I have a conundrum with my setup that I haven't been able to solve... 

I have a Spectrum/Charter Communications Model E31T2V1 (not user accessible) which then feeds directly into the TL-R600VPN. When the router initially boots up, it's clock defaults to 1/1/2018, and it will not connect to the Spectrum Modem. If I log in via the LAN and manually set the time, it does connect and work properly.

Here is my question: The router will not connect to the modem if the time is not correct. The way to get the correct time is via an NTP server, which requires an internet connection, but getting an internet connection requires the correct time. I feel like I'm doing something wrong here... but can't imagine what.

I'm using a different router now that has no trouble connecting... it's only the TL-R600VPN. 

Any help would be much appreciated!