TP-Link AC5400 - User Manual

Connect the Hardware Congure the Router
Method ONE: Via TP-Link Tether App
1. Download the Tether app.
Scan for Tether
Tether
or
Method TWO: Via a Web Browser
1. Connect your device to the router wirelessly
or with an Ethernet cable.
2. Launch a web browser, and enter
http://tplinkwifi.net or http://192.168.0.1 in
the address bar. Create a password to log in.
3. Follow the step-by-step instructions to
set up the internet connection and
register for the TP-Link Cloud service.
Note: If the login window does not appear, please refer to
Q1 of Need Help? in this guide.
Internet
Connect the powered-off
modem to the router’s Internet
port with an Ethernet cable.
Power on the modem, and then wait about 2
minutes for it to restart.
Connect the power adapter to
the router and turn on the router.
Verify the LED on the top is solid
on (red or white) before moving on.
Choose your device type
Archer C5400X
Range Extender
Router
3. Tap the button in the Tether app and
select Archer C5400X. Follow the steps
to complete the setup and connect to
the internet.
If your internet connection is through an Ethernet cable directly from the wall instead of through a DSL /
Cable / Satellite modem, connect the Ethernet cable to the router’s Internet port, and then follow steps
3 and 4 to complete the hardware connection.
*Image may dier from actual product.
SSID:TP-Link_XXXX
SSID:TP-Link_XXXX_5G_1
SSID:TP-Link_XXXX_5G_2
Wireless Password/PIN: XXXXX XXX
1
1
2
4
3
2
The default wireless network names (SSIDs) and password
are printed on the label at the bottom of the router.
2. Open the Tether app and log in with your
TP-Link ID.
Note: If you don’t have an account, create one first.
Unplug the power to turn o your modem, if any,
and remove the backup battery if it has one.
Modem
Unplug the power
Hold the antennas from the base and
push them fully into the slots.
http://tplinkwi.net
Let’s Get Started
Conrm Password
Password

Summary

Connect the Hardware

Initial Hardware Setup Steps

Steps include unplugging the modem, connecting the modem to the router via Ethernet, powering on the modem, and connecting the router's power adapter.

Verify Router LED Status

Check the router's LED to ensure it is solid on (red or white) before proceeding with configuration.

Configure the Router

Configure via TP-Link Tether App

Download and use the TP-Link Tether app, log in, select your router model, and follow the on-screen instructions for setup.

Configure via Web Browser

Connect a device to the router, access the web interface via browser, create a password, and follow setup instructions for internet connection.

LED and Button Explanations

Router LED Status Indicators

Explanation of LED states: Pulsing Orange (starting), Solid White (normal), Solid Red (no internet), Solid Orange (Wi-Fi off), Pulsing White (firmware/WPS/reset).

Router Button Functions

Details on the WPS, Wi-Fi, and LED buttons, including how to initiate WPS, toggle wireless, and control LED illumination.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Cannot Access Web Management Page

Troubleshooting steps for accessing the router's web interface, including rebooting, checking IP settings, and trying different browsers.

Cannot Access Internet

Solutions for internet connectivity problems, such as rebooting devices, checking modem connection, and verifying network settings.

Reset Router via Bluetooth;Tether

Instructions on how to reset the router to factory defaults, either via the physical reset button or the web management page.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The TP-Link Archer C5400X is an AC5400 MU-MIMO Tri-Band Gaming Router designed to provide a robust and high-performance internet connection, particularly for gaming and demanding network activities. It facilitates internet access through both wired and wireless connections, offering multiple setup methods for user convenience.

Function Description:

The primary function of the Archer C5400X is to act as a central hub for your home network, distributing internet access from your modem to all connected devices. It supports high-speed wireless connectivity across three distinct bands (Tri-Band) to minimize congestion and maximize performance, especially in environments with numerous connected devices. The MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output) technology allows the router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, improving overall network efficiency and speed for each device. As a gaming router, it is optimized to prioritize gaming traffic, reducing lag and ensuring a smoother online gaming experience. It also offers robust security features and network management capabilities to control and monitor your internet usage. The router can be configured and managed through a dedicated mobile application or a web-based interface, providing flexibility in how users interact with their network settings.

Usage Features:

The Archer C5400X offers a straightforward setup process, with two main methods: via the TP-Link Tether app or a web browser. For hardware connection, users begin by unplugging their modem and removing any backup battery. The router's antennas are designed to be pushed into slots for easy assembly. If the internet connection comes directly from the wall via an Ethernet cable, it should be connected to the router's Internet port. Otherwise, the powered-off modem is connected to the router's Internet port using an Ethernet cable. After connecting the modem, the power adapter is plugged into the router, and the router is turned on. Users should wait approximately two minutes for the modem to restart and verify that the LED on the top of the router is solid (red or white) before proceeding with software setup.

The Tether app setup method involves downloading the TP-Link Tether app from the App Store or Google Play. Users then open the app, log in with their TP-Link ID (or create one if they don't have an account), tap the '+' button, select "Archer C5400X," and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup and connect to the internet. This method is designed for ease of use and guided configuration.

Alternatively, the web browser setup method requires connecting a device to the router either wirelessly (using the default SSIDs and password printed on the router's label) or with an Ethernet cable. Users then launch a web browser and enter "http://tplinkwifi.net" or "http://192.168.0.1" in the address bar. Upon accessing the login page, they will be prompted to create a password. Following this, step-by-step instructions will guide them through setting up the internet connection and registering for the TP-Link Cloud service.

The router features several physical buttons for quick control:

• WPS Button: Pressing this button initiates a WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) connection, allowing users to quickly connect WPS-compatible client devices to the network by pressing their WPS button immediately after.
• Wi-Fi Button: This button allows users to turn the wireless function of the router on or off, providing a convenient way to manage Wi-Fi availability.
• LED Button: This button controls the LED lights on the router, allowing users to turn them on or off according to their preference, which can be useful in bedrooms or other light-sensitive environments.

The LED indicators provide visual feedback on the router's status:

• Pulsing Orange: Indicates that the system is starting up.
• Solid White: Signifies that the router is working normally.
• Solid Red: Denotes that there is no internet connection.
• Solid Orange: Shows that the router is connected to the internet, but the Wi-Fi is off.
• Pulsing White: Indicates that the firmware is being upgraded, a WPS connection is being established, or the router is being reset.

Maintenance Features:

The Archer C5400X includes features and guidelines to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. For troubleshooting internet access issues, users are advised to reboot the router and modem. If the internet connection is through a DSL/Cable/Satellite modem, checking the internet connection by directly connecting a computer to the modem via an Ethernet cable can help determine if the issue lies with the modem or the router. If the internet is not working directly from the modem, users should contact their internet service provider. If the web management page is inaccessible, users can try rebooting the router, ensuring their computer's IP settings are set to obtain an IP address automatically, verifying the correct web address (http://tplinkwifi.net or http://192.168.0.1) is entered, trying a different web browser, or disabling and re-enabling their network adapter. For cable modem users experiencing internet issues, logging into the router's web management page and navigating to Advanced > Network > Internet > MAC Clone, then selecting "Use Current Computer MAC Address" and saving, followed by rebooting both the modem and router, can resolve connectivity problems. If the router cannot be found via Bluetooth in the Tether app, it may require a factory reset. This can be done in two ways: either by pressing and holding the physical Reset button on the back of the router with a pin until the LED blinks, or by logging into the web management page (Advanced > System > Backup & Restore) and clicking "FACTORY RESTORE." A factory reset will enable the router's Bluetooth for 30 minutes, allowing for re-detection in the Tether app.

General safety and maintenance guidelines are also provided:

• Keep the device away from water, fire, humidity, or hot environments.
• Do not attempt to disassemble, repair, or modify the device.
• Use only recommended chargers.
• Do not use damaged chargers or USB cables.
• Avoid using the device in locations where wireless devices are not allowed.
• Ensure the adapter is installed near the equipment and is easily accessible.

TP-Link also offers community support through their website (https://community.tp-link.com) for users to interact with other users and engineers. Technical support, replacement services, user guides, and more information are available at https://www.tp-link.com/support. For feedback on product guides, users can email techwriter@tp-link.com.cn. These resources contribute to the ongoing maintenance and support of the device, ensuring users can resolve issues and optimize their router's performance.

TP-Link AC5400 Specifications