To extend Wi-Fi range using a ZTE ZXHNF618 ONT and an Archer C80, configure the Archer C80 as a secondary Access Point. This setup connects the main router to the second via Ethernet, creating a unified network that eliminates dead zones while maintaining seamless device roaming.
Physical Connection and Hardware Setup
The foundation of a stable extended network is the physical cabling between your Internet Service Provider’s equipment and your secondary router. The ZTE ZXHNF618 serves as the Optical Network Terminal (ONT), which converts the fiber optic signal into Ethernet data. You must use a standard RJ-45 Ethernet cable to connect one of the LAN ports on the ZTE ONT to a LAN port on the TP-Link Archer C80. It is critical to avoid connecting the cable to the WAN or Internet port on the Archer C80 if you intend for it to function purely as a switch and access point. Using the WAN port would create a separate subnet, leading to double NAT issues and preventing devices on different routers from communicating with each other, such as printing from a phone to a PC.
Once the cable is securely plugged in, power on both devices. Allow a few minutes for the Archer C80 to boot up completely. The LED indicators on the Archer C80 should stabilize, indicating a successful link with the ONT. If the link light does not illuminate, check the Ethernet cable integrity and ensure the port on the ZTE ONT is active. This direct LAN-to-LAN connection ensures that the Archer C80 receives its IP configuration directly from the main network infrastructure managed by the ZTE unit.
Configuring the Archer C80 as an Access Point
Accessing the management interface of the Archer C80 is the next crucial step. Connect a computer or mobile device to the Archer C80 either via Wi-Fi or another Ethernet cable. Open a web browser and navigate to the default login address, typically
tplinkwifi.net or
192.168.0.1. Log in using the administrator credentials set during initial setup. If you cannot access the page, verify that your device has obtained an IP address in the same subnet as the Archer C80.
Navigate to the Advanced settings and select Network from the menu. Look for the Internet section and change the Internet Connection Type from Dynamic IP to Bridge Mode or simply disable the DHCP Server function. Disabling the DHCP server is the most important configuration change. By turning off DHCP on the Archer C80, you ensure that only the ZTE ZXHNF618 assigns IP addresses to all connected devices. This prevents IP conflicts and ensures that every device on your network, whether connected to the ZTE or the Archer, receives a unique identifier. Without this step, two routers trying to hand out IPs can cause connectivity drops and intermittent internet access.
After disabling DHCP, save the settings. The Archer C80 may reboot. Once it returns, reconnect to its Wi-Fi network to proceed with further customization.
Synchronizing Wi-Fi Settings for Seamless Roaming
For users to move freely between the coverage area of the ZTE ONT and the Archer C80 without manual reconnection, the Wi-Fi networks must appear identical. Navigate to Wireless settings on the Archer C80. Set the 2.4GHz and 5GHz SSID names to exactly match those used by the ZTE ZXHNF618. Case sensitivity matters; ensure "HomeNetwork" matches "HomeNetwork" precisely. Additionally, set the security type and password to be identical on both devices. While modern mesh systems handle this automatically, standalone routers require manual synchronization.
If your ZTE ONT supports dual-band broadcasting, ensure the Archer C80 mirrors these bands. Some users prefer keeping different SSIDs to force devices onto specific bands, but for simple range extension, identical SSIDs provide a smoother experience. Note that true seamless roaming requires support for IEEE 802.11k/v/r protocols, which basic home routers often lack. However, matching SSIDs allows devices to disconnect and reconnect more intelligently when moving out of range.
Consider changing the channel settings on the Archer C80 to avoid interference. If the ZTE ONT uses Channel 6 on 2.4GHz, set the Archer C80 to Channel 1 or 11. For 5GHz, select channels that do not overlap with the primary router’s usage. This reduces co-channel interference, which can significantly degrade throughput in dense environments.
Verifying Network Performance
After configuration, test the network stability. Connect a device to the Archer C80 and run a speed test. Compare results with a device connected directly to the ZTE ONT. You should see consistent performance levels. If speeds are sluggish, refer to our guide on
Troubleshooting Slow Download Speed in Wi-Fi Client + AP Configuration to identify bandwidth bottlenecks. Ensure that Quality of Service (QoS) settings on the ZTE ONT are not inadvertently throttling traffic from the secondary router.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If devices fail to obtain IP addresses after enabling the Archer C80, verify that the DHCP server is indeed disabled on the secondary unit. Check the lease time settings on the ZTE ONT to ensure they are not too short, causing frequent renewals. In some cases, MAC filtering on the ZTE ONT might block new devices connecting through the Archer C80. Review the ACL settings as described in
How to Enable/Disable Wi-Fi ACL Settings MAC Address Filtering to ensure all relevant device MAC addresses are permitted.
Another common issue arises when trying to ping devices across the network. If a PC connected via Ethernet to the Archer C80 cannot ping devices on the ZTE network, check the firewall settings on the Windows PC or the guest network isolation feature on the routers. Ensure that both routers are on the same subnet, typically
192.168.1.x or
192.168.0.x, depending on your ISP's configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the WAN port on the Archer C80 for better speed?
No, using the WAN port creates a separate network segment known as double NAT, which breaks local device discovery and printing. Always use a LAN port on the Archer C80 when configuring it as a wired access point to keep all devices on the same local network.
Why do my devices keep disconnecting when I walk between routers?
This happens because the routers have different SSIDs or passwords, forcing manual reconnection. To fix this, ensure both the ZTE ZXHNF618 and Archer C80 broadcast the exact same SSID and password, allowing clients to attempt reassociation automatically.
Is it necessary to update the firmware on the Archer C80?
Yes, updating firmware ensures compatibility with newer standards and fixes known bugs related to DHCP and wireless stability. Check the TP-Link website for the latest version and apply it via the admin panel before finalizing your network configuration.
What happens if I forget to disable DHCP on the Archer C80?
If DHCP remains enabled, both routers will try to assign IP addresses, causing conflicts where devices receive invalid gateway information. This results in intermittent internet access and inability to access local resources like network printers or shared drives.
Does this setup support Wi-Fi 6E features?
The Archer C80 is a Wi-Fi 5 AC1900 router and does not support Wi-Fi 6E. While it extends range effectively, it will not provide the benefits of the 6GHz band found in newer Wi-Fi 6E routers. Consider upgrading hardware if you require low-latency gaming or high-bandwidth applications on the 6GHz spectrum.