Netgear Nighthawk X4S R7800 User manual
Nighthawk X4S A C2600 Smart
WiFi Router
User Manual
Model R7800
February 2017
202-11596-06
350 E. Plumeria Drive
San Jose, CA 95134
USA
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 do wnloads 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
© NETGEAR, Inc., NETGEAR and the NETGEAR Logo are trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. An y non_NETGEAR
trademarks are used for reference purposes only.
2
Contents
Chapter 1 Hardware Setup
Unpack Your Router...............................................................................................9
Top View.................................................................................................................9
Rear Panel...........................................................................................................11
Turn the LEDs On or Off..................................................................................11
Attach the Antennas.............................................................................................12
USB Ports on the Left Panel................................................................................12
eSATA Port on the Right Panel............................................................................13
Connect an eSATA Device..............................................................................13
Position Your Router.............................................................................................13
Cable Your Router................................................................................................14
Chapter 2 Connect to the Network and Access the Router
Connect to the Network.......................................................................................17
Wired Connection............................................................................................17
WiFi Connection Using WPS...........................................................................17
WiFi Connection..............................................................................................17
Label...............................................................................................................18
Types of Logins....................................................................................................18
Use a Web Browser to Access the Router...........................................................18
Log In to the Router........................................................................................18
Automatic Internet Setup.....................................................................................19
Automatic Internet Setup With Two Routers.........................................................20
Access the Router With NETGEAR genie Apps..................................................22
Chapter 3 Specify Your Internet Settings
Use the Internet Setup Wizard.............................................................................24
Manually Set Up the Internet Connection............................................................24
Specify an Internet Connection Without a Login.............................................24
Specify an Internet Connection That Uses a Login.........................................26
Specify IPv6 Internet Connections.......................................................................27
Requirements for Entering IPv6 Addresses....................................................28
Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet Connection...........................................29
Use Auto Detect for an IPv6 Internet Connection...........................................30
Set Up an IPv6 6rd Internet Connection.........................................................31
Set Up an IPv6 6to4 Tunnel Internet Connection............................................33
Set Up an IPv6 Pass Through Internet Connection.........................................34
Set Up an IPv6 Fixed Internet Connection......................................................35
Set Up an IPv6 DHCP Internet Connection....................................................36
Set Up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet Connection...................................................38
Change the MTU Size..........................................................................................39
Enable British Telcom IGMP Proxy Support.........................................................41
3
Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router
Chapter 4 Control Access to the Internet
Set Up Parental Controls.....................................................................................43
Allow or Block Access to Your Network................................................................44
Use Keywords to Block Inter net Sites..................................................................45
Block Services From the Internet....................................................................46
Delete Keywords From the Blocked List..........................................................48
Avoid Blocking on a Trusted Computer............................................................48
Manage Network Access Control Lists................................................................49
Schedule When to Block Internet Sites and Services..........................................50
Set Up Security Event Email Notifications...........................................................51
Set Up IP-MAC Binding........................................................................................53
Chapter 5 Network Settings
View or Change WAN Settings............................................................................55
Set Up a Default DMZ Server..............................................................................56
Change the Router’s Device Name......................................................................57
Change the LAN TCP/IP Settings........................................................................57
Specify the IP Addresses That the Router Assigns.............................................59
Disable the DHCP Server Feature in the Router.................................................61
Manage Reserved LAN IP Addresses.................................................................61
Reserve an IP Address...................................................................................61
Edit a Reserved IP Address............................................................................62
Delete a Reserved IP Address Entry..............................................................63
Use the WPS Wizard for WiFi Connections.........................................................63
Specify Basic WiFi Settings.................................................................................64
Change the WiFi Mbps Settings...........................................................................66
Change the WiFi Password or Security Level......................................................67
Enable or Disable WiFi 160 MHz.........................................................................67
Set Up a Guest WiFi Network..............................................................................68
Control the WiFi Radios.......................................................................................69
Use the WiFi On/Off Button.............................................................................70
Enable or Disable the WiFi Radios..................................................................70
Set Up a WiFi Schedule.......................................................................................71
Specify WPS Settings..........................................................................................72
Use the Router as a WiFi Access Point...............................................................73
Use the Router in Bridge Mode............................................................................74
Set Up a Bridge for a Port Group or VLAN Tag Group.........................................76
Set Up a Bridge for a Port Group....................................................................77
Set Up a Bridge for a VLAN Tag Group...........................................................78
Set Up an IPTV Port to Lease an Intranet Port...............................................79
Chapter 6 Optimize Performance
Use Dynamic QoS to Optimize Internet Traffic Management...............................82
Enable Dynamic QoS......................................................................................82
Enable or Disable the Automatic QoS Database Update................................83
Manually Update the Dynamic QoS Database................................................83
Participate in Dynamic QoS Analytics.............................................................84
4
Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router
Improve Network Connections With Universal Plug and Play..............................85
Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service.....................................................................86
Chapter 7 Manage Your Network
Update the Router Firmware................................................................................88
Change the admin Password...............................................................................88
Set Up Password Recovery.................................................................................89
Recover the admin Password..............................................................................90
View Router Status..............................................................................................90
Display Internet Port Statistics.............................................................................92
Check the Internet Connection Status.................................................................93
View and Manage Logs of Router Activity...........................................................94
View Devices Currently on the Network...............................................................95
Monitor Internet Traffictraffic metering..................................................................95
Manage the Router Configuration File.................................................................97
Back Up Settings.............................................................................................97
Erase the Current Configuration Settings........................................................97
Restore Configuration Settings.......................................................................98
Remote Access....................................................................................................99
Set Up Remote Management..........................................................................99
Use Remote Access......................................................................................100
Remotely Access Your Router Using the genie App..........................................100
Chapter 8 Share USB Storage Devices Attached to the Router
USB Device Requirements................................................................................102
Connect a Storage Device to the Router...........................................................102
Access a Storage Device Connected to the Router F rom a Windows Computer.103
Map a USB Device to a Windows Network Dr ive...............................................103
Access a Storage Device That Is Connected to the Router From a Mac...........104
Back Up Windows Computers With ReadySHARE Vault...................................104
Back Up Mac Computers With Time Machine....................................................105
Set Up a USB Hard Drive on a Mac..............................................................105
Prepare to Back Up a Large Amount of Data................................................105
Use Time Machine to Back Up Onto a USB Hard Disk.................................106
Use FTP Within the Network..............................................................................107
View or Change Network Folders on a Storage Device.....................................108
Add a Network Folder on a Storage Device.......................................................110
Edit a Network Folder on a Storage Device.......................................................111
Safely Remove a USB Device............................................................................111
Chapter 9 Use Dynamic DNS to Access USB Storage Devices Thr ough the Internet
Set Up and Manage Dynamic DNS...................................................................114
Set Up FTP Access Through the Internet..........................................................114
Your Personal FTP Server.................................................................................115
Set Up Your Personal FTP Server.................................................................115
Set Up a New Dynamic DNS Account...........................................................116
Specify a DNS Account That You Already Created.......................................117
Change the Dynamic DNS Settings..............................................................118
5
Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router
Access USB Storage Devices Through the Inter net..........................................119
Remotely Access a USB Device Using ReadyCLOUD......................................119
Create a ReadyCLOUD Account...................................................................119
Register Your Router With ReadyCLOUD.....................................................120
Download Files Onto a USB Storage Device.....................................................121
Download Files..............................................................................................122
Change the Download Settings.....................................................................123
Send Downloader Email Notifications...........................................................123
Manage Downloader Tasks...........................................................................124
View Photos on Your USB Device With Kwilt.....................................................125
Chapter 10 Use the Router as a Media Server
Specify ReadyDLNA Media Server Settings......................................................128
Play Music From a Storage Device With iTunes Server.....................................128
Set Up the Router’s iTunes Server With iTunes.............................................129
Set Up the Router’s iTunes Server With the Remote App.............................130
Play Media From a USB Device on TiVo............................................................132
Set Up the Router to Wor k With TiVo............................................................132
Play Videos on TiVo.......................................................................................133
Play Music or View Photos on TiVo...............................................................133
Chapter 11 Share a USB Printer
Install the Printer Driver and Cable the Printer..................................................135
Download the ReadySHARE Printer Utility........................................................135
Install the ReadySHARE Printer Utility..............................................................135
Print Using the NETGEAR USB Control Center................................................137
View or Change the Status of a Printer..............................................................137
Use the Scan Feature of a Multifunction USB Printer........................................138
Change NETGEAR USB Control Center Settings.............................................138
Turn Off Automatic Startup for NETGEAR USB Control Center....................138
Change the Language for the NETGEAR USB Control Center....................139
Specify the USB Control Center Time-Out....................................................139
Chapter 12 Customize Internet Traffic Rules for Ports
Port Forwarding to a Local Server.....................................................................141
Set Up Port Forwarding to a Local Server.....................................................141
Add a Custom Port Forwarding Service........................................................142
Edit a Port Forwarding Service......................................................................143
Delete a Port Forwarding Entry.....................................................................143
Application Example: Make a Local Web Server Public................................144
How the Router Implements the Port Forwarding Rule.................................144
Port Triggering....................................................................................................145
Add a Port Triggering Service........................................................................145
Enable Por t Triggering...................................................................................147
Application Example: Port Triggering for Internet Relay Chat port triggering.147
Chapter 13 Use VPN to Access Your Network
Set Up a VPN Connection..................................................................................150
6
Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router
Specify VPN Service in the Router....................................................................150
Install OpenVPN Software.................................................................................151
Install OpenVPN Software on Your Windows Computer................................151
Install OpenVPN Software on Your Mac Computer.......................................154
Install OpenVPN Software on an iOS Device................................................154
Install OpenVPN Software on an Android Device.........................................155
Use a VPN Tunnel on Your Windows Computer.................................................156
Use VPN to Access the Router’s USB Device and Media..................................158
Use VPN to Access Your Inter net Ser vice at Home...........................................158
Set Up VPN Client Internet Access in the Router.........................................158
Block VPN Client Internet Access in the Router............................................159
Use a VPN Tunnel to Access Your Internet Service at Home........................160
Change VPN Pass-Through Settings.................................................................160
Chapter 14 Troubleshooting
Quick Tips..........................................................................................................163
Sequence to Restart Your Network...............................................................163
Check Ethernet Cable Connections..............................................................163
WiFi Settings.................................................................................................163
Network Settings...........................................................................................163
Troubleshoot With the LEDs...............................................................................163
Standard LED Behavior When the Router Is Powered On............................163
Power LED Is Off or Blinking.........................................................................164
Power LED Stays Amber...............................................................................164
LEDs Never Turn Off.....................................................................................164
Internet or Ethernet Port LEDs Are Off.........................................................165
WiFi LED Is Off..............................................................................................165
You Cannot Log In to the Router........................................................................165
You Cannot Access the Internet.........................................................................166
Troubleshoot Internet Browsing.........................................................................167
Changes Are Not Saved....................................................................................167
Troubleshoot WiFi Connectivity..........................................................................168
Troubleshoot Your Network Using the Ping Utility..............................................168
Test the LAN Path to Your Router..................................................................168
Test the Path From Your Computer to a Remote Device...............................169
Chapter 15 Supplemental Information
Factory Settings.................................................................................................171
Technical Specifications.....................................................................................172
7
Hardware Setup
The Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router with four 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 v olume of network and Internet traffic from gaming and streaming.
With Dynamic QoS, the router optimizes performance based on the application and the de vice, 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 eSATA 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 anywhere on the network. Share your music with AirPlay-compatible 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.
1
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 12
• eSATA Port on the Right Panel on page 13
• Position Your Router on page 13
• Cable Your Router on page 14
For more information about the topics cov ered in this manual, visit the support website at support.netgear.com.
8
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
9
Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router
Table 1. LED and button descriptions
DescriptionLED
Power
• Solid amber.The router is starting.
• Blinking amber.The firmware is upgrading, or the Reset button was pressed.
• Solid white.The router is ready.
• Blinking white.The firmware is corrupted.
• Off. Power is not supplied to the router.
Internet
• Solid white.The Internet connection is ready.
• Solid amber.The router detected an Ethernet cable connection to the modem.
• Off. No Ethernet cable is connected between the router and the modem.
2.4 GHz WiFi
5 GHz WiFi
USB 3.0 port 1
and USB 3.0 port
2
eSATA
• 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.
• 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 click ed the Safely Remove Har dware 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.
Ethernet ports
1–4
The LED color indicates the speed: white for Gigabit Ethernet connections and amber for 100
Mbps or 10 Mbps Ethernet connections.
• Solid. A powered-on device is connected to the Ethernet port.
• Blinking.The port is sending or receiving traffic.
• Off. No device is connected to this Ethernet port.
Hardware Setup
10
Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router
Table 1. LED and button descriptions (Continued)
DescriptionLED
WiFi On/Off
button with LED
WPS button with
LED
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 11.
Pressing this button for two seconds turns the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi radios on and off.
If this LED is lit, the WiFi radios are on. If this LED is off, the WiFi radios are turned off and you
cannot use WiFi to connect to the router.
This button lets you use WPS to join the WiFi network without typing the WiFi password.The
WPS LED blinks white during this process and then lights solid white.
Rear Panel
The rear panel connections and buttons are shown in the following figure.
Figure 3. Router rear panel
Pressing the Reset button restores the factory settings. See Factory Settings on page 171>.
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.
Hardware Setup
11
Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router
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.
USB Ports on the Left Panel
Two 3.0 USB ports are located on the left panel.
Figure 4. USB ports
Hardware Setup
12
Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router
eSATA Port on the Right Panel
An eSATA port is located on the right panel.
Figure 5. eSATA port
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 r ange of your WiFi network. Howe ver ,
the operating distance or range of your WiFi connection can vary significantly depending on the physical
placement of your router. 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 your home might aff ect your router’ s signal.WiFi access
points are routers, repeaters, WiFi range extenders , and any other device that emits a WiFi signal f or network
access.
Hardware Setup
13
Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router
Position your router according to the following guidelines:
• Place your router near the center of the area where your computers and other devices operate, and
within line of sight to your WiFi devices.
• Make sure that the router is within reach of an AC power outlet and near Ethernet cables for wired
computers.
• Place the router in an elevated location, minimizing the number walls and ceilings between the router
and your other devices.
• Place the router away from electrical devices such as these:
- Ceiling fans
- Home security systems
- Microwaves
- Computers
- Base of a cordless phone
- 2.4 GHz cordless phone
• Place the router away from large metal surfaces, large glass surfaces, insulated walls, and items such
as these:
- Solid metal door
- Aluminum studs
- Fish tanks
- Mirrors
- Brick
- Concrete
Cable Your Router
The following image shows how to cable your router:
Hardware Setup
14
Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi 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.
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
15
Connect to the Network and Access the Router
You can connect to the router’s WiFi networks or use a wired Ethernet connection.This chapter explains the
ways you can connect and how to access the router and log in.
The chapter contains the following sections:
• Connect to the Network on page 17
• Types of Logins on page 18
• Use a Web Browser to Access the Router on page 18
• Automatic Internet Setup on page 19
• Automatic Internet Setup With Two Routers on page 20
• Access the Router With NETGEAR genie Apps on page 22
2
16
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 netw ork
(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.
Your WiFi device connects to the WiFi network.
Connect to the Network and Access the Router
17
Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router
Label
The product label shows the login information, WiFi network name and network key (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 know which login to use when.
Several types of logins are associated with the router:
• ISP login.The login that your ISP gave you logs you in to your Internet service.Your service provider
gave you this login information in a letter or some other way. If you cannot find this login information,
contact your service provider.
• WiFi network key or password.Your router is preset with a unique WiFi network name (SSID) and
password for WiFi access.This information is on the 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), you can use a web browser
to access the router to view or change its settings.When you access the router, the software automatically
checks to see if your router can connect to your Internet service.
Log In to the Router
When you first connect to your router and launch a web browser, the browser automatically displays the
router’s web page. If you want to view or change settings for the router later, you can use a browser to log
in to the router’s web page.
To log in to the router:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network.
2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.
Connect to the Network and Access the Router
18
Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router
You can also enter http://www.routerlogin.com or enter the router's IP address in
Note
this 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 password.The user name and password are
case-sensitive.
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 A utomatic Internet Setup With Two Routers on page
20.
When your Internet service starts, your Internet service provider (ISP) typically gives you all the information
needed to connect to the Internet. For DSL service, y ou 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.
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:
Connect to the Network and Access the Router
19
Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router
• 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 20.
• 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 y our settings. Make sure that y ou selected the correct options and typed everything correctly.
b. Contact your ISP to verify that you are using the correct configuration information.
c. Read You Cannot Access the Internet on page 166. 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 y ou are connecting only one
router to your Internet connection, see Automatic Internet Setup on page 19.
When your Internet service starts, your Internet service provider (ISP) typically gives you all the information
needed to connect to the Internet. For DSL service, y ou 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.
Connect to the Network and Access the Router
20
Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router
The NETGEAR installation assistant runs on any device with a web browser. Installation and basic setup
takes about 15 minutes to complete.
T o use the NETGEAR installation assistant to automatically set up y our router on a netw ork
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 b utton, the NETGEAR installation assistant asks y ou a f ew
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 you select this radio button, you must select the Router Mode radio button or
the Access Point Mode radio b utton.Y ou can change the mode b y running the Setup Wizard again.
For more information, see Use the Internet Setup Wizard on page 24.
5. Follow the onscreen instructions.
The NETGEAR installation assistant guides you through connecting the router to the Internet.
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 y our settings. Make sure that y ou selected the correct options and typed everything correctly.
b. Contact your ISP to verify that you are using the correct configuration information.
c. Read You Cannot Access the Internet on page 166. If problems persist, register your product and
contact NETGEAR technical support.
Connect to the Network and Access the Router
21
Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router
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
22
Specify Your Internet Settings
Usually, the quickest way to set up the router to use your Internet connection is to allow the genie to detect the
Internet connection when you first access the router with a web browser.You can also customize or specify
your Internet settings.
This chapter contains the following sections:
• Use the Internet Setup Wizard on page 24
• Manually Set Up the Internet Connection on page 24
• Specify IPv6 Internet Connections on page 27
• Change the MTU Size on page 39
• Enable British Telcom IGMP Proxy Support on page 41
3
23
Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router
Use the Internet Setup Wizard
You can use the Setup Wizard to detect your Internet settings and automatically set up your router.The
Setup Wizard is not the same as the pages that displa y the first time you connect to your router to set it up.
To use the Setup Wizard:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network.
2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.
A login window opens.
3. Enter the router user name and password.
The user name is admin.The default password is password.The user name and password are
case-sensitive.
The BASIC Home page displays.
4. Select ADVANCED > Setup Wizard.
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 24).
6. Click the Next button.
The Setup Wizard searches your Internet connection for servers and protocols to determine your Internet
configuration.
When the router connects to the Internet, you are prompted to download and install the free NETGEAR
Desktop genie app and the free ReadySHARE Vault app.
Manually Set Up the Internet Connection
You can view or change the router’s Internet connection settings.
Specify an Internet Connection Without a Login
To specify the Internet connection settings:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network.
2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.
A login window opens.
Specify Your Internet Settings
24
Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router
3. Enter the router user name and password.
The user name is admin.The default password is password.The user name and password are
case-sensitive.
The BASIC Home page displays.
4. Select 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.
• 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.
Specify Your Internet Settings
25
Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router
• 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 166.
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 password.The user name and password are
case-sensitive.
The BASIC Home page displays.
4. Select Internet.
Specify Your Internet Settings
26
Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router
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:
• 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 166.
Specify IPv6 Internet Connections
You can set up an IPv6 Internet connection if the router does not detect it automatically.
Specify Your Internet Settings
27
Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router
To set up an IPv6 Internet connection:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network.
2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.
A login window opens.
3. Enter the router user name and password.
The user name is admin.The default password is password.The user name and password are
case-sensitive.
The BASIC Home page displays.
4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.
The IPv6 page displays.
5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select the IPv6 connection type:
• If 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 30
• Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet Connection on page 29
• Set Up an IPv6 6rd Internet Connection on page 31
• Set Up an IPv6 6to4 Tunnel Internet Connection on page 33
• Set Up an IPv6 Pass Through Internet Connection on page 34
• Set Up an IPv6 Fixed Internet Connection on page 35
• Set Up an IPv6 DHCP Internet Connection on page 36
• Set Up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet Connection on page 38
6. Click the Apply button.
Your settings are saved.
Requirements for Entering IPv6 Addresses
IPv6 addresses are denoted by eight groups of hexadecimal quartets that are separated by colons.You
can reduce any four-digit group of zeros within an IPv6 address to a single zero or omit it.The following
errors invalidate an IPv6 address:
• More than eight groups of hexadecimal quartets
• More than four hexadecimal characters in a quartet
• More than two colons in a row
Specify Your Internet Settings
28
Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router
Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet Connection
To set up an IPv6 Internet connection through autoconfiguration:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network.
2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.
A login window opens.
3. Enter the router user name and password.
The user name is admin.The default password is password.The user name and password are
case-sensitive.
The BASIC Home page displays.
4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.
The IPv6 page displays.
5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select Auto Config.
The router automatically detects the information in the following fields:
• Router’s IPv6 Ad dress 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 Ad dress on LAN.This field shows the IPv6 address that is acquired for the router’s
LAN interface.The number after the slash (/) is the length of the prefix, which is also indicated by
the underline (_) under the IPv6 address. If no address is acquired, the field displays Not Available.
Specify Your Internet Settings
29
Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router
6. (Optional) In the DHCP User Class (If Required) field, enter a host name.
Most people can leave this field blank, but if your ISP gave you a specific host name, enter it here.
7. (Optional) In the DHCP Domain Name (If Required) field, enter a domain name.
You can type the domain name of your IPv6 ISP. Do not enter the domain name for the IPv4 ISP here.
For example, if your ISP’s mail server is mail.xxx.yyy.zzz, type xxx.yyy.zzz as the domain name. If your
ISP provided a domain name, type it in this field. For example, Earthlink Cable might require a host
name of home, and Comcast sometimes supplies a domain name.
8. Select an IP Address Assignment radio button:
• Use DHCP Server.This method passes more information to LAN devices but some IPv6 systems
might not support the DHCv6 client function.
• Auto Config.This is the default setting.
This setting specifies how the router assigns IPv6 addresses to the devices on your home netw ork (the
LAN).
9. (Optional) Select the Use This Interface ID check box and specify the interface ID to be used for the
IPv6 address of the router’s LAN interface.
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 password.The user name and password are
case-sensitive.
The BASIC Home page displays.
4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.
Specify Your Internet Settings
30
Loading...