Netgear R6250-100NAS User manual

Download

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

User Manual

April 2015

202-11544-01

350 East Plumeria Drive

San Jose, CA 95134

USA

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

Support

Thank you for selecting NETGEAR products.

After installing your device, locate the serial number on the label of your product and use it to register your product at

https://my.netgear.com. You must register your product before you can use NETGEAR telephone support. NETGEAR

recommends registering your product through the NETGEAR website.

For product updates and web support, visit http://support.netgear.com.

Phone (US & Canada only): 1-888-NETGEAR.

Phone (Other Countries): Check the list of phone numbers at http://support.netgear.com/general/contact/default.aspx.

Trademarks

Compliance

For regulatory compliance information, visit http://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory/.

See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply.

Chapter 1 Hardware Setup

Chapter 2 Getting Started

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

Hardware Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Front and Side Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

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

Router Setup Preparation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Use Standard TCP/IP Properties for DHCP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Gather ISP Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Wireless Devices and Security Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Types of Logins and Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

NETGEAR genie Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Use NETGEAR genie After Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Upgrade the Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Dashboard (Basic Home Screen). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Join Your Wireless Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Manual Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Access the Router with NETGEAR the genie App . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Chapter 3 Basic Settings

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

Internet Setup Screen Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Basic Wireless Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Wireless Settings Screen Fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Change the Wireless Security Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Set Up a Guest Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

View Attached Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Chapter 4 Advanced Home Settings

NETGEAR genie Advanced Home Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Internet Connection Setup Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

WAN Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Default DMZ Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Change the MTU Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

LAN Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

LAN Setup Screen Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

The Role of the Router as a DHCP Server. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Address Reservation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

WPS Wizard for WiFi Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Quality of Service (QoS) Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

WMM QoS for Wireless Multimedia Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Optimize Internet Gaming with Upstream QoS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Set Up QoS for Internet Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Chapter 5 USB Storage

Connect a USB Storage Device to the Router. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Safely Remove a USB Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Access the USB Storage Device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

File-Sharing Scenarios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Share Photos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Store Files in a Central Location for Printing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Share Large Files over the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Back Up Windows Computers with ReadySHARE Vault. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

View a USB Device Attached to the Router. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

USB Storage Device Network and Access Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Available Network Folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Specify Approved USB Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Back Up Windows Computers with ReadySHARE Vault. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Chapter 6 Share a USB Printer

Install the Printer Driver and Cable the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Download the ReadySHARE Printer Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Install the ReadySHARE Printer Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Use the Shared Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

View or Change the Status of a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Use the Scan Feature of a Multifunction USB Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Change NETGEAR USB Control Center Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Chapter 7 Security

Set Up Parental Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Keyword Blocking of HTTP Traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Block Services (Port Filtering). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Port Triggering to Open Incoming Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Port Forwarding to Permit External Host Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

How Port Forwarding Differs from Port Triggering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Set Up Port Forwarding to Local Servers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Add a Custom Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Edit or Delete a Port Forwarding Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Set Up Port Triggering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Schedule Blocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

Security Event Email Notifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Chapter 8 Administration

Upgrade the Router Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

View Router Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Router Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Internet Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Wireless Settings (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

View Logs of Web Access or Attempted Web Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Manage the Configuration File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Back Up Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Restore Configuration Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Erase the Current Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Change the Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Password Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Chapter 9 Advanced Settings

Advanced Wireless Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Control the Wireless Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Set Up a Wireless Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Set up the Router in Bridge Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

View or Change WPS Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Set Up a Wireless Access List by MAC Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Wireless Access Point (AP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Dynamic DNS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100

Set Up a New Dynamic DNS Account. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100

Specify a DNS Account That You Already Have . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Change the Dynamic DNS Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Static Routes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Remote Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106

Universal Plug and Play. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

IPv6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Requirements for Entering IPv6 Addresses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Auto Detect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109

IPv6 Auto Config. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

IPv6 6to4 Tunnel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

IPv6 Pass Through. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

IPv6 Fixed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

IPv6 DHCP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

IPv6 PPPoE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Traffic Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Chapter 10 Troubleshooting

Quick Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120

Sequence to Restart Your Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Check Ethernet Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

Wireless Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Network Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Troubleshoot with the LEDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Power LED Is Off or Blinking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Power LED Stays Amber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

LEDs Never Turn Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Internet or Ethernet Port LEDs Are Off. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

WiFi LED Is Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Cannot Log In to the Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Cannot Access the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Troubleshoot PPPoE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Troubleshoot Internet Browsing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Changes Not Saved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Wireless Connectivity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Wireless Signal Strength . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Troubleshoot Your Network Using the Ping Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Test the LAN Path to Your Router. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Test the Path from Your Computer to a Remote Device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Appendix A Supplemental Information

Factory Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

1. Hardware Setup

Getting to know your router

The R6250 Smart WiFi Router with AC dual band delivers AC1600 WiFi and Gigabit Ethernet

speeds. It offers the best wireless coverage for large homes and is ideal for homes with ten or more wireless devices.

The router automatically uses NETGEAR Beamforming+ technology to enhance WiFi

performance. Because it’s automatic, you don’t have to turn on Beamforming+ or configure it. When you connect to the WiFi network, Beamforming+ focuses on your location for even better WiFi performance and speed. Beamforming+ locks onto your laptop, tablet, or smartphone, and follows as you move from place to place, so you keep your optimal WiFi connection.

Compatible with next generation WiFi devices and backward compatible with 802.11 a/b/g/n devices, it enables HD streaming throughout your home. With up to 300 and simultaneous dual band WiFi technology, the R6250 avoids wireless interference, ensuring top WiFi speeds and reliable connections. This technology also provides the best connectivity for dual band wireless devices like iPad and iPhone5. The dual-core 800 MHz processor delivers high-performance connectivity, while the USB 3.0 port provides up to 10X faster USB hard drive access.

If you already set up your router, you can skip this chapter. If you have not done that yet, this chapter covers the hardware setup. router to view or change its settings.

Chapter 2, Getting Started, explains how to access your

to 13002 Mbps speed

This chapter contains the following sections:

• Unpack Your Router

• Hardware Features

• Position Your Router

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

http://support.netgear.com.

1. Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE standard 802.11 specifications. Actual data throughput and wireless coverage will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput rate and wireless coverage. NETGEAR makes no express or implied representations or warranties about this product’s compatibility with any future standards. 802.11ac 1300 Mbps is approximately 3x faster than 802.11n 450 Mbps.

2. Up to 1300 Mbps wireless speeds achieved when connecting to other 802.11ac 1300 Mbps devices.

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

Unpack Your Router

Open the box and remove the router, cables, and installation guide.

Ethernet cable

WiFi Router

Power adapter

Figure 1. Check the package contents

Your box contains the following items:

• R6250 Smart WiFi Router

• AC power adapter (plug varies by region)

• Category 5 (Cat 5) Ethernet cable

• Installation guide with cabling and router setup instructions

If any parts are incorrect, missing, or damaged, contact your NETGEAR dealer. Keep the carton and original packing materials, in case you return the product for repair

Hardware Features

Before you cable your router, take a moment to become familiar with the front, side, and back panels and the label. Pay particular attention to the LEDs on the front panel.

Hardware Setup

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

Front and Side Panel

The router front panel has the status LEDs and icons shown in the following figure.

WiFi On/Off button

WPS button

LEDs

Figure 2. Router front and side view

Table 1. Front panel LED descriptions

LED Description

Power

Internet

Wireless

• Solid amber. The router is starting.

• Blinking amber.

pressed.

• Solid green. The

• Blinking green. The

• Off. Power is not supplied to the router

• Solid green. The Internet connection is ready.

• Solid amber.

• Off. No Ethernet cable is connected to the modem.

• Solid blue. The wireless radio is operating in either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz mode.

• Blinking. Someone is trying to join the WiFi network using the WPS method.

• Off.

The wireless radios are off for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

The firmware is upgrading, or the Restore Factory Settings button was

router is ready.

firmware is corrupted. See www.netgear.com/support.

The Ethernet cable connection to the modem has been detected.

USB • Solid blue. The router has accepted the USB device. The USB device is ready to be used.

• Blinking blue.

• Off. No USB device is connected; someone clicked the Safely Remove Hardware button, and

it is now safe to remove the attached USB device.

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

Hardware Setup

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

The WiFi and WPS buttons toggle the WiFi and WPS functions on and off.

• W

iFi On/Off button. Pressing and holding this button for 2 seconds turns on and off the

2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless radios. If the Wireless LED is lit, the wireless radios are on. If this LED is off, the wireless radios are turned off and you cannot connect wirelessly to the router.

• WPS button.

You can use this button to use WPS to add a wireless device or computer to your wireless network. The Wireless LED blinks blue when the router is trying to add the wireless device or computer. The LED stays solid blue when wireless security is enabled in the router.

Rear Panel

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

Power connector

Power On/Off

USB 3.0 Ethernet Internet

LAN ports 1-4

Figure 3. Router rear panel

port

Reset buttonport

The Reset button restores the factory settings. See Factory Settings on page 129.

Hardware Setup

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

Label

The label on the bottom of the router shows the WPS PIN, login information, MAC address, and serial number.

Default access information

Preset SSID

Serial number andPreset WiFi

password MAC address

Figure 4. The label shows unique information about your router

Position Your Router

The router lets you access your network from anywhere within the operating range of your wireless network. However, the operating distance or range of your wireless connection depends on the physical placement of your router. For example, the thickness and number of walls the wireless signal passes through can limit the range. For best results, place your router:

• Near the center of the area where your computers and other devices operate, and

preferably within line of sight to your wireless devices.

• So it is accessible to an

• In an elevated location such as a high shelf, keeping the number of walls and ceilings

between the router and your other devices to a minimum.

• A

way from electrical devices that are potential sources of interference. Equipment that might cause interference includes ceiling fans, home security systems, microwaves, computers, the base of a cordless phone, or a 2.4 GHz cordless phone.

• A

way from any large metal surfaces, such as a solid metal door or aluminum studs. Large expanses of other materials such as glass, insulated walls, fish tanks, mirrors, brick, and concrete can also affect your wireless signal.

AC power outlet and near Ethernet cables for wired computers.

Hardware Setup

2. Getting Started

Connecting to the router

This chapter explains how to use NETGEAR genie to set up your router after you complete

cabling as described in the installation guide.

This chapter contains the following sections:

• Router Setup Preparation

• Types of Logins and Access

• NETGEAR genie Setup

• Use NETGEAR genie After Installation

• Upgrade the Firmware

• Dashboard (Basic Home Screen)

• Join Your Wireless Network

• Access the Router with NETGEAR the genie App

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

Router Setup Preparation

You can set up your router with the NETGEAR genie automatically, or you can use the genie menus and screens to set up your router manually. Before you start the setup process, get your ISP information and make sure the computers and devices in the network have the settings described here.

Use Standard TCP/IP Properties for DHCP

If you set up your computer to use a static IP address, change the settings so that it uses Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).

Gather ISP Information

If you have DSL broadband service, you might need the following information to set up your router and to check that your Internet configuration is correct. When your Internet service starts, your Internet service provider (ISP) typically gives you all the information needed to connect to the Internet. 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’s login program on your computer to access the Internet. When you start an Internet application, your router automatically logs you in.

• The ISP configuration information for your DSL account

• ISP login name and password

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

Wireless Devices and Security Settings

Make sure that the wireless device or computer that you are using supports WPA or WPA2 wireless security, which is the wireless security that the router uses.

Types of Logins and Access

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

• Router login logs you in to the router interface from NETGEAR genie. For details about

this login, see

• ISP login logs you in to your Internet service. Your service provider has provided you

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

• Wireless network key or password. Your router is preset with a unique wireless

network name (SSID) and password for wireless access. This information is on the label on the bottom of your router.

Use NETGEAR genie After Installation on page 15.

Getting Started

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

NETGEAR genie Setup

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

 To use NETGEAR genie to set up your router:

1. T

urn the router on by pressing the On/Off button.

2. Make sure that your computer or wireless device is connected to the router with an Ethernet

cable (wired) or wirelessly with the preset security settings listed on the bottom label.

3. Launch your Internet browser

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

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

http://www

.routerlogin.net, and the NETGEAR genie screen displays.

• If you already used the NETGEAR genie, type http://www.routerlogin.net in the

address field for your browser to display the NETGEAR genie screen. See Use

NETGEAR genie After Installation on page 15.

4. Follow the onscreen instructions.

NETGEAR genie guides you through connecting the router to the Internet.

If the browser cannot display the web page:

• Make sure that the computer is connected to one of the four LAN Ethernet ports or

wirelessly to the router.

• Make sure that the router has full power

• T

o make sure that the browser does not cache the previous page, close and reopen the

browser.

• Browse to http://www

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

obtain an IP address automatically from the router.

.routerlogin.net.

, and that its WiFi LED is lit.

Getting Started

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

If the router does not connect to the Internet:

1. Review your settings to be sure that you have selected the correct options and typed

everything correctly.

2. Contact your ISP to verify that you have the correct configuration information.

3. Read Chapter 10, Troubleshooting. If problems persist, register your NETGEAR product and

contact NETGEAR technical support.

Use NETGEAR genie After Installation

When you first set up your router, NETGEAR genie automatically starts when you launch an Internet browser on a computer that is connected to the router. If you want to view or change settings for the router, you can use genie again.

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

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

A login window displays.

3. Enter admin for the router user name and password for the router password, both in

lowercase letters.

Note: The router user name and password are different from the user name

and password for logging in to your Internet connection. For more information, see

Types of Logins and Access on page 13.

Upgrade the Firmware

When you set up your router and are connected to the Internet, the router automatically checks for you to see if newer firmware is available. If it is, a message is displayed on the top of the screen. For more information, see

Click the message when it shows up, and click Yes to upgrade the router with the latest firmware. After the upgrade, the router restarts.

CAUTION:

Do not try to go online, turn off the router, shut down the computer, or do anything else to the router until the router restarts and the Power LED has stopped blinking for several seconds.

Upgrade the Router Firmware on page 83.

Dashboard (Basic Home Screen)

The router Basic Home screen has a dashboard that lets you see the status of your Internet connection and network at a glance. You can click any of the six sections of the dashboard to

Getting Started

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

)

view and change the settings. The left column has menus. You can use the Advanced tab to access more menus and screens.

Language

Menus (Click the Advanced tab to view more)

Figure 5. Basic Home screen with dashboard, language, and online help

Dashboard (Click to view details

Help

• Home. This dashboard screen displays when you log in to the router.

• Internet. Set, update, and check the ISP settings of your router.

• W

ireless. View or change the wireless settings for your router.

• Attached Devices. V

iew the devices connected to your network.

• Parental Controls. Download and set up parental controls to prevent objectionable

content from reaching your computers.

• ReadySHARE. If you connected a USB storage device to the router, then it is displayed

here.

• Guest Network. Set up a guest network to allow visitors to use your router’

s Internet

connection.

• Advanced tab. Set the router up for unique situations such as when remote access by IP

or by domain name from the Internet is needed. See Chapter 9, Advanced Settings. You need a solid understanding of networking to use this tab.

• Help & Support. V

isit the NETGEAR support site for information, help, and product

documentation. These links work once you have an Internet connection.

Join Your Wireless Network

You can use the manual or the WPS method to join your wireless network. For instructions about how to set up a guest network, see Set Up a Guest Network on page 25.

Getting Started

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

Manual Method

With the manual method, choose the network that you want and type its password to connect.

 To connect manually:

1. On your computer or wireless device, open the software that manages your wireless

connections.

This software scans for all wireless networks in your area.

2. Look for your network and select it.

The unique WiFi network name (SSID) and password are on the router label. If you changed these settings, look for the network name that you used.

3. Enter the router password and click Connect.

Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) Method

Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) lets you connect to a secure WiFi network without typing its password. Instead, press a button or enter a PIN. NETGEAR calls WPS Push 'N' Connect.

Some older WiFi equipment is not compatible with WPS. WPS works only with WPA2 or WPA wireless security.

 To use WPS to join the wireless network:

1. Press the WPS button on the side of the router.

2. Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your wireless device, or follow the WPS

instructions that came with the device.

The WPS process automatically sets up your wireless computer with the network password and connects you to the wireless network.

Access the Router with NETGEAR the genie App

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

• Automatically repair common wireless network problems.

• Easily manage 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.

Getting Started

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

The genie app dashboard screen displays.

Getting Started

3. Basic Settings

Your Internet connection and WiFi network

This chapter contains the following sections:

• Internet Setup

• Basic Wireless Settings

• Set Up a Guest Network

• View Attached Devices

For information about the ReadySHARE feature on the Basic Home tab, see Chapter 5, USB

Storage and Chapter 6, Share a USB Printer.

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

Internet Setup

The Internet Setup screen is where you view or change basic ISP information.

Note: You can use the Setup Wizard to detect the Internet connection and

automatically set up the router. See Internet Connection Setup Wizard on page 29.

 To view or change the basic Internet setup:

1. From the Home screen, select Internet.

The fields that display in the Internet Setup screen depend on whether your Internet connection requires a login.

• Yes. Select the encapsulation method and enter the login name. If you want to

change the login time-out, enter a new value in minutes.

• No. Enter the account and domain names, only if needed.

2. Enter the settings for the IP address and DNS server

The default settings usually work fine. If you have problems with your connection, check the ISP settings.

3. Click Apply.

Your settings are saved.

Basic Settings

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

4. Click Test to test your Internet connection.

If the NETGEAR website does not display within 1 minute, see Chapter 10,

Troubleshooting.

Internet Setup Screen Fields

The following descriptions explain all of the possible fields in the Internet Setup screen. The fields that display in this screen depend on whether tan ISP login is required.

Does Your Internet connection require a login? Answer either yes or no.

These fields display when no login is required:

• Account Name (If required). Enter the account name provided by your ISP. This might

also be called the host name.

• Domain Name (If required). Enter the domain name provided by your ISP.

These fields display when your ISP requires a login:

• Internet Service Provider. PPPoE or PPPoA.

• Login. The login name provided by your ISP. This login name is often an email address.

• Password. The password that you use to log in to your ISP.

• Service Name (if Required). If your ISP provided a service name, enter it here.

• Connection Mode. Always On, Dial on Demand, or Manually Connect.

• Idle Timeout (In minutes). If you want to change the login time-out, enter a new value in

minutes. This setting determines how long the router keeps the Internet connection active when no one on the network is using the Internet. A value of 0 (zero) means never log out.

Internet IP Address.

• 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 will connect.

Domain Name Server (DNS) Address. The DNS server is used to look up site addresses based on their names.

• 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.

NAT (Network Address Translation). NAT allows computers on your home network to share the router Internet connection. NAT is enabled by default because it is needed in most situations. The following settings are available:

Basic Settings

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

• Enable

• Disable

• Disable Port Scan and DoS Protection

Router MAC Address. The Ethernet MAC address that the router uses on the Internet port.

Some ISPs register the MAC address of the network interface card in your computer when your account is first opened. They accept traffic only from the MAC address of that computer. This feature allows your router to use your computer’s MAC address (also called cloning).

• 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 have to use the one computer that the ISP allows.

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

Basic Wireless Settings

The Wireless Settings screen lets you view or configure the wireless network setup.

The router comes with preset security. This means that the Wi-Fi 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 bottom of the unit.

The preset SSID and password are uniquely generated for every device to protect and maximize your wireless security.

NETGEAR recommends that you do not change your preset security settings. If you change

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

If you use a wireless computer to change the wireless network name (SSID) or other wireless security settings, you are disconnected when you click Apply. To avoid this problem, use a computer with a wired connection to access the router.

Basic Settings

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

 To view or change basic wireless settings:

1. Select Basic > W

ireless.

The screen sections, settings, and procedures are explained in the following sections.

2. (Optional) Change the settings.

The settings are explained in the following section Wireless Settings Screen Fields on page 24.

3. Click Apply.

Your settings are saved.

If you were connected wirelessly to the router and you changed the SSID or wireless security

, you are disconnected from the network.

4. If you changed the settings, make sure that you can connect wirelessly to the network with

its new settings.

If you cannot connect wirelessly, check the following:

• Is your computer or wireless device connected to another wireless network in your

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

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

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

Basic Settings

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

Wireless Settings Screen Fields

You can use this screen to view or change the wireless network settings and the security option.

Enable SSID Broadcast. This feature allows the router to broadcast its SSID so wireless stations can see this wireless name (SSID) in their scanned network lists. This check box is selected by default. To turn off the SSID broadcast, clear this check box, and click Apply.

Name (SSID). The SSID is also known as the wireless network name. Enter a 32-character (maximum) name in this field. This field is case-sensitive. The default SSID is randomly generated, and NETGEAR strongly recommends that you do not change this setting.

Region. The location where the router is used. Select from the countries in the list. In the United States, the region is fixed to United States and is not changeable.

Channel. The wireless channel the router uses. For 2.4 GHz, select a value from 1 through

13. (For products in the North America market, only Channels 1 through 11 can be operated.) 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 radio frequency channels to reduce interference. The recommended channel spacing between adjacent access points is 4 channels (for example, use Channels 1 and 5, or 6 and 10).

Mode. For 2.4 GHz, Up to 145 Mbps is the default setting, which allows 802.11n and 802.11g wireless devices to join the network. The other settings are Up to 54 Mbps, and Up to 300 Mbps.

At 5GHz, Up to 1300 Mbps is the default setting, which allows 802.11ac, 802.11a wireless

devices to join the network. The other settings are Up to 289 Mbps and 600 Mbps.

Security Options. The router comes with unique preset wireless security. These settings are on the product label. NETGEAR recommends that you use preset security so that you can refer to the label if you forget the WiFi password. However, you can change the security option and passphrase.

Wireless Security Options

A security option is the type of security protocol applied to your wireless network. The

security protocol in force encrypts data transmissions and ensures that only trusted devices receive authorization to connect to your network. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) has several options including pre-shared key (PSK) encryption.

WPA encryption is built into all hardware that has the Wi-Fi-certified seal. This seal means that the Wi-Fi Alliance (http://www.wi-fi.org/)) authorized the product because it complies with the worldwide single standard for high-speed wireless local area networking.

WPA uses a passphrase for authentication and to generate the initial data encryption keys. Then it dynamically varies the encryption key. WPA-PSK uses Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) data encryption, implements most of the IEEE 802.11i standard, and works with all wireless network interface cards, but not all wireless access points.

Basic Settings

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

WPA2-PSK is stronger than WPA-PSK. It is advertised to be theoretically indecipherable due to the greater degree of randomness in encryption keys that it generates. WPA2-PSK gets higher speed because it is implemented through hardware, while WPA-PSK is usually implemented through software. WPA2-PSK uses a passphrase to authenticate and generate the initial data encryption keys. Then it dynamically varies the encryption key.

WPS-PSK + WPA2-PSK Mixed Mode can provide broader support for all wireless clients.

A2-PSK clients get higher speed and security, and WPA-PSK clients get decent speed

WP and security. For help with WPA settings on your wireless computer or device, see the instructions that came with your product.

Change the Wireless Security Option

NETGEAR recommends that you do not disable security.

 To change the WPA settings:

1. Select Basic > W

2. Under Security Options, select the WP

3. In the Passphrase field that displays when you select a WPA security option, enter the

network key (password) that you want to use. It is a text string from 8 to 63 characters.

4. W

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

5. Click Apply.

Your changes are saved.

ireless Settings.

A option you want.

Set Up a Guest Network

A guest network allows visitors at your home to use the Internet without revealing your wireless security key. You can add a guest network to each wireless network: 2.4 GHz b/g/n and 5.0 GHz a/n.

Basic Settings

 To set up a guest network:

1. Select Basic > Guest Network.

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

2. Select any of the following wireless settings:

Enable Guest Network. When this check box is selected, the guest network is enabled,

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

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

Allow guest to access My Local Network. If this check box is selected, anyone who

connects to this SSID has access to your local network, not just Internet access.

3. 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 wireless devices in your network to use the guest network name in addition to the main SSID.

4. Select a security option from the list.

The security options are described in Wireless Security Options on page 24.

5. Click Apply.

Your settings are saved.

View Attached Devices

Use the Attached Device screen to view all computers or devices that are currently connected to your network.

Basic Settings

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

 To go to the Attached Devices screen:

1. From the Basic Home screen, select Attached Devices.

Wired devices are connected to the router with Ethernet cables. Wireless devices have joined the wireless network. The following information is displayed:

• # (number). The order in which the device joined the network.

• IP Address.

The IP address that the router assigned to this device when it joined the

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

• MAC Address.

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

address is typically shown on the product label.

• Device Name. If the device name is known, it is shown here.

2. Click Refresh to update this screen.

Basic Settings

4. Advanced Home Settings

Specify custom settings

This chapter contains the following sections:

• NETGEAR genie Advanced Home Screen

• Internet Connection Setup Wizard

• WAN Setup

• LAN Setup

• WPS Wizard for WiFi Connections

• Quality of Service (QoS) Setup

Some selections on the Advanced Home screen are described in separate chapters:

• USB Storage. See Chapter 5, USB Storage.

• Security. See Chapter 7, Security.

• Administration. See Chapter 8, Administration.

• Advanced Setup. See Chapter 9, Advanced Settings.

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

NETGEAR genie Advanced Home Screen

The genie Advanced Home dashboard presents status information. The content is the same as what is on the Router Status screen available from the Administration menu. The genie Advanced Home screen is shown in the following figure:

probably show menus too

Internet Connection 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 genie screens that display the first time you connect to your router to set it up.

 To use the Setup Wizard:

1. Select Advanced > Setup W

2. Select either Yes or No, I want to configure the router myself.

If you select No, you are taken to the Internet Setup screen (see Internet Setup on page 20).

3. Select Ye

4. Click Next.

s and select your location.

izard.

Advanced Home Settings

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

WAN Setup

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

The WAN Setup screen lets you configure a DMZ (demilitarized zone) server, change the maximum transmit unit (MTU) size, and enable the router to respond to a ping on the WAN (Internet) port.

 To view or change the WAN settings:

1. Select Advanced > Setup > W

2. Specify the following settings:

• Disable Port Scan and DoS Protection. DoS protection protects your LAN against

denial of service attacks such as Syn flood, Smurf Attack, UDP Flood, ARP Attack, Spoofing ICMP, Null Scan, and many others. This should be disabled only in special circumstances.

• Default DMZ Server.

games or videoconferencing. Be careful when using this feature because it makes the firewall security less effective. See the following section, Default DMZ Server.

AN Setup.

Attack, Ping of Death, Teardrop

This feature is sometimes helpful when you are playing online

Advanced Home Settings

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

• Respond to Ping on Internet Port. If you want the router to respond to a ping from

the Internet, select this check box. Use this setting only as a diagnostic tool because it allows your router to be discovered. Do not select this check box unless you have a specific reason.

• Disable IGMP Proxying. IGMP proxying allows a computer on the local area network

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

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

Ethernet networks is 1500 bytes, or 1492 bytes for PPPoE connections. For some ISPs, you might need to reduce the MTU. This is rarely required. Reduce the MTU only if you are sure that it is necessary for your ISP connection. See

Size on page 32.

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

processes inbound traffic. Secured NAT provides a secured firewall to protect the computers on the LAN from attacks from the Internet, but might prevent some Internet games, point-to-point applications, or multimedia applications from functioning. Open NAT provides a much less secured firewall, but allows almost all Internet applications to function.

Change the MTU

3. Click Apply.

Your changes are saved.

Default DMZ Server

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

WARNING:

DMZ servers pose a security risk. A computer designated as the default DMZ server loses much of the protection of the firewall and is 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 have configured in the Port Forwarding/Port Triggering screen. Instead of discarding this traffic, you can have the router forward the traffic to one computer on your network. This computer is called the default DMZ server.

Advanced Home Settings

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

 To set up a default DMZ server:

1. Select Advanced > Setup > WAN Setup.

2. Select the Default DMZ Server check box.

3. Type the IP address.

4. Click Apply.

Your change takes effect.

Change the MTU Size

The maximum transmission unit (MTU) is the largest data packet a network device transmits. When one network device communicates across the Internet with another, the data packets travel through many devices along the way. If a device in the data path has a lower MTU setting than the other devices, the data packets have to be split or “fragmented” to accommodate the device with the smallest MTU.

The best MTU setting for NETGEAR equipment is often just 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 have 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 have severe performance problems.

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

connectivity or performance problems.

Note: An incorrect MTU setting can cause Internet communication

problems. For instance, you might not be able to access certain websites, frames within websites, secure login pages, or FTP or POP servers.

If you suspect an MTU problem, a common solution is to change the MTU to 1400. If you are willing to experiment, you can gradually reduce the MTU from the maximum value of 1500

Advanced Home Settings

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

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

Table 2. Common MTU sizes

MTU Application

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

1492 Used in PPPoE environments.

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

1468 Used in some DHCP environments.

1460 Usable by AOL if you do not have large email attachments, for example.

1436 Used in PPTP environments or with VPN.

1400 Maximum size for AOL DSL.

576 Typical value to connect to dial-up ISPs.

PPPoE or VPN, and is the default value for NETGEAR routers, adapters, and switches.

 To change the MTU size:

1. Select Advanced > Setup > W

AN Setup.

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

3. Click Apply.

Your change is saved.

LAN Setup

The LAN Setup screen allows configuration of LAN IP services such as Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and Routing Information Protocol (RIP).

The router is shipped 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:

• 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 dif scheme, you can change these settings in the LAN Setup screen.

ferent IP addressing

Note: If you change the LAN IP address of the router while connected

through the browser, you are disconnected. You will have to open a new connection to the new IP address and log in again.

Advanced Home Settings

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

 To change the LAN settings:

1. Select Advanced > Setup > LAN Setup.

2. Enter the settings that you want to customize.

These settings are described in the following section, LAN Setup Screen Settings.

3. Click Apply.

Your changes are saved.

LAN Setup Screen Settings

LAN TCP/IP Setup

• IP Address. The LAN IP address of the router.

• IP Subnet Mask.

IP subnet mask allows a device to know which other addresses are local to it, and which have to be reached through a gateway or router.

• RIP Direction. Router Information Protocol (RIP) allows a router to exchange routing

information with other routers. RIP packets. Both is the default setting. With the Both or Out Only setting, the router broadcasts its routing table periodically. With the Both or In Only setting, the router incorporates the RIP information that it receives.

• RIP V

ersion. This setting controls the format and the broadcasting method of the RIP

packets that the router sends. It recognizes both formats when receiving. By default, the RIP function is disabled.

- RIP-1 is universally supported. It is adequate for most networks, unless you have an

unusual network setup.

- RIP-2 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.

The LAN subnet mask of the router. Combined with the IP address, the

This setting controls how the router sends and receives

Advanced Home Settings

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

Use Router as DHCP Server

For most home networks, this check box is selected so that the router acts as a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server.

• Starting IP Address. Specify the start of the range for the pool of IP addresses in the

same subnet as the router.

• Ending IP Address. Specify the end of the range for the pool of IP addresses in the

same subnet as the router.

Address Reservation

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

The Role of the Router as a DHCP Server

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. The router assigns IP addresses to the attached computers from a pool of addresses specified in this screen. Each pool address is tested before it is assigned to avoid duplicate addresses on the LAN. For most applications, the default DHCP and TCP/IP settings of the router are satisfactory.

You can specify the pool of IP addresses that the router assigns by setting the starting IP address and ending IP address. These addresses should 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 might want to save part of the range for devices with fixed addresses.

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

• An IP address from the range that you have defined

• Subnet mask

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

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

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

 To use disable the DHCP Server feature in the router:

1. Select Advanced > Setup > LAN Setup.

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

3. Click Apply.

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

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

Advanced Home Settings

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

Address Reservation

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.

 To reserve an IP address:

1. Select Advanced > Setup > LAN Setup.

2. In the Address Reservation section of the screen, click the Add button.

3. 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.

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

Tip: If the computer is already on your network, you can copy its MAC

address from the Attached Devices screen and paste it here.

5. Click Apply.

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.

 To edit or delete a reserved address entry:

1. Select the radio button next to the reserved address you want to edit or delete.

2. Click Edit or Delete.

WPS Wizard for WiFi Connections

The WPS Wizard helps you add a wireless computer or device to your WiFi network. On the computer or wireless device, either press its WPS button or locate its WPS PIN.

1. Select Advanced > WPS Wizard.

2. Click Next.

Advanced Home Settings

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

The following screen lets you select the method for adding the WPS client (a wireless device or computer).

You can use either the push button or PIN method.

3. Select either Push Button or PIN Number.

• T

o use the push button method, either click the WPS button on this screen, or press the WPS button on the side of the router. Within 2 minutes, go to the wireless client and press its WPS button to join the network without entering a password.

• T

o use the PIN method, select the PIN Number radio button, enter the client security PIN, and click Next.

Within 2 minutes, go to the client device and use its WPS software to join the network without entering a password.

The router attempts to add the WPS-capable device. The WPS LED on the front of the router blinks green. When the router establishes a WPS connection, the LED is solid green, and the router WPS screen displays a confirmation message.

Quality of Service (QoS) Setup

QoS is an advanced feature that can be used to prioritize some types of traffic ahead of others. The router can provide QoS prioritization over the wireless link and on the Internet connection.

WMM QoS for Wireless Multimedia Applications

The router supports Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service (WMM QoS) to prioritize wireless voice and video traffic over the wireless link. WMM QoS provides prioritization of wireless 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, both it and

Advanced Home Settings

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

the client running that application have to have WMM enabled. 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. WMM QoS is enabled by default.

 To disable WMM QoS:

1. Select Advanced > Setup > QoS Setup.

2. Clear the Enable WMM check box

3. Click Apply.

Optimize Internet Gaming with Upstream QoS

Upstream Quality of Service (QoS) assigns high priority to Internet traffic from your Xbox gaming system

NETGEAR recommends that only gamers enable the Upstream QoS feature. If you do not game and you turn on this feature, some applications might not perform as well as usual.

 To enable upstream QoS:

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

network.

2. T

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

A login screen displays.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home screen displays.

The default password is password. The user name and

4. Select ADV

ANCED > Setup > QoS Setup.

Advanced Home Settings

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

The QoS Setup screen displays:

5. Select the Enable Upstream QoS (Optimized for Gaming) check box.

6. Specify the maximum uplink bandwidth for your Internet connection:

• If you know what your uplink bandwidth is, type it in the Uplink bandwidth Maximum

field and select either Kbps or Mbps from the drop-down list.

• If you are not sure, click the Speedtest button.

Speedtest verifies the upstream speed of your Internet connection. The Uplink bandwidth Maximum field displays the result of the test.

7. Click the Apply button.

The router assigns a high priority to Internet traffic from your gaming devices to the Internet.

Set Up QoS for Internet Access

You can give prioritized Internet access to the following types of traffic:

• Specific applications

• Specific online games

• Individual Ethernet LAN ports of the router

• A specific device by MAC address

To specify prioritization of traffic, create a policy for the type of traffic and add the policy to the QoS Policy table in the QoS Setup screen. For convenience, the QoS Policy table lists many common applications and online games that can benefit from QoS handling.

QoS for Applications and Online Gaming

 To create a QoS policy for applications and online games:

1. Select Advanced > Setup > QoS Setup.

2. Click the Setup QoS rule button.

Advanced Home Settings

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

The QoS Priority Rule list displays.

You can edit or delete a rule by selecting its radio button and clicking either the Edit or

Delete button. You can also delete all the rules by clicking the Delete All button.

3. To add a priority rule, scroll down to the bottom of the QoS Setup screen and click Add

Priority Rule.

4. In the QoS Policy for field, type the name of the application or game.

5. In the Priority Category list, select either Applications or Online Gaming.

A list of applications or games displays.

6. Scroll and select Add a New

7. If prompted, in the Connection

Application, or Add a New Game, as applicable.

Type list, select either TCP, UDP, or both (TCP/UDP). Specify

the port number or range of port numbers that the application or game uses.

Advanced Home Settings

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

8. From the Priority list, select the priority for Internet access for this traffic relative to other

applications and traffic. The options are Low, Normal, High, and Highest.

9. Click Apply.

The rule is saved in the QoS Policy list.

QoS for a Router LAN Port

 To create a QoS policy for a device connected to one of the router’s LAN ports:

1. Select Advanced > Setup > QoS Setup.

2. Click the Setup QoS rule button.

3. Click the Add Priority Rule button.

4. From the Priority Category list, select Ethernet LAN Port.

5. From the QoS Policy for list, select the LAN port.

6. From the Priority list, select the priority for Internet access for this port’

s traffic relative to

other applications. The options are Low, Normal, High, and Highest.

7. Click Apply

The rule is saved in the QoS Policy list.

QoS for a MAC Address

 To create a QoS policy for traffic from a specific MAC address:

1. Select Advanced > Setup > QoS Setup, and click the Setup QoS rule button.

The QoS Setup screen displays.

2. Click Add Priority Rule.

3. From the Priority Category list, select MAC Address.

Advanced Home Settings

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

4. If the device to be prioritized is in the MAC Device List, select its radio button.

The information from the MAC Device List populates the policy name, MAC Address, and Device Name fields. If the device is not in the MAC Device List, click Refresh. If it still does not display, fill in these fields manually.

5. From the Priority list, select the priority for Internet access for this device’s traffic relative to

other applications and traffic. The options are Low, Normal, High, and Highest.

6. Click Apply.

This rule is saved in the QoS Policy list.

Edit or Delete a QoS Policy

 To edit or delete a QoS policy:

1. Select Advanced > Setup > QoS Setup.

2. Click the Setup QoS rule button.

3. Select the radio button next to the QoS policy that you want to edit or delete, and do one of

the following:

• Click Delete to remove the QoS policy.

• Click Edit to edit the QoS policy and change the policy settings.

4. Click Apply.

Your changes are saved.

Advanced Home Settings

5. USB Storage

Access and Configure a USB Storage

Device

This chapter describes how to access and configure a USB storage drive attached to your

router. The USB port on the router can be used only to connect USB storage devices like flash drives or hard drives, or a printer. Do not connect computers, USB modems, CD drives, or DVD drives to the router USB port.

This chapter contains the following sections:

• Connect a USB Storage Device to the Router

• Safely Remove a USB Drive

• Access the USB Storage Device

• File-Sharing Scenarios

• View a USB Device Attached to the Router

• USB Storage Device Network and Access Settings

• Available Network Folders

• Specify Approved USB Devices

• Back Up Windows Computers with ReadySHARE Vault

For information about using the ReadySHARE Printer feature, see Chapter 6, Share a USB

Printer.

For more about ReadySHARE features, visit www.netgear.com/readyshare.

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

Connect a USB Storage Device to the Router

ReadySHARE lets you access and share or a USB drive connected the router USB port. If your USB device has special drivers, it is not compatible.

 To connect a USB storage device:

Insert your USB storage device into the USB port on the rear panel of the router.

2. If your USB device has a power supply

to the router.

It might take up to 2 minutes before the USB device is ready for sharing.

, you must use it when you connect the USB device

Safely Remove a USB Drive

If you want to physically disconnect a USB drive from the router USB port, first, log in to the router and safely remove it.

 To remove a USB disk drive safely:

1. Select USB Storage > Basic Settings.

2. Click the Safely Remove USB Device button.

This takes the drive offline.

3. Physically disconnect the USB drive.

Access the USB Storage Device

When you connect the USB device to the router USB port, it might take up to 2 minutes before it is ready for sharing. By default, the USB storage device is available to all computers on your local area network (LAN).

 To access the USB device from a Mac:

1. Select Go > Connect to Server.

2. Enter smb://readyshare as the server address.

3. Click Connect.

USB Storage

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

 To access the USB device from a Windows computer:

Use any of these methods to access the USB device:

• Select Start > Run. Enter \\readyshare in the dialog box and click OK.

• Open a browser and enter \\readyshare in the address bar

• Open My Network Places and enter \\readyshare in the address bar

 To map the USB device to a Windows network drive:

1. Connect your USB storage device to the USB port on the router

If your USB device uses a power supply, you must use it when you connect the USB device to the router

When you connect the USB device to the router’s USB port, it might take up to two minutes before it is ready for sharing. By default, the USB drive is available to all computers on your local area network (LAN).

2. Select Start > Run.

3. Enter \\readyshare in the dialog box.

4. Click the OK button.

A screen automatically opens and displays the USB Storage device.

5. Right-click the USB storage device and select Map network drive.

USB Storage

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

The Map Network Drive screen displays:

6. Select the drive letter to map to the network folder.

7. Click the Finish button.

The USB device is mapped to the drive letter that you specified.

8. T

o connect to the USB storage device as a different user, select the Connect using

different credentials check box, click the Finish button, and do the following:

a. T

ype the user name and password.

b. Click the OK button.

The USB storage device is mapped to the drive letter that you specified.

 To access the USB drive from a remote computer:

1. Launch a web browser

2. Connect using the router’

s Internet port IP address.

If you are using Dynamic DNS, you can type the DNS name, rather than the IP address. Y

ou can view the router’s Internet IP address on the Basic Home screen (see Dashboard

(Basic Home Screen) on page 15).

 To access the USB drive with FTP from a remote computer:

1. Make sure that the FTP check box is selected in the

Access Method section of the USB

Storage (Advanced Settings) screen (see USB Storage Device Network and Access

Settings on page 49).

2. Launch a web browser

3. T

ype ftp:// and the Internet port IP address in the address field of the browser.

For example, type ftp://10.1.65.4.

USB Storage

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

If you are using Dynamic DNS, you can type the DNS name rather than the IP address.

4. Type the account name and password for the account that has access rights to the USB

drive.

The user name (account name) for All – no password is guest.

The directories of the USB drive that your account has access to display. For example, you could see: share/partition1/directory1. You can now read and copy files from the USB directory.

File-Sharing Scenarios

You can share files on the USB drive for a wide variety of business and recreational purposes. The files can be any Windows, Mac, or Linux file type including text, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, MP3, pictures, and multimedia files. USB drive applications include:

• Sharing multimedia with friends and family such as MP3 files, pictures, and other

multimedia with local and remote users.

• Sharing resources on your network. You can store files in a central location so that you

do not have to power up a computer to perform local sharing. In addition, you can share files between Macintosh, Linux, and Windows computers by using the USB drive as a go-between across the systems.

• Sharing files such as Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, and text files with

remote users.

A few common uses are described in the following sections.

Share Photos

You can create your own central storage location for photos and multimedia. This method eliminates the need to log in to (and pay for) an external photo-sharing site.

 To share files with your friends and family:

1. Insert your USB drive into the USB port on the router either directly or with a USB cable.

Computers on your local area network (LAN) can automatically access this USB drive using a web browser or Microsoft Networking.

2. If you want to specify read-only access or to allow access from the Internet, see USB Storage Device Network and Access Settings on page 49.

Store Files in a Central Location for Printing

This scenario is for a family that has one high-quality color printer directly attached to a computer, but not shared on the local area network (LAN). This family does not have a print server.

• One family member has photos on a Macintosh computer that she wants to print.

USB Storage

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

• The photo-capable color printer is directly attached to a PC, but not shared on the

network.

• The Mac and PC are not visible to each other on the network.

 To print photos from a Mac on the printer attached to a PC:

• On a Mac, access the USB drive by typing \\readyshare in the address field of a web

browser. Then copy the photos to the USB drive.

• On a Window computer, use a web browser or Microsoft Networking to copy the files from

the USB drive to the computer. Then print the files.

Share Large Files over the Internet

Sending files that are larger than 5 MB can pose a problem for many email systems. The router allows you to share large files such as PowerPoint presentations or .zip files over the Internet. FTP can be used to download shared files from the router.

Sharing files with a remote colleague involves the following considerations:

• There are two user accounts: admin and guest. The password for admin is the same one

that you use to access the router. By default, it is password. The guest user account has no password.

• On the FTP site, the person receiving the files uses the guest user account and enters the

password. (FTP requires that you type something in the password field.)

• Be sure to select the FTP (via Internet) check box in the USB Storage (Advanced

Settings) screen. This option supports both downloading and uploading of files.

Note: You can enable the HTTP (via Internet) option on the USB Storage

(Advanced Settings) screen to share large files. This option supports downloading files only.

Back Up Windows Computers with ReadySHARE Vault

Your router comes with free backup software for all the Windows computers in your home. Connect a USB hard disk drive (HDD) to the USB port on your router for centralized, continuous, and automatic backup.

 To back up your Windows computer:

1. Connect a USB HDD to the USB port on the router.

2. Download ReadySHARE Vault from www.netgear.com/readyshare and install it on each

Windows computer.

3. Launch ReadySHARE Vault.

4. Use the dashboard or the Backup tab to set up and run your backup jobs.

USB Storage

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

View a USB Device Attached to the Router

 To view basic information about the USB storage device:

1. Select Basic > ReadySHARE.

By default, the Basic radio button is selected, and the screen displays a USB storage device if it is attached to the router USB port.

If you logged in to the router before you connected your USB device, you might not see your USB device in this screen. If this happens, log out and then log back in.

2. (Optional) To view the files and folders on the USB device, click the network device name or

the share name.

3. (Optional)

The USB Storage (Advanced Settings) screen displays. See USB Storage Device

Network and Access Settings on page 49.

To view more detail or to change the USB device settings, click Edit.

USB Storage Device Network and Access Settings

You can set up the device name, workgroups, and network folders for your USB device.

USB Storage

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

 To view or change the USB storage advanced settings:

1. Select Advanced > USB Storage > Advanced Settings.

2. Specify access to the USB storage device.

• Network Device Name.

The default is readyshare. This is the name used to access

the USB device connected to the router.

• W

orkgroup. If you are using a Windows workgroup rather than a domain, the

workgroup name is displayed here. The name works only in an operating system that supports NetBIOS, such as Microsoft Windows.

• Access Method. Select the check boxes for the access methods that you want.

- Network Neighborhood/MacShare. Enabled by default.

- HTTP. Enabled by default.

You can type

http://readyshare.routerlogin.net/shares to access the USB drive.

- HTTP (via Internet). Disabled by default. If you enable this feature, remote users

can type http://<public IP address/shares> (for example, http://1.1.10.102/shares) or a URL domain name to access the USB drive over the Internet.

This feature

supports file uploading only.

- FTP. Disabled by default.

- FTP (via Internet). Disabled by default. If you select this feature, remote users

can access the USB drive through FTP over the Internet.

This feature supports

both downloading and uploading of files.

3. If you changed the settings, click Apply.

Your changes are saved.

USB Storage

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

Available Network Folders

You can view or change the network folders on the USB storage device.

 To view network folders:

1. Select Advanced > USB Storage > Advanced Settings.

2. Scroll down to the Available Networks Folder section of the screen.

• Share Name. If only one device is connected, the default share name is

USB_Storage. (Some router models have more than one USB port.)

You can click the name, or you can type it in the address field of your web browser. If Not Shared is shown, the default share has been deleted, and no other share for the root folder exists. Click the link to change this setting.

• Read

• Folder Name. Full path of the network folder

• V

• T

 To add a network folder:

1. Select Advanced > ReadySHARE.

2. Click Edit.

Access and Write Access. Show the permissions and access controls on the

network folder: All - no password (the default) allows all users to access the network folder. The password for admin is the same one that you use to log in to the router.

olume Name. Volume name from the storage device (either USB drive or HDD).

otal Space and Free Space. Show the current utilization of the storage device.

USB Storage

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

3. Click Create Network Folder.

If the Add a Network Folder screen does not display, your web browser might be blocking pop-ups. If it is, then change the browser settings to allow pop-ups.

4. In the Folder field, browse and select the folder.

5. Fill in the Share Name field.

6. In the Read

Access list and the Write Access list, select the setting that you want.

The user name (account name) for All – no password is guest. The password for admin is the same one that is used to log in to the router. By default, it is password.

7. Click Apply.

The folder is added on the USB device.

 To edit a network folder:

1. Select Advanced > ReadySHARE.

2. Click the Edit button.

The Edit Network Folder screen displays the same settings shown in the Add a Network Folder screen.

3. Change the settings in the fields as needed.

4. Click Apply.

Your changes are saved.

Specify Approved USB Devices

For more security, you can set up the router to share only approved USB devices.

USB Storage

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

 To set up approved USB devices:

1. Select Advanced >

2. Click the Approved Devices button.

Advanced Setup > USB Settings.

This screen shows the approved USB devices and the available USB devices. You can remove or add approved USB devices.

3. In the Available USB Devices list, select the drive that you want to approve.

4. Click Add.

5. Select the Allow only approved devices check box.

6. Click Apply

Your change takes effect.

If you want to work with another USB device, first click the Safely Remove USB Device button for the currently connected USB device. Connect the other USB device, and repeat this process.

Back Up Windows Computers with ReadySHARE Vault

 To back up your Windows computer:

1. Connect a USB HDD to a USB port on the router

USB Storage

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

The blue, USB 3.0 port on the front of the router performs faster than the USB 2.0 port on the rear panel of the router.

2. Download ReadySHARE Vault from www.netgear.com/readyshare and install it on each

Windows computer.

3. Launch ReadySHARE Vault.

4. Use the dashboard or the Backup tab to set up and run your backup jobs.

USB Storage

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

USB Storage

6. Share a USB Printer

The ReadySHARE Printer utility lets you share a USB printer that is connected to the USB port

on your router. You can share this USB printer among the Windows and Mac computers on your network.

This chapter contains the following sections:

• Install the Printer Driver and Cable the Printer

• Download the ReadySHARE Printer Utility

• Install the ReadySHARE Printer Utility

• Use the Shared Printer

• View or Change the Status of a Printer

• Use the Scan Feature of a Multifunction USB Printer

• Change NETGEAR USB Control Center Settings

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

Install the Printer Driver and Cable the Printer

Some USB printer manufacturers (for example, HP and Lexmark) request that you do not connect the USB cable until the installation software prompts you to do so.

 To install the driver and cable the printer:

1. On each computer on your network that shares the USB printer

software for the USB printer.

If you cannot find the printer driver, contact the printer manufacturer.

2. Use a USB printer cable to connect the USB printer to the router USB port.

, install the driver

Download the ReadySHARE Printer Utility

The utility works on Windows and Mac computers.

 To download the utility:

1. V

isit www.netgear.com/readyshare.

2. Scroll down to the Print From the Comfort of

the screen.

3. 3. Click one of the following links:

• Download PC installer and get started.

• Download Mac installer and get started.

• Download the genie

tablets.

4. Follow the onscreen instructions to download the ReadySHARE Printer utility setup file.

App and get started. This is the utility for smart phones and

Your Home Network section at the bottom of

This is the utility for Windows computers.

This is the utility for MAC computers.

Install the ReadySHARE Printer Utility

You must install the ReadySHARE Printer utility on each computer that will share the printer. After you install it, the utility displays as NETGEAR USB Control Center on your computer.

Share a USB Printer

 To install the utility:

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

1. If necessary

, unzip the ReadySHARE Printer utility setup file.

2. Double-click the ReadySHARE Printer utility setup file that you downloaded.

3. Follow the wizard instructions to install NETGEAR USB Control Center.

After the InstallShield Wizard completes the installation, the NETGEAR USB Control

Center prompts you to select a language:

Share a USB Printer

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

4. Select a language from the list and click the OK button.

Some firewall software, such as Comodo, blocks NETGEAR USB Control Center from accessing the USB printer. If you do not see the USB printer displayed in the screen, you can disable the firewall temporarily to allow the utility to work.

5. Select the printer and click the Connect button.

The printer status changes to Manually connected by Mycomputer. Now computer that can use the printer.

6. Click the Disconnect button.

The status changes to Available. Now all computers on the network can use the printer.

7. T

o exit the utility, select System > Exit.

, only your

Use the Shared Printer

For each computer, after you click the Connect and Disconnect buttons once, the utility automatically manages the printing queue and handling. By default, the utility starts automatically whenever you log on to Windows and runs in the background.

 To manually connect and print:

1. Click the NETGEAR USB Control Center icon .

The main screen displays.

2. Click the Connect button.

The printer status changes to Manually connected by Mycomputer. Now computer you are using can use this printer.

3. Use the print feature in your application to print your document.

4. T

o release the printer so that all computers on the network can use it, click the Disconnect

button.

Share a USB Printer

, only the

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

 To print and release the printer to any computer on the network:

1. T

o print your document, use the print feature in your application.

The NETGEAR USB Control Center automatically connects your computer to the USB printer and prints the document. If another computer is already connected to the printer your print job goes into a queue to wait to be printed.

2. If your document does not print, use the NETGEAR USB Control Center to check the status.

See View or Change the Status of a Printer on page 60.

View or Change the Status of a Printer

 To view or change the status:

1. Click the NETGEAR USB Control Center icon .

The main screen displays.

The Status column shows the status for each device:

• A

vailable. No print jobs are in progress. You can use the USB printer from any

computer in the network.

• Connected.

your print job is done.

• Manually Connected by. Only the connected computer can use the printer

• W

aiting to Connect. Your computer is not connected to the shared printer yet.

2. T

o print from your computer when the status shows Manually connected by another

computer, click the Disconnect button.

The printer is released from the connection and the status changes to Available.

3. T

o print from your computer when the status shows Waiting to Connect, do the following:

a. Click the Connect button.

Your computer is connected to the printer and will be released when

Share a USB Printer

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

The printer status changes to Manually connected by Mycomputer. Now, only your computer can use the printer.

b. To allow the printer to be shared, click the Disconnect button.

The printer is released from the connection and the status changes to Available.

Use the Scan Feature of a Multifunction USB Printer

If your USB printer supports scanning, you can also use the USB printer for scanning. For example, the USB printer displayed in the Windows Printers and Faxes window is ready for print jobs.

Share a USB Printer

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

 To use the scan feature of a multifunction USB printer:

1. Click the NETGEAR USB Control Center icon .

2. Make sure that the printer status shows as Available.

3. C

lick the Network Scanner button.

The scanner screen displays so that you can use the USB printer for scanning.

Change NETGEAR USB Control Center Settings

You can stop the NETGEAR USB Control Center from starting automatically when you log in to Windows. You can also change the language and specify the time-out to release the printer connection.

Share a USB Printer

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

 To turn off automatic NETGEAR USB Control Center startup:

1. Click the NETGEAR USB Control Center icon

2. Select Tools > Configuration.

3. Clear the Automatically execute when logging on Windows check box.

4. Click the OK button.

Your change is saved.

 To change the language:

1. Select T

ools > Configuration.

2. In the Language list, select a language.

3. Click the OK button.

Share a USB Printer

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

The next time NETGEAR USB Control Center starts, the language changes.

 To specify the time-out:

1. Select Tools > Configuration.

2. In the Timeout field, type the number of minutes.

The time-out is the number of minutes that a computer holds its connection to the printer when the connection isn’t being used.

3. Click the OK button.

Your change is saved.

Share a USB Printer

7. Security

Customize the Firewall Settings

This chapter explains how to use the basic firewall features of the router to prevent objectionable

content from reaching the computers and devices on your network.

This chapter includes the following sections:

• Set Up Parental Controls

• Keyword Blocking of HTTP Traffic

• Block Services (Port Filtering)

• Port Triggering to Open Incoming Ports

• Port Forwarding to Permit External Host Communications

• How Port Forwarding Differs from Port Triggering

• Set Up Port Forwarding to Local Servers

• Set Up Port Triggering

• Schedule Blocking

• Security Event Email Notifications

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

Set Up Parental Controls

The first time that you select Parental Controls from the BASIC Home screen, your browser goes to the Parental Controls website, where you can learn more about Parental Controls. To set up Parental Controls, you must download the genie app.

 To set up Live Parental Controls:

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

network.

2. T

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

A login screen displays.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home screen displays.

4. Select Parental Controls.

The Parental Controls website opens.

5. Click the button for the genie app 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.

Live Parental Controls automatically starts.

The default password is password. The user name and

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

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

9. Select the radio button that applies to you:

• If you already created an OpenDNS account, leave the Ye

s radio button selected.

• If you did not yet create an OpenDNS account, select the No radio button.

If you are creating an account, the following screen displays:

a. Complete the fields.

b. Click the Next button.

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After you log on or create your account, the filtering level screen displays:

10. Select a radio button for a filtering level that you want and click the Next button.

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

Parental Controls are now set up for the router.

12. T

o enable Parental Controls, click the Enable Live Parental Controls button.

Keyword Blocking of HTTP Traffic

Use keyword blocking to prevent certain types of HTTP traffic from accessing your network. The blocking can be always or according to a schedule.

 To set up keyword blocking:

1. Select Advanced > Security > Block Sites.

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2. Select one of the keyword blocking options:

• Per Schedule. Turn on keyword blocking according to the Schedule screen settings.

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

3. In the Keyword field, enter a keyword or domain, click Add Keyword, and click Apply.

The Keyword list supports up to 32 entries. Here are some sample entries:

• 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.

 To delete a keyword or domain:

1. Select the keyword you want to delete from the list.

2. Click Delete Keyword.

3. Click Apply.

Your changes are saved.

 To specify a trusted computer:

You can exempt one trusted computer from blocking and logging. The computer you exempt has to have a fixed IP address.

1. In the Trusted IP Address field, enter the IP address.

2. Click Apply.

Your changes are saved.

Block Services (Port Filtering)

Services are functions that server computers perform at the request of client computers. For example, web servers serve web pages, time servers serve time and date information, and game hosts serve data about other players’ moves. When a computer on the Internet sends a request for service to a server computer, a service or port number identifiefs the requested service. This number is the destination port number in the transmitted IP packets. For example, a packet that is sent with the destination port number 80 is an HTTP (web server) request.

The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF at http://www.ietf.org/) has defined and published the service numbers for many common protocols in RFC1700, “Assigned Numbers.” Service numbers for other applications are typically chosen from the range 1024 - 65535 by the authors of the application. Although the router already holds a list of many service port numbers, you are not limited to these choices. You can often determine port number information by contacting the publisher of the application, by asking user groups or newsgroups, or by searching.

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The Block Services screen lets you add and block specific Internet services by computers on your network. This is called service blocking or port filtering. To add a service for blocking, first determine which port number or range of numbers the application uses.

 To block services:

1. Select

Advanced > Security > Block Services.

2. Select either Per Schedule or Always.

3. If you selected Per Schedule, specify a time period in the Schedule screen.

4. Click Add to add a service.

The Block Services Setup screen displays:

5. From the Service Type list, select the application or service to allow or block.

The list displays several common services, but you are not limited to these choices. To add any additional services or applications that are not in the list, select User Defined.

6. If you know that the application uses either

TCP or UDP, select the appropriate protocol. If

you are not sure, select Both.

7. Enter the starting and ending port numbers.

If the application uses a single port number, enter that number in both fields.

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8. Select the radio button for the IP address configuration you want to block, and enter the IP

addresses.

You can block the specified service for a single computer, a range of computers with consecutive IP addresses, or all computers on your network.

9. Click Add.

Your changes are saved.

Port Triggering to Open Incoming Ports

Some application servers (such as FTP and IRC servers) send replies to multiple port numbers. Using the port triggering function of your router, you can tell the router to open more incoming ports when a particular outgoing port originates a session.

An example is Internet Relay Chat (IRC). Your computer connects to an IRC server at

destination port 6667. The IRC server not only responds to your originating source port, but also sends an “identify” message to your computer on port 113. Using port triggering, you can tell the router, “When you initiate a session with destination port 6667, you have to also allow incoming traffic on port 113 to reach the originating computer.”

Using steps similar to the preceding example, the following sequence shows the effects of the port triggering rule you have defined:

1. You open an IRC client program to start a chat session on your computer.

2. Your IRC client composes a request message to an IRC server using a destination port

number of 6667, the standard port number for an IRC server process. Your computer then sends this request message to your router.

3. Your router creates an entry in its internal session table describing this communication

session between your computer and the IRC server. Your router stores the original information, performs Network Address Translation (NAT) on the source address and port, and sends this request message through the Internet to the IRC server.

4. Noting your port triggering rule and having observed the destination port number of 6667,

your router creates an additional session entry to send any incoming port 113 traffic to your computer.

5. The IRC server sends a return message to your router using the NAT-assigned source port

(for example, port 33333) as the destination port. The IRC server also sends an “identify” message to your router with destination port 113.

6. Upon receiving the incoming message to destination port 33333, your router checks its

session table for an active session for port number 33333. IF so, the router restores the original address information replaced by NAT and sends this reply message to your computer.

7. Upon receiving the incoming message to destination port 113, your router checks its session

table and finds an active session for port 113, associated with your computer. The router replaces the message’s destination IP address with your computer’s IP address and forwards the message to your computer.

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8. When you finish your chat session, your router eventually senses a period of inactivity in the

communications. The router then removes the session information from its session table, and incoming traffic is no longer accepted on port numbers 33333 or 113.

To configure port triggering, you need to know which inbound ports the application needs. Also, you need to know the number of the outbound port that triggers the opening of the inbound ports. You can usually determine this information by contacting the publisher of the application or the relevant user groups or news groups.

Only one computer at a time can use the triggered application.

Port Forwarding to Permit External Host Communications

In both of the preceding examples, your computer initiates an application session with a server computer on the Internet. However, you might need to allow a client computer on the Internet to initiate a connection to a server computer on your network. Normally, your router ignores any inbound traffic that is not a response to your own outbound traffic. You can configure exceptions to this default rule by using the port forwarding feature.

A typical application of port forwarding can be shown by reversing the client-server relationship from the previous web server example. In this case, a remote computer’s browser needs to access a web server running on a computer in your local network. Using port forwarding, you can tell the router, “When you receive incoming traffic on port 80 (the standard port number for a web server process), forward it to the local computer at

192.168.1.123.” The following sequence shows the effects of the port forwarding rule you have defined:

1. The user of a remote computer opens a browser and requests a web page from

www.example.com, which resolves to the public IP address of your router. The remote computer composes a web page request message with the following destination information:

Destination address. The IP address of www.example.com, which is the address of your router.

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

The remote computer then sends this request message through the Internet to your router.

2. Your router receives the request message and looks in its rules table for any rules covering

the disposition of incoming port 80 traffic. Your port forwarding rule specifies that incoming port 80 traffic should be forwarded to local IP address 192.168.1.123. Therefore, your router modifies the destination information in the request message:

The destination address is replaced with 192.168.1.123.

Your router then sends this request message to your local network.

3. Your web server at 192.168.1.123 receives the request and composes a return message

with the requested web page data. Your web server then sends this reply message to your router.

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R6250 Smart WiFi Router

4. Your router performs Network Address Translation (NAT) on the source IP address, and

sends this request message through the Internet to the remote computer, which displays the web page from www.example.com.

To configure port forwarding, you need to know which inbound ports the application needs. You can usually find this information by contacting the publisher of the application or the relevant user groups or news groups.

How Port Forwarding Differs from Port Triggering

The following points summarize the differences between port forwarding and port triggering:

• Any computer on your network can use port triggering, but only one computer can use it

at a time.

• Port forwarding is allowed only for the computer that you specify on your network.

• With port triggering, you do not need to specify the computer’s IP address. The IP

address is captured automatically.

• Port forwarding requires that you specify the computer’s IP address during configuration,

and the IP address can never change.

• Port triggering requires specific outbound traffic to open the inbound ports, and the

triggered ports are closed after a period of no activity.

• Port forwarding is always active and does not need to be triggered.

Set Up Port Forwarding to Local Servers

The port forwarding feature lets you allow certain types of incoming traffic to reach servers on your local network. For example, you might want to make a local web server, FTP server, or game server visible and available to the Internet.

Use the Port Forwarding/Port Triggering screen to configure the router to forward specific incoming protocols to computers on your local network. In addition to servers for specific applications, you can also specify a default DMZ server to which all other incoming protocols are forwarded.

Before you start, determine which type of service, application, or game you want to provide, and the local IP address of the computer that will provide the service. The server computer has to always have the same IP address.

To ensure that your server computer always has the same IP address, use the reserved IP address feature of your product. See

Address Reservation on page 36.

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R6250 Smart WiFi Router

 To forward specific incoming protocols:

1. Select Advanced >

Advanced Setup > Port Forwarding/Port Triggering.

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

3. In the Service Name list, select the service name.

If the service is not in the list, see Add a Custom Service on page 75

4. Fill in the Server IP

Address field

5. Click Add.

The list now includes the service.

Add a Custom Service

To define a service, game, or application that is not in the Service Name list, first determine which port number or range of numbers the application uses. You can usually determine this information by contacting the publisher of the application or user groups or news groups. When you have the port number information, follow these steps.

 To add a custom service:

1. Select Advanced >

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

Advanced Setup > Port Forwarding/Port Triggering.

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R6250 Smart WiFi Router

3. Click the Add Custom Service button.

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

5. In the Service

6. In the Eternal Starting Port field, enter the beginning port number

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

field.

• If the application uses a range of ports, enter the ending port number of the range in

the External Ending Port field.

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

7. Fill in the Internal IP address field or select the radio button from the list of currently attached

devices.

8. Click Apply.

The service is now included in the list.

Edit or Delete a Port Forwarding Entry

 To edit or delete a port forwarding entry:

1. Select Advanced >

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

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

4. Click Edit Service or Delete Service.

Application Example: Make a Local Web Server Public

If you host a web server on your local network, you can use port forwarding to allow web requests from anyone on the Internet to reach your web server.

 To make a local web server public:

1. Assign your web server either a fixed IP address or a dynamic IP address using DHCP

address reservation.

Advanced Setup > Port Forwarding/Port Triggering.

In this example, your router always gives your web server an IP address of 192.168.1.33.

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R6250 Smart WiFi Router

2. In the Port Forwarding/Port Triggering screen, configure the router to forward the HTTP

service to the local address of your web server at 192.168.1.33.

HTTP (port 80) is the standard protocol for web servers.

3. (Optional) Register a host name with a Dynamic DNS service, and configure your router to

use the name.

To access your web server from the Internet, a remote user has to know the IP address that your ISP assigned. However, if you use a Dynamic DNS service, the remote user can reach your server by a user-friendly Internet name, such as mynetgear.dyndns.org.

Set Up Port Triggering

Port triggering is a dynamic extension of port forwarding that is useful in these cases:

• More than one local computer needs port forwarding for the same application (but not

simultaneously).

• An application needs to open incoming ports that are different from the outgoing port.

When port triggering is enabled, the router monitors outbound traffic looking for a specified outbound “trigger” port. When the router detects outbound traffic on that port, it remembers the IP address of the local computer that sent the data. The router then temporarily opens the specified incoming port or ports and forwards incoming traffic on the triggered ports to the triggering computer.

Port forwarding creates a static mapping of a port number or range to a single local computer. Port triggering can dynamically open ports to any computer that needs them and can close the ports when they are no longer needed.

Note: If you use applications such as multiplayer gaming, peer-to-peer

connections, real-time communications such as instant messaging, or remote assistance (a feature in Windows XP), you should also enable Universal Plug and Play (UPnP).

To configure port triggering, you need to know which inbound ports the application needs, and the number of the outbound port that triggers the opening of the inbound ports. You can usually determine this information by contacting the publisher of the application or user groups or news groups.

 To enable port triggering:

1. Select Advanced > Advanced Setup > Port Forwarding/Port Triggering.

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R6250 Smart WiFi Router

2. Select the Port Triggering radio button.

3. Clear the Disable Port Triggering check box.

Note: If the Disable Port Triggering check box is selected after you configure

port triggering, port triggering is disabled. However, any port triggering configuration information you added to the router is retained even though it is not used.

4. In the Port

Triggering Timeout field, enter a value up to 9999 minutes.

This value controls the inactivity timer for the designated inbound ports. The inbound ports close when the inactivity time expires.

This is required because the router cannot be

sure when the application has terminated.

 To add a port triggering service:

1. On the Port

Triggering screen, click Add Service.

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

3. In the Service User list, select Any

, or select Single address and enter the IP address of

one computer.

• Any (the default), allows any computer on the Internet to use this service.

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R6250 Smart WiFi Router

• Single address restricts the service to a particular computer.

4. Select the service type, either TCP or UDP or both (TCP/UDP). If you are not sure, select

TCP/UDP

5. In the

the inbound ports to be opened.

6. Enter the inbound connection port information in the Connection

Ending Port fields.

7. Click Apply.

The service is added in to the Portmap Table.

8. Make sure that you enable port triggering so that the service that you added takes

fectwillis used.

Triggering Port field, enter the number of the outbound traffic port to open the ause

Type, Starting Port, and

Schedule Blocking

You can specify the days and time that you want to block Internet access.

 To schedule blocking:

1. Select Advanced > Security > Schedule.

2. Set up the schedule for blocking keywords and services.

• Days to Block. Select days on which you want to apply blocking by selecting the

appropriate check boxes, or select Every Day to select the check boxes for all days.

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

• T

Day for 24-hour blocking.

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R6250 Smart WiFi Router

3. Select your time zone from the list. If you use daylight savings time, select the

Automatically adjust for daylight savings time check box.

4. Click Apply.

Your settings are saved.

Security Event Email Notifications

To receive logs and alerts by email, provide your email information in the E-mail screen, and specify which alerts you want to receive and how often.

 To set up email notifications:

1. Select Advanced > Security > E-mail.

2. Select the Turn Email Notification On check box.

3. In the

server (such as mail.myISP.com).

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

4. Enter the email address to which logs and alerts are sent in the Send to

field.

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

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

authentication check box. Fill in the User Name and Password fields for the outgoing email

server

6. (Optional) Select the Send Alerts

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

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

This Email Address

Immediately check box.

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R6250 Smart WiFi Router

7. (Optional) Fill in the fields in the Send logs according to this schedule section of the screen.

Logs are sent automatically. If the log fills up before the specified time, the log is emailed. After the log is sent, the log is cleared from the router memory. If the router cannot email the log file, the log buffer might fill up. In this case, the router overwrites the log and discards its contents.

8. Click Apply.

Your settings are saved.

Security

8. Administration

Manage your network

This chapter describes the router settings for administering and maintaining your router and

home network.

This chapter includes the following sections:

• Upgrade the Router Firmware

• View Router Status

• View Logs of Web Access or Attempted Web Access

• Manage the Configuration File

• Change the Password

• Password Recovery

For information about upgrading or checking the status of your router over the Internet, see

Remote Management on page 106. For information about monitoring Internet traffic, see Traffic Meter on page 117

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

Upgrade the Router Firmware

The router firmware (routing software) is stored in flash memory. You can update the firmware from the Administration menu on the Advanced tab. You might see a message at the top of the genie screens when new firmware is available for your product.

You can use the Check button on the Router Update screen to check if new firmware is available, and to update your product.

 To check for new firmware and update your router:

1. Select Advanced >

2. Click Check.

The router finds new firmware information if any is available.

3. Click Ye

The router locates the firmware you downloaded (the file ends in .img) and begins the update.

When the upload is complete, your router restarts. The upgrade process typically takes about 1 minute. Read the new firmware release notes to determine whether you need to reconfigure the router after upgrading.

WARNING:

When uploading firmware to the router, do not interrupt the web browser by closing the window, clicking a link, or loading a new page. If the browser is interrupted, it could corrupt the firmware.

Administration > Router Update.

Administration

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

View Router Status

 To view router status and usage information:

Select Advanced Home or select Administration > Router Status.

Router Information

Hardware Version. The router model.

Firmware Version.

firmware.

The version of the router firmware. It changes if you upgrade the router

GUI Language Version. The localized language of the user interface.

LAN Port.

• MAC Address.

used by the Ethernet (LAN) port of the router.

• IP Address.

192.168.1.1.

• DHCP. Identifies whether the router’

LAN.

The Media Access Control address. This is the unique physical address

The IP address used by the Ethernet (LAN) port of the router. The default is

s built-in DHCP server is active for devices on the

Internet Port

MAC Address. The Media Access Control address, which is the unique physical address used by the Internet (WAN) port of the router.

IP Address. The IP address used by the Internet (WAN) port of the router. If no address is shown or the address is 0.0.0, the router cannot connect to the Internet.

Administration

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

Connection. This shows if the router is using a fixed IP address on the WAN. If the value is DHCP Client, the router obtains an IP address dynamically from the ISP.

IP Subnet Mask. The IP subnet mask used by the Internet (WAN) port of the router.

Domain Name Server.

The Domain Name Server addresses used by the router. A Domain Name Server translates human-language URLs such as www.netgear.com into IP addresses.

Show Statistics Button

 To view statistics:

1. Select Advanced Home or select Administration > Router Status.

2. In the Internet Provider (W

AN) Setup pane, click the Show Statistics button.

The following information is displayed:

System Up Time.

Port.

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

The time elapsed since the router was last restarted.

screen displays:

• Status. The link status of the port.

• TxPkts.

• RxPkts.

• Collisions.

• Tx B/s.

• Rx B/s.

• Up T

• Poll Interval.

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

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

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

The current transmission (outbound) bandwidth used on the WAN and LAN ports.

The current reception (inbound) bandwidth used on the WAN and LAN ports.

ime. The time elapsed since this port acquired the link.

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

To change the polling frequency, enter a time in seconds in the Poll Interval field and click Set Interval.

To stop the polling entirely, click Stop.

Administration

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

Connection Status Button

 To view the Internet connection status:

1. Select Advanced Home or select Administration > Router Status.

2. In the Internet Connection pane, click the Connection Status button.

The following information displays:

• IP Address.

• Subnet Mask.

• Default Gateway.

The IP address that is assigned to the router.

The subnet mask that is assigned to the router.

The IP address for the default gateway that the router

communicates with.

• DHCP Server.

The IP address for the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol server that provides the TCP/IP configuration for all the computers that are connected to the router.

• DNS Server.

The IP address of the Domain Name Service server that provides

translation of network names to IP addresses.

• Lease Obtained.

• Lease Expires.

The date and time when the lease was obtained.

The date and time that the lease expires.

Click the Release button to return the status of all items to 0.

Click the Renew button to refreshes the items.

Click the Close W

indow button to close the Connection Status screen.

Administration

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

Wireless Settings (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)

The following settings are displayed:

Name (SSID). The wireless network name (SSID) that the router uses.

Region.

wireless features of the router in some parts of the world.

Channel. The operating channel of the wireless port being used. The default channel is Auto. When Auto is selected, the router finds the best operating channel available. Channels 1, 6, and 11 do not interfere with each other.

Mode. Mbps. At 5 GHz 1300 Mbps, 600 Mbps, or Up to 289 Mbps.

Wireless AP. Indicates whether the radio feature of the router is enabled. If this feature is not enabled, the WiFi LED on the front panel is off.

Broadcast Name. Indicates whether the router is broadcasting its SSID.

Wi-Fi Protected Setup. Indicates whether WPS is configured for this network.

The geographic region where the router is being used. It might be illegal to use the

The wireless communication mode. At 2.4 GHz, 300 Mbps, 145 Mbps, or Up to 54

View Logs of Web Access or Attempted Web Access

The log is a detailed record of the websites you have accessed or attempted to access. Up to 256 entries are stored in the log. Log entries display only when keyword blocking is enabled and no log entries are made for the trusted user

Administration

 To view logs:

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

Select Advanced >

Administration > Logs.

The log screen shows the following information:

• Date and time.

• Source IP.

• T

arget address. The name or IP address of the website or news group visited or to which

access was attempted.

• Action. Whether the access was blocked or allowed.

To refresh the log screen, click the Refresh button.

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

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

The date and time the log entry was recorded.

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

Manage the Configuration File

The configuration settings of the router are stored within the router in a configuration file. You can back up (save) this file to your computer, restore it, or reset it to the factory default settings.

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R6250 Smart WiFi Router

Back Up Settings

 To back up the router’s configuration settings:

1. Select Advanced >

2. Click Backup Settings.

A copy of the current settings is saved.

3. Choose a location to store the .cfg file that is on a computer on your network.

Administration > Backup Settings.

Restore Configuration Settings

 To restore configuration settings that you backed up:

1. Click the Browse button to find the cfg file.

2. Click the Restore button.

The files is uploaded to the router and the router reboots.

WARNING:

Do not interrupt the reboot process.

Erase the Current Configuration Settings

You can use the Erase button to erase the configuration and restore the factory default settings. You might want to do this if you move the router to a different network. You can also use the Reset button on the back of the router to erase the configuration and restore the factory settings. (See Factory Settings on page 129),.

 To erase the configuration settings:

Click the Erase button.

The factory default settings are restored. The user name is admin, the password to password, and the LAN IP address is 192.168.1.1. DHCP is enabled.

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R6250 Smart WiFi Router

Change the Password

This feature let you change the default password that is used to log in to the router with the user name admin.

This is not the same as changing the password for wireless access. The label on the bottom of your router shows your unique wireless network name (SSID) and password for wireless access (see Label on page 11).

 To set the password for the user name admin:

1. Select Advanced >

2. On the Set Password screen, type the old password, and type the new password twice.

3. If you want to be able to recover the password, select the Enable Password Recovery

check box.

4. Click Apply.

Your changes take effect.

Administration > Set Password.

Password Recovery

NETGEAR recommends that you enable password recovery if you change the password for the router user name admin. Then you can recover the password if it is forgotten. This recovery process is supported in Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Chrome browsers, but not in the Safari browser.

 To set up password recovery:

1. Select Advanced >

2. Select the Enable Password Recovery check box.

3. Select two security questions, and provide answers to them.

4. Click Apply.

Your changes are saved.

Administration > Set Password.

Administration

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

 To recover your password:

1. In the address field of your browser, type www.routerlogin.net.

A login screen displays.

2. 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 product label.

3. Enter the serial number of the router.

4. Click the Continue button.

A screen displays requesting the answers to your security questions.

5. Enter the saved answers to your security questions.

6. Click the Continue button.

A screen displays your recovered password.

7. Click the Login again button.

A login screen displays.

8. With your recovered password, log in to the router.

Administration

9. Advanced Settings

Setting up unique situations

This chapter describes the advanced features of your router. Networking knowledge is needed

to implement some of these features.

This chapter includes the following sections:

• Advanced Wireless Settings

• Wireless Access Point (AP)

• Dynamic DNS

• Static Routes

• Remote Management

• Universal Plug and Play

• IPv6

• Traffic Meter

For information about the Approve USB feature, see Specify Approved USB Devices on page 52.

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

Advanced Wireless Settings

You can use this screen to turn the wireless radio on and off, to specify WPS settings, to use AP mode, and to set up a wireless access list.

The Fragmentation Length, CTS/RTS Threshold, and Preamble Mode options in this screen are reserved for wireless testing and advanced configuration only settings unless you have a specific reason to do so.

Control the Wireless Radio

By default, the wireless radio is enabled so that you can connect wirelessly to the router. You can turn the wireless radio on or off in the Advanced Wireless Settings screen or by using the WiFi On/Off button on the router front panel. When the wireless radio is off, you can still use an Ethernet cable for a LAN connection to the router

 To turn the wireless radio on or off:

. Do not change these

1. Select Advanced >

Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings.

By default, the Enable Wireless Router Radio check box is selected.

Advanced Settings

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

2. Select or clear the Enable Wireless Router Radio check box.

Clearing this check box turns off the WiFi feature of the wireless router.

3. (Optional) Select the T

urn off wireless signal by schedule check box and fill in the fields

to specify the times when you do not need a wireless connection.

For example, you could turn off the wireless signal for the weekend if you leave town.

4. Click Apply.

Your changes take effect.

Set Up a Wireless Schedule

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

 To configure and enable the wireless schedule:

1. Select Advanced >

The Advanced Wireless Settings screen displays.

2. Click the Add a new period button.

The screen adjusts:

Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings.

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

turn off the wireless signal.

4. Click the Apply button.

The Advanced Wireless Settings screen displays.

5. Select the T

urn off wireless signal by schedule check box.

This activates the schedule.

6. Click the Apply button.

Advanced Settings

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

Set up the Router in Bridge Mode

You can set up your R6250 Smart WiFi Router to run in Bridge mode. This mode lets you connect multiple devices wirelessly at the faster 802.11ac speed. To use the router in Bridge mode, you need two WiFi Routers: one set up as a router and the other set up as a bridge.

R6250 Smart WiFi Router in Bridge modeR6300 Smart WiFi Router

Figure 6. Router in Bridge mode with an 802.11ac WiFi connection

Installing your R6250 Smart WiFi Router as a bridge offers the following benefits:

• Y

ou can take advantage of gigabit WiFi speeds on current devices.

• Use Gigabit WiFi for applications like video and gaming.

• Connect multiple devices like NAS, Smart

TV, NeoTV, Blu-ray Player, game console at

gigabit WiFi speeds using a WiFi link.

• A

void the need for separate WiFi adapters for each device.

For example, you could install the first router in a room like a home office that has your Internet connection.

After this router is powered on and set up, set up the second router in Bridge mode. Then place the router in Bridge mode in a different room that has your home entertainment center. Cable the router in Bridge mode to your Smart TV, DVR, game console or Blu-ray player and use its 802.11ac WiFi connection to the first R6300 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 need to know the SSID, WiFi security mode, wireless password, and operating frequency (either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).

2. On the R6250 Smart WiFi Router that will run in Bridge mode, select Advanced >

Advanced Setup > W

ireless Settings.

Advanced Settings

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

3. Scroll down and select the Use other operation mode check box and the Enable Bridge

mode radio button.

The screen adjusts.

4. Click the setup bridge mode wireless settings button.

5. Specify the settings of the other router to which this router will connect.

a. Select the wireless network frequency (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).

For 802.11ac mode, select 5 GHz.

b. In the Name (SSID) field, enter the wireless network name (SSID).

c. In the Security Option section, select a radio button.

d. If prompted, type the passphrase (the WiFi password that you use to connect

wirelessly to the other router).

6. Click Apply.

The settings for the other router are saved and the Advanced Wireless Settings screen

displays.

7. Click Apply on the Wireless Settings screen.

Your changes take effect.

Advanced Settings

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

View or Change WPS Settings

 To specify WPS Settings:

1. 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 wireless settings through WPS.

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

The PIN function might temporarily be disabled when the router detects suspicious attempts to break into the router’s wireless settings by using the router’s PIN through WPS. You can manually enable the PIN function by clearing the Disable Router’s PIN check box.

3. (Optional) Select or clear the Keep Existing Wireless Settings check box.

By default, the Keep Existing Wireless Settings check box is selected. NETGEAR recommends that you leave this check box selected.

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

4. Click Apply.

Your changes are saved.

Set Up a Wireless Access List by MAC Address

You can set up a list of computers and wireless devices that are allowed to join the wireless network. This list is based on the unique MAC address of each computer and device.

Each network device has a MAC address, which is a unique 12-character physical address, containing the hexadecimal characters 0–9, a–f, or A–F only, and separated by colons (for example, 00:09:AB:CD:EF:01). Typically, the MAC address is on the label of the wireless card or network interface device. If you do not have access to the label, you can display the MAC address using the network configuration utilities of the computer. You might also find the MAC addresses in the Attached Devices screen.

 To restrict access based on MAC addresses:

1. Select Advanced > Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings.

2. Click the Setup Access List button.

Advanced Settings

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

3. Click Add.

The Wireless Card Access Setup screen opens and displays a list of currently active wireless cards and their Ethernet MAC addresses.

4. If the computer or device you want is in the

Available Wireless Cards list, select that radio

button; otherwise, type a name and the MAC address.

You can usually find the MAC address on the bottom of the wireless device.

Tip: Y

ou can copy and paste the MAC addresses from the Attached Devices screen into the MAC Address field of this screen. To do this, use each wireless computer to join the wireless network. The computer should then display in the Attached Devices screen.

5. Click Add.

The screen changes back to the list screen.

6. Add each computer or device you want to allow to connect wirelessly

7. Select the T

urn Access Control On check box.

8. Click Apply.

 To edit a wireless device or delete it from the access list:

1. Select Advanced >

Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings.

The Advanced Wireless Settings screen displays.

2. In the table, select the radio button next to the wireless device that you want to edit or delete.

3. Do one of the following:

• Click the Edit button.

The Edit Wireless Card screen displays.

a. Edit the address information.

b. Click the Accept button.

• Click the Delete button.

The address is removed from the table.

Advanced Settings

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

Wireless Access Point (AP)

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. Select Advanced > Advanced Setup > Wireless AP.

3. Select the Enable Access

Cable this port to a LAN port on the other router

Point Mode check box.

The AP Mode section of the screen expands.

4. Scroll down and select the check box for the IP address setting that you want to use:

Advanced Settings

• Get an IP address dynamically from the other router. The other router on the

network assigns an IP address to this router while this router is in AP mode.

• Fixed IP address (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 effectively requires advanced network experience.

Note: If the other router or gateway in your network has wireless capability,

NETGEAR recommends that you use different wireless settings on this router to avoid interference. You can also disable the wireless radio on the other router or gateway and use your router only for wireless client access.

5. Click the Apply button.

The IP address of the router changes, and you are disconnected. To reconnect, close and restart your web browser, and type http://www.routerlogin.net.

Dynamic DNS

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

Internet service providers (ISPs) assign numbers called IP addresses to identify each Internet account. Most ISPs use dynamically assigned IP addresses. This means that the IP address can change at any time. You can use the IP address to access your network remotely, but most people don’t know what their IP addresses are or when this number changes.

To make it easier to connect, you can get a free account with a Dynamic DNS service that lets you use a domain name to access your home network. To use this account, you must set up the router to use Dynamic DNS. Then the router notifies the Dynamic DNS service provider whenever its IP address changes. When you access your Dynamic DNS account, the service finds the current IP address of your home network and automatically connects you.

If your ISP assigns a private WAN IP address (such as 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x), the Dynamic DNS service does not work because private addresses are not routed on the Internet.

Set Up a New Dynamic DNS Account

 To set up Dynamic DNS and register for a free NETGEAR account:

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

network.

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

A login screen displays.

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.

Advanced Settings

100

Netgear R6250-100NAS User manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

R6250 Smart WiFi Router

Contents

1. Hardware Setup

Unpack Your Router

Hardware Features

Front and Side Panel

Rear Panel

Label

Position Your Router

2. Getting Started

Router Setup Preparation

Use Standard TCP/IP Properties for DHCP

Gather ISP Information

Wireless Devices and Security Settings

Types of Logins and Access

NETGEAR genie Setup

Use NETGEAR genie After Installation

Upgrade the Firmware

Dashboard (Basic Home Screen)

Join Your Wireless Network

Manual Method

Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) Method

Access the Router with NETGEAR the genie App

3. Basic Settings

Internet Setup

Internet Setup Screen Fields

Basic Wireless Settings

Wireless Settings Screen Fields

Change the Wireless Security Option

Set Up a Guest Network

View Attached Devices

4. Advanced Home Settings

NETGEAR genie Advanced Home Screen

Internet Connection Setup Wizard

WAN Setup

Default DMZ Server

Change the MTU Size

LAN Setup

LAN Setup Screen Settings

The Role of the Router as a DHCP Server

Address Reservation

WPS Wizard for WiFi Connections

Quality of Service (QoS) Setup

WMM QoS for Wireless Multimedia Applications

Optimize Internet Gaming with Upstream QoS

Set Up QoS for Internet Access

5. USB Storage

Connect a USB Storage Device to the Router

Safely Remove a USB Drive

Access the USB Storage Device

File-Sharing Scenarios

Share Photos

Store Files in a Central Location for Printing

Share Large Files over the Internet

Back Up Windows Computers with ReadySHARE Vault

View a USB Device Attached to the Router

USB Storage Device Network and Access Settings

Available Network Folders

Specify Approved USB Devices

Back Up Windows Computers with ReadySHARE Vault

6. Share a USB Printer

Install the Printer Driver and Cable the Printer

Download the ReadySHARE Printer Utility

Install the ReadySHARE Printer Utility

Use the Shared Printer

View or Change the Status of a Printer

Use the Scan Feature of a Multifunction USB Printer

Change NETGEAR USB Control Center Settings

7. Security

Set Up Parental Controls

Keyword Blocking of HTTP Traffic

Block Services (Port Filtering)

Port Triggering to Open Incoming Ports

Port Forwarding to Permit External Host Communications

How Port Forwarding Differs from Port Triggering

Set Up Port Forwarding to Local Servers