Netgear R6900 User Manual
Nighthawk
AC1900 Smart
WiFi Router
User Manual
Model R6900
August 2015
202-11569-01
350 E. Plumeria Drive
San Jose, CA 95134
USA
Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900
Support
Thank you for purchasing this NETGEAR product.
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 webiste.
For product updates, additional documentation, and 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
© NETGEAR, Inc., NETGEAR and the NETGEAR Logo are trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. Any non-NETGEAR
trademarks are used for reference purposes only.
Compliance
For regulatory compliance information, visit http://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory.
See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply.
2
Contents
Chapter 1 Hardware Overview of the Router
Unpack Your Router.............................................................................................11
Attach the Antennas.............................................................................................11
LEDs and Buttons on the Top Panel....................................................................12
Ports, Buttons, and Connectors on the Back Panel.............................................14
USB Port on the Front Panel................................................................................15
Product Label on the Bottom Panel.....................................................................15
Position Your Router.............................................................................................16
Cable Your Router................................................................................................17
Chapter 2 Connect to the Network and Access the Router
Connect to the Router..........................................................................................18
Connect to the Router Through an Ethernet Cable.........................................19
Join the WiFi Network of the Router................................................................19
Types of Logins...............................................................................................20
Use a Web Browser to Access the Router...........................................................21
Automatic Internet Setup.................................................................................21
Log In to the Router........................................................................................22
Change the Language.........................................................................................23
Access the Router With the NETGEAR genie App..............................................23
Manual Method...........................................................................................19
Wi-Fi Protected Setup Method...................................................................20
Chapter 3 Specify Your Internet Settings
Use the Internet Setup Wizard.............................................................................26
Manually Set Up the Internet Connection............................................................26
Specify an Internet Connection Without a Login.............................................27
Specify an Internet Connection That Uses a Login and PPPoE Service........28
Specify an Internet Connection That Uses a Login and PPTP or L2TP
Service............................................................................................................30
Specify an IPv6 Internet Connection....................................................................32
IPv6 Internet Connections and IPv6 Addresses..............................................32
Use Auto Detect for an IPv6 Internet Connection...........................................34
Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet Connection...........................................35
Set Up an IPv6 6to4 Tunnel Internet Connection............................................37
Set Up an IPv6 Pass Through Internet Connection.........................................39
Set Up an IPv6 Fixed Internet Connection......................................................39
Set Up an IPv6 DHCP Internet Connection....................................................41
Set Up an IPv6 6rd Tunnel Connection...........................................................43
Set Up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet Connection...................................................45
Manage the MTU Size.........................................................................................47
MTU Concepts................................................................................................47
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900
Change the MTU Size.....................................................................................48
Chapter 4 Optimize Performance
Prioritize Internet Traffic With Quality of Service..................................................51
Optimize Internet Gaming With Upstream QoS...................................................51
Add Upstream QoS Priority Rules.......................................................................53
Set Up QoS for Applications and Online Gaming............................................53
Set Up QoS for a Router LAN Port..................................................................55
Set Up QoS for a MAC Address......................................................................57
Change an Upstream QoS Policy Rule...........................................................59
Delete an Upstream QoS Policy Rule.............................................................60
Delete All Upstream QoS Policy Rules...........................................................60
Optimize Video Streaming With Downstream QoS..............................................61
Add Downstream QoS Priority Rules...................................................................62
Add a Downstream QoS Policy Rule by Keyword...........................................63
Add a Downstream QoS Policy Rule by MAC Address...................................64
Change a Downstream QoS Policy Rule.........................................................65
Delete a Downstream QoS Policy Rule...........................................................66
Delete All Downstream QoS Policy Rules.......................................................67
Improve Network Connections With Universal Plug and Play..............................67
Manage Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service.......................................................68
Chapter 5 Control Access to the Internet
Set Up Parental Controls.....................................................................................71
Allow or Block Access to Your Network................................................................72
Enable and Manage Network Access Control.................................................72
Manage Network Access Control Lists...........................................................74
Add Devices to or Remove Them From the Allowed List............................74
Add Devices to or Remove Them From the Blocked List............................76
Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites..................................................................77
Set Up Blocking...............................................................................................78
Remove a Keyword or Domain From the Blocked List....................................79
Remove All Keywords and Domains From the Blocked List............................80
Specify a Trusted Computer............................................................................80
Manage Simple Outbound Firewall Rules for Services and Applications............81
Add an Outbound Firewall Rule......................................................................82
Add an Outbound Firewall Rule for a Custom Service or Application.............83
Change an Outbound Firewall Rule................................................................86
Remove an Outbound Firewall Rule................................................................87
Set Up a Schedule for Keyword Blocking and Outbound Firewall Rules.............88
Set Up Security Event Email Notifications...........................................................90
Chapter 6 Share a Storage Device Attached to the Router
USB Device Requirements..................................................................................92
Connect a USB Device to the Router...................................................................93
Access a Storage Device Connected to the Router.............................................94
Access the Storage Device From a Windows Computer.................................94
Access the Storage Device From a Mac.........................................................94
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900
Map a USB Device to a Windows Network Drive.................................................95
Back Up Windows Computers With ReadySHARE Vault.....................................95
Back Up Mac Computers With Time Machine......................................................96
Set Up a USB Hard Drive on a Mac................................................................96
Prepare to Back Up a Large Amount of Data..................................................97
Use Time Machine to Back Up Onto a Storage Device...................................97
Manage Access to a Storage Device...................................................................99
Enable FTP Access Within Your Networ k...........................................................102
View Network Folders on a Device....................................................................103
Add a Network Folder on a Storage Device.......................................................104
Change a Network Folder , Including Read and Write Access, on a USB Drive..106
Approve USB Devices........................................................................................108
Safely Remove a USB Device............................................................................109
Chapter 7 Manage Dynamic DNS and Access Storage Devices Through the
Internet
Set Up and Manage Dynamic DNS...................................................................112
Your Personal FTP Server.............................................................................113
Set Up a New Dynamic DNS Account...........................................................114
Specify a DNS Account That You Already Created.......................................115
Change the Dynamic DNS Settings..............................................................117
Access Storage Devices Through the Internet...................................................118
Access Storage Devices From a Remote Computer.....................................118
Set Up FTP Access Through the Internet.....................................................118
Use FTP to Access Storage Devices Through the Internet...........................120
Remotely Access a USB Device Using ReadyCLOUD......................................121
Create a ReadyCLOUD Account...................................................................121
Register Your Router With ReadyCLOUD.....................................................122
Chapter 8 Use the Router as a Media Server
Specify ReadyDLNA Media Server Settings......................................................126
Play Music From a Storage Device With iTunes Server.....................................127
Play Media From a USB Device on TiVo............................................................128
Set Up the Router to Work With TiVo............................................................129
Play Videos....................................................................................................129
Play Music or View Photos............................................................................130
Copy TiVo Files to a Computer......................................................................130
Chapter 9 Share a USB Printer
Install the Printer Driver and Cable the Printer..................................................132
Download the ReadySHARE Printer Utility........................................................132
Install the ReadySHARE Printer Utility..............................................................133
Use the Shared Printer......................................................................................134
Manually Connect and Print..........................................................................134
Print and Release the Printer........................................................................135
View or Change the Status of a Printer..............................................................135
Use the Scan Feature of a Multifunction USB Printer........................................136
Manage the NETGEAR USB Control Center Settings.......................................137
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900
Turn Off Automatic Startup of the NETGEAR USB Control Center...............137
Change the NETGEAR USB Control Center Language................................138
Specify the Time-Out.....................................................................................138
Chapter 10 Manage the WAN and LAN Network Settings
Manage the WAN Security Settings...................................................................140
Set Up a Default DMZ Server............................................................................141
Manage IGMP Proxying.....................................................................................142
Manage NAT Filter ing........................................................................................143
Manage the SIP Application-Level Gateway......................................................144
Manage the LAN IP Address Settings...............................................................144
Manage the Router Information Protocol Settings.............................................145
Manage the DHCP Server Address Pool...........................................................146
Manage Reserved LAN IP Addresses...............................................................148
Reserve a LAN IP Address...........................................................................148
Change a Reserved IP Address....................................................................149
Remove a Reserved IP Address Entry..........................................................149
Disable the Built-In DHCP Server......................................................................150
Change the Router’s Device Name....................................................................151
Set Up and Manage Custom Static Routes.......................................................151
Set Up a Static Route....................................................................................152
Change a Static Route..................................................................................153
Remove a Static Route.................................................................................154
Set Up a Bridge for a Port Group or VLAN Tag Group.......................................154
Set Up a Bridge for a Port Group..................................................................155
Set Up a Bridge for a VLAN Tag Group.........................................................156
Chapter 11 Manage the WiFi Network Settings
Use WPS to Add a Device to the WiFi Network.................................................159
Use WPS With the Push Button Method.......................................................160
Use WPS With the PIN Method.....................................................................161
Specify Basic WiFi Settings...............................................................................162
Change the WiFi Mbps Settings.........................................................................165
Change the WiFi Password or Security Level....................................................166
Set Up a Guest WiFi Network............................................................................167
Specify How the Router Manages WiFi Clients.................................................169
Disable Airtime Fairness...............................................................................169
Disable Implicit Beamforming........................................................................170
Control the WiFi Radios.....................................................................................170
Use the WiFi On/Off Button...........................................................................171
Enable or Disable the WiFi Radios................................................................171
Set Up a WiFi Schedule.....................................................................................172
Manage the WPS Settings.................................................................................173
Use the Router as a WiFi Access Point.............................................................175
Use the Router in WiFi Bridge Mode..................................................................176
Set Up a WiFi Distribution System.....................................................................179
Set Up the Base Station................................................................................180
Set Up the Repeater.....................................................................................182
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900
Chapter 12 Manage the Router and Monitor the Traffic
Update the Firmware of the Router....................................................................186
Check for New Firmware and Update the Router..........................................186
Manually Upload New Firmware and Update the Router..............................187
Change the admin Password.............................................................................188
Set Up Password Recovery...............................................................................189
Recover the admin Password............................................................................190
Manage the Configuration File of the Router.....................................................190
Back Up the Settings.....................................................................................190
Restore the Settings......................................................................................191
Disable LED Blinking or Turn Off LEDs..............................................................192
Return the Router to Its Factory Default Settings..............................................193
Use the Reset Button....................................................................................193
Erase the Settings.........................................................................................194
View the Status and Statistics of the Router......................................................194
View Information About the Router and the Internet and WiFi Settings........195
Display Internet Port Statistics......................................................................196
Check the Internet Connection Status..........................................................197
Manage the Activity Log.....................................................................................198
View the Logs................................................................................................198
Specify Which Activities Are Logged.............................................................200
View Devices Currently on the Network.............................................................200
Monitor and Meter Internet Traffic......................................................................201
Start the Traffic Meter Without Traffic Volume Restrictions............................201
View the Traffic Statistics and Traffic Status..................................................202
Restrict Internet Traffic by Volume.................................................................203
Restrict Internet Traffic by Connection Time..................................................205
Unblock the Traffic Meter After the Traffic Limit Is Reached..........................207
Manage the Router Remotely............................................................................207
Remotely Access Your Router Using the genie App..........................................209
Chapter 13 Use VPN to Access Your Network
Set Up a VPN Connection..................................................................................211
Specify VPN Service in the Router................................................................211
Install OpenVPN Software on Your Computer...............................................212
Use a VPN Tunnel.........................................................................................214
Use VPN to Access the Router’s USB Device and Media..................................216
Use VPN to Access Your Internet Service at Home...........................................216
Set Up VPN Client Internet Access in the Router.........................................217
Block VPN Client Internet Access in the Router............................................218
Use a VPN Tunnel to Access Your Internet Service at Home........................218
Chapter 14 Manage Port Forwarding and Port Triggering
Manage Port Forwarding to a Local Server for Services and Applications........219
Forward Incoming Traffic for a Default Service or Application.......................220
Add a Port Forwarding Rule With a Custom Service or Application..............221
Change a Port Forwarding Rule....................................................................223
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900
Remove a Port Forwarding Rule...................................................................224
Application Example: Make a Local Web Server Public................................225
How the Router Implements the Port Forwarding Rule.................................226
Manage Port Triggering for Services and Applications......................................226
Add a Port Triggering Rule............................................................................227
Change a Port Triggering Rule......................................................................229
Remove a Port Triggering Rule.....................................................................230
Specify the Time-Out for Port Triggering.......................................................231
Disable Port Tr iggering..................................................................................232
Application Example: Port Triggering for Internet Relay Chat........................233
Chapter 15 Troubleshooting
Reboot the Router From Its Web Page..............................................................234
Quick Tips..........................................................................................................235
Sequence to Restart Your Network...............................................................235
Check Ethernet Cable Connections..............................................................235
WiFi Settings.................................................................................................236
Network Settings...........................................................................................236
Troubleshoot With the LEDs...............................................................................236
Standard LED Behavior When the Router Is Powered On............................236
Power LED Is Off or Blinking.........................................................................236
Power LED Stays Amber...............................................................................237
LEDs Never Turn Off.....................................................................................237
Internet or Ethernet Port LEDs Are Off.........................................................237
WiFi LED Is Off..............................................................................................237
You Cannot Log In to the Router........................................................................238
You Cannot Access the Internet.........................................................................238
Check the WAN IP Address...........................................................................238
Troubleshoot PPPoE.....................................................................................240
Troubleshoot Internet Browsing.....................................................................240
Changes Are Not Saved....................................................................................241
Troubleshoot WiFi Connectivity..........................................................................241
Troubleshoot Your Network Using the Ping Utility..............................................242
Test the LAN Path to Your Router..................................................................242
Test the Path From Your Computer to a Remote Device...............................243
Chapter 16 Supplemental Information
Factory Settings.................................................................................................245
Technical Specifications.....................................................................................248
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Hardware Overview of the Router
The NETGEAR®Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi RouterModel R6900, in this manual referred to as the router,
delivers combined WiFi connection speeds of up to AC1900 WiFi (600 Mbps1 on 2.4 GHz 802.11n and 1300
Mbps2 on 5 GHz 802.11ac). Both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios can be active simultaneously.
Nighthawk, powered by a dual-core 1 GHz processor, is ideal for bandwidth-hungry activities such as online
gaming and video streaming. High-po wered amplifiers with antennas provide WiFi coverage anywhere around
your home, inside or out.
For gamers, Nightha wk supports upstream Quality of Service (QoS) optimized f or online game play with game
consoles like Xbox. For uninterrupted HD streaming media, Nighthawk features downstream QoS to identify
and prioritize streaming traffic from websites like Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu Plus.
Nighthawk provides fast central storage, backup, and streaming to every device in your home with the USB
3.0 port (10 times faster than USB 2.0). Sharing content across your netw ork is easy , whether you’ re accessing
stored photos and music or printing over WiFi. Stream your stored media files anywhere on the network to
DLNA screens. Share your music to AirPlay-compatible devices from the USB hard drive connected to the
router. Use the free NETGEAR ReadySHARE Vault app to back up your Windows computers to a USB hard
drive connected to Nighthawk.
1
The chapter contains the following sections:
• Unpack Your Router on page 11
• Attach the Antennas on page 11
• LEDs and Buttons on the Top Panel on page 12
• Ports, Buttons, and Connectors on the Back Panel on page 14
• USB Port on the Front Panel on page 15
• Product Label on the Bottom Panel on page 15
• Position Your Router on page 16
• Cable Your Router on page 17
1. Maximum WiFi signal rate derived from IEEE standard 802.11 specifications. Actual data throughput and WiFi coverage will vary. Network
conditions and environmental factors, including v olume of network traffic, b uilding materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual
data throughput rate and WiFi cov erage . NETGEAR makes no express or implied representations or w arr anties 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 WiFi speeds can be achieved when you are connecting to other 802.11ac 1300 Mbps devices.
9
For more information about the topics that are covered in this manual, visit the support website at
support.netgear.com.
Firmware updates with new features and bug fixes are made available from time to time at
Note
downloadcenter.netgear.com.You can check for and download new firmware manually. If
the features or behavior of your product does not match what is described in this guide,
you might need to update your firmware.
In this manual, the terms wireless and WiFi are interchangeable.Note
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900
Unpack Your Router
The box contains the following items.
Figure 1. Package contents for the router
Table 1. Legend
Router1.
Antennas (3)2.
Ethernet cable3.
Power adapter4
In some regions, a CD is included in the package.
Attach the Antennas
The router comes with three antennas.
To attach the antennas:
1. Remove the antenna caps from the antenna posts on the back panel of the router.
2. Align the antennas with the antenna posts.
Hardware Overview of the Router
11
Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900
3. Attach the antennas on the threaded antenna posts.
4. Position the antennas for the best WiFi performance.
We recommend that the center antenna be vertical and that you aim the others outward at 45-degree
angles, as shown.
LEDs and Buttons on the Top Panel
The status LEDs and buttons are located on the top of the router.
Figure 2. Router LEDs and buttons
Hardware Overview of the Router
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900
Table 2. LED and button descriptions
DescriptionLED
•
Power
Internet
Solid amber.The router is starting.
•
Blinking amber.The firmware is upgrading, or the Reset button was pressed.
•
Solid white.The router is ready.
•
Blinking white.The firmware is corrupted.
•
Off. Power is not supplied to the router.
•
Solid white.The Internet connection is ready.
•
Solid amber.The router detected an Ethernet cable connection to the
modem.
•
Off. No Ethernet cable is connected between the router and the modem.
2.4 GHz WiFi
5 GHz WiFi
Guest WiFi
USB 3.0 port
Ethernet ports 1–4
•
Solid white.The 2.4 GHz WiFi radio is operating.
•
Blinking white.The router is sending or receiving WiFi traffic.
•
Off.The 2.4 GHz WiFi radio is off.
•
Solid white.The 5 GHz WiFi radio is operating.
•
Blinking white.The router is sending or receiving WiFi traffic.
•
Off.The 5 GHz WiFi radio is off.
•
Solid white.The guest WiFi network is operating.
•
Blinking white.The router is sending or receiving WiFi traffic.
•
Off.The guest WiFi network is off.
•
Solid white. A USB device is connected and is ready.
•
Blinking white. A USB device is plugged in and is trying to connect.
•
Off. No USB device is connected, or someone clicked the Safely Remove
Hardware button and it is now safe to remove the attached USB device.
The LED color indicates the speed: white for Gigabit Ethernet connections and
amber for 100 Mbps or 10 Mbps Ethernet connections.
Hardware Overview of the Router
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900
DescriptionLED
•
Solid white or solid amber. A powered-on device is connected to the
Ethernet port.
•
Blinking white or blinking amber.The port is sending or receiving traffic.
•
Off. No device is connected to this Ethernet port.
WiFi On/Off button with
LED
WPS button with LED
For information about disabling LED b linking for network communications and turning off all LEDs except
the Power LED, see Disable LED Blinking or Turn Off LEDs on page 192.
Pressing this button for two seconds turns the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi radios
on and off.
If this LED is solid white, the WiFi r adios are on. If this LED is off , the WiFi radios
are turned off and you cannot use WiFi to connect to the router.
This button lets you use WPS to join the WiFi network without typing the WiFi
password.The WPS LED blinks white during this process and then lights solid
white.
Ports, Buttons, and Connectors on the Back Panel
The back panel of the router provides ports, buttons, antenna connectors, and a DC power connector.
For information about attaching the antennas, see Attach the Antennas on page 11.
Figure 3. Router back panel
In addition to the three antennas, viewed from left to right, the back panel contains the following
components:
Hardware Overview of the Router
14
Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900
• Reset button. For information about using the Reset button, see Return the Router to Its Factory
Default Settings on page 193.
• Ethernet LAN ports. Four Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 LAN ports to connect the router to LAN devices.
• Internet port. One Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 WAN port to connect the router to a modem.
• Power On/Off button. Press the Power On/Off button to provide power to the router.
• DC power connector. Connect the power adapter that came in the product pac kage to the DC pow er
connector.
USB Port on the Front Panel
The USB 3.0 port is located on the front of the router.
Figure 4. USB port
Product Label on the Bottom Panel
The product label on the bottom panel of the router lists the login information, WiFi network name (SSID)
and password (network key), serial number, and MAC address of the router.
Hardware Overview of the Router
15
Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900
Figure 5. Router product label
Position Your Router
The router lets you access your network anywhere within the operating range of your WiFi network.
However, the operating distance or range of your WiFi connection can vary significantly depending on
the physical placement of your router. For example, the thickness and number of walls the WiFi signal
passes through can limit the range.
Additionally, other WiFi access points in and around your home might affect your router’s signal.WiFi
access points are routers, repeaters, WiFi range e xtenders , and any other device that emits a WiFi signal
for network access.
Position your router according to the following guidelines:
• Place your router near the center of the area where your computers and other devices operate and
within line of sight to your WiFi devices.
• Make sure that the router is within reach of an AC power outlet and near Ethernet cables for wired
computers.
• Place the router in an elevated location, minimizing the n umber walls and ceilings betw een the router
and your other devices.
• Place the router away from electrical devices such as these:
• Ceiling fans
• Home security systems
• Microwaves
• Computers
• Base of a cordless phone
• 2.4 GHz cordless phone
• Place the router awa y from large metal surfaces , large glass surfaces , insulated walls, and items such
as these:
Hardware Overview of the Router
16
Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900
• Solid metal door
• Aluminum studs
• Fish tanks
• Mirrors
• Brick
• Concrete
If you are using adjacent access points, use different radio frequency channels to reduce interference.
Cable Your Router
The following image shows how to cable your router:
Figure 6. Router cabling
To cable your router:
1. Unplug your modem’s power , leaving the modem connected to the wall jack f or your Internet service.
If your modem uses a battery backup, remove the battery.
2. Plug in and turn on your modem.
If your modem uses a battery backup, put the battery back in.
3. Connect your modem to the Internet port of your router with the yellow Ethernet cable that came with
your router.
4. Connect the power adapter to your router and plug the power adapter into an outlet.
5. Press the Power On/Off button on the back panel of the router.
Hardware Overview of the Router
17
Connect to the Network and Access the
Router
You can connect to the router’s WiFi networks or use a wired Ethernet connection. This chapter describes
the ways you can connect and how to access the router and log in.
The chapter contains the following sections:
• Connect to the Router on page 18
• Use a Web Browser to Access the Router on page 21
• Change the Language on page 23
• Access the Router With the NETGEAR genie App on page 23
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900
Connect to the Router
During and after installation, you can connect to the router’s netw ork through a wired or WiFi connection.
If you set up your computer to use a static IP address, change the settings of your computer so that it
uses Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).
Connect to the Router Through an Ethernet Cable
You can connect your computer to the router using an Ethernet cable and join the router’s local area
network (LAN).
To connect your computer to the router with an Ethernet cable:
1. Make sure that the router is receiving power (its Power LED is lit).
2. Connect an Ethernet cable to an Ethernet port on your computer.
3. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to one of the numbered Ethernet ports.
Your computer connects to the local area network (LAN). A message might display on y our computer
screen to notify you that an Ethernet cable is connected.
Join the WiFi Network of the Router
Choose either the manual or the WPS method to add a WiFi device such as a computer, iPhone, iPad,
or gaming device to the WiFi network of the router.
Manual Method
On the WiFi device that you want to connect to the router, you can use the software application that
manages your WiFi connections.
To connect a device manually to the WiFi network of the router:
1. Make sure that the router is receiving power (its Power LED is lit).
2. On the WiFi de vice that you want to connect to y our router, open the softw are application that manages
your WiFi connections.
This software scans for all WiFi networks in your area.
3. Look for the router’s network and select it.
If you did not change the name of the network during the setup process, look for the default WiFi
network name (SSID) and select it.The default SSID is on the product label.
Connect to the Network and Access the Router
19
Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900
4. Enter the router WiFi password.
The default WiFi password (also ref erred to as the netw ork k ey or passphrase) is also on the product
label.
5. Click the Connect button.
The device connects to the WiFi network of the router.
Wi-Fi Protected Setup Method
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is a standard for easily adding computers and other devices to a home
network while maintaining security.To use WPS (Push 'N' Connect), make sure that all WiFi devices to
be connected to the network are Wi-Fi certified and support WPS. During the connection process, the
client gets the security settings from the router so that every device in the network supports the same
security settings.
To use WPS to connect a device to the WiFi network of the router:
1. Make sure that the router is receiving power (its Power LED is lit).
2. Check the WPS instructions for your computer or WiFi device.
3. Press the WPS button of the router for three seconds.
4. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your WiFi device, or follow the WPS instructions that
came with the device.
The WPS process automatically sets up the device with the network password and connects the
device to the WiFi network of the router.
For more information, see Use WPS to Add a Device to the WiFi Network on page 159.
Types of Logins
Separate types of logins serve different purposes. It is important that you understand the difference so
that you know which login to use when.
Several types of logins are associated with the router:
Connect to the Network and Access the Router
20
Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900
• ISP login.The login that your ISP gave you logs you in to y our Internet service.Your service provider
gave you this login information in a letter or some other way. If you cannot find this login information,
contact your service provider.
• WiFi network key or password.Your router is preset with a unique WiFi network name (SSID) and
password for WiFi access.This information is on the router label.
• Router login.This logs you in to the router interface from a web browser as admin.
Use a Web Browser to Access the Router
When you connect to the network (either with WiFi or with an Ethernet cable), y ou can use a web browser
to access the router to view or change its settings.When you access the router, the software automactically
checks to see if your router can connect to your Internet service.
Automatic Internet Setup
You can set up your router automatically, or you can use a web browser to access the router and set up
your router manually. Before you start the setup process, get your ISP information and make sure that
the computers and devices in the network are using the settings described here.
When your Internet service starts, y our Internet service provider (ISP) typically gives you all the information
needed to connect to the Internet. For DSL service, you might need the following information to set up
your router:
• The ISP configuration information for your DSL account
• ISP login name and password
• Fixed or static IP address setting (special deployment by ISP; this setting is rare)
If you cannot locate this information, ask your ISP to provide it.When your Internet connection is working,
you no longer need to launch the ISP login program on your computer to access the Internet.When you
start an Internet application, your router automatically logs you in.
NETGEAR genie runs on any device with a web browser. Installation and basic setup takes about
15 minutes to complete.
To automatically set up your router:
1. Turn the router on by pressing the On/Off button.
2. Make sure that your computer or WiFi de vice is connected to the router with an Ethernet cable (wired)
or over WiFi with the preset security settings listed on the label.
If you want to change the router’s WiFi settings, use a wired connection to avoid
Note
being disconnected when the new WiFi settings take effect.
3. Launch a web browser.
Connect to the Network and Access the Router
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900
The page that displays depends on whether you accessed the router before:
• The first time you set up the Internet connection for your router, the browser goes to
http://www.routerlogin.net and the Configuring the Internet Connection page displays.
• If you already set up the Internet connection, enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field
for your browser to start the installation process.
4. Follow the onscreen instructions.
The router connects to the Internet.
5. If the browser does not display the NETGEAR genie page, do the following:
• Make sure that the computer is connected to one of the four LAN Ethernet ports or over WiFi to
the router.
• Make sure that the router is receiving power and that its Power LED is lit white.
• Close and reopen the browser or clear the browser cache.
• Browse to http://www.routerlogin.net.
• If the computer is set to a static or fixed IP address (this setting is uncommon), change it to obtain
an IP address automatically from the router.
6. If the router does not connect to the Internet, do the following:
a. Review your settings. Make sure that you selected the correct options and typed everything
correctly.
b. Contact your ISP to verify that you are using the correct configuration information.
c. Read You Cannot Access the Internet on page 238. If problems persist, register your NETGEAR
product and contact NETGEAR technical support.
When the router connects to the Internet, you are prompted to download and install the free NETGEAR
Desktop genie app and the free ReadySHARE Vault app.
Log In to the Router
When you first connect to your router and launch a web browser, the browser automatically displays the
router’s web page. If you want to view or change settings for the router later, you can use a browser to
log in to the router’s web page.
Connect to the Network and Access the Router
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900
To log in to the router:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network.
2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.
You can also enter http://www.routerlogin.com or http://192.168.1.1.The
Note
procedures in this manual use http://www.routerlogin.net.
A login window opens.
3. Enter the router user name and password.
The user name is admin.The default password is password.The user name and password are
case-sensitive.
The BASIC Home page displays.
Change the Language
By default, the language is set as Auto.You can change the language.
To change the language:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network.
2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.
A login window opens.
3. Enter the router user name and password.
The user name is admin.The default password is password.The user name and password are
case-sensitive.
The BASIC Home page displays.
4. In the upper right corner, select a language from the menu.
5. When prompted, click the OK button to confirm this change.
The page refreshes with the language that you selected.
Access the Router With the NETGEAR genie App
The genie app is the easy dashboard for managing, monitoring, and repairing your home network from
a smartphone, tablet, or computer.The genie app can help you with the following:
Connect to the Network and Access the Router
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900
• Automatically repair common WiFi network problems.
• Easily manage router features such as Live Parental Controls, guest access, Internet traffic meter,
speed test, and more.
• Share and stream music or videos.
To use the genie app to access the router:
1. Visit the NETGEAR genie web page at netgear.com/genie.
2. Click the appropriate Download button.
3. Follow the onscreen instructions to install the app on your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
4. Launch the genie app.
The genie app dashboard displays.
The following figure shows the genie app dashboard for a Windows computer.
Connect to the Network and Access the Router
24
Specify Your Internet Settings
Usually, the quickest way to set up the router to use your Internet connection is to allow NETGEAR genie to
detect the Internet connection when you first access the router with a web browser.You can also customize
or specify your Internet settings.
This chapter contains the following sections:
• Use the Internet Setup Wizard on page 26
• Manually Set Up the Internet Connection on page 26
• Specify an IPv6 Internet Connection on page 32
• Manage the MTU Size on page 47
3
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900
Use the Internet Setup Wizard
You can use the Setup Wizard to detect your Internet settings and automatically set up your router.The
Setup Wizard is not the same as the genie pages that display the first time you connect to your router to
set it up.
To use the Setup Wizard:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network.
2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.
A login window opens.
3. Enter the router user name and password.
The user name is admin.The default password is password.The user name and password are
case-sensitive.
The BASIC Home page displays.
4. Select ADVANCED > Setup Wizard.
5. Select the Yes radio button.
If you select the No radio button, you are taken to the Internet Setup page (see Manually Set Up the
Internet Connection on page 26).
6. Click the Next button.
The Setup Wizard searches your Internet connection for servers and protocols to determine your
Internet configuration.
When the router connects to the Internet, you are prompted to download and install the free NETGEAR
Desktop genie app and the free ReadySHARE Vault app.
Manually Set Up the Internet Connection
You can view or change the router’s Internet connection settings.
Specify Your Internet Settings
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900
Specify an Internet Connection Without a Login
To specify the Internet connection settings:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network.
2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.
A login window opens.
3. Enter the router user name and password.
The user name is admin.The default password is password.The user name and password are
case-sensitive.
The BASIC Home page displays.
4. Select Internet.
Your router might display information that is different from this example.
5. For the Does your Internet connection require a login? setting, leave the No radio button selected.
6. If your Internet connection requires an account name or host name, type it in the Account Name (If
Required) field.
7. If your Internet connection requires a domain name, type it in the Domain Name (If Required) field.
Specify Your Internet Settings
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900
For the other sections on this page, the default settings usually work, but you can change them.
8. Select an Internet IP Address radio button:
• Get Dynamically from ISP.Y our ISP uses DHCP to assign y our IP address.Y our ISP automatically
assigns these addresses.
• Use Static IP Address. Enter the IP address, IP subnet mask, and the gateway IP address that
your ISP assigned.The gateway is the ISP router to which your router connects.
9. Select a Domain Name Server (DNS) Address radio button:
• Get Automatically from ISP.Your ISP uses DHCP to assign your DNS servers.Your ISP
automatically assigns this address.
• Use These DNS Servers. If you know that your ISP requires specific servers, select this option.
Enter the IP address of your ISP’s primary DNS server. If a secondary DNS server address is
available, enter it also.
10. Select a Router MAC Address radio button:
• Use Default Address. Use the default MAC address.
• Use Computer MAC Address.The router captures and uses the MAC address of the computer
that you are now using.You must use the one computer that the ISP allows.
• Use This MAC Address. Enter the MAC address that you want to use.
11. Click the Apply button.
Your settings are saved.
12. Click the Test button to test your Internet connection.
If the NETGEAR website does not display within one minute , see You Cannot Access the Internet on
page 238.
Specify an Internet Connection That Uses a Login and PPP oE Service
To view or change the basic Internet setup:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network.
2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.
A login window opens.
3. Enter the router user name and password.
The user name is admin.The default password is password.The user name and password are
case-sensitive.
Specify Your Internet Settings
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900
The BASIC Home page displays.
4. Select Internet.
The Internet Setup page displays.
5. For the Does your Internet connection require a login? setting, select the Yes radio button.
The page adjusts.
6. From the Internet Service Provider menu, select PPPoE as the encapsulation method.
7. In the Login field, enter the login name that your ISP gave you.
This login name is often an email address.
8. In the Password field, type the password that you use to log in to your Internet service.
9. If your ISP requires a service name, type it in the Service Name (if Required) field.
10. From the Connection Mode menu, select Always On, Dial on Demand, or Manually Connect.
11. To change the number of minutes until the Internet login times out, in the Idle Timeout (In minutes)
field, type the number of minutes.
Specify Your Internet Settings
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900
This is how long the router keeps the Internet connection active when no one on the network is using
the Internet connection. A value of 0 (zero) means never log out.
12. Select an Internet IP Address radio button:
• Get Dynamically from ISP.Y our ISP uses DHCP to assign y our IP address.Y our ISP automatically
assigns these addresses.
• Use Static IP Address. Enter the IP address, IP subnet mask, and the gateway IP address that
your ISP assigned.The gateway is the ISP router to which your router connects.
13. Select a Domain Name Server (DNS) Address radio button:
• Get Automatically from ISP.Your ISP uses DHCP to assign your DNS servers.Your ISP
automatically assigns this address.
• Use These DNS Servers. If you know that your ISP requires specific servers, select this option.
Enter the IP address of your ISP’s primary DNS server. If a secondary DNS server address is
available, enter it also.
14. Select a Router MAC Address radio button:
• Use Default Address. Use the default MAC address.
• Use Computer MAC Address.The router captures and uses the MAC address of the computer
that you are now using.You must use the one computer that the ISP allows.
• Use This MAC Address. Enter the MAC address that you want to use.
15. Click the Apply button.
Your settings are saved.
16. Click the Test button to test your Internet connection.
If the NETGEAR website does not display within one minute , see You Cannot Access the Internet on
page 238.
Specify an Internet Connection That Uses a Login and PPTP or L2TP Service
To view or change the basic Internet setup:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network.
2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.
A login window opens.
3. Enter the router user name and password.
The user name is admin.The default password is password.The user name and password are
case-sensitive.
Specify Your Internet Settings
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