This document contains a step-by-step process for installing the Commotion software on TP-Link routers. If you have a new, in-the-box TP-Link device, this guide is for you.
We have written this guide because the Open Technology Institute is expanding Commotion router software support for the TP-link router setup. The software is an alternative operating system, similar to Linux for your home or office computer. TP-Link hardware comes from the factory-installed with their custom software – just like a new computer usually comes with Microsoft Windows or Mac OSX installed. Installing Commotion on your router instead will add new features to your router, including the ability to mesh with other routers that use Commotion.
The installation process should take about 15 to 30 minutes. If these steps do not work for you, or if you have a router that failed to properly flash Commotion or will not respond in any way, then please see the Extra Resources section.
Materials + Supplies Needed
To install Commotion, you will need the following items on-hand:
- A computer with an Ethernet port.
- The TP-Link router and its power supply.
- Access to a power outlet.
- One Ethernet cable.
- An Internet connection or the appropriate Commotion software image.
How To Find Your TP-Link Routers IP Address
All routers have 2 IP addresses: an Internal IP Address, and an External IP Address. If you want to configure your router you need to connect to your Internal IP Address using a web browser. If you do not know your routers Internal IP Address you can do one of the following:
Try all the known TP-Link IP Addresses default IP addresses
Follow our How To Find Your Routers Internal IP Address Guide
How To Find Your TP-Link’s Default Username and Password
We have collected a list of all known TP-Link Passwords.
You can try all known TP-Link Passwords
You can try following our How To Reset Your Router Guide
You should check this list and try every combination of your router. If none of them work and you don’t know your router’s password then you should contact your ISP and ask them if they know. If they do not know your router’s username and password then you may have to follow our How To Reset Your Router Guide.
- Step 1: Connect your computer to a second LAN port on your TP-Link N router using an Ethernet cable.* Login to the TP-Link and Netgear Login web interface through the IP address listed on the label on the bottom of your TP-Link N router.
- Step 2: Go to Network>LAN on the side menu and change the LAN IP address of your TP-Link N router to an IP address on the same segment of the main router. This IP address should be outside the main router’s DHCP range.
- Step 3: Go to Wireless>Wireless Settings and configure the SSID (Network name)which can be the same or different from the main router’s. Select Save.
- Step 4: Go to Wireless>Wireless Security and configure wireless security. WPA/WPA2-Personal is recommended as the most secure option. Once configured, click Save.
- Step 5: Go to DHCP>DHCP Settings and select Disable the DHCP Server. Select Save.
- Step 6: Go to System Tools>Reboot and select Reboot to reboot the device.
- Step 7: Use an Ethernet cable to connect the main router to your TP-Link N router through their LAN ports (any LAN ports may be used). All other LAN ports on your TP-Link N router will now grant devices Internet access. Alternatively, any Wi-Fi device can now access the Internet through your TP-Link N router by using the SSID and Password set up in the above steps.