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Before you get started
- If you have any questions about your router or you're having trouble getting connected, please see Thomson 585: FAQs and troubleshooting
- Make sure your broadband connection is up and running before you set up your router - we'll contact you (via email and text message if we have your mobile number) when it's ready
- Broadband works best when your router is connected to the master telephone socket (it’s usually the one closest to where your phone line enters your home)
- Your router can get too warm if air can’t flow around it. Try to avoid putting it under a desk, on a carpet/other fabric, or behind large objects
- If you’re going to use wireless, try to place your router close to where you’ll be using broadband the most. Thick walls, concrete floors and large metal surfaces can weaken the wireless signal, so try to avoid these where possible
- We recommend leaving your router switched on all the time (even if you're not using it - read our broadband speed tips to find out why). If you can, connect it to an unused power socket and make sure that it won't be switched off with other items
1. What's in the box?
Check that you've got the following items:
- Your Thomson 585 router
- Ethernet cable (yellow ends)
- Power supply (two-part)
- Internet cable (grey ends)
- Microfilters
- Setup sticker
- Setup guide (not shown)
2. Connect your microfilters
Microfilters already plugged in? Go to part 3 and connect your router.
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
For more help, please see our guide to fitting microfilters.
[Top]3. Connect your router
| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| Step 3 | Plug the Internet cable (grey ends) into the microfilter socket marked ADSL |
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| Step 4 | Plug the other end of the Internet cable into the grey DSL socket on the back of the router. |
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| Step 5 | The Broadband light will flash, wait for it to turn green before you continue (this can take up to 5 minutes). If the Broadband light doesn't turn green, please see Troubleshooting. |
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4. Connect your computer
When setting up for the first time, we think it’s easier to use the Ethernet cable. This way you can make sure everything is working and you’ll be online in no time.
If using the Ethernet cable isn’t convenient or you’d prefer to use wireless right away, please see our Wireless connection guides (remember to return here and follow part 5 when you're done!)
How to connect using the Ethernet cable
| Step 1 | Plug the Ethernet cable (yellow ends) into one of the 4 yellow Ethernet sockets on the back of your router. |
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| Step 2 | Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into your computer's Ethernet socket. The Ethernet light on the router will turn green or flash. Your computer is now connected to your router, please go to part 5. |
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5. Get online
You're nearly there! At this point your router should be plugged in, switched on and connected to your telephone line and computer. The Broadband light should be green.
If the Broadband light is NOT green, please read Thomson 585: FAQs and troubleshooting.. When the broadband Light turns green, please return to this guide and follow the next steps.
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Make yourself a tea or coffee and don't touch your computer or router for 15 minutes.
(Don't try to use the Internet while you're waiting, as your router might still be setting itself up)
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After 15 minutes, open your computer's web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer, Safari or Firefox).
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And that's it. You should see your web browser's home page - congratulations! You're now connected and able to browse the Internet
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If you didn't see your home page, you'll probably see one of the screens below:
I see the Broadband Setup page I see the Welcome page 
Enter your Account Username and password (the ones you use to log into this site), choose your provider and press Go.
You'll see a confirmation screen shortly afterwards and you'll be able to start browsing.
Please click here for further instructions.
(If you print this guide, the further instructions will be shown underneath)
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How to setup your router
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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 My Account
- The password is the one that you use to log in to this website
Only routers received before 27th November 2008 will see the items shown in steps 5 & 6. Most customers will go straight to step 7.
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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 (See What are the router username & password? for more on this)
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
This page last updated 4th July 2011
