TP-Link SafeStream TL-R480T+ User manual

TL-R480T+
Load Balance Broadband Router
Rev: 4.1.0
1910010610

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 © 2012 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 A digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used
in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
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.
CE Mark Warning
This is a class A product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference, in
which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

Package Contents
The following items should be found in your box:
¾One TL-R480T+ Load Balance Broadband Router
¾One power cord for TL-R480T+ Load Balance Broadband Router
¾One Resource CD for TL-R480T+ Load Balance Broadband Router, including:
•This User Guide
•Other Helpful Information
¾Mounting kits for installing in a standard 19-inch rack
)Note:
1) The provided power cord may be different due to local power specifications.
2) Make sure that the package contains the above items. If any of the listed items are damaged
or missing, please contact with your distributor.
.
Conventions
The router or TL-R480T+ mentioned in this guide stands for TL-R480T+ Load Balance Broadband
Router without any explanation.

CONTENTS
Chapter 1.Introduction ........................................................................................ 1
1.1Overview of the Router .................................................................................................. 1
1.2Features......................................................................................................................... 1
1.3Conventions................................................................................................................... 2
Chapter 2.Hardware installation ......................................................................... 3
2.1Panel Layout.................................................................................................................. 3
2.1.1The Front Panel................................................................................................................3
2.1.2The Rear Panel ................................................................................................................4
2.2System Requirements ................................................................................................... 5
2.3Installation Environment Requirements ......................................................................... 5
2.4Connect to Ground ........................................................................................................ 5
2.5Connecting the Router................................................................................................... 7
Chapter 3.Quick Installation Guide .................................................................... 9
3.1Configure PC ................................................................................................................. 9
3.2Login............................................................................................................................ 12
Chapter 4.Configuring the Router .................................................................... 15
4.1Status........................................................................................................................... 15
4.2Quick Setup ................................................................................................................. 17
4.3Network........................................................................................................................ 17
4.3.1WAN/LAN Number .........................................................................................................17
4.3.2LAN.................................................................................................................................18
4.3.3WAN ...............................................................................................................................19
4.3.4Network Service Detection............................................................................................. 30
4.3.5MAC Clone .....................................................................................................................31
4.3.6Load Balance .................................................................................................................31
4.3.7Balance Policy................................................................................................................ 35
4.3.8WAN Port Parameter...................................................................................................... 36
4.4DHCP........................................................................................................................... 37
4.4.1DHCP Settings ...............................................................................................................38
4.4.2DHCP Clients List........................................................................................................... 39
4.4.3Address Reservation ...................................................................................................... 39
4.5Forwarding................................................................................................................... 40
4.5.1Virtual Servers................................................................................................................41
4.5.2Port Triggering................................................................................................................42
4.5.3DMZ................................................................................................................................44
4.5.4UPnP ..............................................................................................................................45
4.5.5ALG ................................................................................................................................46
4.6Security........................................................................................................................46
4.6.1Firewall ...........................................................................................................................47
4.6.2IP Filtering ......................................................................................................................48

4.6.3Domain Filtering .............................................................................................................50
4.6.4MAC Filtering..................................................................................................................52
4.6.5Screen ............................................................................................................................53
4.7Static Routing .............................................................................................................. 56
4.8Session Limit ............................................................................................................... 58
4.8.1Session Limit ..................................................................................................................58
4.8.2Session List ....................................................................................................................59
4.9QoS.............................................................................................................................. 59
4.9.1QoS Settings ..................................................................................................................60
4.9.2QoS Rules List ............................................................................................................... 60
4.10IP & MAC Binding ........................................................................................................ 61
4.10.1Binding Setting ...............................................................................................................61
4.10.2ARP List..........................................................................................................................63
4.11Dynamic DNS .............................................................................................................. 64
4.11.1Dyndns DDNS ................................................................................................................64
4.11.2PeanutHull DDNS...........................................................................................................65
4.11.3Comexe DDNS...............................................................................................................66
4.11.4No-IP DDNS ...................................................................................................................67
4.12Switch Settings ............................................................................................................ 68
4.12.1Port Statistics .................................................................................................................69
4.12.2Port Mirror ......................................................................................................................69
4.12.3Port Rate Control............................................................................................................ 70
4.12.4Port Parameter ...............................................................................................................70
4.12.5Port Status......................................................................................................................71
4.12.6Port VLAN ......................................................................................................................72
4.13System Tools ............................................................................................................... 72
4.13.1Time Settings .................................................................................................................73
4.13.2Diagnostic Tools.............................................................................................................74
4.13.3Firmware.........................................................................................................................75
4.13.4Factory Defaults .............................................................................................................76
4.13.5Backup and Restore.......................................................................................................76
4.13.6Reboot............................................................................................................................78
4.13.7Password........................................................................................................................78
4.13.8System Log .................................................................................................................... 79
4.13.9Remote Management.....................................................................................................79
4.13.10Statistics .........................................................................................................................80
4.13.11IP NAT Table.................................................................................................................. 82
4.13.12NAT Source Port Settings ..............................................................................................82
Appendix A: Specifications................................................................................... 83
Appendix B: Preventing Lightning ....................................................................... 84
Appendix C: FAQ.................................................................................................... 85
Appendix D: Glossary............................................................................................ 89

TL-R480T+ Load Balance Broadband Router User Guide
1
Chapter 1.Introduction
Thank you for choosing TL-R480T+ Load Balance Broadband Router!
1.1 Overview of the Router
The TL-R480T+ Load Balance Broadband Router possesses excellent throughput and driving
load capability, which consumedly meets the requirements from Internet cafe and small
/medium/sizable enterprise with volumes of users, making a more expedite communication. The
superior performance will bring you full-new experience of a non-bottle-neck network.
TL-R480T+ Load Balance Broadband Router provides three adjustable WAN/LAN ports which
can work as WAN port or LAN port. By the factory defaults, TL-R480T+ is set to work in the dual
WAN ports mode with port 1 and port 2 as WAN ports, while port 3~5 are LAN ports. The Router
features fully automatically load balance policy, no need for any manually work, it works with
backup and load balancing functions. The connection will furbish when one line is broken down,
while the streaming will part automatically.
TL-R480T+ makes plenty of applications become a reality. It can be used for constructing intranet
FTP, WEB, and Mail server, etc. Inaccessibly, it features network game ports opened, MSN audio
conversation and special application setting, providing much more additional value to your
network.
Featuring firewall and VPN Passthrough, the TL-R480T+ Load Balance Broadband Router resists
most common Internet attacks and ensures secure data connectivity and transmission over the
Internet.
TL-R480T+ Load Balance Broadband Router is easy-to-manage. Quick Setup is supported and
friendly help messages are provided for every step. So you can configure it quickly and share
Internet access, files and fun comfortably.
1.2 Features
¾Complies with IEEE 802.3, 802.3u , 802.3x standards
¾1 fixed WAN port (port 1), 1 fixed LAN port (port 5), and 3 adjustable WAN/LAN ports (By
defaults, port 2 is WAN port, port 3~4 are LAN ports), backup connections automatically for
each other
¾Support Port Bandwidth Control, Port Mirror for LAN ports
¾Supports IP address-based QoS
¾Built-in NAT and DHCP server supporting static IP address distributing
¾Supports Virtual Server, Port Triggering, and DMZ host
¾Built-in firewall supporting IP address filtering, Domain Name filtering, and MAC address filtering
¾Supports connecting/disconnecting Internet at a specified time of day
¾Supports access control, allowing parents and network administrators to establish restricted
access policies based on the time of day for children or staff

TL-R480T+ Load Balance Broadband Router User Guide
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¾Supports TCP/IP, PPPoE, DHCP, ICMP, NAT, SNTP
¾Supports UPnP, Dynamic DNS, Static Routing, VPN pass-through
¾Supports Traffic Statistics
¾Supports IP & MAC Binding, Switch Setting, and Session Limit
¾Supports ICMP-FLOOD, UDP-FLOOD, TCP-SYN-FLOOD filter
¾Ignores Ping packets from WAN or LAN ports
¾Supports firmware upgrade
¾Supports Remote and Web management
1.3 Conventions
Parameters provided in the pictures are just references for setting up the product, which may
differ from the actual situation.
You can set the parameters according to your demand.

TL-R480T+ Load Balance Broadband Router User Guide
Chapter 2.Hardware installation
2.1 Panel Layout
2.1.1 The Front Panel
The Router’s LEDs are located on the front panel (View from left to right).
Figure 2-1
LED Descriptions:
Name Status Indication
Not lit The router is power off.
PWR
Lit up (Green) The router is power on.
Not lit The router has a hardware error.
Lit up (Green) The router has a hardware error.
SYS
Flashing
(Green) The router works properly.
Not lit There is no device linked to the corresponding port.
Lit up
(Green/Yellow)
There is a device linked to the corresponding port but no
activity. (Green light indicates the corresponding port is
working as a LAN port, and yellow indicates WAN port.)
Link/Act
(WAN/LAN)
Flashing
(Green/Yellow)
There is an active device linked to the corresponding port.
(Green light indicates the corresponding port is working as a
LAN port, and yellow indicates WAN port.)
Not lit The linked device is running at 10Mbps.
100Mbps
(WAN/LAN) Lit up
(Green/Yellow)
The linked device is running at 100Mbps. (Green light
indicates the corresponding port is working as a LAN port,
and yellow indicates WAN port.)
The front panel contains the following features. (Viewed from left to right)
¾Reset: Use the button to restore the router to the factory defaults.
There are two ways to reset the router:
Method one: Use the Factory Defaults function on System Tools -> Factory Defaults page in
the router's Web-based Utility.
Method two: With the router powered on, use a pin to press and hold the Reset button (about 5
seconds) until the SYS LED lights up and flashes. And then release the button and wait the router
to reboot to its factory default settings.
3

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)Note:
Ensure the router is powered on before it restarts completely.
¾WAN: A RJ45 port for connecting the router to a cable, DSL modem or Ethernet. Port 1 is a
fixed WAN port.
¾WAN/LAN: Three RJ45 ports which can be adjusted to be WAN or LAN ports. By defaults,
port 2 is WAN port, while port 3 and port 4 are LAN ports.
)Note:
The previous configurations will be cleared if the number of WAN/LAN ports is changed.
¾LAN: A 10/100Mbps RJ45 port for connecting the router to the local PCs. Port 5 is a fixed
LAN port.
2.1.2 The Rear Panel
The rear panel of TL-R480T+ features a power receptacle and a Grounding Terminal (marked
with ).
Figure 2-2
¾Grounding Terminal: The Router has adopted professional lightning protection technology
to prevent the lightning. However, to protect the router from lightning even safely, please
connect the Grounding Terminal of the Router to ground by the ground cable before
connecting the Router to the power, as shown in the following figure.
)Note: The ground cable is not provided with our product. If needed, please self purchase it.
)Note:
For detailed instructions how to connect the Router to the ground, please refer to 2.4 Connect to
Ground.

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¾AC power receptacle: Connect the female of the power cord head here, and the male head
to the AC power outlet.
2.2 System Requirements
¾Broadband Internet Access Service (DSL/Cable/Ethernet)
¾One DSL/Cable modem that has an RJ45 connector (It’s not necessary if you connect the
router to Ethernet)
¾Each PC on the LAN needs a working Ethernet Adapter and an Ethernet cable with RJ45
connectors
¾Web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or later, Netscape Navigator 6.0 or later
2.3 Installation Environment Requirements
¾Not in direct sunlight or near a heater or heating vent
¾Not cluttered or crowded. There should be at least 2 inches (5 cm) of clear space on all sides
of the router
¾Well ventilated (especially if it is in a closet)
¾Operating temperature: 0℃~40℃(32℉~104℉)
¾Operating Humidity: 10%~90%RH, Non-condensing
)Note:
1) Do not use this product near water, for example, in a wet basement or near a swimming pool.
2) Avoid using this product during an electrical storm. There may be a remote risk of electric
shock from lightning.
2.4 Connect to Ground
Connecting the router to ground is to quickly release the lightning over-voltage and over-current of
the router, which is also a necessary measure to protect the body from electric shock.
In different environments, the Router may be grounded differently. The following will instruct you
to connect the Router to the Ground in two ways, connecting to the Grounding Bar or connecting
to the Ground via the power cord. Please connect the router to ground in the optimum way
according to your specific operation environment.
•Connecting to the Grounding Bar
If the Router is installed in the Equipment Room, where a professional Grounding Bar is available,
you are recommended to connect the Router to the Grounding Bar by the ground cable as shown
in the following figure.

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)Note:
The Grounding Bar and the Ground Cable are not provided with our product. If needed, please
self purchase them.
•Connecting to the Ground via the power supply
If the Router is installed in the normal environment, the Router can be grounded via the PE
（Protecting Earth）cable of the AC power supply as shown in the following figure.

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)Note:
If you intend to connect the Router to the ground via the PE（Protecting Earth）cable of AC power
cord, please make sure the PE（Protecting Earth）cable in the electrical outlet is well grounded in
advance.
2.5 Connecting the Router
Before you install the router, you should connect your PC to the Internet through your broadband
service successfully. If there is any problem, please contact with your ISP for help. 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 PC(s), Cable/DSL modem, and the router.
2. Connect the PC(s) and all Switches/Hubs on your LAN to the LAN Ports on the router, shown
in figure 2-3.
3. Connect the DSL/Cable modem to the WAN port on the router, shown in figure 2-3.
4. Connect the AC power adapter to the AC power socket on the router, and the other end into
an electrical outlet. The router will start to work automatically.
5. Power on your PC(s) and Cable/DSL modem.

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Figure 2-3

TL-R480T+ Load Balance Broadband Router User Guide
Chapter 3.Quick Installation Guide
After connecting the TL-R480T+ router into your network, you should configure it. This chapter
describes how to configure the basic functions of your TL-R480T+ Load Balance Broadband
Router. These procedures only take you a few minutes. You can access the Internet via the router
immediately after it has been successfully configured.
3.1 Configure PC
Step 1: Click the Start menu on your desktop, right click My Network Places, and then select
Properties (shown in Figure 3-1).
Figure 3-1
Step 2: In the next screen, right click Local Area Connection (LAN), and then select
Properties.
9

TL-R480T+ Load Balance Broadband Router User Guide
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Figure 3-2
Step 3: In the next screen, select General tab, highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and then
click the Properties button.
Figure 3-3

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Step 4: Configure the IP address as shown in Figure 3-4. After that, click OK.
Figure 3-4
)Note:
You can configure the PC to get an IP address automatically, select “Obtain an IP address
automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically” in the screen above. For
Windows 98 OS or earlier, the PC and router may need to be restarted.
Now, you can run the Ping command in the command prompt to verify the network connection.
Please click the Start menu on your desktop, select run tab, type cmd in the field, and then type
ping 192.168.0.1 on the next screen, and then press Enter.
If the result displayed is similar to the screen below, the connection between your PC and the
Router has been established.
Figure 3-5

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If the result displayed is similar to the screen shown below, it means that your PC has not
connected to the Router.
Figure 3-6
You can check it follow the steps below:
)Note:
1) Is the connection between your PC and the Router correct?
The LEDs of LAN port which you link to the device and the LEDs on your PC's adapter should be
lit.
2) Is the TCP/IP configuration for your PC correct?
If the Router's IP address is 192.168.0.1, your PC's IP address must be within the range of
192.168.0.2 ~ 192.168.0.254, the gateway must be 192.168.0.1.
3.2 Login
Once your host PC is properly configured, please proceed as follows to use the Web-based Utility:
Start your web browser and type the private IP address of the Router in the URL field:
http://192.168.0.1.
After that, you will see the screen shown below, enter the default User Name admin and the
default Password admin, and then click OK to access to the Quick Setup screen. You can follow
the steps below to complete the Quick Setup.

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Figure 3-7
)Note:
If the above screen (Figure 3-7) does not prompt, it means that your web-browser may be set to a
proxy. Choose Tools menu→Internet Options→Connections→LAN Settings, in the screen
that appears, cancel the Using Proxy checkbox, and click OK to finish it.
Step 1: Select the Quick Setup tab on the left of the main menu and the “Quick Setup” screen
will appear. Click the Next button.
Figure 3-8
Step 2: Select the connection type to connect to the ISP and then click the Next button.
Figure 3-9

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)Note:
Three popular ways to connect to Internet are provided in Quick Setup. Please select one
compatible with your ISP. If you are given another way not listed here, refer to Network→WAN
for detailed list.
Step 3: If you choose PPPoE, you will see the screen as shown in Figure 3-10. Enter the
Username and Password provided by your ISP. These fields are case sensitive. If you
have difficulty with this process, please contact your ISP.
Figure 3-10
Step 4: If you choose Dynamic IP in Figure 3-9, the router will automatically receive the IP
parameters from your ISP without needing to enter any parameters.
Step 5: If you Choose Static IP, you should enter the detailed IP information in Figure 3-11.
Click the Next button
Figure 3-11
Step 6: After that, you will see the next screen. Click Finish to complete the quick installation.
Figure 3-12