Netgear C6900 User Manual

User Manual

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router
Model C6900

February 2021
202-12222-01

NETGEAR, Inc.
350 East Plumeria Drive
San Jose, CA 95134, USA

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

Support and Community

Visit netgear.com/support to get your questions answered and access the latest downloads.

You can also check out our NETGEAR Community for helpful advice at community.netgear.com.

Customer-owned cable devices might not be compatible with certain cable networks. Check with your

cable Internet provider to confirm that this NETGEAR cable device is allowed on your cable network.

If you are experiencing trouble installing your cable device, contact NETGEAR at 1-866-874-8924.

Note to CATV system installer: This reminder is provided to call the CATV systems installer’s attention

to Section 820-93 of the National Electrical Code, which provide guidelines for proper grounding

and in particular, specify that coaxial cable shield shall be connected to the grounding system of the

building, as close to the point of cable entry as practical.

Regulatory and Legal

Si ce produit est vendu au Canada, vous pouvez accéder à ce document en français canadien à

https://www.netgear.com/support/download/.

(If this product is sold in Canada, you can access this document in Canadian French at

https://www.netgear.com/support/download/.)

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. For NETGEAR’s Privacy

Policy, visit https://www.netgear.com/about/privacy-policy.

By using this device, you are agreeing to NETGEAR’s Terms and Conditions at

https://www.netgear.com/about/terms-and-conditions. If you do not agree, return the device to your

place of purchase within your return period.

Trademarks

©NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR and the NETGEAR Logo are trademarks of NETGEAR.

User Manual2

Contents

Chapter 1 Hardware Setup

Chapter 2 Connect to the Network and Access the Modem Router

Unpack Your Modem Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Front Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Position Your Modem Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Cable Your Modem Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Cable the Modem Router in a Simple Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Cable Your Modem Router to a Router and Use Bridge Mode. . . . . . .13

Activate Your Internet Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Activate Your Internet Service With Comcast Xfinity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Connect to the Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Wired Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

WiFi Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Types of Logins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Log In to the Modem Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Access the Modem Router with NETGEAR genie App . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Chapter 3 Specify Your Internet Settings

Specify the Cable Connection Starting Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

View Modem Router Initialization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Manually Set Up the Internet Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Specify an IPv6 Internet Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Change the MTU Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Chapter 4 Control Access to the Internet

Block Access to Your Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Block Services from the Internet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Schedule When to Block Internet Sites and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Avoid Blocking on a Trusted Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Set Up Security Event Email Notifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Chapter 5 Specify Network Settings

View WAN Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

4

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

Set Up a Default DMZ Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Change the Modem Router’s Device Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Change the LAN TCP/IP Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Specify the IP Addresses that the Modem Router Assigns . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Disable the DHCP Server Feature in the Modem Router. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Reserve LAN IP Addresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Improve Network Connections with Universal Plug and Play . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Use the WPS Wizard for WiFi Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Specify Basic WiFi Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Change the WiFi Security Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Set Up a Guest Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Control the Wireless Radios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Use the WiFi On/Off Button. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Enable or Disable the Wireless Radios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Set Up a Wireless Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Specify WPS Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Chapter 6 Manage Your Network

Change the admin Password. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

View Modem Router Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Display Internet Port Statistics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Check the Internet Connection Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

View Logs of Modem Router Activity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

View Event Logs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Run the Ping Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Run the Traceroute Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Monitor Internet Traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

View Devices Currently on the Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Manage the Modem Router Configuration File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Back Up Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Restore Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Erase the Current Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

View Wireless Access Points in Your Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

View or Change the Modem Router Wireless Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Dynamic DNS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

Specify a DNS Account. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Change the Dynamic DNS Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Remote Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Chapter 7 Specify Internet Port Settings

Set Up Port Forwarding to a Local Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

Add a Custom Port Forwarding Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

Edit a Port Forwarding Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

Delete a Port Forwarding Entry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

Application Example: Make a Local Web Server Public . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

How the Modem Router Implements the Port Forwarding Rule . . . . . .81

Set Up Port Triggering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82

User Manual5

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

Add a Port Triggering Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

Application Example: Port Triggering for Internet Relay Chat . . . . . . .84

Chapter 8 Troubleshooting

Troubleshoot with the LEDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

Power LED Is Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

LEDs Never Turn Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

Internet LED Is Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

Troubleshoot the Cable Internet Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Cannot Log In to the Modem Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

Changes Not Saved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Wireless Connectivity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Troubleshoot Your Network Using the Ping Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Test the LAN Path to Your Modem Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Test the Path from Your Computer to a Remote Device. . . . . . . . . . . . .91

Appendix A Supplemental Information

Factory Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

User Manual6

1

1Hardware Setup

This chapter covers the following topics:

• Unpack Your Modem Router

• Front Panel

• Rear Panel

• Position Your Modem Router

• Cable Your Modem Router

• Activate Your Internet Service

• Activate Your Internet Service With Comcast Xfinity

For more information about the topics covered in this manual, visit the support website at

http://support.netgear.com.

7

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

Ethernet cable

Power adapter

Modem router

Unpack Your Modem Router

Your package contains the following items.

Figure 1. Package contents

Hardware Setup User Manual8

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

Power LED

Downstream LED
Upstream LED
Internet LED

WPS button / LED

WiFi On/Off button

5 GHz LED

2.4 GHz LED

Ethernet LED

Front Panel

The modem router has status LEDs and buttons on the front.

Figure 2. Modem router front view

You can use the LEDs to verify status and connections. The following table lists and
describes each LED and button on the front panel of the modem router.

LED Description

Power

Downstream

Upstream

Hardware Setup User Manual9

• Green. Power is supplied to the modem router.

• Off. No

• Solid red. The

heat sources (such as a TV, DVD player, or speakers) and keep it vertical in open air.

• Solid amber. One downstream channel is locked.

• Solid green. T

• Blinking green. T

• Off. No downstream channel is locked.

• Solid amber. One upstream channel is locked.

• Solid green. Two or more upstream channels are locked.

• Blinking green. T

• Off.

power is supplied to the modem router.

rmal cutoff mode. Power off the unit, let it cool, and move it away from

wo or more downstream channels are locked.

he modem router is scanning for a downstream channel.

he modem router is scanning for an upstream channel.

No upstream channel is locked.

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

LED Description

Internet

2.4 GHz radio

5 GHz radio

• Solid green. The modem router is online.

• Blinking green.

modem termination system (CMTS).

• Slow blinking amber and green. T

(For information about the traffic meter, see Monitor Internet Traffic on page 67.)

• Off.

• Green. The 2.4 GHz radio is on.

• Off. The 2.4 GHz radio is off.

• Green. The 5 GHz radio is on.

• Off. The 5 GHz radio is off.

The modem router is offline.

The modem router is synchronizing with the cable provider’s cable

he modem router reached the traffic meter limit.

Ethernet

WiFi On/Off but­ton with LED

WPS button with
LED

• Green. A device is connected to an Ethernet port and powered on. Each Ethernet port
has LEDs on the rear panel.

• Off. No device is co

Pressing this button for two seconds turns the WiFi radios in the modem router 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 modem router.

This button lets you use WPS to join the WiFi network without typing the WiFi password.
The WPS LED blinks during this process and then lights solid.

nnected to an Ethernet port.

Hardware Setup User Manual10

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

Power adapter input

Ethernet LAN ports

Coaxial cable connector

Reset button

Rear Panel

The rear panel has the connections and button shown the following figure.

Figure 3. Modem router rear panel

Position Your Modem Router

The modem router lets you access your network anywhere within the operating range of your
wireless network. However, the operating distance or range of your wireless connection can
vary significantly depending on the physical placement of your modem router. For example,
the thickness and number of walls the wireless signal passes through can limit the range.

Additionally, other wireless access points in and aro
router’s signal. Wireless access points are modem routers, repeaters, WiFi range extenders,
or any other device that emits a wireless signal for network access.

Position your modem router accordin

• Place
devices operate, and within line of sight to your wireless devices.

• Make sure t
cables for wired computers.

Hardware Setup User Manual11

your modem router near the center of the area where your computers and other

hat the modem router is within reach of an AC power outlet and near Ethernet

g to the following guidelines:

und your home might affect your modem

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

• 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

- Base of a cordless phone

- 2.4 GHz cordless phone

• Place the modem router away from large metal surfaces, large glass surfaces, and

insulated walls such as these:

- Solid metal doors

- Aluminum studs

- Fish tanks

- Mirrors

- Brick

- Concrete

Cable Your Modem Router

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.

Hardware Setup User Manual12

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

Internet

Power adapter

Ethernet cable

Cable the Modem Router in a Simple Network

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.

Figure 4. Modem router in a simple network

To cable your modem router:

1. Con

2. Conn

3. Press the Power On/Off

You can log in to the modem router to view or change it

nect a coaxial cable.

Use the coaxial cable that your cable company provides to
modem router to a cable wall outlet or a line splitter.

For Xfinity cable Internet service, Comcast Xfinity recommends connecting your modem

uter to a cable wall outlet.

ro

ect the power adapter provided in the package to the modem router and plug the

power adapter in to an electrical outlet.

button on the rear panel of the modem router.

The Power LED lights green.

s settings.

connect the cable port on the

Cable Your Modem Router to a Router and Use Bridge Mode

If you want to cable the modem router to a router, then you must 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 (assigning IP addresses to devices on the
network). This turns the modem router into a bridged modem

Hardware Setup User Manual13

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

To cable your modem router to a gateway or router:

1. Connect a co

axial cable.

Use the coaxial cable that your cable company p
modem router to a cable wall outlet or a line splitter.

For Xfinity cable Internet service, Comcast Xfinity reco
router to a cable wall outlet.

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 compute

r 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. Lau

6. Ty

nch a web browser.

pe http://routerlogin.net or http://192.168.0.1.

A login window opens.

rovides to connect the cable port on the

mmends connecting your modem

7. Enter

the modem router user name and password.

The user name is ad

min. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

8. Select AD

9. Select the No radio

VANCED > Administration > Router Mode.

button.

With this setting, the modem router works as a bridge and obtains IP addresses from the
cable Internet provider.

10. Click the Appl

y button.

Your change is saved.

11. Fo

llow the instructions that came with your router or gateway to connect it to the modem

router.

Hardware Setup User Manual14

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

Activate Your Internet Service

To activate your Internet service:

1. Con

2. Check with

tact your Internet provider.

your cable Internet provider to confirm that this modem router is allowed on your

cable network.

This modem router might not be compatible with certain cable networks.

3. If this modem route

r is allowed on your cable network, inform your cable Internet provider

that you are installing a new modem router that you bought from a retail store.

4. Provid

e your cable Internet provider with the modem router’s model number, which is

C6900.

For information about Comcast self-activation

Note: You

can visit your cable Internet provider’s website and follow the

, see Comcast Self-Activation on page 8.

onscreen instructions to activate your Internet service.

Cable ISP Contact Information

Cox

Mediacom https://support.mediacomcable.com

https://www.cox.com/residential/support/home.html
https://www.cox.com/activate
1-888-556-1193

1-855-Mediacom (1-855-633-4226)

Optimum https://www.optimum.net/support/contact-us

https://install.optimum.com/JointInstall
1-877-810-6750

Sparklight https://support.sparklight.com

1-877-692-2253

Spectrum https://www.spectrum.net/contact-us

https://activate.spectrum.net
1-833-267-6094

Xfinity

https://www.xfinity.com/internetsetup
Use the Xfinity app for Xfinity activation.

Note: Your cable Internet provider’s contact information might change. You

can also find the contact number in your monthly Internet service billing
statement.

Hardware Setup User Manual15

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

MAC address

Serial number

5. When asked, provide the modem router’s serial number and MAC address, which are on the

product label.

6. Wait for your cable Internet provider to confirm that your modem router is active.

you do not get an Internet connection with the modem router, ask your cable Internet

7. If
provider to look for your modem router online, then do one of the following depending on
what your cable Internet provider tells you about your modem router:

• If the

• 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.

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.

Before you start the self-activation process, make
phone number, and login information (your email address or user name and password) are
nearby.

Set Up and Activate Your Modem Router With Xfinity

1. If your current modem is leased from Xfinity, call Xfinity support to remove your leased
modem from your Xfinity service.

2. Make sure that
WiFi network).

3. Open the

4. Fo

llow the steps to get online.

your mobile device is using an LTE Internet connection (do not connect to a

Xfinity app and sign in with your Xfinity ID.

sure that your account number, account

Hardware Setup User Manual16

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

5. The activation process takes about five minutes.

6. On your mobile device, launch a web browser and enter routerlogin.net or 192.168.0.1 in

the address field.

7. Follow the prompts to:

• Agree to the terms and conditions.

• Change your modem router’s admin credentials and set up security questions.

Review your WiFi network name and password.

Set Up Your Modem Router With Another Cable Internet Service Provider

1. Connect your computer or mobile device to the modem router with WiFi or Ethernet:

WiFi: Use the WiFi network name (SSID) and password on the modem router label to

connect.

Ethernet: Use an Ethernet cable to connect a computer to an Ethernet port on the
modem router. (Your computer must have an Ethernet port.)

2. Launch a web browser and enter routerlogin.net or 192.168.0.1 in the address field.

3. Follow the prompts to:

• Agree to the terms and conditions.

• Change your modem router’s admin credentials and set up security questions.

• Review your WiFi network name and password.

Hardware Setup User Manual17

2

2Connect to the Network and

Access the Modem Router

This chapter contains the following sections:

• Connect to the Network

• Types of Logins

• Log In to the Modem Router

• Access the Modem Router with NETGEAR genie App

18

Nighthawk AC1900 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).

Wired Connection

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 has 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 ports.

Your computer connects to the local area network (LAN). A message might display on
your computer screen to notify you that an Ethernet cable is connected.

WiFi Connection

You can connect to the modem 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:

1. Make sure that the modem router has power (its Power LED is lit).

2. Check the WPS instructions for your computer or wireless device.

3. Press the WPS button on the modem router.

4. Within two minutes, on your computer or WiFi device, press its WPS button or follow its

instructions for WPS connections.

Your computer or wireless device connects to the WiFi network.

To find and select the WiFi network:

1. Make sure that the modem router has power (its Power LED is lit).

2. On your computer or wireless device, find and select the WiFi network.

The WiFi network name is on the modem router’s label.

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

The password is on the modem router’s label.

Your wireless device connects to the WiFi network.

Connect to the Network and Access the
Modem Router

User Manual19

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

Label

The label on the modem router shows the login information, MAC address, and serial
number.

Figure 5. Modem Router label

Types of Logins

Separate types of logins have different purposes. It is important that you understand the
difference so that you know which login to use when.

Types of logins:

• WiFi network key or password. Y
network name (SSID) and password for wireless access. This information is on the
modem router label.

Note: Your modem router

signals. The label shows the SSID for the 2.4 GHz signal. For
information about 5 GHz WiFi settings, see
on page 49.

• Modem Router login.This log
Internet browser.

broadcasts dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi

our modem router is preset with a unique wireless

Specify Basic WiFi Settings

s you in to the modem router interface as admin from an

Log In to the Modem Router

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

To log in to the modem router:

1. Laun

Connect to the Network and Access the
Modem Router

ch a web browser from a WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device that is

connected to the network.

User Manual20

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

2. Type http://routerlogin.net or http://192.168.0.1.

A login window opens.

3. Ente

r the modem router user name and password.

The user name is adm

in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

The first time you log in to the modem rou

ter, you are prompted to change the admin
password and set up security questions. You must enter these settings before you can
access the Internet.

4. Enter a new password.

5. Select securit

6. Click the Nex

y questions and enter the answers.

t button.

7. Click the Next button.

The modem router connects to the Internet. The
the Internet connection.

Connect to the Network and Access the
Modem Router

BASIC Home page displays the status of

User Manual21

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

Access the Modem Router with NETGEAR genie App

The genie app is the easy dashboard for managing, monitoring, and repairing your home
network. The genie app can help you with the following:

• Automatically repair common wireless network problems.

• Easily manage modem router features like Live Parental Controls, guest access, Internet

traffic meter, speed test, and more.

To use the genie app to access the modem router:

1. Visit the NETGEAR genie web page at www.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:

Connect to the Network and Access the
Modem Router

User Manual22

3

3Specify Your Internet Settings

Usually, the quickest way to set up the modem router to use your Internet connection is to allow
the genie to detect the Internet connection when you first access the modem router with an
Internet browser. You can also customize or specify your Internet settings.

This chapter contains the following sections:

• View Modem Router Initialization

• Manually Set Up the Internet Connection

• Specify an IPv6 Internet Connection

• Change the MTU Size

23

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

Specify the Cable Connection Starting Frequency

The starting frequency is automatically generated. For most Internet connections, you do not
need to specify this information. If you need to enter a starting frequency, contact your
Internet provider.

To change the starting frequency:

1. Laun

2. Ty

3. Enter

4. Select Cab

ch a web browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

pe http://routerlogin.net or http://192.168.0.1.

A login window opens.

the modem router user name and password.

The user name is ad

The BASIC Home page displays.

le Connection.

min. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

The page displays the status of all downstream and upstream channels.

the Starting Frequency field, type a number.

5. In

6. Click the Appl

Your settings are saved.

Specify Your Internet Settings User Manual24

y button.

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

View Modem Router Initialization

You can track the initialization procedure of the modem router, and get details about the
downstream and upstream cable channel. The time is displayed after the modem router is
initialized.

The modem router automatically goes through th
process:

1. Scans

2. Obt

3. Conn

To view the status of the modem router initialization:

1. L

network.

2. T

A login window opens.

3. Ente

The user name is adm

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Cable Connec

and locks the downstream frequency and then ranges the upstream channels.

ains a WAN address for the modem router.

ects to the Internet.

aunch a web browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

ype http://routerlogin.net or http://192.168.0.1.

r the modem router user name and password.

in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

tion.

e following steps in the provisioning

The Startup Procedure section displays the initialization progress. The page also displays
the status of all downstream and upstream channels.(You must scroll down to view all the
channels.) The number of downstream and upstream channels that are locked depends
on the number of channels that your Internet provider uses.

Specify Your Internet Settings User Manual25

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

Scroll to
view more
settings

Manually Set Up the Internet Connection

In most situations, you do not need to change these settings. NETGEAR recommends that
you use the default settings for DHCP because most cable Internet services provide the IP
address through DHCP.

To specify the Internet connection settings:

1. Laun

2. Ty

3. Enter

4. Select A

ch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

pe http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

the modem router user name and password.

The user name is ad

The BASIC Home page displays.

DVANCED > Setup > Internet.

min. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

5. If your Internet connection requires an account name or host name, type it in the Account
Name (If Required) field.

your Internet connection requires a domain name, type it in the Domain Name (If

6. If
Required) field.

For the other sections in this page, the defa
them.

7. Fo

Specify Your Internet Settings User Manual26

r the Internet IP Address setting, select one of the following radio buttons:

ult settings usually work, but you can change

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

• 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 modem router to which your
modem router connects.

8. For the Domain Name Server (DNS) Address setting, select one of the following radio
buttons:

• 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.

9. For the Router MAC Address setting, select one of the following radio buttons:

• Use Default Address. Use the default MAC address.

• Use Computer MAC Address. The modem 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.

10. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

If the NETGEAR website does not display within one minute, see Chapter 8,
Troubleshooting.

Specify an IPv6 Internet Connection

To specify an IPv6 Internet connection:

1. Launch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

2. Type http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the modem router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

Specify Your Internet Settings User Manual27

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

If your Internet provider supports IIPV6, the System Delegated Prefix field displays IPv6
information.

pecify how the modem router assigns IPv6 addresses to the devices on your home

5. S
network (the LAN) by selecting one of the following radio buttons:

• Use DHCP Server.

IPv6 systems might not support the DHCv6 client function.

• Auto Config. T

6. Complete

7. Click the Appl

Your settings are saved.

the fields in the Server Settings section.

y button.

This method passes more information to LAN devices, but some

his is the default setting.

Change the MTU Size

The maximum transmission unit (MTU) is the largest data packet a network device transmits.
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 has a lower 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 th
changing the value fixes one problem but causes another. Leave the MTU unchanged unless
one of these situations occurs:

e default value. In some situations,

ou experience problems connecting to your ISP or other Internet service, and the

• Y
technical support of either the ISP or NETGEAR recommends changing the MTU setting.
These web-based applications might require an MTU change:

- A secure web

Specify Your Internet Settings User Manual28

site that does not open, or displays only part of a web page

- Yahoo email

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

- MSN port

- America Onlin

• Y

ou use VPN and have severe performance problems.

ou used a program to optimize MTU for performance reasons, and now you have

• Y

al

e’s DSL service

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.

To change the MTU size:

aunch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

1. L
network.

ype http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

2. T

A login window opens.

3. Ente

r the modem router user name and password.

The user name is adm

in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select AD

VANCED > Setup > WAN Setup.

5. In the MTU Size field, enter a value from 64 to 1500.

6. Click the Ap

ply button.

Your change is saved.

If you suspect an MTU problem, a common solution is to change the MTU to 1400. If you are
willing to e

xperiment, you can gradually reduce the MTU from the maximum value of 1500

Specify Your Internet Settings User Manual29

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

until the problem goes away. The following table describes common MTU sizes and
applications.

Table 1. Common MTU sizes

MTU Application

1500 The largest Ethernet packet size. This setting is typical for connections that do not use

1492 Used in PPPoE environments.

1472 Maximum size to use for pinging. (Larger packets are fragmented.)

1468 Used in some DHCP environments.

PPPoE or VP
switches.

N, and is the default value for NETGEAR modem routers, adapters, and

1460 Usable by AOL if you do not have large emai

l attachments, for example.

Specify Your Internet Settings User Manual30

4

4Control Access to the Internet

The modem 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:

• Block Access to Your Network

• Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites

• Block Services from the Internet

• Schedule When to Block Internet Sites and Services

• Avoid Blocking on a Trusted Computer

• Set Up Security Event Email Notifications

31

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

Block Access to Your Network

You can use access control to block access to your network.

To set up access control:

1. Launch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

2. Type http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Access Control.

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 the device is in the blocked list.

6. To specify the access rule, select one of the following radio buttons:

• Allow all new devices to connect. With this setting, if you buy a new device, it can

access your network. You don’t need to enter its MAC address in this page.
NETGEAR recommends that you leave this radio button selected.

• Block all new devices from connecting. With this setting, if you buy 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 allow the computer or 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.

8. Click the Apply button.

Your changes take effect.

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.

Control Access to the Internet User Manual32

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

To set block Internet sites:

1. L

aunch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

2. T

ype http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

3. Ente

r the user name and password.

The user name is adm

in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADV

ANCED > Security > Block Sites.

5. Select one of the keyword blocking options:

• Per Schedule. T

(See

Schedule When to Block Internet Sites and Services on page 35.)

• Always.

6. In the Ke

yword field, enter a keyword or domain that you want to block.

Turn on keyword blocking all the time, independent of the Schedule page.

urn on keyword blocking according to the Schedule page settings.

For example:

pecify XXX to block http://www.badstuff.com/xxx.html.

• S

• S

pecify .com if you want to allow only sites with domain suffixes such as .edu or .gov.

• Ent

7. Click the Ad

er a period (.) to block all Internet browsing access.

d Keyword button.

The keyword is added to the keyword list. The keyword list suppo

8. Click the Ap

ply button.

Keyword blocking takes effect.

Control Access to the Internet User Manual33

rts up to 32 entries.

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

To delete keywords from the list:

1. Do one of th

• T

o 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.

2. Click the

Your changes are saved.

e following:

Apply button.

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:

1. Laun

2. Ty

ch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

pe http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

3. Enter th

The user name is ad

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADV

5. Specify when to block the services:

• T

• T

e user name and password.

min. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

ANCED > Security > Block Services.

o block the services all the time, select the Always radio button.

o block the services based on a schedule, select the Per Schedule radio button.

Control Access to the Internet User Manual34

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

To specify the schedule, see Schedule When to Block Internet Sites and Services on
page 35.

6. Click the Ad

7. To add a service that is in the Service Type list, select the application or service.

The settings for this service automatically display in the fields.

o add a service or application that is not the list, select User Defined.

8. T

f you know that the application uses either TCP or UDP, select the appropriate

a. I

protocol; otherwise, select TCP/UDP (both).

b. Ent

• I

• T

d button.

er the starting port and ending port numbers.

f the service uses a single port number, enter that number in both fields.

o 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. T

o specify how to filter the services, select one of the following radio buttons:

• Only This IP Address.

• IP Address Range.

addresses on your network.

• All lP Addresses. Block se

10. Click the Ad

Your changes are saved.

d button.

Block services for a single computer.

Block services for a range of computers with consecutive IP

rvices for all computers on your network.

Schedule When to Block Internet Sites and Services

When you schedule blocking, the same schedule is used to block sites and to block services.
For information about how to specify what you want the modem router to block, see Use

Control Access to the Internet User Manual35

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

Keywords to Block Internet Sites on page 32 and Block Services from the Internet on
page 34.

To schedule blocking:

1. Launch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

2. Type http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Schedule.

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 All
Day for 24-hour blocking.

6. Select your time zone from the list.

7. If you use daylight saving time, select the Automatically adjust for daylight savings time

check box.

8. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Avoid Blocking on a Trusted Computer

You can exempt one trusted computer from blocking. The computer you exempt must have a
fixed IP address. You can use the reserved IP address feature to specify the IP address. See

Reserve LAN IP Addresses on page 46

To specify a trusted computer:

1. Launch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

2. Type http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the user name and password.

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

Control Access to the Internet User Manual36

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select AD

5. Scroll down and select the Allow trusted

6. In the T

7. Click the Ap

Your changes are saved.

VANCED > Security > Block Sites.

IP address to visit blocked sites check box.

rusted IP Address field, enter the IP address of the trusted computer.

ply button.

Set Up Security Event Email Notifications

The modem router can email you its logs of modem router activity. The log records activity
and security events such as attempts to access blocked sites or services.

To set up email notifications:

aunch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

1. L
network.

2. T

ype http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

3. Ente

r the user name and password.

The user name is adm

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADV

5. Select the Turn Email Notification On check box.

6. In the Y

server (such as mail.myISP.com).

ANCED > Security > E-mail.

our Outgoing Mail Server field, enter the name of your ISP outgoing (SMTP) mail

in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

Control Access to the Internet User Manual37

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

You might be able to find this information in the configuration page of your email program.
If you leave this field blank, log and alert messages are not sent.

7. Enter the email address to which logs and alerts are sent in the Send to This E-mail
Address field.

This email address is also used for the From address. If this field is blank, log and alert
messages are not sent.

8. If your outgoing email server requires authentication, select the My Mail Server requires
authentication check box.

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.

9. (Optional) Select the Send Alerts Immediately check box.

Email alerts are sent immediately when someone attempts to visit a blocked site.

10. To send logs based on a schedule, specify these settings:

• From Send logs according to this schedule drop-down list, select the schedule

type.

• From the Day drop-down list, select the day.

• From the Time drop-down list, select the time, and select the am or pm radio button.

11. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Logs are sent automatically. If the log fills up before the specified time, it is sent. After the
log is sent, it is cleared from the modem router memory. If the modem router cannot email
the log and the log buffer fills up, the modem router overwrites the log.

Control Access to the Internet User Manual38

5

5Specify Network Settings

This chapter includes the following sections:

• View WAN Settings

• Set Up a Default DMZ Server

• Change the Modem Router’s Device Name

• Change the LAN TCP/IP Settings

• Specify the IP Addresses that the Modem Router Assigns

• Disable the DHCP Server Feature in the Modem Router

• Reserve LAN IP Addresses

• Use the WPS Wizard for WiFi Connections

• Specify Basic WiFi Settings

• Change the WiFi Security Option

• Set Up a Guest Network

• Control the Wireless Radios

• Set Up a Wireless Schedule

• Specify WPS Settings

39

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

View 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 modem router to respond to a ping to its WAN (Internet) port.

To view the WAN settings:

1. Laun

2. Ty

3. Enter th

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > WAN Setup

ch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

pe http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

e user name and password.

The user name is ad

The BASIC Home page displays.

min. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

.

The following settings display:

• Disable IPv4 Firewall Protection. NETGEAR

box empty so that the firewall protects your modem router.

• Disable Port Scan and DoS Protection. DoS prote

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.

you are playing online games or videoconferencing, but it makes the firewall security
less effective. See

• Respond to Ping on Internet Port. This fea

discovered. Use this feature only as a diagnostic tool or if you have a specific reason.

• MTU Size (in bytes). Th

Ethernet networks is 1500 bytes, or 1492 bytes for PPPoE connections. Change the

Specify Network Settings User Manual40

This feature is disabled by default. It is sometimes helpful when

Set Up a Default DMZ Server on page 41.

e normal MTU (maximum transmit unit) value for most

recommends that you leave this check

ction protects your LAN against

ture allows your modem router to be

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

WARNING:

MTU only if you are sure that it is necessary for your ISP connection. See Change
the MTU Size on page 28.

• Disable SIP ALG. Some VoIP applications do not work well with the SIP ALG.

Selecting this check box to turn off the SIP ALG might help your VoIP devices to
create or accept a call through the modem router.

5. Click the Apply button.

Your changes are saved.

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 modem 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.

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 modem 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 have configured in the Port
Forwarding/Port Triggering page. Instead of discarding this traffic, you can have the modem
router forward the traffic to one computer on your network. This computer is called the default
DMZ server.

To set up a default DMZ server:

1. Launch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

2. Type http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > WAN Setup.

Specify Network Settings User Manual41

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

5. Select the Default DMZ Server check box.

6. Type the IP address.

7. Click the Apply button.

Your change takes effect.

Change the Modem Router’s Device Name

The modem router’s device name is C6900. This device name displays in file manager when
you browse your network.

To change the modem router’s device name:

1. Launch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

2. Type http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > LAN Setup.

5. In the Device Name field, type a new name.

6. Click the Apply button.

Your change is saved.

Change the LAN TCP/IP Settings

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

• LAN IP address. 192.168.0.1

• 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 uses, or if you have competing subnets with the same IP scheme.

Specify Network Settings User Manual42

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

To change the LAN TCP/IP settings:

1. L

aunch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

2. T

ype http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

3. Ente

r the user name and password.

The user name is adm

in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select AD

VANCED > Setup > LAN Setup.

5. In the IP Address field, type the IP address.

6. In the IP Subne

t Mask, type the subnet mask of the modem router.

The IP address and subnet mask identifies which addresses are local to a specific device
a

nd which must be reached through a gateway or modem router.

7. Click the Ap

ply button.

Your changes are saved.

If you changed the LAN IP address of the modem rou
change takes effect.

8. T

o reconnect, close your browser, relaunch it, and log in to the modem router

Specify Network Settings User Manual43

ter, you are disconnected when this

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

Specify the IP Addresses that the Modem Router Assigns

By default, the modem router acts as a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server.
The modem 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
modem router.

These addresses must be part of the same IP address sub
address. Using the default addressing scheme, define a range between 192.168.0.2 and

192.168.0.254, although you can save part of the range for devices with fixed addresses.

To specify the pool of IP addresses that the modem router assigns:

1. Laun

2. Ty

3. Enter th

4. Select A

ch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

pe http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

e user name and password.

The user name is ad

The BASIC Home page displays.

DVANCED > Setup > LAN Setup.

min. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

net as the modem router’s LAN IP

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

6. S

pecify the range of IP addresses that the modem router assigns:

a. In the S

Specify Network Settings User Manual44

tarting IP Address field, type the lowest number in the range.

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

This IP address must be in the same subnet as the modem 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 modem router.

7. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

The modem router delivers the following parameters to any LAN device that requests DHCP:

• An IP address from the range that you have defined

• Subnet mask

• Gateway IP address (the modem router’s LAN IP address)

• DNS server IP address (the modem router’s LAN IP address)

Disable the DHCP Server Feature in the Modem Router

By default, the modem router acts as a DHCP server. The modem 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 modem 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 modem router:

1. Launch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

2. Type http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > LAN Setup.

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

6. Click the Apply button.

7. (Optional) If this service is disabled and no other DHCP server is on your network, set your

computer IP addresses manually so that they can access the modem router.

Specify Network Settings User Manual45

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

Reserve 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 modem router’s DHCP server.
Assign reserved IP addresses to computers or servers that require permanent IP settings.

To reserve an IP address:

1. Launch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

2. Type http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > LAN Setup.

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 modem router’s LAN subnet, such as 192.168.0.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.

8. Click the Apply button.

The reserved address is entered into the table.

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

To edit a reserved address entry:

1. Select the radio button next to the reserved address.

2. Click the Edit button.

3. Change the settings.

4. Click the Apply button.

Your changes are saved.

To delete a reserved address entry:

1. Select the radio button next to the reserved address.

Specify Network Settings User Manual46

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

2. Click the Delete button.

The address is removed.

Improve Network Connections with Universal Plug and Play

Universal Plug and 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 or remote assistance (a feature in Windows XP),
enable UPnP.

To enable Universal Plug and Play:

1. Launch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

2. Type http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > UPnP.

The UPnP page displays.

5. Select the Tu r n UPnP O n 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 modem
router does not allow any device to automatically control modem router resources,
such as port forwarding.

6. Type the advertisement period in minutes.

The advertisement period specifies how often the modem 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 have 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

Specify Network Settings User Manual47

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

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.

8. Click the Apply button.

The UPnP Portmap Table displays the IP address of each UPnP device that is
accessing the modem router and which ports (internal and external) that device has
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.

Use the WPS Wizard for WiFi Connections

The WPS Wizard helps you add a wireless computer or device to your WiFi network without
typing the WiFi password.

To use the WPS Wizard:

1. Launch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

2. Type http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > WPS Wizard.

5. Click the Next button.

6. Select the radio button for the setup method that you want to use:.

• 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 client device and use its WPS software to connect to the WiFi
network.

The WPS process automatically sets up your wireless computer with the network
password when it connects. The modem router WPS page displays a confirmation
message.

Specify Network Settings User Manual48

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

Specify Basic WiFi Settings

The modem 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 product label.

Note: The preset SSID and password are uniquely generated for every

device to protect and maximize your wireless security.

NETGEAR recommends that you do not change your preset security settings. 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 you use a wireless computer to change the wireless network name (SSID) or other wireless
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 modem router.

To specify basic wireless settings:

1. Launch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

2. Type http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

Specify Network Settings User Manual49

4. Select Wireless.

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

5. In the Region list, select your region. In some locations, you cannot change this setting.

6. T

o control the SSID broadcast, select or clear the Enable SSID Broadcast check box.

When this check box is selected, the modem route

r broadcasts its network name (SSID)
so that it displays when you scan for local WiFi networks on your computer or wireless
device.

o change the network name (SSID), type a new name in the Name (SSID) field.

7. T

The name can be up to 32 characters long and it is case-se

nsitive. The default SSID is
randomly generated and is on the product label. If you change the name, make sure to
write down the new name and keep it in a safe place.

8. T

o change the wireless channel, select a number in the Channel list.

In some regions, not all channels are available. Do not change the channel unless you
exp

erience 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 adjace

nt 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).

o change the mode, select it from the Mode list.

9. T

For 2.4 GHz, Up to 600

Mbps is the default setting. The other settings are Up to 289

Mbps and Up to 54 Mbps.

Specify Network Settings User Manual50

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

At 5 GHz, Up to 1300 Mbps is the default setting, which allows 802.11ac and 802.11a
wireless devices to join the network. The other settings are Up to 600 Mbps and Up to

289 Mbps.

10. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

If you connected wirelessly to the network and you changed the SSID, you are
disconnected from the network.

11. 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 wireless device connected to another wireless network in your

area? Some wireless devices automatically connect to the first open network without
wireless security that they discover.

• Is your computer or wireless device trying to connect to your network with its old

settings (before you changed the settings)? If so, update the wireless network
selection in your computer or wireless device to match the current settings for your
network.

Change the WiFi Security Option

Your modem router comes with preset WPA2 or WPA security. The password that you enter
to connect to your network is unique to your modem router and is on the product label.

NETGEAR recommends that you use the preset security, but you can change them.
NETGEAR recommends that you do not disable security.

To change the WPA settings:

1. Launch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

2. Type http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Wireless.

5. Under Security Options, select a WPA option.

The WPA2 options use the newest standard for the strongest security, but some older
computers and wireless devices cannot use WPA2. By default, the WPA2-PSK [AES]
radio button is selected.

The Passphrase field displays.

Specify Network Settings User Manual51

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

6. In the Passphrase field, enter the network key (password) that you want to use.

It is a text string from 8 to 63 characters.

7. Write down the new password and keep it in a secure place for future reference.

8. Click the Apply button.

Your changes are saved.

Set Up a Guest Network

A guest network allows visitors at your home to use the Internet without using your wireless
security key. You can add a guest network to each wireless network: 2.4 GHz b/g/n and

5.0 GHz a/n.

To set up a guest network:

1. Launch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

2. Type http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.



A login window opens.

3. Enter the user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

Specify Network Settings User Manual52

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

4. Select Guest Network.

5. Select any of the following wireless settings:

• Enable Guest Network. Whe

n this check box is selected, the guest network is

enabled, and guests can connect to your network using the SSID of this profile.

• Enable SSID Broadcast.

If this check box is selected, the wireless access point
broadcasts its name (SSID) to all wireless stations. Stations with no SSID can adopt
the correct SSID for connections to this access point.

• Allow guest to see each other and access my local network. If th

is check box is
selected, anyone who connects to this SSID has access to your local network, not just
Internet access.

6. Give the

guest network a name.

The guest network name is case-sensitive and can be up to 32 characters. You then
manua

lly configure the wireless devices in your network to use the guest network name

in addition to the main SSID.

7. Select a rad

The WPA2 options use the newest standard for

io button for a security option.

the strongest security, but some older
computers and wireless devices cannot use it. NETGEAR recommends that you select
the WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK [AES] radio button. This setting protects your WiFi
network and lets computers and wireless devices can connect to the WiFi network by
using either WPA2 or WPA security.

8. Click the Ap

ply button.

Your settings are saved.

Specify Network Settings User Manual53

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

Control the Wireless Radios

The modem router has internal wireless radios that broadcast signals in the 2.4 GHz and 5
GHz range. By default, they are on so that you can connect wirelessly to the modem router.
When the wireless radios are off, you can still use an Ethernet cable for a LAN connection to
the modem router.

You can turn the wireless radios on and off with the WiFi On/Off button on the modem router,
or you can log in to the modem router and enable or disable the wireless radios. If you are
close to the modem router, it might be easier to press its WiFi On/Off button. If you are away
from the modem router or have already logged in it might be easier to enable or disable
them.You can also turn the WiFi radios off and on based on a schedule. (See
Wireless Schedule on page 55).

Use the WiFi On/Off Button

To turn the wireless radios off and on with the WiFi On/Off button:

Set Up a

Press the WiFi On/Off button on the front of the modem router for two seconds.

If you turned off the wireless radios, the WiFi On/Off LED and the WPS LED turn off. If
you turned on the wireless radios, the WiFi On/Off LED and the WPS LED light.

Enable or Disable the Wireless Radios

If you used the WiFi On/Off button to turn off the wireless radios, you can’t log in to the
modem router to turn them back on. You must press the WiFi On/Off button again for two
seconds to turn the wireless radios back on.

To enable or disable the wireless radios:

1. Launch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

2. Type http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

Specify Network Settings User Manual54

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings.

5. Select or clear the Enable Wireless Gateway Radio check boxes in the 2.4 GHz and 5

GHz sections of the page.

Clearing this check box turns off the WiFi fea

6. Click the Apply but

If you turned off both wireless radios, the WiFi On/Off LED and the WPS LED turn off. If
you tu

rned on the wireless radios, the WiFi On/Off LED and the WPS LED light.

ton.

ture of the modem router.

Set Up a Wireless Schedule

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

To set up the wireless schedule:

aunch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

1. L
network.

2. T

ype http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

3. Ente

Specify Network Settings User Manual55

r the user name and password.

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADV

The Advanced Wireless Settings page displays.

5. Click the Add a new period but

6. Use the lists, radio buttons, and check boxes to set up a period during which you want to

turn off the wireless signal.

7. Click the Appl

The Advanced Wireless Settings page displays.

ANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings.

ton.

y button.

8. Select the T

9. Click the Appl

urn off wireless signal by schedule check box to activate the schedule.

y button.

Specify WPS Settings

Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) lets you join the WiFi network without typing the WiFi
password.

To specify WPS Settings:

1. Laun

2. Ty

3. Enter th

ch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

pe http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

e user name and password.

The user name is ad

The BASIC Home page displays.

min. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

Specify Network Settings User Manual56

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings.

The Router’s PIN field displays the PIN that you use on a registrar (for example, from the
Network Explorer on a Vista Windows computer) to configure the modem router’s
wireless settings through WPS.

5. (Optional) Select or clear the Disable Router’s PIN check box.

The PIN function might temporarily be disabled when the modem router detects
suspicious attempts to break into the modem router’s wireless settings by using the
modem router’s PIN through WPS. You can manually enable the PIN function by
selecting the Disable 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. NETGEAR
recommends that you leave this check box selected.

If you clear this check box, the next time a new wireless client uses WPS to connect to
the modem router, the modem router wireless settings change to an automatically
generated random SSID and security key.

7. Click the Apply button.

Your changes are saved.

Specify Network Settings User Manual57

6

6Manage Your Network

This chapter describes the modem router settings for administering and maintaining your
modem router and home network.

This chapter includes the following sections:

• Change the admin Password

• View Modem Router Status

• View Logs of Modem Router Activity

• View Event Logs

• Run the Ping Utility

• Run the Traceroute Utility

• Monitor Internet Traffic

• View Devices Currently on the Network

• Manage the Modem Router Configuration File

• View Wireless Access Points in Your Area

• View or Change the Modem Router Wireless Channel

• Dynamic DNS

• Remote Management

58

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

Change the admin Password

This feature let you change the default password that is used to log in to the modem router
with the user name admin. This password is not the one that you use for WiFi access. The
label on your modem router shows your unique wireless network name (SSID) and password
for wireless access.

To set the password for the user name admin:

1. L

aunch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

2. T

ype http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

3. Ente

4. Select ADV

5. Type the old password, and type the new password twice.

6. Click the Ap

r the user name and password.

The user name is adm

The BASIC Home page displays.

ANCED > Administration > Set Password.

ply button.

Your changes take effect.

in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

View Modem Router Status

To view modem router status and usage information:

1. L

aunch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

2. T

ype http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

3. Ente

Manage Your Network User Manual59

r the user name and password.

The user name is adm

in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Click the AD

5. Fo

r information about the displayed settings, click the Show/Hide Help Center link at the

bottom of the page.

VANCED tab.

Display Internet Port Statistics

To display Internet port statistics:

1. Laun

2. Ty

3. Enter th

4. The BA

5. Click the AD

ch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

pe http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

e user name and password.

The user name is ad

SIC Home page displays

VANCED tab.

min. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

Manage Your Network User Manual60

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

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

The following information displays:

•System Up Time. Th

•Port. T

the page displays:

-Status. Th

- TxPkts. Th

- RxPkts. The

- Collisions.

-Tx B/s. The

-Rx B/s. The current

-Up Time.

- Poll Interval.

7. T

o change the polling frequency, enter a time in seconds in the Poll Interval field and click

the Set Interval button.

8. T

o stop the polling entirely, click the Stop button.

he statistics for the WAN (Internet) and LAN (Ethernet) ports. For each port,

e link status of the port.

e number of packets transmitted on this port since reset or manual

clear.

LAN ports.

ports.

The time elapsed since this port acquired the link.

e time elapsed since the modem router was last restarted.

number of packets received on this port since reset or manual clear.

The number of collisions on this port since reset or manual clear.

current transmission (outbound) bandwidth used on the WAN and

reception (inbound) bandwidth used on the WAN and LAN

The interval at which the statistics are updated in this page.

Check the Internet Connection Status

To check the Internet connection status:

aunch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

1. L
network.

ype http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

2. T

A login window opens.

3. Ente

Manage Your Network User Manual61

r the user name and password.

The user name is adm

in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Click the AD

the Internet Port pane, click the Connection Status button.

5. In

The following information displays:

• IP Address. T

• Subnet Mask.

• Default Gateway. The

communicates with.

• DHCP Server. Th

that provides the TCP/IP configuration for all the computers that are connected to the
modem router.

VANCED tab.

he IP address that is assigned to the modem router.

The subnet mask that is assigned to the modem router.

IP address for the default gateway that the modem router

e IP address for the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol server

•DNS Server.

translation of network names to IP addresses.

• Lease Obtained. T

• Lease Expires. T

6. T

o return the status of all items to 0, click the Release button.

7. T

o refresh the window, click the Renew button.

o exit, click the Close Window button.

8. T

The IP address of the Domain Name Service server that provides

he date and time when the lease was obtained.

he date and time that the lease expires.

View Logs of Modem Router Activity

The log is a detailed record of the websites you have accessed or attempted to access and
other modem router actions. Up to 256 entries are stored in the log. Log entries display only
when keyword

To view logs:

1. Laun

network.

blocking is enabled and no log entries are made for the trusted user.

ch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

Manage Your Network User Manual62

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

2. Type http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

3. Ente

r the user name and password.

The user name is adm

in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADV

ANCED > Administration > Logs.

The log page shows the following information:

• Date and time. The

•Source IP.

The IP address of the initiating device for this log entry.

• Target address. T

date and time the log entry was recorded.

he name or IP address of the website or news group visited or to

which access was attempted.

•Action. The

action that occurred, such as whether Internet access was blocked or

allowed.

5. T

o customize the log, scroll down to view the bottom of the page and clear or select the

check boxes.

6. T

o refresh the log page, click the Refresh button.

7. T

o clear the log entries, click the Clear Log button.

o email the log immediately, click the Send Log button.

8. T

Manage Your Network User Manual63

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

View Event Logs

Event logs capture important modem router events.

To view the event logs:

1. Laun

2. Ty

3. Enter th

4. Select ADV

ch a web browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

pe http://routerlogin.net or http://192.168.0.1.

A login window opens.

e modem router user name and password.

The user name is ad

The BASIC Home page displays.

ANCED > Administration > Event Log.

min. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

The log page shows the following information:

•Time. The

•Priority. T

• Description. A descript

5. T

o refresh the log page, click the Refresh button.

To clear the log entries, click the Cle

Manage Your Network User Manual64

time the event log entry was recorded.

he severity for this event log entry.

ion of this event log entry.

ar Log button.

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

Run the Ping Utility

Ping is an administration utility that tests whether a computer on the network is reachable
and measures the time it takes messages sent from the originating device to reach a
destination computer and return.

To run a ping test:

aunch a web browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

1. L
network.

2. T

ype http://routerlogin.net or http://192.168.0.1.

A login window opens.

3. Ente

4. Select ADV

r the modem router user name and password.

The user name is adm

The BASIC Home page displays.

ANCED > Administration > Diagnostics.

In the Utilit

y list, Ping is selected by default.

in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

5. Select the Ping Test Parameters IPv4 or IPv6 radio button.Specify the following parameters

for the ping utility:

• Target.

•Ping Size.

• No. of Pings. Th

number of pings is 128.

• Ping Interval.

6. Click the S

The ping results display.

Manage Your Network User Manual65

The IP address of the ping target computer.

The size (in bytes) of the ping packet.

e number of times to ping the target computer. The maximum

The time between pings.

tart Test button.

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

7. To stop a ping test, click the Abort Test button.

8. T

o clear the results from the display, click the Clear Results button.

Run the Traceroute Utility

To display the route and measure transit delays of packets across an IP, run the traceroute
utility.

To run a traceroute test:

1. Laun

2. Ty

3. Enter

4. Select A

5. In

ch a web browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

pe http://routerlogin.net or http://192.168.0.1.

A login window opens.

the modem router user name and password.

The user name is ad

The BASIC Home page displays.

DVANCED > Administration > Diagnostics.

the Utility list, select Traceroute.

min. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

6. Specify the following parameters for the traceroute utility:

•Target. The

•Max Hops. Th

• Data Size. The

• Base Port. Th

• Resolve Host. Sele

Manage Your Network User Manual66

IP address or host name of the computer you are tracing.

e maximum number of hops to allow when tracing the route.

input the size (in bytes) of the packet.

e port number to send the packet to.

ct On to resolve the host name to the IP address.

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

Scroll to view
more settings

7. Click the Start Test button.

The traceroute results display.

o clear the results from the display, click the Clear Results button.

8. T

Monitor Internet Traffic

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

To monitor Internet traffic:

aunch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

1. L
network.

ype http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

2. T

A login window opens.

3. Ente

4. Select ADV

r the user name and password.

The user name is adm

The BASIC Home page displays.

ANCED > Advanced Setup > Traffic Meter.

in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

5. Select the Enable Traffic Meter check box.

6. (Optional)

You can use either the traffic volume control feature or the connection time control
f

eature:

Manage Your Network User Manual67

Control the volume of Internet traffic.

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

• 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. (Optional) 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.

If you want the traffic counter to start immediately, click the Restart Counter Now button.

9. In the Traffic Control section, specify whether the modem 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 green or amber.

• The Internet connection is disconnected and disabled.

10. Click the Apply button.

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 modem router and to change the
poll interval, click the Traffic Status button.

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:

1. Launch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

2. Type http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

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Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

4. Select Attached Devices.

The Wired Devices section lists devices that are connected to the modem router with
Ethernet cables. The Wireless Devices section lists devices that are connected to the
wireless network. The following information is displayed:

•Status. Th

• Device Name. If the

•IP Address. The

joined the network. This number can change if a device is disconnected and rejoins
the network.

•MAC Address. The

address is typically shown on the product label.

5. T

o update this page, click the Refresh button.

e status of the device, Allowed or Blocked.

device name is known, it is shown here.

IP address that the modem router assigned to this device when it

unique MAC address for each device does not change. The MAC

Manage the Modem Router Configuration File

The configuration settings of the modem router are stored within the modem 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 modem router’s configuration settings:

aunch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

1. L
network.

ype http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

2. T

A login window opens.

3. Ente

Manage Your Network User Manual69

r the user name and password.

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

WARNING:

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select A

5. Click the Back Up button.

6. S

pecify a location on your network.

A confirmation message displays.

7. Click the OK b

A copy of the current settings is saved in the location you specified.

DVANCED > Administration > Backup Settings.

utton.

Restore Configuration Settings

To restore configuration settings that you backed up:

1. Laun

2. Ty

3. Enter th

4. Select A

5. Click the Br

6. Click the Restore but

ch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

pe http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

e user name and password.

The user name is ad

The BASIC Home page displays.

DVANCED > Administration > Backup Settings.

owse button to find and select the cfg file.

The file is uploaded to the modem router and the modem router reboots.

Do not interrupt the reboot process.

min. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

ton.

Manage Your Network User Manual70

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

Erase the Current Configuration Settings

You can erase the current configuration and restore the factory default settings. You might
want to do this if you move the modem router to a different network. (See
page 93).

To erase the configuration settings:

1. Launch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

2. Type http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Backup Settings.

5. Click the Erase button.

Factory Settings on

The factory default settings are restored. The user name is admin, the password is
password, and the LAN IP address is 192.168.0.1. DHCP is enabled.

View Wireless Access Points in Your Area

You can view wireless networks or access points, in your area and select and join a wireless
network.

To manage your wireless access point (AP):

1. Launch a web browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

2. Type http://routerlogin.net or http://192.168.0.1.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the modem router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

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Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Wireless AP.

This page displays the wireless access points in use in your area.

View or Change the Modem Router Wireless Channel

Many countries and geographic locations have laws or guidelines about which channels
can be used. Depending on your location, some channels might not be available. If many
wireless networks at your location use the same channel as your wireless network, you
might experience interference. You can change the channel to avoid the interference.

To view or change your wireless channel:

1. Laun

2. Ty

3. Enter th

ch a web browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

pe http://routerlogin.net or http://192.168.0.1.

A login window opens.

e modem router user name and password.

The user name is ad

The BASIC Home page displays.

min. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

Manage Your Network User Manual72

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Wireless Channel.

The page displays wireless channels in use in the 2.4 GHz WiFi band. Your network is
shown in blue. Yellow shows other networks in your area.

o view wireless channels in use in the 5 GHz WiFi band, select the 5 GHz a/n radio button.

5. T

o change the wireless channel, click the Change Channel button.

6. T

The Wireless Setup page displays.

7. In the Ch

8. Click the Ap

Your changes take effect.

annel list, select a different channel setting.

ply button.

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

s you use a domain name to access your home network. To use this account, you must set

let
up the modem router to use Dynamic DNS. Then the modem 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 se

Manage Your Network User Manual73

rvice does not work because private addresses are not routed on the Internet.

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

Specify a DNS Account

To set up Dynamic DNS in the modem router:

1. Laun

2. Ty

3. Enter th

4. Select ADV

5. Select the Use a Dynamic DNS Service check box.

ch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

pe http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

e user name and password.

The user name is ad

The BASIC Home page displays.

ANCED > Advanced Settings > Dynamic DNS.

min. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

the Service Provider list, select your service provider from the list.

6. In

7. In

the Host Name field, type the host name (sometimes called the domain name) for your

account.

8. In

the User Name field, enter the user name for your account.

the Password (6-32 characters) field, type the password for your DDNS account.

9. In

10. Click the Appl

Your changes are saved.

o verify that your Dynamic DNS service is enabled in the modem router, click the Show

11. T
Status button.

A message displays the Dynamic DNS status.

y button.

Change the Dynamic DNS Settings

To change your settings:

1. Laun

2. Ty

ch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

pe http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

Manage Your Network User Manual74

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

A login window opens.

3. Enter the user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Settings > Dynamic DNS.

5. Change your DDNS account settings as necessary.

6. Click the Apply button.

Your changes are saved.

Remote Management

The remote management feature lets you access your modem router over the Internet to
view or change its settings. You need to know the modem 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
Password on page 59.

To set up remote management:

1. Launch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

2. Type http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

Change the admin

Manage Your Network User Manual75

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Remote Management.

5. Select the Turn Remote Management On check box.

the Allow Remote Access By section, specify the external IP addresses to be allowed to

6. In
access the modem router’s remote management:

Note: For e

nhanced security, restrict access to as few external IP addresses

as practical

Select one of the following:

o allow access from a single IP address on the Internet, select the Only This

• T

Computer radio button. Enter the IP address to be allowed access.

• T

o allow access from a range of IP addresses on the Internet, select the IP Address

Range radio button. Enter a beginning and ending IP address to define the allowed

range.

• T

o allow access from any IP address on the Internet, select the Everyone radio

button.

7. S

pecify the port number for accessing the web management interface.

Normal web browser access uses the standard HTTP service port 80. For greater
securit

y, enter a custom port number for the remote web management interface. Choose
a number from 1024 to 65535, but do not use the number of any common service port.
The default is 8080, which is a common alternate for HTTP.

8. Click the Appl

y button.

Your changes take effect.

To use remote access:

1. Laun

2. T

ch an Internet browser on a computer that is not on your home network.

ype your modem 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 1
enter http://134.177.0.123:8080 in your browser.

Manage Your Network User Manual76

34.177.0.123 and you use port number 8080,

7

7Specify Internet Port Settings

You can use port forwarding and port triggering to set up rules for Internet traffic. You need
networking knowledge to set up these features.

This chapter includes the following sections:

• Set Up Port Forwarding to a Local Server

• Set Up Port Triggering

77

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

Set Up Port Forwarding to a Local Server

If you have a server in your home network, 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 modem router can forward incoming traffic with sp
local network. You can specify the servers for applications and you can also specify a default
DMZ server to which the modem router forwards all other incoming protocols.

To forward specific incoming protocols:

1. Decide which type

2. Fin

3. Lau

4. Ty

5. Enter th

6. Select ADV

d the local IP address of the computer on your network that will provide the service.

The server computer must always have the same IP ad
the reserved IP address feature. See

nch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

pe http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

e user name and password.

The user name is ad

The BASIC Home page displays.

ANCED > Advanced Setup > Port Forwarding/Port Triggering.

of service, application, or game you want to provide.

Reserve LAN IP Addresses on page 46.

min. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

ecific protocols to computers on your

dress. To specify this setting, use

7. Leave the Port Forwarding radio button selected as the service type.

8. In

the Service Name list, select the service name.

Specify Internet Port Settings User Manual78

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

If the service that you want to add is not in the list, create a custom service. See Add a
Custom Port Forwarding Service on page 79.

9. In the Server IP
service.

10. Click the Ad

The service displays in the list.

Address field, enter the IP address of the computer that will provide the

d button.

Add a Custom Port Forwarding Service

To add a custom service:

ind out which port number or range of numbers the application uses.

1. F

You can usually find this information by contacting the pu
groups or news groups.

2. Launch an Inte
network.

3. T

ype http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

4. Ente

r the user name and password.

The user name is adm

rnet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

blisher of the application or user

The BASIC Home page displays.

5. Select ADV

6. Leave the Po

7. Click the Ad

8. In the Service Name field, enter a descriptive name.

9. In the Servic

10. In the Extern

If the application uses a single port, enter the same port number in the Ending Port field.

ANCED > Advanced Setup > Port Forwarding/Port Triggering.

rt Forwarding radio button selected as the service type.

d Custom Service button.

e Type field, select the protocol. If you are unsure, select TCP/UDP.

al Starting Port field, enter the beginning port number.

Specify Internet Port Settings User Manual79

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

If the application uses a range of ports, enter the ending port number of the range in the
External Ending Port field.

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 and Internal Ending Port fields.

12. Type the IP address in the Internal IP address field or select the radio button for an

attached device listed in the table.

13. Click the Apply button.

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:

1. Launch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

2. Type http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

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

5. Leave the Port Forwarding radio button selected as the service type

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. Specify changes to any of the following settings:

• Service Name. Type the service name.

• Service Type. If you are unsure, select TCP/UDP.

• External Starting Port: If the application uses a single port, enter the same port

number in the External Ending Port field. If the application uses a range of ports,
enter the ending port number of the range in the External Ending Port field.

• For the internal ports, leave the Use the same port range for Internal port check

box selected.

• Internal IP address. Type the IP address in the Internal IP address field, or select the

radio button for an attached device listed in the table.

9. Click the Apply button.

Your changes are saved.

Specify Internet Port Settings User Manual80

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

Delete a Port Forwarding Entry

To delete a port forwarding entry:

1. Launch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

network.

2. Type http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

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

5. Select the Port Forwarding radio button as the service type

6. In the table, select the radio button next to the service name.

7. Click the Delete Service button.

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 modem router always gives your web server an IP address of

192.168.0.33.

2. In the Port Forwarding/Port Triggering page, configure the modem router to forward the
HTTP service to the local address of your web server at 192.168.0.33.

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 in the
Dynamic DNS page of the modem 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.

How the Modem Router Implements the Port Forwarding Rule

The following sequence shows the effects of a port forwarding rule:

Specify Internet Port Settings User Manual81

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

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 modem router.

• Destination port number. 80, which is the standard port number for a web server

process.

2. Your modem router receives the message and finds your port forwarding rule for incoming
port 80 traffic.

3. The modem router changes the destination in the message to IP address 192.168.0.123
and sends the message to that computer.

4. Your web server at IP address 192.168.0.123 receives the request and sends a reply
message to your modem router.

5. Your modem router performs Network Address Translation (NAT) on the source IP address,
and sends the reply through the Internet to the computer or wireless device that sent the
web page request.

Set Up 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 modem router monitors traffic to the Internet from an outbound
“trigger” port that you specify. For outbound traffic from that port, the modem router saves the
IP address of the computer that sent the traffic. The modem 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.

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).

Specify Internet Port Settings User Manual82

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

Add a Port Triggering Service

To add a port triggering service:

aunch an Internet browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the

1. L
network.

2. T

ype http://www.routerlogin.net or http://www.routerlogin.com.

A login window opens.

3. Ente

4. Select ADV

5. Select th

6. Click the Ad

7. In the Service Name field, type a descriptive service name.

8. In the Servic

r the user name and password.

The user name is adm

The BASIC Home page displays.

ANCED > Advanced Setup > Port Forwarding/Port Triggering.

e Port Triggering radio button.

d Service button.

e User list, select Any, or select Single address and enter the IP address of

one computer:

•Any (the de

• Single address restrict

fault) allows any computer on the Internet to use this service.

in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

s the service to a particular computer.

9. Select

If you are not sure, select TC

10. In the T
inbound ports.

11. Ente
Ending Port fields.

12. Click the Ap

The service is now in the Portmap table. You must enable port triggering before the
modem rout
section.

Specify Internet Port Settings User Manual83

the service type, either TCP or UDP or TCP/UDP (both).

P/UDP.

riggering Port field, enter the number of the outbound traffic port that will open the

r the inbound connection port information in the Connection Type, Starting Port, and

ply button.

er used port triggering for the service that you added. See the following

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

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 modem 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, you can
tell the modem 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 the port triggering rule you have defined:

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 modem router.

3. Your modem router creates an entry in its internal session table describing this
communication session between your computer and the IRC server. Your modem 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
modem 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 modem router using the NAT-assigned
source port (for example, port 33333) as the destination port. The IRC server also sends an
“identify” message to your modem router with destination port 113.

6. When your modem 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 modem router restores the original address information replaced by NAT and
sends this reply message to your computer.

7. When your modem 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
modem 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 modem router eventually senses a period of
inactivity in the communications. The modem router then removes the session information
from its session table, and incoming traffic is no longer accepted on port numbers 33333 or

113.

Specify Internet Port Settings User Manual84

8

8Troubleshooting

This chapter provides information to help you diagnose and solve problems you might have with
your modem router. If you do not find the solution here, check the NETGEAR support site at
http://support.netgear.com for product and contact information.

This chapter contains the following sections:

• Troubleshoot with the LEDs

• Cannot Log In to the Modem Router

• Changes Not Saved

• Wireless Connectivity

• Troubleshoot Your Network Using the Ping Utility

85

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

Troubleshoot with the LEDs

You can use the LEDs on the front panel of the modem router for troubleshooting.

Power LED Is Off

• Make sure that the power adapter is securely connected to your modem router and
securely connected to a working power outlet.

• Check that you are using the power adapter that NETGEAR supplied for this product.

• If the problem persists, contact technical support for help at www.netgear.com/support.

LEDs Never Turn Off

When the modem 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 modem router.

If all LEDs are still lit one minute after power-up, do the following:

• Cycle the power to see if the modem router recovers.

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

more information, see

If the error persists, you might have a hardware problem. Contact technical support at

www.netgear.com/support.

Factory Settings on page 93.

Internet LED Is Off

If the Internet LED is off and the modem router is connected to the cable television cable, try
the following:

• Make sure that the coaxial cable connections are secure at the modem router and at the
wall jack.

• Make sure that your cable Internet provider provisioned your cable Internet service. Your
provider can verify that the signal quality is good enough for modem router service.

• Remove any excessive splitters that on your cable line. Run a “home run” back to the
point where the cable enters your home.

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Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

Troubleshoot the Cable Internet Connection

When your modem router cannot access the Internet and your Internet LED is on, register
the cable MAC address or device MAC address of your modem router with your cable
Internet provider.

Additionally, check the setting for your computer’s TCP/IP gateway. It should be set to use
the modem router. modem router. If your computer obtains its information from the modem
router by DHCP, reboot the computer and verify the gateway address.

Cannot Log In to the Modem Router

If you are unable to log in to the modem router from a computer or WiFi device on your local
network, check the following:

1. Make sure that you are connected to the modem router’s wired or WiFi network.

• For a wired Ethernet connection, make sure that the Ethernet connection is secure

and the modem router is powered on (its Power LED is lit).

• For a WiFi connection, make sure that you selected the correct network.If you cannot

find the WiFi network, make sure that the modem router is powered on (it’s Power
LED is lit). If the modem router is powered on, someone might have turned off the
SSID broadcast or the turned off the wireless radios. See
page 89.

2. If you are connected to the modem router network, but the web browser does not display the
login window, check the following:

• Make sure that your browser has Java, JavaScript, or ActiveX enabled. 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.

3. If the browser displays the login window, but you cannot access the modem router, make

sure that you are using the correct login information.

The user name is admin, and Both are case-sensitive. Make sure that Caps Lock is off
when you enter this information.

4. If you customized advanced home network settings such as the IP address scheme, check
the following:

• Make sure that the IP address of your computer is on the same subnet as the modem

router. If you are using the recommended addressing scheme, your computer’s
address is in the range of 192.168.0.2 to 192.168.0.254.

• 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

Wireless Connectivity on

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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 modem
router, and reboot your computer.

• If your modem router’s IP address was changed and you do not know the current IP

address, clear the modem router’s configuration to factory defaults. This sets the
modem router’s IP address to 192.168.0.1. For more information, see

Factory

Settings on page 93.

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Changes Not Saved

If the modem router does not save the changes you make in the modem router interface,
check 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. The changes might have
occurred, but the old settings might be in the web browser’s cache.

Wireless Connectivity

If you are having trouble connecting wirelessly to the modem router, try to isolate the
problem:

• The computer or WiFi device that you are using does not find the WiFi network.

This can happen for the following reasons:

- Someone pressed the WiFi On/Off button on the modem router, which turned off the

wireless radios.

Check the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz LEDs on the front of the modem router. If they are off,
press the WiFi On/Off button to turn the wireless radios back on.

- Someone logged in to the modem router and disabled its wireless radios or set up a

wireless schedule.

In this case, pressing the WiFi On/Off button does not turn the wireless radios back
on. You must log in to enable the wireless radios. Use an Ethernet cable to for a wired
connection to the modem router. Then log in and change the settings. For more
information, see

- Someone logged in to the modem router and disabled its SSID broadcast. Your

wireless network is hidden and does not display in your wireless client’s scanning list.
(By default, SSID broadcast is enabled.)

To connect with WiFi, you must type the network SSID and password. For information
about how to enable the SSID broadcast, see
page 49.

• You can find the WiFi network, but you can’t connect. Check the following:

- Make sure that your computer or WiFi device supports the security that you are using

for your wireless network (WPA or WPA2)?

- You are not sure what the WiFi password is.

Control the Wireless Radios on page 54.

Specify Basic WiFi Settings on

The preset WiFi password is on the product label. If you changed it and do not
remember the new password, you can use a wired Ethernet connection to log in to

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the modem router and view or change the WiFi password. For more information, see

Change the WiFi Security Option on page 51

- The WiFi signal strength is weak in your location:

Is your modem router too far from your computer, or too close? Place your computer
near the modem router, but at least 6 feet (1.8 meters) away, and see if the signal
strength improves.

Check for sources of WiFi interference that might block the signal. See Position Your
Modem Router on page 11.

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 Modem Router

You can ping the modem router from your computer to verify that the LAN path to your
modem router is set up correctly.

To ping the modem router from a Windows computer:

1. From the Windows toolbar, click Start and select Run.

2. In the field provided, type ping followed by the IP address of the modem router, as in this

example:

ping www.routerlogin.net

3. Click the OK button.

You should 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, you might have one of the following problems:

• Wrong physical connections

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For a wired connection, make sure that the numbered LAN port LED is lit for the port to
which you are connected.

Check that the appropriate LEDs are on for your network devices. If your modem 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 modem 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 modem router and your computer are correct and that
the addresses are on the same subnet.

Test the Path from Your Computer to a Remote Device

After verifying that the LAN path works correctly, test the path from your 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 like those shown in the previous section display.

If you do not receive replies, check the following:

• Check that your computer has the IP address of your modem router listed as the default
gateway. 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 modem
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 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 in 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 so, configure your modem router to “clone”
or “spoof” the MAC address from the authorized computer.

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A

ASupplemental Information

This appendix covers the following topics:

• Factory Settings

• Technical Specifications

92

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

Factory Settings

You can return the modem router to its factory settings. Use the end of a paper clip or a
similar object to press and hold the Reset button on the back of the modem router for at least
seven seconds. The modem router resets, and returns to the factory configuration settings
shown in the following table.

Table 2. Factory default settings

Feature Default behavior

Modem router
login

Local network
(LAN)

User login URL www.routerlogin.com or www.routerlogin.net

User name (case-sensitive) admin

Login password (case-sensitive) password

LAN IP 192.168.0.1

Subnet mask 255.255.255.0

DHCP server Enabled

DHCP range 192.168.0.2 to 192.168.0.254

Time zone Pacific time

DHCP starting IP address Configured by the Internet provider

DHCP ending IP address 192.168.0.254

DMZ Disabled

Time zone As per the ISP/MSO ToD (Time of Day) Configuration

Time zone adjusted for daylight
savings time

SNMP Enabled

As per ISP/MSO ToD (time of Day) server configuration

Cable modem
Firewall

Wireless Wireless communication Enabled

Inbound (communications coming
in from the Internet)

Outbound (communications going
out to the Internet)

SSID name See the product label

Security WPA2-PSK (AES)

Broadcast SSID Enabled

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Disabled (except traffic on port 80, the HTTP port)

Enabled (all)

Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

Table 2. Factory default settings (continued)

Feature Default behavior

Wireless
(continued)

Country/region United States

RF channel (2.4 GHz) Auto

1

RF channel (5 GHz) CH 153 (or manually select Band I and 4 Channels)

Operating mode Up to 600 Mbps at 2.4 GHz, 1300 Mbps at 5 GHz

1. Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. Actual throughput can vary. Network

conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, and network
overhead, lower actual data throughput rate.

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Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi Cable Modem Router

Technical Specifications

Table 3. Modem router specifications

Feature Description

Data and routing protocols TCP/IP, DHCP, Dynamic DNS, UPnP, and SMB

Power adapter 
(North America)

Dimensions 245.36 x 211 x 43.18 mm (9.66 x 8.31 x 1.7 in.)

Weight Weight: 725.75 g (1.6 lb)

Operating temperature 0° to 40° C (32º to 104º F)

Operating humidity 90% maximum relative humidity, noncondensing

Electromagnetic emissions FCC Part 15 Class B

LAN 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX or 1000BASE-T, RJ-45

WAN 24 x 8 DOCSIS 3.0 WAN Interface

Wireless Maximum wireless signal rate complies with the IEEE 802.11 standard. See the

Radio data rates Auto Rate Sensing

Data encoding standards IEEE 802.11ac 2.0

Maximum computers per

ss network

wirele

120V, 60 Hz, input
12V/3.5A DC output

otnote for the previous table.

fo

IEEE 802.11n version 2.0
IEEE 802.11n 256QAM IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b 2.4 GHz 

IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11a 5.0 GHz

Limited by the amount of wireless network traffic generated by each node
(typically 50–70 nodes).

Operating frequency range 2.4 GHz: 2.412–2.462 GHz 

5 GHz: 5.18–5.24 + 5.745–5.825 GHz

802.11 security WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, and WPA/WPA2

Supplemental Information User Manual95