TP-Link TD-W8950ND Configuration

The TP-Link 8950ND modem

This is the procedure NCF uses to configure a TP-Link 8950ND modem out of the box or after a factory reset. To learn more about configuring your particular modem, consult the manual.

Note that the interface for the 8950 is quite different from the 8816, 8901G and the 8951ND and the set-up procedure is also quite different.

Configuring as a Router

1. Connect power and turn on the modem with the black button on the back.
2. Connect an Ethernet LAN cable to one of the yellow rear ports
3. In the browser's address bar, enter the IP address for the modem interface page: http://192.168.1.1
4. If the modem is fresh from the factory, use the default user name and password to gain access

user:admin pwd:admin

If the modem was previously configured for someone, the password would be the previous user's DSL-Password. If it is unknown then do a reset to factory default, using a paper-clip in the reset hole on the back. Hold for 20 seconds to reset. The user name and password will now be as above.

DSL Quick Configuration Info (TP-Link DSL modems)
Modem Web Interface	http://192.168.1.1
Modem login	Username: admin Password: (see 'password' below)
VPI / VCI (ADSL)	0.35
VLAN (VDSL)	35
Protocol	PPPoE
DSL username	(eg. aa999@ncf.ca)
DSL Password	Starts with 'ncf' (not the same as your NCF Start Page login)
Firewall	Enabled by default (recommended)
Wireless	If enabled, WPA-PSK (WPA2)

1. When presented with the configuration page, proceed with the Quick Setup option at left.

Now set the technical details of the interface:

1. Ensure VPI is set to 0 and VCI is set to 35
2. Click Next
3. Verify that PPPoverEthernet PPPoE is selected
4. Ensure that the encapsulation remains at LLC/Snap (default)
5. Click Next

Now set the credentials

1. PPP username in the form ab123@ncf.ca (NOTE the "@ncf.ca" part! - it will not work without that!)
2. PPP Password uses DSL Password (This is not your NCF account password, but your DSL password and was provided to you when you signed up for service, it starts with "ncf...")
3. PPPoE Service name can remain blank
4. Auth Method - leave as the default Auto
5. The checkboxes below should all be left unselected, except the last which is Bridge PPPoE Frames
6. Click Next
7. No change required here - both options IGMP and WAN are left selected and service name as is.
8. Click Next
9. The SSID should be altered to start with NCF - so TP_Link_AA123A would become NCF_AA123A or some other identification so you can recognize and select it from your laptop or other wireless device. It is recommended you not use your first or last name or your street address as this information is broadcast and other people in your area will be able to associate the signal with which home it is coming from.
10. Ensure the WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK security option remains selected, and use your DSL Password or another strong password for the Network Key.
11. Click Next

Look through the summary to ensure you have a sane configuration and commit with Save/Reboot

It is typical for some browsers to receive an Unable to Connect screen after the reset. Simply re-select the configuration page IP address to re-display the configuration menu.

Proceed with Disabling the QSS feature and Protecting the Admin interface.

The main interface page of the TP-Link TD-W8950ND modem

Password protect the Admin Role

1. Click on Management in the left side menu. Below it other options appear.
2. Select Access Control and then below that Passwords

This unit supports several roles. For personal use just add protection for the Administrator role.

1. Select the admin user from the pulldown list
2. Under Old Password enter admin unless it was previously set to something else.
3. Use the member's DSL password for the password, and confirm.
4. Save the changes.

Switch on the SPI Firewall

The SPI firewall is by default off and should be turned on for better security.

1. Go to Advanced Setup → LAN
2. Check the box marked Enable SPI Firewall

Set the Internet Time

1. Go to Management → Internet Time
2. Check Automatically synchronize with Internet time servers
3. Set First NTP time server to clock.fmt.he.net and Second NTP time server to clock.nyc.he.net
4. Click Save/Apply

Disable QSS wireless feature

The QSS feature is disabled as it does not work and presents a minimal security risk.

1. Click on the QSS feature button on the left side menu.
2. Select Disable QSS
3. Select Reboot to apply the change.