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What you need to know before you set up
Before you can do anything, you'll need to make sure your broadband connection is up and running. We'll send you a text or email when it's good to go.
Here's a few tips to think about when you are getting everything working:
- Your broadband will work best if your router's connected to the master telephone socket. Avoid putting your router somewhere where air can't get to it because it can become hot.
- Things like thick walls and concrete floors can actually weaken your wireless signal. So put your router as close to where you're going to use it as possible.
- It's best to leave your router on all the time if you can. Have a read of our broadband speed tips for more on why.
- There's more advice in our article on getting the best Wi-Fi signal.
- If you've got any other questions, have a look at our Thomson 585 FAQs.
Check you've got everything you need
As well as your Thomson 585 setup guide, you should have:
- Your Thomson 585 router
- Ethernet cable (yellow ends)
- Power supply (two-part)
- Internet cable (grey ends)
- Microfilters
- Setup sticker
Connect your microfilters
Microfilters already plugged in? Go to Connect your router and plug it in.
Plug a microfilter into each telephone socket you use in your property. If you had to unplug something you can plug it back into the Phone socket of the microfilter.
Phone sockets can be used by phones, alarm systems, fax machines and digital TV boxes, so make sure you don't miss anything out. Microfilters are essential for keeping your phone and Internet services from interfering with each other. Without microfilters you'll see poor speeds and connection drops.
- You can use a microfilter before or after an extension lead, but not both
- You can connect two devices to one microfilter if you use a phone adapter
- If you need more microfilters, you can get them from most electrical stores and supermarkets
- Don't plug a microfilter into the socket of another microfilter
Connect your router and plug it in
Step 1 | Assemble the power adapter by sliding the smaller three-pin plug onto it until it clicks into place, as shown. Once assembled, connect it to the mains and the power socket on the back of the router. | ![]() |
Step 2 | Switch the router on using the circular black button next to the power socket (this may be on the left or right side). Wait for the power light to turn green before you continue. | ![]() |
Step 3 | Plug the Internet cable (grey ends) into the microfilter socket marked ADSL | ![]() |
Step 4 | Plug the other end of the Internet cable into the grey DSL socket on the back of the router. | ![]() |
Step 5 | The Broadband light will flash, wait for it to turn green before you continue (this can take up to 5 minutes). If it won't turn green, take a look at our help guide | ![]() |
Connect your laptop, phone or other device to your router
Wireless connection
To connect wirelessly, follow the instructions included with your computer, phone or other device to connect to your router via Wi-Fi. If you need help with this, please see our Wireless connection guides.
- The Wi-Fi Network (or SSID) you need to connect to starts with PlusnetWireless and has letters or numbers at the end, e.g. PlusnetWirelessA1B2C3.
- Your Wi-Fi password (or key) is 10 characters long and it's case sensitive, so enter it exactly as shown.
You'll find the connection details printed on the bottom of your router and the setup sticker.
Wired connection
If you're using the Ethernet cable (yellow ends) connect it to any of the four yellow Ethernet sockets on the back of your router.
Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet socket on your computer or laptop.
Connect to the Internet
This is the easy part. Your router needs a few minutes to configure settings and connect to the Internet. While it's doing this, go make yourself a drink.
Wait for at least 15 minutes before moving on to the next step.
Once you've finished your drink, just open your web browser of choice (e.g Internet Explorer, Safari, Chrome, Firefox) and you should see your home page.
If you can't connect, check the lights on your router
First of all, take a look at the front of your router. Then follow whichever steps make sense from those below.
My broadband light is flashing.
This means the problem's with your broadband signal. If you're setting up for the first time, make sure we've let you know your broadband service is ready. If we have, check your microfilters and the connection between the router and your phone socket. If the Broadband light is always flashing, have a look at the steps in our connection troubleshooting guide.
My Broadband and Internet lights are green but I'm only seeing the 'Broadband Setup' page
Good news. Everything's working fine, you just haven't quite finished the set-up process yet. Follow the steps below to get yourself connected.
- If you're setting up for the first time or have just done a factory reset, close your web browser down and try again in 15 minutes.
- If you're getting the same screen again, type in the username and password you use to login to the Member Centre.
- Use the dropdown to pick the right provider.
- Click go - in a few minutes, you'll see a green tick. This means you're good to go online.
My Broadband light is green but I'm only seeing a 'Welcome page'
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Click Set up my Thomson Gateway.
If you're asked to enter a password, use the details shown on the setup sticker (Router User & Router Password) and remember that your username and password are Case sensitive.
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The Easy Setup wizard will open in a new window, click Next.
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On the Service Selection screen, choose Plusnet or Data (Default) (depending on what's available) and click Next.
Only choose Other or Data (Custom) if you want to use No-NAT or other advanced setup options.
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On the Router Internet Connection screen, if the options are available, set VPI/VCI to 0.38 and set Connection Type to PPPoA (UK Default).
Enter your Broadband Username and password and click Next.
- Find your Broadband Username under Connection Settings in Manage Account
- The password is the one that you use to log in to this website
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Now choose the type of wireless security you want to use. We recommend leaving this as WPA-PSK - it's the most secure method. Click Next
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Next choose a Username and Password, this is to secure your router
You should choose something that's easy to remember as you'll need these details to check or change your router settings in the future. If you don't make any changes then the Username will be Administrator and the Password will be the Serial Number on the bottom of your router.
When you've made your choice click Next
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Finally you'll see the Start Configuration screen which shows a summary of the settings you've entered so far. Check through them to make sure everything is correct
Use the Back button if there's anything you need to change
Press Start to finish the setup wizard and connect to the internet
After about a minute the Internet light on the router will go green and you'll see a confirmation screen, click Finish
That's it! You're now connected and able to browse the Internet
What to do if you're having problems getting connected
If you're having problems after setting up, read our troubleshooting guide.
This is an archived article and may contain information that's not up-to-date - more info
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