introduction
1.1 Overview of the Router
The Archer C50 AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Router integrates 4-port Switch, Firewall, NAT-router
and Wireless AP. The AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Router delivers exceptional range and speed,
which can fully meet the need of Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) networks and the users
demanding higher networking performance. Your wireless connections are radio band selectable to
avoid interference in your area, and the four built-in Gigabit ports supply high-speed connection to
your wired devices.
Incredible Speed
The Archer C50 AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Router provides up to 1200Mbps wireless connection
with other wireless clients. The incredible speed makes it ideal for handling multiple data streams at
the same time, which ensures your network stable and smooth. The performance of this 802.11ac
wireless router will give you the unexpected networking experience at speed much faster than
802.11n. It is also compatible with all IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b and IEEE 802.11g
products.
Multiple Security Protections
With multiple protection measures, including SSID broadcast control and wireless LAN 64/128-bit
WEP encryption, Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2- PSK, WPA- PSK), as well as advanced Firewall
protections, the Archer C50 AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Router provides complete data privacy.
Flexible Access Control
The Archer C50 AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Router provides flexible access control, so that
parents or network administrators can establish restricted access policies for children or staff. It also
supports Virtual Server and DMZ host for Port Triggering, and then the network administrators can
manage and monitor the network in real time with the remote management function.
Simple Installation
Since the router is compatible with virtually all the major operating systems, it is very easy to
manage. Quick Setup Wizard is supported and detailed instructions are provided step by step in
this user guide. Before installing the router, please look through this guide to know all the router’s
functions.

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1.2 Conventions
The router or Archer C50 mentioned in this guide stands for Archer C50 AC1200 Wireless Dual Band
Router without any explanation.
1.3 Main Features
Complies with IEEE 802.11ac.
One 10/100M Auto-Negotiation RJ45 Internet port, four 10/100M Auto-Negotiation RJ45
Ethernet ports, supporting Auto MDI/MDIX.
Provides USB ports supporting storage/FTP/Media/Print Server.
Provides WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK authentication, TKIP/AES encryption security.
Shares data and Internet access for users, supporting Dynamic IP/ Static IP/ PPPoE/ PPTP/
L2TP/ BigPond Internet access.
Supports simultaneous 2.4GHz and 5GHz connections for 1200Mbps of total available
bandwidth.
Supports Virtual Server, Special Application and DMZ host.
Supports UPnP, Dynamic DNS, Static Routing.
Provides Automatic-connection and Scheduled Connection on certain time to the Internet.
Built-in NAT and DHCP server supporting static IP address distributing.
Supports Parent Control and Access Control.
Connects Internet on demand and disconnects from the Internet when idle for PPPoE.
Provides 64/128-bit WEP encryption security and wireless LAN ACL (Access Control List).
Supports Flow Statistics.
Supports IPv6.
Supports firmware upgrade and Web management.

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1.4 Panel Layout
1.4.1 The Front Panel
Figure 1-1 LEDs on the front panel
The router’s LEDs are located on the front panel (View from left to right).
Name Status Indication
Off Power is off.
Flashing The router is booting or upgrading.
(Power)
On Power is on.
Off 2.4G wireless is disabled.
(2.4G Wireless) On 2.4G wireless is working properly.
Off 5G wireless is disabled.
(5G Wireless) On 5G wireless is working properly.
Off The Internet connection is not available.
Yellow-green The Internet port is connected, and the Internet is
accessible.
(Internet)
Orange The Internet port is connected, but the Internet is
inaccessible.
Off No device is connected to the Ethernet ports.
(Ethernet) On At least one device has connected to the Ethernet ports.
Off No storage device or printer is plugged into the USB port.
Flashing A plugged-in storage device or printer is being recognized.
(USB)
On The storage device has been successfully recognized.
Slow Flash A wireless device is connecting to the network by WPS
function. This process will last in the first 2 minutes.
On A wireless device has been successfully added to the
network by WPS function.
(WPS)
Quick Flash A wireless device failed to be added to the network by WPS
function.
Table 1-1 The LEDs Description
Note:
1. After a device is successfully added to the network by WPS function, the WPS LED will keep
on for about 5 minutes and then turn off.

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2. The router is set to work concurrently in 2.4GHz and 5GHz by default. If you desire to choose
the working frequency, please go to 4.5 Dual Band Selection.
1.4.2 The Rear Panel
Figure 1-2 Rear Panel sketch
The following parts are located on the rear panel (View from left to right).
WPS/Reset:
Pressing this button for less than 5 seconds enables the WPS function. If your client devices,
such as wireless adapters, support Wi-Fi Protected Setup, then you can press this button to
quickly establish a connection between the router and client devices and automatically
configure wireless security for your wireless network.
Pressing this button for more than 5 seconds enables the Reset function. With the router
powered on, press and hold the WPS/Reset button (approximately 8 seconds) until all LEDs

Archer C50 AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Router
- 6 -
are lit. And then release the button and wait for the router to reboot to its factory default
settings.
Wi-Fi: The button for the wireless function.
Internet: This port is where you will connect the DSL/cable Modem, or Ethernet.
Ethernet (1, 2, 3, 4): These ports (1, 2, 3, 4) connect the router to the local PC(s).
USB: The USB port connects to a USB storage device or a USB printer.
Power On/Off: The switch for the power.
Power: The Power socket is where you will connect the power adapter. Please use the
power adapter provided with this Archer C50 AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Router.
Wireless antenna: To receive and transmit the wireless data.

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Chapter 2. Connecting the router
2.1 System Requirements
Broadband Internet Access Service (DSL/Cable/Ethernet)
One DSL/Cable Modem that has an RJ45 connector (which is not necessary if the router is
connected directly to the Ethernet)
PCs with a working Ethernet Adapter and an Ethernet cable with RJ45 connectors
TCP/IP protocol on each PC
Web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or Apple Safari
2.2 Installation Environment Requirements
Place the router in a well-ventilated place far from any heater or heating vent
Avoid direct irradiation of any strong light (such as sunlight)
Keep at least 2 inches (5 cm) of clear space around the router
Operating Temperature: 0℃~40℃(32℉~104℉)
Operating Humidity: 10%~90%RH, Non-condensing
2.3 Connecting the Router
Before installing the router, make sure your PC is connected to the Internet through the
broadband service successfully. If there is any problem, please contact your ISP. After that, please
install the router according to the following steps. Don't forget to pull out the power plug and keep
your hands dry.
1. Power off your modem (if the modem has a backup battery, please remove it too.), and
disconnect your existing router if you have one.
2. Connect the Internet port on your router to the modem’s LAN port with an Ethernet cable.
3. Connect your computer to one of the Ethernet ports labeled 1~4 on the router with an
Ethernet cable. Or connect your computer to the router wirelessly by using the default
network name (SSID) and password printed on the product label at the bottom of the router.
4. Power on the modem and wait for 2 minutes.
5. Then plug the provided power adapter into the Power jack and the other end to a standard
electrical wall socket. Press the Power On/Off button to power on the router. (Before you

Archer C50 AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Router
- 8 -
power on the router, please make sure your computer is NOT connected to any other
wireless network.)
3
Computer
4
Wall Socket
2
Wall Socket
5
1
Modem
Internet
Figure 2-1 Hardware Installation
105
8
3.5
2.5 1.2
D
X
X>=20mm
Figure 2-2 Wall-mount Installation
Note:
The diameter of the screw ranges from 3.5 mm to 8 mm, and the distance between two screws is
105 mm. The screw that projects from the wall needs around 4.5 mm base, and the length of the
screw needs to be at least 20 mm to withstand the weight of the product.

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- 9 -
Figure 2-3 USB Installation
Note:
If you want to use the router to share files or printer, plug the USB storage device to the USB port
or connect the printer to the router with a matching cable.