TP-Link Archer AX Series

Ka pai! You’ve chosen to use your own router, which is great — it helps reduce e-waste and is better for the environment. Because this is a BYO router, we won’t be able to provide hands-on support for setup, as there are too many different models on the market. That said, we’ve put together this guide to help you get connected. If you run into any issues, we recommend contacting the retailer or manufacturer for support. Alternatively, if you’d like to use one of our Zeronet routers, get in touch with our team and we’ll happily organise that for you.
 

Applicable Models

This setup guide is for the following TP‑Link Archer AX series models:

• TP‑Link Archer AX10 AX1500
• TP‑Link Archer AX20 AX1800
• TP‑Link Archer AX23 AX1800

Step 1 – Connect Your Router to the ONT

Using an Ethernet cable, connect the WAN (internet) port of your TP‑Link Archer router to the correct LAN port on your Optical Network Terminal (ONT), usually LAN1 or GE1. Check your Zeronet welcome instructions to confirm which port to use. Ensure the router is powered on and that your computer or mobile device is connected via Wi‑Fi or a LAN cable.

Step 2 – Access the Router Admin Panel

Open a web browser on a connected device and enter 192.168.0.1 or http://tplinkwifi.net into the address bar. Log in using the default credentials: Username: admin, Password: admin. If you have changed these credentials and cannot remember them, proceed to Step 8 to reset the router.

Step 3 – Internet Connection Type Settings (DHCP)

Navigate to Advanced > Network > Internet. Set the Internet Connection Type to Dynamic IP (DHCP). Expand Advanced Settings and ensure the DNS Address is set to Get Dynamically from ISP and the MTU is set to 1500. Set the Router MAC Address to Use Default Address and enable NAT. Set the Internet Port Negotiation Speed to Auto or 1000Mbps Full Duplex. Click Save to confirm.

Step 4 – Configure VLAN Settings

Go to Advanced > Network > IPTV/VLAN. Enable VLAN Tagging and set the Mode to NZ UFB or a custom configuration. Enter the following: Internet VLAN ID: 10 and Priority: 0. Tick 802.1Q Tag. Leave other VLAN values at their defaults unless configuring VoIP or IPTV. Click Save to apply the VLAN settings.

Step 5 – Save the Configuration

After entering the VLAN and DHCP settings, click Save or Apply to confirm the changes. The router may restart to apply the new settings. Wait a few minutes for the restart to complete.

Step 6 – Verify the Internet Connection

Check the WAN/Internet LED indicator on the router. It should be solid green, indicating an active internet connection. On a connected device, open a website to confirm that the connection is working.

Step 7 – Troubleshooting

If the internet connection is not working, restart both the ONT and the router by unplugging them for at least 30 seconds, then plugging them back in. Power on the ONT first and wait for its lights to stabilise, then power on the router. Ensure all Ethernet cables are securely connected and that the VLAN and DHCP settings are correct.

Step 8 – Reset the Router (If Required)

If you cannot access the router due to forgotten login credentials or misconfiguration, perform a factory reset. Locate the reset button on the back of the router and press and hold it for 10–15 seconds using a paperclip. Release the button once the router’s lights flash. The router will reboot to factory settings, allowing you to repeat the setup from Step 2.