TP-Link TC-W7960 User manual

TC-W7960
300Mbps Wireless N DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router
REV1.0.0
1910011384

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

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.”
Canadian Compliance Statement
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSSs. 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.

Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio
exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes :
3）l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage;
l’utilisateur de l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, meme si le brouillage est
susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.
Radiation Exposure Statement:
This equipment complies with IC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm
between the radiator & your body.
Déclaration d'exposition aux radiations:
Cet équipement est conforme aux limites d'exposition aux rayonnements IC établies pour un
environnement non contrôlé. Cet équipement doit être installé et utilisé avec un minimum de 20
cm de distance entre la source de rayonnement et votre corps.
Industry Canada Statement
CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)
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.
Adapter shall be installed near the equipment and shall be easily accessible.
The plug considered as disconnect device of adapter.
Explanation of the symbols on the product label
Symbol Explanation
DC voltage
RECYCLING
This product bears the selective sorting symbol for Waste electrical and electronic
equipment (WEEE). This means that this product must be handled pursuant to
European directive 2012/19/EU in order to be recycled or dismantled to minimize
its impact on the environment.
User has the choice to give his product to a competent recycling organization or to
the retailer when he buys a new electrical or electronic equipment.

CONTENTS
Package Contents ....................................................................................................1
Chapter 1.Product Overview...................................................................................2
1.1Overview of the Modem Router ...................................................................................... 2
1.2Main Features................................................................................................................. 2
1.3Panel Layout................................................................................................................... 3
1.3.1The Front Panel ................................................................................................................... 3
1.3.2The Back Panel.................................................................................................................... 5
Chapter 2.Connecting to the Network....................................................................6
2.1System Requirements .................................................................................................... 6
2.2Installation Environment Requirements .......................................................................... 6
2.3Connecting the Hardware ............................................................................................... 6
2.4Activating the Modem Router .........................................................................................7
Chapter 3.Log into the Modem Router...................................................................9
Chapter 4.Basic Configuration .............................................................................10
4.1Network Map................................................................................................................. 10
4.2Internet.......................................................................................................................... 10
4.3Wireless ........................................................................................................................ 13
4.4Guest Network .............................................................................................................. 14
4.5USB Settings ................................................................................................................ 15
4.5.1Folder Sharing.................................................................................................................... 15
4.5.2Print Server ........................................................................................................................ 17
4.6Parental Control............................................................................................................ 18
Chapter 5.Advanced Configuration......................................................................24
5.1Status............................................................................................................................ 24
5.2Operation Mode ............................................................................................................ 24
5.3Network......................................................................................................................... 25
5.3.1WAN................................................................................................................................... 25
5.3.2LAN Settings ...................................................................................................................... 30
5.3.3IPv6 LAN Settings.............................................................................................................. 32
5.3.4Dynamic DNS..................................................................................................................... 34

5.3.5Advanced Routing.............................................................................................................. 35
5.4Wireless 2.4G ............................................................................................................... 36
5.4.1Basic Settings .................................................................................................................... 36
5.4.2Primary Network................................................................................................................. 37
5.4.3Guest Network ................................................................................................................... 42
5.4.4MAC Filtering ..................................................................................................................... 43
5.4.5Wireless Bridging ............................................................................................................... 46
5.4.6Wireless Advanced ............................................................................................................ 47
5.5NAT Forwarding............................................................................................................ 48
5.5.1IP Filtering .......................................................................................................................... 48
5.5.2MAC Filtering ..................................................................................................................... 50
5.5.3Port Filtering....................................................................................................................... 50
5.5.4Port Forwarding.................................................................................................................. 52
5.5.5Port Triggers ...................................................................................................................... 53
5.5.6DMZ ................................................................................................................................... 56
5.5.7Options............................................................................................................................... 56
5.6USB Settings ................................................................................................................ 58
5.6.1Disk Settings ...................................................................................................................... 58
5.6.2Folder Sharing.................................................................................................................... 59
5.6.3Print Server ........................................................................................................................ 63
5.7Parental Control............................................................................................................ 64
5.8Firewall ......................................................................................................................... 66
5.8.1Basic .................................................................................................................................. 67
5.8.2Local Log............................................................................................................................ 67
5.8.3Remote Log........................................................................................................................ 68
5.9System Tools ................................................................................................................ 70
5.9.1System Information ............................................................................................................ 70
5.9.2Device Information ............................................................................................................. 71
5.9.3Connection Status.............................................................................................................. 71
5.9.4Diagnostic .......................................................................................................................... 73
5.9.5Time Settings ..................................................................................................................... 74
5.9.6Backup & Restore .............................................................................................................. 76
5.9.7Administrator ...................................................................................................................... 77
5.9.8Event Log ........................................................................................................................... 78
Appendix A: Specifications ...................................................................................79

Appendix B: Troubleshooting ...............................................................................83

TC-W7960 300Mbps Wireless N DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router User Guide
Package Contents
The following contents should be found in your package:
One TC-W7960 300Mbps Wireless N DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router
One Power Adapter for TC-W7960 300Mbps Wireless N DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router
Quick Installation Guide
One RJ45 cable
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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TC-W7960 300Mbps Wireless N DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router User Guide
Chapter 1. Product Overview
Thank you for choosing the TC-W7960 300Mbps Wireless N DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router.
1.1 Overview of the Modem Router
The TC-W7960 300Mbps Wireless N DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router integrates DOCSIS 3.0
modem, NAT router, 4-port switch and wireless access point in one device provides a one-stop
networking solution.
The modem router provides up to 300Mbps (2.4GHz) 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. It is compatible with all IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE
802.11g and IEEE 802.11n products.
With multiple protection measures, including SSID broadcast control and wireless LAN 64/128
WEP encryption, Wi-Fi protected Access (WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK), as well as advanced Firewall
protections, the TC-W7960 300Mbps Wireless N DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router provides
complete data privacy.
The modem router provides flexible access control, so that parents or network administrators can
establish restricted access policies for children or staffs. 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 modem router is compatible with virtually all the major operating systems, it is very easy
to manage. Detailed instructions are provided step by step in this user guide. Before installing the
modem router, please look through this guide to know all the modem router’s functions.
1.2 Main Features
DOCSIS 3.0, Compatible with DOCSIS 2.0/1.1/1.0
8 Downstream Channel bonding, Up to 343.072 Mbps Downstream for DOCSIS
4 Upstream Channel bonding, Up to 143.36 Mbps Upstream
Full Band Capture windows - Utilize any channels in the downstream spectrum.
Dual-core processor – for wonderful performance with Internet, Wi-Fi, Ethernet and USB
devices
2 internal antennas provide Omni-directional wireless coverage and reliability
Full gigabit ports ensure ultra fast data transfer speeds
USB Port - easily share printers, files or media with your friends or family locally or over the
Internet
Guest Network Access provides secure Wi-Fi access for guests sharing your home or office
network
IPv6 supported, meeting the demands for the next generation of Internet
Wi-Fi On/Off Button allows users to turn their wireless radio on or off
Easy one-touch WPA wireless security encryption with the WPS button
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TC-W7960 300Mbps Wireless N DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router User Guide
WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK encryptions provide user networks with active defense against
security threats
Parental Controls allow parents or administrators to establish restricted access policies for
children or staff
1.3 Panel Layout
1.3.1 The Front Panel
Figure 1-1
The modem router’s LEDs are located on the side panel (View from top to bottom). They indicate
the device’s working status. For details, please refer to LED Explanation.
LED Explanation:
Name Status Indication
On Power is on.
(Power) Off Power is off.
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TC-W7960 300Mbps Wireless N DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router User Guide
Name Status Indication
Green The modem router is synchronized with more than one channel.
White The modem router is synchronized with one channel.
Flashing The modem router is scanning for downstream channels.
(Downstream)
Off The initialization is not started, or has failed.
Green The modem router is synchronized with more than one channel.
White The modem router is synchronized with one channel.
Flashing The modem router is synchronizing with upstream channels.
(Upstream)
Off The initialization is not started, or has failed.
On Internet service is available.
Off Internet service is not available.
(Internet)
Flashing The modem router is initializing.
On At least one LAN port is connected.
(LAN) Off No LAN port is connected.
Off No USB device is plugged in to the USB port.
On The USB device is detected and ready to use.
(USB)
Flashing The USB device is being detected.
On The wireless network is enabled.
(Wireless) Off The wireless network is disabled.
On/Off The LED stays on for 5 minutes when a WPS connection is
established before turns off.
(WPS) Flashing WPS connection is in progress. This may take up to 2 minutes.
Buttons:
Name Indication
WiFi The switch for the WiFi function. Press it to enable/disable the WiFi function.
WPS The switch for the WPS function. Press it for 2 seconds to enable the WPS
function.
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TC-W7960 300Mbps Wireless N DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router User Guide
1.3.2 The Back Panel
Figure 1-2
Reset: There are two ways to reset the modem router's factory defaults.
Method one: With the modem router powered on, press and hold the Reset button for
approximately 8 seconds until all LEDs turn back on, then release the button.
Method two: Log in to the web management page of the modem router. Go to Advanced >
System tools > Backup & Restore and click Reset. The modem router will restore and
reboot automatically.
USB: The USB port connects to a USB storage device or a USB printer.
LAN4, LAN3, LAN2, LAN1: Through these ports, you can connect the modem router to your
PC or other Ethernet network devices.
Cable: Through this port, you can connect the modem router to coaxial cable.
Power: The power plug where you will connect the power adapter.
ON/OFF: The switch for the power.
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TC-W7960 300Mbps Wireless N DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router User Guide
Chapter 2. Connecting to the Network
2.1 System Requirements
Broadband Internet Access Service (Cable).
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
The product should not be located where it will be exposed to moisture or excessive heat.
Place the Router in a location where it can be connected to the various devices as well as to a
power source.
Make sure the cables and power cord are safely placed out of the way so they do not create a
tripping hazard.
The Router can be placed on a shelf or desktop.
Keep away from the strong electromagnetic radiation and the device of electromagnetic
sensitive.
2.3 Connecting the Hardware
Before installing the device, please make sure your broadband cable service provided by your ISP
is available. If there is any problem, please contact your ISP. Before cable connection, cut off the
power supply and keep your hands dry, then follow the steps below to install it.
LAN1CableDC
Power
ON/OFF LAN2 LAN3 LAN4 USB
Reset
Internet
Coaxial cablePower adapter
Figure 2-1
Step 1: Connect the coaxial cable and power adapter to the modem router, then power on your
modem router.
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TC-W7960 300Mbps Wireless N DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router User Guide
Step 2: Wait for about 1 minute until the following LEDs are solid on.
Note:
1. Keep the power on at all times during this process.
2. If the Internet LED is blinking or off, please call your ISP’s customer service.
3. If the wireless LED is off, please press the WiFi button on the front panel,
then check the LEDs again.
Step 3: Connect your computer to the modem router via a wired or wireless connection.
Wired: Connect the computer to the modem router’s LAN port via an Ethernet cable.
Wireless: On your computer, select and connect to the modem router’s wireless network.
The default wireless network name (SSID) and password are on the provided
Information Card.
Or you can set up a connection via the WPS button , which is on the front
panel of the modem router. If your computer use an adapter that supports
WPS, press the WPS button on the adapter. Within 2 minutes, press the WPS
button on the modem router until the WPS LED starts to flash quickly. The
WPS LED will stay on for 5 minutes when a WPS connection is
established, then turns off.
Figure 2-2
2.4 Activating the Modem Router
Step 1. Get your Internet service account information and the modem router’s Information Card
ready for activating your modem router. To access the Internet, the modem router needs
to be activated.
Step 2. If your computer is configured with a fixed IP, change it to “obtain an IP address
dynamically”.
Launch a web browser, and visit any website. You will be automatically redirected to your
service provider’s self-activation page.
Follow the on-screen self-activation instructions to activate the modem router. If the
self-activation page does not show up, please call your service provider’s customer
service to activate the modem router.
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TC-W7960 300Mbps Wireless N DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router User Guide
Tips:
For Comcast and Time Warner Cable (TWC):
Comcast Xfinity www.comcast.com 1-800-934-6489
Time Warner Cable www.timewarnercable.com 1-855-704-4503
The contact information listed might change. You can also find the contact number in your monthly
Internet service billing statement.
After activating your modem router successfully, wait for about 10 minutes till these LEDs
become solid on, then you can enjoy the Internet.
Note:
If the Internet is not accessible, contact your ISP and make sure that the modem router is
activated.
For additional configuration, log into the web-based management at http://tplinkmodem.net or
192.168.1.1, and enter admin (all lowercase) for both username and password.
Safety Information
The product should be connected to cable distribution system that grounded (earthed) in
accordance with ANSI/NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code (NEC), in particular Section 820.93 -
Grounding of Outer Conductive Shield of a Coaxial Cable.
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TC-W7960 300Mbps Wireless N DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router User Guide
Chapter 3. Log into the Modem Router
With a Web-based management page, it is easy to configure and manage the TC-W7960
300Mbps Wireless N DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router. The Web-based management page can
be used on any Windows, Macintosh or UNIX OS with a Web browser, such as Microsoft Internet
Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or Apple Safari.
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: Trouble shooting.
To access the configuration utility, open a web-browser and type the default address
http://tplinkmodem.net/ or 192.168.1.1 in the address field of the browser.
Figure 3-1
After a moment, a login window will appear. Enter admin for the Username and Password, both in
lower case letters. Then click the Login button or press the Enter key.
Figure 3-2
After your successful login, you will see the screen as shown below.
Figure 3-3
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TC-W7960 300Mbps Wireless N DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router User Guide
Chapter 4. Basic Configuration
4.1 Network Map
Network Map provides a dashboard that lets you see the status of your Internet connection
and network at a glance. You can click any of the six sections of the dashboard to view the
detailed information. All the information is read-only.
Figure 4-1
Internet – Click the Internet icon to view the ISP settings of your modem router.
Router - Click the Router icon to view the Wireless and Guest Network settings.
Wireless Clients - Click the Wireless Clients icon to view the wireless devices connected to
your network.
Wired Clients - Click the Wired Clients icon to view the wired devices connected to your
network.
Printer - Click the Printer icon to view the information of the printer connected to your
network.
USB Disk - Click the USB Disk icon to view the information of the USB storage device
connected to your network.
4.2 Internet
Choose “Basic Internet”, and you can configure the basic settings of the ISP Configuration and
the Internet on this page.
There are four different connection types, Dynamic IP, Static IP, L2TP(Dynamic IP) and
L2TP(Static). You can select the corresponding type according to your needs.
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TC-W7960 300Mbps Wireless N DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router User Guide
Figure 4-2
1) Dynamic IP
Choose Dynamic IP in the drop-down list, the modem router will be able to obtain IP network
information dynamically from a DHCP server provided by your ISP.
Figure 4-3
Click the Apply button to save the settings.
2) Static IP
Choose Static IP in the drop-down list if your ISP provides static IP information to you. You should
set static IP address, Subnet mask, and gateway address in the screen below.
Figure 4-4
IP Address - Enter the IP address in dotted-decimal notation provided by your ISP.
Subnet Mask - Enter the subnet Mask in dotted-decimal notation provided by your ISP,
usually is 255.255.255.0.
Default Gateway - Enter the gateway IP address in dotted-decimal notation provided by your
ISP.
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TC-W7960 300Mbps Wireless N DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router User Guide
Primary DNS/ Secondary DNS - Here you can set DNS Server (at least one) manually. The
Router will use this DNS Server for priority.
Click the Apply button to save the settings.
3) L2TP(Dynamic IP)
Choose L2TP(Dynamic IP) in the drop-down list if your ISP provides L2TP(Dynamic IP)
information to you. You should set User name, Password and Server IP Address/Name in the
screen below.
Figure 4-5
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.
Server IP Address/Name - Enter the server IP address or domain name provided by your
ISP. If you have difficulty with this process, please contact your ISP.
Click the Apply button to save the settings.
4) L2TP(Static)
Choose L2TP(Static) in the drop-down list if your ISP provides L2TP(Static) information to you.
You should set User name, Password, Server IP Address/Name, IP Address, Subnet Mask and
Default Gateway in the screen below.
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TC-W7960 300Mbps Wireless N DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router User Guide
Figure 4-6
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.
Server IP Address/Name - Enter the server IP address or domain name provided by your
ISP. If you have difficulty with this process, please contact your ISP.
IP Address - Enter the IP address in dotted-decimal notation provided by your ISP.
Subnet Mask - Enter the subnet Mask in dotted-decimal notation provided by your ISP,
usually is 255.255.255.0.
Default Gateway - Enter the gateway IP address in dotted-decimal notation provided by your
ISP.
Click the Apply button to save the settings.
4.3 Wireless
Choose menu “Basic”→“Wireless”, you can configure the basic settings for the wireless
networks on this page.
Figure 4-7
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