TP-Link Archer C55 User manual

Archer C55
AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router
REV1.0.0
1910011
879

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 ©2016 TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
All rights reserved.
http://www.tp-link.com

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CONTENTS
Package Contents.....................................................................................................1
Chapter 1. Introduction.........................................................................................2
1.1 Overview of the Router.................................................................................................2
1.2 Conventions ..................................................................................................................3
1.3Main 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.....................................................................9
3.1 TCP/IP Configuration....................................................................................................9
3.2 Quick Installation Guide..............................................................................................10
Chapter 4. Configuring the router......................................................................21
4.1 Login ...........................................................................................................................21
4.2 Status ..........................................................................................................................22
4.3 Quick Setup ................................................................................................................23
4.4 Network.......................................................................................................................24
4.4.1 WAN ................................................................................................................24
4.4.2 LAN .................................................................................................................33
4.4.3 MAC Clone......................................................................................................34
4.5 Dual Band Selection ...................................................................................................35
4.6 Wireless 2.4GHz.........................................................................................................35
4.6.1 Basic Settings .................................................................................................36
4.6.2 WPS ................................................................................................................38
4.6.3 Wireless Security ............................................................................................40
4.6.4 Wireless MAC Filtering ...................................................................................43
4.6.5 Wireless Advanced .........................................................................................46
4.6.6 Wireless Statistics...........................................................................................47
4.7 Wireless 5GHz ............................................................................................................48

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4.7.1 Basic Settings .................................................................................................48
4.7.2 WPS ................................................................................................................50
4.7.3 Wireless Security ............................................................................................53
4.7.4 Wireless MAC Filtering ...................................................................................57
4.7.5 Wireless Advanced .........................................................................................59
4.7.6 Wireless Statistics ...........................................................................................60
4.8 Guest Network ............................................................................................................61
4.9 DHCP..........................................................................................................................62
4.9.1 DHCP Settings................................................................................................62
4.9.2 DHCP Clients List ...........................................................................................63
4.9.3 Address Reservation ......................................................................................64
4.10 NAT .............................................................................................................................65
4.11 Forwarding ..................................................................................................................65
4.11.1 Virtual Servers ................................................................................................65
4.11.2 Port Triggering ................................................................................................67
4.11.3 DMZ ................................................................................................................70
4.11.4 UPnP...............................................................................................................70
4.12 Security .......................................................................................................................71
4.12.1 Basic Security .................................................................................................71
4.12.2 Advanced Security..........................................................................................73
4.12.3 Local Management .........................................................................................74
4.12.4 Remote Management .....................................................................................75
4.13 Parent Control.............................................................................................................76
4.14 Access Control............................................................................................................79
4.14.1 Rule.................................................................................................................79
4.14.2 Host.................................................................................................................81
4.14.3 Target ..............................................................................................................83
4.14.4 Schedule .........................................................................................................85
4.15 Advanced Routing ......................................................................................................87
4.15.1 Static Route List..............................................................................................87
4.15.2 System Routing Table.....................................................................................88
4.16 Bandwidth Control ......................................................................................................89
4.17 IP & MAC Binding .......................................................................................................90
4.17.1 Binding Settings..............................................................................................90
4.17.2 ARP List ..........................................................................................................91
4.18 Dynamic DNS .............................................................................................................92

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4.18.1 No-ip.com DDNS ............................................................................................92
4.18.2 Comexe.cn DDNS...........................................................................................93
4.18.3 Dyn.com/dns DDNS........................................................................................94
4.19 IPv6 .............................................................................................................................95
4.19.1 IPv6 Status......................................................................................................95
4.19.2 IPv6 WAN........................................................................................................96
4.19.3 IPv6 LAN.......................................................................................................100
4.20 System Tools.............................................................................................................101
4.20.1 Time Settings ................................................................................................101
4.20.2 Diagnostic .....................................................................................................103
4.20.3 Firmware Upgrade ........................................................................................104
4.20.4 Factory Defaults............................................................................................105
4.20.5 Backup & Restore.........................................................................................106
4.20.6 Reboot...........................................................................................................107
4.20.7 Password ......................................................................................................107
4.20.8 System Log ...................................................................................................108
4.20.9 Statistics........................................................................................................108
4.21 Logout .......................................................................................................................110
Appendix A: FAQ .................................................................................................. 111
Appendix B: Configuring the PC......................................................................... 116
Appendix D: Glossary .......................................................................................... 118

Archer C55
AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router
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Package Contents
The following items should be found in your package:
Archer C55 AC 1200 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router
DC Power Adapter for Archer C55 AC 1200 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router
Quick Installation Guide

Note:
Make sure that the package contains the above items. If any of the listed items are damaged or
missing, please contact your distributor.

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AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router
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Chapter 1. Introduction
1.1 Overview of the Router
The Archer C55 AC 1200 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router integrates 4-port Switch, Firewall,
NAT-router and Wireless AP. The AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit 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.
The Archer C55 AC 1200 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit 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.
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 C55 AC 1200 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router provides complete data
privacy.
The Archer C55 AC 1200 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit 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.
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.
Simple Installation
Flexible Access Control
Multiple Security Protections
Incredible Speed

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AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router
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1.2 Conventions
The router or Archer C55 mentioned in this guide stands for Archer C55 AC 1200 Wireless Dual Band
Gigabit Router without any explanation.
1.3 Main Features
Complies with IEEE 802.11ac.
One 10/100/1000M Auto-Negotiation RJ45 Internet port, four 10/100M Auto-Negotiation
RJ45 Ethernet ports, supporting Auto MDI/MDIX.
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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AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router
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1.4 Panel Layout
1.4.1 The Front Panel
The router’s LEDs are located on the front panel (View from left to right).
Name Status Indication
(Power)
Off Power is off.
Flashing The router is booting or upgrading.
On Power is on.
(2.4G Wireless)
Off 2.4G wireless is disabled.
On 2.4G wireless is working properly.
(5G Wireless)
Off 5G wireless is disabled.
On 5G wireless is working properly.
(Internet)
Off The Internet connection is not available.
Yellow-green The Internet port is connected, and
the Internet is
accessible.
Orange The Internet port is connected, but
the Internet is
inaccessible.
(Ethernet) Off No device is connected to the Ethernet ports.

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AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router
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On At least one device has connected to the Ethernet ports.
(WPS)
Slow
Flashing
A wireless device is connecting to the network by WPS
function. This process will last in the first 2 minutes.
On Awireless device has been
successfully added to the
network by WPS function.
Quick
Flashing
A wireless device failed to be added to the network by WPS
function.

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.
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
The following parts are located on the rear panel (View from left to right).
WPS:
Pressing this button 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.

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AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router
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Ethernet (1, 2, 3, 4): These ports (1, 2, 3, 4) connect the router to the local PC(s).
Internet:This port is where you will connect the DSL/cable Modem, or Ethernet.
Reset: Pressing this button for about 5 seconds enables the Reset function. With the router
powered on, press and hold the Reset button (approximately 5 seconds) until all LEDs are
lit. And then release the button and wait for the router to reboot to its factory default settings.
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 C55 AC 1200 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router.
Wi-Fi On/Off: The button for the wireless function.
Wireless antennas: To receive and transmit the wireless data.

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AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router
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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. Turn off the modem, and remove the backup battery if it has one.
2. Connect the modem to the Internet port on your router with an Ethernet cable.
3. Turn on the modem, and then wait about 2 minutes for it to restart.
4. Connect the power adapter to the router and turn on the router.
5. Verify that the hardware connection is correct by checking these LEDs.
Power On 2.4GHz On 5GHz On Internet On

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AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router
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
Note:
If the 2.4GHz LED and 5GHz LED are off, please press the Wi-Fi On/Off button on the rear panel
for 2 seconds, then the LEDs should be on in a few seconds.
Please follow the steps below to mount the router to the wall if you need.
105
∅8
∅3.5
2.5 1.2
ØD
X
X>=20mm

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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AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router
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Chapter 3. Quick Installation Guide
This chapter will show you how to configure the basic functions of your AC1200 Wireless Dual
Band Gigabit Router using Quick Setup Wizard within minutes.
3.1 TCP/IP Configuration
The default IP address of the router is 192.168.0.1 and the default Subnet Mask is 255.255.255.0.
These values can be changed as you desire. In this guide, we use all the default values for
description.
Connect the local PC to the Ethernet ports of the router and then you can configure the IP address
for your PC by the following method: Set up the TCP/IP Protocol in "Obtain an IP address
automatically" mode on your PC. If you need instructions as to how to do this, please refer to
Appendix B: Configuring the PC. Then the built-in DHCP server will assign IP address for the PC.
Now, you can run the Ping command in the command prompt to verify the network connection
between your PC and the router. The following example is in Windows XP OS.
Open a command prompt, and type ping 192.168.0.1, and then press Enter.
If the result displayed is similar to the following figure, it means the connection between your
PC and the router has been established well.
If the result displayed is similar to following figure, it means the connection between your PC
and the router failed.

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AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router
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Please check the connection following these steps:
1. Is the connection between your PC and the router correct?

Note:
The Ethernet LED on the router and LEDs on your PC's adapter should be lit.
2. Is the TCP/IP configuration for your PC correct?

Note:
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.
3. Is the default LAN IP of the router correct?

Note:
If the LAN IP of the modem connected with your router is 192.168.0.x, the default LAN IP of the
router will automatically switch from 192.168.0.1 to 192.168.1.1 to avoid IP conflict. Therefore, in
order to verify the network connection between your PC and the router, you can open a command
prompt, and type ping 192.168.1.1, and then press Enter.
3.2 Quick Installation Guide
With a Web-based utility, it is easy to configure and manage the AC1200 Wireless Dual Band
Gigabit Router. The Web-based utility can be used on any Windows, Macintosh or UNIX OS with
a Web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or Apple Safari.
1. To access the configuration utility, open a web-browser and type in the default IP address
http://tplinkwifi.net in the address field.

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AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router
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After a moment, a login window will appear, similar to the following figure. Enter admin for the
User Name and Password, both in lower case letters. Then click the Login button or press
the Enter key.

Note:
If the above screen does not pop up, it means that your Web-browser has been set to a proxy.
Go to Tools menu>Internet Options>Connections>LAN Settings, in the screen that appears,
cancel the Using Proxy checkbox, and click OK to finish it.
2. After successful login, the Quick Setup page will appear for you to quickly configure your
router.
3. Click Next, and then WAN Connection Type page will appear, shown in the following figure.

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AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router
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The router provides Auto-Detect function and supports five types of WAN connection:
Dynamic IP, Static IP, PPPoE, L2TP, and PPTP. It’s recommended that you make use of
the Auto-Detect function. If you are sure of what kind of connection type your ISP provides,
you can select the very type and click Next to go on configuring.
4. If you select Auto-Detect, the router will automatically detect the connection type your ISP
provides. Make sure the cable is securely plugged into the Internet port before detection. The
appropriate configuration page will be displayed when an active Internet service is
successfully detected by the router.

Note:
If Auto-Detect fails, you can select the connection type your ISP provides in the figure above,
and follow the configuring procedures below to continue.
1) If the connection type detected is Dynamic IP, there will appear the MAC Clone page (as
shown in the following figure). In most cases, there is no need to clone the MAC address.
You can select “No, I do NOT need to clone MAC address” and then click Next. If it is
necessary in your case, please select “Yes, I need to clone MAC address” and then
click Next.

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AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router
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2) If the connection type detected is Static IP, the next screen will appear as shown in the
following figure. Configure the following parameters and then click Next to continue.
IP Address - This is the WAN IP address as seen by external users on the Internet
(including your ISP). Your ISP will provide you with the IP address you need to enter
here. Enter the IP address into the field.
Subnet Mask - The Subnet Mask is used for the WAN IP address. Your IPS will provide
you with the subnet mask which is usually 255.255.255.0.
Default Gateway - Your ISP will provide you with the Gateway address which is the ISP
server’s address. Enter the gateway IP address into the box if required.
Primary DNS Server - Enter the DNS Server IP address into the box if required.
Secondary DNS Server-（Optional）If your ISP provides another DNS server, enter it
into this field.
3) If the connection type detected is PPPoE, the next screen will appear as shown in the
following figure. Configure the following parameters and then click Next to continue.

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AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router
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User Name/Password - Enter the User Name and Password provided by your ISP.
These fields are case-sensitive. If you have difficulty with this process, please contact
your ISP.
Confirm Password - Enter the password again to make sure that the password is
correct.
Secondary Connection - It’s available only for PPPoE Connection. If your ISP provides an
extra Connection type such as Dynamic/Static IP to connect to a local area network, then you
can check the radio button of Dynamic/Static IP to activate this secondary connection.
Disabled -The Secondary Connection is disabled by default, so there is PPPoE
connection only. This is recommended.
Dynamic IP - You can check this radio button to use Dynamic IP as the secondary
connection to connect to the local area network provided by ISP.
Static IP -You can check this radio button to use Static IP as the secondary connection
to connect to the local area network provided by ISP.
4) If your connection type is L2TP, select L2TP and the next screen will appear as shown in
the following figure.Configure the following parameters and then click Next to continue.
Username/Password - 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.
Select Static IP if the IP Address/ Subnet Mask/ Gateway and DNS server address have
been provided by your ISP. Then please enter server IP address or domain name provided by
your ISP, and also enter the corresponding parameters.

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AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router
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Select Dynamic IP if none of the above parameters are provided. Then you just need to enter
server IP address or domain name provided by your ISP.
5) If your connection type is PPTP, select PPTP and the next screen will appear as shown in
the following figure. Configure the following parameters and then click Next to continue.
Username/Password - 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.
Select Static IP if the IP Address/ Subnet Mask/ Gateway and DNS server address have
been provided by your ISP. Then please enter server IP address or domain name provided by
your ISP, and also enter the corresponding parameters.