NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S, R7800 User Manual

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Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

User Manual

Model R7800

April 2016 202-11596-04

350 E. Plumeria Drive San Jose, CA 95134 USA

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Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Support

Thank you for purchasing this NETGEAR product. You can visit http://support.netgear.com to register your product, get help, access the latest downloads and user manuals,

and join our community.We recommend that you use only official NETGEAR support resources.

Conformity

For regulatory compliance information, 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

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Contents

Chapter 1 Hardware Setup

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

Top View.................................................................................................................9

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

Turn the LEDs On or Off..................................................................................12

Attach the Antennas.............................................................................................12

USB Ports on the Left Panel................................................................................13

eSATA Port on the Right Panel............................................................................13

Connect an eSATA Device..............................................................................14

Position Your Router.............................................................................................14

Cable Your Router................................................................................................15

Chapter 2 Connect to the Network and Access the Router

Connect to the Network.......................................................................................18

Wired Connection............................................................................................18

WiFi Connection Using WPS...........................................................................18

WiFi Connection..............................................................................................18

Label...............................................................................................................19

Types of Logins....................................................................................................19

Use a Web Browser to Access the Router...........................................................19

Automatic Internet Setup.....................................................................................20

Automatic Internet Setup With Two Routers.........................................................21

Access the Router With NETGEAR genie Apps..................................................23

Chapter 3 Specify Your Internet Settings

Use the Internet Setup Wizard.............................................................................25

Manually Set Up the Internet Connection............................................................25

Specify an Internet Connection Without a Login.............................................26

Specify an Internet Connection That Uses a Login.........................................27

Specify IPv6 Internet Connections.......................................................................29

Requirements for Entering IPv6 Addresses....................................................30

Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet Connection...........................................30

Use Auto Detect for an IPv6 Internet Connection...........................................32

Set Up an IPv6 6rd Internet Connection.........................................................33

Set Up an IPv6 6to4 Tunnel Internet Connection............................................35

Set Up an IPv6 Pass Through Internet Connection.........................................36

Set Up an IPv6 Fixed Internet Connection......................................................37

Set Up an IPv6 DHCP Internet Connection....................................................38

Set Up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet Connection...................................................40

Change the MTU Size..........................................................................................41

Enable British Telcom IGMP Proxy Support.........................................................44

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Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Chapter 4 Control Access to the Internet

Set Up Parental Controls.....................................................................................46

Allow or Block Access to Your Network................................................................47

Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites..................................................................48

Block Services From the Internet....................................................................49

Delete Keywords From the Blocked List..........................................................51

Avoid Blocking on a Trusted Computer............................................................52

Manage Network Access Control Lists................................................................52

Schedule When to Block Internet Sites and Services..........................................53

Set Up Security Event Email Notifications...........................................................55

Set Up IP-MAC Binding........................................................................................56

Chapter 5 Network Settings

View or Change WAN Settings............................................................................58

Set Up a Default DMZ Server..............................................................................59

Change the Router’s Device Name......................................................................60

Change the LAN TCP/IP Settings........................................................................60

Specify the IP Addresses That the Router Assigns.............................................62

Disable the DHCP Server Feature in the Router.................................................64

Manage Reserved LAN IP Addresses.................................................................64

Reserve an IP Address...................................................................................64

Edit a Reserved IP Address............................................................................65

Delete a Reserved IP Address Entry..............................................................66

Use the WPS Wizard for WiFi Connections.........................................................66

Specify Basic WiFi Settings.................................................................................67

Change the WiFi Mbps Settings...........................................................................70

Change the WiFi Password or Security Level......................................................71

Enable or Disable WiFi 160 MHz.........................................................................72

Enable a WiFi Video Network...............................................................................72

Set Up a Guest WiFi Network..............................................................................73

Enable a Video Guest WiFi Network....................................................................75

Control the WiFi Radios.......................................................................................76

Use the WiFi On/Off Button.............................................................................76

Enable or Disable the WiFi Radios..................................................................76

Set Up a WiFi Schedule.......................................................................................77

Specify WPS Settings..........................................................................................78

Use the Router as a WiFi Access Point...............................................................79

Use the Router in Bridge Mode............................................................................80

Set Up a Bridge for a Port Group or VLAN Tag Group.........................................82

Set Up a Bridge for a Port Group....................................................................83

Set Up a Bridge for a VLAN Tag Group...........................................................84

Set Up an IPTV Port to Lease an Intranet Port...............................................86

Chapter 6 Optimize Performance

Use Dynamic QoS to Optimize Internet Traffic Management...............................89

Enable Dynamic QoS......................................................................................89

Enable or Disable the Automatic QoS Database Update................................90

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Manually Update the Dynamic QoS Database................................................91

Participate in Dynamic QoS Analytics.............................................................91

Improve Network Connections With Universal Plug and Play..............................92

Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service.....................................................................93

Chapter 7 Manage Your Network

Update the Router Firmware................................................................................96

Change the admin Password...............................................................................96

Set Up Password Recovery.................................................................................97

Recover the admin Password..............................................................................98

View Router Status..............................................................................................99

Display Internet Port Statistics...........................................................................100

Check the Internet Connection Status...............................................................101

View and Manage Logs of Router Activity.........................................................102

View Devices Currently on the Network.............................................................103

Monitor Internet Traffictraffic metering................................................................104

Manage the Router Configuration File...............................................................106

Back Up Settings...........................................................................................106

Erase the Current Configuration Settings......................................................107

Restore Configuration Settings.....................................................................107

Remote Access..................................................................................................108

Set Up Remote Management........................................................................108

Use Remote Access......................................................................................109

Remotely Access Your Router Using the genie App..........................................109

Chapter 8 Share USB Storage Devices Attached to the Router

USB Device Requirements................................................................................111

Connect a Storage Device to the Router...........................................................111

Access a Storage Device Connected to the Router F rom a Windows Computer.112

Map a USB Device to a Windows Network Drive...............................................112

Access a Storage Device That Is Connected to the Router From a Mac...........113

Back Up Windows Computers With ReadySHARE Vault...................................114

Back Up Mac Computers With Time Machine....................................................114

Set Up a USB Hard Drive on a Mac..............................................................114

Prepare to Back Up a Large Amount of Data................................................115

Use Time Machine to Back Up Onto a USB Hard Disk.................................116

Use FTP Within the Network..............................................................................117

View or Change Network Folders on a Storage Device.....................................117

Add a Network Folder on a Storage Device.......................................................119

Edit a Network Folder on a Storage Device.......................................................120

Safely Remove a USB Device............................................................................121

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

Set Up and Manage Dynamic DNS...................................................................123

Set Up FTP Access Through the Internet..........................................................123

Your Personal FTP Server.................................................................................124

Set Up Your Personal FTP Server.................................................................124

Set Up a New Dynamic DNS Account...........................................................125

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Specify a DNS Account That You Already Created.......................................126

Change the Dynamic DNS Settings..............................................................127

Access USB Storage Devices Through the Internet..........................................129

Remotely Access a USB Device Using ReadyCLOUD......................................129

Create a ReadyCLOUD Account...................................................................129

Download Files Onto a USB Storage Device.....................................................132

Download Files..............................................................................................132

Change the Download Settings.....................................................................133

Send Downloader Email Notifications...........................................................134

Manage Downloader Tasks...........................................................................135

View Photos on Your USB Device With Kwilt.....................................................135

Chapter 10 Use the Router as a Media Server

Specify ReadyDLNA Media Server Settings......................................................138

Play Music From a Storage Device With iTunes Server.....................................138

Set Up the Router’s iTunes Server With iTunes.............................................139

Set Up the Router’s iTunes Server With the Remote App.............................140

Play Media From a USB Device on TiVo............................................................142

Set Up the Router to Work With TiVo............................................................142

Play Videos on TiVo.......................................................................................143

Play Music or View Photos on TiVo...............................................................143

Chapter 11 Share a USB Printer

Install the Printer Driver and Cable the Printer..................................................145

Download the ReadySHARE Printer Utility........................................................145

Install the ReadySHARE Printer Utility..............................................................145

Print Using the NETGEAR USB Control Center................................................147

View or Change the Status of a Printer..............................................................147

Use the Scan Feature of a Multifunction USB Printer........................................148

Change NETGEAR USB Control Center Settings.............................................148

Turn Off Automatic Startup for NETGEAR USB Control Center....................148

Change the Language for the NETGEAR USB Control Center....................149

Specify the USB Control Center Time-Out....................................................149

Chapter 12 Customize Internet Traffic Rules for Ports

Port Forwarding to a Local Server.....................................................................152

Set Up Port Forwarding to a Local Server.....................................................152

Add a Custom Port Forwarding Service........................................................153

Edit a Port Forwarding Service......................................................................154

Delete a Port Forwarding Entry.....................................................................155

Application Example: Make a Local Web Server Public................................155

How the Router Implements the Port Forwarding Rule.................................156

Port Triggering....................................................................................................156

Add a Port Triggering Service........................................................................156

Enable Port Tr iggering...................................................................................158

Application Example: Port Triggering for Internet Relay Chat port triggering.159

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Chapter 13 Use VPN to Access Your Network

Set Up a VPN Connection..................................................................................161

Specify VPN Service in the Router....................................................................161

Install OpenVPN Software.................................................................................162

Install OpenVPN Software on Your Windows Computer................................162

Install OpenVPN Software on Your Mac Computer.......................................165

Install OpenVPN Software on an iOS Device................................................165

Install OpenVPN Software on an Android Device.........................................166

Use a VPN Tunnel on Your Windows Computer.................................................167

Use VPN to Access the Router’s USB Device and Media..................................169

Use VPN to Access Your Internet Service at Home...........................................169

Set Up VPN Client Internet Access in the Router.........................................169

Block VPN Client Internet Access in the Router............................................170

Use a VPN Tunnel to Access Your Internet Service at Home........................171

Change VPN Pass-Through Settings.................................................................171

Chapter 14 Troubleshooting

Quick Tips..........................................................................................................174

Sequence to Restart Your Network...............................................................174

Check Ethernet Cable Connections..............................................................174

WiFi Settings.................................................................................................174

Network Settings...........................................................................................174

Troubleshoot With the LEDs...............................................................................174

Standard LED Behavior When the Router Is Powered On............................174

Power LED Is Off or Blinking.........................................................................175

Power LED Stays Amber...............................................................................175

LEDs Never Turn Off.....................................................................................175

Internet or Ethernet Port LEDs Are Off.........................................................176

WiFi LED Is Off..............................................................................................176

You Cannot Log In to the Router........................................................................176

You Cannot Access the Internet.........................................................................177

Troubleshoot Internet Browsing.........................................................................178

Changes Are Not Saved....................................................................................178

Troubleshoot WiFi Connectivity..........................................................................179

Troubleshoot Your Network Using the Ping Utility..............................................179

Test the LAN Path to Your Router..................................................................179

Test the Path From Your Computer to a Remote Device...............................180

Chapter 15 Supplemental Information

Factory Settings.................................................................................................183

Technical Specifications.....................................................................................184

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Hardware Setup

The Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router with f our high-performance antennas and quad-stream X4S architecture combines four WiFi streams to deliver WiFi connection speeds of up to 1.73 Gbps , and a combined speed of 2.53 Gbps, as follows:

• 800 Mbps WiFi speed on the 2.4 GHz band

• 1.73 Gbps on the 5 GHz band

• Multiuser MIMO (MU-MIMO) for faster speeds with simultaneously streamed data for up to three devices

• 160 MHz bandwidth support for maximum performance for mobile devices

Nighthawk X4S is ideal for homes with a high volume of network and Internet traffic from gaming and streaming.With Dynamic QoS, the router optimizes performance based on the application and the device, and automatically performs cloud updates to optimize the most popular applications and services.

Nighthawk X4S also provides fast central storage, backup, and streaming to every device in your home with two USB

3.0 ports (10 times faster than USB 2.0) and an eSA TA port. Sharing content across your network is easy , from accessing stored photos and music to printing wirelessly. Stream your stored media files on any device an ywhere on the network. Share your music with AirPlay-compatib le devices from a USB hard drive connected to the router . Use the free NETGEAR ReadySHARE Vault app to back up your Windows computers to a USB hard drive connected to Nighthawk X4S.

This chapter contains the following sections:

• Unpack Your Router on page 9

• Top View on page 9

• Rear Panel on page 11

• Attach the Antennas on page 12

• USB Ports on the Left Panel on page 13

• eSATA Port on the Right Panel on page 13

• Position Your Router on page 14

• Cable Your Router on page 15

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

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Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Unpack Your Router

Your package contains the router, four antennas, the power adapter, and an Ethernet cable.

Figure 1. Package contents

Top View

The status LEDs and buttons are located on the top of the router.

Figure 2. Router LEDs and buttons

Hardware Setup

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Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Table 1. LED and button descriptions

DescriptionLED

Power

Internet

2.4 GHz WiFi

5 GHz WiFi

• 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.

• Solid white.The Internet connection is ready.

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

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

• 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.

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

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

USB 3.0 port 1 and USB

3.0 port 2

eSATA

• Off.The 5 GHz WiFi radio is off.

• 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 clicked the Safely Remove Hardware button and it

is now safe to remove the attached USB device.

• Solid white. An eSATA device is connected and is ready.

• Blinking. An eSATA device is plugged in and is trying to connect.

• Off. No eSATA device is connected.

Hardware Setup

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Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

DescriptionLED

Ethernet ports 1–4

WiFi On/Off button with LED

WPS button with LED

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.

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.

You can use the LED On/Off switch on the rear panel of the router to turn the LEDs on the top of the router on or off. See Turn the LEDs On or Off on page 12.

Rear Panel

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

Figure 3. Router rear panel

Pressing the Reset button restores the factory settings. See Factory Settings on page 183>.

Hardware Setup

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Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Turn the LEDs On or Off

To turn the LEDs on or off:

• Slide the LED On/Off switch on the rear panel to the On or Off position.

The Power LED stays lit even if the LED On/Off switch is in the Off position.

Attach the Antennas

The router comes with four antennas.

To attach the antennas:

1. To determine where to attach the antennas, match the labels on the antennas with the labels 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 you position all of the antennas vertically, as shown.

Hardware Setup

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Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

USB Ports on the Left Panel

Two 3.0 USB ports are located on the left panel.

Figure 4. USB ports

eSATA Port on the Right Panel

An eSATA port is located on the right panel.

Figure 5. eSATA port

Hardware Setup

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Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Connect an eSATA Device

To connect an eSATA device:

• Use an eSATA cable to connect your device to the eSATA port on the side of the router as shown.

Position Your Router

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

Additionally, other WiFi access points in and around y our home might affect your router’ s signal.WiFi access points are routers, repeaters, WiFi range extenders, and any other device that emits a WiFi signal for network access.

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

Hardware Setup

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Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

• Base of a cordless phone

• 2.4 GHz cordless phone

• Place the router away from large metal surf aces , large glass surf aces, insulated w alls, and items such as these:

• Solid metal door

• Aluminum studs

• Fish tanks

• Mirrors

• Brick

• Concrete

Cable Your Router

The following image shows how to cable your router:

Figure 6. Router cabling

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.

Hardware Setup

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Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

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. Slide the LED On/Off switch on the rear panel to the On position.

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

Hardware Setup

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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 18

• Types of Logins on page 19

• Use a Web Browser to Access the Router on page 19

• Automatic Internet Setup on page 20

• Automatic Internet Setup With Two Routers on page 21

• Access the Router With NETGEAR genie Apps on page 23

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Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Connect to the Network

You can connect to the router 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 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.

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 label on the router.

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

The password is on the label on the router.

Connect to the Network and Access the Router

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Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Your WiFi device connects to the WiFi network.

Label

The product label shows the login information, WiFi netw ork name and network ke y (password), MAC address, and serial number.

Figure 7. Product label

Types of Logins

Separate types of logins serve different purposes. It is important that you understand the difference so that you kno w 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 inf ormation, 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 label on the router.

• 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), y ou 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.

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.

Connect to the Network and Access the Router

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Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

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 enter the router's IP address in this

Note

format: http://192.168.1.1.The default IP address for the router is http://192.168.1.1. If the router detects a conflict with a WAN IP address, it changes its IP address to 10.0.0.1 or

172.16.5.1.The procedures 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

Automatic Internet Setup

You can let the NETGEAR installation assistant set up your router automatically, or you can 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. If you are installing a new router on a network that already includes a router, see Automatic Internet Setup With Two Routers on page 21.

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

• The ISP configuration information for your DSL account

• ISP login name and password

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

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

The NETGEAR installation assistant runs on any device with a web browser . Installation and basic setup takes about 15 minutes to complete.

To use the NETGEAR installation assistant to automatically set up your router:

1. Turn the router on by pressing the On/Off button.

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.

Connect to the Network and Access the Router

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Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

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 or if the the router is connected to another router or gateway:

• 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 the NETGEAR installation assistant detects that the router is connected to another router or gateway, you

are prompted to set up the router in router mode or access point mode. See Automatic Internet Setup With

Two Routers on page 21.

• 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 NETGEAR installation assistant guides you through connecting the router 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 your settings. Make sure that you selected the correct options and typed everything correctly.

b. Contact your ISP to verify that you are using the correct configuration information. c. Read You Cannot Access the Internet on page 177. If problems persist, register your 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.

Automatic Internet Setup With Two Routers

You can let the NETGEAR installation assistant set up your router automatically, or you can 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. If you are connecting only one router to your Internet connection, see Automatic Internet Setup on page 20.

Connect to the Network and Access the Router

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Nighthawk X4S AC2600 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)

The NETGEAR installation assistant runs on any device with a web browser . Installation and basic setup takes about 15 minutes to complete.

To use the NETGEAR installation assistant to automatically set up your router on a network with another router:

1. Turn the router on by pressing the On/Off button.

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 or if the the router is connected to another router or gateway:

• 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 the NETGEAR installation assistant detects that the router is connected to another router or gateway, you

are prompted to set up the router in router mode or access point mode.

• 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. Select the Help Me Choose radio button or Let Me Choose radio button:

• Help Me Choose. If y ou select this radio button, the NETGEAR installation assistant asks y ou a few questions

to determine if you should set the router in router mode or access point mode.We recommend that you select the Help Me Choose radio button.

• Let Me Choose. If y ou select this radio b utton, you must select the Router Mode r adio button or the Access

Point Mode radio b utton.Y ou can change the mode by running the Setup Wizard again. F or more information,

see Use the Internet Setup Wizard on page 25.

5. Follow the onscreen instructions.

The NETGEAR installation assistant guides you through connecting the router to the Internet.

Connect to the Network and Access the Router

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Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

6. 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.

7. If the router does not connect to the Internet, do the following: a. Review your settings. Make sure that you selected the correct options and typed everything correctly.

b. Contact your ISP to verify that you are using the correct configuration information. c. Read You Cannot Access the Internet on page 177. If problems persist, register your 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.

Access the Router With NETGEAR genie Apps

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 www.NETGEAR.com/genie.

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

3. Launch the genie app.

The genie app dashboard page displays.

Connect to the Network and Access the Router

Page 24

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 .Y ou can also customiz e or specify your Internet settings.

This chapter contains the following sections:

• Use the Internet Setup Wizard on page 25

• Manually Set Up the Internet Connection on page 25

• Specify IPv6 Internet Connections on page 29

• Change the MTU Size on page 41

• Enable British Telcom IGMP Proxy Support on page 44

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Use the Internet Setup Wizard

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

To use the Setup Wizard:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup Wizard.

5. Select the Yes radio button.

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

Connection on page 25).

6. Click the Next button.

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

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.

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Specify an Internet Connection Without a Login

To specify the Internet connection settings:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Internet.

Your router might display information that is different from this example.

5. For the Does your Internet connection require a login? setting, 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.

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• 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 177.

Specify an Internet Connection That Uses a Login

To view or change the basic Internet setup:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Internet.

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5. For the Does your Internet connection require a login? setting, 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:

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• 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 177.

Specify IPv6 Internet Connections

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

To set up an IPv6 Internet connection:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . 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 your ISP did not provide details, select IPv6 Tunnel.

• 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 32

• Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet Connection on page 30

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• Set Up an IPv6 6rd Internet Connection on page 33

• Set Up an IPv6 6to4 Tunnel Internet Connection on page 35

• Set Up an IPv6 Pass Through Internet Connection on page 36

• Set Up an IPv6 Fixed Internet Connection on page 37

• Set Up an IPv6 DHCP Internet Connection on page 38

• Set Up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet Connection on page 40

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

Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet Connection

To set up an IPv6 Internet connection through autoconfiguration:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . 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.

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The router automatically detects the information in the following fields:

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

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

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

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

6. (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 network (the LAN).

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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. 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 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

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

The router automatically detects the information in the following fields:

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

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

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

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

6. Select an IP Address Assignment radio button:

• Use DHCP Server.This method passes more information to LAN devices but some IPv6 systems might not

support the DHCv6 client function.

• Auto Config.This is the default setting.

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

7. (Optional) Select the Use This Interface ID check box and specify the interface ID to be used for the IPv6

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

8. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Set Up an IPv6 6rd Internet Connection

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

With a 6rd tunnel configuration, the router follows the RFC5969 standard, supporting two ways to establish a 6rd tunnel IPv6 WAN connection:

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

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

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

Otherwise, you must enter the 6rd settings.

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To set up an IPv6 6rd 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

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

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

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

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

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

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

• 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. For more inf ormation about changing the MTU size, see Change the MTU Size on page

41.

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

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• 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 netw ork (the LAN).

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

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. 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 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . 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 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.

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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 network (the LAN).

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. 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 WAN 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 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

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.

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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 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

The IPv6 page displays.

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

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

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

• Default IPv6 Gateway.The IPv6 address of the default IPv6 gateway for the router’s WAN interface.

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

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

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

Note

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

Connection on page 25.)

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. 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. 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 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

The IPv6 page displays.

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

The router automatically detects the information in the following fields:

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

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

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

6. (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.

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 network (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.

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

10. 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 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . 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 router automatically detects the information in the following fields:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The default setting of the Connection Mode menu is Always On to provide a steady IPv6

Note

connection.The router never terminates the connection. If the connection is terminated, for example, when the modem is turned off, the router attempts to reestablish the connection immediately after the PPPoE connection becomes available again.

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 network (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. 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 k ets trav el through man y de vices along the wa y.

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

The best MTU setting for NETGEAR equipment is often 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 experiencing connectivity or

performance problems.

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

Note

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 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

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4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > WAN Setup.

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 experiment, y ou can gradually reduce the MTU from the maximum value of 1500 until the problem goes away.The following table describes common MTU sizes and applications.

Table 2. Common MTU sizes

ApplicationMTU

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

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ApplicationMTU

Maximum size for AOL DSL.1400

Typical value to connect to dial-up ISPs.576

Enable British Telcom IGMP Proxy Support

You must use this feature only for British Telcom (BT) Internet Protocol television (IPTV) service. It might also work with TalkTalk IPTV service.

To enable BT IGMP proxy support:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > WAN Setup.

The WAN Setup page displays.

5. Clear the Disable ITMP Proxying check box.

6. Select the Support British Telecom (BT) IGMP Proxying check box.

7. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Specify Your Internet Settings

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Control Access to the Internet

The router comes with a built-in firewall that helps protect y our home network from unwanted intrusions from the Internet. This chapter includes the following sections:

• Set Up Parental Controls on page 46

• Allow or Block Access to Your Network on page 47

• Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites on page 48

• Manage Network Access Control Lists on page 52

• Schedule When to Block Internet Sites and Services on page 53

• Set Up Security Event Email Notifications on page 55

• Set Up IP-MAC Binding on page 56

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Set Up Parental Controls

The first time that you select Parental Contr ols from the BASIC Home page, your bro wser goes to the Live P arental Controls website, where you can learn more about Parental Controls and download the application.

After you set up and enable P arental Controls, y ou can change the web filtering lev el f or each de vice on the network through the network map page on the genie app.

To set up Parental Controls:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Parental Controls.

The Live Parental Controls website displays.

5. Click the button for the app or version that you want to download and use.

6. Follow the onscreen instructions to download and install the genie app.

7. Open the genie app and select Parental Controls.

After installation, Live Parental Controls automatically starts.

8. Click the Next button, read the note, and click the Next button again.

Because Live Parental Controls uses free OpenDNS accounts, you are prompted to log in or create a free account.

9. Select a radio button as follows:

• If you already own an OpenDNS account, leave the Yes radio button selected.

• If you do not own an OpenDNS account, select the No radio button.

If you are creating an account, the Create a free OpenDNS account page displays. Do the following:

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a. Complete the fields. b. Click the Next button.

After you log on or create your account, the filtering level page displays.

10. Select a filtering level and click the Next button.

The Setup is complete page displays.

11. Click the Take me to the status screen button.

The Status page displays. Parental controls are now set up for the router.

12. To enable Parental Controls, click the Enable Live Parental Controls button.

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 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Access Control.

5. Select the Turn on Access Control check box.

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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 computer or device you’re currently using to continue to access the network, select the check box

next to your computer or device, and click the Allow button.

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 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

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4. Select ADVANCED > Security >Block Sites.

5. Select a keyword blocking option:

• Per Schedule.Turn on keyword blocking according to a schedule that you set. (See Schedule When to

Block Internet Sites and Services on page 53.)

• 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.

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 WiFi device that is connected to the network.

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

A login window opens.

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3. Enter the router user name and password.

The user name is admin.The default password is passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Block Services.

5. Specify when to block the services:

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

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

For information about how to specify the schedule, see Schedule When to Block Internet Sites and Services on page 53.

6. Click the Add button.

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:

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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 range of computers with consecutiv e IP addresses on your network.

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

10. Click the Add button.

Your settings are saved.

Delete Keywords From the Blocked List

To delete keywords from the list:

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 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.

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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 64.

To specify a trusted computer:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . 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.

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 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

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4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Access Control.

5. Select the Turn on Access Control radio button.

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

The list displays.

7. Select the check box for a device.

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

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 block sites and to block services. For inf ormation about how to specify what you want the router to block, see Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites on page 48 and Block

Services From the Internet on page 49.

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To schedule blocking:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Schedule.

5. Specify when to block keywords and services:

• Days to Block. Select the check box for each day that you want to block the ke ywords, 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 da ylight sa ving time , select the A utomaticall y adjust f or da ylight sa vings

time check box.

8. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

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Set Up Security Event Email Notifications

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

To set up email notifications:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > E-mail.

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

6. In the Your Outgoing Mail Server field, enter the name of your ISP outgoing (SMTP) mail server (such as

mail.myISP.com). You might be able to find this information in the configuration window of your email program. If you leave this

field blank, log and alert messages are not sent.

7. In the Send to This E-mail Address field, type the email address to which logs and alerts are to be sent.

This email address is also used for the F rom address. If this field is b lank, log and alert messages are not sent.

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

box, and do the following:

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

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

Set Up IP-MAC Binding

This features is available only in the China and Russa regions.

To set IP-MAC ginding:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > ARP Protection/IPMAC Binding.

The ARP Protection/IPMAC Binding page displays. By default, the IP-MAC binding feature is turned off.

5. To turn on this feature, select the Enable check box.

6. Click the Apply button.

The IP address reservation table becomes the IPMAC binding table.The router is set to use a static ARP table for the LAN environment and no longer recieves ARP replies from LAN ports. Internet access is granted only to LAN devices that are registered in the IP binding table.

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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 58

• Set Up a Default DMZ Server on page 59

• Change the Router’s Device Name on page 60

• Change the LAN TCP/IP Settings on page 60

• Specify the IP Addresses That the Router Assigns on page 62

• Disable the DHCP Server Feature in the Router on page 64

• Manage Reserved LAN IP Addresses on page 64

• Use the WPS Wizard for WiFi Connections on page 66

• Specify Basic WiFi Settings on page 67

• Change the WiFi Password or Security Level on page 71

• Set Up a WiFi Schedule on page 77

• Enable or Disable WiFi 160 MHz on page 72

• Enable a WiFi Video Network on page 72

• Set Up a Guest WiFi Network on page 73

• Enable a WiFi Video Network on page 72

• Control the WiFi Radios on page 76

• Set Up a WiFi Schedule on page 77

• Specify WPS Settings on page 78

• Use the Router as a WiFi Access Point on page 79

• Use the Router in Bridge Mode on page 80

• Set Up a Bridge for a Port Group or VLAN Tag Group on page 82

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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 enable 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 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > WAN Setup.

The following settings display:

• Disable Port Scan and DoS Protection. DoS protection protects your LAN against denial of service attacks

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

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

videoconferencing, but it makes the firewall security less effective. See Set Up a Default DMZ Server on page 59.

• 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.

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• 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 y ou 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 41.

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

Secured NAT protects computers on the LAN from attacks from the Internet but might pre vent 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.

5. Click the Apply button.

Your changes are saved.

Set Up a Default DMZ Server

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

WARNING:

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

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

To set up a default DMZ server:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

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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 change takes effect.

Change the Router’s Device Name

The router’s def ault device name is based on its model number , such as R7500 or R7800.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 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > LAN Setup.

The LAN Setup page displays.

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

6. Click the Apply button.

Your change is saved.

Change the LAN TCP/IP Settings

The 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.

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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 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > LAN Setup.

Your router might display information that is different from this example.

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

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

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

7. Change the RIP settings.

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

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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.

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Your changes 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 def ault gatewa y addresses to all computers connected to the LAN.The assigned default gate way address is the LAN address of the router.

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

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

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

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4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > LAN Setup.

Your router might display information that is different from this example.

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)

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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 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . 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.

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 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e .

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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 Attached

Tip

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.

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . 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.

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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 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . 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.

Use the WPS Wizard for WiFi Connections

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

To use the WPS Wizard:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > WPS Wizard.

A note explaining WPS displays.

5. Click the Next button.

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

The WPS process automatically sets up your WiFi computer 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 and

Note

maximize your WiFi security.

We recommend that you do not change your preset security settings. If you change your preset security settings, make a note of the new settings and store it in a safe place where you can easily find it.

If your computer is connected with WiFi when you change the SSID or other WiFi security settings, you are disconnected when you click the Apply button.To avoid this problem, use a computer with a wired connection to access the router.

To specify basic WiFi settings:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

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4. Select Wireless.

You can specify the settings for the 2.4 GHz band and for the 5 GHz band. Your router might display information that is different from this example.

5. From the Region menu, select your region.

In some locations, you cannot change this setting.

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

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

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

The name can be up to 32 characters long and it is case-sensitive.The default SSID is randomly gener ated 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.

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

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

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

9. 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.

10. Make sure that you can connect wirelessly to the network with its new settings.

If you cannot connect wirelessly, check the following:

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• Is your computer or WiFi 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 WiFi 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 WiFi device to match the current settings for your network.

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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 1,733 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 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Wireless.

Your router might display information that is different from this example.

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

menu.

Up to 800 Mbps is the default setting.The other settings are Up to 347 Mbps and Up to 54 Mbps.

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

Up to 1733 Mbps is the default setting, which allows 802.11ac and 802.11a WiFi devices to join the network.

The other settings are Up to 800 Mbps and Up to 347 Mbps. When the Enable 20/40 MHz Coexistence check bo x is selected, the router runs in 40 MHz mode unless there

is another nearby WiFi network in the area already running in 40 MHz mode or there is a WiFi access point on

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the secondary channel. If that happens, the router runs in 20 MHz mode to coexist with that netw ork. If you w ant the router to always run in 40 MHz mode, clear this check box.

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 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . 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.

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Enable or Disable WiFi 160 MHz

The WiFi 160 MHz setting reduces lag and improves streaming speed. Note that the WiFi clients must have 160 MHz support, and they must be connected to the 5 GHz WiFi network.You can enable or disable WiFi the HT160 setting.

If your computer is connected with WiFi when you change the MU-MIMO setting, you are disconnected when you click the Apply button.To avoid this problem, use a computer with a wired connection to access the router.

To enable or disable WiFi 160 MHz:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings.

5. Select the Enable HT160 check box.

6. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Enable a WiFi Video Network

Guest networks allows visitors at your home to use the Internet without using your WiFi security key. For optimal HD streaming performance for your guests, you can enable a 5 GHz guest video network.When this the video network feature is enabled, the router uses video reliability algorithms to reduce jitter and packet loss during video streaming.

To enable a WiFi video network:

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.

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The user name is admin.The default password is passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Wireless.

The Wireless Setup page displays.

5. Scroll down to the Wireless Network (5 GHz 802.11a/n/ac) section of the page.

6. Select the Enable Video Network check box.

7. 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 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

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4. Select Guest Network.

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Your router might display information that is different from this example.

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.

Allowing the router to broadcast its WiFi network name (SSID) mak es it easier to find your netw ork 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.You then manually configure the WiFi 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.

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Enable a Video Guest WiFi Network

Guest networks allow visitors at your home to use the Internet without using your WiFi security k ey. For optimal HD streaming performance for your guests , you can enable a 5 GHz guest video network.When this the video network feature is enabled, the router uses video reliability algorithms to reduce jitter and pack et loss during video streaming.

To set up a guest network:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Guest Network.

Your router might display information that is different from this example.

5. Scroll to the Wireless Network (5 GHz 802.11a/n/ac) section.

6. Select the Enable Video Network check box.

7. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

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Control the WiFi Radios

The router’s internal WiFi r adios broadcast signals in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz ranges . By default, the y 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 y ou 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.You can also turn the WiFi radios off and on based on a schedule. (See Set Up a WiFi Schedule on page 77.)

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 y ou 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 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

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4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings.

Your router might display information that is different from this example.

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. 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 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e .

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The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings.

5. Click the Add a new period button.

6. Use the menus, radio buttons, and check boxes to set up a period during which you want to turn off the WiFi

signal.

7. Click the Apply button.

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.

To specify WPS settings:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . 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 leave this check box selected.

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

7. Click the Apply button.

Your changes 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 WiFi device that is connected to the network.

3. Type 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

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5. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless AP.

6. Select the Enable AP Mode check box.

7. Scroll down and select an IP address setting:

• Get dynamically from existing r outer.The other router on the network assigns an IP address to this router

while this router is in AP mode.

• Enable fixed IP settings on this device (not recommended). Use this setting if you want to manually

assign a specific IP address to this router while it is in AP mode. Using this option effectiv ely requires advanced network experience.

T o a void interf erence with other routers or gatewa ys in your network, NETGEAR recommends

Note

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 R7800 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.

Use the Router in Bridge Mode

You can use your router in bridge mode to connect multiple devices with WiFi at the faster 802.11ac speed.To do this, you need two WiFi routers: one set up as a router and the other set up as a bridge.

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Figure 8. Router in bridge mode with an 802.11ac WiFi connection

Installing your router as a bridge offers the following benefits:

• You can take advantage of gigabit WiFi speeds on current devices.

• Use gigabit WiFi for applications like video and gaming.

• Connect multiple devices like a NAS, smart TV, NeoTV, 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 could install the first router in a room such as 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 diff erent room such as the room where your home entertainment center is located. Cable the router in bridge mode to your smart TV, DVR, game console, or Blu-ray player, and use its 802.11ac WiFi connection to the first router.

To set up 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, WiFi password, and operating frequency (either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).

2. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network of the router that will

run in bridge mode.

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3. Type 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

5. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless Bridge.

The Wireless Bridge page displays.

6. Select the Enable Bridge Mode check box.

7. Click the Setup Bridge Mode Wireless Settings button.

8. Enter the settings of the other router: a. Select the WiFi network frequency (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).

b. For 802.11ac mode, select 5 GHz. c. In the Name (SSID) field, enter the WiFi network name (SSID). d. In the Security Option section, select a radio button. e. If prompted, type the passphrase (the WiFi pass w ord that y ou use to connect with WiFi 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 Advanced Wireless Settings 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.

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If your ISP provides directions on how to set up a bridge for IPTV and Internet service, follo w

Note

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 device and the router’s Internet port from being processed through the router’s network address translation (NAT) service.

To configure a port group and enable the bridge:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . 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.

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 P orts 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.

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You must select at least one Wired Ports or Wireless check box.You can select more than

Note

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.

If you are subscribed to IPTV service, the router might require VLAN tags to distinguish between the Internet traffic and the IPTV traffic. A bridge with a VLAN tag group prevents packets that are sent between the IPTV device and the router’s Internet port from being processed through the router’s network address translation (NAT) service.

You can add VLAN tag groups to a bridge and assign VLAN IDs and priority values to each VLAN tag group.

To add a VLAN tag group and enable the bridge:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

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

The VLAN / Bridge Settings page displays.

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5. Select the Enable VLAN/Bridge Group check box.

6. Select the By VLAN tag group radio button.

7. 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 device is connected to your router’s WiFi network, select the WiFi check box that corresponds to the router’s WiFi network to which the device is connected.

You must select at least one LAN port or WiFi port.You can select more than one port.

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

8. Click the Add button.

The VLAN tag group is added.

9. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

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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 y ou 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 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . 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.

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 P orts 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.

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You must select at least one Wired Ports or Wireless check box.You can select more than

Note

one check box.

8. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

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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 89

• Improve Network Connections With Universal Plug and Play on page 92

• Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service on page 93

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Use Dynamic QoS to Optimize Internet Traffic Management

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.

Figure 9. Dynamic QoS optimizes Internet traffic by prioritizing competing demands

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 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Quality of Service.

The QoS Setup page displays.

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5. Select the 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.We recommend that you use Speedtest to detect your Internet bandwidth.

To use Speedtest, do the following:

a. For more accurate Speedtest results, make sure that no other devices are accessing the Internet. b. 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 that you click to view bandwidth utilization. Clicking the link displays

the Attached Devices page. For more information, see View Devices Currently on the Network on page 103.

Enable or Disable the Automatic QoS Database Update

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

To enable or disable the automatic Dynamic QoS database update:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Dynamic QoS.

The Dynamic QoS screen 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.

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Manually Update the Dynamic QoS Database

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 when you enable Dynamic QoS, but if you turned off the automatic update feature, you can manually update the database.

To manually update the Dynamic QoS database:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . 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. Click the Update Now button.

The router checks for the newest version of the database and downloads it.

6. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Participate in Dynamic QoS Analytics

NETGEAR uses a QoS database of the most popular applications and services to implement Dynamic QoS. As ne w applications and services become popular, we update this database and automatically update your router if you enabled Dynamic QoS.Y ou can opt in to share aggregate QoS inf ormation to help improve the Dynamic QoS f eature.

To opt in to participate in Dynamic QoS analytics:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

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4. Select Dynamic QoS.

The Dynamic QoS page displays.

5. Make sure that you enabled Dynamic QoS.

For more information about enabling Dynamic QoS, see Enable Dynamic QoS on page 89.

6. Select the Help improve the Dynamic QoS feature by sharing analytics with NETGEAR check box.

A pop-up window displays detailed information about sharing analytics.The Yes radio button is selected by default.

7. Read the information and click the Submit button.

8. 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 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . 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 Turn UPnP On check box is cleared, the router does not allow any device to automatically control router resources, such as port forwarding.

6. Type the advertisement period in minutes.

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

7. Type the advertisement time to live in hops.

The time to live for the advertisement is measured in hops (steps) for each UPnP packet sent. Hops are the steps a packet takes between routers.The number of hops can range from 1 to 255.The default value for the advertisement time to live is 4 hops, which should be fine for most home networks. If you notice that some devices are not being updated or reached correctly, it might be necessary to increase this value.

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: voice, video, best effort, and background. For an application to receive the benefits of WMM QoS, WMM must be enabled for both it and the client running that application. Legacy applications that do not support WMM and applications that do not require QoS are assigned to the best effort category, which receives a lower priority than voice and video.

To disable WMM QoS:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > QoS Setup.

The Quality of Service page displays.

5. Click the WMM tab.

6. Clear the Enable WMM (Wi-Fi multimedia) settings (2.4 GHz b/g/n) check box.

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7. Clear the Enable WMM (Wi-Fi multimedia) settings (5 GHz a/n/ac) check box.

8. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

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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 96

• Change the admin Password on page 96

• Set Up Password Recovery on page 97

• Recover the admin Password on page 98

• View Router Status on page 99

• View Devices Currently on the Network on page 103

• Monitor Internet Traffic on page 104

• Manage the Router Configuration File on page 106

• Remote Access on page 108

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Update the Router Firmware

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.

To check for new firmware and update your router:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Firmware Update.

The Router Update page displays.

5. Click the Check button.

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

6. Click the Yes button.

The router locates and downloads the firmware and begins the update.

WARNING:

T o 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.

Change the admin Password

You can change the default password that is used to log in to the router with the user name admin.This password is not the one that you use for WiFi access.

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Be sure to change the password for the user name admin to a secure password.The ideal

Note

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 set the password for the user name admin:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Set Password.

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

6. To be able to recover the password, select the Enable Password Recovery check box.

We recommend that you enable password recovery.

7. 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 pass word if it is f orgotten.This recov ery process is supported in Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Chrome browsers but not in the Safari browser.

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To set up password recovery:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Set Password.

The Set Password page displays.

5. Select the Enable Password Recovery check box.

6. Select two security questions and provide answers to them.

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 WiFi device that is connected to the network.

2. In the address field of your browser, enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

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.

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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 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Click the ADVANCED tab.

Your router might display information that is different from this example. 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.

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Display Internet Port Statistics

To display Internet port statistics:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . 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 following information displays:

• System Up Time.The time elapsed since the router was last restarted.

• Port.The statistics for the WAN (Internet) and LAN (Ethernet) ports. 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.

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NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S, R7800 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual