Netgear C6250 User Manual
AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router
Model C6250
User Manual
WiFi On/O
WPS
February 2016
202-11533-01
350 East Plumeria Drive
San Jose, CA 95134
USA
AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router
Support
Thank you for selecting NETGEAR products.
After installing your device, locate the serial number on the label of your product and use it to register your product at
https://my.netgear.com. You must register your product before you can use NETGEAR telephone support. NETGEAR
recommends registering your product through the NETGEAR website.
For product updates and web support, visit http://support.netgear.com.
Phone (US & Canada only): 1-888-NETGEAR.
Phone (Other Countries): Check the list of phone numbers at http://support.netgear.com/general/contact/default.aspx.
Compliance
For regulatory compliance information, visit http://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.
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Contents
Chapter 1 Hardware Overview and Setup
Chapter 2 Connect to the Network and Access the Modem Router
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Front Panel and Right Side Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Back Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Position Your Modem Router. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Install and Activate Your Cable Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Cable the Modem Router. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Activate Your Internet Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Activate Your Internet Service with Comcast XFINITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Perform a Speed Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Cable the Modem Router to a Router and Use Bridge Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Connect to the Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Connect to the Modem Router Through an Ethernet Cable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Join the WiFi Network of the Modem Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Types of Logins and Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Product Label. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Access NETGEAR genie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Access the Modem Router with the NETGEAR genie App. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Chapter 3 Customize the Internet Settings
View the Cable Initialization of the Modem Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Change the Cable Connection Starting Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
View or Manually Set Up the IPv4 Internet Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Manage the MTU Size. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
MTU Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Change the MTU Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Chapter 4 Manage the Basic WiFi Network Settings
Manage the Basic WiFi Settings and WiFi Security of the Main Network. . . . . 36
View or Change the Basic WiFi Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Configure WPA/WPA2 Enterprise WiFi Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Configure WEP Legacy WiFi Security for the Main WiFi Network . . . . . . . . 43
Use the WPS Wizard to Add a Device to the WiFi Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Use WPS with the Push Button Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Use WPS with the PIN Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Manage the Basic WiFi Settings and WiFi Security of the Guest Network. . . . 48
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AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router
Set Up and Enable a Guest Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Configure WEP Legacy WiFi Security for the Guest WiFi Network. . . . . . . . 52
Chapter 5 Secure Your Network
Set Up Parental Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Allow or Block Access to Your Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Enable and Manage Network Access Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Manage Network Access Control Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Block Keywords and Domains for HTTP Traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Set Up Blocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Remove a Keyword or Domain from the Blocked List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Remove All Keywords and Domains from the Blocked List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Specify a Trusted Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Block Access to Services and Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Block a Default Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Add and Block a Custom Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Change the Settings for a Blocked Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Remove a Blocked Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Schedule When Security Features Are Active . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Set Up a Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Change a Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Remove a Schedule. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Set Up Security Event Email Notification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Chapter 6 Manage the WAN and LAN Network Settings
Manage the WAN Security Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Set Up a Default DMZ Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Manage the SIP Application-Level Gateway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Manage the Modem Router’s LAN IP Address Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Manage IP Address Reservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Reserve an IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Change a Reserved IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Remove an IP Address Reservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Manage the IPv6 LAN Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Change the Modem Router’s Device Name. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Manage the Built-In DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Manage the DHCP Server Address Pool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Manage Universal Plug and Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Chapter 7 Manage the Modem Router and Monitor Your Network
View the Status and Statistics of the Modem Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
View the Cable Information and Internet Port and WiFi Status . . . . . . . . . . . 96
View the Traffic Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
View the Internet Port Connection Status and Release and
Renew the Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
View Devices Currently on the Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
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AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router
View WiFi Channels in Your Environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
View WiFi Networks in Your Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107
View and Manage the Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Change the Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Manage the Device Settings File of the Modem Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Back Up the Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111
Restore the Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Return the Modem Router to Its Factory Default Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Use the Reset Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Erase the Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Reboot the Modem Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Monitor and Meter Internet Traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
Start the Traffic Meter Without Traffic Volume Restrictions. . . . . . . . . . . . 116
View the Traffic Statistics and Traffic Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Restrict Internet Traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Unblock the Traffic Meter After the Traffic Limit Is Reached . . . . . . . . . . .120
Manage the Modem Router Remotely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120
Chapter 8 Share a Storage Device
USB Device Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Connect a USB Device to the Modem Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124
Access a Storage Device Connected to the Modem Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Manage Access to a Storage Device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Enable FTP Access Within Your Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128
View Network Folders on a Device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Add a Network Folder on a Storage Device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Change a Network Folder, Including Read and Write Access, on a USB Drive 132
Approve USB Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134
Safely Remove a USB Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Enable the Media Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Chapter 9 Share a USB Printer
Install the Printer Driver and Cable the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Download the ReadySHARE Printer Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Install the ReadySHARE Printer Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Use the Shared Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
View or Change the Status of a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Use the Scan Feature of a Multifunction USB Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Change NETGEAR USB Control Center Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Change the NETGEAR USB Control Center Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Specify the Time-Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Chapter 10 Access Storage Devices Through the Internet
Set Up and Manage Dynamic DNS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Your Personal FTP Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Set Up a New Dynamic DNS Account. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148
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AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router
Specify a DNS Account That You Already Created . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Access Storage Devices Through the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151
Set Up FTP Access Through the Internet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Access Storage Devices Through the Internet with FTP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Chapter 11 Manage the Advanced WiFi Network Settings
Control the WiFi Radios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Use the WiFi On/Off Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Enable or Disable the WiFi Radios. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Set Up a WiFi Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Manage Beamforming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Manage the Advanced WiFi Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Manage WPS Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Manage the Advanced WiFi Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Chapter 12 Manage Port Forwarding and Port Triggering
Manage Port Forwarding to a Local Server for Services,
Applications, and Games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Forward Incoming Traffic for a Default Service or Application . . . . . . . . . . 166
Add a Port Forwarding Rule with a Custom Service or Application. . . . . . . 167
Change a Port Forwarding Rule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Remove a Port Forwarding Rule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Application Example: Make a Local Web Server Public . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
How the Modem Router Implements the Port Forwarding Rule . . . . . . . . . 172
Manage Port Triggering for Services, Applications, and Games . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Add a Port Triggering Rule. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Change a Port Triggering Rule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Disable or Remove a Port Triggering Rule. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Specify the Time-Out Period for Port Triggering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Disable Port Triggering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Application Example: Port Triggering for Internet Relay Chat . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Chapter 13 Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Perform Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Ping an IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Trace a Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Quick Tips for Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Troubleshoot with the LEDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Power LED Is Off. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Power LED Is Red . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
WiFi LED Is Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Ethernet LED Is Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
You Cannot Log In to the Modem Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
View and Manage the Event Log. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Troubleshoot the Internet Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Troubleshoot the Cable Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
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AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router
Internet LED Is Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Obtain an Internet IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Troubleshoot Internet Browsing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Changes Are Not Saved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Troubleshoot the WiFi Connectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
TCP/IP Network Not Responding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Test the LAN Path to Your Modem Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Test the Path from Your Computer to a Remote Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .192
Appendix A Factory Default Settings and Specifications
Factory Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Technical and Environmental Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .197
7
1. Hardware Overview and Setup
This user manual is for the NETGEAR® AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router, Model C6250.
This chapter contains the following sections:
• Introduction
• Front Panel and Right Side Panel
• Back Panel
• Position Your Modem Router
• Install and Activate Your Cable Modem
• Cable the Modem Router to a Router and Use Bridge Mode
Note: For more information about the topics covered in this manual, visit the
support website at support.netgear.com.
1
Note: In this user guide, the terms wireless and WiFi mean the same thing.
Note: In this user guide, the terms cable Internet provider and cable service
provider mean the same thing.
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AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router
Introduction
The AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router Model C6250, in this manual referred to simply as
the modem router, provides you with an easy and secure way to set up a WiFi home network
with fast access to the Internet over a cable network with support for up to 680 Mbps. It lets
you block unsafe Internet content and applications and protects the devices that you connect
to your home or guest network.
The modem router provides one coaxial cable connector, two 10/100/1000 LAN Gigabit
Ethernet ports, and one USB 2.0 port. In addition, the modem router supports WiFi
connection speeds up to
1300 Mbps in the 5 GHz band for 802.11ac devices. Both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands can be
active simultaneously.
For information about setting up your new modem router, see the AC1600 WiFi Cable
Modem Router Model C6250 Quick Start Guide that comes in the package. This chapter
provides supplemental information that might help you with the setup.
For optimal performance, keep the modem router vertical in the stand and do not detach the
stand. Do not mount the modem router to a wall; it is not suitable for wall mounting. For more
information, see
Position Your Modem Router on page 13.
1
300 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band for 802.11n devices and up to
1. Actual data throughput and WiFi coverage will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, building
materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput rate and WiFi coverage. NETGEAR makes no express or implied
representations or warranties about this product’s compatibility with any future standards.
Hardware Overview and Setup
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AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router
Front Panel and Right Side Panel
The front panel contains status LEDs that let you verify status and connections. The right side
panel contains two buttons.
WiFi On/off button
WiFi On/O
WPS
WPS button
Power LED
Downstream LED
Upstream LED
Internet LED
2.4 GHz
WiFi LED
5 GHz
WiFi LED
Ethernet LED
Figure 1. Front panel LEDs and side panel buttons
You can use the LEDs to verify status and connections. The following table lists and
describes each LED on the front panel.
Hardware Overview and Setup
10
AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router
Table 1. Front panel LEDs
LED Icon Description
Power
Downstream
Upstream
Internet
• Solid green. Power is supplied to the modem router.
• Off. No power is supplied to the modem router.
• Solid red.
a few seconds before turning green) or entered thermal cutoff mode. If the
Power LED blinks red or lights solid red at any time other than when you turn it
on, see Troubleshoot with the LEDs on page 185.
• Solid amber. One downstream channel is locked.
• Blinking amber
• Solid green.
• Blinking green.
channels.
• Off. No downstream channel is locked.
• Solid amber. One upstream channel is locked.
• Blinking amber
• Solid green.
• Blinking green.
channels.
• Off. No upstream channel is locked.
• Solid green. The modem router is online.
• Blinking green.
provider’s cable modem termination system (CMTS).
• Slow blinking amber and green.
limit. (For information about the traffic meter, see Monitor and Meter Internet
Traffic on page 116).
• Off. The
The modem router is starting up (the Power LED lights solid red for
. The modem router is scanning for a downstream channel.
Two or more downstream channels are locked.
The modem router is scanning for additional downstream
. The modem router is scanning for an upstream channel.
Two or more upstream channels are locked.
The modem router is scanning for additional upstream
The modem router router is synchronizing with the cable
The modem router reached the traffic meter
modem router is offline.
2.4 GHz
WiFi LED
5 GHz
WiFi LED
Ethernet
• Solid green. The 2.4 GHz radio is on.
• Blinking green. The
• Blinking amber. WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is active.
• Off. The
• Solid green. The 5 GHz radio is on.
• Blinking green.
• Blinking amber. WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is active.
• Off. The
• Solid green. A device is connected to an Ethernet port and powered on. Each
Ethernet port on the back panel provides two port LEDs (see Back Panel on
page 12).
• Blinking green.
• Off. No device is connected to an Ethernet port.
2.4 GHz radio is off.
5 GHz radio is off.
2.4 GHz radio is transmitting or receiving data.
The 5 GHz radio is transmitting or receiving data.
An Ethernet port is transmitting or receiving data.
Hardware Overview and Setup
11
AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router
USB Reset Cable
The following table describes the buttons on the right side panel.
Table 2. Button descriptions
Button Icon Description
WiFi
On/Off
WPS
By default, the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi radios are enabled. Pressing this button for three
seconds turns off both radios. Pressing the button again for three seconds turns on both
radios.
If you turn off the radios, both WiFi LEDs on the front panel turn off too. If you turn on the
radios, both WiFi LEDs on the front panel light solid green.
Pressing this button for three seconds activates WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) for two
minutes to let you add a WiFi device to the WiFi network without typing the WiFi
password.
While WPS is active, both WiFi LEDs on the front panel blink amber.
For more information about using WPS, see the following sections:
• Join the WiFi Network of the Modem Router on page 21
• Use the WPS Wizard to Add a Device to the WiFi Network on page 45
Back Panel
The back panel contains ports, connectors, and a recessed button.
USB port
Ethernet ports 1 and 2
Reset button
Coaxial cable connector
Power adapter input
Figure 2. Back panel connections and button
The back panel includes the following components, viewed from left to right:
• USB port. One USB 2.0 port lets you connect a USB hard drive, flash drive, or printer to
the modem router.
• T
wo 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports. Use these ports to connect local computers to the
Ethernet LAN of the modem router.
Hardware Overview and Setup
12
AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router
Each Ethernet port provides two port LEDs: a left LED (green) and a right port LED
(amber), which, together, indicate the operating speed and traffic condition. The following
table describes the port LEDs.
Table 3. Ethernet port LED descriptions
LED Description
LAN port
LEDs
• Left LED solid green.
• Left LED blinking green.
1000 Mbps.
• Right LED solid amber.
• Right LED blinking amber.
at 100 Mbps or 10 Mbps.
• Both LEDs off.
The port is operating at 1000 Mbps.
The port is transmitting or receiving data while operating at
The port is operating at 100 Mbps or 10 Mbps.
The port is not connected to a powered-on Ethernet device.
The port is transmitting or receiving data while operating
• Recessed Reset button. To set the modem router to the original factory settings, press
and hold the Reset button for at least eight seconds. For more information, see Return
the Modem Router to Its Factory Default Settings on page 113 .
• Coaxial cable connector.
Attach a coaxial cable to the cable service provider’s
connection.
• Power input connector.
Attach the DC power adapter cable to this input.
Position Your Modem Router
The modem router lets you access your network from 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 modem router. For example,
the thickness and number of walls the WiFi signal passes through can limit the range.
For best results, place your modem router according to the following guidelines:
• Place your modem router on an upper floor of a multifloor home or of
fice.
• Place your modem 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 modem router is within reach of an
AC power outlet and near Ethernet
cables for wired computers.
• Place the modem router in an elevated location, minimizing the number walls and ceilings
between the modem router and your other devices.
• Place the modem router away from electrical devices such as these:
- Ceiling fans
- Home security systems
- Microwaves
- Computers
- Baby monitors
- Base of a cordless phone
Hardware Overview and Setup
13
AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router
USB Reset Cable
- 2.4 GHz cordless phone
- 5 GHz cordless phone
• Place the modem router away from large metal surfaces, large glass surfaces, insulated
walls, and items such as these:
- Solid metal doors
- Aluminum studs
- Fish tanks
- Mirrors
- Brick
- Concrete
When you use multiple access points, it is better if adjacent access points use different radio
frequency channels to reduce interference.
The recommended channel spacing between
adjacent access points is five channels (for example, use Channels 1 and 6, or 6 and 11).
Install and Activate Your Cable Modem
The most common way to cable your modem router is the simplest, without any other routers
or gateways on the same network. You can also cable the modem router to another router or
gateway and log in to the modem router to specify this setting.
Cable the Modem Router
The modem router comes configured to work as both a modem and a router. You can share
your Internet connection without connecting the modem router to a router or gateway.
Coaxial cable
Modem router
Power adapter
Internet
Figure 3. Modem router in a simple network
Ethernet cable
Hardware Overview and Setup
14
AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router
To cable your modem router:
1. Connect a coaxial cable.
Use the coaxial cable that your cable company provides to connect the cable port on the
modem router to a cable wall outlet or a line splitter.
Note: For XFINITY cable Internet service, Comcast XFINITY recommends
connecting your modem router to a cable wall outlet.
2. Connect the power adapter provided in the package to the modem router and plug the
power adapter into an electrical outlet.
3. Press the Power On/Off button on the back panel of the modem router.
The Power LED lights green.
4. Wait for the modem router to come online
The modem router comes online when the Internet LED stops blinking and lights solid
green.
This process might take up to 10 minutes.
5. Connect a computer or WiFi device to the modem router.
For more information, see Connect to the Network on page 21.
You can log in to the modem router to view or change its settings.
Activate Your Internet Service
To activate your Internet service:
1. Visit your cable Internet provider’s website and follow the onscreen instructions to
activate your Internet service.
Cable Internet Provider Contact Information
Bright House Networks http://support.brighthouse.com
1-866-898-9101
Cablevision http://www.cablevision.com
https://install.optimum.com/JointInstall/
Telephone number depends on your region.
Note: When you attempt to contact Cablevision online, you are directed to the
Optimum web page. Optimum is a brand name of Cablevision.
Hardware Overview and Setup
15
AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router
Cable Internet Provider Contact Information
Comcast XFINITY http://www.comcast.com/activate
http://www.XFINITY.com/internetsetup
http://www.XFINITY.com/internetsupport
1-800-XFINITY (1-800-934-6489)
For more information, see Activate Your Internet Service with Comcast
XFINITY on page 16.
Cox https://activation.cox.net/selfactivation/start.cox
1-888-556-1193
Mediacom https://maestro.mediacomcc.com/walledgarden/page/login.jsp
1-844-2SIMPLE (1-844-274-6753)
Time Warner Cable https://elb02.activatemymodem.com/authentication
1-800-892-2253
Note: Your cable Internet provider’s contact information might change. You
can also find the contact information in your monthly Internet service
billing statement.
2. If you are unable to activate your Internet service using the instructions on your cable
Internet provider’s website, call your cable Internet provider and do the following:
a. When asked, provide your account information and provide the modem router’s
model number, which is C6250, serial number, and MAC address.
The serial number and MAC address are on the label on the modem router, which is
on the bottom of the cable modem.
b. Wait for your cable Internet provider to confirm that your modem router is active.
c. If you do not get an Internet connection with the modem router, ask your cable
Internet provider to look for your modem router online, and do one of the following
depending what your cable Internet provider tells you about your modem router:
• If the modem router is not visible, your cable Internet provider can give you
instructions to verify why the modem router does not connect with your high-speed
Internet service.
• If the modem router is visible to your cable Internet provider, reboot the modem
router. Check your online status again.
Activate Your Internet Service with Comcast XFINITY
If you use Comcast XFINITY, you can set up Internet service by using Comcast XFINITY’s
self-activation process. If you are unable to self-activate your modem router, call Comcast
XFINITY customer service. After you complete the setup, perform a speed test.
Hardware Overview and Setup
16
AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router
Before you start the self-activation process, make sure that your account number, account
phone number, and login information (your email address or user name and password) are
nearby.
To activate your Internet connection with Comcast XFINITY’s self-activation process:
1. Close all web browsers.
2. Launch a web browser.
You are redirected to the XFINITY self-activation page. If you are not redirected to the
XFINITY self-activation page, visit
3. Provide your XFINITY credentials and complete the self-activation process.
This process might take up to 15 minutes, during which the modem router reboots a
couple of times.
4. If you are unable to activate your modem router using the XFINITY self-activation process,
call Comcast XFINITY customer service at 1-800-XFINITY (1-800-934-6489).
a. When asked, provide your account information and provide the modem router’s
model number and MAC address, which are on the product label on the modem
router.
www.comcast.com/activate.
For more information, see Product Label on page 23.
b. Wait for Comcast XFINITY to confirm that your modem router is active.
c. If you do not get an Internet connection with the modem router, ask Comcast
XFINITY to look for your modem router online, and do one of the following
depending on what Comcast XFINITY tells you about your modem router:
• If the modem router is not visible, Comcast XFINITY can give you instructions to
verify why the modem router does not connect with your high-speed Internet
service.
• If the modem router is visible to Comcast XFINITY, reboot the modem router.
Check your online status again.
Perform a Speed Test
To determine the accurate Internet speed, visit the speed test website of your cable Internet
provider and perform a speed test.
If your actual speed is lower than your subscribed speed, contact your cable Internet
provider.
Cable the Modem Router to a Router and Use Bridge Mode
In the unlikely situation that you want to use the modem router as a cable modem only that
you can connect to an existing router or gateway, you must cable the modem router to the
router or gateway, log in to the modem router, and change its router mode setting. Changing
this setting prevents certain network conflicts that can occur when two devices on the same
network perform routing functions such as network address translation (NAT) and DHCP
Hardware Overview and Setup
17
AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router
(assigning IP addresses to devices on the network). This turns the modem router into a
bridged modem.
Note: If the modem router functions as a cable modem only (that is, as a
bridged modem or in bridge mode), the modem router’s WiFi radios
are turned off.
To cable your modem router to a gateway or router and change the router mode:
1. Connect a coaxial cable.
Use the coaxial cable that your cable company provides to connect the cable port on the
modem router to a cable wall outlet or a line splitter.
2. Connect the power adapter to the modem router and plug the power adapter into an
electrical outlet.
The Power LED lights green.
3. On your computer or wireless device, find and select the WiFi network.
The WiFi network name is on the product label.
4. Join the WiFi network and enter the WiFi password.
The password is on the product label.
Your wireless device connects to the WiFi network.
5. Launch an Internet browser.
6. Type http://www.routerlogin.net.
A login window opens.
7. Type admin for the user name and type your password.
If you did not yet personalize your password, type password for the password.
8. Click the OK button.
The BASIC Home page displays.
9. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Router Mode.
The Router Mode page displays.
10. Select the No radio button.
By default, the Yes radio button is selected.
Hardware Overview and Setup
18
AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router
With the No setting, the modem router works as a bridge and obtains IP information from
the cable Internet provider.
11. Click the Apply button.
Your settings are saved.
12. Follow the instructions that came with your router or gateway to connect it to the modem
router.
CAUTION:
When the modem router is in bridge mode, you must connect only one
device (your other router) to one of the Ethernet ports on the modem
router. In most cases, an Internet service provider (ISP) provides only one
public IP address and connecting multiple devices can cause conflicts and
can cause your devices to stop working.
Hardware Overview and Setup
19
2. Connect to the Network and
Access the Modem Router
This chapter describes how to use NETGEAR genie to connect to the modem router.
This chapter contains the following sections:
• Connect to the Network
• Types of Logins and Access
• Product Label
• Access NETGEAR genie
• Access the Modem Router with the NETGEAR genie App
Note: For information about installing the modem router, see the AC1600
WiFi Cable Modem Router Model C6250 Quick Start Guide that
comes in the product package. You can also download this guide
from downloadcenter.netgear.com.
2
20
AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router
Connect to the Network
You can connect to the modem 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).
Connect to the Modem Router Through an Ethernet Cable
You can connect your computer to the modem router using an Ethernet cable and join the
modem router’s local area network (LAN).
To connect your computer to the modem router with an Ethernet cable:
1. Make sure that the modem 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 to one of the numbered Ethernet LAN ports on
the modem router.
Your computer connects to the LAN. A message might display on your computer screen
to notify you that an Ethernet cable is connected.
Join the WiFi Network of the Modem Router
Choose either the manual or the WPS method to add a WiFi device such as a computer,
iPhone, iPad, or gaming device to the WiFi network of the modem router.
Manual Method
To connect a device manually to the WiFi network of the modem router:
1. Make sure that the modem router is receiving power (its Power LED is lit).
2. On the WiFi device that you want to connect to your modem router, open the software
application that manages your WiFi connections.
This software scans for all WiFi networks in your area.
3. Look for your network and select it.
If you did not change the name of your network during the setup process, look for the
default WiFi network name (SSID) and select it. The default SSID is on the product label.
4. Enter the modem router password.
The default WiFi password (also referred to as passphrase or key) is on the product label.
5. Click the Connect button.
The device connects to the WiFi network of the modem router.
Connect to the Network and Access the Modem Router
21
AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router
Wi-Fi Protected Setup Method
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is a standard for easily adding computers and other devices to
a home network while maintaining security. To use WPS (Push 'N' Connect), make sure that
all WiFi devices to be connected to the network are Wi-Fi certified and support WPS. During
the connection process, the client gets the security settings from the modem router so that
every device in the network supports the same security settings.
To use WPS to connect a device to the WiFi network of the modem router:
1. Make sure that the modem router is receiving power (its Power LED is lit).
2. Check the WPS instructions for your computer or wireless device.
3. Press the WPS button on the side panel of the modem router for three seconds.
4. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your WiFi device, or follow the WPS
instructions that came with the device.
The WPS process automatically sets up the device with the network password and
connects the device to the WiFi network of the modem router.
For more information, see Use the WPS Wizard to Add a Device to the WiFi Network on
page 45.
Types of Logins and Access
The modem router supports separate types of logins that serve different purposes. It is
important that you understand the difference so that you know which of the following logins to
use when:
• Modem router login. This login logs you in to the modem router interface from
NETGEAR genie. For more information, see
• WiFi network key or password. Your modem router is preset with a unique WiFi
network name (SSID) and password for WiFi access. This information is on the product
label (see
Join the WiFi Network of the Modem Router on page 21.
Note: Your modem router broadcasts dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi
Product Label on page 23). For information about joining the WiFi network, see
signals. The label shows the SSID for the 2.4 GHz signal. For
information about 5 GHz WiFi settings, see
Settings and WiFi Security of the Main Network on page 36.
Access NETGEAR genie on page 23.
Manage the Basic WiFi
Connect to the Network and Access the Modem Router
22
AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router
Product Label
The label on the bottom panel of the modem router shows the login information, WiFi network
name, WiFi password (key), serial number, and MAC address.
Preset WiFi SSID
Preset WiFi password
Figure 4. Product label
Serial number
MAC address
Access NETGEAR genie
NETGEAR genie runs on any device with a web browser.
The following procedure assumes that you installed the modem router and that your
computer or another device is connected with an Ethernet cable or over WiFi with the preset
security settings that are listed on the product label.
To access NETGEAR genie to change the settings and monitor your modem router:
1. Apply power to the modem router.
2. Launch an Internet browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the
network.
3. T
ype http://www.routerlogin.net.
Note: You can also type http://www
This manual uses http://www.routerlogin.net.
.routerlogin.com, or http://192.168.0.1.
4. Type admin for the user name and password for the password.
5. Click the OK button.
Connect to the Network and Access the Modem Router
23
AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router
The modem router BASIC Home page provides a dashboard that lets you see the status
of your Internet connection and network at a glance. You can click any of the sections of
the dashboard to view more detailed information. The left column provides the menus,
and at the top is the ADVANCED tab that you can use to access more menus and pages.
If you cannot log in to the modem router or your browser does not display the NETGEAR
genie page, check the following:
• Make sure that the computer is connected to one of the two Ethernet LAN ports or over
WiFi to the modem router.
• Make sure that your browser does not cache the previous page by closing and reopening
the browser
.
• If your computer is set to a static or fixed IP address (this type of setting is uncommon),
change the setting to obtain an IP address automatically from the modem router (see
View or Manually Set Up the IPv4 Internet Settings on page 30).
For more troubleshooting information, see You Cannot Log In to the Modem Router on
page 186.
Connect to the Network and Access the Modem Router
24
AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router
Access the Modem Router with the NETGEAR genie App
The genie app is the easy dashboard for managing, monitoring, and repairing your
home network from a smartphone, tablet, or computer
following:
• Automatically repair common WiFi network problems.
• Easily manage modem router features such as Live Parental Controls, guest access,
speed test, and more.
• Share and stream music or videos.
To use the genie app to access the modem router:
1. V
isit the NETGEAR genie web page at netgear.com/genie.
2. Follow the onscreen instructions to install the app on your smartphone, tablet, or computer
3. Launch the genie app.
The genie app dashboard page displays. The following figure shows the genie app
dashboard for a Windows computer
.
. The genie app can help you with the
.
Connect to the Network and Access the Modem Router
25
3. Customize the Internet Settings
3
This chapter describes how to customize your Internet settings. For information about setting up
your Internet connection with your cable service provider, see the following sections:
The chapter contains the following sections:
• View the Cable Initialization of the Modem Router
• Change the Cable Connection Starting Frequency
• View or Manually Set Up the IPv4 Internet Settings
• Manage the MTU Size
26
AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router
View the Cable Initialization of the Modem Router
You can track the cable initialization procedure of the modem router and get details about the
downstream and upstream cable channels. The time is displayed after the modem router is
initialized.
The modem router automatically goes through the following steps in the provisioning
process:
1. Scans and locks the downstream frequency and then ranges the upstream channels.
2. Obtains a WAN IP address for the modem router.
3. Connects to the Internet.
WARNING:
Do not change the starting frequency unless your cable service
provider instructs you to do so. Changing the starting frequency
incorrectly causes serious connection and Internet problems. If you
must change the starting frequency, see
Connection Starting Frequency on page 28.
Change the Cable
To view the status of the modem router initialization:
1. Launch an Internet browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the
network.
2. Type http://www.routerlogin.net.
A login window opens.
3. Type admin for the user name and type your password.
If you did not yet personalize your password, type password for the password.
4. Click the OK button.
The BASIC Home page displays.
5. Select Cable Connection.
Customize the Internet Settings
27
AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router
The Startup Procedure section displays the initialization progress.
6. Scroll down to see the rest of the Downstream Bonded Channels section, the Upstream
Bonded Channels section, and the current system time.
The Downstream Bonded Channel and Upstream Bonded Channels sections display the
status of each channel and details about each channel.
Change the Cable Connection Starting Frequency
The starting frequency for the cable connection is automatically generated. For most Internet
connections, you do not need to change this information.
WARNING:
Do not change the starting frequency unless your cable Internet
provider instructs you to do so. Changing the starting frequency
incorrectly causes serious connection and Internet problems.
To change the starting frequency:
1. Launch an Internet browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the
network.
2. T
ype http://www.routerlogin.net.
Customize the Internet Settings
28
AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router
A login window opens.
3. T
ype admin for the user name and type your password.
If you did not yet personalize your password, type password for the password.
4. Click the OK button.
The BASIC Home page displays.
5. Select Cable Connection.
6. In the Starting Frequency field, type a number as instructed by your cable Internet provider.
WARNING:
Do not change the starting frequency unless your cable Internet
provider instructs you to do so. Changing the starting frequency
incorrectly causes serious connection and Internet problems.
7. Click the Apply button.
Your settings are saved. The scanning process starts and the modem router comes
online after approximately three minutes.
Customize the Internet Settings
29
AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router
View or Manually Set Up the IPv4 Internet Settings
In general, the modem router receives the Internet settings dynamically from the cable
service provider. However, you can view or change the Internet settings.
The main Internet settings that you can configure are the IP address of the modem router
(dynamic or static) and the Domain Name System (DNS) server (dynamic or static).
To view or change the Internet settings:
1. Launch an Internet browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the
network.
2. T
ype http://www.routerlogin.net.
A login window opens.
3. T
ype admin for the user name and type your password.
If you did not yet personalize your password, type password for the password.
4. Click the OK button.
The BASIC Home page displays.
5. Select ADV
ANCED > Setup > Internet Setup.
6. View or change the settings for the IP address and DNS server.
The default settings usually work fine. If problems occur with the connection, check the
settings that your cable service provider gave you.
Customize the Internet Settings
30
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