TP-Link TL-WR842N User manual

TL-WR842N
300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router
Rev: 4.0.0
191001
1418

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.
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 :
(1) l'appareil nedoit pas produire de brouillage, et
(2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage
est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.
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.
CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)
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.
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。
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 с правилами 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
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
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
For the following equipment:
Product Description: 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router
Model No.: TL-WR842N
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 60950-1: 2006 + A11: 2009 + A1: 2010 + A12: 2011 +A2: 2013
EN 50385: 2002
The product carries the CE Mark:
Person is responsible for marking this declaration:
Yang Hongliang
Product Manager of International Business
Date of issue: 17/08/2015

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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 .......................................................................6
2.1 System Requirements ..................................................................................................6
2.2 Installation Environment Requirements........................................................................6
2.3 Connecting the Router..................................................................................................6
Chapter 3. Quick Installation Guide.....................................................................8
3.1 TCP/IP Configuration....................................................................................................8
3.2 Quick Installation Guide................................................................................................9
Chapter 4. Configuring the Router ....................................................................18
4.1 Login ...........................................................................................................................18
4.2 Status ..........................................................................................................................18
4.3 Quick Setup ................................................................................................................19
4.4 WPS ............................................................................................................................20
4.5 Network.......................................................................................................................22
4.5.1 WAN ................................................................................................................22
4.5.2 MAC Clone......................................................................................................32
4.5.3 LAN .................................................................................................................33
4.6 Wireless ......................................................................................................................34
4.6.1 Wireless Settings ............................................................................................34
4.6.2 Wireless Security ............................................................................................37
4.6.3 Wireless MAC Filtering ...................................................................................40
4.6.4 Wireless Advanced .........................................................................................43
4.6.5 Wireless Statistics ...........................................................................................44
4.7 Guest Network ............................................................................................................45
4.7.1 Wireless Settings ............................................................................................45

- II -
4.7.2 Storage Sharing ..............................................................................................46
4.8 DHCP..........................................................................................................................47
4.8.1 DHCP Settings................................................................................................48
4.8.2 DHCP Clients List ...........................................................................................49
4.8.3 Address Reservation ......................................................................................49
4.9 VPN.............................................................................................................................50
4.9.1 IKE ..................................................................................................................51
4.9.2 IPsec ...............................................................................................................52
4.9.3 Security Alliance List.......................................................................................54
4.10 USB Settings...............................................................................................................55
4.10.1 Storage Sharing ..............................................................................................56
4.10.2 FTP Server......................................................................................................57
4.10.3 Media Server...................................................................................................59
4.10.4 Print Server .....................................................................................................62
4.10.5 User Accounts.................................................................................................62
4.11 Forwarding..................................................................................................................64
4.11.1 Virtual Servers ................................................................................................64
4.11.2 Port Triggering ................................................................................................66
4.11.3 DMZ ................................................................................................................68
4.11.4 UPnP...............................................................................................................69
4.12 Security .......................................................................................................................70
4.12.1 Basic Security .................................................................................................70
4.12.2 Advanced Security..........................................................................................72
4.12.3 Local Management .........................................................................................73
4.12.4 Remote Management .....................................................................................74
4.13 Parental Control..........................................................................................................75
4.14 Access Control............................................................................................................78
4.14.1 Rule.................................................................................................................79
4.14.2 Host.................................................................................................................84
4.14.3 Target ..............................................................................................................86
4.14.4 Schedule .........................................................................................................88
4.15 Advanced Routing ......................................................................................................90
4.15.1 Static Routing List ...........................................................................................90
4.15.2 System Routing Table.....................................................................................91
4.16 Bandwidth Control ......................................................................................................92
4.16.1 Control Settings ..............................................................................................92

- III -
4.16.2 Rules List ........................................................................................................93
4.17 IP & MAC Binding Setting...........................................................................................94
4.17.1 Binding Settings..............................................................................................94
4.17.2 ARP List ..........................................................................................................95
4.18 Dynamic DNS .............................................................................................................96
4.18.1 Comexe DDNS ...............................................................................................96
4.18.2 Dyndns DDNS.................................................................................................97
4.18.3 No-IP DDNS....................................................................................................98
4.19 IPv6 Support ...............................................................................................................99
4.19.1 IPv6 Status....................................................................................................100
4.19.2 IPv6 Setup ....................................................................................................101
4.20 System Tools.............................................................................................................109
4.20.1 Time Setting ..................................................................................................109
4.20.2 Diagnostic ..................................................................................................... 111
4.20.3 Firmware Upgrade ........................................................................................113
4.20.4 Factory Defaults............................................................................................114
4.20.5 Backup & Restore.........................................................................................114
4.20.6 Reboot...........................................................................................................115
4.20.7 Password ......................................................................................................116
4.20.8 System Log ...................................................................................................116
4.20.9 Statistics........................................................................................................119
4.21 Logout .......................................................................................................................121
Appendix A: FAQ ..................................................................................................122
Appendix B: Configuring the PCs.......................................................................128
Appendix C: Specifications .................................................................................132
Appendix D: Glossary ..........................................................................................133

TL-WR842N
300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router User Guide
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Package Contents
The following items should be found in your package:
TL-WR842N 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router
DC Power Adapter for TL-WR842N 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router
Quick Installation Guide
Ethernet Cable
Resource CD for TL-WR842N 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router, including:
•This Guide
•Other Helpful Information

Note:
Make sure that the package contains the above items. If any of the listed items is damaged or
missing, please contact your distributor.

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300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router User Guide
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Chapter 1. Introduction
1.1 Overview of the Router
The TL-WR842N 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router integrates 4-port Switch, Firewall,
NAT-Router and Wireless AP. Powered by 2x2 MIMO technology, the 300Mbps Multi-Function
Wireless N 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.
Additionally, the TL-WR842N provides a USB port which supports storage/FTP/Media/Print Server.
The TL-WR842N 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router provides up to 300Mbps wireless
connection with other 802.11n 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 802.11n wireless Router will give you the unexpected networking experience at
speed much faster than 802.11g. It is also compatible with all IEEE 802.11g and IEEE 802.11b
products.
With multiple protection measures, including SSID broadcast control and wireless LAN
64/128/152-bit WEP encryption, Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2- PSK, WPA- PSK), as well as
advanced Firewall protections, the TL-WR842N 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router
provides complete data privacy.
The TL-WR842N 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N 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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300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router User Guide
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1.2 Conventions
The Router or TL-WR842N mentioned in this guide stands for TL-WR842N 300Mbps Multi-Function
Wireless N Router without any explanation.
1.3 Main Features
Complies with IEEE 802.11n to provide a wireless data rate of up to 450Mbps.
One 10/100M Auto-Negotiation RJ45 Internet port, four 10/100M Auto-Negotiation RJ45 LAN
ports, supporting Auto MDI/MDIX.
Provides USB Port supporting storage/FTP/Media/Print Server.
Provides WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK authentication, TKIP/AES encryption security.
Up to 5 VPN tunnels enable remote VPN connections.
Up to 2 SSIDs support multiple wireless networks with different SSIDs and passwords.
Shares data and Internet access for users, supporting Dynamic IP/Static IP/PPPoE Internet
access.
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 Parental Control and Access Control.
Connects Internet on demand and disconnects from the Internet when idle for PPPoE.
Provides 64/128/152-bit WEP encryption security and wireless LAN ACL (Access Control
List).
Supports Flow Statistics.
Supports firmware upgrade and Web management.
Supports Tether App management.
Supports Guest Network.
Supports IPV6 Internet Connection.

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300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router User Guide
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1.4 Panel Layout
1.4.1 The Front Panel
Figure 1-1 Front Panel sketch
The Router’s LEDs are located on the front panel (View from left to right).
Name Status Indication
(Power)
Off Power is off.
On Power is on.
Flash The device is initializing or upgrading.
(WLAN) Off The Wireless function is disabled.
On
The Wireless function is working properly.
(LAN4-1)
Off No device are connected to the corresponding port.
On A device is connected to the corresponding port.
(Internet)
Off The WAN port is not connected.
Orange
The WAN port is connected, but there is no Internet
connection.
Green The router is connected to the Internet.
(USB) Off No storage device or printer is plugged into the USB port.
On A storage device or printer has connected to the USB port.
(WPS)
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.
Quick Flash A wireless device failed to be added to the network by WPS
function.
Table 1-1 The LEDs Description

TL-WR842N
300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router User Guide
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
Note:
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.
1.4.2 The Rear Panel
POWER
ON/OFF INTERNET 1 2 3 4 USB WPS/
RESET
Wi-Fi
Figure 1-2 Rear Panel sketch
The following parts are located on the rear panel (View from left to right).
ON/OFF: The switch of the power.
POWER: The Power socket is where you will connect the power adapter. Please use the
power adapter provided with this TL-WR842N 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router.
INTERNET:This port is where you will connect the DSL/cable Modem, or Ethernet.
1,2,3,4 (LAN): 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.
Wi-Fi: With the router powered on, press and hold the Wi-Fi button (approximately 2 seconds)
until the WLAN LED turns on or off.
WPS/RESET: Press this button to quickly establish a connection between the Router and
client devices that support Wi-Fi Protected Setup. Press and hold this button for more than 5
seconds (approximately 8 seconds) to reset the Router.
There are two ways to reset to the Router's factory defaults:
1) Use the Factory Defaults function on “System Tools
→
Factory Defaults” page in the
Router's Web-based Utility.
2) Use the Factory Default WPS/RESET button: With the Router powered on, use a pin to
press and hold the WPS/RESET button (approximately 8 seconds) until the SYS LED
becomes quick-flash from slow-flash. And then release the button and wait the Router to
reboot to its factory default settings.
Wireless antenna: To receive and transmit the wireless data.

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300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router User Guide
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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
If your Internet connection is through an Ethernet cable from the wall instead of through a DSL /
Cable / Satellite modem, connect the Ethernet cable directly to the router’s Internet port, then
follow steps 4 and 5 to complete the hardware connection.
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. Turn on the router.

TL-WR842N
300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router User Guide
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Figure 2-1 Hardware Installation
5. Verify that the hardware connection is correct by checking these LEDs.

TL-WR842N
300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router User Guide
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Chapter 3. Quick Installation Guide
This chapter will show you how to configure the basic functions of your 300Mbps Multi-Function
Wireless N Router using Quick Setup Wizard within minutes.
3.1 TCP/IP Configuration
The default domain name of the Router is http://tplinkwifi.net 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 LAN 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.
Open a command prompt, and type ping 192.168.0.1, and then press Enter.
If the result displayed is similar to the Figure 3-1, it means the connection between your PC
and the Router has been established well.
Figure 3-1 Success result of Ping command

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300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router User Guide
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If the result displayed is similar to Figure 3-2, it means the connection between your PC and
the Router failed.
Figure 3-2 Failure result of Ping command
Please check the connection following these steps:
1. Is the connection between your PC and the Router correct?

Note:
The 1/2/3/4 LEDs of LAN ports which you link to 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 thenetwork 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 300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless
N 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. However, as the USB

TL-WR842N
300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router User Guide
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Settings interface may not be opened with some web browsers, it is strongly recommended that
you use Internet Explorer.
1. To access the configuration utility, open a web-browser and type in the default domain name
http://tplinkwifi.net in the address field.
Figure 3-3 Log in the Router
After a moment, a login window will appear, similar to Figure 3-4. Enter admin for the User
Name and Password, both in lower case letters. Then click the OK button or press the Enter
key.
Figure 3-4 Login Windows

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. Click Next.
Figure 3-5 Quick Setup

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300Mbps Multi-Function Wireless N Router User Guide
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
Note:
The Router will automatically detect the Internet connection. If the Internet is available, the
Router will direct you to Step 5; otherwise, you need to continue with Step 3.
3. Select Auto-Detect to detect the Internet connection type and then click Next.
Figure 3-6 WAN Connection Type
The router provides Auto-Detect function and supports five types of WAN connection: Dynamic
IP, Static IP, PPPoE/Russian PPPoE, L2TP/Russian L2TP, and PPTP/Russian 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.
1) If the connection type detected is Dynamic IP, there will appear the MAC Clone page (as
shown in Figure 3-7). 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.