@Carl 

 

Is this what you need?

 

@ArcherC8 

 

Ok, so if my router is V1 I will use V1 firmware.

 

So when I go to the TP Link download page "tp-link.com/us/support/download/archer-c9/v1/#Firmware" for the Archer C9, and choose V1 from the drop down box, there it lists the newest V1 download as "Archer C9(US)_V1_180125"  (2018-02-12)

 

Would that be the one to download and install?

And, how can I tell if that is the one I already have now in my router?

Would I ever want to, or need to install V2 or V3 or V4, etc?

 

Thanks.

You always install the same model. same version number, and the same country code of firmware as there may be hardware differences in the different versions of modems. Your firmware version is the 05/14/2015 version. There have been two firmware updates since with a 01/25/18 being the latest. The date is in the name but shown differently depending where it is displayed. Why TP Link does that I do not know. I think they should be consistent and also show the Build number on the web page. Also make sure you know all of your router settings before loading the firmware as it appears you may have to re-enter them after the upgrade.

@ArcherC8 

 

I am a rookie when it comes to wifi/router setup, so I appreciate your help.

 

1. It appears there were two prior updates to the most current that I never installed, (unless it does that automatically?).

 

2. Do I need to install the prior updates before I install the most current one?

 

3. To restore my settings after update is installed, can I go to the settings in tplinkwifi.net and go to "backup and restore" > click on browse > search for my previously saved backup of current settings > then click on restore?

 

4. Or is there a Default setting that I should use instead of a saved backup of current settings?

 

5. Is this update fairly routine or is there a chance to turn my router into a brick? I would not have any idea what to do if that happened and that makes me a little nervous.

 

(I do know enough to hook my Windows 10 laptop up to the router with ethernet cable instead of wireless for the update)

 

Thanks!

We all were rookies at some point. Generally if all is working for you, you do not need to update. The latest update does fix a security breech so it should be done. Generally you can skip updates unless the instructions tell you otherwise but note that some updates prevent you from going back to a previous one. If you are concerned, you can update them in order as they do not take a long time. I am not sure if the backup and restore is release dependent. It has been a long time and as I recall it did not allow for my Archer C8. You should be ready to input the settings by hand. I have saved a screen copy of each page I have changed for my router in a word document in case it is ever needed as I have a lot of changes for IP assignments and port forwarding. It is mostly routine to update the firmware. Best to do it with a wired connection and any other wired devices disconnected. Most important is not to interrupt it as that can brick it.

@ArcherC8 

 

Great tips! Thank you!

I don't have anything wired hooked up to the C9, (except the modem but of course that has to stay;-)

 

However, we are about to leave town for a while and we need the wifi on for home security and temperature/water leak detection. So I am hesitant to try it now just in case there is an issue I wouldn't have time to troubleshoot it by the time we leave, or in the worst case senario replace it.

 

I have a timer on the router and the modem to shut it down for a few minutes and restart it every week. And the C9 router is working fine.

 

I realize it is an older router and I was just concerned if there were any important security updates that would be neccessary to update to.

 

Maybe I'll wait until we get home so I have time to work with it.

 

My only concern is your statement, "The latest update does fix a security breech so it should be done".

 

That makes me a little nervous... :-(

@ArcherC8 

 

Ok, thanks again!