Netgear R6900 User Manual

Download

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 PPTP or L2TP 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. From the Connection Mode menu, select Always On, Dial on Demand, or Manually Connect.

10. 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

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.

11. If your ISP gav e you fixed IP addresses and a connection ID or name, type them in the My IP Ad dress,

Subnet Mask, Server Address, Gateway IP Address, and Connection ID/Name fields.

If your ISP did not give you IP addresses, a connection ID, or name, leave these fields blank.The connection ID or name applies to a PPTP service only.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

15. 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 IPv6 Internet Connection

The router supports many different types of IPv6 Internet connections for which you can specify the settings manually.

IPv6 Internet Connections and IPv6 Addresses

The router can support an IPv6 Internet connection through the following connection types:

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900

• Auto Detect. For more information, see Use Auto Detect for an IPv6 Internet Connection on page

34.

• Auto Config. For more information, see Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet Connection on page

35.

• 6to4 tunnel. For more information, see Set Up an IPv6 6to4 Tunnel Internet Connection on page 37.

• Pass-through. F or more inf ormation, see Set Up an IPv6 Pass Through Internet Connection on page

39.

• Fixed. For more information, see Set Up an IPv6 Fixed Internet Connection on page 39.

• DHCP. For more information, see Set Up an IPv6 DHCP Internet Connection on page 41.

• 6rd. For more information, see Set Up an IPv6 6rd Tunnel Connection on page 43.

• PPPoE. For more information, see Set Up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet Connection on page 45.

Which connection type you must use depends on your IPv6 ISP. Follow the directions that your IPv6 ISP gave you.

• If your ISP did not provide details, use the 6to4 tunnel connection type (see Set Up an IPv6 6to4 Tunnel Internet Connection on page 37).

• If you are not sure what type of IPv6 connection the router uses, use the A uto Detect connection type,

which lets the router detect the IPv6 type that is in use (see Use Auto Detect for an IPv6 Internet

Connection on page 34).

• If your Internet connection does not use pass-through, a fixed IP address, DHCP, 6rd, or PPPoE but

is IPv6, use the Auto Config connection type, which lets the router autoconfigure its IPv6 connection (see Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet Connection on page 35).

When you enable IPv6 and select any connection type other than IPv6 pass-through, the router starts the stateful packet inspection (SPI) firewall function on the WAN interface.The router creates connection records and checks every inbound IPv6 packet. If the inbound packet is not destined to the router itself and the router does not expect to receive such a packet, or the packet is not in the connection record, the router blocks this pack et.This function works in two modes: In secured mode, the router inspects both TCP and UDP packets. In open mode, the router inspects UDP packets only.

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

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900

• More than eight groups of hexadecimal quartets

• More than four hexadecimal characters in a quartet

• More than two colons in a row

Use Auto Detect for an IPv6 Internet Connection

To set up an IPv6 Internet connection through auto detection:

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

The Basic Settings page displays.

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

The router automatically detects the information in the following fields:

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

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

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

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900

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

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

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

6. Select an IP Address Assignment radio button:

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

might not support the DHCv6 client function.

• Auto Config.This is the default setting. This setting specifies how the router assigns IPv6 addresses to the devices on your home network

(the LAN).

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

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

8. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet Connection

To set up an IPv6 Internet connection through auto configuration:

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

The Basic Settings page displays.

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

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900

The router automatically detects the information in the following fields:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

automatically assigns this address.

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

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

9. Select an IP Address Assignment radio button:

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900

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

might not support the DHCv6 client function.

• Auto Config.This is the default setting. This setting specifies how the router assigns IPv6 addresses to the devices on your home network

(the LAN).

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

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

11. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Set Up an IPv6 6to4 Tunnel Internet Connection

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

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

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

The Basic Settings page displays.

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

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900

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

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

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

setting.

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

provides this address.

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

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

automatically assigns this address.

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

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

8. Select an IP Address Assignment radio button:

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

might not support the DHCv6 client function.

• Auto Config.This is the default setting.

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900

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

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

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

10. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Set Up an IPv6 Pass Through Internet Connection

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

To set up a pass-through IPv6 Internet connection:

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

The Basic Settings page displays.

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

The page adjusts, but no additional fields display.

6. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Set Up an IPv6 Fixed Internet Connection

To set up a fixed IPv6 Internet connection:

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

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

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

The Basic Settings page displays.

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

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

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

• Default IPv6 Gateway.The IPv6 address of the def ault IPv6 gatewa y for the router’ s W AN interf ace.

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

router.

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

the router.

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

Note

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

Set Up the Internet Connection on page 26.)

7. Select an IP Address Assignment radio button:

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900

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

might not support the DHCv6 client function.

• Auto Config.This is the default setting. This setting specifies how the router assigns IPv6 addresses to the devices on your home network

(the LAN).

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

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

9. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Set Up an IPv6 DHCP Internet Connection

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

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

The Basic Settings page displays.

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

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900

The router automatically detects the information in the following fields:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

automatically assigns this address.

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

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

9. Select an IP Address Assignment radio button:

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900

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

might not support the DHCv6 client function.

• Auto Config.This is the default setting. This setting specifies how the router assigns IPv6 addresses to the devices on your home network

(the LAN).

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

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

11. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Set Up an IPv6 6rd Tunnel Connection

The 6rd protocol makes it possible to deploy IPv6 to sites using a service provider’s IPv4 network. 6rd uses the service provider’s own IPv6 address prefix.This limits the operational domain of 6rd to the service provider’s network and is under direct control of the service provider.The IPv6 service that is provided is equivalent to native IPv6.

The 6rd mechanism relies on an algorithmic mapping between the IPv6 and IPv4 addresses that are assigned for use within the service provider’s network.This mapping allows for automatic determination of IPv4 tunnel endpoints from IPv6 prefixes, enabling stateless operation of 6rd.

To set up an IPv6 6rd tunnel connection:

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

The Basic Settings page displays.

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

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900

6. In the 6rd Configuration section, configure the 6rd settings:

• 6rd Prefix. Enter the IPv6 prefix that your ISP gave you.

• 6rd Prefix Length. Enter the IPv6 prefix length that your ISP gave you.

• 6rd Border Relay Address. Enter the border router’s IPv4 address that your ISP gave you.

• 6rd Address Mask Length. Enter the IPv4 mask length that your ISP gave you.

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

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

automatically assigns this address.

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

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

8. Select an IP Address Assignment radio button:

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

might not support the DHCv6 client function.

• Auto Config.This is the default setting.

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900

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

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

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

10. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Set Up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet Connection

To set up a PPPoE IPv6 Internet connection:

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

The Basic Settings page displays.

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

The page adjusts:

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900

The router automatically detects the information in the following fields:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Note

IPv6 connection.The router never terminates the connection. If the connection is terminated, for example, when the modem is turned off, the router attempts to

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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900

reestablish the connection immediately after the PPP oE connection becomes availab le again.

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

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

automatically assigns this address.

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

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

10. Select an IP Address Assignment radio button:

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

might not support the DHCv6 client function.

• Auto Config.This is the default setting. This setting specifies how the router assigns IPv6 addresses to the devices on your home network

(the LAN).

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

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

12. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Manage the MTU Size

The maximum transmission unit (MTU) is the largest data packet a network device transmits.

MTU Concepts

When one network device communicates across the Internet with another, the data pac kets tra vel through many devices along the way. If a device in the data path uses a lower maxim um transmission unit (MTU) setting than the other devices, the data pac kets m ust be split or “fragmented” to accommodate the de vice with the smallest MTU.

The best MTU setting for NETGEAR equipment is often the default value. In some situations, changing the value fixes one problem but causes another.

Leave the MTU unchanged unless one of these situations occurs:

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

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

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900

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

• Yahoo email

• MSN portal

• America Online’s DSL service

• You use VPN and experience severe performance problems.

• You used a program to optimize MTU for performance reasons and now you are experiencing

connectivity or performance problems.

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

Table 3. Common MTU sizes

ApplicationMTU

1500

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

Used in PPPoE environments.1492

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

Used in some DHCP environments.1468

Usable by A OL if you do not send or receive large email attachments , for e xample.1460

Used in PPPoA environments.1458

Used in PPTP environments or with VPN.1436

Maximum size for AOL DSL.1400

Change the MTU Size

Warning

An incorrect MTU setting can cause Internet communication problems. For example, you might not be able to access certain websites, frames within

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900

websites, secure login pages, or FTP or POP servers. Change the MTU only if you are sure that it is necessary for your ISP connection.

To change the MTU size:

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 > WAN Setup.

The WAN Setup page displays.

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

The normal MTU (maximum transmit unit) value for most Ethernet networks is 1500 bytes, 1492 b ytes for PPPoE connections, or 1436 for PPTP connections.

6. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Specify Your Internet Settings

Optimize Performance

You can set up the router to optimize performance for applications such as multiplayer gaming, peer-to-peer connections, or real-time communications such as instant messaging. By default, the router uses Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service (WMM QoS).

This chapter contains the following sections:

• Prioritize Internet Traffic With Quality of Service on page 51

• Optimize Internet Gaming With Upstream QoS on page 51

• Add Upstream QoS Priority Rules on page 53

• Optimize Video Streaming With Downstream QoS on page 61

• Add Downstream QoS Priority Rules on page 62

• Improve Network Connections With Universal Plug and Play on page 67

• Manage Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service on page 68

Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900

Prioritize Internet Traffic With Quality of Service

You can use Quality of Service (QoS) to assign a high priority to gaming and streaming video from the Internet.

Figure 7.You can prioritize downstream traffic, upstream traffic, or both

Optimize Internet Gaming With Upstream QoS

Upstream Quality of Service (QoS) assigns a high priority to Internet traffic from your Xbo x gaming system.

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Figure 8. Upstream QoS assigns high priority to gaming traffic from your Xbox

We recommend 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 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 > QoS Setup > Upstream QoS.

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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 Kbps or Mbps from the menu.

• 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.

Add Upstream QoS Priority Rules

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 router's QoS Priority Rule list. For convenience, the router's QoS Priority Rule list includes many common applications and online games that can benefit from QoS handling.

Set Up QoS for Applications and Online Gaming

You can create an upstream QoS policy rule for an application or online game.

To create an upstream QoS policy rule for an application or online game:

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.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > QoS Setup > Upstream QoS.

5. Click the Setup QoS rule button.

6. To add a rule, scroll down to the bottom of the QoS Priority Rule list page and click the Add Priority

Rule button.

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

8. From the Priority Category menu, select either Applications or Online Gaming.

A list of applications or games displays.

9. Scroll and select Add a New Application or Add a New Game, as applicable.

10. If prompted, from the Connection Type menu, select either TCP, UDP, or TCP/UDP (both).

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

12. From the Priority menu, select the priority for upstream traffic for this application or game relative to

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

13. Click the Apply button.

The rule is saved in the QoS Priority Rule list.

Set Up QoS for a Router LAN Port

You can create an upstream QoS policy rule for a device that is connected to a LAN port of the router.

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

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 > QoS Setup > Upstream QoS.

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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900

5. Click the Setup QoS rule button.

6. To add a rule, scroll down to the bottom of the QoS Priority Rule list page and click the Add Priority

Rule button.

The QoS - Priority Rules page displays.

7. From the Priority Category menu, select Ethernet LAN Port.

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8. From the LAN Port menu, select the LAN port.

The options are 1, 2, 3, and 4.

9. From the Priority menu, select the priority for upstream traffic on this port relative to other traffic.

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

10. Click the Apply button.

The rule is saved in the QoS Priority Rule list.

Set Up QoS for a MAC Address

You can create an upstream QoS policy rule for traffic from a MAC address of a device on the LAN.

To create an upstream QoS policy rule for traffic from a specific MAC address:

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 > QoS Setup > Upstream QoS.

5. Click the Setup QoS rule button.

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6. To add a rule, scroll down to the bottom of the QoS Priority Rule list page and click the Add Priority

Rule button.

The QoS - Priority Rules page displays.

7. From the Priority Category menu, select MAC Address.

8. If the device is in the MAC Device List, select its radio button.

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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900

The information from the MAC De vice List populates the QoS P olicy f or, MA C Address, and De vice Name fields. If the device is not in the MAC Device List, click the Refresh button. If it still does not

display, complete these fields manually.

9. From the Priority menu, select the priority for upstream tr affic from this MAC address relativ e to other

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

10. Click the Apply button.

The rule is saved in the QoS Priority Rule list.

Change an Upstream QoS Policy Rule

You can change an existing uptream QoS policy rule.

To change an upstream QoS policy rule:

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 > QoS Setup > Upstream QoS.

The QoS Setup page displays.

5. Click the Setup QoS rule button.

The QoS Priority Rule list page displays.

6. Select the radio button for the QoS policy rule.

7. Scroll down and click the Edit button.

The QoS - Priority Rules page displays.

8. Change the policy settings.

9. Click the Apply button.

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Your settings are saved.

Delete an Upstream QoS Policy Rule

You can delete an upstream QoS policy rule that you no longer need.

To delete an upstream QoS policy rule:

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 > QoS Setup > Upstream QoS.

The QoS Setup page displays.

5. Click the Setup QoS rule button.

The QoS Priority Rule list page displays.

6. Select the radio button for the QoS policy rule.

7. Scroll down and click the Delete button.

The rule is removed from the QoS Priority Rule list.

Delete All Upstream QoS Policy Rules

You can permanently remove all custom and default upstream QoS policy rules. The only way to restore the default upstream QoS policy rules after you deleted them is by returning the

router to factory default settings.

To delete all upstream QoS policy rules:

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.

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The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > QoS Setup > Upstream QoS.

The QoS Setup page displays.

5. Click the Setup QoS rule button.

The QoS Priority Rule list page displays.

6. Scroll down and click the Delete All button.

All rules are removed from the QoS Priority Rule list.

Optimize Video Streaming With Downstream QoS

Downstream Quality of Service (QoS) assigns a high priority to Internet video streaming from websites like YouTube and Netflix.

Figure 9. Downstream QoS assigns a high priority to video streaming from the Internet

We recommend that you enable downstream QoS only if you watch streaming Internet video.When downstream QoS assigns a high priority to streaming video, it also assigns a lower priority to the rest of your Internet traffic.That means that other tasks such as downloading content from the Internet take longer.

Optimize Performance

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To enable downstream QoS:

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > QoS Setup > Downstream QoS.

5. Select the Enable Downstream QoS (Improved Video Streaming) check box.

6. (Optional) Select the Streaming Database Auto Update check box.

The router automatically checks for updates for the streaming database and downloads and installs them.

You can also manually update the streaming database by clicking the Manual Update

Note

button and following the instructions onscreen.

7. Click the Apply button.

The page adjusts and displays the default QoS do wnstream priority rules for video streaming services to which the router now assigns a high priority.

Add Downstream QoS Priority Rules

The streaming database contains downstream QoS priority rules for common video streaming services. You cannot change or delete these default services. However, you can add custom downstream QoS priority rules for video streaming traffic based on the following components:

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• A specific keyword

• A specific device by MAC address

To specify prioritization of streaming traffic, create a policy for a keyword or MAC address and add the policy to the router's QoS rule table.

Add a Downstream QoS Policy Rule by Keyword

After you enable downstream QoS (see Optimize Video Streaming With Downstream QoS on page 61), you can add a custom downstream QoS priority rule for video streaming traffic based on a specific ke yword.

To add a downstream QoS priority rule by keyword:

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 > QoS Setup > Downstream QoS.

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5. In the Add Rules section, leave the by Keyword radio button selected.

6. In the Rule Name field, type the name of the rule.

7. In the Keyword field, type a keyword.

8. Click the Add button.

The rule is added to the QoS Rule table. If video streaming traffic from the server on the Internet matches the keyword, the router assigns a high priority to the traffic.

Add a Downstream QoS Policy Rule by MAC Address

After you enable downstream QoS (see Optimize Video Streaming With Downstream QoS on page 61), you can add a custom downstream QoS priority rule for video streaming traffic based on a MAC address .

To add a downstream QoS priority rule by MAC address:

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.

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The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > QoS Setup > Downstream QoS.

The Downstream QoS page displays.

5. In the Add Rules section, select the By Device radio button.

6. If the device is in the MAC Device List, select its radio button.

The information from the MAC Device List populates the Rule Name, MAC Address, and Device Name fields. If the device is not in the MAC Device List, complete these fields manually.

7. Click the Add button.

The rule is added to the QoS Rule table.The router assigns a high priority to video streaming traffic from the server on the Internet to the device for which you specified the MAC address.

Change a Downstream QoS Policy Rule

You can change a custom downstream QoS policy rule.

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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900

To change a custom downstream QoS policy rule:

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 > QoS Setup > Downstream QoS.

The Downstream QoS page displays.

5. In the QoS Rule table, select the QoS policy rule.

The fields are populated automatically, enabling you to change the policy settings.

6. Change the policy settings.

7. Click the Edit button.

Your settings are saved.

Delete a Downstream QoS Policy Rule

You can delete a custom downstream QoS policy rule that you no longer need.

To delete a custom downstream QoS policy rule:

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 > QoS Setup > Downstream QoS.

The Downstream QoS page displays.

5. In the QoS Rule table, select the QoS policy rule.

6. Click the Delete button.

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The rule is removed from the QoS Rule table.

Delete All Downstream QoS Policy Rules

You can delete all custom downstream QoS policy rules.You cannot delete default rules that were downloaded from the streaming database.

To delete all custom downstream QoS policy rules:

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 > QoS Setup > Downstream QoS.

The Downstream QoS page displays.

5. Click the Delete All button.

All custom rules are removed from the QoS Rule table.

Improve Network Connections With Universal Plug and Play

Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) helps devices such as Internet appliances and computers access the network and connect to other devices as needed. UPnP devices can automatically discover the services from other registered UPnP devices on the network.

If you use applications such as multiplay er gaming, peer-to-peer connections, or real-time communications such as instant messaging, enable UPnP.

To enable Universal Plug and Play:

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

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The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > UPnP.

The UPnP page displays.

5. Select the Turn UPnP On check box.

By default, this check box is selected. UPnP for automatic device configuration can be enabled or disabled. If the Turn UPnP On check box is cleared, the router does not allow any device to automatically control router resources, such as port forwarding.

6. Type the advertisement period in minutes.

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

7. Type the advertisement time to live in hops.

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

8. Click the Apply button.

The UPnP Portmap Table displays the IP address of each UPnP device that is accessing the router and which ports (internal and external) that device opened.The UPnP Portmap Table also displays what type of port is open and whether that port is still active for each IP address.

To refresh the information in the UPnP Portmap Table, click the Refresh button.

Manage Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service

Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service (WMM QoS) prioritizes WiFi voice and video traffic ov er the WiFi link. WMM QoS is automatically enabled for the router.

WMM QoS prioritizes WiFi data packets from different applications based on four access categories: voice, video, best effort, and background. For an application to receive the benefits of WMM QoS, WMM must be enabled for both it and the client running that application. Legacy applications that do not support WMM and applications that do not require QoS are assigned to the best effort category, which receives a lower priority than voice and video. Circumstances might occur in which you want to disable WMM QoS .

To disable WMM QoS:

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

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

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A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > QoS Setup.

The WMM tab is automatically selected and the WMM page displays.

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

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

7. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Optimize Performance

Control Access to the Internet

The router comes with a built-in firewall that helps protect y our home netw ork from unwanted intrusions from the Internet.

This chapter includes the following sections:

• Set Up Parental Controls on page 71

• Allow or Block Access to Your Network on page 72

• Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites on page 77

• Manage Simple Outbound Firewall Rules for Services and Applications on page 81

• Set Up a Schedule for Keyword Blocking and Outbound Firewall Rules on page 88

• Set Up Security Event Email Notifications on page 90

Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900

Set Up Parental Controls

The first time that you select Parental Controls from the BASIC Home page, your browser goes to the

Parental Controls website.You can learn more about Parental Controls or download the application.

After you set up and enable parental controls, you can change the web filtering level for each device on the network through the network map page on the genie app.

To set up Parental Controls:

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Parental Controls.

The Parental Controls website opens.

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

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

7. Open the genie app and select Parental Controls.

After installation, Live Parental Controls automatically starts.

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

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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900

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

9. Select a radio button as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Setup is complete page displays.

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

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

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

Allow or Block Access to Your Network

You can use access control to block or allow access of devices to your network.You define access by selecting or specifying the MAC addresses of the wired and WiFi devices that either can access your entire network or are blocked from accessing your entire network.

Enable and Manage Network Access Control

When you enable access control, you m ust select whether new de vices are allowed to access the network or are blocked from accessing the netw ork. By def ault, currently connected devices are allo wed to access the network, but you can also block these devices from accessing the network.

To set up network access control:

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Access Control.

The previous figure shows two WiFi devices connected.

5. Select the Turn on Access Control check box.

You must select this check box before you can specify an access rule and use the Allow and Block buttons.When the T urn on Access Contr ol chec k bo x is cleared, all devices are allowed to connect, even if a device is in the list of blocked devices.

6. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

7. Select an access rule for new devices:

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

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

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

access your network, you must enter its MAC address for an Ethernet connection and its MAC address for a WiFi connection in the allowed list. F or more information, see Manage Network Access

Control Lists on page 74.

The access rule does not affect previously b locked or allow ed devices. It applies only to de vices joining your network in the future after you apply these settings.

8. To manage access for currently connected computers and devices:

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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900

• If you block ed all new de vices from connecting, to allow the computer or device that y ou are currently

using to continue to access the network, select the check box ne xt to y our computer or WiFi de vice in the table, and click the Allow button.

• To either continue to allow or to block other computers and devices that are currently connected,

select the check box next to the computer or device in the table, and click either the Allow button or the Block button.

9. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Manage Network Access Control Lists

You can use access control to block or allow access to your network. An access control list (A CL) functions with the MAC addresses of wired and WiFi devices that can either access your entire network or are blocked from accessing your entire network.

The router can detect the MAC addresses of devices that are connected to the netw ork and list the MAC addresses of devices that were connected to the network.

Each network device owns a MAC address, which is a unique 12-character physical address, containing the hexadecimal characters 0–9, a–f, or A–F (uppercase or lowercase) only, and separated by colons (for example , 00:09:AB:CD:EF:01).Typically, the MAC address is on the label of the WiFi card or network interface device. If you cannot see the label, you can display the MAC address using the network configuration utilities of the computer.You might also find the MAC addresses through the web pages of the router (see View Devices Currently on the Network on page 200).

Add Devices to or Remove Them From the Allowed List

If you set up an access list that blocks all new devices from accessing your network, you must specify which devices are allowed to access your network.

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To add or remove devices that are allowed:

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 > Security > Access Control.

The Access Control page displays.

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

A table displays the detected device name, MAC address, and connection type of the devices that are not connected but allowed to access the network.

6. To add a device to the allowed list, do the following:

a. Click the Add button.

The Add Allowed Device page displays.

b. Enter the MAC address and device name for the device that you want to allow. c. On the Add Allowed Device page, click the Apply button.

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The device is added to the allowed list on the Access Control page.

7. To remove a device from allowed list, do the following:

a. Select the check box for the device. b. Click the Delete button.

The device is removed from the allowed list.

8. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Add Devices to or Remove Them From the Blocked List

If you set up an access list that allows all new de vices to access y our network but y ou want to b loc k some devices from accessing your network, you must specify the devices that you want to block.

To add or remove devices that are blocked:

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 > Security > Access Control.

The Access Control page displays.

5. Click the View list of blocked devices not currently connected to the network link.

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A table displays the detected device name, MAC address, and connection type of the devices that are not connected and are blocked from accessing the network.

6. To add a device to the blocked list, do the following:

a. Click the Add button.

The Add Blocked Device page displays.

b. Enter the MAC address and device name for the device that you want to block. c. On the Add Blocked Device page, click the Apply button.

The device is added to the blocked list on the Access Control page.

7. To remove a device from blocked list, do the following:

a. Select the check box for the device. b. Click the Delete button.

The device is removed from the blocked list.

8. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites

You can block keywords and domains (websites) to prevent certain types of HTTP traffic from accessing your network. By default, keyword blocking is disabled and no domains are blocked.

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Set Up Blocking

You can set up blocking of specific keywords and domains to occur contin uously or according to a schedule.

To set up keyword and domain blocking:

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Block Sites.

5. Specify a keyword blocking option:

• Per Schedule. Use keyword blocking according to a schedule that you set.

For more information, see Set Up a Schedule for Keyword Blocking and Outbound Firewall Rules on page 88.

• Always. Use keyword blocking continuously.

6. In the Type keyword or domain name here field, enter a keyword or domain.

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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.

7. Click the Add Keyword button.

The keyword or domain is added to the Bloc k sites containing these ke ywords or domain names field (which is also referred to as the blocked list).

8. To add more keywords or domains, repeat Step 6 and Step 7.

The keyword list supports up to 32 entries.

9. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Remove a Keyword or Domain From the Blocked List

If you no longer need a keyword or domain on the blocked list, you can remove the keyword or domain.

To remove a keyword or domain from the blocked list:

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Block Sites.

The Block Sites page displays.

5. In the Block sites containing these keywor ds or domain names field, select the keyw ord or domain.

6. Click the Delete Keyword button.

The keyword or domain is removed from the blocked list.

7. Click the Apply button.

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Your settings are saved.

Remove All Keywords and Domains From the Blocked List

You can simultaneously remove all keywords and domains from the blocked list.

To remove all keywords and domains from the blocked list:

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Block Sites.

The Block Sites page displays.

5. Click the Clear List button.

All keywords and domains are removed from the blocked list.

6. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Specify a Trusted Computer

You can exempt one trusted device from blocking and logging.The device that you exempt must be assigned a fixed (static) IP address.

To specify a trusted device:

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.

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The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Block Sites.

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

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

The first three octets of the IP address are automatically populated and depend on the IP address that is assigned to the router on the LAN Setup page.

7. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Manage Simple Outbound Firewall Rules for Services and Applications

A firewall protects one network (the trusted network, such as your LAN) from another (the untrusted network, such as the Internet), while allowing communication between the two.

The router provides one default outbound firewall rule: It allows all access to the Internet (that is, the WAN).You can add simple rules to prevent access to specific services and applications on the Internet. In addition, you can specify if a rule applies to one user, a range of users, or all users on your LAN.

The router lists many default services and applications that you can use in outbound rules.You can also add an outbound firewall rule for a custom service or application.

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For information about blocking specific keywords, URLs, or sites, see Use Keywords to Block Internet

Sites on page 77.This type of blocking is another aspect of the outbound firewall. For information about

inbound firewall rules, see Manage Port Forwarding and Port Triggering on page 219.

Service blocking means the same thing as applying outbound firewall rules.Note

Add an Outbound Firewall Rule

You can add an outbound firewall rule to prevent access to a specific service or application on the Internet.

To add an outbound firewall rule:

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 > Security > Block Services.

5. In the Services Blocking section, specify how the router applies outbound rules:

• Per Schedule. Use keyword blocking according to a schedule that you set.

For more information, see Set Up a Schedule for Keyword Blocking and Outbound Firewall Rules on page 88.

• Always. Use keyword blocking continuously.

6. Below the Service Table, click the Add button.

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7. From the Service Type menu, select service or application to be covered by this rule.

If the service or application does not display in the list, you can add it (see Add an Outbound Firewall

Rule for a Custom Service or Application on page 83).

8. Specify which devices on your LAN (or LAN users) are aff ected by the rule, based on their IP addresses:

• Only This IP Address. Enter the required address in the fields to apply the rule to a single device

on your LAN.

• IP Address Range. Enter the required addresses in the start and end fields to apply the rule to a

range of devices.

• All IP Addresses. All computers and devices on your LAN are covered by this rule.

By default, the All IP Addresses radio button is selected.

9. Click the Add button.

The new rule is added to the Service Table on the Block Services page.

Add an Outbound Firewall Rule for a Custom Service or Application

The router lists many default services and applications that you can use in outbound rules. If the service or application is not predefined, you can specify a custom service or application in an outbound rule.

To add an outbound firewall rule for a custom service or application:

1. Find out which protocol and port number or range of numbers the service or application uses.

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You can usually find this information by contacting the publisher of the service or application or through online user or news groups.

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

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

A login window opens.

4. Enter router the user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

5. Select ADVANCED > Security > Block Services.

6. If this is the first time that you add an outbound firewall rule, in the Services Blocking section, specify

how the router applies outbound rules:

• Per Schedule. Use keyword blocking according to a schedule that you set.

For more information, see Set Up a Schedule for Keyword Blocking and Outbound Firewall Rules on page 88.

• Always. Use keyword blocking continuously.

7. Below the Service Table, click the Add button.

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8. From the Service Type menu, select User Defined.

9. Specify a new outbound rule as described in the following table.

DescriptionField

Protocol

Select the protocol (TCP or UDP) that is associated with the service or application. If you are unsure, select TCP/UDP.

Enter the start port for the service or application.Starting Port

Ending Port

If the service or application uses a range of ports, enter the end port for the range. If the service or application uses a single port, repeat the port number that you entered in the Starting Port field.

Enter the name of the custom service or application.Service Type/User Defined

10. Specify which devices on your LAN (or LAN users) are aff ected by the rule, based on their IP addresses:

• Only This IP Address. Enter the required address in the fields to apply the rule to a single device

on your LAN.

• IP Address Range. Enter the required addresses in the start and end fields to apply the rule to a

range of devices.

• All IP Addresses. All computers and devices on your LAN are covered by this rule.

By default, the All IP Addresses radio button is selected.

11. Click the Add button.

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The new rule is added to the Service Table on the Block Services page.

Change an Outbound Firewall Rule

You can change an existing outbound firewall rule.

To change an outbound firewall rule:

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 > Security > Block Services.

The previous figure shows two rules in the Service Table.

5. In the Service Table, select the radio button for the rule.

6. Click the Edit button.

The Block Services Setup page displays.

7. Change the settings.

For more information about the settings, see Add an Outbound Fire w all Rule f or a Custom Service or

Application on page 83.

8. Click the Accept button.

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Your settings are saved.The changed rule displays in the Service Table on the Block Services page.

Remove an Outbound Firewall Rule

You can remove an outbound firewall rule that you no longer need.

To remove an outbound firewall rule:

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 > Security > Block Services.

The previous figure shows two rules in the Service Table.

5. In the Service Table, select the radio button for the rule.

6. Click the Delete button.

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The rule is removed from the Service Table.

Set Up a Schedule for Keyword Blocking and Outbound Firewall Rules

You can set up a schedule that you can apply to keyword blocking (see Use Keywords to Block Internet

Sites on page 77) and outbound firewall rules (see Manage Simple Outbound Firewall Rules f or Services and Applications on page 81).

If applied, the schedule specifies the days and time that ke yword bloc king, outbound firewall rules, or both are active.

By default, no schedule is set and you can either enable or disable these features.

To set up a schedule for blocking:

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Schedule.

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5. Set up the schedule for blocking:

• Days to Block. Select the check box for each day that you want to block access or specify that

blocking occurs on every day by selecting the Every Day check box. By default, the Every Day check box is selected.

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

Day check box for 24-hour blocking. By default, the All Day check box is selected.

6. From the Time Zone menu, select your time zone.

7. If you live in an area that observes da ylight saving time , select the A utomatically adjust f or daylight

savings time check box.

If the router synchronized its internal clock with a time server on the Internet and you

Note

selected the correct time zone, the Current Time field displays the correct date and time.

8. Click the Apply button.

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Your settings are saved.

Set Up Security Event Email Notifications

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

To set up email notifications:

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > E-mail.

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

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

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

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

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

sent.

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

8. In the Outgoing Mail Server Port Number field, enter the port number that the mail server uses.

If you do not know the port number, leave the default port number, which is 25.

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

authentication check box, and do the following: a. In the User Name field, type the user name for the outgoing email server.

b. In the Password field, type the password for the outgoing email server.

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

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

11. To send logs based on a schedule, specify these settings:

a. From Send logs according to this schedule menu, select the schedule type. b. From the Day menu, select the day. c. From the Time menu, select the time, and select the am or pm radio button.

12. Click the Apply button.

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

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

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Share a Storage Device Attached to the Router

This chapter describes how to access and manage a storage device attached to your router. ReadySHARE lets you access and share a storage device, such as a USB storage device, connected to the router. (If your storage device uses special drivers, it is not compatible.)

The USB port on the router can be used only to connect a USB storage device such as

Note

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:

• USB Device Requirements on page 92

• Connect a USB Device to the Router on page 93

• Access a Storage Device Connected to the Router on page 94

• Map a USB Device to a Windows Network Drive on page 95

• Back Up Windows Computers With ReadySHARE Vault on page 95

• Back Up Mac Computers With Time Machine on page 96

• Manage Access to a Storage Device on page 99

• Enable FTP Access Within Your Network on page 102

• View Network Folders on a Device on page 103

• Add a Network Folder on a Storage Device on page 104

• Change a Network Folder, Including Read and Write Access, on a USB Drive on page 106

• Approve USB Devices on page 108

• Safely Remove a USB Device on page 109

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

Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900

USB Device Requirements

The router works with most USB-compliant external flash and hard drives. For the most up-to-date list of USB devices that the router supports, visit kbserver.netgear.com/readyshare.

Some USB external hard drives and flash drives require you to load the drivers onto the computer before the computer can access the USB device. Such USB devices do not work with the router.

The router supports the following file system types for full read/write access:

• FAT16

• FAT32

• NTFS

• NTFS with compression format enabled

• Ext2

• Ext3

• Ext4

The router supports the following file system types with read-only access:

• HFS

• HFS+

Connect a USB Device to the Router

ReadySHARE lets you access and share a USB device connected to the router USB port. (If your USB device uses special drivers, it is not compatible.)

Figure 10. One 3.0 USB port is located on the front panel of the router

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To connect a USB device:

1. Insert your USB storage drive into the USB port on the front panel of the router.

2. If your USB device uses a power supply, connect it.

You must use the power supply when you connect the USB device to the router. When you connect the USB device to the router USB port, it might take up to two minutes before it is

ready for sharing. By default, the USB device is available to all computers on y our local area network (LAN).

Access a Storage Device Connected to the Router

From a computer or device on the network, you can access a storage device that is connected to the router.

Access the Storage Device From a Windows Computer

To access the storage device from a Windows computer:

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

2. If your USB device uses a power supply, connect it.

You must use the power supply when you connect the USB device to the router. When you connect the storage device to the router’s port, it might take up to two minutes before the

storage device is ready for sharing. By default, the device is available to all computers on your local area network (LAN).

3. Launch a web browser from a computer that is connected to the network.

4. In the address field of the browser, enter \\readyshare.

Windows file manager automatically opens and displays the files and folders on the device.

Access the Storage Device From a Mac

To access the storage device from a Mac:

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

2. If your USB device uses a power supply, connect it.

You must use the power supply when you connect the USB device to the router.

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

3. On a Mac that is connected to the network, select Go > Connect to Server.

4. In the Server Address field, enter smb://readyshare.

5. When prompted, select the Guest radio button.

6. Click the Connect button.

A window opens automatically and displays the files and folders on the device.

Map a USB Device to a Windows Network Drive

To map the USB device to a Windows network drive:

1. Connect a USB storage device to the router's USB port.

If your storage device uses a po wer supply, you must use it when you connect the device to the router . When you connect the storage device to the router’s port, it might take up to two minutes before it is

ready for sharing. By default, the de vice is av ailable to all computers on your local area netw ork (LAN).

2. Select Start > Run.

3. Enter \\readyshare in the dialog box.

4. Click the OK button.

A window automatically opens and displays the USB device.

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

The Map Network Drive window opens.

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

7. Click the Finish button.

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

8. To 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. Type the user name and password.

b. Click the OK button.

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

Back Up Windows Computers With ReadySHARE Vault

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

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The following operating systems support ReadySHARE Vault:

• Windows 7

• Windows 8

• Windows 8.1

• Windows 10

To back up your Windows computer:

1. Connect a USB storage device to the router’s USB port.

ready for sharing. By default, the de vice is av ailable to all computers on your local area netw ork (LAN).

2. Download ReadySHARE V ault from 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.

Back Up Mac Computers With Time Machine

You can use Time Machine to back up your Mac computers onto a USB hard drive that is connected to the router’s USB port.You can access the connected storage device from your Mac with a wired or WiFi connection to your router.

Set Up a USB Hard Drive on a Mac

We recommend that you use a ne w USB HDD storage device, or f ormat your old USB HDD storage device to do the Time Machine backup for the first time. Use a blank partition to prevent some issues during backup using Time Machine.The router supports GUID or MBR partitions.

To format your device and specify partitions:

1. Connect a USB storage device to your Mac.

If your storage device uses a power supply, you m ust use it when you connect the device to the Mac.

2. On your Mac, go to Spotlight (or the magnifying glass) at the top right of the page and search for

Disk Utility.

3. Open the Disk Utility, select your USB storage de vice , clic k the Erase tab, and click the Erase button.

4. Click the Partition tab.

5. In the Partition Layout menu, set the number of partitions that you want to use.

6. Click the Options button.

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The Partition schemes display.

7. Select the GUID Partition Table or Master Boot Record radio button.

8. In the Format menu, select Mac OS Extended (Journaled).

9. Click the OK button.

10. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Prepare to Back Up a Large Amount of Data

Before you back up a large amount of data with Time Machine, we recommend that you follow this procedure.

To prepare to back up a large amount of data:

1. Upgrade the operating system of the Mac computer.

2. Verify and repair the backup disk and the local disk.

3. Verify and repair the permissions on the local disk.

4. Set Energy Saver:

a. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences.

The System Preferences page displays.

b. Select Energy Saver.

The Energy Saver page displays.

c. Click the Power Adapter tab. d. Select the Wake for Wi-Fi network access check box. e. Click the back arrow to save the changes and exit the page.

5. Modify your security settings:

a. From the System Preferences page, select Security & Privacy.

The Security & Privacy page displays.

b. Click the Advanced button at the bottom of the page.

If the Advanced button is grayed out, click the lock icon so that you can change the settings.

c. Clear the Log out after minutes of inactivity check box. d. Click the OK button.

Your settings are saved.

Use Time Machine to Back Up Onto a Storage Device

You can use Time Machine to back up your Mac computers onto a USB hard disk drive (HDD) that is connected to the router’s USB ports.

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To back up your Mac onto a USB HDD:

1. Prepare your USB HDD with a compatible format and partitions.

For more information, see Set Up a USB Hard Drive on a Mac on page 96.

2. If you plan to back up a large amount of data, see Prepare to Back Up a Large Amount of Data on

page 97.

3. Connect your USB HDD to the router’s USB port.

ready for sharing. By default, the de vice is av ailable to all computers on your local area netw ork (LAN).

4. On a Mac computer that is connected to the network, launch Finder and select Go > Connect to

Server.

The Connect to Server window displays.

5. Type smb://routerlogin.net and click the Connect button.

6. When prompted, select the Registered User radio button.

7. Enter admin for the name and password for the password and click the Connect button.

A list of USB devices connected to your router displays.

8. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences.

The System Preferences window displays.

9. Select Time Machine.

The Time Machine window displays.

10. Click the Select Backup Disk button and select your USB device from the list.

11. Click the Use Disk button.

If you do not see the USB partition that you want in the Time Machine disk list, go

Note

to Mac Finder and click that USB partition. It displays in the Time Machine list.

12. When prompted, select the Registered User radio button.

13. Enter admin for the name and password for the password and click the Connect button.

Share a Storage Device Attached to the Router

Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900

The setup is complete and the Mac automatically schedules a full backup.You can back up immediately if you want.

Manage Access to a Storage Device

You can specify the device name, workgroups, and network folders for a storage device connected to the USB port on the router.

To specify the storage device access 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 ADVANCED > USB Functions> ReadySHARE Storage.

Share a Storage Device Attached to the Router

Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900

The previous figure shows one USB device attached to the router.

5. To specify a name that is used to access the USB device or devices that are connected to the router,

in the Network/Device Name field, enter a name. By default, the name is readyshare.

6. T o specify a name f or the workgroup that the USB de vice or devices are members of , in the Workgr oup

field, enter a name. By default, the name is WORKGROUP. The name works only in an operating system that supports

NetBIOS, such as Microsoft Windows. If you are using a Windows workgroup rather than a domain, the workgroup name is displayed here.

7. Enable or disable access methods by selecting or clearing the corresponding check boxes and

specifying access to the storage device as described in the following table.

DescriptionAccess

Method

Network Connection

Enabled by default.You can type \\readyshare to access the storage device within your network. If you change the name in the Network/Device Name field from readyshare to another name, the link changes accordingly.

Share a Storage Device Attached to the Router

100

Netgear R6900 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Hardware Overview of the Router

Unpack Your Router

Attach the Antennas

LEDs and Buttons on the Top Panel

Ports, Buttons, and Connectors on the Back Panel

USB Port on the Front Panel

Product Label on the Bottom Panel

Position Your Router

Cable Your Router

• Connect to the Router on page 18

Connect to the Router Through an Ethernet Cable

Join the WiFi Network of the Router

Manual Method

Wi-Fi Protected Setup Method

Types of Logins

Use a Web Browser to Access the Router

Automatic Internet Setup

Log In to the Router

Change the Language

Access the Router With the NETGEAR genie App

Specify Your Internet Settings

Use the Internet Setup Wizard

Manually Set Up the Internet Connection

Specify an Internet Connection Without a Login

Specify an Internet Connection That Uses a Login and PPP oE Service

Specify an Internet Connection That Uses a Login and PPTP or L2TP Service

Specify an IPv6 Internet Connection

IPv6 Internet Connections and IPv6 Addresses

Use Auto Detect for an IPv6 Internet Connection

Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet Connection

Set Up an IPv6 6to4 Tunnel Internet Connection

Set Up an IPv6 Pass Through Internet Connection

Set Up an IPv6 Fixed Internet Connection

Set Up an IPv6 DHCP Internet Connection

Set Up an IPv6 6rd Tunnel Connection

Set Up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet Connection

Manage the MTU Size

MTU Concepts

Change the MTU Size

Optimize Performance

Prioritize Internet Traffic With Quality of Service

Optimize Internet Gaming With Upstream QoS

Add Upstream QoS Priority Rules

Set Up QoS for Applications and Online Gaming

Set Up QoS for a Router LAN Port

Set Up QoS for a MAC Address

Change an Upstream QoS Policy Rule

Delete an Upstream QoS Policy Rule

Delete All Upstream QoS Policy Rules

Optimize Video Streaming With Downstream QoS

Add Downstream QoS Priority Rules

Add a Downstream QoS Policy Rule by Keyword

Add a Downstream QoS Policy Rule by MAC Address

Change a Downstream QoS Policy Rule

Delete a Downstream QoS Policy Rule

Delete All Downstream QoS Policy Rules

Improve Network Connections With Universal Plug and Play

Manage Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service

Control Access to the Internet

Set Up Parental Controls

Allow or Block Access to Your Network

Enable and Manage Network Access Control

Manage Network Access Control Lists

Add Devices to or Remove Them From the Allowed List

Add Devices to or Remove Them From the Blocked List

Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites

Set Up Blocking

Remove a Keyword or Domain From the Blocked List

Remove All Keywords and Domains From the Blocked List

Specify a Trusted Computer

Manage Simple Outbound Firewall Rules for Services and Applications

Add an Outbound Firewall Rule

Add an Outbound Firewall Rule for a Custom Service or Application

Change an Outbound Firewall Rule

Remove an Outbound Firewall Rule