Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P User manual

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Nighthawk A C2300 Smart WiFi Router

User Manual

Model R7000P

July 2017 202-11702-02

350 E. Plumeria Drive San Jose, CA 95134 USA

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Support

Thank you for purchasing this NETGEAR product.You can visit www.netgear.com/support to register your product, get help, access the latest downloads and user manuals , and join our comm unity.We recommend that you use only official NETGEAR support resources.

Conformity

For the current EU Declaration of Conformity, visit http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/11621.

Compliance

For regulatory compliance information, visit http://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory. See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply.

Trademarks

Chapter 1 Hardware Setup

Unpack Your Router...............................................................................................9

Attach the Antennas...............................................................................................9

Front View............................................................................................................10

LED Descriptions.................................................................................................10

Rear Panel...........................................................................................................12

Position Your Router.............................................................................................13

Cable Your Router................................................................................................14

Disable or Enable LED Blinking or Turn Off LEDs...............................................14

Chapter 2 Connect to the Network and Access the Router

Connect to the Network.......................................................................................17

Wired Connection............................................................................................17

WiFi Connection..............................................................................................17

WiFi Connection Using WPS...........................................................................17

Label...............................................................................................................18

Types of Logins....................................................................................................18

Use a Web Browser to Access the Router...........................................................18

Automatic Internet Setup.................................................................................18

Install the Router With the NETGEAR Up App....................................................20

Change the Language.........................................................................................20

Access the Router With the NETGEAR genie App..............................................21

Chapter 3 Specify Your Internet Settings

Use the Internet Setup Wizard.............................................................................23

Manually Set Up the Internet Connection............................................................23

Specify an Internet Connection Without a Login.............................................23

Specify an Internet Connection That Uses a Login.........................................24

Specify IPv6 Internet Connections.......................................................................25

Requirements for Entering IPv6 Addresses....................................................26

Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet Connection...........................................27

Use Auto Detect for an IPv6 Internet Connection...........................................28

Set Up an IPv6 6to4 Tunnel Internet Connection............................................29

Set Up an IPv6 6rd Internet Connection.........................................................30

Set Up an IPv6 Pass Through Internet Connection.........................................31

Set Up an IPv6 Fixed Internet Connection......................................................32

Set Up an IPv6 DHCP Internet Connection....................................................33

Set Up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet Connection...................................................34

Change the MTU Size..........................................................................................35

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Chapter 4 Control Access to the Internet

Set Up Parental Controls.....................................................................................39

Enable Circle With Disney...............................................................................39

Enable Circle With Disney On Your Router......................................................39

Enable Circle With Disney Using the Circle App.............................................40

Enable Standard Parental Controls.................................................................41

Allow or Block Access to Your Network................................................................41

Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites..................................................................42

Delete Keywords From the Blocked List...............................................................43

Avoid Blocking on a Trusted Computer................................................................44

Block Services From the Internet.........................................................................44

Manage Network Access Control Lists................................................................45

Schedule When to Block Internet Sites and Services..........................................46

Set Up Security Event Email Notifications...........................................................46

Chapter 5 Network Settings

View or Change WAN Settings............................................................................49

Set Up a Default DMZ Server..............................................................................50

Change the Router’s Device Name......................................................................50

Change the LAN TCP/IP Settings........................................................................51

Specify the IP Addresses That the Router Assigns.............................................52

Disable the DHCP Server Feature in the Router.................................................53

Manage Reserved LAN IP Addresses.................................................................54

Reserve an IP Address...................................................................................54

Edit a Reserved IP Address............................................................................55

Delete a Reserved IP Address Entry..............................................................55

Use the WPS Wizard for WiFi Connections.........................................................56

Specify Basic WiFi Settings.................................................................................56

Change the WiFi Mbps Settings...........................................................................58

Change the WiFi Password or Security Level......................................................58

Set Up a Guest WiFi Network..............................................................................59

Control the WiFi Radios.......................................................................................60

Use the WiFi On/Off Button.............................................................................60

Enable or Disable the WiFi Radios..................................................................60

Set Up a WiFi Schedule.......................................................................................61

Specify WPS Settings..........................................................................................61

Manage Implicit Beamforming.............................................................................62

Manage Airtime Fairness.....................................................................................63

Manage MU-MIMO..............................................................................................63

Enable Router Mode............................................................................................64

Use the Router as a WiFi Access Point...............................................................64

Set Up the Router in Bridge Mode.......................................................................65

Set Up a Bridge for a Port Group or VLAN Tag Group.........................................66

Set Up a Bridge for a Por t Group....................................................................67

Set Up a Bridge for a VLAN Tag Group...........................................................67

Set Up an IPTV Port to Lease an Intranet Por t...............................................69

Custom Static Routes..........................................................................................70

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Set Up a Static Route......................................................................................70

Edit a Static Route..........................................................................................71

Delete a Static Route......................................................................................72

Chapter 6 Optimize Performance

Use Dynamic QoS to Optimize Internet Traffic Management...............................74

Enable Dynamic QoS......................................................................................74

Enable or Disable the Automatic QoS Database Update................................74

Improve Network Connections With Universal Plug and Play..............................75

Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service.....................................................................76

Enable or Disable Smart Connect........................................................................77

Chapter 7 Manage Your Network

Update the Router Firmware................................................................................79

Check for New Firmware and Update the Router............................................79

Manually Upload Firmware to the Router........................................................80

Change the admin Password and Enable Password Recovery...........................80

Set Up Password Recovery.................................................................................81

Recover the admin Password..............................................................................82

View Router Status..............................................................................................82

Display Internet Port Statistics.............................................................................83

Check the Internet Connection Status.................................................................84

View and Manage Logs of Router Activity...........................................................84

View Devices Currently on the Network...............................................................85

Monitor Internet Traffic.........................................................................................86

Manage the Router Configuration File.................................................................87

Back Up Settings.............................................................................................87

Erase the Current Configuration Settings........................................................87

Restore Configuration Settings.......................................................................88

Remote Access....................................................................................................88

Set Up Remote Management..........................................................................89

Use Remote Access........................................................................................89

Remotely Access Your Router Using the genie App............................................90

Chapter 8 Share USB Storage Devices Attached to the Router

USB Device Requirements..................................................................................92

Connect a USB Storage Device to the Router.....................................................92

Access a Storage Device Connected to the Router From a Windows Computer.93

Map a USB Device to a Windows Network Drive.................................................93

Access a Storage Device That Is Connected to the Router From a Mac.............94

Back Up Windows Computers With ReadySHARE Vault.....................................94

Back Up Mac Computers With Time Machine......................................................95

Set Up a USB Hard Drive on a Mac................................................................95

Prepare to Back Up a Large Amount of Data..................................................96

Use Time Machine to Back Up Onto a USB Hard Disk...................................96

Use FTP Within the Network................................................................................97

View or Change Network Folders on a Storage Device.......................................98

Add a Network Folder on a USB Storage Device................................................99

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Edit a Network Folder on a USB Storage Device.................................................99

Set Up NETGEAR Downloader.........................................................................100

Download Files Using NETGEAR Downloader.............................................100

Change the NETGEAR Downloader Settings...............................................101

Set Up Email Notifications for NETGEAR Downloader.................................101

Manage NETGEAR Downloader Tasks.........................................................102

Safely Remove a USB Storage Device..............................................................102

Chapter 9 Use Dynamic DNS to Access USB Storage Devices Thr ough the Internet

Set Up and Manage Dynamic DNS...................................................................105

Set Up FTP Access Through the Internet..........................................................105

Your Personal FTP Server.................................................................................106

Set Up Your Personal FTP Server.................................................................106

Set Up a New Dynamic DNS Account...........................................................107

Specify a DNS Account That You Already Created.......................................107

Change the Dynamic DNS Settings..............................................................108

Access USB Storage Devices Through the Internet..........................................109

Remotely Access a USB Device Using ReadyCLOUD......................................109

Create a ReadyCLOUD Account...................................................................109

Chapter 10 Use the Router as a Media Server

Specify ReadyDLNA Media Server Settings......................................................112

Play Music From a Storage Device With iTunes Server.....................................112

Set Up the Router’s iTunes Server With iTunes.............................................113

Set Up the Router’s iTunes Server With the Remote App.............................114

Play Media From a USB Device on TiVo............................................................115

Set Up the Router to Work With TiVo............................................................115

Play Videos on TiVo.......................................................................................116

Play Music or View Photos on TiVo...............................................................116

Change the NTP Server.....................................................................................117

Chapter 11 Share a USB Printer

Install the Printer Driver and Cable the Printer..................................................119

Download the ReadySHARE Printer Utility........................................................119

Install the ReadySHARE Printer Utility..............................................................120

Print Using the NETGEAR USB Control Center................................................121

View or Change the Status of a Printer..............................................................122

Use the Scan Feature of a Multifunction USB Printer........................................122

Change NETGEAR USB Control Center Settings.............................................123

Turn Off Automatic Startup for NETGEAR USB Control Center....................123

Change the Language for the NETGEAR USB Control Center....................123

Specify the USB Control Center Time-Out....................................................123

Chapter 12 Use VPN to Access Your Network

Set Up a VPN Connection..................................................................................126

Specify VPN Service in the Router....................................................................126

Install OpenVPN Software.................................................................................127

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Install OpenVPN Software on Your Windows Computer................................127

Install OpenVPN Software on Your Mac Computer.......................................130

Install OpenVPN Software on an iOS Device................................................130

Install OpenVPN Software on an Android Device.........................................131

Use a VPN Tunnel on Your Windows Computer.................................................132

Use VPN to Access the Router’s USB Device and Media..................................133

Use VPN to Access Your Internet Service at Home...........................................134

Set Up VPN Client Internet Access in the Router.........................................134

Block VPN Client Internet Access in the Router............................................135

Use a VPN Tunnel to Access Your Internet Ser vice at Home........................135

Chapter 13 Customize Internet Traffic Rules for Ports

Port Forwarding to a Local Server.....................................................................137

Set Up Port Forwarding to a Local Server.....................................................137

Add a Custom Port Forwarding Service........................................................138

Edit a Port Forwarding Service......................................................................138

Delete a Port Forwarding Entry.....................................................................139

Application Example: Make a Local Web Server Public................................139

How the Router Implements the Por t Forwarding Rule.................................140

Port Triggering....................................................................................................140

Add a Port Triggering Service........................................................................141

Enable Por t Triggering...................................................................................142

Application Example: Port Triggering for Internet Relay Chat port triggering.142

Chapter 14 Troubleshooting

Quick Tips..........................................................................................................145

Sequence to Restart Your Network...............................................................145

Check Ethernet Cable Connections..............................................................145

WiFi Settings.................................................................................................145

Network Settings...........................................................................................145

Troubleshoot With the LEDs...............................................................................145

Standard LED Behavior When the Router Is Powered On............................146

Power LED Is Off or Blinking.........................................................................146

LEDs Never Tur n Off.....................................................................................146

Internet or Ethernet Port LEDs Are Off.........................................................146

WiFi LED Is Off..............................................................................................147

You Cannot Log In to the Router........................................................................147

You Cannot Access the Inter net.........................................................................147

Troubleshoot Internet Browsing.........................................................................149

Changes Are Not Saved....................................................................................149

Troubleshoot WiFi Connectivity..........................................................................149

Troubleshoot Your Network Using the Ping Utility..............................................150

Test the LAN Path to Your Router..................................................................150

Test the Path From Your Computer to a Remote Device...............................151

Chapter 15 Supplemental Information

Factory Settings.................................................................................................153

Technical Specifications.....................................................................................154

Hardware Setup

This chapter contains the following sections:

• Unpack Your Router on page 9

• Attach the Antennas on page 9

• Front View on page 10

• LED Descriptions on page 10

• Rear Panel on page 12

• Cable Your Router on page 14

• Position Your Router on page 13

• Disable or Enable LED Blinking or Turn Off LEDs on page 14

For more information about the topics cov ered in this manual, visit the support website at support.netgear.com.

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Unpack Your Router

Your package contains the Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router, the power adapter , and a yellow Ethernet cable.

Figure 1. Package contents

Attach the Antennas

The router comes with three antennas.

To attach the antennas:

1. Remove the antenna caps from the antenna posts on the router.

2. Align the antennas with the antenna posts on the router.

3. Attach the antennas on the threaded antenna posts.

4. Position the antennas for the best WiFi performance.

We recommend that the center antenna be vertical and that you aim the others outward at 45-degree angles, as shown.

Hardware Setup

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Front View

The router has status LEDs on top and a USB 3.0 port on the front

Figure 2. Front view

LED Descriptions

The following tables describe the LEDs and buttons on the top of the router.

Table 1. LED descriptions

DescriptionLED

Power

• Solid amber.The router is starting.

• Blinking amber.The firmware is upgrading, or the Reset button was pressed.

• Solid white.The router is ready.

• Blinking white.The firmware is corrupted.

• Off. Power is not supplied to the router.

Internet

• Solid white.The Internet connection is ready.

• Solid amber.The router has detected an Ethernet cable connection to the modem.

• Blinking white.The port is sending or receiving traffic.

• Off. No Ethernet cable is connected between the router and the modem.

Hardware Setup

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Table 1. LED descriptions (Continued)

DescriptionLED

2.4 GHz WiFi

• Solid white.The 2.4 GHz WiFi radio is operating.

• Blinking.The router is sending or receiving WiFi traffic.

• Off.The 2.4 GHz WiFi radio is off.

5 GHz WiFi

• Solid white.The 5 GHz WiFi radio is operating.

• Blinking.The router is sending or receiving WiFi traffic.

• Off.The 5 GHz WiFi radio is off.

USB 3.0 port 1 and USB 2.0 port 2

• Solid white. A USB device is connected and is ready.

• Blinking. A USB device is plugged in and is trying to connect.

• Off. No USB device is connected, or someone click ed the Safely Remove Har dware button

and it is now safe to remove the attached USB device.

Ethernet ports 1–4

The LED color indicates the speed: white for Gigabit Ethernet connections and amber for 100 Mbps or 10 Mbps Ethernet connections.

• Solid. A powered-on device is connected to the Ethernet port.

• Blinking.The port is sending or receiving traffic.

• Off. No device is connected to this Ethernet port.

Hardware Setup

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Table 1. LED descriptions (Continued)

DescriptionLED

WiFi On/Off button with LED

WPS button with LED

Pressing this button for two seconds turns the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi radios on and off. If this LED is lit, the WiFi radios are on. If this LED is off, the WiFi radios are turned off and you

cannot use WiFi to connect to the router. This button lets you use WPS to join the WiFi network without typing the WiFi password.The

WPS LED blinks white during this process and then lights solid white.

Rear Panel

The rear panel connections and buttons are shown in the following figure.

Figure 3. Rear panel

Viewed from left to right, the back panel contains the following components:

• Reset button. Pressing the Reset button resets the router. If the Reset button is pressed for at least

seven seconds and the P o wer LED blinks white , the router returns to its factory settings. For inf ormation about the factory settings, see Factory Settings on page 153.

• Ethernet ports. Four Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 LAN ports to connect the router to LAN devices.

• Internet port. One Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 WAN port to connect the router to a cable modem.

• USB port. USB 2.0 port.

Hardware Setup

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

• Power On/Off button. Press the Power On/Off button to provide power to the router.

• DC power connector. Connect the power adapter that came in the product package to the DC power

connector.

Position Your Router

The router lets you access your network anywhere within the operating r ange of your WiFi network. Howe ver , the operating distance or range of your WiFi connection can vary significantly depending on the physical placement of your router.

Position your router according to the following guidelines:

• Place your router near the center of the area where your computers and other devices operate, and

within line of sight to your WiFi devices.

• Make sure that the router is within reach of an AC power outlet and near Ethernet cables for wired

computers.

• Place the router in an elevated location, minimizing the number walls and ceilings between the router

and your other devices.

• Place the router away from electrical devices such as these:

- Ceiling fans

- Home security systems

- Microwaves

- Computers

- Base of a cordless phone

- 2.4 GHz cordless phone

• Place the router away from large metal surfaces, large glass surfaces, insulated walls, and items such

as these:

- Solid metal doors

- Aluminum studs

- Fish tanks

- Mirrors

- Brick

- Concrete

The following factors might limit the range of your WiFi:

• The thickness and number of walls the WiFi signal passes through.

• Other WiFi access points in and around your home might affect your router’s signal.

WiFi access points are routers, repeaters, WiFi range e xtenders, and any other de vice that emits a WiFi signal for network access.

Hardware Setup

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Cable Your Router

Power on your router and connect it to a modem.

Figure 4. Cable your router

To cable your router:

1. Unplug your modem’s power, leaving the modem connected to the wall jack for your Internet service.

If your modem uses a battery backup, remove the battery.

2. Plug in and turn on your modem.

If your modem uses a battery backup, put the battery back in.

3. Connect your modem to the Internet port of your router with the yellow Ethernet cable that came with

your router.

4. Connect the power adapter to your router and plug the power adapter into an outlet.

5. Press the Power On/Off button on the rear panel of the router.

Disable or Enable LED Blinking or Turn Off LEDs

To disable LED blinking or turn off the LEDs using the router’s web interface:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

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

The LED Control Settings page displays.

5. Select an LED control setting:

Hardware Setup

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

• Enable blinking on Internet LED, LAN LED,Wireless LED and USB LED when data traffic is

detected. Allows standard LED behavior.This feature is selected by default.

• Disable blinking on Internet LED, LAN LED,Wireless LED and USB LED when data traffic is

detected. Blinking is disabled when data traffic is detected.

• Turn off all LEDs except Power LED. All the LEDs, except the Power LED, are turned off.

6. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Hardware Setup

Connect to the Network and Access the Router

You can connect to the router’s WiFi networks or use a wired Ethernet connection.This chapter explains the ways you can connect and how to access the router and log in.

The chapter contains the following sections:

• Connect to the Network on page 17

• Types of Logins on page 18

• Use a Web Browser to Access the Router on page 18

• Install the Router With the NETGEAR Up App on page 20

• Change the Language on page 20

• Access the Router With the NETGEAR genie App on page 21

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Connect to the Network

You can connect to the router’s network through a wired or WiFi connection. If you set up your computer to use a static IP address, change the settings so that it uses Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).

Wired Connection

You can connect your computer to the router using an Ethernet cable and join the router’s local area network (LAN).

To connect your computer to the router with an Ethernet cable:

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

2. Connect an Ethernet cable to an Ethernet port on your computer.

3. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable 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

To find and select the WiFi network:

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

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

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

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

The password is on the router’s label. Your WiFi device connects to the WiFi network.

WiFi Connection Using WPS

You can connect to the router’s WiFi network with Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) or you can find and select the WiFi network.

To use WPS to connect to the WiFi network:

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

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

3. Press the WPS button on the 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 WiFi device connects to the WiFi network.

Connect to the Network and Access the Router

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Label

The label on the router shows the login information, WiFi netw ork name and network key (password), MAC address, and serial number.

Figure 5. Product label

Types of Logins

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

Several types of logins are associated with the router:

• ISP login.The login that your ISP gave you logs you in to your Internet service.Your service provider

gave you this login information in a letter or some other way. If you cannot find this login information, contact your service provider.

• WiFi network key or password.Your router is preset with a unique WiFi network name (SSID) and

password for WiFi access.This information is on the router label.

• Router login.This logs you in to the router interface from a web browser as admin.

Use a Web Browser to Access the Router

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

Automatic Internet Setup

You can set up your router automatically, or you can use a web browser to access the router and set up your router manually. Before you start the setup process, get your ISP information and make sure that the computers and devices in the network are using the settings described here.

When your Internet service starts, your Internet service provider (ISP) typically gives you all the inf ormation needed to connect to the Internet. For DSL service, y ou might need the following information to set up your router:

Connect to the Network and Access the Router

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

• The ISP configuration information for your DSL account

• ISP login name and password

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

If you cannot locate this information, ask your ISP to provide it.When your Internet connection is working, you no longer need to launch the ISP login program on your computer to access the Internet.When you start an Internet application, your router automatically logs you in.

NETGEAR genie runs on any device with a web browser . Installation and basic setup takes about 15 min utes to complete.

To automatically set up your router:

1. Make sure that the router is powered on.

2. Make sure that your computer or WiFi device is connected to the router with an Ethernet cable (wired)

or over WiFi with the preset security settings listed on the label.

If you want to change the router’ s WiFi settings , use a wired connection to avoid being

Note

disconnected when the new WiFi settings take effect.

3. Launch a web browser.

The page that displays depends on whether you accessed the router before:

• The first time you set up the Internet connection for your router, the browser goes to

http://www.routerlogin.net and the Configuring the Internet Connection page displays.

• If you already set up the Internet connection, enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field

for your browser to start the installation process.

4. Follow the onscreen instructions.

The router connects to the Internet.

5. If the browser does not display a router page, do the following:

• Make sure that the computer is connected to one of the LAN Ethernet ports or over WiFi to the router.

• Make sure that the router is receiving power and that its Power LED is lit.

• Close and reopen the browser or clear the browser cache.

• Browse to http://www.routerlogin.net.

• If the computer is set to a static or fixed IP address (this setting is uncommon), change it to obtain

an IP address automatically from the router.

6. If the router does not connect to the Internet, do the following: a. Review y our settings. Make sure that y ou selected the correct options and typed everything correctly.

b. Contact your ISP to verify that you are using the correct configuration information. c. Read You Cannot Access the Internet on page 147. If problems persist, register your NETGEAR

product and contact NETGEAR technical support.

When the router connects to the Internet, you are prompted to download and install the free NETGEAR Desktop genie app and the free ReadySHARE Vault app.

Connect to the Network and Access the Router

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Log In to the Router

When you first connect to your router and launch a web browser, the browser automatically displays the router’s web page. If you want to view or change settings for the router later, you can use a browser to log in to the router’s web page.

To log in to the router:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

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

Note

in this manual use http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

Install the Router With the NETGEAR Up App

With the NETGEAR Up app, you can easily install your router.The app automatically updates the router to the latest firmware, allows you to personalize your WiFi network, and even helps register your router with NETGEAR.

The NETGEAR Up app is available for iOS and Android mobile devices.

To install your router using the NETGEAR Up app:

1. Cable your router.

For more information, see Cable Your Router on page 14.

2. On your iOS or Android mobile device, go to the app store, search for NETGEAR Up, and download

the app.

3. On your iOS or Android mobile device, tap Settings > Wi-Fi and find and connect to your router’s WiFi

network. Your router’s WiFi network name (SSID) and network key (password) are on the router label.

4. Launch the NETGEAR Up app on your mobile device.

5. Follow the instructions that display on the app to install your router and connect to the Internet.

Change the Language

By default, the language is set to Auto.

Connect to the Network and Access the Router

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

To change the language:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

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

5. When prompted, click the OK button to confirm this change.

The page refreshes with the language that you selected.

Access the RouterWith the 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 WiFi network problems.

• Easily manage router features like Live Parental Controls, guest access, Internet traffic meter, speed

test, and more.

To use the genie app to access the router:

1. Visit the NETGEAR genie web page at NETGEAR.com/genie.

2. Follow the onscreen instructions to install the app on your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

3. Launch the genie app.

The genie app dashboard page displays.

Connect to the Network and Access the Router

Specify Your Internet Settings

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

This chapter contains the following sections:

• Use the Internet Setup Wizard on page 23

• Manually Set Up the Internet Connection on page 23

• Specify IPv6 Internet Connections on page 25

• Change the MTU Size on page 35

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Use the Internet Setup Wizard

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

To use the Setup Wizard:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup Wizard.

The Setup Wizard page displays.

5. Select the Yes radio button.

If you select the No radio button, you are taken to the Internet Setup page (see Manually Set Up the

Internet Connection on page 23).

6. Click the Next button.

The Setup Wizard searches your Internet connection for servers and protocols to determine your Internet configuration.

When the router connects to the Internet, you are prompted to download and install the free NETGEAR Desktop genie app and the free ReadySHARE Vault app.

Manually Set Up the Internet Connection

You can view or change the router’s Internet connection settings.

Specify an Internet Connection Without a Login

To specify the Internet connection settings:

1. Launch a web browser from a WiFi-enab led computer or mobile device that is connected to the netw ork.

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

4. Select Internet.

The Internet Setup page displays.

5. In the Does your Internet connection require a login? section, leave the No radio button selected.

6. If your Internet connection requires an account name or host name, type it in the Account Name (If

Required) field.

7. If your Internet connection requires a domain name, type it in the Domain Name (If Required) field.

For the other sections on this page, the default settings usually work, but you can change them.

8. Select an Internet IP Address radio button:

• Get Dynamically from ISP.Your ISP uses DHCP to assign your IP address.Your ISP automatically

assigns these addresses.

• Use Static IP Address. Enter the IP address, IP subnet mask, and the gateway IP address that

your ISP assigned.The gateway is the ISP router to which your router connects.

9. Select a Domain Name Server (DNS) Address radio button:

• Get Automatically from ISP.Your ISP uses DHCP to assign your DNS servers.Your ISP

automatically assigns this address.

• Use These DNS Servers. If you know that your ISP requires specific servers, select this option.

Enter the IP address of your ISP’s primary DNS server. If a secondary DNS server address is available, enter it also.

10. Select a Router MAC Address radio button:

• Use Default Address. Use the default MAC address.

• Use Computer MAC Address.The router captures and uses the MAC address of the computer

that you are now using.You must use the one computer that the ISP allows.

• Use This MAC Address. Enter the MAC address that you want to use.

11. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

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

If the NETGEAR website does not display within one minute, see You Cannot Access the Internet on page 147.

Specify an Internet Connection That Uses a Login

To view or change the basic Internet setup:

1. Launch a web browser from a WiFi-enab led computer or mobile device that is connected to the netw ork.

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

4. Select Internet.

The Internet Setup page displays.

5. In the Does your Internet connection require a login? section, select the Yes radio button.

6. From the Internet Service Provider menu, select the encapsulation method: PPPoE, L2TP, or PPTP.

7. In the Login field, enter the login name that your ISP gave you.

This login name is often an email address.

8. In the Password field, type the password that you use to log in to your Internet service.

9. If your ISP requires a service name, type it in the Service Name (if Required) field.

10. From the Connection Mode menu, select Always On, Dial on Demand, or Manually Connect.

11. To change the number of minutes until the Internet login times out, in the Idle Timeout (In minutes)

field, type the number of minutes. This is how long the router keeps the Internet connection active when no one on the network is using

the Internet connection. A value of 0 (zero) means never log out.

12. Select an Internet IP Address radio button:

• Get Dynamically from ISP.Your ISP uses DHCP to assign your IP address.Your ISP automatically

assigns these addresses.

• Use Static IP Address. Enter the IP address, IP subnet mask, and the gateway IP address that

your ISP assigned.The gateway is the ISP router to which your router connects.

13. Select a Domain Name Server (DNS) Address radio button:

• 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.

14. Select a Router MAC Address radio button:

• Use Default Address. Use the default MAC address.

• Use Computer MAC Address.The router captures and uses the MAC address of the computer

that you are now using.You must use the one computer that the ISP allows.

• Use This MAC Address. Enter the MAC address that you want to use.

15. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

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

If the NETGEAR website does not display within one minute, see You Cannot Access the Internet on page 147.

Specify IPv6 Internet Connections

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

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

To set up an IPv6 Internet connection:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

The user name is admin.The default password is password.The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

The IPv6 page displays.

5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select the IPv6 connection type:

• If you are not sure, select Auto Detect so that the router detects the IPv6 type that is in use.

• If your Internet connection does not use PPPoe or DHCP, or is not fixed, but is IPv6, select Auto

Config.

Your Internet service provider (ISP) can provide this information. For more information about IPv6 Internet connection, see the following sections:

• Use Auto Detect for an IPv6 Internet Connection on page 28

• Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet Connection on page 27

• Set Up an IPv6 6to4 Tunnel Internet Connection on page 29

• Set Up an IPv6 Pass Through Internet Connection on page 31

• Set Up an IPv6 Fixed Internet Connection on page 32

• Set Up an IPv6 DHCP Internet Connection on page 33

• Set Up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet Connection on page 34

6. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Requirements for Entering IPv6 Addresses

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

• More than eight groups of hexadecimal quartets

• More than four hexadecimal characters in a quartet

• More than two colons in a row

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet Connection

To set up an IPv6 Internet connection through autoconfiguration:

1. Launch a web browser from a WiFi-enab led computer or mobile device that is connected to the netw ork.

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

The IPv6 page displays.

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

The page adjusts. The router automatically detects the information in the following fields:

• Router’s IPv6 Ad dress on W AN.This field shows the IPv6 address that is acquired for the router’ s

WAN (or Internet) interface.The number after the slash (/) is the length of the prefix, which is also indicated by the underline (_) under the IPv6 address. If no address is acquired, the field displays Not Available.

• Router’s IPv6 Ad dress on LAN.This field shows the IPv6 address that is acquired for the router’ s

LAN interface.The number after the slash (/) is the length of the prefix, which is also indicated by the underline (_) under the IPv6 address. If no address is acquired, the field displays Not Available .

6. (Optional) In the DHCP User Class (If Required) field, enter a host name.

Most people can leave this field blank, but if your ISP gave you a specific host name, enter it here.

7. (Optional) In the DHCP Domain Name (If Required) field, enter a domain name.

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

8. Select an IP Address Assignment radio button:

• Use DHCP Server.This method passes more information to LAN devices but some IPv6 systems

might not support the DHCv6 client function.

• Auto Config.This is the default setting.

This setting specifies how the router assigns IPv6 addresses to the devices on your home netw ork (the LAN).

9. (Optional) Select the Use This Interface ID check box and specify the interface ID to be used for the

IPv6 address of the router’s LAN interface.

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

If you do not specify an ID here, the router generates one automatically from its MAC address.

10. Select an IPv6 Filtering radio button:

• Secured. In secured mode , which is the default mode, the router inspects both TCP and UDP pack ets.

• Open. In open mode, the router inspects UDP packets only.

11. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Use Auto Detect for an IPv6 Internet Connection

To set up an IPv6 Internet connection through autodetection:

1. Launch a web browser from a WiFi-enab led computer or mobile device that is connected to the netw ork.

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

The IPv6 page displays.

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

The page adjusts. The router automatically detects the information in the following fields:

• Connection Type.This field indicates the connection type that is detected.

• Router’s IPv6 Ad dress on W AN.This field shows the IPv6 address that is acquired for the router’ s

• Router’s IPv6 Ad dress on LAN.This field shows the IPv6 address that is acquired for the router’ s

6. Select an IP Address Assignment radio button:

• Use DHCP Server.This method passes more information to LAN devices but some IPv6 systems

might not support the DHCv6 client function.

• Auto Config.This is the default setting.

This setting specifies how the router assigns IPv6 addresses to the devices on your home netw ork (the LAN).

7. (Optional) Select the Use This Interface ID check box and specify the interface ID to be used for the

IPv6 address of the router’s LAN interface.

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

If you do not specify an ID here, the router generates one automatically from its MAC address.

8. Select an IPv6 Filtering radio button:

• Secured. In secured mode , which is the default mode, the router inspects both TCP and UDP pack ets.

• Open. In open mode, the router inspects UDP packets only.

9. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Set Up an IPv6 6to4 Tunnel Internet Connection

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

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

1. Launch a web browser from a WiFi-enab led computer or mobile device that is connected to the netw ork.

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

The IPv6 page displays.

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

The page adjusts. The router automatically detects the information in the Router’s IPv6 Address on LAN field.This field

shows the IPv6 address that is acquired for the router’s LAN interface.The number after the slash (/) is the length of the prefix, which is also indicated by the underline (_) under the IPv6 address. If no address is acquired, the field displays Not Available.

6. Select a Remote 6to4 Relay Router radio button:

• Auto.Your router uses any remote relay router that is available on the Internet.This is the default

setting.

• Static IP Address. Enter the static IPv4 address of the remote relay router.Your IPv6 ISP usually

provides this address.

7. Select an IP Address Assignment radio button:

• Use DHCP Server.This method passes more information to LAN devices but some IPv6 systems

might not support the DHCPv6 client function.

• Auto Config.This is the default setting.

This setting specifies how the router assigns IPv6 addresses to the devices on your home netw ork (the LAN).

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

8. (Optional) Select the Use This Interface ID check box and specify the interface ID to be used for the

IPv6 address of the router’s LAN interface. If you do not specify an ID here, the router generates one automatically from its MAC address.

9. Select an IPv6 Filtering radio button:

• Secured. In secured mode , which is the default mode, the router inspects both TCP and UDP pack ets.

• Open. In open mode, the router inspects UDP packets only.

10. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Set Up an IPv6 6rd Internet Connection

The 6rd protocol makes it possible to deplo y IPv6 to sites using a service provider’s IPv4 network. 6rd uses the service provider’s own IPv6 address prefix.This limits the operational domain of 6rd to the service provider’s netw ork and is under direct control of the service provider.The IPv6 service provided is equivalent to native IPv6.The 6rd mechanism relies on an algorithmic mapping between the IPv6 and IPv4 addresses that are assigned for use within the service provider’s network. This mapping allows for automatic determination of IPv4 tunnel endpoints from IPv6 prefixes, allowing stateless operation of 6rd.

With a 6rd tunnel configuration, the router follows the RFC5969 standard, supporting two wa ys to estab lish a 6rd tunnel IPv6 WAN connection:

• Auto Detect mode. In IPv6 Auto Detect mode, when the router receives option 212 from the DHCPv4

option, autodetect selects the IPv6 as 6rd tunnel setting.The router uses the 6rd option information to establish the 6rd connection.

• Manual mode. Select 6rd Tunnel. If the router receives option 212, the fields are automatically

completed. Otherwise, you must enter the 6rd settings.

To set up an IPv6 6rd Internet connection:

1. Launch a web browser from a WiFi-enab led computer or mobile device that is connected to the netw ork.

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

The IPv6 page displays.

5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select 6rd.

The page adjusts. The page adjusts.The router automactially detects the information in the following sections:

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

• 6rd (IPv6 Rapid Development) Configuration.The router detects the service provider’s IPv4

network and attempts to establish an IPv6 6rd tunnel connection. If the IPv4 network returns 6rd parameters to the router, the page adjusts to display the correct settings in this section.

• Router’s IPv6 Address on LAN.This field shows the IPv6 address that is acquired for the router’s

6. Select an IPv6 Domain Name Server (DNS) Address radio button:

• Get Automatically from ISP.Your ISP uses DHCP to assign your DNS servers.Your ISP

automatically assigns this address.

• Use These DNS Servers. If you know that your ISP requires specific servers, select this option.

Enter the IP address of your ISP’s primary DNS server. If a secondary DNS server address is available, enter it also.

7. Select an IP Address Assignment radio button:

• Use DHCP Server.This method passes more information to LAN devices but some IPv6 systems

might not support the DHCPv6 client function.

• Auto Config.This is the default setting.

This setting specifies how the router assigns IPv6 addresses to the devices on your home network (the LAN).

8. (Optional) Select the Use This Interface ID check box and specify the interface ID that you want to be

used for the IPv6 address of the router’s LAN interface. If you do not specify an ID here, the router generates one automatically from its MAC address.

9. Select an IPv6 Filtering radio button:

• Secured. In secured mode , which is the default mode, the router inspects both TCP and UDP pack ets.

• Open. In open mode, the router inspects UDP packets only.

10. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Set Up an IPv6 Pass Through Internet Connection

In pass-through mode, the router works as a Layer 2 Ethernet switch with tw o ports (LAN and W AN Ethernet ports) for IPv6 packets.The router does not process any IPv6 header packets.

To set up a pass-through IPv6 Internet connection:

1. Launch a web browser from a WiFi-enab led computer or mobile device that is connected to the netw ork.

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

The IPv6 page displays.

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

The page adjusts, but no additional fields display.

6. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Set Up an IPv6 Fixed Internet Connection

To set up a fixed IPv6 Internet connection:

1. Launch a web browser from a WiFi-enab led computer or mobile device that is connected to the netw ork.

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

The IPv6 page displays.

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

The page sdjusts.

6. Configure the fixed IPv6 addresses for the WAN connection:

• IPv6 Address/Prefix Length.The IPv6 address and prefix length of the router WAN interface.

• Default IPv6 Gateway.The IPv6 address of the default IPv6 gatew ay f or the router’s W AN interface .

• Primary DNS Server.The primary DNS server that resolves IPv6 domain name records for the

router.

• Secondary DNS Server.The secondary DNS server that resolves IPv6 domain name records for

the router.

If you do not specify the DNS servers, the router uses the DNS servers that are

Note

configured for the IPv4 Internet connection on the Internet Setup page. (See Manually

Set Up the Internet Connection on page 23.)

7. Select an IP Address Assignment radio button:

• Use DHCP Server.This method passes more information to LAN devices but some IPv6 systems

might not support the DHCPv6 client function.

• Auto Config.This is the default setting.

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

This setting specifies how the router assigns IPv6 addresses to the devices on your home netw ork (the LAN).

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

LAN interface. If you do not specify an ID here, the router generates one automatically from its MAC address.

9. Select an IPv6 Filtering radio button:

• Secured. In secured mode , which is the default mode, the router inspects both TCP and UDP pack ets.

• Open. In open mode, the router inspects UDP packets only.

10. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Set Up an IPv6 DHCP Internet Connection

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

1. Launch a web browser from a WiFi-enab led computer or mobile device that is connected to the netw ork.

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

The IPv6 page displays.

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

The page adjusts. The router automatically detects the information in the following fields:

• Router’s IPv6 Ad dress on W AN.This field shows the IPv6 address that is acquired for the router’ s

• Router’s IPv6 Ad dress on LAN.This field shows the IPv6 address that is acquired for the router’ s

6. (Optional) In the User Class (If Required) field, enter a host name.

Most people can leave this field blank, but if your ISP gave you a specific host name, enter it here.

7. (Optional) In the Domain Name (If Required) field, enter a domain name.

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

8. Select an IP Address Assignment radio button:

• Use DHCP Server.This method passes more information to LAN devices but some IPv6 systems

might not support the DHCv6 client function.

• Auto Config.This is the default setting.

This setting specifies how the router assigns IPv6 addresses to the devices on your home netw ork (the LAN).

9. (Optional) Select the Use This Interface ID check box and specify the interface ID to be used for the

IPv6 address of the router’s LAN interface. If you do not specify an ID here, the router generates one automatically from its MAC address.

10. Select an IPv6 Filtering radio button:

• Secured. In secured mode , which is the default mode, the router inspects both TCP and UDP pack ets.

• Open. In open mode, the router inspects UDP packets only.

11. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Set Up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet Connection

To set up a PPPoE IPv6 Internet connection:

1. Launch a web browser from a WiFi-enab led computer or mobile device that is connected to the netw ork.

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

The IPv6 page displays.

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

The page adjusts. The router automatically detects the information in the following fields:

• Router’s IPv6 Ad dress on W AN.This field shows the IPv6 address that is acquired for the router’ s

WAN (or Internet) interface.The number after the slash (/) is the length of the prefix, which is also

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

indicated by the underline (_) under the IPv6 address. If no address is acquired, the field displays Not Available.

• Router’s IPv6 Ad dress on LAN.This field shows the IPv6 address that is acquired for the router’ s

6. In the Login field, enter the login information for the ISP connection.

This is usually the name that you use in your email address. For example, if your main mail account is JerAB@ISP.com, you would type JerAB in this field. Some ISPs (lik e Mindspring, Earthlink, and T-DSL) require that you use your full email address when you log in. If your ISP requires your full email address, type it in this field.

7. In the Password field, enter the password for the ISP connection.

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

If your ISP did not provide a service name, leave this field blank.

The default setting of the Connection Mode menu is Alwa ys On to provide a steady

Note

IPv6 connection.The router never terminates the connection. If the connection is terminated, for example, when the modem is turned off, the router attempts to reestablish the connection immediately after the PPP oE connection becomes availab le again.

9. Select an IP Address Assignment radio button:

• Use DHCP Server.This method passes more information to LAN devices but some IPv6 systems

might not support the DHCv6 client function.

• Auto Config.This is the default setting.

This setting specifies how the router assigns IPv6 addresses to the devices on your home netw ork (the LAN).

10. (Optional) Select the Use This Interface ID check box and specify the interface ID to be used for the

IPv6 address of the router’s LAN interface. If you do not specify an ID here, the router generates one automatically from its MAC address.

11. Select an IPv6 Filtering radio button:

• Secured. In secured mode , which is the default mode, the router inspects both TCP and UDP pack ets.

• Open. In open mode, the router inspects UDP packets only.

12. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

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 pac kets tra vel through many de vices

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

along the way. If a device in the data path uses a lower MTU setting than the other de vices , the data packets must be split or “fragmented” to accommodate the device with the smallest MTU.

The best MTU setting for NETGEAR equipment is often the default value. In some situations, changing the value fixes one problem but causes another. Leave the MTU unchanged unless one of these situations occurs:

• You experience problems connecting to your ISP or other Internet service, and the technical support of

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

- A secure website that does not open, or displays only part of a web page

- Yahoo email

- MSN portal

- America Online’s DSL service

• You use VPN and experience severe performance problems.

• You used a program to optimize MTU for performance reasons and now you are e xperiencing connectivity

or performance problems.

An incorrect MTU setting can cause Internet communication problems. For example,

Note

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:

1. Launch a web browser from a WiFi-enab led computer or mobile device that is connected to the netw ork.

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > WAN Setup.

The WAN Setup page displays.

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

6. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are 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 v alue of 1500 until the prob lem goes away.The follo wing table describes common MTU sizes and applications.

Specify Your Internet Settings

Table 2. Common MTU sizes

ApplicationMTU

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

1500

The largest Ethernet packet size.This setting is typical for connections that do not use PPPoE or VPN and is the default value for NETGEAR routers, adapters, and switches.

Used in PPPoE environments.1492

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

Used in some DHCP environments.1468

Usable by AOL if you do not send or receive large email attachments, for example.1460

Used in PPTP environments or with VPN.1436

Maximum size for AOL DSL.1400

Typical value to connect to dial-up ISPs.576

Specify Your Internet Settings

Control Access to the Internet

The router comes with a built-in firewall that helps protect your home network from unwanted intrusions from the Internet.

This chapter includes the following sections:

• Set Up Parental Controls on page 39

• Allow or Block Access to Your Network on page 41

• Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites on page 42

• Manage Network Access Control Lists on page 45

• Schedule When to Block Internet Sites and Services on page 46

• Set Up Security Event Email Notifications on page 46

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Set Up Parental Controls

You can set up NETGEAR's standard parental controls or Circle with Disney on your router. NETGEAR's standard parental controls is an OpenDNS parental control that let's you to change the web filtering level for each device on the network. To set up standard parental controls, you must download the NETGEAR genie app on your mobile device.

Circle with Disney is a parental control technology that helps you monitor your children’s devices that are connected to your network. Circle off ers more parental control f eatures than NETGEAR’s standard parental controls.

Enable Circle With Disney

Circle with Disney is a parental control technology that helps you monitor your children’s devices that are connected to your network.

You can enable Circle using your router web interface or you can enable Circle using the Circle app. After you enable Circle, you can do the following with the Circle app:

• Set time limits for daily Internet usage

• Set individual filter levels for each family member

• Set a bedtime for your family member's devices

• Pause the Internet

• Manage your family’s mobile devices across all networks with Circle Go

For more information about Circle with Disney, visit www.netgear.com/circle.

Enable Circle With Disney On Your Router

You can enable Circle using the router web interface, but you must use the Circle app to finish setting up your Circle account.

Before enabling Circle, make sure that your router is running the latest firmware and that your router is in router mode.Your router must be in router mode to work with Circle.You can't enable Circle if your router is in access point (AP) mode or bridge mode.

To enable Circle with Disney:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Makes sure that your router is in router mode.

For more information, see Enable Router Mode on page 64.

Control Access to the Internet

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

5. Update your router's firmware.

For more information, see Update the Router Firmware on page 79. The enable Circle with Disney page displays after the firmware is updated.

6. Click the ENABLE button.

The Parental Controls page displays.

7. Move the slider to the right to enable Circle with Disney.

You can only enable one parental controls service.Note

8. Click the Apply button.

The links to download the Circle app displays.

9. Download the Circle app on your mobile device.

10. Launch the Circle app and tap the LET’S GO button.

The Account Details page displays.

11. Complete the fields on the Account Details page and tap the CONTINUE button.

The Add Phone Number page displays.

12. Enter your cell phone number and tap the SEND CODE button.

A code is sent to the cell phone number that you provided.

13. Enter the code that was sent to your cell phone.

The Circle app verifies the code.

14. Tap the AWESOME button.

15. Select a subscription plan and follow the onscreen instructions to set up your preferences.

Circle with Disney is enabled on your NETGEAR router.

Enable Circle With Disney Using the Circle App

Before enabling Circle, make sure that your router is in router mode.Your router must be in router mode to work with Circle.You can't enable Circle if your router is in access point (AP) mode or bridge mode. For more information, see Enable Router Mode on page 64.

If your router is not running the latest firmware, the Circle app checks your router's firmware and updates the firmware for you.

To enable Circle with Disney using the Circle app:

1. Make sure that your mobile device is connected to your router's network.

2. Download the Circle app on your mobile device.

3. Launch the Circle app.

4. Follow the prompts to set up Circle.

Control Access to the Internet

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Enable Standard Parental Controls

NETGEAR's standard parental controls is an OpenDNS parental control that let's you to change the web filtering level for each device on the network.To set up standard parental controls, you must download the NETGEAR genie app on your mobile device. For more information about NETGEAR's standard parental controls, visit http://www.netgear.com/lpc.

To enable standard parental controls:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Parental Controls.

The Parental Controls page displays.

5. Move the slider to the right to enable Standard Parental Controls.

You can only enable one parental controls service.Note

6. Click the Apply button.

7. Download the NETGEAR genie app on your mobile device.

For more information, see http://www.netgear.com/lpc.

8. Launch the NETGEAR genie app.

9. Tap Parental Controls.

Follow the prompts to setup parental controls.

Allow or Block Access to Your Network

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

To set up access control:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

Control Access to the Internet

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Access Control.

The Access Control page displays.

5. Select the Turn on Access Control check box.

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

6. Select an access rule:

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

network.You don’t need to enter its MAC address on this page.We recommend that you leave this radio button selected.

• Block all new devices from connecting. With this setting, if you add a new device, before it can

access your network, you must enter its MAC address for an Ethernet connection and its MAC address for a WiFi connection in the allowed list.

The access rule does not affect previously blocked or allowed devices. It applies only to devices joining your network in the future after you apply these settings.

7. To view allowed or blocked devices that are not connected, click one of the following links:

• View list of allowed devices not currently connected to the network

• View list of blocked devices not currently connected to the network

The list displays.

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

network, select the check box next to your computer or device, and click the Allow button.

9. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites

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

To block Internet sites:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Block Sites.

Control Access to the Internet

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

The Block Sites page displays.

5. Select a keyword blocking option:

• Per Schedule.Turn on ke yword blocking according to a schedule that y ou set. For more information,

see Schedule When to Block Internet Sites and Services on page 46.

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

6. In the Type keyword or domain name here field, enter a keyword or domain that you want to block.

For example:

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

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

• Enter a period (.) to block all Internet browsing access.

7. Click the Add Keyword button.

The keyword is added to the keyword list.The keyword list supports up to 32 entries.

8. Click the Apply button.

Keyword blocking takes effect.

Delete Keywords From the Blocked List

To delete keywords from the list:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Block Sites.

The Block Sites page displays.

5. Do one of the following:

• To delete a single word, select it and click the Delete Keyword button.

The keyword is removed from the list.

• To delete all keywords on the list, click the Clear List button.

All keywords are removed from the list.

6. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Control Access to the Internet

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Avoid Blocking on a Trusted Computer

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

Reserved LAN IP Addresses on page 54.

To specify a trusted computer:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Block Sites.

The Block Sites page displays.

5. Scroll down and select the Allow trusted IP address to visit blocked sites check box.

6. In the Trusted IP Address field, enter the IP address of the trusted computer.

7. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

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. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network.

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Block Services.

The Block Services page displays.

5. Specify when to block the services:

• To block the services all the time, select the Always radio button.

Control Access to the Internet

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

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

For information about how to specify the schedule, see Schedule When to Block Internet Sites and

Services on page 46.

6. Click the Add button.

The Block Services Setup page displays.

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

The settings for this service automatically display in the fields.

8. To add a service or application that is not in the menu, select User Defined, and do the following: a. If you know that the application uses either TCP or UDP, select the appropriate protocol. Otherwise ,

select TCP/UDP (both).

b. Enter the starting port and ending port numbers.

If the service uses a single port number, enter that number in both fields.To find out which port numbers the service or application uses, you can contact the publisher of the application, ask user groups or newsgroups, or search on the Internet.

9. Select a filtering option:

• Only This IP Address. Block services for a single computer.

• IP Address Range. Bloc k services for a r ange of computers with consecutiv e IP addresses on y our

network.

• All lP Addresses. Block services for all computers on your network.

10. Click the Add button.

Your settings are saved.

Manage Network Access Control Lists

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

To manage devices that are allowed or blocked:

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Access Control.

The Access Control page displays.

5. Select the Turn on Access Control radio button.

Control Access to the Internet

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

6. Click the View list of allowed devices not currently connected to the network link.

The list displays.

7. Select the check box for a device.

8. Use the Add button, Edit button, and Remove from the list button as needed.

9. Click the Apply button.

Your changes take effect.

Schedule When to Block Internet Sites and Services

When you schedule blocking, the same schedule is used to b lock sites and to bloc k services. F or information about how to specify what you want the router to block, see Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites on page 42 and Block Services From the Internet on page 44.

To schedule blocking:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Schedule.

The Schedule page displays.

5. Specify when to block keywords and services:

• Days to Block. Select the check box for each day that you want to block the keywords, or select

the Every Day check box, which automatically selects the check boxes for all days.

• Time of Day to Block. Select a start and end time in 24-hour format, or select the All Day check

box for 24-hour blocking.

6. Select your time zone from the menu.

7. If you live in a region that observes daylight saving time, select the Automatically adjust for daylight

savings time check box.

8. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Set Up Security Event Email Notifications

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

Control Access to the Internet

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

To set up email notifications:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > E-mail.

The E-mail page displays.

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

6. In the Send to This E-mail Address field, enter the email address you want to send alerts and logs to.

7. In the Y our Outgoing Mail Server field, enter the name of y our ISP outgoing (SMTP) mail server (such

as mail.myISP.com). You might be able to find this information in the configuration window of your email program. If y ou leav e

this field blank, log and alert messages are not sent.

8. In the Outgoing Mail Server Port Number section, select the Auto Detection port number or the

Specific Port Number radio button:

You might be able to find this information in the configuration window of your email program. If y ou leav e this field blank, log and alert messages are not sent.

9. If your outgoing email server requires authentication, select the My Mail Server requires authentication

check box, and do the following:

a. In the User Name field, type the user name for the outgoing email server. b. In the Password field, type the password for the outgoing email server.

10. To send alerts when someone attempts to visit a blocked site, select the Send Alerts Immediately

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

11. To send logs based on a schedule, specify these settings: a. From Send logs according to this schedule menu, select the schedule type.

b. From the Day menu, select the day. c. From the Time menu, select the time, and select the am or pm radio button.

12. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved. Logs are sent automatically according to the schedule that you set. If the log fills before the specified

time, it is sent. After the log is sent, it is cleared from the router memory. If the router cannot email the log and the log buffer fills, the router overwrites the log.

Control Access to the Internet

Network Settings

The router comes ready for WiFi, Ethernet, and USB connections.You can customize the router’s network settings.We recommend that you install the router and connect it to the Internet before you change its network settings.

This chapter includes the following sections:

• View or Change WAN Settings on page 49

• Set Up a Default DMZ Server on page 50

• Change the Router’s Device Name on page 50

• Change the LAN TCP/IP Settings on page 51

• Specify the IP Addresses That the Router Assigns on page 52

• Disable the DHCP Server Feature in the Router on page 53

• Manage Reserved LAN IP Addresses on page 54

• Use the WPS Wizard for WiFi Connections on page 56

• Specify Basic WiFi Settings on page 56

• Change the WiFi Mbps Settings on page 58

• Change the WiFi Password or Security Level on page 58

• Set Up a Guest WiFi Network on page 59

• Control the WiFi Radios on page 60

• Set Up a WiFi Schedule on page 61

• Specify WPS Settings on page 61

• Manage Implicit Beamforming on page 62

• Manage Airtime Fairness on page 63

• Manage MU-MIMO on page 63

• Enable Router Mode on page 64

• Use the Router as a WiFi Access Point on page 64

• Set Up the Router in Bridge Mode on page 65

• Set Up a Bridge for a Port Group or VLAN Tag Group on page 66

• Custom Static Routes on page 70

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

View or Change WAN Settings

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

To view or change the WAN settings:

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > WAN Setup.

The WAN Setup page displays. The following settings display:

• Disable Port Scan and DoS Protection. DoS protection protects y our LAN against denial of service

attacks such as Syn flood, Smurf Attack, Ping of Death, and many others. Select this check box only in special circumstances.

• Default DMZ Server.This feature is sometimes helpful when you are playing online games or

videoconferencing, but it mak es the firewall security less effectiv e. See Set Up a Def ault DMZ Server on page 50.

• Respond to Ping on Internet Port.This feature allows your router to be discovered. Use this

feature only as a diagnostic tool or for a specific reason.

• Disable IGMP Proxying. IGMP proxying allows a computer on the local area network (LAN) to

receive the multicast traffic it is interested in from the Internet. If you do not need this feature, you can select this check box to disable it.

• MTU Size (in bytes).The normal MTU (maximum transmit unit) value for most Ethernet networks

is 1500 bytes, or 1492 bytes for PPPoE connections. Change the MTU only if you are sure that it is necessary for your ISP connection. See Change the MTU Size on page 35.

• NAT Filtering. Network Address Translation (NAT) determines how the router processes inbound

traffic. Secured NA T protects computers on the LAN from attac ks from the Internet but might prev ent some Internet games, point-to-point applications, or multimedia applications from working. Open NAT provides a much less secured firewall but allows almost all Internet applications to work.

• Disable SIP ALG. Some voice and video comm unication applications do not work well with the SIP

ALG. Disabling the SIP ALG might help your voice and video applications to create and accept a call through the router.

5. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Network Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Set Up a Default DMZ Server

The default DMZ server feature is helpful when you are using some online games and videoconferencing applications that are incompatible with Network Address Translation (NAT).The router is programmed to recognize some of these applications and to work correctly with them, but other applications might not function well. In some cases, one local computer can run the application correctly if the IP address for that computer is entered as the default DMZ server.

WARNING:

DMZ servers pose a security risk. A computer designated as the default DMZ server loses much of the protection of the firewall and is e xposed to exploits from the Internet. If compromised, the DMZ server computer can be used to attack other computers on your network.

The router usually detects and discards incoming traffic from the Internet that is not a response to one of your local computers or a service that you configured on the Port Forwarding/Port Triggering page. Instead of discarding this traffic, you can specify that the router f orwards the traffic to one computer on y our network. This computer is called the default DMZ server.

To set up a default DMZ server:

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > WAN Setup.

The WAN Setup page displays.

5. Select the Default DMZ Server check box.

6. Type the IP address.

7. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are savedt.

Change the Router’s Device Name

The router’s def ault device name is based on its model number , such as R7000P.This device name displays in the file manager when you browse your network.

To change the router's device name:

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

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

Network Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > LAN Setup.

The LAN Setup page displays.

5. Click the Edit button next tot he device name.

The Device Name page displays.

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

7. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Change the LAN TCP/IP Settings

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

• LAN IP address. 192.168.1.1

• Subnet mask. 255.255.255.0

These addresses are part of the designated private address range for use in private networks and are suitable for most applications. If your network requires a different IP addressing scheme, you can change these settings.

You might want to change these settings if you need a specific IP subnet that one or more devices on the network use, or if you use competing subnets with the same IP scheme.

To change the LAN TCP/IP settings:

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > LAN Setup.

The LAN Setup page displays.

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

6. In the IP Subnet Mask, type the subnet mask of the router.

Network Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

The IP address and subnet mask identify which addresses are local to a specific device and which must be reached through a gateway or router.

7. Change the RIP settings.

Router Information Protocol (RIP) allows a router to exchange routing information with other routers.

a. Select the RIP direction:

• Both.The router broadcasts its routing table periodically and incorporates information that it

receives.

• Out Only.The router broadcasts its routing table periodically.

• In Only.The router incorporates the RIP information that it receives.

b. Select the RIP version:

• Disabled.This is the default setting.

• RIP-1.This format is universally supported. It is adequate for most networks, unless you are

using an unusual network setup.

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

RIP-2 format. RIP-2B uses subnet broadcasting. RIP-2M uses multicasting.

8. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved. If you changed the LAN IP address of the router, you are disconnected when this change takes effect.

9. To reconnect, close your browser, relaunch it, and log in to the router.

Specify the IP Addresses That the Router Assigns

By default, the router acts as a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server.The router assigns IP, DNS server, and default gateway addresses to all computers connected to the LAN.The assigned default gateway address is the LAN address of the router.

These addresses must be part of the same IP address subnet as the router’s LAN IP address. Using the default addressing scheme, define a range between 192.168.1.2 and 192.168.1.254, although y ou can sav e part of the range for devices with fixed addresses.

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

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

Network Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > LAN Setup.

The LAN Setup page displays.

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

6. Specify the range of IP addresses that the router assigns: a. In the Starting IP Address field, type the lowest number in the range.

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

b. In the Ending IP Address field, type the number at the end of the range of IP addresses.

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

7. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

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

• An IP address from the range that you define

• Subnet mask

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

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

Disable the DHCP Server Feature in the Router

By default, the router acts as a DHCP server.The router assigns IP, DNS server, and default gateway addresses to all computers connected to the LAN.The assigned default gateway address is the LAN address of the router.

You can use another device on your network as the DHCP server or specify the network settings of all your computers.

To disable the DHCP server feature in the router:

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > LAN Setup.

The LAN Setup page displays.

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

6. Click the Apply button.

Network Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Your settings are saved.

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

IP addresses manually so that the computers can access the router.

Manage Reserved LAN IP Addresses

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

Reserve an IP Address

To reserve an IP address:

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > LAN Setup.

The LAN Setup page displays.

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

6. In the IP Address field, type the IP address to assign to the computer or server.

Choose an IP address from the router’s LAN subnet, such as 192.168.1.x.

7. Type the MAC address of the computer or server.

If the computer is already on your network, you can copy its MAC address from the

Tip

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 router’s DHCP server. Reboot the computer, or access its IP configuration and force a DHCP release and renew.

Network Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Edit a Reserved IP Address

To edit a reserved address entry:

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > LAN Setup.

The LAN Setup page displays.

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

6. Click the Edit button.

7. Change the settings.

8. Click the Apply button.

Your changes are saved.

Delete a Reserved IP Address Entry

To delete a reserved address entry:

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > LAN Setup.

The LAN Setup page displays.

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

6. Click the Delete button.

The address is removed.

Network Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Use the WPS Wizard for WiFi Connections

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

To use the WPS Wizard:

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > WPS Wizard.

A note explaining WPS displays.

5. Click the Next button.

The WPS page displays.

6. Select a setup method:

• Push button. Click the WPS button on this screen.

• PIN Number.The page adjusts. Enter the client security PIN and click the Next button.

7. Within two minutes, go to the WPS-enabled device and use its WPS software to connect to the WiFi

network. The WPS process automatically sets up yourr WPS-enabled device with the network password when

it connects.The router WPS page displays a confirmation message.

Specify Basic WiFi Settings

The router comes with preset security.This means that the WiFi network name (SSID), network key (password), and security option (encryption protocol) are preset in the factory.You can find the preset SSID and password on the label on the router.

The preset SSID and password are uniquely generated for every device to protect

Note

and maximize your WiFi security.

If you change your preset security settings, make a note of the new settings and store it in a safe place where you can easily find it.

If your computer is connected with WiFi when y ou change the SSID or other WiFi security settings, you are disconnected when you click the Apply b utton.T o av oid this problem, use a computer with a wired connection to access the router.

Network Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

To specify basic WiFi settings:

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Wireless.

The Wireless Settings page displays. You can specify the settings for the 2.4 GHz band and 5 GHz band.

5. From the Region menu, select your region.

In some locations, you cannot change this setting.

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

When this check box is selected, the router broadcasts its network name (SSID) so that it displa ys when you scan for local WiFi networks on your computer or WiFi device.

7. Select or clear the Enable 20/40 MHz Coexistence check box.

Disabling this option allows your 2.4 GHz WiFi to k eep its max speed. Enabling this option might reduce the max speed of your 2.4 GHz WiFi to the half when another WiFi network detected in your en vironment; this is to avoid interf erence between WiFi networks and to get along with other wireless networks in the environment.

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

The name can be up to 32 characters long and it is case-sensitive.The default SSID is randomly generated and is on the label on the touer. If you change the name, make sure to write down the new name and keep it in a safe place.

9. To change the WiFi channel, select a number from the Channel menu.

In some regions, not all channels are available. Do not change the channel unless you experience interference (shown by lost connections or slo w data transfers). If this happens, experiment with diff erent channels to see which is the best.

When you use multiple access points, it is better if adjacent access points use different channels to reduce interference.The recommended channel spacing between adjacent access points is four channels (for example, use Channels 1 and 5, or 6 and 10).

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:

Network Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

• Is your computer or mobile device connected to another WiFi network in your area? Some WiFi

devices automatically connect to the first open network without WiFi security that they discover.

• Is your computer or mobile device trying to connect to your network with its old settings (before you

changed the settings)? If so, update the WiFi network selection in your computer or mobile device to match the current settings for your network.

Change the WiFi Mbps Settings

The data rate for high-speed transmissions is commonly identified as megabits per second (Mbps). By default, the router is set to operate with up to 600 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz WiFi band and up to 1,625 Mbps in the 5 GHz WiFi band.You can select slower settings.

To change the WiFi Mbps settings:

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Wireless.

The Wireless Settings page displays.

5. For the 2.4 GHz WiFi band, in the Wireless Network (2.4 GHz b/g/n) section, select a setting from the

Mode menu. Up to 600 Mbps is the default setting.The other settings are Up to 289 Mbps and Up to 54 Mbps.

6. For the 5 GHz WiFi band, select a setting from the Mode menu.

Up to 1625 Mbps is the default setting, which allows 802.11ac, 11n, and 11ad WiFi devices to join the network.The other settings are Up to 750 Mbps and Up to 360 Mbps.

7. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Change the WiFi Password or Security Level

Your router comes with preset WPA2 or WPA security.The password that you enter to connect to your network is unique to your router and is on the label on the router.We recommend that you use the preset security, but you can change the settings.Do not disable security.

To change the WPA settings:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

Network Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Wireless.

The Wireless Settings page displays.

5. Under Security Options, select a WPA option.

The WPA2 options use the newest standard for the strongest security.WPA2-PSK (AES) is the default setting.

The Passphrase field displays.

6. In the Passphrase field, enter the network key (password).

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 settings are saved.

Set Up a Guest WiFi Network

Guest networks allow visitors at your home to use the Internet without using your WiFi security key.You can add a guest network for the 2.4 GHz WiFi band and the 5.0 GHz WiFi band.

To set up a guest network:

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Guest Network.

The Guest Network Settings page displays.

5. Scroll to the section of the page for the guest WiFi network that you want to set up.

The default guest WiFi network names (SSIDs) are as follows:

• NETGEAR-Guest is for the 2.4 GHz WiFi band.

• NETGEAR-5G-Guest is for the 5 GHz WiFi band.

6. Leave the Enable SSID Broadcast check box selected.

Network Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Allowing the router to broadcast its WiFi network name (SSID) mak es it easier to find y our network and connect to it. If you clear this check box, that creates a hidden network.

7. Give the guest network a name.

The guest network name is case-sensitive and can be up to 32 characters.Y ou then man ually configure the WiFi-enabled devices in your network to use the guest network name in addition to the main SSID.

8. For the WiFi channel and mode, leave the default settings selected.

9. Select a security option.

The WPA2 options use the newest standard for the strongest security.WPA2 is the default setting.

10. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Control the WiFi Radios

The router’s internal WiFi radios broadcast signals in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz ranges. By default, they are on so that you can connect over WiFi to the router.When the WiFi radios are off , you can still use an Ethernet cable for a LAN connection to the router.

You can turn the WiFi radios on and off with the WiFi On/Off button on the router, or you can log in to the router and enable or disable the WiFi radios. If you are close to the router, it might be easier to press its WiFi On/Off button. If you are away from the router or already logged in it might be easier to enable or disable them.Y ou can also turn the WiFi radios off and on based on a schedule . (See Set Up a WiFi Schedule on page 61.)

Use the WiFi On/Off Button

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

Press the WiFi On/Off button on the top of the router for two seconds. If you turned off the WiFi radios, the WiFi On/Off LED and the WPS LED turn off. If you turned on the WiFi radios, the WiFi On/Off LED and the WPS LED light.

Enable or Disable the WiFi Radios

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

To enable or disable the WiFi radios:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

Network Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings.

The Advanced Wireless Settings page displays.

5. In the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz sections, select or clear the Enable Wireless Router Radio check boxes.

Clearing these check boxes turns off the WiFi feature of the router for each band.

6. Click the Apply button.

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

Note

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

Set Up a WiFi Schedule

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

To set up the WiFi schedule:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings.

The Advanced Wireless Settings page displays.

5. Click the Add a new period button.

The page adjusts.

6. Use the menus, radio buttons , and chec k boxes to set up a period during which you want to turn off the

WiFi signal.

7. Click the Apply button.

The Advanced Wireless Settings page displays.

8. Select the Turn off wireless signal by schedule check box to activate the schedule.

9. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Specify WPS Settings

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

Network Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

To specify WPS settings:

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home screen displays.

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 router’s WiFi settings through WPS.

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

The PIN function might temporarily be disabled when the router detects suspicious attempts to break into the router’s WiFi settings by using the router’s PIN through WPS.You can manually enable the PIN function by selecting the Enable Router’s PIN check box.

6. (Optional) Select or clear the Keep Existing Wireless Settings check box.

By default, the Keep Existing Wireless Settings check box is selected.We recommend that you leav e this check box selected.

If you clear this check bo x, the next time a ne w WiFi client uses WPS to connect to the router, the router WiFi settings change to an automatically generated random SSID and security key.

7. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Manage Implicit Beamforming

Implicit beamforming means that the router can use information from client devices that support beamforming to improve the WiFi signal.

To disable implicit beamforming:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings.

The Wireless Settings page displays.

Network Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

5. Scroll down below the WPS Settings section and clear the Enable Implicit BEAMFORMING check

box.

6. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved. If you connected over WiFi to the network, you are disconnected from the network and must reconnect.

Manage Airtime Fairness

Airtime fairness ensures that all clients receive equal time on the network. Network resources are divided by time, so if you ha v e fiv e clients, the y each get one-fifth of the netw ork time.The advantage of this feature is that your slowest clients don’t control network responsiveness .This feature is enabled by default, but you can disable it.

To disable airtime fairness:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings.

The Wireless Settings page displays.

5. Scroll down below the WPS Settings section and clear the Enable AIRTIME FAIRNESS check box.

6. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved. If you connected over WiFi to the network, you are disconnected from the network and must reconnect.

Manage MU-MIMO

Multiuser multiple input, multiple output (MU-MIMO) improves perf ormance when multiple MU-MIMO-capable WiFi clients transfer data at the same time.WiFi clients must support MU-MIMO, and they must be connected to a 5 GHz WiFi band.This feature is enabled by default, but you can disable it.

To disable MU-MIMO:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

Network Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings.

The Wireless Settings page displays.

5. Scroll down below the WPS Settings section and clear the Enable MU-MIMO check box.

6. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved. If you connected over WiFi to the network, you are disconnected from the network and must reconnect.

Enable Router Mode

To enable router mode:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

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

The Router / AP / Bridge Mode page displays.

5. Select the Router Mode radio button.

6. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Use the Router as a WiFi Access Point

You can set up the router to run as an access point (AP) on the same local network as another router.

To set up the router as an AP:

1. Use an Ethernet cable to connect the Internet port of this router to a LAN port in the other router.

2. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network.

3. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

4. Enter the router user name and password.

Network Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

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

The Router / AP / Bridge Mode page displays.

6. Select the AP Mode radio button.

The page adjusts.

7. Select an IP address setting:

• Get dynamically from existing router.The other router on the network assigns an IP address to

this router while this router is in AP mode.

• Use fixed IP settings on this device (not recommended). Use this setting if y ou want to man ually

assign a specific IP address to this router while it is in AP mode. Using this option effectiv ely requires advanced network experience.

To avoid interference with other routers or gateways in your network, NETGEAR

Note

recommends that you use different WiFi settings on each router.You can also turn off the WiFi radio on the other router or gateway and use the R7000P router only for WiFi client access.

8. Click the Apply button.

The IP address of the router changes, and you are disconnected.

9. To reconnect, close and restart your browser and type http://www.routerlogin.net.

Set Up the Router in Bridge Mode

You can use your router in bridge mode to connect multiple devices wirelessly at the faster 802.11ac speed. You need two routers: one set up as a router and the other set up as a bridge.

Installing your router as a bridge offers the following benefits:

• Take advantage of gigabit WiFi speeds on current devices

• Use Gigabit WiFi for applications like video and gaming.

• Connect multiple devices like NAS , Smart TV, Blu-ray player, and game consoles at gigabit WiFi speeds

using a WiFi link.

• Avoid the need for separate WiFi adapters for each device.

For example, you can install the first router in a room like a home office where your Internet connection is located, then set up the second router in bridge mode. Place the router in bridge mode in a different room with your home entertainment center. Cable the router in bridge mode to your Smart TV, DVR, game console or Blu-ray player, and use its 802.11ac WiFi connection to the first router.

Network Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

To set up the router in bridge mode:

1. Make a note of the WiFi settings of the other router to which this router will connect.

You must know the SSID, WiFi security mode, wireless password, and operating frequency (either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).

2. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network.

3. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

4. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

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

The Router / AP / Bridge Mode page displays.

6. Select the Bridge Mode radio button.

The page adjusts.

7. Click the setup bridge mode wireless settings button.

The Wireless Settings window opens.

8. Specify the settings of the other router to which this router will connect: a. Select the wireless network frequency (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).

For 802.11ac mode, select 5 GHz.

b. In the Name (SSID) file, enter the wireless network name (SSID). c. In the Security Options section, select a radio button. d. If prompted, type the WiFi password (network key) that you use to connect wirelessly to the other

router.

9. Click the Apply button.

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

10. Click the Apply button on the Router / AP / Bridge Mode page.

Your settings are saved.

Set Up a Bridge for a Port Group or VLAN Tag Group

Some devices, such as an IPTV, cannot function behind the router’s network address translation (NAT) service or firewall. Based on what your Internet service provider (ISP) requires, for the device to connect to the ISP’s network directly, you can enable the bridge between the device and the router’s Internet port or add new VLAN tag groups to the bridge.

Network Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

If your ISP provides directions on how to set up a bridge for IPTV and Internet service,

Note

follow those directions.

Set Up a Bridge for a Port Group

If the devices that are connected to the router’s Ethernet LAN port or WiFi network include an IPTV device, your ISP might require you to set up a bridge for a port group for the router’s Internet interface.

A bridge with a port group prevents packets that are sent between the IPTV de vice and the router’s Internet port from being processed through the router’s network address translation (NAT) service.

To configure a port group and enable the bridge:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

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

The VLAN / Bridge Settings page displays.

5. Select the Enable VLAN/Bridge Settings check box.

The page expands.

6. Select the By bridge group radio button.

The section expands.

7. Select a Wired Ports check box or a Wireless check box:

• If your device is connected to an Ethernet port on the router, select the Wired Ports check box that

corresponds to the Ethernet port on the router to which the device is connected.

• If your device is connected to your router’s WiFi network, select the Wireless check box that

corresponds to the router’s WiFi network to which the device is connected.

You must select at least one Wired Ports or Wireless check box.You can select more

Note

than one check box.

8. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Set Up a Bridge for a VLAN Tag Group

If the devices that are connected to the router’ s Ethernet LAN ports or WiFi network include an IPTV device, your ISP might require you to set up a bridge for a VLAN tag group for the router’s Internet interface.

Network Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

If you are subscribed to IPTV service, the router might require VLAN tags to distinguish between the Internet traffic and the IPTV traffic. A bridge with a VLAN tag group pre v ents pack ets that are sent between the IPTV device and the router’ s Internet port from being processed through the router’s network address translation (NAT) service.

You can add VLAN tag groups to a bridge and assign VLAN IDs and priority values to each VLAN tag group .

To add a VLAN tag group and enable the bridge:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

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

The VLAN / Bridge Settings page displays.

5. Select the Enable VLAN/Bridge Group check box.

The page expands.

6. Select the By VLAN tag group radio button.

The section expands.

7. Click the Add button.

The Add VLAN Rule page displays.

8. Specify the settings as described in the following table.

DescriptionField

Name

Select the check box for a wired LAN port or WiFi port. If your device is connected to an Ethernet port on the router, select the LAN port check box that corresponds

to the Ethernet port on the router to which the device is connected. If your de vice is connected to your router’ s WiFi network, select the WiFi check box that corresponds to the router’s WiFi network to which the device is connected.

You must select at least one LAN port or WiFi port.You can select more than one port.

Enter a name for the VLAN tag group. The name can be up to 10 characters.

Enter a value from 1 to 4094.VLAN ID Enter a value from 0 to 7.Priority

9. Click the Add button.

Network Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

The VLAN tag group is added.

10. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Set Up an IPTV Port to Lease an Intranet Port

You can set up the router to create an Internet Protocol television (IPTV) port that can lease an IP address from your IPTV service provider. Use this feature only if you subscribe to an IPTV service and your IPTV service requires an intranet address.

Some IPTV ports cannot work behind NA T because the IPTV port requires an IP address within the Internet service provider's network (intranet address).You can set up a bridge connection from the WAN to one of the LAN ports.When IPTV is connected through WiFi, the home router also must support the bridging of the WAN port to the WiFi network name (SSID).The designated LAN port or WiFi name becomes an IPTV port with direct access to the WAN without going through NAT.

To configure an IPTV port:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

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

The VLAN / Bridge Settings page displays.

5. Select the Enable VLAN/Bridge Group check box.

The page expands.

6. Select the By bridge group radio button.

The section expands.

7. Select a Wired Ports check box or a Wireless check box:

• If your device is connected to an Ethernet port on the router, select the Wired Ports check box that

corresponds to the Ethernet port on the router to which the device is connected.

• If your device is connected to your router’s WiFi network, select the Wireless check box that

corresponds to the router’s WiFi network to which the device is connected.

You must select at least one Wired Ports or Wireless check box.You can select more

Note

than one check box.

8. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Network Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Custom Static Routes

Typically, you do not need to add static routes unless you use multiple routers or multiple IP subnets on your network.

As an example of when a static route is needed, consider the following case:

• Your main Internet access is through a cable modem to an ISP.

• Your home network includes an ISDN router for connecting to the company where you are employed.

This router’s address on your LAN is 192.168.1.100.

• Your company’s network address is 134.177.0.0.

When you set up your router, two implicit static routes were created. A default route was created with your ISP as the gateway, and a second static route was created to your local network for all 192.168.1.x addresses. With this configuration, if you try to access a device on the 134.177.0.0 network, your router forwards your request to the ISP.The ISP forwards your request to the company where you are emplo yed, and the company firewall is likely to deny the request.

In this case you must define a static route, telling your router to access 134.177.0.0 through the ISDN router at 192.168.1.100. Here is an example:

• The Destination IP Address and IP Subnet Mask fields specify that this static route applies to all

134.177.x.x addresses.

• The Gateway IP Address field specifies that all traffic f or these addresses will be forw arded to the ISDN

router at 192.168.1.100.

• A metric value of 1 works because the ISDN router is on the LAN.

• The Private check box is selected only as a precautionary security measure in case RIP is activated.

Set Up a Static Route

To set up a static route:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Static Routes.

The Static Routes page displays.

5. Click the Add button.

The page adjusts.

6. In the Route Name field, type a name for this static route (for identification purposes only).

Network Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

7. So limit access to the LAN only, select the Private check box.

If the Private check box is selected, the static route is not reported in RIP.

8. Select the Active check box to make this route effective.

9. Type the IP address of the final destination.

10. Type the IP subnet mask for this destination.

If the destination is a single host, type 255.255.255.255.

11. Type the gateway IP address, which must be on the same LAN segment as the router.

12. Type a number from 1 through 15 as the metric value.

This value represents the number of routers between your netw ork and the destination. Usually, a setting of 2 or 3 works, but if this is a direct connection, set it to 1.

13. Click the Apply button.

The static route is added.

Edit a Static Route

To edit a static route:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Static Routes.

The Static Routes page displays.

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

6. Click the Edit button.

The Static Routes page adjusts.

7. Edit the route information.

8. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Network Settings

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Delete a Static Route

To delete a static route:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Static Routes.

The Static Routes page displays.

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

6. Click the Delete button.

The route is removed from the table.

Network Settings

Optimize Performance

You can set up the router to optimize performance for applications such as Internet gaming, high-definition video streaming, and VoIP communication. By default, the router uses Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service (WMM QoS).

This chapter contains the following sections:

• Use Dynamic QoS to Optimize Internet Traffic Management on page 74

• Improve Network Connections With Universal Plug and Play on page 75

• Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service on page 76

• Enable or Disable Smart Connect on page 77

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Use Dynamic QoS to Optimize Internet T raffic Mana gement

Dynamic Quality of Service (QoS) helps improve your router’s Internet traffic management capabilities through better application and device identification, bandwidth allocation, and traffic prioritization techniques. Dynamic QoS resolves traffic congestion when the Internet bandwidth is limited and different demands compete for bandwidth.

Enable Dynamic QoS

Because not everyone uses Dynamic QoS, it is disabled by default.

To enable Dynamic QoS:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Dynamic QoS.

The Dynamic QoS page displays.

5. Select the Enable Dynamic QoS check box.

6. Specify your Internet bandwidth.

You must specify your Internet bandwidth so that Dynamic QoS can perform bandwidth allocation and traffic prioritization.

To allow Speedtest to detect your Internet bandwidth (recommended), do the following:

a. For more accurate Speedtest results, make sure that no other devices are accessing the Internet. b. Click the Speedtest button.

Speedtest determines your Internet bandwidth.

7. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved. A link displays on the bottom of the page to view bandwidth utilization. Clicking the link displays the

Attached Devices page. For more information, see View De vices Currently on the Netw ork on page 85.

Enable or Disable the Automatic QoS Database Update

The router uses a QoS database of the most popular applications and services to implement Dynamic QoS. By default, the router automatically updates this database.Y ou can turn off this feature and man ually update the database.

Optimize Performance

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

To enable or disable the automatic Dynamic QoS database update:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Dynamic QoS.

The Dynamic QoS page displays. If you are using Dynamic QoS, the Enable Dynamic QoS check box is selected.

5. Select or clear the Automatically update performance optimization database check box.

6. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

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 multiplay er 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 a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network.

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

The user name is admin.The default password is password.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 Turn UPnP On check box.

By default, this check box is selected. UPnP for automatic device configuration can be enabled or disabled. If the T urn UPnP On chec k box is cleared, the router does not allow an y device to automatically control router resources, such as port forwarding.

Optimize Performance

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

6. Type the advertisement period in minutes.

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

7. Type the advertisement time to live in hops.

The time to live for the advertisement is measured in hops (steps) for each UPnP packet sent. Hops are the steps a packet takes betw een routers.The number of hops can range from 1 to 255.The default value for the advertisement time to live is 4 hops, which should be fine for most home networks. If you notice that some devices are not being updated or reached correctly, it might be necessary to increase this value.

8. Click the Apply button.

The UPnP Portmap Table displays the IP address of each UPnP device that is accessing the router and which ports (internal and external) that device opened.The UPnP Portmap Table also displays what type of port is open and whether that port is still active for each IP address.

To refresh the information in the UPnP Portmap Table, click the Refresh button.

Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service

Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service (WMM QoS) prioritizes WiFi voice and video traffic over the WiFi link. WMM QoS is automatically enabled for the router.

WMM QoS prioritizes WiFi data packets from different applications based on four access categories: v oice , video, best effort, and background. For an application to receive the benefits of WMM QoS, WMM must be enabled for both it and the client running that application. Legacy applications that do not support WMM and applications that do not require QoS are assigned to the best effort category, which receives a lower priority than voice and video.

We do not recommend that you disable the WMM settings.Note

To disable the WMM settings:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > QoS Setup.

The Quality of Service page displays.

5. Clear the Enable WMM (Wi-Fi multimedia) settings (2.4 GHz b/g/n) check box.

Optimize Performance

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

6. Clear the Enable WMM (Wi-Fi multimedia) settings (5 GHz a/n/ac) check box.

7. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Enable or Disable Smart Connect

Smart Connect selects the fastest WiFi band for your device. For Smart Connect to work, the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands must use the same WiFi network name (SSID) and network key (password).That means that when you connect to the router with WiFi, you see only one SSID that connects to both bands.

If you enable Smart Connect and the SSID and passwords for the 2.4 GHz and 5

Note

GHz bands do not match, the WiFi settings for 2.4 GHz band overwrites the WiFi settings for 5 GHz band.

To enable or disable Smart Connect:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Wireless.

The Wireless Setup page displays.

5. Select or clear the the Enable Smart Connect check box.

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

6. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Optimize Performance

Manage Your Network

This chapter describes the router settings for administering and maintaining your router and home network. The chapter includes the following sections:

• Update the Router Firmware on page 79

• Change the admin Password and Enable Password Recovery on page 80

• Set Up Password Recovery on page 81

• Recover the admin Password on page 82

• View Router Status on page 82

• Display Internet Port Statistics on page 83

• Check the Internet Connection Status on page 84

• View and Manage Logs of Router Activity on page 84

• View Devices Currently on the Network on page 85

• Monitor Internet Traffic on page 86

• Manage the Router Configuration File on page 87

• Remote Access on page 88

• Remotely Access Your Router Using the genie App on page 90

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Update the Router Firmware

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

Check for New Firmware and Update the Router

The router firmware (routing software) is stored in flash memory.You might see a message at the top of the router pages when new firmware is available.You can respond to that message to update the firmware or you can check to see if new firmware is available and update your product.

We recoommend that you connect a computer to the router using an Ethernet

Note

connection to update the firmware.

To check for new firmware and update your router:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Router Update.

The Router Update page displays.

5. Click the Check button.

The router finds new firmware information if any is av ailab le and displa ys a message asking if y ou want to download and install it.

6. Click the Yes button.

The router locates and downloads the firmware and begins the update.

WARNING:

To avoid the risk of corrupting the firmware, do not interrupt the update. For example, do not close the browser, click a link, or load a new page. Do not turn off the router.

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

Manage Your Network

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Manually Upload Firmware to the Router

If you want to upload a specific firmware version, or your router fails to update its firmware automatically, follow these instructions.

We recoommend that you connect a computer to the router using an Ethernet

Note

connection to upload the firmware.

To manually upload a firmware file to your router:

1. Download the firmware for your router from the NETGEAR Download Center, save it to your desktop,

and unzip the file.

The correct firmware file uses an .img or .chk extension.Note

2. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network using an

Ethernet connection.

3. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field.

A login window opens.

4. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

5. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Router Update.

The Router Update page displays.

6. Click the Browse button.

7. Find and select the saved firmware on your computer.

Do not interrupt this process. Doing so might corrupt the file, which will make your

Note

router unusable.Your router reboots after the firmware is uploaded. If your router does not reboot, check the Router Status page to confirm whether the new firmware version uploaded.

Change the admin Password and Enable Password Recovery

You can change the default password that is used to log in to the router with the user name admin.This password is not the one that you use for WiFi access.

Manage Your Network

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Be sure to change the password f or the user name admin to a secure pass w ord.The

Note

ideal password contains no dictionary words from any language and contains uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols . It can be up to 30 characters.

To change the admin user name and enable password recovery:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Set Password.

The Set Password page displays.

5. Type the old password in the Old Password field.

6. Type the new password in the Set Password and Repeat New Password fields.

7. To be able to recover the password, select the Enable Password Recovery check box and answer

two security questions.. We recommend that you enable password recovery.

8. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Set Up Password Recovery

We recommend that you enable password recovery if you change the password for the router user name admin.Then you can recover the password if it is forgotten.This recovery process is supported in Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Chrome browsers but not in the Safari browser.

To set up password recovery:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Set Password.

The Set Password page displays.

Manage Your Network

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

5. Select the Enable Password Recovery check box.

6. Select two security questions and provide answers to them.

7. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Recover the admin Password

To recover your password:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field.

A login window opens.

3. Click the Cancel button.

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

4. Enter the serial number of the router.

5. Click the Continue button.

A window opens requesting the answers to your security questions.

6. Enter the saved answers to your security questions.

7. Click the Continue button.

A window opens and displays your recovered password.

8. Click the Login again button.

A login window opens.

9. With your recovered password, log in to the router.

View Router Status

To view the router status and usage information:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Click the ADVANCED tab.

Manage Your Network

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Your router's status displays. If your router is set up to lease an intranet address from your Internet service provider (ISP), the Internet

Port pane displays the IP Address, Connection, and Subnet Mask intranet values in parentheses.

Display Internet Port Statistics

To display Internet port statistics:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Click the ADVANCED tab.

The ADVANCED Home page displays.

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

The Show Statistics window opens and the following information displays:

• System Up Time.The time elapsed since the router was last restarted.

• Port.The statistics for the WAN (Internet) port and LAN (Ethernet) ports, and WLANs. For each

port, the screen displays the following information:

- Status.The link status of the port.

- TxPkts.The number of packets transmitted on this port since reset or manual clear.

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

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

- Tx B/s.The current transmission (outbound) bandwidth used on the WAN and LAN ports.

- Rx B/s.The current reception (inbound) bandwidth used on the WAN and LAN ports.

- Up Time.The time elapsed since this port acquired the link.

- Poll Interval.The interval at which the statistics are updated on this page.

6. To change the polling frequency, enter a time in seconds in the Poll Interval field and click the Set

Interval button. To stop the polling entirely, click the Stop button.

Manage Your Network

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Check the Internet Connection Status

To check the Internet connection status if the router is connected to a WAN Ethernet connection:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Click the ADVANCED tab.

The ADVANCED Home page displays.

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

The Connection Status window opens and the following information displays:

• IP Address.The IP address that is assigned to the router.

• Subnet Mask.The subnet mask that is assigned to the router.

• Default Gateway.The IP address for the default gateway that the router communicates with.

• DHCP Server.The IP address for the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol server that provides

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

• DNS Server.The IP address of the Domain Name Service server that provides translation of network

names to IP addresses.

• Lease Obtained.The date and time when the lease was obtained.

• Lease Expires.The date and time that the lease expires.

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

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

8. To exit the screen, click the Close Window button.

View and Manage Logs of Router Activity

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

To view and manage logs:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field.

A login window opens.

Manage Your Network

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Logs.

The Logs page displays the following information:

• Action.The action that occurred, such as whether Internet access was blocked or allowed.

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

• Target address.The name or IP address of the website or news group visited or to which access

was attempted.

• Date and time.The date and time the log entry was recorded.

5. To customize the logs, scroll down and clear or select the check boxes in the Include in Log section.

6. To refresh the log screen, click the Refresh button.

7. To clear the log entries, click the Clear Log button.

8. To email the log immediately, click the Send Log button.

9. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

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 a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network.

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Attached Devices.

The Attached Devices page displays devices that are connected to the router through Ethernet (using a wired connection) or connected to a WiFi band in the WiFi network.

The IP address for devices can change because the router assigns an IP address to each device when it joins the network.The unique MAC address for each device does not change.

5. To update this page, click the Refresh button.

Manage Your Network

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Monitor Internet Traffic

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

To monitor Internet traffic:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Traffic Meter.

The Traffic Meter page displays.

5. Select the Enable Traffic Meter check box.

6. To control the volume of Internet traffic, use either the traffic volume control feature or the connection

time control feature:

• Select the Traffic volume control by radio button and then select one of the following options:

• No Limit. No restriction is applied when the traffic limit is reached.

• Download only.The restriction is applied to incoming traffic only.

• Both Directions.The restriction is applied to both incoming and outgoing traffic.

• Select the Connection time control radio button and enter the allowed hours in the Monthly limit

field.

7. If your ISP charges for e xtra data volume when y ou make a new connection, enter the e xtra data v olume

in MB in the Round up data volume for each connection by field.

8. In the Traffic Counter section, set the traffic counter to begin at a specific time and date.

To start the traffic counter immediately, click the Restart Counter Now button.

9. In the Traffic Control section, specify whether the router should issue a warning message before the

monthly limit of Mbytes or hours is reached. By default, the value is 0 and no warning message is issued.You can select one of the following to

occur when the limit is attained:

• The Internet LED blinks white or amber.

• The Internet connection is disconnected and disabled.

10. Click the Apply button.

The Internet Traffic Statistics section helps you to monitor the data traffic.

Manage Your Network

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

11. To update the Traffic Statistics section, click the Refresh button.

12. To display more information about the data traffic on your router and to change the poll interval, click

the Traffic Status button.

Manage the Router Configuration File

The configuration settings of the router are stored within the router in a configuration file.You can back up (save) this file to your computer, restore it, or reset it to the factory default settings.

Back Up Settings

To back up the router’s configuration settings:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Backup Settings.

The Backup Settings page displays.

5. Click the Back Up button.

6. Follow the direction of your browser to save the file.

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

Erase the 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 router to a different network. (See Factory Settings on page 153.)

To erase the configuration settings:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Backup Settings.

Manage Your Network

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

The Backup Settings page displays.

5. Click the Erase button.

The factory default settings are restored.The user name is admin, the password is password, and the LAN IP address is 192.168.1.1. DHCP is enabled.

Restore Configuration Settings

To restore configuration settings that you backed up:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Backup Settings.

The Backup Settings page displays.

5. Click the Browse button to find and select the .cfg file.

6. Click the Restore button.

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

WARNING:

Do not interrupt the reboot process.

Remote Access

You can access your router over the Internet to view or change its settings.You must know the router’s WAN IP address to use this feature. F or information about remote access using Dynamic DNS, see Set Up

and Manage Dynamic DNS on page 105.

Be sure to change the password for the user name admin to a secure password.The

Note

ideal password contains no dictionary words from any language and contains uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols . It can be up to 30 char acters. See Change

the admin Password and Enable Password Recovery on page 80.

Manage Your Network

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Set Up Remote Management

To set up remote management:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Remote Management.

The Remote Management page displays.

5. Select the Turn Remote Management On check box.

6. In the Allow Remote Access By section, specify the external IP addresses to be allowed to access the

router’s remote management.

For enhanced security, restrict access to as few external IP addresses as practical.Note

Select one of the following:

• Only This Computer. Allow access from a single IP address on the Internet. Enter the IP address

to be allowed access.

• IP Address Range. Allow access from a range of IP addresses on the Internet. Enter a beginning

IP address and an ending IP address to define the allowed range.

• Everyone. Allow access from any IP address on the Internet.

7. Specify the port number for accessing the web management interface.

Normal web browser access uses the standard HTTP service port 80. For greater security, 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 8443, which is a common alternate for HTTP.

8. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Use Remote Access

To use remote access:

1. Launch a web browser on a computer that is not on your home network.

2. Type your router’s WAN IP address into your browser’s address or location field followed by a colon (:)

and the custom port number. For example, if your external address is 134.177.0.123 and you use port number 8443, enter

http://134.177.0.123:8443 in your browser.

Manage Your Network

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Remotely Access Your Router Using the genie App

You can use the genie app to remotely access your router and change its settings. Before you can use remote access with the genie app, you must update your router’s firmware and download the latest genie app for your computer or mobile device. Remote access with the genie app is supported for Windows computers, iOS mobile devices, and Android mobile devices.

For more information about how to update y our router’ s firmware, see Chec k f or Ne w Firmware and Update

the Router on page 79.

To download the latest genie app for y our computer or mobile device, visit NETGEAR.com/genie. For more information about how to set up remote access using the genie app, see the genie app user manual, which is available at downloadcenter.netgear.com/.

Manage Your Network

Share USB Storage Devices Attached to the Router

This chapter describes how to access and manage storage devices attached to your router. ReadySHARE lets you access and share USB storage devices connected to the router . (If your storage de vice uses special drivers, it is not compatible.)

The USB ports on the router can be used only to connect USB storage devices like flash

Note

drives or hard drives or a printer. Do not connect computers, USB modems, CD drives, or DVD drives to the router USB port.

This chapter contains the following sections:

• USB Device Requirements on page 92

• Connect a USB Storage Device to the Router on page 92

• Access a Storage Device Connected to the Router From a Windows Computer on page 93

• Map a USB Device to a Windows Network Drive on page 93

• Access a Storage Device That Is Connected to the Router From a Mac on page 94

• Back Up Windows Computers With ReadySHARE Vault on page 94

• Back Up Mac Computers With Time Machine on page 95

• Use FTP Within the Network on page 97

• View or Change Network Folders on a Storage Device on page 98

• Add a Network Folder on a USB Storage Device on page 99

• Edit a Network Folder on a USB Storage Device on page 99

• Set Up NETGEAR Downloader on page 100

• Safely Remove a USB Storage Device on page 102

For more information about ReadySHARE features, visit netgear.com/readyshare.

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

USB Device Requirements

The router works with most USB-compliant external flash and hard drives. For the most up-to-date list of USB devices that the router supports, visit

kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/18985/~/readyshare-usb-drives-compatibility-list.

Some USB external hard drives and flash drives require you to load the drivers onto the computer before the computer can access the USB storage device. Such USB storage devices do not work with the router.

The router supports the following file system types for full read/write access:

• FAT16

• FAT32

• NTFS

• NTFS with compression format enabled

• Ext2

• Ext3

• Ext4

• HFS

• HFS+

Connect a USB Storage Device to the Router

ReadySHARE lets you access and share USB storage devices that are connected to the appropriate router port. (If your USB storage device uses special drivers, it is not compatible.)

Figure 6. Connect a USB storage device

Share USB Storage Devices Attached to the Router

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

To connect a USB device:

1. Insert your USB storage drive into a USB port on the router.

The blue, USB 3.0 port on the front of the router performs faster than the USB 2.0 port on the rear panel of the router.

2. If your USB storage device uses a power supply, connect it.

You must use the power supply when you connect the USB storage device to the router. When you connect the USB storage device to the router USB port, it might take up to two minutes bef ore

it is ready for sharing. By default, the USB storage device is available to all computers on your local area network (LAN).

Access a Storage Device Connected to the Router From a Windows Computer

To access the USB storage device from a Windows computer:

1. Connect a USB storage device to a USB port on your router.

If your USB storage device uses a power supply, you must use it when you connect the USB storage device to the router.

When you connect the USB storage device to the router’s port, it might take up to two minutes before it is ready for sharing. By default, the USB storage device is available to all computers on your local area network (LAN).

2. Select Start > Run.

3. Enter \\readyshare in the dialog box.

4. Click the OK button.

A window automatically opens and displays the files and folders on the USB storage device.

Map a USB Device to a Windows Network Drive

To map the USB storage device to a Windows network drive:

1. Connect a USB storage device to a USB port on the router.

If your USB storage device uses a power supply, you must use it when you connect the device to the router.

When you connect the USB storage device to the router’s port, it might take up to two minutes before it is ready for sharing. By default, the device is available to all computers on your local area network (LAN).

2. Select Start > Run.

3. Enter \\readyshare in the dialog box.

4. Click the OK button.

Share USB Storage Devices Attached to the Router

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

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

6. Select the drive letter to map to the new network folder.

7. Click the Finish button.

The USB storage device is mapped to the drive letter that you specified.

8. T o connect to the USB stor age device as a different user , select the Connect using different credentials

check box, click the Finish button, and do the following:

a. Type the user name and password. b. Click the OK button.

The USB storage device is mapped to the drive letter that you specified.

Access a Storage Device That Is Connected to the Router From a Mac

From a computer or de vice on the network, you can access a storage de vice that is connected to the router.

To access the device from a Mac:

1. Connect a USB storage device to a USB port on your router.

If your USB storage device uses a power supply, you must use it when you connect the USB storage device to the router.

2. On a Mac that is connected to the network, select Go > Connect to Server.

3. In the Server Address field, enter smb://readyshare.

4. When prompted, select the Guest radio button.

If you set up access control on the router and you allowed your Mac to access the network, select the Registered User radio button and enter admin for the name and y our admin password f or the passw ord. For more information about access control, see View Devices Currently on the Network on page 85.

5. Click the Connect button.

A window automatically opens and displays the files and folders on the USB storage device.

Back Up Windows Computers With ReadySHARE Vault

Your router comes with free backup software for all the Windows computers in your home. Connect a USB hard disk drive (HDD) to the router for centralized, continuous, and automatic backup.

The following operating systems support ReadySHARE Vault:

Share USB Storage Devices Attached to the Router

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

• Windows XP SP3

• Windows 7

• Windows 8

• Windows 8.1

• Windows 10

To back up your Windows computer:

1. Connect a USB HDD storage device to a USB port on the router.

2. If your USB storage device uses a power supply, connect it.

You must use the power supply when you connect the USB storage device to the router. When you connect the USB storage device to the router's USB port, it might take up to two minutes

before it is ready for sharing. By default, the USB storage device is available to all computers on your local area network (LAN).

3. Download ReadySHARE Vault from netgear.com/readyshare and install it on each Windows computer.

4. Launch ReadySHARE Vault.

5. Use the dashboard or the Backup tab to set up and run your backup.

Back Up Mac Computers With Time Machine

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

Set Up a USB Hard Drive on a Mac

We recommend that you use a ne w USB HDD or f ormat your old USB HDD to do the Time Machine backup for the first time. Use a b lank partition to prevent some issues during backup using Time Machine.The router supports GUID or MBR partitions.

To format your USB hard disk drive and specify partitions:

1. Physically connect the USB hard drive to your router.

2. On your Mac, go to Spotlight (or the magnifying glass) at the top right of the page and search for Disk

Utility.

3. Open the Disk Utility, select your USB HDD, click the Erase tab, and click the Erase button.

4. Click the Partition tab.

5. In the Partition Layout menu, set the number of partitions that you want to use.

6. Click the Options button.

The Partition schemes display.

7. Select the GUID Partition Table or Master Boot Record radio button.

8. In the Format menu, select Mac OS Extended (Journaled).

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Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

9. Click the OK button.

10. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Prepare to Back Up a Large Amount of Data

Before you bac k up a large amount of data with Time Machine , NETGEAR recommends that y ou f ollow this procedure.

To prepare to back up a large amount of data:

1. Upgrade the operating system of the Mac computer.

2. Verify and repair the backup disk and the local disk.

3. Verify and repair the permissions on the local disk.

4. Set Energy Saver: a. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences.

The System Preferences window displays.

b. Select Energy Saver.

The Energy Saver page displays.

c. Click the Power Adapter tab. d. Select the Wake for Wi-Fi network access check box. e. Click the back arrow to save the changes and exit the screen.

5. Modify your security settings: a. From the System Preferences window, select Security & Privacy.

The Security & Privacy page displays.

b. Click the Advanced button at the bottom of the page.

If the Advanced button is grayed out, click the lock icon so that you can change the settings.

c. Clear the Log out after minutes of inactivity check box. d. Click the OK button.

Your settings are saved.

Use Time Machine to Back Up Onto a USB Hard Disk

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

Share USB Storage Devices Attached to the Router

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

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

1. Prepare your USB device with a compatible format and partitions.

For more information, see Set Up a USB Hard Drive on a Mac on page 95.

2. If you plan to back up a large amount of data, see Prepare to Back Up a Large Amount of Data on page

96.

3. Connect your USB HDD to a USB port on the router.

If your USB HDD uses a power supply, you must use it when you connect the USB HDD to the router. When you connect the USB HDD to the router, it might take up to two minutes before it is ready for

sharing. By default, the USB HDD is available to all computers on your local area network (LAN).

4. On a Mac computer that is connected to the network, launch Finder and select Go > Connect to Server.

The Connect to Server window displays.

5. Type smb://routerlogin.net and click the Connect button.

6. When prompted, select the Registered User radio button.

7. Enter admin for the name and password for the password and click the Connect button.

A list of USB devices connected to your router displays.

8. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences.

The System Preferences window displays.

9. Select Time Machine.

The Time Machine window displays.

10. Click the Select Backup Disk button and select your USB HDD from the list.

11. Click the Use Disk button.

If you do not see the USB partition that you want in the Time Machine disk list, go to

Note

Mac Finder and click that USB partition. It displays in the Time Machine list.

12. When prompted, select the Registered User radio button.

13. Enter admin for the name and password for the password and click the Connect button.

When the setup is complete, the Mac automatically schedules a full backup.You can back up immediately if you want.

Use FTP Within the Network

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) lets you send and receive large files faster.

To set up FTP access:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

Share USB Storage Devices Attached to the Router

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > USB Functions > ReadySHARE Storage.

The USB Storage (Advanced Settings) page displays.

5. Select the FTP check box.

6. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

View or Change Network Folders on a Storage Device

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

To view or change network folders:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > USB Functions > ReadySHARE Storage.

The USB Storage (Advanced Settings) page displays.

5. Scroll down to the Available Networks Folder section and adjust the following settings:

• Share Name. If only one USB device is connected, the default share name is USB_Storage.

You can click the name or you can type it in the address field of your web browser. If Not Shared is shown, the default share was deleted and no other share for the root folder exists. Click the link to change this setting.

• Read Access and Write Access. Show the permissions and access controls on the network folder .

All–no password (the def ault) allows all users to access the network f older .The password f or admin is the same one that you use to log in to the router.

• Folder Name. Full path of the network folder.

• Volume Name.Volume name from the storage device.

• Total Space and Free Space. Show the current utilization of the storage device.

6. Click the Apply button.

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Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

Your settings are saved.

Add a Network Folder on a USB Storage Device

You can add network folders on a USB storage device connected to a router USB port.

To add a network folder:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > USB Functions > ReadySHARE Storage.

The USB Storage (Advaned Settings) page displays.

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

6. Click the Create Network Folder button.

The Add Folder window opens. If this window does not open, your web browser might be blocking pop-ups. If it is, change the browser

settings to allow pop-ups.

7. Complete the fields.

The user name (account name) for All–no passw ord is guest.The password for admin is the same one that is used to log in to the router. By default, it is password.

8. Click the Apply button.

The folder is added on the USB storage device.

Edit a Network Folder on a USB Storage Device

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

To edit a network folder:

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

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

Share USB Storage Devices Attached to the Router

Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > USB Functions > ReadySHARE Storage.

The USB Storage (Advanced Settings) page displays.

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

6. Click the Edit button.

The Edit Network Folder window opens.

7. Change the settings in the fields as needed.

8. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Set Up NETGEAR Downloader

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

Download Files Using NETGEAR Downloader

To use NETGEAR Downloader to download files:

1. Connect your USB storage device to the router USB port.

2. If your USB device uses a power supply, connect it.

You must use the power supply when you connect the USB device to the router. When you connect the USB device to the router USB port, it might take up to two minutes before it is

ready for sharing. By default, the USB device is available to all computers on your local area network (LAN).

3. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network.

4. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

5. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

6. Select NETGEAR Downloader (BETA).

The Download Manager page displays.

7. Select the Enable NETGEAR Downloader check box.

The page adjusts.

8. From the Download Type menu, select a download protocol.

The fields change based on which protocol you choose.

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100

Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P User manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Hardware Setup

Unpack Your Router

Attach the Antennas

Front View

LED Descriptions

Rear Panel

Position Your Router

Cable Your Router

Disable or Enable LED Blinking or Turn Off LEDs

Connect to the Network and Access the Router

Connect to the Network

Wired Connection

WiFi Connection

WiFi Connection Using WPS

Label

Types of Logins

Use a Web Browser to Access the Router

Automatic Internet Setup

Log In to the Router

Install the Router With the NETGEAR Up App

Change the Language

Access the RouterWith the NETGEAR genie App

Specify Your Internet Settings

Use the Internet Setup Wizard

Manually Set Up the Internet Connection

Specify an Internet Connection Without a Login

Specify an Internet Connection That Uses a Login

Specify IPv6 Internet Connections

Requirements for Entering IPv6 Addresses

Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet Connection

Use Auto Detect for an IPv6 Internet Connection

Set Up an IPv6 6to4 Tunnel Internet Connection

Set Up an IPv6 6rd Internet Connection

Set Up an IPv6 Pass Through Internet Connection

Set Up an IPv6 Fixed Internet Connection

Set Up an IPv6 DHCP Internet Connection

Set Up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet Connection

Change the MTU Size

Control Access to the Internet

Set Up Parental Controls

Enable Circle With Disney

Enable Circle With Disney On Your Router

Enable Circle With Disney Using the Circle App

Enable Standard Parental Controls

Allow or Block Access to Your Network

Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites

Delete Keywords From the Blocked List

Avoid Blocking on a Trusted Computer

Block Services From the Internet

Manage Network Access Control Lists

Schedule When to Block Internet Sites and Services

Set Up Security Event Email Notifications

Network Settings

View or Change WAN Settings

Set Up a Default DMZ Server

Change the Router’s Device Name

Change the LAN TCP/IP Settings

Specify the IP Addresses That the Router Assigns

Disable the DHCP Server Feature in the Router

Manage Reserved LAN IP Addresses

Reserve an IP Address

Edit a Reserved IP Address

Delete a Reserved IP Address Entry

Use the WPS Wizard for WiFi Connections

Specify Basic WiFi Settings

Change the WiFi Mbps Settings

Change the WiFi Password or Security Level

Set Up a Guest WiFi Network

Control the WiFi Radios

Use the WiFi On/Off Button

Enable or Disable the WiFi Radios

Set Up a WiFi Schedule

Specify WPS Settings

Manage Implicit Beamforming

Manage Airtime Fairness