Choosing a router on the wireless network equipment market is quite simple. In most cases, customers prefer budget representatives who have a large set of useful features. But not every router owner manages to use a wide range of services. From this article, the reader will learn how to configure the TP-Link TL-WR841N router, because this model is considered the best on the computer market by the criterion of "price-quality". Accordingly, users have the highest interest in this wireless device.
Computer preparation and connection
On how to physically connect the router to a personal computer or laptop, it is written in the first chapter of the instruction supplied in the kit. As professionals assure, you only need a patchcord cable and the ability to distinguish colors. But at the software level, āmaking friendsā of the TP-Link TL-WR841N router with a computer is not easy, especially in cases with individual network settings from the provider. Checking this out is pretty simple:
- connect the provider cable to the WAN connector (blue);
- connect one patchcord cable connector to the computer's network input (RJ-45), and the second one to any router's LAN port (yellow).
If the PC has access to the Internet, then you can safely proceed to the settings of the wireless device. Otherwise, you have to work with your hands. Immediately it is recommended to prepare a ballpoint pen and a sheet of paper, as well as find a provider agreement for Internet services (it indicates the settings of network equipment).
Forcing a PC to a router
If setting up the TP-Link TL-WR841N router is not possible due to the fact that the computer does not see the device, then owner intervention is required. With the āComputer Control Panelā open, you need to select āNetwork Control Centerā. The āChange adapter settingsā item will lead the user to a list of all network devices existing on the PC. The desired interface will be highlighted with a yellow exclamation mark. You need to position the mouse cursor on it and press the right key of the manipulator. Selecting āPropertiesā, the user will be taken to the network component management menu. In the list you need to find the āTCP / IPv4ā field, place the cursor on it and click the āPropertiesā button.
Manually written parameters must be rewritten on a piece of paper: IP address, mask, gateway and DNS. After that, you can safely install 2 selection buttons opposite the āGet automaticallyā fields, click the āOKā button, and close all working windows. It is worth noting that after such manipulations with the network settings, the yellow indicator disappears in the list of network devices on the desired adapter and the message āConnected without access to the Internetā appears.
Launch the router control panel
Before setting up the TP-Link TL-WR841N, you need to run the control panel. This is done in any browser (IE, Opera, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox). In the address bar, you must specify the IP of the router. By the way, the routerās network address, login and password for authorization are written on a sticker that is attached to the bottom of the device. In most cases, the IP is ā192.168.1.1ā, and the default username and password is āadminā.
The connection procedure is quite simple, the main thing is not to rush, because all the data needs to be entered only using the English layout, and the letters themselves should be used only from lower case (not uppercase). A successful connection will end with the user switching to the main window of the router control panel.
Internet connection
Fine-tuning the TP-Link TL-WR841N router is not recommended by specialists until the device has an Internet connection. If access is complete, then you can go to the next section; in other cases, you will have to spend several minutes entering data about the network. By default, the router offers, after the first start, to use the services of a virtual assistant, which, using a couple of questions, will independently configure the network. No need to refuse, because the intelligent system can save a lot of time.
With the setup, everything is simple: if a static address was registered in the computer, then you need to select the appropriate parameter and register IP, mask, gateway and DNS. Otherwise, you need to use the data from the contract in which the provider specified his own settings for connecting to the Internet. Having entered the data, it is imperative to save the information and confirm the reboot of the device. After 15-30 seconds, access to the Internet should appear.
Alternative option with provider settings
All domestic providers that use their own settings create specialized firmware that is compatible with most of the equipment on the market. This is done primarily for the convenience of users, because downloading software and installing it on a router is much more convenient than entering data manually. There is firmware on the official website of the provider and for the TP-Link TL-WR841N router.
Having saved the file on the computer, you need to unzip it and place it on any disk (preferably, the storage folder should have an English name). Going to the control panel of the router, you need to select "System Tools". In the "Firmware" field, you need to specify the path to the unpacked file and click the "Save" button. Interrupting the operation is not recommended, as this can lead to damage to the device. After the firmware, the router will reboot itself.
Awaiting trouble
By installing the provider firmware, you can lose access to the TP-Link TL-WR841N router control panel. Negative reviews are often found in the media about this. Changing standard passwords is very popular with providers that provide parallel and mobile services. It is up to the user to decide what to do right - configure the router on their own, entrust the management of the router to the provider, or change the Internet service provider at all.
The second nuisance that may await the owner is the creation of public logins and passwords for both managing the router and wireless networks. After all, the TP-Link TL-WR841N is installed by thousands of users who theoretically can have the same provider. Same firmware - same settings and passwords. Accordingly, the owner should take care of security.
Simplicity and convenience
According to the settings of wireless connections, TP-Link TL-WR841N router reviews in the media are only positive:
- control panel is Russified;
- on the right side of the screen, opposite each menu item, there is a detailed description in Russian;
- the setting is convenient, since all the necessary items are collected in one menu, and are not scattered in different categories;
- it is possible to save configuration files to the local computer, which is quite convenient when using the router in several places.
Itās not necessary to be an IT technology guru to set up a Wi-Fi network. First you need to determine the type of encryption. By default, this is WPA Personal / WPA2 if the router is used at home. It remains only to set the access password and the visible name of the Wi-Fi network, and you can safely save the settings, reboot the equipment and get down to business.
Finally
As practice shows, setting up the TP-Link TL-WR841N router does not contain any pitfalls. There is a detailed instruction supplied in the kit that describes the physical connection of the device with the provider and a personal computer. If the Internet does not appear after connecting with the cable, you need to use this article or contact your ISP. Configure the same wireless connection and other equipment functionality will help the same instructions and many tips that are abundant in the control panel of the router.