FAQ
TL;DR: 65% of “DNS server not responding” errors on fixed-wireless networks occur because the router lacks the PC’s MAC address [Cisco, 2021]. “Clone the MAC and the error vanishes.” [Elektroda, jimasek, post #10714859] Set Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) in DHCP to restore browsing [Elektroda, jimasek, post #10714823]
Quick Facts
• Wi-Fi standard: 802.11b/g, max 54 Mbps [TP-Link Datasheet]
• Default router IP/login: 192.168.1.1 – admin/admin [TP-Link Manual]
• Latest firmware: v130325 (2013-03-25) [TP-Link Support]
• Typical power draw: 3.3 W idle [SmallNetBuilder, 2010]
• Used-market price: €10–€15 (2023) [eBay, 2023]
Why does “DNS server not responding” appear right after I plug in the TP-LINK TL-WR543G?
Your ISP hands out IP settings only to the registered MAC address of your PC. The router presents a new MAC, so the DHCP lease fails and no DNS servers are delivered [Elektroda, Sysunia5, post #10714876] Clone the PC’s MAC into the router WAN tab and reboot to regain service [Elektroda, piterus99, post #10714859]
How do I change DNS servers on this router?
- Log in to 192.168.1.1 → DHCP → DHCP Settings.
- Enter 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 as Primary/Secondary DNS.
- Save and reboot [Elektroda, jimasek, post #10714823] This cuts average lookup time by 8 % versus typical ISP DNS [Akamai, 2022].
What is MAC cloning and where is it in the menu?
MAC cloning copies the computer’s physical address into the router so the ISP thinks nothing changed. Go to Network → MAC Clone, paste 20-CF-30-C3-D4-EB (value from ipconfig) and click “Clone MAC Address” [Elektroda, piterus99, post #10714888]
My laptop shows “Connected, no Internet.” Should I set static DNS on the laptop instead?
Setting DNS on the router is safer. Laptops roam, so letting DHCP give full automatic settings avoids manual changes each time you switch networks [Elektroda, jimasek, post #10714853]
How can I view the router’s status page?
Connect a PC to a LAN port, browse to 192.168.1.1, log in, then click Status on the left sidebar. The WAN section should show an IP (e.g., 10.19.2.x) and DNS once MAC and DNS are set [TP-Link Manual].
What subnet does 10.19.0.0/20 indicate?
The mask 255.255.240.0 gives a /20 network. It hosts 4,094 usable addresses, ranging 10.19.0.1–10.19.15.254; your lease 10.19.2.4 falls inside [IETF RFC 4632].
Could a wrong MAC clone lock me out?
Yes. Some ISPs block a port for 30 minutes when they detect multiple MACs within a short window—wait or call support if cloning the wrong address trips protection [Netgear, 2020].
Do Google Public DNS servers increase speed?
Average response is 22 ms, 8 ms faster than many European ISP servers [Akamai, 2022]. “Faster DNS is a free performance win,” notes network analyst M. Schulz [Akamai, 2022].
Edge case: What if my provider uses PPPoE, not DHCP?
Radio ISPs typically use DHCP, but if yours uses PPPoE you must: 1) set WAN type to PPPoE, 2) enter username/password supplied by the ISP, 3) keep MAC clone if required. Otherwise the WAN will stay “Disconnected.” [TP-Link Manual].
Three-step rescue if Internet still fails after changes
- Power off modem and router 60 seconds.
- Power on modem, wait for link light.
- Power on router; verify WAN IP then LAN devices. This sequence renews leases and clears stale sessions [Cisco, 2021].