How to set up and use the FTP Server Function on TP-Link cable modem routers (new logo)
CR1900( V1 ) , Archer CR500( V1 ) , Archer CR700( V2 )
Recent updates may have expanded access to feature(s) discussed in this FAQ. Visit your product's support page, select the correct hardware version for your device and check either the Datasheet or the firmware section for the latest improvements added to your product.
Here takes Archer CR700 as demonstration:
You can access your USB disk outside the local area network.
For example:
• Share photos and other large files with your friends without logging in to (and paying for) a photo-sharing site or email system.
• Get a safe backup for the materials for a presentation.
• Remove the files on your camera’s memory card from time to time during the journey.
Note:
If your ISP assigns a private WAN IP address (such as 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x), you cannot use this feature because private addresses are not routed on the Internet.
Step 1
Connect Your USB Disk
Insert your USB storage device into the modem router’s USB port directly or using a USB cable. Wait several seconds until the USB LED becomes solid on.
Tips:
• If you use USB hubs, make sure no more than 4 devices are connected to the modem router.
• If the USB storage device requires using bundled external power, make sure the external power has been connected.
• If you use a USB hard drive, make sure its file system is FAT32 or NTFS.
• Before you physically disconnect a USB device from the modem router, safely remove it to avoid data damage: Go to Advanced > USB Settings > Disk Settings and click
Step2
Enable Authentication for Data Security
It is strongly recommended that you set and apply a sharing account for data security.
1. Log into the web-based management interface of the cable modem router. If you don’t know how to do that, please refer to How to log into the web-based management interface of TP-Link cable modem routers (new logo)?
2. Select Advanced > USB Settings > Folder Sharing.
3. Choose to use the default Account (admin) or use a new account and click Save.
Note:
For Windows users, do not set the sharing username the same as the Windows username. Otherwise, Windows credential mechanism may cause the following problems:
• If the sharing password is also the same as the Windows password, authentication will not work since the Windows will automatically use its account information for USB access.
• If the sharing password is different from the Windows password, the Windows will be unable to remember your credentials and you will always be required to enter the sharing password for USB access.
4. Enable Authentication to apply the sharing account.
• If you leave Sharing All enabled, click the button to enable Authentication for all folders.
• If Sharing All is disabled, enable Authentication for specific folders.
Note:
Due to Windows credential mechanism, you might be unable to access the USB disk after changing Authentication settings. Please log out from the Windows and try to access again.
Step3
To Only Share Specific Content
By default, Sharing All is enabled so all content on the USB disk is shared. If you want to only share specific folders, follow the steps below:
1. Log into the web-based management interface of the cable modem router. If you don’t know how to do that, please refer to How to log into the web-based management interface of TP-Link cable modem routers (new logo)?
2 Select Basic > USB Settings > Folder Sharing. Focus on the section of Sharing
Folders. Click the button to disable Sharing All, then click Add to add a new sharing folder.
3. Select the Volume and Folder Path, then specify the Share Name as you like.
4. Tick Enable Authentication.
5. If you allow network clients to modify this folder, tick Write Access.
6. Click OK.
Tips:
The modem router can share eight volumes at most. You can click on the page to detach the corresponding volume you do not need to share.
Enable the FTP (via Internet)
Select the check box to enable FTP (via Internet), then click Save.
Access Your USB Disk via Internet
Now different clients with Internet connection can access the USB disk:
Get to know more details of each function and configuration please go to Download Center to download the manual of your product.
Is this faq useful?
Your feedback helps improve this site.
What’s your concern with this article?
- Dissatisfied with product
- Too Complicated
- Confusing Title
- Does not apply to me
- Too Vague
- Other
We'd love to get your feedback, please let us know how we can improve this content.
Thank you
We appreciate your feedback.
Click here to contact TP-Link technical support.
TP-Link Community
Still need help? Search for answers, ask questions, and get help from TP-Link experts and other users around the world.
This website uses cookies to improve website navigation, analyze online activities and have the best possible user experience on our website. You can object to the use of cookies at any time. You can find more information in our privacy policy . Don’t show again
This website uses cookies to improve website navigation, analyze online activities and have the best possible user experience on our website. You can object to the use of cookies at any time. You can find more information in our privacy policy . Don’t show again
Basic Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be deactivated in your systems.
TP-Link
accepted_local_switcher, tp_privacy_base, tp_privacy_marketing, tp_smb-select-product_scence, tp_smb-select-product_scenceSimple, tp_smb-select-product_userChoice, tp_smb-select-product_userChoiceSimple, tp_smb-select-product_userInfo, tp_smb-select-product_userInfoSimple, tp_top-banner, tp_popup-bottom, tp_popup-center, tp_popup-right-middle, tp_popup-right-bottom, tp_productCategoryType
Livechat
__livechat, __lc2_cid, __lc2_cst, __lc_cid, __lc_cst, CASID
Youtube
id, VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE, LOGIN_INFO, SIDCC, SAPISID, APISID, SSID, SID, YSC, __Secure-1PSID, __Secure-1PAPISID, __Secure-1PSIDCC, __Secure-3PSID, __Secure-3PAPISID, __Secure-3PSIDCC, 1P_JAR, AEC, NID, OTZ
Analysis and Marketing Cookies
Analysis cookies enable us to analyze your activities on our website in order to improve and adapt the functionality of our website.
The marketing cookies can be set through our website by our advertising partners in order to create a profile of your interests and to show you relevant advertisements on other websites.
Google Analytics & Google Tag Manager
_gid, _ga_<container-id>, _ga, _gat_gtag_<container-id>
Google Ads & DoubleClick
test_cookie, _gcl_au
Meta Pixel
_fbp
Crazy Egg
cebsp_, _ce.s, _ce.clock_data, _ce.clock_event, cebs
lidc, AnalyticsSyncHistory, UserMatchHistory, bcookie, li_sugr, ln_or