NetgearR7000 UM

User Manual
Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router

Model R7000
NETGEAR, Inc.
January 2019 350 E. Plumeria Drive
202-11973-01 San Jose, CA 95134, USA
Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router
Support
Thank you for purchasing this NETGEAR product. You can visit
https://www.netgear.com/support/ to register your product, get help, access the latest
downloads and user manuals, and join our community. We recommend that you use
only official NETGEAR support resources.
Compliance and Conformity
For regulatory compliance information including the EU Declaration of Conformity, visit
https://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory/.
See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply.
Trademarks
© NETGEAR, Inc., NETGEAR, and the NETGEAR Logo are trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc.
Any non-NETGEAR trademarks are used for reference purposes only.
2
Contents
Chapter 1 Hardware Setup

Unpack Your Router...........................................................................10
Top Panel LEDs and Buttons.............................................................11
Rear Panel............................................................................................14
Extend the Antennas..........................................................................15
Router Label........................................................................................15
Position Your Router...........................................................................16
Cable Your Router..............................................................................17
Chapter 2 Connect to the Network and Access the Router
Connect to the Network....................................................................19
Wired Connection..........................................................................19
WiFi Connection.............................................................................19
WiFi Connection Using WPS........................................................19
Types of Logins...................................................................................20
Use a Web Browser to Access the Router.......................................20
Automatic Internet Setup..............................................................20
Log In to the Router.......................................................................22
Install and Manage Your Router With the Nighthawk App...........22
Change the Language.......................................................................23
Chapter 3 Specify Your Internet Settings
Use the Internet Setup Wizard..........................................................25
Manually Set Up the Internet Connection.......................................25
Specify an Internet Connection Without a Login.......................25
Specify an Internet Connection That Uses a Login....................27
Specify IPv6 Internet Connections....................................................28
Requirements for Entering IPv6 Addresses................................29
Use Auto Detect for an IPv6 Internet Connection......................29
Set Up an IPv6 6to4 Tunnel Internet Connection......................30
Set Up an IPv6 Pass Through Internet Connection....................32
Set Up an IPv6 Fixed Internet Connection..................................32
Set Up an IPv6 DHCP Internet Connection.................................34
Set Up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet Connection................................35
Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet Connection.....................37
Set Up an IPv6 6rd Internet Connection.....................................38
3
Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R7000
Manage the MTU Size........................................................................40

MTU Concepts................................................................................40
Change the MTU Size....................................................................42
Chapter 4 Control Access to the Internet
Allow or Block Access to Your Network..........................................44
Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites...............................................45
Block Services From the Internet......................................................47
Delete Keywords From the Blocked List..........................................48
Avoid Blocking on a Trusted Computer..........................................48
Manage Network Access Control Lists............................................49
Schedule When to Block Internet Sites and Services.....................50
Set Up Security Event Email Notifications.......................................51
Chapter 5 Optimize Performance
Optimize Internet Streaming With Dynamic QoS..........................54
Enable Advanced QoS and Manually Set Up QoS Rules..........54
Add a QoS Rule by Service...........................................................55
Add a QoS Rule by Device...........................................................55
Add a QoS Rule by LAN pot.........................................................56
Edit a QoS Rule..............................................................................57
Delete a QoS Rule..........................................................................58
Delete All QoS Rules.....................................................................58
Enable Dynamic QoS.....................................................................59
Enable or Disable the Automatic QoS Database Update.........60
Improve Network Connections With Universal Plug-N-Play.........61
Manage Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service..................................62
Enable or Disable Smart Connect....................................................63
Chapter 6 Manage Network Settings
View or Change WAN Settings.........................................................65
Set Up a Default DMZ Server............................................................66
Change the Router’s Device Name..................................................67
Change the LAN TCP/IP Settings.....................................................67
Specify the IP Addresses That the Router Assigns.........................69
Disable the DHCP Server Feature in the Router.............................70
Manage Reserved LAN IP Addresses...............................................71
Reserve an IP Address...................................................................71
Edit a Reserved IP Address...........................................................72
Delete a Reserved IP Address Entry............................................72
Use the WPS Wizard for WiFi Connections.....................................73
Specify Basic WiFi Settings................................................................74
Change the WiFi Mbps Settings.......................................................75
Change the WiFi Password or the WiFi Security............................77
4
Set Up a Guest WiFi Network............................................................78

Control the WiFi Radios.....................................................................80
Use the WiFi On/Off Button..........................................................81
Enable or Disable the WiFi Radios...............................................81
Set Up a WiFi Schedule......................................................................81
Specify WPS Settings..........................................................................82
Set Up the Router as a WiFi Access Point........................................83
Set Up the Router in Bridge Mode...................................................84
Set Up the Router as a WiFi Repeater..............................................86
Set Up a Bridge for a Port Group or VLAN Tag Group..................87
Set Up a Bridge for a Port Group.................................................87
Set Up a Bridge for a VLAN Tag Group......................................88
Custom Static Routes.........................................................................90
Set Up a Static Route.....................................................................91
Edit a Static Route..........................................................................92
Delete a Static Route.....................................................................93
Chapter 7 Manage Your Router
Update the Router Firmware.............................................................95
Check for New Firmware and Update the Router......................95
Manually Upload Firmware to the Router...................................96
Change the admin Password............................................................97
Enable admin Password Recovery...................................................97
Recover the admin Password............................................................98
View Information About the Router and the Internet and WiFi
Settings................................................................................................99
Display Internet Port Statistics........................................................100
Check the Internet Connection Status...........................................101
View and Manage Logs of Router Activity.....................................102
View Devices Currently on the Network........................................103
Monitor Internet Traffic....................................................................103
Manage the Router Configuration File..........................................105
Back Up Settings..........................................................................105
Erase the Settings........................................................................105
Restore Configuration Settings..................................................106
Remote Access.................................................................................107
Set Up Remote Management.....................................................107
Use Remote Access.....................................................................108
Remotely Access Your Router Using the Nighthawk App...........108
Disable LED Blinking or Turn Off LEDs..........................................109
Set Your Time Zone..........................................................................109
Change the NTP Server...................................................................110
Return the Router to Its Factory Default Settings.........................111
Use the Reset Button...................................................................111
5
Erase the Settings........................................................................111

Chapter 8 Share USB Storage Devices Attached to the Router
USB Device Requirements..............................................................114
Connect a USB Storage Device to the Router..............................114
Access a Storage Device Connected to the Router From a
Windows-Based Computer.............................................................115
Map a USB Device to a Windows Network Drive.........................115
Access a Storage Device That Is Connected to the Router From a
Mac.....................................................................................................116
Back Up Windows-Based Computers With ReadySHARE Vault..117
Back Up Mac Computers With Time Machine..............................117
Set Up a USB Hard Drive on a Mac............................................118
Prepare to Back Up a Large Amount of Data...........................119
Use Time Machine to Back Up Onto a USB Hard Disk............119
Enable FTP Access Within Your Network......................................121
View or Change Network Folders on a Storage Device..............121
Add a Network Folder on a USB Storage Device.........................122
Edit a Network Folder on a USB Storage Device.........................123
Set Up NETGEAR Downloader.......................................................124
Download Files Using NETGEAR Downloader........................124
Set Up Email Notifications for NETGEAR Downloader...........125
Change the NETGEAR Downloader Settings...........................126
Manage NETGEAR Downloader Tasks.....................................127
Safely Remove a USB Storage Device...........................................127
Chapter 9 Use Dynamic DNS to Access USB Storage Devices
Through the Internet
Set Up and Manage Dynamic DNS................................................130
Set Up FTP Access Through the Internet......................................130
Your Personal FTP Server................................................................131
Set Up Your Personal FTP Server...............................................131
Set Up a New Dynamic DNS Account.......................................132
Specify a DNS Account That You Already Created.................132
Change the Dynamic DNS Settings...........................................133
Access USB Storage Devices Through the Internet.....................135
Remotely Access a USB Device Using ReadyCLOUD..................135
Create a ReadyCLOUD Account................................................135
Register Your Router With ReadyCLOUD.................................136
Chapter 10 Use the Router as a Media Server
Specify ReadyDLNA Media Server Settings..................................139
Play Music From a Storage Device With iTunes Server...............140
Set Up the Router’s iTunes Server With iTunes........................140
6
Set Up the Router’s iTunes Server With the Remote App......141

Set Up the Router to Work With TiVo............................................142
Change the NTP Server...................................................................143
Chapter 11 Share a USB Printer
Install the Printer Driver and Cable the Printer.............................146
Download the ReadySHARE Printer Utility....................................146
Install the ReadySHARE Printer Utility............................................146
Print Using the NETGEAR USB Control Center............................147
Chapter 12 Use VPN to Access Your Network
Set Up a VPN Connection...............................................................150
Specify VPN Service in the Router..................................................150
Install OpenVPN Software...............................................................151
Install OpenVPN Software on Your Windows Computer.......151
Install OpenVPN Software on Your Mac Computer................154
Install OpenVPN Software on an iOS Device...........................155
Install OpenVPN Software on an Android Device...................155
Use a VPN Tunnel on Your Windows Computer..........................156
Use VPN to Access the Router’s USB Device and Media............158
Use VPN to Access Your Internet Service at Home......................158
Set Up VPN Client Internet Access in the Router.....................159
Block VPN Client Internet Access in the Router.......................159
Use a VPN Tunnel to Access Your Internet Service at Home..160
Chapter 13 Manage Port Forwarding and Port Triggering
Manage Port Forwarding to a Local Server..................................163
Set Up Port Forwarding to a Local Server.................................163
Add a Custom Port Forwarding Service...................................164
Edit a Port Forwarding Service...................................................165
Delete a Port Forwarding Entry..................................................166
Application Example: Make a Local Web Server Public.........166
How the Router Implements the Port Forwarding Rule..........167
Port Triggering.................................................................................167
Add a Port Triggering Service....................................................168
Enable Port Triggering................................................................169
Application Example: Port Triggering for Internet Relay Chat port
triggering......................................................................................169
Chapter 14 Troubleshooting
Quick Tips..........................................................................................172
Sequence to Restart Your Network...........................................172
Check Ethernet Cable Connections..........................................172
WiFi Settings.................................................................................172
7
Network Settings..........................................................................172
Troubleshoot With the LEDs...........................................................173
Standard LED Behavior When the Router Is Powered On......173
Power LED Is Off or Blinking......................................................173
LEDs Never Turn Off....................................................................173
Internet or Ethernet Port LEDs Are Off......................................174
WiFi LED Is Off.............................................................................174
You Cannot Log In to the Router....................................................174
You Cannot Access the Internet.....................................................175
Troubleshoot Internet Browsing.....................................................176
Changes Are Not Saved..................................................................177
Troubleshoot WiFi Connectivity.....................................................177
Troubleshoot Your Network Using the Ping Utility......................178
Test the LAN Path to Your Router..............................................178
Test the Path From a Windows-Based Computer to a Remote
Device............................................................................................179
Chapter 15 Supplemental Information
Factory Settings................................................................................182
Technical Specifications..................................................................185
8
1
Hardware Setup
This chapter contains the following sections:

• Unpack Your Router
• Top Panel LEDs and Buttons
• Rear Panel
• Extend the Antennas
• Router Label
• Position Your Router
• Cable Your Router
For more information about the topics covered in this manual, visit the support website
at netgear.com/support.
9
Unpack Your Router

Your package contains the router, the power adapter, and an Ethernet cable.
Figure 1. Package contents
Hardware Setup 10 User Manual

Top Panel LEDs and Buttons

The status LEDs and two buttons are located on the top panel of the router.
Figure 2. Top view
Table 1. LED descriptions
LED and Button Description
Power LED Solid amber. The router is starting.

Blinking amber. The firmware is upgrading, or the Reset button was pressed.
Solid white. The router is ready.
Blinking white. The firmware is corrupted.
Off. Power is not supplied to the router.
Internet LED Solid white. The Internet connection is ready.

Solid amber. The router has detected an Ethernet cable connection to the
modem.
Blinking white. The port is sending or receiving traffic.
Off. No Ethernet cable is connected between the router and the modem.

Table 1. LED descriptions (Continued)
2.4 GHz WiFi LED Solid white. The 2.4 GHz WiFi radio is operating.
Blinking white. The router is sending or receiving WiFi traffic.
Off. The 2.4 GHz WiFi radio is off.
5 GHz WiFi LED Solid white. The 5 GHz WiFi radio is operating.
Blinking white. The router is sending or receiving WiFi traffic.
Off. The 5 GHz WiFi radio is off.
USB port 1 LED The USB port 1 LED is for the USB 3.0 port on the front panel:
• Solid white. A USB device is connected and is ready.
• Blinking white. A USB device is plugged in and is trying to connect, or a file
is transferring to or from the USB device.
• Off. No USB device is connected, or someone clicked the Safely Remove
Hardware button and it is now safe to remove the attached USB device.
USB port 2 LED The USB port 2 LED is for the USB 2.0 port on the rear panel:
• Solid white. A USB device is connected and is ready.
• Blinking white. A USB device is plugged in and is trying to connect, or a file
is transferring to or from the USB device.
• Off. No USB device is connected, or someone clicked the Safely Remove
Hardware button and it is now safe to remove the attached USB device.
Ethernet LEDs for ports 1–4 The LED color indicates the speed: white for Gigabit Ethernet connections and
amber for 100 Mbps or 10 Mbps Ethernet connections:
• Solid white. The router detected a 1 Gbps link with a powered-on device.
• Blinking white. The port is sending or receiving traffic at 1 Gbps.

• Solid amber. The router detected a 100 Mbps or 10 Mbps link with a
powered-on device.
• Blinking amber. The port is sending or receiving traffic at 100 Mbps or 10
Mbps.
• Off. No device is connected to this Ethernet port.

Table 1. LED descriptions (Continued)
WiFi LED Pressing the WiFi button for two seconds turns the 2.4 Ghz and 5 GHz WiFi LEDs
and WiFi radios on and off.
If this LED is lit, the WiFi radios are on. If this LED is off, the WiFi radios are turned
off and you cannot use WiFi to connect to the router.
WPS LED Pressing the WPS button lets your WPS-enabled device join your router's WiFi
network without typing the WiFi password. The WPS LED blinks white during
the WPS process and then lights solid white when the WPS-enabled device
connects to your router's WiFi network.
Note: If the LED On/Off switch on the rear panel is moved to the Off position, all the
LEDs except the Power LED are turned off.

Rear Panel
The following figure shows the rear panel connectors and buttons.
Figure 3. Rear panel
Viewed from left to right, the rear panel contains the following components:
• Reset button. Pressing the Reset button resets the router.

If the Reset button is pressed for at least 10 seconds and the Power LED blinks white,
the router returns to its factory settings. For information about the factory settings,
see Factory Settings on page ?.
• Ethernet ports. Four Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 LAN ports. Use these ports to connect
the router to LAN devices.
• Internet port. One Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 WAN port to connect the router to an
Internet modem such as a cable modem or DLS modem.
• USB 2.0 port. Use this USB port to connect a USB storage device. A USB 3.0 port is
located on the front of the router.
• Power On/Off button. Press the Power On/Off button to provide power to the
router.
• Power connector. Connect the power adapter that came in the product package
to the power connector.

Extend the Antennas

Before you install your router, extend the antennas as shown in the following figure.
Figure 4. Position the antennas
Router Label
The router label shows the login information, WiFi Network Name (SSID), network key
(password), serial number, and MAC address.
Figure 5. Router label

O NETGEAR SPEC. DOC-00093 FOR COLOR
NCES.
OR IS SHOWN TO THE RIGHT.

S ARE MAGENTA COLOR AND DO NOT PRINT.
ERIAL NUMBERS TO BE PRINTED BY THE ODM.

Position Your Router

The router lets you access your network anywhere within the operating range of your
WiFi network. However, the operating distance or range of your WiFi connection can
vary significantly depending on the physical placement of your router.
In addition, position your router according to the following guidelines:
• Place your router near the center of the area where your computers and other devices
operate, and within line of sight to your WiFi devices.
• Make sure that the router is within reach of an AC power outlet and near Ethernet
cables for wired computers.
• Place the router in an elevated location, minimizing the number walls and ceilings
between the router and your other devices.
• Place the router away from electrical devices such as these:
- Ceiling fans
- Home security systems
- Microwaves
- Computers
- Base of a cordless phone
- 2.4 GHz cordless phone
- 5 GHz cordless phone
• Place the router away from large metal surfaces, large glass surfaces, insulated walls,
and items such as these:
- Solid metal door
- Aluminum studs
- Fish tanks
- Mirrors
- Brick
- Concrete
The following factors might limit the range of your WiFi:

• The thickness and number of walls the WiFi signal passes through.
• Other WiFi access points in and around your home might affect your router’s signal.

WiFi access points are routers, repeaters, WiFi range extenders, and any other device
that emits a WiFi signal for network access.
Cable Your Router

Power on your router and connect it to a modem.
Figure 6. Cable your router
To cable your router:

1. Unplug your modem, remove and reinsert the backup battery if it uses one, and
then plug the modem back in.
2. Use the Ethernet cable to connect the modem to the yellow Internet port on the
router.
Note: If your Internet connection does not require a modem, connect your main
Ethernet cable to the yellow Internet port on the router.
3. Connect the power adapter to your router and plug the power adapter into an outlet.
4. Press the Power On/Off button on the rear panel of the router.
The router’s Power LED lights solid white when the router is ready.

2
Connect to the Network and Access
the Router
You can connect to the router’s WiFi networks or use a wired Ethernet connection. This
chapter explains the ways you can connect and how to access the router and log in.
The chapter contains the following sections:
• Connect to the Network
• Types of Logins
• Use a Web Browser to Access the Router
• Install and Manage Your Router With the Nighthawk App
• Change the Language
18
Connect to the Network

You can connect to the router’s network through a wired or WiFi connection. If you set
up your computer to use a static IP address, change the settings so that it uses Dynamic
Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).
Wired Connection
You can connect your computer to the router using an Ethernet cable and join the
router’s local area network (LAN).
To connect your computer to the router with an Ethernet cable:
1. Make sure that the router is receiving power (its Power LED is lit).
2. Connect an Ethernet cable to an Ethernet port on your computer.
3. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable an Ethernet port on the router.
Your computer connects to the local area network (LAN).
WiFi Connection
To find and select the WiFi network:
2. On your computer or WiFi device, find and select the WiFi network.
The WiFi network name is on the router label.
3. Join the WiFi network and enter the WiFi password.

The password is on the router label.
Your device connects to the WiFi network.
WiFi Connection Using WPS

You can connect your WPS-enabled device to the router’s WiFi network with Wi-Fi
Protected Setup (WPS) or you can find and select the WiFi network.
To use WPS to connect to the WiFi network:
2. Check the WPS instructions for your WPS-enabled device.
3. Press the WPS button on the router.
Connect to the Network and 19 User Manual

Access the Router
4. Within two minutes, on your WPS-enabled device, press its WPS button or follow
its instructions for WPS connections.
Your WPS-enabled device connects to the WiFi network.
Types of Logins
Separate types of logins serve different purposes. It is important that you understand
the difference so that you know which login to use when.
Several types of logins are associated with the router:
• ISP login. The login that your ISP gave you logs you in to your Internet service. Your
service provider gave you this login information in a letter or some other way. If you
cannot find this login information, contact your service provider.
• WiFi network key or password. Your router is preset with a unique WiFi network
name (SSID) and password for WiFi access. This information is on the router label.
• Router login. This logs you in to the router interface from a web browser as admin.
Use a Web Browser to Access the Router

When you connect to the network (either with WiFi or with an Ethernet cable), you can
use a web browser to access the router to view or change its settings. When you access
the router, the software automatically checks to see if your router can connect to your
Internet service.
Automatic Internet Setup

You can set up your router automatically, or you can use a web browser to access the
router and set up your router manually. Before you start the setup process, get your ISP
information and make sure that the computers and devices in the network are using
the settings described here.
When your Internet service starts, your Internet service provider (ISP) typically gives you
all the information needed to connect to the Internet. For DSL service, you might need
the following information to set up your router:
• The ISP configuration information for your DSL account

• ISP login name and password
• Fixed or static IP address setting (special deployment by ISP; this setting is rare)

Access the Router
If you cannot locate this information, ask your ISP to provide it. When your Internet
connection is working, you no longer need to launch the ISP login program on your
computer to access the Internet. When you start an Internet application, your router
automatically logs you in.
The NETGEAR installation assistant runs on any device with a web browser. Installation
and basic setup takes about 15 minutes to complete.
To automatically set up your router:
1. Make sure that the router is powered on.
2. Make sure that your computer or mobile device is connected to the router with an
Ethernet cable (wired) or over WiFi with the preset security settings listed on the
label.
Note: If you want to change the router’s WiFi settings, use a wired connection to
avoid being disconnected when the new WiFi settings take effect.
3. Launch a web browser.

The page that displays depends on whether you accessed the router before:
• The first time you set up the Internet connection for your router, the browser goes
to http://www.routerlogin.net and the Configuring the Internet Connection
page displays.
• If you already set up the Internet connection, enter http://www.routerlogin.net
in the address field for your browser to start the installation process.
4. Follow the onscreen instructions.

The router connects to the Internet.
5. If the browser does not display the NETGEAR installation assistant, do the following:
• Make sure that the computer is connected to one of the LAN Ethernet ports or
over WiFi to the router.
• Make sure that the router is receiving power and that its Power LED is lit.
• Close and reopen the browser or clear the browser cache.
• Browse to http://www.routerlogin.net.
• If the computer is set to a static or fixed IP address (this setting is uncommon),
change it to obtain an IP address automatically from the router.
6. If the router does not connect to the Internet, do the following:

a. Review your settings. Make sure that you selected the correct options and typed
everything correctly.
b. Contact your ISP to verify that you are using the correct configuration information.

Access the Router
c. Read You Cannot Access the Internet on page 175. If problems persist, register
your NETGEAR product and contact NETGEAR Technical Support.
When the router connects to the Internet, you are prompted to download and install the free ReadySHARE
Vault app.
Log In to the Router

When you first connect to your router and launch a web browser, the browser
automatically displays the router web interface. If you want to view or change settings
for the router later, you can use a browser to log in to the router web interface.
To log in to the router:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the
router network.
2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.
Note: You can also enter http://www.routerlogin.com or http://192.168.1.1.

The procedures in this manual use http://www.routerlogin.net.
A login window opens.
3. Enter the router admin user name and password.

The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time
that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.
The BASIC Home page displays.
Install and Manage Your Router With the

Nighthawk App
With the Nighthawk app, you can easily install and manage your router. The app
automatically updates the router to the latest firmware, allows you to personalize your
WiFi network, and even helps register your router with NETGEAR.
The Nighthawk app is available for iOS and Android mobile devices.
To install your router using the Nighthawk app:
1. To download the app, visit Nighthawk-app.com.
2. On your mobile device, tap Settings > Wi-Fi and find and connect to your router’s
WiFi network.

Access the Router
Your router’s WiFi network name (SSID) and network key (password) are on the router
label.
3. Launch the Nighthawk app on your mobile device.

4. Follow the instructions that display on the app to install your router and connect to
the Internet.
Change the Language

By default, the language is set to Auto.
To change the language:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the
network.
3. Enter the router user name and password.

4. In the upper right corner, select a language from the menu.

5. When prompted, click the OK button to confirm this change.
The page refreshes with the language that you selected.

Access the Router
3
Specify Your Internet Settings
Usually, the quickest way to set up the router to use your Internet connection is to allow
your router to detect the Internet connection when you first access the router with a
web browser. You can also customize or specify your Internet settings.
• Use the Internet Setup Wizard
• Manually Set Up the Internet Connection
• Specify IPv6 Internet Connections
• Manage the MTU Size
24
Use the Internet Setup Wizard

You can use the Setup Wizard to detect your Internet settings and automatically set up
your router. The Setup Wizard is not the same as the pages that display the first time
you connect to your router to set it up.
To use the Setup Wizard:
router network.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup Wizard.

The Setup Wizard page displays.
5. Select the Yes radio button.
If you select the No radio button, you are taken to the Internet Setup page (see
Manually Set Up the Internet Connection on page 25).
6. Click the Next button.

The Setup Wizard searches your Internet connection for servers and protocols to
determine your Internet configuration.
Manually Set Up the Internet Connection

You can view or change the router’s Internet connection settings.
Specify an Internet Connection Without a Login

To specify the Internet connection settings:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to
therouter network.
Specify Your Internet Settings 25 User Manual


4. Select Internet.
The Internet Setup page displays.
5. In the Does your Internet connection require a login? section, leave the No radio
button selected.
6. If your Internet connection requires an account name or host name, click the Edit
button in the Account Name section and enter the account name.
7. If your Internet connection requires a domain name, type it in the Domain Name (If
Required) field.
For the other sections on this page, the default settings usually work, but you can
change them.
8. Select an Internet IP Address radio button:

• Get Dynamically from ISP. Your ISP uses DHCP to assign your IP address. Your
ISP automatically assigns these addresses.
• Use Static IP Address. Enter the IP address, IP subnet mask, and the gateway IP
address that your ISP assigned. The gateway is the ISP router to which your router
connects.
9. Select a Domain Name Server (DNS) Address radio button:

• Get Automatically from ISP. Your ISP uses DHCP to assign your DNS servers.
Your ISP automatically assigns this address.
• Use These DNS Servers. If you know that your ISP requires specific servers, select
this option. Enter the IP address of your ISP’s primary DNS server. If a secondary
DNS server address is available, enter it also.
10. Select a Router MAC Address radio button:

• Use Default Address. Use the default MAC address.
• Use Computer MAC Address. The router captures and uses the MAC address
of the computer that you are now using. You must use the one computer that the
ISP allows.
• Use This MAC Address. Enter the MAC address that you want to use.
11. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

12. Click the Test button to test your Internet connection.

If the NETGEAR website does not display within one minute, see You Cannot Access
the Internet on page 175.
Specify an Internet Connection That Uses a Login

To view or change the basic Internet setup:
router network.

4. Select Internet.
The Internet Setup page displays.
5. In the Does your Internet connection require a login? section, select the Yes radio
button.
6. From the Internet Service Provider menu, select the encapsulation method: PPPoE,
L2TP, or PPTP.
7. In the Login field, enter the login name that your ISP gave you.
This login name is often an email address.
8. In the Password field, type the password that you use to log in to your Internet
service.
9. If your ISP requires a service name, type it in the Service Name (if Required) field.
10. From the Connection Mode menu, select Always On, Dial on Demand, or Manually
Connect.
11. To change the number of minutes until the Internet login times out, in the Idle
Timeout (In minutes) field, type the number of minutes.
This is how long the router keeps the Internet connection active when no one on the
network is using the Internet connection. A value of 0 (zero) means never log out.
12. Select an Internet IP Address radio button:

• Get Dynamically from ISP. Your ISP uses DHCP to assign your IP address. Your
ISP automatically assigns these addresses.
• Use Static IP Address. Enter the IP address, IP subnet mask, and the gateway IP
address that your ISP assigned. The gateway is the ISP router to which your router
connects.
13. Select a Domain Name Server (DNS) Address radio button:

14. Select a Router MAC Address radio button:

• Use Default Address. Use the default MAC address.
• Use Computer MAC Address. The router captures and uses the MAC address
of the computer that you are now using. You must use the one computer that the
ISP allows.
• Use This MAC Address. Enter the MAC address that you want to use.

16. Click the Test button to test your Internet connection.

If the NETGEAR website does not display within one minute, see You Cannot Access
the Internet on page 175.
Specify IPv6 Internet Connections

You can set up an IPv6 Internet connection if the router does not detect it automatically.
To set up an IPv6 Internet connection:
router network.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

The IPv6 page displays.
5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select the IPv6 connection type:
• If you are not sure, select Auto Detect so that the router detects the IPv6 type
that is in use.
• If your Internet connection does not use PPPoe or DHCP, or is not fixed, but is
IPv6, select Auto Config.
Your Internet service provider (ISP) can provide this information.

Requirements for Entering IPv6 Addresses

IPv6 addresses are denoted by eight groups of hexadecimal quartets that are separated
by colons. You can reduce any four-digit group of zeros within an IPv6 address to a
single zero or omit it. The following errors invalidate an IPv6 address:
• More than eight groups of hexadecimal quartets

• More than four hexadecimal characters in a quartet
• More than two colons in a row
Use Auto Detect for an IPv6 Internet Connection

To set up an IPv6 Internet connection through autodetection:
router network.


5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select Auto Detect.

The page adjusts.

The router automatically detects the information in the following fields:
• Connection Type. This field indicates the connection type that is detected.
• Router’s IPv6 Address on WAN. This field shows the IPv6 address that is acquired
for the router’s WAN (or Internet) interface. The number after the slash (/) is the
length of the prefix, which is also indicated by the underline (_) under the IPv6
address. If no address is acquired, the field displays Not Available.
• Router’s IPv6 Address on LAN. This field shows the IPv6 address that is acquired
for the router’s LAN interface. The number after the slash (/) is the length of the
prefix, which is also indicated by the underline (_) under the IPv6 address. If no
address is acquired, the field displays Not Available.
6. Select an IP Address Assignment radio button:

• Use DHCP Server. This method passes more information to LAN devices but
some IPv6 systems might not support the DHCv6 client function.
• Auto Config. This is the default setting.
This setting specifies how the router assigns IPv6 addresses to the devices on your
home network (the LAN).
7. (Optional) Select the Use This Interface ID check box and specify the interface ID
to be used for the IPv6 address of the router’s LAN interface.
If you do not specify an ID here, the router generates one automatically from its MAC
address.
8. Select an IPv6 Filtering radio button:

• Secured. In secured mode, which is the default mode, the router inspects both
TCP and UDP packets.
• Open. In open mode, the router inspects UDP packets only.

Set Up an IPv6 6to4 Tunnel Internet Connection

The remote relay router is the router to which your router creates a 6to4 tunnel. Make
sure that the IPv4 Internet connection is working before you apply the 6to4 tunnel
settings for the IPv6 connection.

To set up an IPv6 Internet connection by using a 6to4 tunnel:

router network.


5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select 6to4 Tunnel.

The page adjusts.
The router automatically detects the information in the Router’s IPv6 Address on
LAN field. This field shows the IPv6 address that is acquired for the router’s LAN
interface. The number after the slash (/) is the length of the prefix, which is also
indicated by the underline (_) under the IPv6 address. If no address is acquired, the
field displays Not Available.
6. Select a Remote 6to4 Relay Router radio button:

• Auto. Your router uses any remote relay router that is available on the Internet.
This is the default setting.
• Static IP Address. Enter the static IPv4 address of the remote relay router. Your
IPv6 ISP usually provides this address.

some IPv6 systems might not support the DHCPv6 client function.
address.


Set Up an IPv6 Pass Through Internet Connection

In pass-through mode, the router works as a Layer 2 Ethernet switch with two ports (LAN
and WAN Ethernet ports) for IPv6 packets. The router does not process any IPv6 header
packets.
To set up a pass-through IPv6 Internet connection:
router network.


5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select Pass Through.

The page adjusts, but no additional fields display.

Set Up an IPv6 Fixed Internet Connection

To set up a fixed IPv6 Internet connection:
router network.



5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select Fixed.
The page sdjusts.
6. Configure the fixed IPv6 addresses for the WAN connection:

• IPv6 Address/Prefix Length. The IPv6 address and prefix length of the router
WAN interface.
• Default IPv6 Gateway. The IPv6 address of the default IPv6 gateway for the
router’s WAN interface.
• Primary DNS Server. The primary DNS server that resolves IPv6 domain name
records for the router.
• Secondary DNS Server. The secondary DNS server that resolves IPv6 domain
name records for the router.
Note: If you do not specify the DNS servers, the router uses the DNS servers that
are configured for the IPv4 Internet connection on the Internet Setup page. (See
Manually Set Up the Internet Connection on page 25.)

8. In the IPv6 Address/Prefix Length fields, specify the static IPv6 address and prefix
length of the router’s LAN interface.
address.


Set Up an IPv6 DHCP Internet Connection

To set up an IPv6 Internet connection with a DHCP server:
router network.


5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select DHCP.

The page adjusts.
6. (Optional) In the User Class (If Required) field, enter a host name.
Most people can leave this field blank, but if your ISP gave you a specific host name,
enter it here.

7. (Optional) In the Domain Name (If Required) field, enter a domain name.
You can type the domain name of your IPv6 ISP. Do not enter the domain name for
the IPv4 ISP here. For example, if your ISP’s mail server is mail.xxx.yyy.zzz, type
xxx.yyy.zzz as the domain name. If your ISP provided a domain name, type it in this
field. For example, Earthlink Cable might require a host name of home, and Comcast
sometimes supplies a domain name.

address.


Set Up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet Connection

To set up a PPPoE IPv6 Internet connection:
router network.



5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select PPPoE.

The page adjusts.
6. In the Login field, enter the login information for the ISP connection.
This is usually the name that you use in your email address. For example, if your main
mail account is JerAB@ISP.com, you would type JerAB in this field. Some ISPs (like
Mindspring, Earthlink, and T-DSL) require that you use your full email address when
you log in. If your ISP requires your full email address, type it in this field.
7. In the Password field, enter the password for the ISP connection.
8. In the Service Name field, enter a service name.
If your ISP did not provide a service name, leave this field blank.
Note: The default setting of the Connection Mode menu is Always On to provide
a steady IPv6 connection. The router never terminates the connection. If the
connection is terminated, for example, when the modem is turned off, the router
attempts to reestablish the connection immediately after the PPPoE connection
becomes available again.


address.


Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet Connection

To set up an IPv6 Internet connection through autoconfiguration:
router network.

The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and
password are case-sensitive.

5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select Auto Config.

The page adjusts.

6. (Optional) In the DHCP User Class (If Required) field, enter a host name.
Most people can leave this field blank, but if your ISP gave you a specific host name,
enter it here.
7. (Optional) In the DHCP Domain Name (If Required) field, enter a domain name.
You can type the domain name of your IPv6 ISP. Do not enter the domain name for
the IPv4 ISP here. For example, if your ISP’s mail server is mail.xxx.yyy.zzz, type
xxx.yyy.zzz as the domain name. If your ISP provided a domain name, type it in this
field. For example, Earthlink Cable might require a host name of home, and Comcast
sometimes supplies a domain name.

address.


Set Up an IPv6 6rd Internet Connection

The 6rd protocol makes it possible to deploy IPv6 to sites using a service provider’s
IPv4 network. 6rd uses the service provider’s own IPv6 address prefix. This limits the
operational domain of 6rd to the service provider’s network and is under direct control
of the service provider. The IPv6 service provided is equivalent to native IPv6. The 6rd

mechanism relies on an algorithmic mapping between the IPv6 and IPv4 addresses that
are assigned for use within the service provider’s network. This mapping allows for
automatic determination of IPv4 tunnel endpoints from IPv6 prefixes, allowing stateless
operation of 6rd.
With a 6rd tunnel configuration, the router follows the RFC5969 standard, supporting
two ways to establish a 6rd tunnel IPv6 WAN connection:
• Auto Detect mode. In IPv6 Auto Detect mode, when the router receives option 212
from the DHCPv4 option, autodetect selects the IPv6 as 6rd tunnel setting. The router
uses the 6rd option information to establish the 6rd connection.
• Manual mode. Select 6rd Tunnel. If the router receives option 212, the fields are
automatically completed. Otherwise, you must enter the 6rd settings.
To set up an IPv6 6rd Internet connection:

router network.


5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select 6rd.
The page adjusts.
The router automatically detects the information in the following sections:
• 6rd (IPv6 Rapid Development) Configuration. The router detects the service
provider’s IPv4 network and attempts to establish an IPv6 6rd tunnel connection.
If the IPv4 network returns 6rd parameters to the router, the page adjusts to display
the correct settings in this section.
6. Select an IPv6 Domain Name Server (DNS) Address radio button:


that you want to be used for the IPv6 address of the router’s LAN interface.
address.


Manage the MTU Size

The maximum transmission unit (MTU) is the largest data packet a network device
transmits.
MTU Concepts
When one network device communicates across the Internet with another, the data
packets travel through many devices along the way. If a device in the data path uses a
lower maximum transmission unit (MTU) setting than the other devices, the data packets
must be split or “fragmented” to accommodate the device with the smallest MTU.

The best MTU setting for NETGEAR equipment is often the default value. In some
situations, changing the value fixes one problem but causes another. Leave the MTU
unchanged unless one of these situations occurs:
• You experience problems connecting to your ISP or other Internet service, and the
technical support of either the ISP or NETGEAR recommends changing the MTU
setting.
For example, if a secure website does not open, or displays only part of a web page,
you might need to change the MTU.
• You use VPN and experience severe performance problems.
• You used a program to optimize MTU for performance reasons and now you are
experiencing connectivity or performance problems.
Note: An incorrect MTU setting can cause Internet communication problems. For
example, you might not be able to access certain websites, frames within websites,
secure login pages, or FTP or POP servers.
If you suspect an MTU problem, a common solution is to change the MTU to 1400. If
you are willing to experiment, you can gradually reduce the MTU from the maximum
value of 1500 until the problem goes away. The following table describes common MTU
sizes and applications.
Table 2. Common MTU sizes
MTU Application
1500 The largest Ethernet packet size. This setting is typical for
connections that do not use PPPoE or VPN and is the default value
for NETGEAR routers, adapters, and switches.
1492 Used in PPPoE environments.
1472 Maximum size to use for pinging. (Larger packets are fragmented.)
1468 Used in some DHCP environments.

Table 2. Common MTU sizes (Continued)
MTU Application
1458 Used in PPPoA environments.
1436 Used in PPTP environments or with VPN.
Change the MTU Size

To change the MTU size:
router network.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > WAN Setup.

The WAN Setup page displays.
5. In the MTU Size field, enter a value from 64 to 1500.

4
Control Access to the Internet
The router comes with a built-in firewall that helps protect your home network from
unwanted intrusions from the Internet.
This chapter includes the following sections:
• Allow or Block Access to Your Network
• Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites
• Manage Network Access Control Lists
• Schedule When to Block Internet Sites and Services
• Set Up Security Event Email Notifications
43
Allow or Block Access to Your Network

You can use access control to block or allow access to your network.
To set up access control:
router network.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Access Control.

The Access Control page displays.
5. Select the Turn on Access Control check box.

You must select this check box before you can specify an access rule and use the
Allow and Block buttons. When this check box is cleared, all devices are allowed
to connect, even if a device is in the blocked list.
6. Select an access rule:

• Allow all new devices to connect. With this setting, if you add a new device, it
can access your network. You don’t need to enter its MAC address on this page.
We recommend that you leave this radio button selected.
• Block all new devices from connecting. With this setting, if you add a new device,
before it can access your network, you must enter its MAC address for an Ethernet
connection and its MAC address for a WiFi connection in the allowed list.
The access rule does not affect previously blocked or allowed devices. It applies
only to devices joining your network in the future after you apply these settings.
7. To view allowed or blocked devices that are not connected, click one of the following
links:
• View list of allowed devices not currently connected to the network
• View list of blocked devices not currently connected to the network
The list displays.
Control Access to the Internet 44 User Manual

8. To allow the WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device you’re currently using to

continue to access the network, select the check box next to your computer or device,
and click the Allow button.
Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites

You can use keywords to block certain Internet sites from your network. You can use
blocking all the time or based on a schedule.
To block Internet sites:
router network.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Block Sites.

The Block Sites page displays.
5. Select a keyword blocking option:
• Per Schedule. Turn on keyword blocking according to a schedule that you set.
For more information, see Schedule When to Block Internet Sites and Services
on page 50.
• Always. Turn on keyword blocking all the time, independent of the Schedule
page.
6. In the Type keyword or domain name here field, enter a keyword or domain that
you want to block.
For example:
• Specify XXX to block http://www.badstuff.com/xxx.html.
• Specify .com if you want to allow only sites with domain suffixes such as .edu or
.gov.

• Enter a period (.) to block all Internet browsing access.
7. Click the Add Keyword button.

The keyword is added to the keyword list. The keyword list supports up to 32 entries.
Keyword blocking takes effect.

Block Services From the Internet

You can block Internet services on your network based on the type of service. You can
block the services all the time or based on a schedule.
To block services:
router network.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Block Services.

The Block Services page displays.
5. Specify when to block the services:
• To block the services all the time, select the Always radio button.
• To block the services based on a schedule, select the Per Schedule radio button.
For information about how to specify the schedule, see Schedule When to Block
Internet Sites and Services on page 50.
6. Click the Add button.

The Block Services Setup page displays.
7. To add a service that is in the Service Type menu, select the application or service.
The settings for this service automatically display in the fields.
8. To add a service or application that is not in the menu, select User Defined, and do
the following:
a. If you know that the application uses either TCP or UDP, select the appropriate
protocol. Otherwise, select TCP/UDP (both).
b. Enter the starting port and ending port numbers.
If the service uses a single port number, enter that number in both fields. To find
out which port numbers the service or application uses, you can contact the
publisher of the application, ask user groups or newsgroups, or search on the
Internet.

9. Select a filtering option:

• Only This IP Address. Block services for a single computer.
• IP Address Range. Block services for a range of computers with consecutive IP
addresses on your network.
• All lP Addresses. Block services for all computers on your network.

Delete Keywords From the Blocked List

To delete keywords from the list:
1. Launch a web browser from a WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device that is
connected to the network.

The user name is admin. The default password is admin. The user name and

5. Do one of the following:

• To delete a single word, select it and click the Delete Keyword button.
The keyword is removed from the list.
• To delete all keywords on the list, click the Clear List button.
All keywords are removed from the list.

Avoid Blocking on a Trusted Computer

You can exempt one trusted computer from blocking. The computer that you exempt
must be assigned a fixed IP address. You can use the reserved IP address feature to
specify the IP address. See Manage Reserved LAN IP Addresses on page 71.

To specify a trusted computer:

router network.


5. Scroll down and select the Allow trusted IP address to visit blocked sites check
box.
6. In the Trusted IP Address field, enter the IP address of the trusted computer.
Manage Network Access Control Lists

You can use access control to block or allow access to your network.
To manage devices that are allowed or blocked:
1. Launch a web browser from a WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device that is
connected to the network.
2. Type http://www.routerlogin.net.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Access Control.

The Access Control page displays.
5. Select the Turn on Access Control radio button.

6. Click the View list of allowed devices not currently connected to the network
link.
The list displays.
7. Select the check box for a device.

8. Use the Add button, Edit button, and Remove from the list button as needed.
Schedule When to Block Internet Sites and

Services
When you schedule blocking, the same schedule is used to block sites and to block
services.
To schedule blocking:
router network.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Schedule.

The Schedule page displays.
5. Specify when to block keywords and services:
• Days to Block. Select the check box for each day that you want to block the
keywords, or select the Every Day check box, which automatically selects the
check boxes for all days.
• Time of Day to Block. Select a start and end time in 24-hour format, or select
the All Day check box for 24-hour blocking.


Set Up Security Event Email Notifications

The router can email you its logs of router activity. The log records router activity and
security events such as attempts to access blocked sites or services.
To set up email notifications:
router network.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > E-mail.

The E-mail page displays.
5. Select the Turn E-mail Notification On check box.

6. In the Send to This E-mail Address field, type the email address to which logs and
alerts are to be sent.
This email address is also used for the From address. If this field is blank, log and
alert messages are not sent.
7. In the Sender field, enter the email sender's name.

8. In the Your Outgoing Mail Server field, enter the name of your ISP outgoing (SMTP)
mail server (such as mail.myISP.com).
You might be able to find this information in the configuration window of your email
program. If you leave this field blank, log and alert messages are not sent.
9. In the Outgoing Mail Server Port Number field, enter a port number in the field.
If you do not know the port number, leave the default port number.
10. If your outgoing email server requires authentication, select the My Mail Server
requires authentication check box, and do the following:
a. In the User Name field, type the user name for the outgoing email server.
b. In the Password field, type the password for the outgoing email server.

11. To send alerts when someone attempts to visit a blocked site, select the Send Alerts
Immediately check box.
Email alerts are sent immediately when someone attempts to visit a blocked site.
12. To send logs based on a schedule, specify these settings:

a. From Send logs according to this schedule menu, select the schedule type.
b. From the Day menu, select the day.
c. From the Time menu, select the time, and select the am or pm radio button.

Logs are sent automatically according to the schedule that you set. If the log fills
before the specified time, it is sent. After the log is sent, it is cleared from the router
memory. If the router cannot email the log and the log buffer fills, the router
overwrites the log.

5
Optimize Performance

• Optimize Internet Streaming With Dynamic QoS
• Improve Network Connections With Universal Plug-N-Play
• Manage Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service
• Enable or Disable Smart Connect
53
Optimize Internet Streaming With Dynamic

QoS
Dynamic Quality of Service (QoS) helps improve your router’s Internet traffic management
capabilities through better application and device identification, bandwidth allocation,
and traffic prioritization techniques.
Dynamic QoS resolves traffic congestion when the Internet bandwidth is limited and
different demands compete for bandwidth.
You can enable advanced QoS and manually set up QoS Rules or you can enable
dynamic QoS and let the router automatically prioritize Internet traffic for you.
Enable Advanced QoS and Manually Set Up QoS Rules

You can manually set up QoS rules by service, device, or Ethernet port.
To manually set up QoS rules:
router network.

4. Select QoS.
The QoS page displays.
5. Select the Enable QoS check box.
6. Select the Advance QoS radio button.
7. Click the Speed Test button to determine your maximum uplink bandwidth.
8. Select an Add Rules option:
• QoS by Service. For more information, see Add a QoS Rule by Service on page
55.
• QoS by Device. For more information, see Add a QoS Rule by Device on page
55.
Optimize Performance 54 User Manual

• QoS by LAN Port. For more information, see Add a QoS Rule by LAN pot on
page 56.

Add a QoS Rule by Service

To add a QoS rule by service:
router network.

4. Select QoS.
5. Make sure that the Enable QoS check box is selected.
6. Make sure that the Advance QoS radio button is selected.
7. Select the QoS by Service radio button.
The page adjusts.
8. From the Applications menu, select an application or service.

9. From the Priority menu, select the priority for the rule.
The priority selections correspond to the queues in the QoS rules table.

The service displays in the QoS rules table.

Add a QoS Rule by Device

To add a QoS rule by device:

router network.

4. Select QoS.
7. Select the QoS by Device radio button.
Computers and devices that are connected to the network display in the MAC Device
List. By default, each device is assigned a normal priority.
8. Select or specify the device:
• To select a device in the MAC Device List, select its radio button.
• To specify a device that is not in the MAC Device List, complete the QoS Policy
for, MAC Address, and Device Name fields and click the Add button.
The device is listed in a queue in the QoS rules table with its default rule priority.
The rule priority corresponds to the queues.

Add a QoS Rule by LAN pot

To add a QoS rule by LAN port:
router network.

4. Select QoS.
7. Select the QoS by LAN Port radio button.
The page adjusts.
8. In the QoS Policy for field, enter a name for the QoS rule.
9. From the Ethernet LAN Port menu, select the LAN port.
10. From the Device Priority menu, select a priority level.
The new QoS rule is added to the QoS Rules table.

Edit a QoS Rule

You can change an existing default or custom QoS rule. For default rules, you can change
only the priority. For custom rules, you can change the priority and other settings.
To edit a QoS rule:
router network.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > QoS Setup.

The QoS Setup page displays.
5. In the QoS rules table, select the service, application, or device.

6. Click the Edit button.

The page adjusts.
7. Change the settings.

Delete a QoS Rule

To delete a QoS rule:
router network.


5.
6. In the QoS rules table, select the service, application, or device.
7. Click the Delete button.
The rule is deleted.
Delete All QoS Rules

To delete all QoS rules:
router network.



5. Click the Delete All button.
All QoS rules are deleted.
Enable Dynamic QoS

You can enable dynamic QoS and let the router automatically prioritize Internet traffic.
To enable dynamic QoS:
router network.

4. Select QoS.
5. Select the Enable QoS check box.
6. Select the Dynamic QoS radio button.
The page adjusts.
7. Specify your Internet bandwidth:

• Let Speedtest detect my Internet bandwidth. We recommend that you use
Speedtest to detect your Internet bandwidth.
To use Speedtest, do the following:
a. For more accurate Speedtest results, make sure that no other devices are
accessing the Internet.
b. Select the Let Speedtest detect my Internet bandwidth radio button.
c. Click the Speed test button.
Speedtest determines your Internet bandwidth.

• I want to define my Internet Bandwidth. If you know what your download and
upload speed are, select this radio button and enter your download and upload
speeds in the fields.

Enable or Disable the Automatic QoS Database Update

The router uses a QoS database of the most popular applications and services to
implement Dynamic QoS. By default, the router automatically updates this database.
You can turn off this feature and manually update the database.
To enable or disable the automatic Dynamic QoS database update:
router network.

4. Select QoS.
5. Make sure the Enable QoS check box is selected.
6. Make sure the Dynamic QoS radio button is selected.
7. Select or clear the Automatically update performance optimization database
check box.

Improve Network Connections With

Universal Plug-N-Play
Universal Plug-N-Play (UPnP) helps devices such as Internet appliances and computers
access the network and connect to other devices as needed. UPnP devices can
automatically discover the services from other registered UPnP devices on the network.
If you use applications such as multiplayer gaming, peer-to-peer connections, or real-time
communications such as instant messaging, enable UPnP.
To enable Universal Plug-N-Play:
network.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > UPnP.

The UPnP page displays.
5. Select the Turn UPnP On check box.

By default, this check box is selected. UPnP for automatic device configuration can
be enabled or disabled. If the Turn UPnP On check box is cleared, the router does
not allow any device to automatically control router resources, such as port
forwarding.
6. Type the advertisement period in minutes.

The advertisement period specifies how often the router broadcasts its UPnP
information. This value can range from 1 to 1440 minutes. The default period is 30
minutes. Shorter durations ensure that control points receive current device status
at the expense of more network traffic. Longer durations can compromise the
freshness of the device status but can significantly reduce network traffic.
7. Type the advertisement time to live in hops.

The time to live for the advertisement is measured in hops (steps) for each UPnP
packet sent. Hops are the steps a packet takes between routers. The number of hops
can range from 1 to 255. The default value for the advertisement time to live is 4

hops, which should be fine for most home networks. If you notice that some devices
are not being updated or reached correctly, it might be necessary to increase this
value.

The UPnP Portmap Table displays the IP address of each UPnP device that is accessing
the router and which ports (internal and external) that device opened. The UPnP
Portmap Table also displays what type of port is open and whether that port is still
active for each IP address.
To refresh the information in the UPnP Portmap Table, click the Refresh button.
Manage Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service

Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service (WMM QoS) prioritizes WiFi voice and video traffic
over the WiFi link. WMM QoS is automatically enabled for the router.
WMM QoS prioritizes WiFi data packets from different applications based on four access
categories: voice, video, best effort, and background. For an application to receive the
benefits of WMM QoS, WMM must be enabled for both it and the client running that
application. Legacy applications that do not support WMM and applications that do
not require QoS are assigned to the best effort category, which receives a lower priority
than voice and video. Circumstances might occur in which you want to disable WMM
QoS.
To disable WMM QoS:
network.


The WMM tab is automatically selected and the WMM page displays.
5. Clear the Enable WMM (Wi-Fi multimedia) settings (2.4GHz b/g/n) check box.
6. Clear the Enable WMM (Wi-Fi multimedia) settings (5GHz a/n/ac) check box.


Enable or Disable Smart Connect

Smart Connect selects the fastest WiFi band for your device. For Smart Connect to work,
the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands must use the same WiFi network name (SSID) and network
key (password). That means that when you connect to the router with WiFi, you see only
one SSID that connects to both bands.
Note: If you enable Smart Connect and the SSID and passwords for the 2.4 GHz and
5 GHz bands do not match, the WiFi settings for 2.4 GHz band overwrites the WiFi
settings for 5 GHz band.
To enable or disable Smart Connect:

network.

4. Select Wireless.
The Wireless Setup page displays.
5. Select or clear the the Enable Smart Connect check box.

Selecting this check box turns on Smart Connect and clearing this check box turns
off Smart Connect.


6
Manage Network Settings
The router comes ready for WiFi, Ethernet, and USB connections. You can customize
the router’s network settings. We recommend that you install the router and connect it
to the Internet before you change its network settings.
• View or Change WAN Settings
• Set Up a Default DMZ Server
• Change the Router’s Device Name
• Change the LAN TCP/IP Settings
• Specify the IP Addresses That the Router Assigns
• Disable the DHCP Server Feature in the Router
• Manage Reserved LAN IP Addresses
• Use the WPS Wizard for WiFi Connections
• Specify Basic WiFi Settings
• Change the WiFi Mbps Settings
• Change the WiFi Password or the WiFi Security
• Set Up a Guest WiFi Network
• Control the WiFi Radios
• Set Up a WiFi Schedule
• Specify WPS Settings
• Set Up the Router as a WiFi Access Point
• Set Up the Router in Bridge Mode
• Set Up the Router as a WiFi Repeater
• Set Up a Bridge for a Port Group or VLAN Tag Group
• Custom Static Routes
64
View or Change WAN Settings

You can view or configure wide area network (WAN) settings for the Internet port. You
can set up a DMZ (demilitarized zone) server, change the maximum transmit unit (MTU)
size, and enable the router to respond to a ping to its WAN (Internet) port.
To view or change the WAN settings:
router network.


View or change the following settings:
• Disable Port Scan and DoS Protection. DoS protection protects your LAN against
denial of service attacks such as Syn flood, Smurf Attack, Ping of Death, and many
others. Select this check box only in special circumstances.
• Default DMZ Server. This feature is sometimes helpful when you are playing
online games or videoconferencing, but it makes the firewall security less effective.
• Respond to Ping on Internet Port. This feature allows your router to be
discovered. Use this feature only as a diagnostic tool or for a specific reason.
• MTU Size (in bytes). The normal MTU (maximum transmit unit) value for most
Ethernet networks is 1500 bytes, or 1492 bytes for PPPoE connections. Change
the MTU only if you are sure that it is necessary for your ISP connection.
• NAT Filtering. Network Address Translation (NAT) determines how the router
processes inbound traffic. Secured NAT protects computers on the LAN from
attacks from the Internet but might prevent some Internet games, point-to-point
applications, or multimedia applications from working. Open NAT provides a
much less secured firewall but allows almost all Internet applications to work.
• Disable SIP ALG. Some voice and video communication applications do not
work well with the SIP ALG. Disabling the SIP ALG might help your voice and
video applications to create and accept a call through the router.
Manage Network Settings 65 User Manual

• Disable IGMP Proxying. IGMP proxying allows a computer on the local area
network (LAN) to receive the multicast traffic it is interested in from the Internet.
If you do not need this feature, you can select this check box to disable it.

Set Up a Default DMZ Server

The default DMZ server feature is helpful when you are using some online games and
videoconferencing applications that are incompatible with Network Address Translation
(NAT). The router is programmed to recognize some of these applications and to work
correctly with them, but other applications might not function well. In some cases, one
local computer can run the application correctly if the IP address for that computer is
entered as the default DMZ server.
Warning: DMZ servers pose a security risk. A computer designated as the default DMZ
server loses much of the protection of the firewall and is exposed to exploits from the
Internet. If compromised, the DMZ server computer can be used to attack other
computers on your network.
The router usually detects and discards incoming traffic from the Internet that is not a
response to one of your local computers or a service that you configured on the Port
Forwarding/Port Triggering page. Instead of discarding this traffic, you can specify that
the router forwards the traffic to one computer on your network. This computer is called
the default DMZ server.
To set up a default DMZ server:
router network.



5. Select the Default DMZ Server check box.

6. Type the IP address.
Change the Router’s Device Name

The router’s default device name is based on its model number. This device name
displays in the file manager when you browse your network.
To change the router’s device name:
router network.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > LAN Setup.

The LAN Setup page displays.
5. In the Device Name field, type a new name.

Change the LAN TCP/IP Settings

The router is preconfigured to use private IP addresses on the LAN side and to act as
a DHCP server. The router’s default LAN IP configuration is as follows:
• LAN IP address. 192.168.1.1

• Subnet mask. 255.255.255.0

These addresses are part of the designated private address range for use in private
networks and are suitable for most applications. If your network requires a different IP
addressing scheme, you can change these settings.
You might want to change these settings if you need a specific IP subnet that one or
more devices on the network use, or if you use competing subnets with the same IP
scheme.
To change the LAN TCP/IP settings:
router network.


5. In the IP Address field, type the IP address.
6. In the IP Subnet Mask field, type the subnet mask of the router.
The IP address and subnet mask identify which addresses are local to a specific
device and which must be reached through a gateway or router.
7. Change the RIP settings.

Router Information Protocol (RIP) allows a router to exchange routing information
with other routers.
a. Select the RIP direction:
• Both. The router broadcasts its routing table periodically and incorporates
information that it receives.
• Out Only. The router broadcasts its routing table periodically.
• In Only. The router incorporates the RIP information that it receives.
b. Select the RIP version:

• Disabled. This is the default setting.
• RIP-1. This format is universally supported. It is adequate for most networks,
unless you are using an unusual network setup.

• RIP-2. This format carries more information. Both RIP-2B and RIP-2M send the
routing data in RIP-2 format. RIP-2B uses subnet broadcasting. RIP-2M uses
multicasting.

If you changed the LAN IP address of the router, you are disconnected when this
change takes effect.
9. To reconnect, close your browser, relaunch it, and log in to the router.
Specify the IP Addresses That the Router

Assigns
By default, the router acts as a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server. The
router assigns IP, DNS server, and default gateway addresses to all computers connected
to the LAN. The assigned default gateway address is the LAN address of the router.
These addresses must be part of the same IP address subnet as the router’s LAN IP
address. Using the default addressing scheme, define a range between 192.168.1.2
and 192.168.1.254, although you can save part of the range for devices with fixed
addresses.
To specify the pool of IP addresses that the router assigns:
router network.


5. Make sure that the Use Router as DHCP Server check box is selected.

6. Specify the range of IP addresses that the router assigns:

a. In the Starting IP Address field, type the lowest number in the range.
This IP address must be in the same subnet as the router.
b. In the Ending IP Address field, type the number at the end of the range of IP
addresses.
This IP address must be in the same subnet as the router.

The router delivers the following parameters to any LAN device that requests DHCP:
• An IP address from the range that you define

• Subnet mask
• Gateway IP address (the router’s LAN IP address)
• DNS server IP address (the router’s LAN IP address)
Disable the DHCP Server Feature in the

Router
By default, the router acts as a DHCP server. The router assigns IP, DNS server, and
default gateway addresses to all computers connected to the LAN. The assigned default
gateway address is the LAN address of the router.
You can use another device on your network as the DHCP server or specify the network
settings of all your computers.
To disable the DHCP server feature in the router:
router network.


5. Clear the Use Router as DHCP Server check box.

7. (Optional) If this service is disabled and no other DHCP server is on your network,
set your computer IP addresses manually so that the computers can access the router.
Manage Reserved LAN IP Addresses

When you specify a reserved IP address for a computer on the LAN, that computer
always receives the same IP address each time it accesses the router’s DHCP server.
Assign reserved IP addresses to computers or servers that require permanent IP settings.
Reserve an IP Address
To reserve an IP address:
router network.


5. In the Address Reservation section, click the Add button.

6. In the IP Address field, type the IP address to assign to the computer or server.
Choose an IP address from the router’s LAN subnet, such as 192.168.1.x.
7. Type the MAC address of the computer or server.
Tip: If the computer is already on your network, you can copy its MAC address from
the Attached Devices page and paste it here.


The reserved address is entered into the table.
The reserved address is not assigned until the next time the computer contacts the router’s DHCP server.
Reboot the computer, or access its IP configuration and force a DHCP release and renew.
Edit a Reserved IP Address

To edit a reserved address entry:
router network.


5. Select the radio button next to the reserved address that you want to edit.
The Address Reservation page displays.
7. Change the settings.

Delete a Reserved IP Address Entry

To delete a reserved address entry:
router network.


5. Select the radio button next to the reserved address that you want to delete.
The address is removed.
Use the WPS Wizard for WiFi Connections

The WPS Wizard helps you add a WPS-enabled device to your WiFi network without
typing the WiFi password.
To use the WPS Wizard:
router network.

4. Select ADVANCED > WPS Wizard.

A note explaining WPS displays.

The WPS page displays.
6. Select a setup method:

• Push button. Click the WPS button on this page.
• PIN Number. The page adjusts. Enter the client security PIN and click the Next
button.
7. Within two minutes, go to the WPS-enabled device and use its WPS software to
connect to the WiFi network.

The WPS process automatically sets up yourr WPS-enabled device with the network
password when it connects. The router WPS page displays a confirmation message.
Specify Basic WiFi Settings

The router comes with preset security. This means that the WiFi network name (SSID),
network key (password), and security option (encryption protocol) are preset in the
factory. You can find the preset SSID and password on the router label.
Note: The preset SSID and password are uniquely generated for every device to protect
and maximize your WiFi security.
If you change your preset security settings, make a note of the new settings and store
it in a safe place where you can easily find it.
If your computer is connected with WiFi when you change the SSID or other WiFi security
settings, you are disconnected when you click the Apply button. To avoid this problem,
use a computer with a wired connection to access the router.
To specify basic WiFi settings:
router network.

4. Select Wireless.
The Wireless Settings page displays.
You can specify the settings for the 2.4 GHz band and 5 GHz band.
5. From the Region menu, select your region.

In some locations, you cannot change this setting.
6. To control the SSID broadcast, select or clear the Enable SSID Broadcast check
box.

When this check box is selected, the router broadcasts its network name (SSID) so
that it displays when you scan for local WiFi networks on your computer or mobile
device.
7. To change the network name (SSID), type a new name in the Name (SSID) field.
The name can be up to 32 characters long and it is case-sensitive. The default SSID
is randomly generated and is on the router label. If you change the name, make sure
to write down the new name and keep it in a safe place.
8. To change the WiFi channel, select a number from the Channel menu.
In some regions, not all channels are available. Do not change the channel unless
you experience interference (shown by lost connections or slow data transfers). If
this happens, experiment with different channels to see which is the best.
When you use multiple access points, it is better if adjacent access points use different
channels to reduce interference. The recommended channel spacing between
adjacent access points is four channels (for example, use Channels 1 and 5, or 6 and
10).

If you connected wirelessly to the network and you changed the SSID, you are
disconnected from the network.
10. Make sure that you can connect wirelessly to the network with its new settings.
If you cannot connect wirelessly, check the following:
• Is your computer or mobile device connected to another WiFi network in your
area? Some WiFi devices automatically connect to the first open network without
WiFi security that they discover.
• Is your computer or mobile device trying to connect to your network with its old
settings (before you changed the settings)? If so, update the WiFi network selection
in your computer or mobile device to match the current settings for your network.
Change the WiFi Mbps Settings

The data rate for high-speed transmissions is commonly identified as megabits per
second (Mbps).

To change the WiFi Mbps settings:

router network.

you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.
4. Select Wireless.
5. For the 2.4 GHz WiFi band, in the Wireless Network (2.4 GHz b/g/n) section, select
a setting from the Mode menu:
• Up to 54 Mbps. Legacy mode. This mode allows 802.11n, 802.11g, and 802.11b
devices to join the network but limits 802.11n devices to functioning at up to 54
Mbps.
• Up to 289 Mbps. Neighbor-friendly mode for reduced interference with
neighboring WiFi networks. This mode allows 802.11n, 802.11g, and 802.11b
devices to join the network but limits 802.11n devices to functioning at up to 289
Mbps.
• Up to 600 Mbps. Performance mode. This mode allows 802.11n, 802.11g, and
802.11b devices to join the network and allows 802.11n devices to function at
up to 600 Mbps. This mode is the default mode.
6. For the 5 GHz WiFi band, select a setting from the Mode menu:
• Up to 289 Mbps. Legacy mode. This mode allows 802.11ac, 802.11n, and
802.11a devices to join the selected WiFi network in the 5 GHz band of the
network but limits 802.11ac and 802.11n devices to functioning at up to 289
Mbps.
• Up to 600 Mbps. Neighbor-friendly mode for reduced interference with
neighboring WiFi networks. This mode allows 802.11ac, 802.11n, and 802.11a
devices to join the selected WiFi network in the 5 GHz band of the network but
limits 802.11ac devices to functioning at up to 600 Mbps.
• Up to 1300 Mbps. Performance mode. This mode allows 802.11ac, 802.11n,
and 802.11a devices to join the selected WiFi network in the 5 GHz band of the
network and allows 802.11ac devices to function at up to 1300 Mbps. This mode
is the default mode.


Change the WiFi Password or the WiFi

Security
The WiFi password is different from the admin password that you use to log in to the
router.
Your router comes with preset WPA2 or WPA security. We recommend that you use the
preset security, but you can change the settings. Do not disable the preset security.
To change the WiFi password or the WiFi security:
router network.

4. Select Wireless.
5. To change the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz WiFi password, enter a new password in the
Password (Network Key) field.
You must enter a phrase of 8 to 63 characters. The Password (Network Key) field
displays if the WPA2-PSK [AES] or WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK [AES] security
radio button is selected.
6. To change the WiFi security for the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz WiFi network, select a Security
Options radio button.
• None. An open WiFi network that does not provide any security. Any WiFi device
can join the WiFi network. We recommend that you do not use an open WiFi
network.

• WPA2-PSK [AES]. This option is the default setting. This type of security enables
WiFi devices that support WPA2 to join the router’s WiFi network. If you did not
change the WiFi password, the default password displays. The default password
is printed on the router label.WPA2 provides a secure connection but some older
WiFi devices do not detect WPA2 and support only WPA. If your network includes
such older devices, select WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK [AES] security.
• WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK [AES]. This type of security enables WiFi devices
that support either WPA or WPA2 to join the router’s WiFi network. However,
WPA-PSK [TKIP] is less secure than WPA2-PSK [AES] and limits the speed of WiFi
devices to 54 Mbps.
• WPA/WPA2 Enterprise. This type of security requires that your WiFi network
can access a RADIUS server.

Set Up a Guest WiFi Network

A guest network allows visitors to use the Internet without using your WiFi security
password or with a different WiFi password. By default, the guest WiFi network is
disabled. You can enable and configure the guest WiFi network for each WiFi band.
The router simultaneously supports the 2.4 GHz band for 802.11n, 802.11g, and 802.11b
devices and the 5 GHz band for 802.11ac, 802.11n, and 802.11a devices.
The WiFi mode of the guest WiFi network depends on the WiFi mode of the main WiFi
network. For example, if you configure the WiFi mode for the main WiFi network as Up
to 54 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band, the guest WiFi network also functions in the Up to 54
Mbps mode in the 2.4 GHz band. The channel also depends on the channel selection
of the main WiFi network.
The router provides two default guest networks with the following names (SSIDs):
• 2.4 GHz guest WiFi network SSID. NETGEAR_Guest
• 5 GHz guest WiFi network SSID. NETGEAR-5G_Guest
By default, these networks are configured as open networks without security but are
disabled. You can enable one or both networks. You can also change the SSIDs for
these networks.

To set up a guest network:

router network.

4. Select Guest Network.

The Guest Network Settings page displays.
5. Configure the following settings to set up a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz guest WiFi network:
• Enable Guest Network. By default, the guest WiFi network is disabled. To enable
the guest WiFi network for the
2.4 GHz or 5 GHz WiFi band, select the Enable Guest Network check box.
• Enable SSID Broadcast. By default, the router broadcasts the SSID of the WiFi
band so that WiFi stations can detect the WiFi name (SSID) in their scanned
network lists. To turn off the SSID broadcast for the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz guest WiFi
network, clear the Enable SSID Broadcast check box.
• Allow guests to see each other and access my local network. By default, WiFi
clients that are connected to the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz guest WiFi network cannot
access WiFi devices or Ethernet devices that are connected to the main WiFi
network. To allow access to the main WiFi network, select the Allow guests to
see each other and access my local network check box.
• Guest Wireless Network Name (SSID). The SSID is the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz guest
WiFi network name. The default 2.4 GHz SSID is NETGEAR_Guest. The default 5
GHz SSID NETGEAR-5G_Guest.
To change the SSID, enter a 32-character (maximum), case-sensitive name in this
field.
6. Select a WiFi security option for the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz guest WiFi network:
• None. An open WiFi network that does not provide any security. Any WiFi device
can join the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz guest WiFi network. This is the default setting for
the guest WiFi network.
• WPA2-PSK [AES]. WPA2 provides a secure and fast connection but some older
WiFi devices do not detect WPA2 and support only WPA. Select WPA2-PSK [AES]
security to allow 802.11n devices to connect to the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz guest WiFi

network at the fastest speed. If your network includes older devices that do not
support WPA2, select WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK [AES] security. To use WPA2
security, in the Password (Network Key) field, enter a phrase of 8 to 63
characters. To join the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz guest WiFi network, a user must enter
this password.
• WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK [AES]. This type of security enables WiFi devices
that support either WPA or WPA2 to join the 2.4 GHz band of the guest WiFi
network. However, WPA-PSK [TKIP] is less secure than WPA2-PSK [AES] and limits
the speed of WiFi devices to 54 Mbps. To use WPA + WPA2 security, in the
Password (Network Key) field, enter a phrase of 8 to 63 characters. To join the
2.4 GHz or 5 GHz guest WiFi network, a user must enter this password.

8. Make sure that you can reconnect over WiFi to the network with its new security
settings.
If you cannot connect over WiFi, check the following:
• If your computer or mobile device is already connected to another WiFi network
in your area, disconnect it from that WiFi network and connect it to the WiFi
network that the router provides.
Some WiFi devices automatically connect to the first open network without WiFi
security that they discover.
• Does your computer or mobile device display as an attached device?
If it does, it is connected to the network.
• Are you using the correct network name (SSID) and password?
Control the WiFi Radios

The router’s internal WiFi radios broadcast signals in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz ranges. By
default, they are on so that you can connect over WiFi to the router. When the WiFi
radios are off, you can still use an Ethernet cable for a LAN connection to the router.
You can turn the WiFi radios on and off with the WiFi On/Off button on the router, or
you can log in to the router and enable or disable the WiFi radios. If you are close to
the router, it might be easier to press its WiFi On/Off button. If you are away from the
router or already logged in, it might be easier to enable or disable them.

Use the WiFi On/Off Button

To turn the WiFi radios off and on with the WiFi On/Off button:
Press the WiFi On/Off button on the top of the router for two seconds.
If you turned off the WiFi radios, the WiFi On/Off LED and the WPS LED turn off. If
you turned on the WiFi radios, the WiFi On/Off LED and the WPS LED light.
Enable or Disable the WiFi Radios

If you used the WiFi On/Off button to turn off the WiFi radios, you can’t log in to the
router to turn them back on. You must press the WiFi On/Off button again for two
seconds to turn the WiFi radios back on.
To enable or disable the WiFi radios:
router network.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings.

5. Do one of the following for your router's wireless networks:

• Turn off the WiFi radio. Clear the Enable Wireless Router Radio check box.
• Turn on the WiFi radio. Select the Enable Wireless Router Radio check box.

Set Up a WiFi Schedule

You can turn off the WiFi signal from your router at times when you do not need a WiFi
connection. For example, you might turn it off for the weekend if you leave town.

To set up the WiFi schedule:

router network.


The Advanced Wireless Settings page displays.
5. Click the Add a new period button.

The page adjusts.
6. Use the menus, radio buttons, and check boxes to set up a period during which you
want to turn off the WiFi signal.
The Advanced Wireless Settings page displays.
8. Select the Turn off wireless signal by schedule check box to activate the schedule.
Specify WPS Settings

Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) lets you join the WiFi network without typing the WiFi
password.
To specify WPS settings:
router network.


The Router’s PIN field displays the fixed PIN that you can use to configure the router’s
WiFi settings from another device through WPS.
5. (Optional) Select or clear the Enable Router’s PIN check box.

The PIN function might temporarily be disabled when the router detects suspicious
attempts to break into the router’s WiFi settings by using the router’s PIN through
WPS. You can manually enable the PIN function by selecting the Enable Router’s
PIN check box.
6. (Optional) Select or clear the Keep Existing Wireless Settings check box.
By default, the Keep Existing Wireless Settings check box is selected. We
recommend that you leave this check box selected.
If you clear this check box, the next time a new WiFi client uses WPS to connect to
the router, the router WiFi settings change to an automatically generated random
SSID and security key.

Set Up the Router as a WiFi Access Point

You can set up the router to run as an access point (AP) on the same local network as
another router.
To set up the router as an AP:
1. Use an Ethernet cable to connect the Internet port of this router to an Ethernet port
in the other router.
network.

5. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Router/ AP / Bridge Mode.

The Router / AP / Bridge Mode page displays.
6. Select AP Mode.
The page adjusts.
7. Select an IP address setting:

• Get dynamically from existing router. The other router on the network assigns
an IP address to this router while it is in AP mode.
• Use fixed IP settings on this device (not recommended). Use this setting if you
want to manually assign a specific IP address to this router while it is in AP mode.
Using this option effectively requires advanced network experience.
Note: To avoid interference with other routers or gateways in your network, we

recommend that you use different WiFi settings on each router. You can also turn
off the WiFi radio on the other router or gateway and use this router only for WiFi
client access.

The IP address of the router changes, and you are disconnected.
9. To reconnect, close and restart your browser and type http://www.routerlogin.net.
Set Up the Router in Bridge Mode

You can use your router in bridge mode to connect multiple devices wirelessly at the
faster 802.11ac speed. You need two routers: one set up as a router and the other set
up as a bridge.
Installing your router as a bridge offers the following benefits:
• Take advantage of gigabit WiFi speeds on current devices
• Use Gigabit WiFi for applications like video and gaming.
• Connect multiple devices like NAS, Smart TV, Blu-ray player, and game consoles at
gigabit WiFi speeds using a WiFi link.
• Avoid the need for separate WiFi adapters for each device.

For example, you can install the first router in a room like a home office where your
Internet connection is located, then set up the second router in bridge mode. Place the
router in bridge mode in a different room with your home entertainment center. Cable
the router in bridge mode to your Smart TV, DVR, game console or Blu-ray player, and
use its 802.11ac WiFi connection to the first router.
To set up the router in bridge mode:
1. Make a note of the WiFi settings of the other router to which this router will connect.
You must know the SSID, WiFi security mode, wireless password, and operating
frequency (either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).
network.


6. Select Bridge Mode.

The page adjusts.
7. Click the setup bridge mode wireless settings button.
The Wireless Settings window opens.
8. Specify the settings of the other router to which this router will connect:
a. Select the wireless network frequency (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).
For 802.11ac mode, select 5 GHz.
b. In the Name (SSID) file, enter the wireless network name (SSID).
c. In the Security Options section, select a radio button.
d. If prompted, type the WiFi password (network key) that you use to connect
wirelessly to the other router.

The settings for the other router are saved and the Advanced Wireless Settings page
displays.

10. Click the Apply button on the Router / AP / Bridge Mode page.
Set Up the Router as a WiFi Repeater

You can set up your router as a wireless repeater. In this mode, the router communicates
with another base station or wireless station. Use a wired Ethernet connection to set up
the repeater unit to avoid conflicts with the wireless connection.
Note: You cannot use the WPA2-PSK (AES), WPA-PSK (TKIP) + WPA-PSK (AED), or
WPA/WPA2 Enterprise security modes if you want to enable this mode. You also cannot
select the Auto channel selection mode.
To set up the router in repeating mode:

1. Make a note of the WiFi settings of the other router to which this router will connect.
You must know the SSID, WiFi security mode, wireless password, and operating
frequency (either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).
network.


6. Select Repeating Mode.

The page adjusts.
7. Select the Enable Wireless Repeating Function check box.
8. In the Repeater IP Address field, enter the IP address of the repeater router.
This IP address must be in the same subnet as the base station, but different from
the LAN IP address of the base station.

9. To prevent wireless clients from associating with the repeater and allow LAN client
associations only, select Disable Wireless Client Association.
You can leave the check box cleared if you prefer wireless clients to be able to
associate with the repeater.
10. In the Base Station MAC Address field, enter the MAC addresses for the access
point that will be the base station.
12. Verify connectivity across the LANs.

A computer on any wireless or wired LAN segment of the router can connect to the
Internet or share files and printers with any other computer or server connected to
the other base station.
Set Up a Bridge for a Port Group or VLAN

Tag Group
Some devices, such as an IPTV, cannot function behind the router’s network address
translation (NAT) service or firewall. Based on what your Internet service provider (ISP)
requires, for the device to connect to the ISP’s network directly, you can enable the
bridge between the device and the router’s Internet port or add new VLAN tag groups
to the bridge.
Note: If your ISP provides instructions for how to set up a bridge for IPTV and Internet
service, follow those instruction.
Set Up a Bridge for a Port Group

If the devices that are connected to the router’s Ethernet LAN port or WiFi network
include an IPTV device, your ISP might require you to set up a bridge for a port group
for the router’s Internet interface.
A bridge with a port group prevents packets that are sent between the IPTV device and
the router’s Internet port from being processed through the router’s network address
translation (NAT) service.

To configure a port group and enable the bridge:

router network.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > VLAN/Bridge Settings.

The VLAN/IPTV Setup page displays.
5. Select the Enable VLAN Tag check box.

The page expands.
6. Select the By bridge group radio button.

The page expands.
7. Select a Wired Ports check box or a Wireless check box:

• If your device is connected to an Ethernet port on the router, select the Wired
Ports check box that corresponds to the Ethernet port on the router to which the
device is connected.
• If your device is connected to your router’s WiFi network, select the Wireless check
box that corresponds to the router’s WiFi network to which the device is connected.
Note: You must select at least one Wired Ports or Wireless check box. You can select
more than one check box.

Set Up a Bridge for a VLAN Tag Group

If the devices that are connected to the router’s Ethernet LAN ports or WiFi network
include an IPTV device, your ISP might require you to set up a bridge for a VLAN tag
group for the router’s Internet interface.
If you are subscribed to IPTV service, the router might require VLAN tags to distinguish
between the Internet traffic and the IPTV traffic. A bridge with a VLAN tag group prevents

packets that are sent between the IPTV device and the router’s Internet port from being
processed through the router’s network address translation (NAT) service.
You can add VLAN tag groups to a bridge and assign VLAN IDs and priority values to
each VLAN tag group.
To add a VLAN tag group and enable the bridge:
network.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > VLAN/Bridge Settings.

The VLAN/IPTV Setup page displays.
5. Select the Enable VLAN Tag check box.

The page expands.
6. Select the By VLAN tag group radio button.

The page expands.

The Add VLAN Rule page displays.
8. Specify the settings as described in the following table.
Field Description
Name Enter a name for the VLAN tag group.

The name can be up to 10 characters.
VLAN ID Enter a value from 1 to 4094.

(Continued)
Field Description
Priority Enter a value from 0 to 7.
Select the check box for a wired LAN port or WiFi port.
If your device is connected to an Ethernet port on the router, select the LAN port check box that
corresponds to the Ethernet port on the router to which the device is connected. If your device is
connected to your router’s WiFi network, select the WiFi check box that corresponds to the router’s WiFi
network to which the device is connected.
You must select at least one LAN port or WiFi port. You can select more than one port.

The VLAN tag group is added.

Custom Static Routes

Typically, you do not need to add static routes unless you use multiple routers or multiple
IP subnets on your network.
As an example of when a static route is needed, consider the following case:
• Your main Internet access is through a cable modem to an ISP.

• Your home network includes an ISDN router for connecting to the company where
you are employed. This router’s address on your LAN is 192.168.1.100.
• Your company’s network address is 134.177.0.0.
When you set up your router, two implicit static routes were created. A default route
was created with your ISP as the gateway, and a second static route was created to your
local network for all 192.168.1.x addresses. With this configuration, if you try to access
a device on the 134.177.0.0 network, your router forwards your request to the ISP. The
ISP forwards your request to the company where you are employed, and the company
firewall is likely to deny the request.
In this case you must define a static route, telling your router to access 134.177.0.0
through the ISDN router at 192.168.1.100. Here is an example:
• The Destination IP Address and IP Subnet Mask fields specify that this static route
applies to all 134.177.x.x addresses.

• The Gateway IP Address field specifies that all traffic for these addresses will be
forwarded to the ISDN router at 192.168.1.100.
• A metric value of 1 works because the ISDN router is on the LAN.
• The Private check box is selected only as a precautionary security measure in case
RIP is activated.
Set Up a Static Route

To set up a static route:
router network.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Static Routes.

The Static Routes page displays.

The page adjusts.
6. In the Route Name field, type a name for this static route (for identification purposes
only).
7. To limit access to the LAN only, select the Private check box.
If the Private check box is selected, the static route is not reported in RIP.
8. To prevent the route from becoming active, clear the Active check box.
In some situations, you might want to set up a static route but keep it disabled until
a later time. By default, the Active check box is selected and a route becomes active
after you click the Apply button.
9. Enter the following settings:

• Destination IP Address. Enter the IP address for the final destination of the route.
• IP Subnet Mask. Enter the IP subnet mask for the final destination of the route.
If the destination is a single host, enter 255.255.255.255.

• Gateway IP Address. Enter the IP address of the gateway.

The IP address of the gateway must be on the same LAN segment as the router.
• Metric. Enter a number from 1 through 15.
This value represents the number of routers between your network and the
destination. Usually, a setting of 2 or 3 works, but if this is a direct connection,
set it to 1.

Your settings are saved. The static route is added to the table on the Static Routes
page.
Edit a Static Route

To edit a static route:
router network.


5. In the table, select the radio button for the route.

The Static Routes page adjusts.
7. Edit the route information.


Delete a Static Route

To delete a static route:
router network.


5. In the table, select the radio button for the route.

The route is removed from the table.

7
Manage Your Router
This chapter describes the router settings for administering and maintaining your router
and home network.
The chapter includes the following sections:
• Update the Router Firmware
• Change the admin Password
• Enable admin Password Recovery
• Recover the admin Password
• View Information About the Router and the Internet and WiFi Settings
• Display Internet Port Statistics
• Check the Internet Connection Status
• View and Manage Logs of Router Activity
• View Devices Currently on the Network
• Monitor Internet Traffic
• Manage the Router Configuration File
• Remote Access
• Remotely Access Your Router Using the Nighthawk App
• Disable LED Blinking or Turn Off LEDs
• Set Your Time Zone
• Change the NTP Server
• Return the Router to Its Factory Default Settings
94
Update the Router Firmware

You can log in to the router and check if new firmware is available, or you can manually
load a specific firmware version to your router.
Check for New Firmware and Update the Router

The router firmware (routing software) is stored in flash memory. You might see a
message at the top of the router pages when new firmware is available. You can respond
to that message to update the firmware or you can check to see if new firmware is
available and update your product.
Note: We recommend that you connect a computer to the router using an Ethernet
connection to update the firmware.
To check for new firmware and update your router:

router network.

4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Router Update.

The Router Update page displays.
5. Click the Check button.

The router finds new firmware information if any is available and displays a message
asking if you want to download and install it.
6. Click the Yes button.

The router locates and downloads the firmware and begins the update.
Warning: To avoid the risk of corrupting the firmware, do not interrupt the update.
For example, do not close the browser, click a link, or load a new page. Do not turn
off the router.
Manage Your Router 95 User Manual

When the upload is complete, your router restarts. The update process typically
takes about one minute. Read the new firmware release notes to find out if you must
reconfigure the router after updating.
Manually Upload Firmware to the Router

If you want to upload a specific firmware version, or your router fails to update its firmware
automatically, follow these instructions.
Note: We recommend that you connect a computer to the router using an Ethernet
connection to upload the firmware.
To manually upload a firmware file to your router:

1. Download the firmware for your router from the NETGEAR Download Center, save
it to your desktop, and unzip the file if needed.
Note: The correct firmware file uses an .img or .chk extension.
router network.

5. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Router Update.

The Router Update page displays.
6. Click the Browse button.

7. Find and select the firmware file on your computer.
Note: To avoid the risk of corrupting the firmware, do not interrupt the update. For
example, do not close the browser, click a link, or load a new page. Do not turn off
the router. Wait until the router finishes restarting. If your router does not reboot,
check the Router Status page to confirm whether the new firmware version uploaded.

Change the admin Password

You can change the default password that is used to log in to the router with the user
name admin. This password is not the one that you use for WiFi access.
Note: Be sure to change the password for the user name admin to a secure password.
The ideal password contains no dictionary words from any language and contains
uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. It can be up to 30 characters.
To change the admin user name and enable password recovery:

router network.

4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Set Password.

The Set Password page displays.
5. Type the old password in the Old Password field.
6. Type the new password in the Set Password and Repeat New Password fields.
Enable admin Password Recovery

The router admin password is used to log in to your router web interface. We recommend
that you enable password recovery so that you can recover the password if it is forgotten.
This recovery process is supported in Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Chrome browsers
but not in the Safari browser.

To enable password recovery:

router network.

4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Set Password.

The Set Password page displays.
5. Select the Enable Password Recovery check box.

6. Select two security questions and provide answers to them.
Recover the admin Password

If you set up the password recovery feature, you can recover your router admin password.
To recover your router admin password:
network.
3. Click the Cancel button.

If password recovery is enabled, you are prompted to enter the serial number of the
router.
The serial number is on the router label.
4. Enter the serial number of the router.

5. Click the Continue button.
A window opens requesting the answers to your security questions.

6. Enter the saved answers to your security questions.

7. Click the Continue button.
A window opens and displays your recovered password.
8. Click the Login again button.

9. With your recovered password, log in to the router.
View Information About the Router and the

Internet and WiFi Settings
You can view router information, the Internet port status, and WiFi settings.
To view information about the router and the Internet, modem, and WiFi settings:
router network.

4. Click the ADVANCED tab.

The ADVANCED Home page displays.
The information on this page uses the following color coding:
• A green icon indicates that the Internet connection is fine and no problems exist.
For a WiFi network, the network is enabled and secured.
• A red icon indicates that configuration problems exist for the Internet connection
or the connection is down. For a WiFi network, the network is disabled or down.
• An amber icon indicates that the Internet port is configured but cannot get an
Internet connection (for example, because the cable is disconnected), that a WiFi
network is enabled but unprotected, or that another situation that requires your
attention occurred.

Display Internet Port Statistics

To display Internet port statistics:
router network.


5. In the Internet Port pane, click the Show Statistics button.

The Show Statistics window opens and displays following information:
• System Up Time. The time elapsed since the router was last restarted.
• Port. The statistics for the WAN (Internet) port, LAN (Ethernet) ports, and WLANs.
For each port, the window displays the following information:
- Status. The link status of the port.
- TxPkts. The number of packets transmitted on this port since reset or manual
clear.
- RxPkts. The number of packets received on this port since reset or manual
clear.
- Collisions. The number of collisions on this port since reset or manual clear.
- Tx B/s. The current transmission (outbound) bandwidth used on the WAN
and LAN ports.
- Rx B/s. The current reception (inbound) bandwidth used on the WAN and
LAN ports.
- Up Time. The time elapsed since this port acquired the link.
- Poll Interval. The interval at which the statistics are updated on this page.

6. To change the polling frequency, enter a time in seconds in the Poll Interval field
and click the Set Interval button.
To stop the polling entirely, click the Stop button.
Check the Internet Connection Status

To check the Internet connection status:
router network.


5. In the Internet Port pane, click the Connection Status button.

The Connection Status window opens and displays the following information :
• IP Address. The IP address that is assigned to the router.

• Subnet Mask. The subnet mask that is assigned to the router.
• Default Gateway. The IP address for the default gateway that the router
communicates with.
• DHCP Server. The IP address for the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol server
that provides the TCP/IP configuration for all the computers that are connected
to the router.
• DNS Server. The IP address of the Domain Name Service server that provides
translation of network names to IP addresses.
• Lease Obtained. The date and time when the lease was obtained.
• Lease Expires. The date and time that the lease expires.
6. To return the status of all items to 0, click the Release button.

7. To refresh the screen, click the Renew button.

8. To exit the screen, click the Close Window button.
View and Manage Logs of Router Activity

The log is a detailed record of the websites you accessed or attempted to access and
other router actions. Up to 256 entries are stored in the log.
To view and manage logs:
router network.

4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Logs.

The Logs page displays and shows the following information:
• Action. The action that occurred, such as whether Internet access was blocked
or allowed.
• Source IP. The IP address of the initiating device for this log entry.
• Target address. The name or IP address of the website or news group visited or
to which access was attempted.
• Date and time. The date and time the log entry was recorded.
5. To customize the logs, scroll down and clear or select the check boxes in the Include
in Log section.
6. To refresh the log screen, click the Refresh button.
7. To clear the log entries, click the Clear Log button.
8. To email the log immediately, click the Send Log button.
You must set up email notifications in order to receive the logs. The router to emails
the logs to the address that you specified when you set up email notifications. For
more information, see Set Up Security Event Email Notifications on page 51.


View Devices Currently on the Network

You can view all computers or devices that are currently connected to your network.
To view devices on the network:
router network.

4. Select Attached Devices.

The following information is displayed:
• Connection Type. Wired or the WiFi band for the connection.
• Device Name. If the device name is known, it is shown here.
• IP Address. The IP address that the router assigned to this device when it joined
the network. This number can change if a device is disconnected and rejoins the
network.
• MAC Address. The unique MAC address for each device does not change. The
MAC address is typically shown on the product label.
5. To update this page, click the Refresh button.
Monitor Internet Traffic

Traffic metering allows you to monitor the volume of Internet traffic that passes through
the router Internet port. You can set limits for traffic volume.
To monitor Internet traffic:
router network.


4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Traffic Meter.

The Traffic Meter page displays.
5. Select the Enable Traffic Meter check box.
6. To control the volume of Internet traffic, use either the traffic volume control feature
or the connection time control feature:
• Select the Traffic volume control by radio button and then select one of the
following options:
• No Limit. No restriction is applied when the traffic limit is reached.
• Download only. The restriction is applied to incoming traffic only.
• Both Directions. The restriction is applied to both incoming and outgoing
traffic.
• Select the Connection time control radio button and enter the allowed hours in
the Monthly limit field.
7. If your ISP charges for extra data volume when you make a new connection, enter
the extra data volume in MB in the Round up data volume for each connection by
field.
8. In the Traffic Counter section, set the traffic counter to begin at a specific time and
date.
To start the traffic counter immediately, click the Restart Counter Now button.
9. In the Traffic Control section, specify whether the router should issue a warning
message before the monthly limit of Mbytes or hours is reached.
By default, the value is 0 and no warning message is issued. You can select one of
the following to occur when the limit is attained:
• The Internet LED blinks white or amber.
• The Internet connection is disconnected and disabled.

The Internet Traffic Statistics section helps you to monitor the data traffic.
11. To update the Traffic Statistics section, click the Refresh button.

12. To display more information about the data traffic on your router and to change the
poll interval, click the Traffic Status button.
Manage the Router Configuration File

The configuration settings of the router are stored within the router in a configuration
file. You can back up (save) this file to your computer, restore it, or reset it to the factory
default settings.
Back Up Settings
To back up the router’s configuration settings:
router network.

4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Backup Settings.

The Backup Settings page displays.
5. Click the Back Up button.
6. Follow the direction of your browser to save the file.
A copy of the current settings is saved in the location that you specified.
Erase the Settings

Caution: This process erases all settings that you configured in the router.
To erase the settings:

router network.



5. Click the Erase button.

The configuration is reset to factory default settings. When the reset is complete,
the router restarts. This process takes about two minutes.
Warning: To avoid the risk of corrupting the firmware, do not interrupt the reset.
off the router. Wait until the router finishes restarting.
Restore Configuration Settings

To restore configuration settings that you backed up:
router network.


5. Click the Browse button to find and select the .cfg file.
6. Click the Restore button.
The file is uploaded to the router and the router restarts.
Warning: Do not interrupt the restoration process.

Remote Access
You can access your router over the Internet to view or change its settings. You must
know the router’s WAN IP address to use this feature.
Note: Be sure to change the password for the user name admin to a secure password.
The ideal password contains no dictionary words from any language and contains
uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. It can be up to 30 characters.
See Change the admin Password on page 97.
Set Up Remote Management

To set up remote management:
router network.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Remote Management.

The Remote Management page displays.
5. Select the Turn Remote Management On check box.
6. In the Allow Remote Access By section, specify the external IP addresses to be allowed
to access the router’s remote management.
Note: For enhanced security, restrict access to as few external IP addresses as

practical.
Select one of the following:

• Only This Computer. Allow access from a single IP address on the Internet. Enter
the IP address to be allowed access.
• IP Address Range. Allow access from a range of IP addresses on the Internet.
Enter a beginning IP address and an ending IP address to define the allowed
range.
• Everyone. Allow access from any IP address on the Internet.

7. Specify the port number for accessing the router web interface.
Normal web browser access uses the standard HTTP service port 80. For greater
security, enter a custom port number for the remote router web interface. Choose
a number from 1024 to 65535, but do not use the number of any common service
port. The default is 8443, which is a common alternate for HTTP.

Use Remote Access

To use remote access:
1. Launch a web browser on a computer that is not on your home network.
2. Type your router’s WAN IP address into your browser’s address or location field
followed by a colon (:) and the custom port number.
For example, if your external address is 134.177.0.123 and you use port number
8443, enter http://134.177.0.123:8443 in your browser.
Remotely Access Your Router Using the

Nighthawk App
You can use the Nighthawk app to remotely access your router and change its settings.
Before you can use remote access with the Nighthawk app, you must update your
router’s firmware and download the latest Nighthawk app for your mobile device.
For more information about how to update your router’s firmware, see Check for New
Firmware and Update the Router on page 95.
To download the latest Nighthawk app for your mobile device, visit Nighthawk-app.com.

Disable LED Blinking or Turn Off LEDs

The LEDs on the top panel of the router indicate activities and behavior. You can disable
LED blinking for network communications, or turn off all LEDs except the Power LED.
To disable LED blinking or turn off the LEDs:
router network.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > LED Control Settings.

The LED Control Settings page displays.
5. To disable blinking, select the Disable blinking on Internet LED, LAN LED, Wireless
LED and USB LED when data traffic is detected radio button.
6. To turn off all LEDs except the Power LED, select the Turn off all LEDs except Power
LED radio button.
Set Your Time Zone

To set your time zone:
router network.


4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > NTP Settings.

The NTP Settings page displays.
5. Select your time zone from the menu.
6. If you live in a region that observes daylight saving time, select the Automatically
adjust for daylight savings time check box.
Change the NTP Server

By default, the router uses the NETGEAR NTP server to sync the network time. You can
change the NTP server to your preferred NTP server.
To change the NTP server to your preferred NTP server:
router network.


5. Select the Set your preferred NTP server radio button.
6. Enter the NTP server domain name or IP address in the Primary NTP server field.

Return the Router to Its Factory Default

Settings
Under some circumstances (for example, if you lost track of the changes that you made
to the router settings or you move the router to a different network), you might want to
erase the configuration and reset the router to factory default settings.
If you do not know the current IP address of the router, first try to use an IP scanner
application to detect the IP address before you reset the router to factory default settings.
To reset the router to factory default settings, you can use either the Reset button on
the back of the router or the Erase function. However, if you cannot find the IP address
or lost the password to access the router, you must use the Reset button.
After you reset the router to factory default settings, the user name is admin, the
password is password, the LAN IP address is 192.168.1.1 (which is the same as
www.routerlogin.net), and the DHCP server is enabled..
Use the Reset Button

To reset the router to factory default settings:

1. On the back of the router, locate the Reset button.
2. Using a straightened paper clip, press and hold the Reset button for at least five
seconds.
3. Release the Reset button.
The Power LED starts blinking. When the reset is complete, the router restarts. This
process takes about two minutes.
For example, if you are connected to the router web interface, do not close the
browser, click a link, or load a new page. Do not turn off the router. Wait until the
router finishes restarting.
Erase the Settings


To erase the settings:

router network.


5. Click the Erase button.

The configuration is reset to factory default settings. When the reset is complete,
the router restarts. This process takes about two minutes.
off the router. Wait until the router finishes restarting.

8
Share USB Storage Devices
Attached to the Router
This chapter describes how to access and manage storage devices attached to your
router. ReadySHARE lets you access and share USB storage devices connected to the
router. (If your storage device uses special drivers, it is not compatible.)
Note: The USB ports on the router can be used only to connect USB storage devices
like flash drives or hard drives. Do not connect computers, USB modems, CD drives, or
DVD drives to the router USB port.

• USB Device Requirements
• Connect a USB Storage Device to the Router
• Access a Storage Device Connected to the Router From a Windows-Based Computer
• Map a USB Device to a Windows Network Drive
• Access a Storage Device That Is Connected to the Router From a Mac
• Back Up Windows-Based Computers With ReadySHARE Vault
• Back Up Mac Computers With Time Machine
• Enable FTP Access Within Your Network
• View or Change Network Folders on a Storage Device
• Add a Network Folder on a USB Storage Device
• Edit a Network Folder on a USB Storage Device
• Set Up NETGEAR Downloader
• Safely Remove a USB Storage Device
For more information about ReadySHARE features, visit netgear.com/readyshare.
113
USB Device Requirements

The router works with most USB-compliant external flash and hard drives. For the most
up-to-date list of USB devices that the router supports, visit
kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/18985/~/readyshare-usb-drives-compatibility-list.
Some USB external hard drives and flash drives require you to load the drivers onto the
computer before the computer can access the USB storage device. Such USB storage
devices do not work with the router.
The router supports the following file system types for full read/write access:
• FAT16
• FAT32
• NTFS
• NTFS with compression format enabled
• Ext2
• Ext3
• Ext4
• HFS
• HFS+
Connect a USB Storage Device to the Router

ReadySHARE lets you access and share USB storage devices that are connected to the
appropriate router port. (If your USB storage device uses special drivers, it is not
compatible.)
To connect a USB device:
1. Insert your USB storage device into a USB port on the router.
2. If your USB storage device uses a power supply, connect it.
You must use the power supply when you connect the USB storage device to the
router.
When you connect the USB storage device to the router USB port, it might take up
to two minutes before it is ready for sharing. By default, the USB storage device is
available to all computers on your local area network (LAN).
Share USB Storage Devices 114 User Manual

Access a Storage Device Connected to the

Router From a Windows-Based Computer
To access the USB storage device from a Windows-based computer:
1. Connect a USB storage device to a USB port on your router.
router.
When you connect the USB storage device to the router’s port, it might take up to
two minutes before it is ready for sharing. By default, the USB storage device is
3. Select Start > Run.

4. Enter \\readyshare in the dialog box.
5. Click the OK button.
A window automatically opens and displays the files and folders on the USB storage
device.
Map a USB Device to a Windows Network

Drive
To map the USB storage device to a Windows network drive:
router.
3. Select Start > Run.

4. Enter \\readyshare in the dialog box.
A window automatically opens and displays the USB storage device.

6. Right-click the USB device and select Map network drive.

The Map Network Drive window opens.
7. Select the drive letter to map to the new network folder.

8. Click the Finish button.
The USB storage device is mapped to the drive letter that you specified.
9. To connect to the USB storage device as a different user, select the Connect using
different credentials check box, click the Finish button, and do the following:
a. Type the user name and password.
b. Click the OK button.
Access a Storage Device That Is Connected

to the Router From a Mac
From a computer or device on the network, you can access a storage device that is
connected to the router.
To access the device from a Mac:
router.
3. On a Mac that is connected to the network, select Go > Connect to Server.

The Connect to Server window opens.
4. In the Server Address field, enter smb://readyshare.

5. When prompted, select the Guest radio button.
If you set up access control on the router and you allowed your Mac to access the
network, select the Registered User radio button and enter admin for the name
and router admin password for the password. For more information about access
control, see Allow or Block Access to Your Network on page 44.
6. Click the Connect button.

A window automatically opens and displays the files and folders on the USB storage
device.
Back Up Windows-Based Computers With

ReadySHARE Vault
Your router comes with free backup software for all the Windows-based computers in
your home. Connect a USB hard disk drive (HDD) to the router for centralized, continuous,
and automatic backup.
The following operating systems support ReadySHARE Vault:
• Windows 7
• Windows 8
• Windows 8.1
• Windows 10
To back up your Windows-based computer:

1. Connect a USB HDD storage device to a USB port on the router.
router.
When you connect the USB storage device to the router’s USB port, it might take up
3. Download ReadySHARE Vault from netgear.com/readyshare and install it on each

Windows-based computer.
4. Launch ReadySHARE Vault.
5. Use the dashboard or the Backup tab to set up and run your backup.
Back Up Mac Computers With Time Machine

You can use Time Machine to back up your Mac computers onto a USB hard drive that
is connected to one of the router’s USB ports. You can access the connected storage
device from your Mac with a wired or WiFi connection to your router.

Note: The following instructions might be different depending on the macOS your
computer is using. For more instructions about backing up your computer with Time
Machine, see the Apple support site.
Set Up a USB Hard Drive on a Mac

We recommend that you use a new USB HDD or format your old USB HDD to do the
Time Machine backup for the first time. Use a blank partition to prevent some issues
during backup using Time Machine. The router supports GUID or MBR partitions.
To format your USB hard disk drive and specify partitions:
1. Physically connect the USB HDD to your router.
2. If your USB HDD uses a power supply, connect it.
You must use the power supply when you connect the USB HDD to the router.
When you connect the USB HDD to the router’s port, it might take up to two minutes
before it is ready for sharing. By default, the USB HDD is available to all computers
on your local area network (LAN).
3. On your Mac, go to Spotlight (or the magnifying glass) at the top right of the page
and search for Disk Utility.
4. Open the Disk Utility, select your USB HDD, click the Erase tab, and click the Erase
button.
5. Click the Partition tab.
6. In the Partition Layout menu, set the number of partitions that you want to use.
7. Click the Options button.
The Partition schemes display.
8. Select the GUID Partition Table or Master Boot Record radio button.
9. In the Format menu, select Mac OS Extended (Journaled).

Prepare to Back Up a Large Amount of Data

Before you back up a large amount of data with Time Machine, we recommend that
you follow this procedure.
To prepare to back up a large amount of data:
1. Upgrade the operating system of the Mac computer.
2. Verify and repair the backup disk and the local disk.
3. Verify and repair the permissions on the local disk.
4. Set Energy Saver:
a. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences.
The System Preferences page displays.
b. Select Energy Saver.
The Energy Saver page displays.
c. Click the Power Adapter tab.
d. Select the Wake for Wi-Fi network access check box.
e. Click the back arrow to save the changes and exit the page.
5. Modify your security settings:

a. On the System Preferences page, select Security & Privacy.
The Security & Privacy page displays.
b. Click the Advanced button at the bottom of the page.
If the Advanced button is grayed out, click the lock icon so that you can change
the settings.
c. Clear the Log out after minutes of inactivity check box.
d. Click the OK button.
Use Time Machine to Back Up Onto a USB Hard Disk

You can use Time Machine to back up your Mac computers onto a USB hard disk drive
(HDD) that is connected to one of the router’s USB ports.

To back up your Mac onto a USB hard disk drive:

1. Prepare your USB device with a compatible format and partitions.
For more information, see Set Up a USB Hard Drive on a Mac on page 118.
2. If you plan to back up a large amount of data, see Prepare to Back Up a Large Amount
of Data on page 119.
3. If your USB HDD uses a power supply, connect it.
You must use the power supply when you connect the USB HDD to the router.
When you connect the USB HDD to the router’s port, it might take up to two minutes
before it is ready for sharing. By default, the USB HDD is available to all computers
on your local area network (LAN).
4. On a Mac computer that is connected to the network, launch Finder and select Go
> Connect to Server.
The Connect to Server window opens.
5. Type smb://routerlogin.net and click the Connect button.

6. When prompted, select the Registered User radio button.
7. Enter admin for the name and the router admin password for the password and
click the Connect button.
A list of USB devices connected to your router displays.
8. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences.

The System Preferences window displays.
9. Select Time Machine.

The Time Machine window displays.
10. Click the Select Backup Disk button and select your USB HDD from the list.
11. Click the Use Disk button.
Note: If you do not see the USB partition that you want in the Time Machine disk
list, go to Mac Finder and click that USB partition. It displays in the Time Machine
list.
12. When prompted, select the Registered User radio button.

13. Enter admin for the name and the router admin password for the password and
click the Connect button.
When the setup is complete, the Mac automatically schedules a full backup. You can back up immediately.

Enable FTP Access Within Your Network

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) lets you download (receive) and upload (send) large files
faster.
To enable FTP access within your network:
router network.

4. Select ADVANCED > USB Functions > ReadySHARE Storage.

The USB Storage (Advanced Settings) page displays.
5. Select the FTP check box.

View or Change Network Folders on a

Storage Device
You can view or change the network folders on a storage device connected to the router.
To view or change network folders:
router network.



5. Scroll down to the Available Networks Folder section and adjust the following
settings:
• Share Name. If only one USB device is connected, the default share name is
USB_Storage.
You can click the name or you can type it in the address field of your web browser.
If Not Shared is shown, the default share was deleted and no other share for the
root folder exists. Click the link to change this setting.
• Read Access and Write Access. Show the permissions and access controls on
the network folder. All–no password (the default) allows all users to access the
network folder. The password for admin is the same one that you use to log in
to the router.
• Folder Name. Full path of the network folder.
• Volume Name. Volume name from the storage device.
• Total Space and Free Space. Show the current utilization of the storage device.

Add a Network Folder on a USB Storage

Device
You can add network folders on a USB storage device connected to a router USB port.
To add a network folder:
router network.



5. In the Available Network Folders section, select the USB storage device.
If a single device is attached to the USB port, the radio button is selected
automatically.
6. Click the Create Network Folder button.

The Add Folder window opens.
If this window does not open, your web browser might be blocking pop-ups. If it is,
change the browser settings to allow pop-ups.
7. From the USB Device menu, select the USB drive.
Note: We recommend that you do not attach more than one drive to one USB port
(for example, through a USB hub).
8. Click the Browse button and in the Folder field, select the folder.
9. In the Share Name field, type the name of the share.
10. From the Read Access menu and the Write Access menu, select the settings that
you want.
All–no password (the default) allows all users to access the network folder. The other
option is that only the admin user is allowed access to the network folder. The
password for admin is the same one that you use to log in to the router.

The folder is added on the USB storage device.
12. Click the Close Window button.

The window closes.
Edit a Network Folder on a USB Storage

Device
You can edit network folders on a USB storage devices connected to a router USB port.

To edit a network folder:

router network.


5. In the Available Network Folders section, select the USB storage device.
The Edit Network Folder window opens.
7. Change the settings in the fields as needed.

Set Up NETGEAR Downloader

NETGEAR Downloader is a download agent that runs on the router. You can use it to
download files onto a USB HDD that is connected to the router so that you do not need
to keep the computer running.
Download Files Using NETGEAR Downloader

To use NETGEAR Downloader to download files:
1. Connect your USB storage device to the router USB port.
2. If your USB device uses a power supply, connect it.
You must use the power supply when you connect the USB device to the router.
When you connect the USB device to the router USB port, it might take up to two
minutes before it is ready for sharing. By default, the USB device is available to all
computers on your local area network (LAN).

network.

6. Select NETGEAR Downloader (BETA).

The Download Manager psge displays.
7. Select the Enable NETGEAR Downloader check box.
The page adjusts.
8. From the Download Type menu, select a dowload protocol.
The fields change based on which protocol you choose.
9. Complete the fields presented for the option you choose.
The router begins the download.
11. To display the dowloading status, click the Refresh button.
13. (Optional) Use the Pause, Resume, and Delete buttons to manage the downloading
tasks.
The completed downloading tasks display in the Downloaded Files section.
Set Up Email Notifications for NETGEAR Downloader

The router can email you when a downloader task is finished.
To change NETGEAR Downloader settings:
network.

4. Select ADVANCED > NETGEAR Downloader (BETA) > Downloader Settings.

The NETGEAR Downloader Settigns page displays.
5. Click the Configure Email button.
The E-mail page displays.
6. Select the Send E-mail notifications when a downloader task is finished check
box.
Change the NETGEAR Downloader Settings

You can change the default save path to any directory on the USB storage device that
is connected to the router. You can change the maximum number of concurrent
downloading tasks, but NETGEAR recommends 3 as the most effective setting. You can
enable autorefresh to see updated downloading tasks, but this might slow down speed
of the downloads.
To change NETGEAR Downloader settings:
network.

4. Select ADVANCED > NETGEAR Downloader (BETA) > Downloader Settings.

The NETGEAR Downloader Settigns page displays.
5. Make any needed changes.

Manage NETGEAR Downloader Tasks

To manage NETGEAR Downloader tasks:
network.

4. Select ADVANCED > NETGEAR Downloader (BETA) > Download Manager.

The NETGAR Downloader Settings page displays.
5. Make any needed changs.
Safely Remove a USB Storage Device

Before you physically disconnect a USB storage device from the router USB port, log
in to the router and take the USB storage device offline.
To remove a USB storage device safely:
router network.


5. In the Available Network Folders sections, select the USB storage device.

6. Click the Safely Remove USB Device button.

This takes the device offline.
7. Physically disconnect the USB storage device.

9
Use Dynamic DNS to Access USB
Storage Devices Through the
Internet
With Dynamic DNS, you can use the Internet to access USB devices attached to the
router’s USB ports when you’re not home.
• Set Up and Manage Dynamic DNS
• Set Up FTP Access Through the Internet
• Your Personal FTP Server
• Access USB Storage Devices Through the Internet
• Remotely Access a USB Device Using ReadyCLOUD
129
Set Up and Manage Dynamic DNS

Internet service providers (ISPs) assign numbers called IP addresses to identify each
Internet account. Most ISPs use dynamically assigned IP addresses. This means that the
IP address can change at any time. You can use the IP address to access your network
remotely, but most people don’t know what their IP addresses are or when this number
changes.
To make it easier to connect, you can get a free account with a Dynamic DNS service
that lets you use a domain name to access your home network. To use this account, you
must set up the router to use Dynamic DNS. Then the router notifies the Dynamic DNS
service provider whenever its IP address changes. When you access your Dynamic DNS
account, the service finds the current IP address of your home network and automatically
connects you.
If your ISP assigns a private WAN IP address (such as 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x), the Dynamic
DNS service does not work because private addresses are not routed on the Internet.
Set Up FTP Access Through the Internet

To set up FTP access:
router network.


5. Select the FTP (via Internet) check box.

7. To limit access to the admin user, select a device in the Available Network Folder's
section.
Use Dynamic DNS to Access USB 130 User Manual

Internet
If only one device is connected, it is automatically selected.

The Edit page displays.
9. In the Read Access menu, select admin.

10. In the Write Access menu, select admin.
Your Personal FTP Server

With your customized free URL, you can use FTP to access your network when you aren’t
home through Dynamic DNS. To set up your FTP server, you must register for a NETGEAR
Dynamic DNS (DDNS) service account and specify the account settings. See Set Up a
New Dynamic DNS Account on page 132.
Note: The router supports only basic DDNS, and the login and password might not be
secure. You can use DDNS with a VPN tunnel for a secure connection.
Set Up Your Personal FTP Server

To set up your personal account and use FTP:
1. Get your NETGEAR Dynamic DNS domain name.
For more information, see Set Up a New Dynamic DNS Account on page 132.
2. Make sure that your Internet connection is working.

Your router must use a direct Internet connection. It cannot connect to a different
router to access the Internet.
3. Connect a storage device to the router.

router.
When you connect the USB storage device to the router USB port, it might take up
5. Set up FTP access in the router.

Internet
See Set Up FTP Access Through the Internet on page 130.
6. On a remote computer with Internet access, you can use FTP to access your router
using ftp://yourname.mynetgear.com.
Set Up a New Dynamic DNS Account

To set up Dynamic DNS and register for a free NETGEAR account:
router network.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Dynamic DNS.

The Dynamic DNS page displays.
5. Select the Use a Dynamic DNS Service check box.
6. From the Service Provider menu, select NETGEAR.
You can select another service provider.
7. Select the No radio button.

8. In the Host Name field, type the name that you want to use for your URL.
The host name is sometimes called the domain name. Your free URL includes the
host name that you specify and ends with mynetgear.com. For example, specify
MyName.mynetgear.com.
9. In the Email field, type the email address for your account.
10. In the Password (6-32 characters) field, type the password for your account.
11. Click the Register button.
12. Follow the onscreen instructions to register for your NETGEAR Dynamic DNS service.
Specify a DNS Account That You Already Created

If you already created a Dynamic DNS account with NETGEAR, No-IP, or Dyn, you can
set up the router to use your account.

Internet
To set up Dynamic DNS if you already created an account:

router network.


5. Select the Use a Dynamic DNS Service check box.
6. From the Service Provider menu, select your provider.
7. Select the Yes radio button.
The page adjusts and displays the Show Status, Cancel, and Apply buttons.
8. In the Host Name field, type the host name (sometimes called the domain name)
for your account.
9. For a No-IP or Dyn account, in the User Name field, type the user name for your
account.
10. For a NETGEAR account at No-IP, in the Email field, type the email address for your
account.
11. In the Password (6-32 characters) field, type the password for your DDNS account.
13. To verify that your Dynamic DNS service is enabled in the router, click the Show
Status button.
A message displays the Dynamic DNS status.
Change the Dynamic DNS Settings

You can change the settings for your Dynamic DNS account.

Internet
To change your settings:

router network.


5. Change your DDNS account settings as necessary.


Internet
Access USB Storage Devices Through the

Internet
You can access USB storage devices through the Internet when you’re not home.
To access devices from a remote computer:
1. Launch a web browser on a computer that is not on your home network.
2. Connect to your home router:
• To connect with Dynamic DNS, type the DNS name.
To use a Dynamic DNS account, you must enter the account information on the
Dynamic DNS page. See Set Up and Manage Dynamic DNS on page 130.
• To connect without Dynamic DNS, type the router’s Internet port IP address.
You can view the router’s Internet IP address on the BASIC Home page.
You can use FTP to share files on a USB device connected to the router.
Remotely Access a USB Device Using

ReadyCLOUD
NETGEAR ReadyCLOUD for routers lets you remotely access files stored on a USB
storage device that is connected to the router. Before you can use ReadyCLOUD, you
must create a ReadyCLOUD account and register your router.
A ReadyCLOUD app is also available for Windows computers, Android mobile devices,
and iOS mobile devices. For more information about setting up ReadyCLOUD, see the
ReadyCLOUD for Routers User Manual, which is available online at
downloadcenter.netgear.com.
Create a ReadyCLOUD Account

To create a ReadyCLOUD account:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device.
2. Visit readycloud.netgear.com.
The ReadyCLOUD Welcome page displays.
3. Click the Sign In link.

The Sign In page displays.

Internet
4. Click the Create Account link.

The Create a MyNETGEAR account page displays.
5. Complete the fields to set up your account, and click the Create button.
You are now ready to register your router with your ReadyCLOUD account.
Register Your Router With ReadyCLOUD

After you create a ReadyCLOUD account, you must register your router with your
ReadyCLOUD account.
To register your router with your ReadyCLOUD account:
1. Connect a USB storage device to a USB port on the router.
router.
network.

6. Select ADVANCED > USB Functions > ReadySHARE Storage > ReadyCLOUD.
The ReadyCLOUD page displays.
7. Enter your ReadyCLOUD user name and password and click the Register button.
If you did not yet create a ReadyCLOUD account, see Create a ReadyCLOUD Account
on page 135.
The router is registered with ReadyCLOUD.
Note: If the router’s Internet connection mode is set to Dial on Demand, the router
automatically changes the connection mode to Always On. This change is required
for ReadyCLOUD to remotely access the USB storage device.

Internet
8. After registration, visit readycloud.netgear.com.

9. Click the Sign In link, enter your ReadyCLOUD user name and password, and click
the Sign In button.
The ReadyCLOUD page displays the router that you registered and the contents of
the USB storage device that is connected to the router.

Internet
10
Use the Router as a Media Server

• Specify ReadyDLNA Media Server Settings
• Play Music From a Storage Device With iTunes Server
• Set Up the Router to Work With TiVo
• Change the NTP Server
138
Specify ReadyDLNA Media Server Settings

By default, the router acts as a ReadyDLNA media server, which lets you view movies
and photos on DLNA/UPnP AV-compliant media players, such as Xbox360, Playstation,
and NETGEAR media players.
To specify media server settings:
router network.

4. Select ADVANCED > USB Functions > ReadySHARE Storage > Media Server.
The Media Server (Settings) page displays.
5. Specify the settings:

• Enable DLNA Media Server. Select this check box to enable this device to act
as a media server.
• Enable TiVo support. Select this check box if you want to play ReadyNAS media
on your TiVo device. For more information, see Set Up the Router to Work With
TiVo on page 142.
• Enable iTunes Server (Music Only). Select this check box if you want to play
music from a USB device that is connected to your router with iTunes on your
Windows-based or Mac computer using Home Sharing. For more information,
see Set Up the Router’s iTunes Server With iTunes on page 140.
• Media Server Device Name. Click the Edit button to change the router's media
server name.
Note: If you change the media server name, you can also change the
ReadySHARE storage folder access path to the new name or keep the access
path as \\readyshare .
• Content Scan. The router automatically scans for media files whenever new files
are added to your ReadySHARE USB storage device. Only a shared folder with
Use the Router as a Media Server 139 User Manual

All – no password in Read Access can be scanned for media files. To scan for
new media files immediately, click the Rescan media files button.

Play Music From a Storage Device With

iTunes Server
iTunes server lets you play music from a USB device that is connected to a USB port on
your router with iTunes on your Windows-based or Mac computer or with the Apple
Remote app on your iPhone or iPad. You can also use the Apple Remote app from an
iPhone or iPad to play music on any AirPlay devices, such as Apple TV or
AirPlay-supported receivers.
Supported music file formats are MP3, AAC, and FLAC. The maximum number of music
files supported is 10,000.
Set Up the Router’s iTunes Server With iTunes

You can play music from a USB device that is connected to your router with iTunes on
your Windows or Mac computer using Home Sharing. To set up Home Sharing, you
need an Apple account and the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer.
To set up the router’s iTunes server to play music on iTunes:
router.
router network.

7. Select the Enable iTunes Server (Music Only) check box.

9. On your Windows-based or Mac computer, launch iTunes.

10. Select File > Home Sharing > Turn On Home Sharing.
The Home Sharing page displays.
11. Enter your Apple ID email address and password.

12. Click the Turn On Home Sharing button.
When Home Sharing is enabled, a Home Sharing icon displays in iTunes.
13. Click the Home Sharing icon and from the menu, select the router.
The music that is on the USB device that is connected to the router displays in iTunes.
Set Up the Router’s iTunes Server With the Remote App

You can play music from a USB device that is connected to your router on your iPhone
or iPad using the Apple Remote app.
To set up the router’s iTunes server to play music on your iPhone or iPad:
router.
3. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your router’s WiFi network.

4. Download the Remote app from the Apple App Store.

5. Launch the Remote app from your iPhone or iPad.

6. In the Remote app, click the Add a Device button.
The passcode displays in the Remote app.
7. Specify the passcode in the router to set up your iTunes server.

a. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to
your router's network.
b. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.
c. Enter the router admin user name and password.

d. Select ADVANCED > USB Functions > ReadySHARE Storage > Media Server.
e. Select the Enable iTunes Server (Music Only) check box.
f. Click the Apply button.
g. Enter the passcode.
h. Click the Allow Control button.
Your iPhone or iPad pairs with the router and the iTunes server is ready. The
router displays in the Remote app.
8. In the Remote app, tap the router your iPhone or iPad is connected to.
The music that is on the USB device that is connected to the router displays in the
app.
Set Up the Router to Work With TiVo

You can set up your TiVo to access media files stored on a USB device that is connected
to your router. The TiVo must be on the same network as the router. This feature supports
the following file formats:
• Video. See and play mpeg1, and mpeg2 files.

• Music. See and play MP3 files.

• Pictures. View images in .jpg format.
You can use the TiVo (Series 2 and later) Home Media Option to play photos and music
on your Windows or Mac computer in your TiVo user interface.
To set up the router to work with TiVo:
router network.

5. Make sure that the Enable TiVo support check box is selected.
6. If you changed the settings, click the Apply button.
Change the NTP Server

By default, the router uses the NETGEAR NTP server to sync the network time. You can
change the NTP server to your preferred NTP server.
To change the NTP server to your preferred NTP server:
router network.



5. Select the Set your preferred NTP server radio button.
6. Enter the NTP server domain name or IP address in the Primary NTP server field.

11
Share a USB Printer
The ReadySHARE Printer utility lets you share a USB printer that is connected to the USB
port on your router. You can share this USB printer among the Windows-based and
Mac computers on your network.
For more information about the features available in the NETGEAR USB Control Center,
see the ReadySHARE Printer User Manual, which is available at
http://downloadcenter.netgear.com.
• Install the Printer Driver and Cable the Printer
• Download the ReadySHARE Printer Utility
• Install the ReadySHARE Printer Utility
• Print Using the NETGEAR USB Control Center
145
Install the Printer Driver and Cable the Printer

Some USB printer manufacturers (for example, HP and Lexmark) request that you do
not connect the USB cable until the installation software prompts you to do so.
To install the driver and cable the printer:
1. On each computer on your network that shares the USB printer, install the driver
software for the USB printer.
If you cannot locate the printer driver, contact the printer manufacturer.
2. Use a USB printer cable to connect the USB printer to a router USB port.
Download the ReadySHARE Printer Utility

The utility works on Windows-based and Mac computers.
To download the utility:
1. Visit https://www.netgear.com/home/discover/apps/readyshare.
2. Click the PRINT - Learn how you can print wirelessly from many devices link.
3. Click the Download PC installer and get started link to download the ReadySHARE
Printer utility setup file to your Windows-based computer.
4. Follow the instructions on the page to download the ReadySHARE Printer utility.
Install the ReadySHARE Printer Utility

You must install the ReadySHARE Printer utility on each computer that will share the
printer. After you install it, the utility displays as NETGEAR USB Control Center on your
computer. For more information about how to use the NETGEAR USB Control Center,
visit https://www.netgear.com/support/product/ReadySHARE_USB_Printer.aspx.
To install the utility:
1. If necessary, unzip the ReadySHARE Printer utility setup file.
2. Double-click the ReadySHARE Printer utility setup file that you downloaded.
The InstallShield Wizard opens.
3. Follow the prompts to install the NETGEAR USB Control Center.

After the InstallShield Wizard completes the installation, the NETGEAR USB Control
Center prompts you to select a language.
Share a USB Printer 146 User Manual

4. Select a language from the menu and click the OK button.

The NETGEAR USB Control Center opens.
Some firewall software, such as Comodo, blocks the NETGEAR USB Control Center
from accessing the USB printer. If you do not see the USB printer displayed on the
page, you can disable the firewall temporarily to allow the utility to work.
5. Select the printer and click the Connect button.

The printer status changes to Manually connected by Mycomputer. Now only the
computer that you are using can use this printer.
6. Click the Disconnect button.

The status changes to Available. Now all computers on the network can use the
printer.
7. To exit the utility, select System > Exit.
Print Using the NETGEAR USB Control

Center
For each computer, after you click the Connect and Disconnect buttons once, the utility
automatically manages the printing queue. By default, the utility starts automatically
whenever you log on to Windows and runs in the background.
To print a document using the NETGEAR USB Control Center:
1. Click the NETGEAR USB Control Center icon .
The NETGEAR USB Control Center page displays.
2. Select a printer and click the Connect button.

The printer status changes to Manually connected by Mycomputer. Now only the
computer that you are using can use this printer.
3. Use the print feature in your application to print your document.

The NETGEAR USB Control Center automatically connects your computer to the
USB printer and prints the document. If another computer is already connected to
the printer, your print job goes into a queue to wait to be printed.
4. If your document does not print, use the NETGEAR USB Control Center to check the
printer status.

5. To release the printer so that all computers on the network can use it, click the
Disconnect button.
The status changes to Available. Now any computers on the network can use the
printer.
6. To exit the utility, select System > Exit.

12
Use VPN to Access Your Network
You can use OpenVPN software to remotely access your router using virtual private
networking (VPN). This chapter explains how to set up and use VPN access.
The chapter includes the following sections:
• Set Up a VPN Connection
• Specify VPN Service in the Router
• Install OpenVPN Software
• Use a VPN Tunnel on Your Windows Computer
• Use VPN to Access the Router’s USB Device and Media
• Use VPN to Access Your Internet Service at Home
149
Set Up a VPN Connection

A virtual private network (VPN) lets you use the Internet to securely access your network
when you aren’t home.
This type of VPN access is called a client-to-gateway tunnel. The computer is the client,
and the router is the gateway. To use the VPN feature, you must log in to the router and
enable VPN, and you must install and run VPN client software on the computer.
VPN uses DDNS or a static IP address to connect with your router.
To use a DDNS service, register for an account with a host name (sometimes called a
domain name). You use the host name to access your network. The router supports
these accounts: NETGEAR, No-IP, and Dyn.
If your Internet service provider (ISP) assigned a static WAN IP address (such as 50.196.x.x
or 10.x.x.x) that never changes to your Internet account, the VPN can use that IP address
to connect to your home network.
Specify VPN Service in the Router

You must specify the VPN service settings in the router before you can use a VPN
connection.
To specify the VPN service:
router network.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > VPN Service.

The VPN page displays.
5. Select the Enable VPN Service check box.

By default, the VPN uses the UDP service type and uses port 12974. If you want to
customize the service type and port, we recommend that you change these settings
before you install the OpenVPN software.
Use VPN to Access Your Network 150 User Manual

6. To change the service type, scroll down and select the TCP radio button.
7. To change the port, scroll down to the Service Port field, and type the port number
that you want to use.
Your changes are saved. VPN is enabled in the router, but you must install and set
up OpenVPN software on your computer before you can use a VPN connection.
Install OpenVPN Software

You must install this software on each Windows computer, Mac computer, iOS device,
or Android device that you plan to use for VPN connections to your router.
Install OpenVPN Software on Your Windows Computer

You must install this software on each Windows computer that you plan to use for VPN
connections to your router.
To install VPN client software on your Windows computer:
router network.


The VPN Service page displays.
5. Make sure that the Enable VPN Service check box is selected.
6. Specify any VPN service settings on the page.
For more information, see Specify VPN Service in the Router on page 150.
7. Click the For Windows button to download the OpenVPN configuration files.
8. Visit openvpn.net/index.php/download/community-downloads.html to download
the OpenVPN client utility.

9. In the Windows Installer section of the page, double-click the

openVPN-install-xxx.exe link.
10. Download and install the Open VPN software on your computer, click the
openVPN-install-xxx.exe file.

12. Read the License Agreement and click the I Agree button.
13. Leave the check boxes selected as shown, and click the Next button.

14. To specify the destination folder, click the Browse button and select a destination
folder.
15. Click the Install button.

The window displays the progress of the installation and then displays the final
installation page.
16. Click the Finish button.

17. Unzip the configuration files that you downloaded and copy them to the folder where
the VPN client is installed on your device.
For a client device with Windows 64-bit system, the VPN client is installed at C:\Program
files\OpenVPN\config\ by default.
18. For a client device with Windows, modify the VPN interface name to NETGEAR-VPN:
a. On your computer, go to the Networks page. If you are using Windows 10, select
Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
b. In the local area connection list, find the local area connection with the device
name TAP-Windows Adapter.

c. Select the local area connection and change its name (not its device name) to
NETGEAR-VPN.
If you do not change the VPN interface name, the VPN tunnel connection will fail.
For more information about using OpenVPN on your Windows computer, visit
https://openvpn.net/index.php/open-source/documentation/howto.html#quick.
Install OpenVPN Software on Your Mac Computer

You must install this software on each Mac computer that you plan to use for VPN
To install VPN client software on your Mac computer:
router network.


7. Click the For non-Windows button to download the OpenVPN configuration files.
8. Visit https://tunnelblick.net/index.html to download the OpenVPN client utility for
Mac OS X.
9. Download and install the file.
10. Unzip the configuration files that you downloaded and copy them to the folder where
the VPN client is installed on your device.
The client utility must ge installed by a user with administrative priviledges.
For more information about using OpenVPN on your Mac computer, visit
https://openvpn.net/index.php/access-server/docs/admin-guides/183-how-to-connect-to-access-server-from-a-mac.html.

Install OpenVPN Software on an iOS Device

You must install this software on each iOS device that you plan to use for VPN connections
to your router.
To install VPN client software on an iOS device:
router network.


7. Click the For Smart Phone button to download the OpenVPN configuration files.
8. On your iOS device, download and install the OpenVPN Connect app from the Apple
app store.
9. On your computer, unzip the configuration files that you downloaded and send the
files to your iOS device.
Note that when you open the .ovpn file, a list of apps displays. Select the OpenVPN
Connect app to open the .ovpn file.
For more information about using OpenVPN on your iOS device, visit
http://www.vpngate.net/en/howto_openvpn.aspx#ios.
Install OpenVPN Software on an Android Device

You must install this software on each Android device that you plan to use for VPN

To install VPN client software on an Android device:

router network.


7. Click the For Smart Phone button to download the OpenVPN configuration files.
8. On your Android device, download and install the OpenVPN Connect app from the
Google Play Store.
9. On your computer, unzip the configuration files that you downloaded and send the
files to your Android device.
10. Open the files on your Android device.
11. Open the .ovpn file using the OpenVPN Connect app.
For more information about using OpenVPN on your Android device, visit
http://www.vpngate.net/en/howto_openvpn.aspx#android.
Use a VPN Tunnel on Your Windows

Computer
After you set up the router to use VPN and install the OpenVPN application on your
computer, you can open a VPN tunnel from your computer to your router over the
Internet.
For the VPN tunnel to work, the local LAN IP address of the remote router must use a
different LAN IP scheme from that of the local LAN where your VPN client computer is
connected. If both networks use the same LAN IP scheme, when the VPN tunnel is

established, you cannot access your home router or your home network with the
OpenVPN software.
The default LAN IP address scheme for the router is 192.x.x.x. The most common IP
schemes are 192.x.x.x, 172.x.x.x, and 10.x.x.x. If you experience a conflict, change the
IP scheme either for your home network or for the network with the client VPN computer.
For information about changing these settings, see Change the LAN TCP/IP Settings
on page 67.
To open a VPN tunnel:
1. Launch the OpenVPN application with administrator privileges.
The OpenVPN icon displays in the Windows taskbar.
Tip: You can create a shortcut to the VPN program, then use the shortcut to access
the settings and select the run as administrator check box.Then every time you use
this shortcut, OpenVPN automatically runs with administrator privileges.
2. Right-click the OpenVPN icon.
3. Select Connect.
The VPN connection is established. You can do the following:
• Launch a web browser and log in to your router.

• Use Windows file manager to access the router’s USB device and download files.

Use VPN to Access the Router’s USB Device

and Media
To access a USB device and download files from you Windows-based computer
using VPN:
1. On your Windows-based computer, open the Windows file manager and select
Network.
Note: See your computer's documentation for information about how to display
the network resources.
The network resources display. The ReadySHARE icon displays in the Computer
section and the remote router icon displays in the Media Devices section (if DLNA
is enabled in the router).
2. If the icons do not display, click the Refresh button to update the window.
If the local LAN and the remote LAN are using the same IP scheme, the remote router
icon does not display in the Media Devices and Network Infrastructure sections.
3. To access the USB device, click the ReadySHARE icon.

4. To access media on the router’s network, click the remote router icon.
Use VPN to Access Your Internet Service at

Home
When you’re away from home and you access the Internet, you usually use a local Internet
service provider. For example, at a coffee shop you might be given a code that lets you
use the coffee shop’s Internet service account to surf the web.
Nighthawk lets you use a VPN connection to access your own Internet service when
you’re away from home. You might want to do this if you travel to a geographic location
that doesn’t support all the Internet services that you use at home. For example, your
Netflix account might work at home but not in a different country.

Set Up VPN Client Internet Access in the Router

By default, the router is set up to allow VPN connections only to your home network,
but you can change the settings to allow Internet access. Accessing the Internet remotely
through a VPN might be slower than accessing the Internet directly.
To allow VPN clients to use your home Internet service:
router network.


The VPN page displays.
5. Select the Enable VPN Service radio button.

6. Scroll down to the Clients will use this VPN connection to access section, and select
the All sites on the Internet & Home Network radio button.
When you access the Internet with the VPN connection, instead of using a local
Internet service, you use the Internet service from your home network.

8. Click the For Windows or For Non Windows button and download the configuration
files for your VPN clients.
9. Unzip the configuration files and copy them to the folder where the VPN client is
installed on your device.
Block VPN Client Internet Access in the Router

By default, the router is set up to allow VPN connections only to your home network,
not to the Internet service for your home network. If you changed this setting to allow
Internet access, you can change it back.

To allow VPN clients to access only your home network:

router network.


The VNP page displays.
5. Select the Enable VPN Service radio button.

6. Scroll down to the Clients will use this VPN connection to access section, and select
the Home Network only radio button.
This is the default setting. The VPN connection is only to your home network, not to
the Internet service for your home network.

8. Click For Windows or For Non Windows button and download the configuration
files for your VPN clients.
9. Unzip the configuration files and copy them to the folder where the VPN client is
installed on your device.
Use a VPN Tunnel to Access Your Internet Service at Home

To access your Internet service:
1. Set up the router to allow VPN access to your Internet service.
See Set Up VPN Client Internet Access in the Router on page 159.
2. On your computer, launch the OpenVPN application.

The OpenVPN icon displays in the Windows taskbar.
3. Right-click the icon and select Connect.

4. When the VPN connection is established, launch your Internet browser.

13
Manage Port Forwarding and Port
Triggering
You can use port forwarding and port triggering to set up rules for Internet traffic. You
need networking knowledge to set up these features.
• Manage Port Forwarding to a Local Server
• Port Triggering
162
Manage Port Forwarding to a Local Server

If your home network includes a server, you can allow certain types of incoming traffic
to reach the server. For example, you might want to make a local web server, FTP server,
or game server visible and available to the Internet.
The router can forward incoming traffic with specific protocols to computers on your
local network.You can specify the servers for applications and you can also specify a
default DMZ server to which the router forwards all other incoming protocols.
Set Up Port Forwarding to a Local Server

To forward specific incoming protocols:
1. Decide which type of service, application, or game you want to provide.
2. Find the local IP address of the computer on your network that will provide the
service.
The server computer must always use the same IP address.
3. Assign the server computer a reserved IP address.

See Manage Reserved LAN IP Addresses on page 71.
router network.

7. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Port Forwarding/Port Triggering.

The Port Forwarding / Port Triggering page displays.
8. Leave the Port Forwarding radio button selected as the service type.
9. From the Service Name menu, select the service name.
If the service that you want to add is not in the menu, create a custom service. See
Add a Custom Port Forwarding Service on page 164.
10. In the Server IP Address field, enter the IP address of the computer that will provide
the service.
Manage Port Forwarding and 163 User Manual

Port Triggering

The service displays in the menu.
Add a Custom Port Forwarding Service

The router lists default services and applications that you can use in port forwarding
rules. If the service or application is not predefined, you can add a port forwarding rule
with a custom service or application.
To add a custom service:
1. Find out which port number or range of numbers the application uses.
You can usually find this information by contacting the publisher of the application
or user groups or news groups.
router network.


7. Click the Add Custom Service button.
The Ports - Custom Service page displays.
8. In the Service Name field, enter a descriptive name.
9. From the Protocol menu, select the protocol.
If you are unsure, select TCP/UDP.
10. In the External port range field enter the port range.
11. Specify the internal ports by one of these methods:
• Leave the Use the same port range for Internal port check box selected.
• Type the port numbers in the Internal Starting Port field and the Internal Ending
Port field.

Port Triggering
You can enter a port range and fixed ports in one rule, for example, external (30–50,
78, 100–102), internal (40–60, 99, 200–202). With this rule, external ports 30–50 are
forwarded to internal ports 40–60.
12. In the Internal IP address field, type the IP address or select the radio button for an
attached device listed in the table.
The service is now in the list on the Port Forwarding/Port Triggering page.
Edit a Port Forwarding Service

To edit a port forwarding entry:
router network.


6. In the table, select the radio button next to the service name.
7. Click the Edit Service button.
The Ports - Custom Services page displays.
8. Change the settings as needed.


Port Triggering
Delete a Port Forwarding Entry

To delete a port forwarding entry:
router network.


5. Leave the Port Forwarding radio button selected.

6. In the table, select the radio button next to the service name.
7. Click the Delete Service button.
The service is deleted.
Application Example: Make a Local Web Server Public

If you host a web server on your local network, you can use port forwarding to allow
web requests from anyone on the Internet to reach your web server.
To make a local web server public:
1. Assign your web server either a fixed IP address or a dynamic IP address using DHCP
address reservation.
In this example, your router always gives your web server an IP address of
192.168.1.33.
2. On the Port Forwarding/Port Triggering page, configure the router to forward the
HTTP service to the local address of your web server at 192.168.1.33.
HTTP (port 80) is the standard protocol for web servers.
3. (Optional) Register a host name with a Dynamic DNS service and specify that name
on the Dynamic DNS page of the router.
Dynamic DNS makes it much easier to access a server from the Internet because you
can type the name in the Internet browser. Otherwise, you must know the IP address
that the ISP assigned, which typically changes.

Port Triggering
How the Router Implements the Port Forwarding Rule

The following sequence shows the effects of a port forwarding rule:
1. When you type the URL www.example.com in your browser, the browser sends a
web page request message with the following destination information:
• Destination address. The IP address of www.example.com, which is the address
of your router.
• Destination port number. 80, which is the standard port number for a web server
process.
2. Your router receives the message and finds your port forwarding rule for incoming
port 80 traffic.
3. The router changes the destination in the message to IP address 192.168.1.33 and
sends the message to that computer.
4. Your web server at IP address 192.168.1.33 receives the request and sends a reply
message to your router.
5. Your router performs Network Address Translation (NAT) on the source IP address
and sends the reply through the Internet to the computer or WiFi device that sent
the web page request.
Port Triggering
Port triggering is a dynamic extension of port forwarding that is useful in these cases:
• An application must use port forwarding to more than one local computer (but not
simultaneously).
• An application must open incoming ports that are different from the outgoing port.
With port triggering, the router monitors traffic to the Internet from an outbound “trigger”
port that you specify. For outbound traffic from that port, the router saves the IP address
of the computer that sent the traffic. The router temporarily opens the incoming port
or ports that you specify in your rule and forwards that incoming traffic to that destination.
Port forwarding creates a static mapping of a port number or range of ports to a single
local computer. Port triggering can dynamically open ports to any computer when
needed and close the ports when they are no longer needed.

Port Triggering
Note: If you use applications such as multiplayer gaming, peer-to-peer connections,

real-time communications such as instant messaging, or remote assistance (a feature
in Windows XP), enable Universal Plug and Play (UPnP).
Add a Port Triggering Service

To add a port triggering service:
router network.


5. Select the Port Triggering radio button.

The page adjusts.
6. Click the Add Service button.
7. In the Service Name field, type a descriptive service name.

8. From the Service User menu, select a user option:
• Any (the default) allows any computer on the Internet to use this service.
• Single address restricts the service to a particular computer.
9. From the Service Type menu, select TCP or UDP or TCP/UDP (both).
If you are not sure, select TCP/UDP.
10. In the Triggering Port field, enter the number of the outbound traffic port that will
open the inbound ports.
11. In the Connection Type, Starting Port, and Ending Port fields, enter the inbound
connection information.
The service is now in the Portmap Table. You must enable port triggering before
the router uses port triggering. See Enable Port Triggering on page 169.

Port Triggering
Enable Port Triggering

To enable port triggering:
router network.


The Port Forwarding/Port Triggering page displays.
5. Select the Port Triggering radio button.
6. Clear the Disable Port Triggering check box.

If this check box is selected, the router does not use port triggering even if you
specified port triggering settings.
7. In the Port Triggering Timeout field, enter a value up to 9999 minutes.

This value controls how long the inbound ports stay open when the router detects
no activity. This value is required because the router cannot detect when the
application terminates.

Application Example: Port Triggering for Internet Relay

Chat
Some application servers, such as FTP and IRC servers, send replies to multiple port
numbers. Using port triggering, you can tell the router to open more incoming ports
when a particular outgoing port starts a session.
An example is Internet Relay Chat (IRC). Your computer connects to an IRC server at
destination port 6667. The IRC server not only responds to your originating source port
but also sends an “identify” message to your computer on port 113. Using port triggering,

Port Triggering
you can tell the router, “When you initiate a session with destination port 6667, you must
also allow incoming traffic on port 113 to reach the originating computer.” The following
sequence shows the effects of this port triggering rule:
1. You open an IRC client program to start a chat session on your computer.
2. Your IRC client composes a request message to an IRC server using a destination
port number of 6667, the standard port number for an IRC server process. Your
computer then sends this request message to your router.
3. Your router creates an entry in its internal session table describing this communication
session between your computer and the IRC server. Your router stores the original
information, performs Network Address Translation (NAT) on the source address
and port, and sends this request message through the Internet to the IRC server.
4. Noting your port triggering rule and observing the destination port number of 6667,
your router creates another session entry to send any incoming port 113 traffic to
your computer.
5. The IRC server sends a return message to your router using the NAT-assigned source
port (for example, port 33333) as the destination port and sends an “identify” message
to your router with destination port 113.
6. When your router receives the incoming message to destination port 33333, it checks
its session table to see if a session is active for port number 33333. Finding an active
session, the router restores the original address information replaced by NAT and
sends this reply message to your computer.
7. When your router receives the incoming message to destination port 113, it checks
its session table and finds an active session for port 113 associated with your
computer. The router replaces the message’s destination IP address with your
computer’s IP address and forwards the message to your computer.
8. When you finish your chat session, your router eventually senses a period of inactivity
in the communications. The router then removes the session information from its
session table and incoming traffic is no longer accepted on port numbers 33333 or
113.

Port Triggering
14
Troubleshooting
This chapter provides information to help you diagnose and solve problems you might
experience with your router. If you do not find the solution here, check the NETGEAR
support site at http://support.netgear.com for product and contact information.
• Quick Tips
• Troubleshoot With the LEDs
• You Cannot Log In to the Router
• You Cannot Access the Internet
• Troubleshoot Internet Browsing
• Changes Are Not Saved
• Troubleshoot WiFi Connectivity
• Troubleshoot Your Network Using the Ping Utility
171
Quick Tips
This section describes tips for troubleshooting some common problems.
Sequence to Restart Your Network

If you must restart your network, follow this sequence:
1. Turn off and unplug the modem.
2. Turn off the router.
3. Plug in the modem and turn it on. Wait two minutes.
4. Turn on the router and wait two minutes.
Check Ethernet Cable Connections

If your device does not power on, make sure that the Ethernet cables are securely
plugged in. The Internet LED on the router is lit if the Ethernet cable connecting the
router and the modem is plugged in securely and the modem and router are turned
on. If one or more powered-on computers are connected to the router by an Ethernet
cable, the corresponding numbered router LAN port LEDs light.
WiFi Settings
Make sure that the WiFi settings in the computer and router match exactly. The WiFi
network name (SSID) and WiFi security settings of the router and WiFi computer must
match exactly.
If you set up an access list on the Advanced Wireless Settings page, you must add each
WiFi computer’s MAC address to the router’s access list.
Network Settings
Make sure that the network settings of the computer are correct. Wired computers and
computers that are connected over WiFi must use network IP addresses on the same
network as the router. The simplest way to do this is to configure each computer to
obtain an IP address automatically using DHCP.
Some service providers require you to use the MAC address of the computer initially
registered on the account. You can view the MAC address on the Attached Devices
page.
Troubleshooting 172 User Manual

Troubleshoot With the LEDs

By default, the router is set with standard LED settings.
Standard LED Behavior When the Router Is Powered On

After you turn on power to the router, verify that the following sequence of events occurs:
1. When power is first applied, verify that the Power LED is lit.
2. After about two minutes, verify the following:
• The Power LED is lit.
• The Internet LED is lit.
• The WiFi LED is lit (unless you turned off the WiFi radio).
You can use the LEDs on the front panel of the router for troubleshooting.
Power LED Is Off or Blinking

This could occur for a number of reasons. Check the following:
• Make sure that the power adapter is securely connected to your router and securely
connected to a working power outlet.
• Make sure that you are using the power adapter that NETGEAR supplied for this
product.
• If the Power LED blinks slowly and continuously, the router firmware is corrupted.
This can happen if a firmware update is interrupted, or if the router detects a problem
with the firmware. If the error persists, it is likely that a hardware problem exists. For
recovery instructions, or help with a hardware problem, contact Technical Support
LEDs Never Turn Off

When the router is turned on, the LEDs light for about 10 seconds and then turn off. If
all the LEDs stay on, this indicates a fault within the router.
If all LEDs are still lit one minute after power-up, do the following:
• Cycle the power to see if the router recovers.

• Press and hold the Reset button to return the router to its factory settings.

If the error persists, a hardware problem might be the cause. Contact Technical Support
Internet or Ethernet Port LEDs Are Off

If either the Ethernet port LEDs or the Internet LED does not light when the Ethernet
connection is made, check the following:
• Make sure that the Ethernet cable connections are secure at the router and at the
modem or computer.
• Make sure that power is turned on to the connected modem or computer.
• Be sure that you are using the correct cable.
When you connect the router’s Internet port to a modem, use the cable that was supplied
with the modem. This cable can be a standard straight-through Ethernet cable or an
Ethernet crossover cable.
WiFi LED Is Off

If the WiFi LED stays off, check to see if someone pressed the WiFi On/Off button on
the router. This button turns the WiFi radios in the router on and off. The WiFi LED is lit
when the WiFi radios are turned on.
You Cannot Log In to the Router

If you are unable to log in to the router from a computer on your local network, check
the following:
• If you are using an Ethernet-connected computer, check the Ethernet connection

between the computer and the router.
• Make sure that the IP address of your computer is on the same subnet as the router.
If you are using the recommended addressing scheme, your computer’s address is
in the range of 192.168.1.2 to 192.168.1.254.
• If your computer’s IP address is shown as 169.254.x.x, recent versions of Windows
and Mac OS generate and assign an IP address if the computer cannot reach a DHCP
server. These autogenerated addresses are in the range of 169.254.x.x. If your IP
address is in this range, check the connection from the computer to the router, and
reboot your computer.
• If your router’s IP address was changed and you do not know the current IP address,
clear the router’s configuration to factory defaults. This sets the router’s IP address
to 192.168.1.1.

• Make sure that Java, JavaScript, or ActiveX is enabled in your browser. If you are
using Internet Explorer, click the Refresh button to be sure that the Java applet is
loaded.
• Try quitting the browser and launching it again.
• Make sure that you are using the correct login information. The user name is admin,
and the default password is password. Make sure that Caps Lock is off when you
enter this information.
• If you are attempting to set up your NETGEAR router as a replacement for an ADSL
gateway in your network, the router cannot perform many gateway services. For
example, the router cannot convert ADSL or cable data into Ethernet networking
information. NETGEAR does not support such a configuration.
You Cannot Access the Internet

If you can access your router but not the Internet, check to see if the router can obtain
an IP address from your Internet service provider (ISP). Unless your ISP provides a fixed
IP address, your router requests an IP address from the ISP. You can determine whether
the request was successful using the ADVANCED Home page.
To check the WAN IP address:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the
network.
2. Select an external site such as netgear.com.
3. Type http://www.routerlogin.net.


6. Check to see that an IP address is shown for the Internet port. If 0.0.0.0 is shown,
your router did not obtain an IP address from your ISP.
If your router cannot obtain an IP address from the ISP, you might need to force your cable or DSL modem
to recognize your new router by restarting your network. For more information, see Sequence to Restart
Your Network on page 172.

If your router is still unable to obtain an IP address from the ISP, the problem might be one of the following:
• Your Internet service provider (ISP) might require a login program. Ask your ISP whether they require
PPP over Ethernet (PPPoE) or some other type of login.
• If your ISP requires a login, the login name and password might be set incorrectly.
• Your ISP might check for your computer’s host name. Assign the computer host name of your ISP
account as the account name on the Internet Setup page.
• If your ISP allows only one Ethernet MAC address to connect to Internet and checks for your computer’s
MAC address, do one of the following:
- Inform your ISP that you bought a new network device and ask them to use the router’s MAC
address.
- Configure your router to clone your computer’s MAC address.
If your router obtained an IP address, but your computer does not load any web pages from the Internet,
it might be for one or more of the following reasons:
• Your computer might not recognize any DNS server addresses.

A DNS server is a host on the Internet that translates Internet names (such as www addresses) to
numeric IP addresses. Typically, your ISP provides the addresses of one or two DNS servers for your
use. If you entered a DNS address during the router’s configuration, reboot your computer, and verify
the DNS address. You can configure your computer manually with DNS addresses, as explained in
your operating system documentation.
• The router might not be configured as the TCP/IP gateway on your computer.
If your computer obtains its information from the router by DHCP, reboot the computer and verify
the gateway address.
• You might be running login software that is no longer needed.
If your ISP provided a program to log you in to the Internet (such as WinPoET), you no longer need
to run that software after installing your router. You might need to go to Internet Explorer and select
Tools > Internet Options, click the Connections tab, and select Never dial a connection. Other
browsers provide similar options.
Troubleshoot Internet Browsing

If your router can obtain an IP address but your computer is unable to load any web
pages from the Internet, it might be for the following reasons:
• The traffic meter is enabled, and the limit was reached.

By configuring the traffic meter not to block Internet access when the traffic limit is
reached, you can resume Internet access. If your ISP sets a usage limit, they might
charge you for the overage.
• Your computer might not recognize any DNS server addresses. A DNS server is a
host on the Internet that translates Internet names (such as www addresses) to numeric
IP addresses.

Typically, your ISP provides the addresses of one or two DNS servers for your use.
If you entered a DNS address during the router’s configuration, restart your computer.
Alternatively, you can configure your computer manually with a DNS address, as
explained in the documentation for your computer.
• The router might not be configured as the default gateway on your computer.
Restart the computer and verify that the router address (www.routerlogin.net) is
listed by your computer as the default gateway address.
• You might be running login software that is no longer needed. If your ISP provided
a program to log you in to the Internet (such as WinPoET), you no longer need to
run that software after installing your router. You might need to go to Internet Explorer
and select Tools > Internet Options, click the Connections tab, and select the
Never dial a connection. Other browsers provide similar options.
Changes Are Not Saved

If the router does not save the changes that you make in the router web interface, do
the following:
• When entering configuration settings, always click the Apply button before moving
to another page or tab, or your changes are lost.
• Click the Refresh or Reload button in the web browser. It is possible that the changes
occurred, but the old settings might be in the web browser’s cache.
Troubleshoot WiFi Connectivity

If you are experiencing trouble connecting over WiFi to the router, try to isolate the
problem:
• Does the WiFi device or computer that you are using find your WiFi network?
If not, check the WiFi LED on the router. If it is off, you can press the WiFi On/Off
button on the router to turn the router WiFi radios back on.
If you disabled the router’s SSID broadcast, then your WiFi network is hidden and
does not display in your WiFi client’s scanning list. (By default, SSID broadcast is
enabled.)
• Does your WiFi device support the security that you are using for your WiFi network
(WPA, WPA2, or WPA3)?
• If you want to view the WiFi settings for the router, use an Ethernet cable to connect
a computer to a LAN port on the router. Then log in to the router, and select BASIC
> Wireless.

Note: Be sure to click the Apply button if you change settings.
If your WiFi device finds your network but the signal strength is weak, check these
conditions:
• Is your router too far from your computer or too close? Place your computer near
the router but at least 6 feet (1.8 meters) away and see whether the signal strength
improves.
• Are objects between the router and your computer blocking the WiFi signal?
Troubleshoot Your Network Using the Ping

Utility
Most network devices and routers contain a ping utility that sends an echo request
packet to the designated device. The device then responds with an echo reply. You can
easily troubleshoot a network using the ping utility in your computer or workstation.
Test the LAN Path to Your Router

You can ping the router from your computer to verify that the LAN path to your router
is set up correctly.
To ping the router from a Windows-based computer:
1. From the Windows toolbar, click the Start button and select Run.
2. In the field provided, type ping followed by the IP address of the router, as in this
example:
ping www.routerlogin.net

You see a message like this one:
Pinging <IP address > with 32 bytes of data
If the path is working, you see this message:

Reply from < IP address >: bytes=32 time=NN ms TTL=xxx
If the path is not working, you see this message:

Request timed out

If the path is not functioning correctly, one of the following problems might be occurring:
• Wrong physical connections

For a wired connection, make sure that the numbered LAN port LED is lit for the port to which you
are connected.
Check to see that the appropriate LEDs are lit for your network devices. If your router and computer
are connected to a separate Ethernet switch, make sure that the link LEDs are lit for the switch ports
that are connected to your computer and router.
• Wrong network configuration
Verify that the Ethernet card driver software and TCP/IP software are both installed and configured
on your computer.
Verify that the IP address for your router and your computer are correct and that the addresses are
on the same subnet.
Test the Path From a Windows-Based Computer to a

Remote Device
To test the path from a Windows-based computer to a remote device:
1. From the Windows toolbar, click the Start button and select Run.
2. In the Windows Run window, type
ping -n 10 <IP address>
where <IP address> is the IP address of a remote device such as your ISP DNS server.
If the path is functioning correctly, messages display that are similar to those shown
in Test the LAN Path to Your Router on page 178.
3. If you do not receive replies, check the following:

• Check to see that IP address of your router is listed as the default gateway for
your computer. If DHCP assigns the IP configuration of your computers, this
information is not visible in your computer Network Control Panel. Verify that the
IP address of the router is listed as the default gateway.
• Check to see that the network address of your computer (the portion of the IP
address specified by the subnet mask) is different from the network address of
the remote device.
• Check to see that your cable or DSL modem is connected and functioning.
• If your ISP assigned a host name to your computer, enter that host name as the
account name on the Internet Setup page.
• Your ISP might be rejecting the Ethernet MAC addresses of all but one of your
computers.
Many broadband ISPs restrict access by allowing traffic only from the MAC address
of your broadband modem. Some ISPs additionally restrict access to the MAC address

of a single computer connected to that modem. If your ISP does this, configure your
router to “clone” or “spoof” the MAC address from the authorized computer.

15
Supplemental Information
This appendix includes technical information about your router.

The appendix covers the following topics:
• Factory Settings
• Technical Specifications
181
Factory Settings
You can reset the router to the factory default settings that are shown in the following
table.
For more information about resetting the router to its factory settings, see Return the
Router to Its Factory Default Settings on page 111.
The following table shows the factory default settings for the router.
Table 3. Router factory default settings
Feature Default Settings
Router login
User login URL www.routerlogin.net (or www.routerlogin.com or 192.168.1.1)
User name (case-sensitive) admin
Login password password

(case-sensitive)
Internet connection
WAN MAC address Use default hardware address
WAN MTU size Determined by the protocol that is used for the Internet connection (see
Manage the MTU Size on page 40)
Port speed AutoSensing
Local network (LAN)
LAN IP address 192.168.1.1
Subnet mask 255.255.255.0
DHCP server Enabled
DHCP range 192.168.1.2 to 192.168.1.254
DHCP starting IP address 192.168.1.2
DHCP ending IP address 192.168.1.254
DMZ Disabled
Time zone North America: Pacific Standard Time

Europe: GMT
Other continents: Varies by region
Supplemental Information 182 User Manual

Table 3. Router factory default settings (Continued)
Time adjusted for daylight Disabled

saving time
Firewall and WAN security
Inbound (communications Disabled (except traffic on port 80, the HTTP port)
coming in from the Internet)
Outbound Enabled (all)

(communications going out
to the Internet)
Source MAC filtering Disabled
Port scan and DoS Enabled

protection
Respond to ping on Disabled

Internet port
IGMP proxying Disabled
VPN pass-through Enabled
SIP ALG Enabled
NAT filtering Secured
Main WiFi network
WiFi communication Enabled
SSID name See the router label
Security WPA2-PSK (AES)
WiFi passphrase See the router label
Country/region North America: United States

Europe: Europe
Other continents: Varies by region
RF channel The available channels depend on the region.
Transmission speed Auto

Note that throughput can vary: Network conditions and environmental
factors, including volume of network traffic, building materials and
construction, and network overhead, affect the data throughput rate.
Operating mode Up to 600 Mbps at 2.4 GHz

Up to 1300 Mbps at 5 GHz
Transmit power 100%, nonconfigurable

Table 3. Router factory default settings (Continued)
Guest WiFi network
WiFi communication Disabled
SSID name 2.4 GHz band: NETGEAR_Guest

5 GHz band: NETGEAR-5G_Guest
Security None (open network)
Allow guests to access main Disabled

network
General WiFi settings
Radio transmission power 100%, nonconfigurable
20/40 MHz coexistence Enabled
Fragmentation length 2346
CTS/RTS threshold 2347
Preamble mode Long Preamble
WPS
WPS capability Enabled
Router’s PIN Enabled. See the router’s web page (select ADVANCED > Advanced
Setup > Advanced Wireless Settings)
Keep existing wireless Enabled

settings

Technical Specifications
The following table shows the technical specifications for the router.
Table 4. Router specifications
Feature Description
Data and routing protocols TCP/IP, RIP-1, RIP-2, DHCP, PPPoE, PPTP, Bigpond, Dynamic DNS, UPnP,
and SMB
Power adapter North America: 120V, 60 Hz, input

UK, Australia: 240V, 50 Hz, input
Europe: 230V, 50 Hz, input
All regions (output): 12V/3.5A DC output
Dimensions Dimensions: 11 x 7.17 x 1.9 in. (280 x 182 x 49 mm)
Weight Weight: 0.94 lb (430 g)
Operating temperature 0° to 40°C (32º to 104ºF)
Operating humidity 90% maximum relative humidity, noncondensing
Electromagnetic emissions FCC Part 15 Class B
LAN Four RJ-45 ports supporting 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, and 1000BASE-T
WAN One RJ-45 port supporting 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, and 1000BASE-T
WiFi Maximum WiFi signal rate complies with the IEEE® 802.11 standard.
Note that NETGEAR makes no express or implied representations or
warranties about this product’s compatibility with any future WiFi
standards. 802.11ac 1300 Mbps is approximately 2x faster than 802.11n
600 Mbps. Up to 1300 Mbps WiFi speeds achieved when connecting to
other 802.11ac 1300 Mbps devices.
Radio data rates Auto-rate sensing
Data encoding standards IEEE 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz + 256 QAM support
IEEE 802.11 a/n/ac 5.0GHz
Maximum computers per Limited by the amount of WiFi network traffic generated by each node
WiFi network (typically 50–70 nodes)

Table 4. Router specifications (Continued)
Feature Description
Operating frequency range 2.4 GHz band

• US: 2.412–2.462 GHz
• Europe: 2.412–2.472 GHz
• Australia: 2.412–2.472 GHz
• Japan: 2.412–2.472 GHz
5 GHz band
• US: 5.18–5.24 + 5.745–5.825 GHz
• Europe: 5.18–5.24 GHz
• Australia: 5.18–5.24 + 5.745–5.825 GHz
• Japan: 5.18–5.24 GHz
802.11 security WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK [AES], WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK [AES], and
WPA/WPA2 Enterprise

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User Manual

Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router

Chapter 1 Hardware Setup

Manage the MTU Size........................................................................40

Set Up a Guest WiFi Network............................................................78

Erase the Settings........................................................................111

Set Up the Router’s iTunes Server With the Remote App......141

This chapter contains the following sections:

Unpack Your Router

Figure 1. Package contents

Hardware Setup 10 User Manual

Top Panel LEDs and Buttons

Figure 2. Top view

Table 1. LED descriptions

LED and Button Description

Power LED Solid amber. The router is starting.

Internet LED Solid white. The Internet connection is ready.

Hardware Setup 11 User Manual

Table 1. LED descriptions (Continued)

LED and Button Description

• Blinking white. The port is sending or receiving traffic at 1 Gbps.

Hardware Setup 12 User Manual

Table 1. LED descriptions (Continued)

LED and Button Description

Hardware Setup 13 User Manual

Figure 3. Rear panel

• Reset button. Pressing the Reset button resets the router.

Hardware Setup 14 User Manual

Extend the Antennas

Figure 4. Position the antennas

Figure 5. Router label

OR IS SHOWN TO THE RIGHT.

ERIAL NUMBERS TO BE PRINTED BY THE ODM.

Position Your Router

The following factors might limit the range of your WiFi:

Hardware Setup 16 User Manual

Cable Your Router

Figure 6. Cable your router

To cable your router:

Hardware Setup 17 User Manual

Connect to the Network

3. Join the WiFi network and enter the WiFi password.

WiFi Connection Using WPS

Connect to the Network and 19 User Manual

Use a Web Browser to Access the Router

Automatic Internet Setup

• The ISP configuration information for your DSL account

Connect to the Network and 20 User Manual

3. Launch a web browser.

4. Follow the onscreen instructions.

6. If the router does not connect to the Internet, do the following:

Connect to the Network and 21 User Manual

Log In to the Router

Note: You can also enter http://www.routerlogin.com or http://192.168.1.1.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router admin user name and password.

Install and Manage Your Router With the

Connect to the Network and 22 User Manual

3. Launch the Nighthawk app on your mobile device.