Netgear R6900 User Manual
Nighthawk A C1900 Smart WiFi
Router
User Manual
Model R6900v2
April 2017
202-11740-02
350 E. Plumeria Drive
San Jose, CA 95134
USA
Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2
Support
Thank you for purchasing this NETGEAR product.You can visit www.netgear.com/support to register your
product, get help, access the latest downloads and user manuals , and join our comm unity.We recommend that
you use only official NETGEAR support resources.
Conformity
For the current EU Declaration of Conformity, visit http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/11621.
Compliance
For regulatory compliance information, visit http://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory.
See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply.
Trademarks
© NETGEAR, Inc., NETGEAR, and the NETGEAR Logo are trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. An y non-NETGEAR
trademarks are used for reference purposes only.
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Contents
Chapter 1 Hardware Overview of the Router
Unpack Your Router.............................................................................................10
Attach the Antennas.............................................................................................10
LEDs and Buttons on the Top Panel....................................................................11
Ports, Buttons, and Connectors on the Back Panel.............................................12
USB Port on the Front Panel................................................................................13
Router Label........................................................................................................14
Position the Router...............................................................................................14
Cable Your Router................................................................................................15
Chapter 2 Connect to the Network and Access the Router
Connect to the Router..........................................................................................17
Connect to the Router Through an Ethernet Cable.........................................17
Join the WiFi Network of the Router................................................................17
Types of Logins...............................................................................................18
Use a Web Browser to Access the Router...........................................................18
Automatic Internet Setup.................................................................................19
Log In to the Router........................................................................................20
Install the Router With the NETGEAR Up App....................................................21
Change the Language.........................................................................................21
Access the Router With the NETGEAR genie App..............................................22
Manual Method...........................................................................................17
Wi-Fi Protected Setup Method...................................................................18
Chapter 3 Specify Your Internet Settings
Use the Internet Setup Wizard.............................................................................24
Manually Set Up the Internet Connection............................................................24
Specify an Internet Connection Without a Login.............................................24
Specify an Internet Connection That Uses a Login and PPPoE Service........26
Specify an Internet Connection That Uses a Login and PPTP or L2TP
Service............................................................................................................28
Specify an IPv6 Internet Connection....................................................................30
IPv6 Internet Connections and IPv6 Addresses..............................................30
Use Auto Detect for an IPv6 Internet Connection...........................................31
Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet Connection...........................................32
Set Up an IPv6 6to4 Tunnel Internet Connection............................................34
Set Up an IPv6 6rd Tunnel Connection...........................................................36
Set Up an IPv6 Pass-Through Internet Connection........................................38
Set Up a Fixed IPv6 Internet Connection........................................................38
Set Up an IPv6 DHCP Internet Connection....................................................40
Set Up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet Connection...................................................41
Manage the MTU Size.........................................................................................43
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MTU Concepts................................................................................................43
Change the MTU Size.....................................................................................44
Chapter 4 Optimize Performance
Optimize Traffic With QoS....................................................................................47
Manage Default and Custom QoS Rules.............................................................48
Add a Custom QoS Rule for a Service or Application.....................................48
Add a Custom QoS Rule for a Device.............................................................49
Change a QoS Rule or Change the Priority for a Rule....................................51
Remove a QoS Rule.......................................................................................52
Remove All QoS Rules....................................................................................53
Manage Uplink Bandwidth Control.......................................................................54
Manage Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service.......................................................55
Improve Network Connections With Universal Plug-N-Play.................................55
Chapter 5 Control Access to the Internet
Set Up Parental Controls.....................................................................................58
Allow or Block Access to Your Network................................................................59
Enable and Manage Network Access Control.................................................59
Manage Network Access Control Lists...........................................................61
Add Devices to or Remove Them From the Allowed List............................61
Add Devices to or Remove Them From the Blocked List............................63
Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites..................................................................64
Set Up Blocking...............................................................................................64
Remove a Keyword or Domain From the Blocked List....................................66
Remove All Keywords and Domains From the Blocked List............................66
Specify a Trusted Computer............................................................................67
Manage Simple Outbound Firewall Rules for Ser vices and Applications............68
Add an Outbound Firewall Rule......................................................................68
Add an Outbound Firewall Rule for a Custom Ser vice or Application.............69
Change an Outbound Firewall Rule................................................................71
Remove an Outbound Firewall Rule................................................................72
Set Up a Schedule for Keyword Blocking and Outbound Firewall Rules.............73
Set Up Security Event Email Notifications...........................................................75
Chapter 6 Manage the Basic WiFi Network Settings
Manage the Basic WiFi Settings and WiFi Security of the Main Network............78
View or Change the Basic WiFi Settings and WiFi Security Settings..............78
Configure WEP Legacy WiFi Security.............................................................84
Configure WPA/WPA2 Enterprise WiFi Security..............................................85
Use WPS to Add a Device to the WiFi Network...................................................87
Use WPS With the Push Button Method.........................................................87
Use WPS With the PIN Method.......................................................................89
Manage the Basic WiFi Settings and WiFi Security of the Guest Network..........90
Control the WiFi Radios.......................................................................................93
Use the WiFi On/Off Button.............................................................................94
Enable or Disable the WiFi Radios..................................................................94
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2
Chapter 7 Share a Storage Device Attached to the Router
USB Device Requirements..................................................................................96
Connect a USB Device to the Router...................................................................96
Access a Storage Device Connected to the Router.............................................97
Access the Storage Device From a Windows-Based Computer.....................97
Access the Storage Device From a Mac.........................................................97
Map a USB Device to a Windows Network Drive.................................................98
Back Up Windows-Based Computers With ReadySHARE Vault.........................99
Back Up Mac Computers With Time Machine......................................................99
Set Up a Storage Device on a Mac.................................................................99
Prepare to Back Up a Large Amount of Data................................................100
Use Time Machine to Back Up Onto a Storage Device.................................101
Manage Access to a Storage Device.................................................................102
Enable FTP Access Within Your Network...........................................................104
View Network Folders on a Device....................................................................105
Add a Network Folder on a Storage Device.......................................................106
Change a Network Folder , Including Read and Write Access, on a USB Drive..107
Approve USB Devices........................................................................................109
Safely Remove a USB Device............................................................................110
Chapter 8 Manage Dynamic DNS and Access Storage Devices Through the
Internet
Set Up and Manage Dynamic DNS...................................................................113
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...................................................117
Access Storage Devices From a Remote Computer.....................................117
Set Up FTP Access Through the Internet.....................................................117
Use FTP to Access Storage Devices Through the Internet...........................119
Remotely Access a USB Device Using ReadyCLOUD......................................120
Create a ReadyCLOUD Account...................................................................120
Register Your Router With ReadyCLOUD.....................................................121
Chapter 9 Use the Router as a Media Server
Specify ReadyDLNA Media Server Settings......................................................124
Play Music From a Storage Device With iTunes Server.....................................125
Chapter 10 Share a USB Printer
Install the Printer Driver and Cable the Printer..................................................128
Download the ReadySHARE Printer Utility........................................................128
Install the ReadySHARE Printer Utility..............................................................128
Use the Shared Printer......................................................................................130
Manually Connect and Print..........................................................................130
Print and Release the Printer........................................................................131
View or Change the Status of a Printer..............................................................131
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Use the Scan Feature of a Multifunction USB Printer........................................132
Manage the NETGEAR USB Control Center Settings.......................................133
Turn Off Automatic Startup of the NETGEAR USB Control Center...............133
Change the NETGEAR USB Control Center Language................................134
Specify the USB Control Center Time-Out....................................................134
Chapter 11 Manage the WAN and LAN Network Settings
Manage the WAN Security Settings...................................................................136
Set Up a Default DMZ Server............................................................................136
Manage IGMP Proxying.....................................................................................137
Manage VPN Pass-Through..............................................................................138
Manage NAT Filter ing........................................................................................138
Manage the SIP Application-Level Gateway......................................................139
Manage the LAN IP Address Settings...............................................................139
Manage the Router Information Protocol Settings.............................................141
Manage the DHCP Server Address Pool...........................................................141
Manage Reserved LAN IP Addresses...............................................................143
Reserve a LAN IP Address...........................................................................143
Change a Reserved IP Address....................................................................144
Remove a Reserved IP Address Entry..........................................................144
Disable the Built-In DHCP Server......................................................................145
Change the Router’s Device Name....................................................................145
Set Up and Manage Custom Static Routes.......................................................146
Set Up a Static Route....................................................................................147
Change a Static Route..................................................................................148
Remove a Static Route.................................................................................149
Set Up a Bridge for a Port Group or VLAN Tag Group.......................................149
Set Up a Bridge for a Por t Group..................................................................149
Set Up a Bridge for a VLAN Tag Group.........................................................150
Chapter 12 Manage the Router and Monitor the Traffic
Update the Firmware of the Router....................................................................154
Check for New Firmware and Update the Router..........................................154
Manually Upload New Firmware and Update the Router..............................155
Change the admin Password.............................................................................156
Set Up Password Recovery...............................................................................157
Recover the admin Password............................................................................158
Manage the Configuration File of the Router.....................................................158
Back Up the Settings.....................................................................................158
Restore the Settings......................................................................................159
Disable LED Blinking or Turn Off LEDs..............................................................160
Return the Router to Its Factory Default Settings..............................................160
Use the Reset Button....................................................................................161
Erase the Settings.........................................................................................161
View the Status and Statistics of the Router......................................................162
View Information About the Router and the Internet and WiFi Settings........162
Display Internet Port Statistics......................................................................164
Check the Internet Connection Status..........................................................165
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Manage the Activity Log.....................................................................................166
View, Email, or Clear the Logs......................................................................166
Specify Which Activities Are Logged.............................................................167
View Devices Currently on the Network.............................................................168
Monitor and Meter Internet Traffic......................................................................170
Start the Traffic Meter Without Traffic Volume Restrictions............................170
View the Internet Traffic Volume and Statistics..............................................171
Restrict Internet Traffic by Volume.................................................................172
Restrict Internet Traffic by Connection Time..................................................173
Unblock the Traffic Meter After the Traffic Limit Is Reached..........................175
Manage the Router Remotely............................................................................175
Remotely Access Your Router Using the genie App..........................................177
Chapter 13 Manage the Advanced WiFi Features
Set Up a WiFi Schedule.....................................................................................179
Manage the WPS Settings.................................................................................181
Manage Advanced WiFi Settings.......................................................................182
Specify How the Router Manages WiFi Clients.................................................183
Manage Airtime Fairness..............................................................................183
Manage Implicit Beamforming.......................................................................184
Manage MU-MIMO........................................................................................184
Set Up a WiFi Bridge Between the Router and Another Device........................185
Use the Router as a WiFi Access Point Only.....................................................188
Chapter 14 Use VPN to Access Your Network
Set Up a VPN Connection..................................................................................191
Specify VPN Service in the Router................................................................191
Install OpenVPN Software on a Windows-Based Computer.........................192
Install OpenVPN Software on a Mac Computer............................................194
Install OpenVPN Software on an iOS Device................................................195
Install OpenVPN Software on an Android Device.........................................196
Use a VPN Tunnel on a Windows-Based Computer..........................................196
Use VPN to Access the Router’s USB Device and Media From a Windows-Based
Computer...........................................................................................................198
Use VPN to Access Your Internet Service at Home...........................................198
Set Up VPN Client Internet Access in the Router.........................................198
Block VPN Client Internet Access in the Router............................................199
Use a VPN Tunnel to Access Your Internet Service at Home........................200
Chapter 15 Manage Port Forwarding and Port Triggering
Manage Port Forwarding to a Local Server for Services and Applications........202
Forward Incoming Traffic for a Default Service or Application.......................202
Add a Port Forwarding Rule With a Custom Service or Application..............203
Change a Port Forwarding Rule....................................................................204
Remove a Port Forwarding Rule...................................................................205
Application Example: Make a Local Web Server Public................................206
How the Router Implements the Por t Forwarding Rule.................................207
Manage Port Triggering for Services and Applications......................................207
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2
Add a Port Triggering Rule............................................................................208
Change a Port Triggering Rule......................................................................209
Remove a Port Tr iggering Rule.....................................................................210
Specify the Time-Out for Port Triggering.......................................................211
Disable Por t Triggering..................................................................................212
Application Example: Port Triggering for Internet Relay Chat........................212
Chapter 16 Troubleshooting
Reboot the Router From Its Web Page..............................................................215
Quick Tips..........................................................................................................215
Sequence to Restart Your Network...............................................................215
Check Ethernet Cable Connections..............................................................215
WiFi Settings.................................................................................................216
Network Settings...........................................................................................216
Troubleshoot With the LEDs...............................................................................216
Standard LED Behavior When the Router Is Powered On............................216
Power LED Is Off or Blinking.........................................................................216
Power LED Stays Amber...............................................................................217
Internet or Ethernet LEDs Are Off.................................................................217
WiFi LED Is Off..............................................................................................217
You Cannot Log In to the Router........................................................................217
You Cannot Access the Internet.........................................................................218
Check the WAN IP Address...........................................................................218
Troubleshoot PPPoE.....................................................................................219
Troubleshoot Internet Browsing.....................................................................220
Changes Are Not Saved....................................................................................221
Troubleshoot WiFi Connectivity..........................................................................221
Troubleshoot Your Network Using the Ping Utility..............................................221
Test the LAN Path to Your Router..................................................................221
Test the Path From Your Computer to a Remote Device...............................222
Appendix A Supplemental Information
Factory Settings.................................................................................................225
Technical Specifications.....................................................................................228
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Hardware Overview of the Router
The NETGEAR Nighthawk® AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2, in this manual ref erred to as the router,
delivers combined WiFi connection speeds up to AC1900 (600 Mbps1 at 2.4 GHz 802.11n and 1300 Mbps2 at
5 GHz 802.11ac). Both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios can be active simultaneously.
Nighthawk, powered by a dual-core processor, is ideal for bandwidth-hungry activities such as online gaming
and video streaming. High-powered amplifiers with antennas provide WiFi coverage anywhere around your
home, inside or out.
For gamers, the router supports upstream Quality of Service (QoS) optimized for online game play with game
consoles like Xbox. For uninterrupted HD streaming media, the router features multiuser multiple input, m ultiple
output (MU-MIMO) for simultaneous streaming and downstream QoS to identify and prioritize streaming traffic
from websites like Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu Plus.
The router 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 network is easy, whether you’re accessing
stored photos and music or printing over WiFi. Stream your stored media files anywhere on the netw ork to DLNA
screens. Share your music to AirPlay-compatible devices from the USB hard driv e connected to the router. Use
the free NETGEAR ReadySHARE®Vault app to back up your Windows-based computers to a USB hard drive
connected to the router.
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The chapter contains the following sections:
• Unpack Your Router on page 10
• Attach the Antennas on page 10
• LEDs and Buttons on the Top Panel on page 11
• Ports, Buttons, and Connectors on the Back Panel on page 12
• USB Port on the Front Panel on page 13
• Router Label on page 14
• Position the Router on page 14
• Cable Your Router on page 15
For more information about the topics that are covered in this manual, visit the support website at
netgear.com/support.
Firmware updates with new features and bug fixes are made available from time to time at
downloadcenter.netgear .com.You can check for and download new firmware manually . If the f eatures 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.
1. Maximum WiFi signal rate derived from IEEE standard 802.11 specifications. Actual data throughput and WiFi cov erage will vary. Network conditions
and environmental factors, including v olume of network traffic, building materials and construction, and network overhead, lo wer actual data throughput
rate and WiFi coverage. NETGEAR makes no express or implied representations or warranties about this product’s compatibility with any future
standards. 802.11ac 1300 Mbps is approximately 2x faster than 802.11n 600 Mbps.
2. Up to 1300 Mbps WiFi speeds can be achieved when you are connecting to other 802.11ac 1300 Mbps devices.
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2
Unpack Your Router
The box contains the following items.
Figure 1. Package contents
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
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2
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.
Table 2. LED and button descriptions
DescriptionLED and Button
Power
Internet
2.4 GHz WiFi
Solid amber.The router is starting.
Blinking amber.The firmware is upgrading, or the Reset button was pressed.
Solid white.The router is ready.
Blinking white.The firmware is corrupted.
Off. Power is not supplied to the router.
Solid white.The Internet connection is ready.
Solid amber.The router detected an Ethernet cable connection to the modem.
Off. No Ethernet cable is connected between the router and the modem.
Solid white.The 2.4 GHz WiFi radio is operating.
Blinking white.The router is sending or receiving WiFi traffic.
Off.The 2.4 GHz WiFi radio is off.
5 GHz WiFi
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.
Hardware Overview of the Router
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2
Table 2. LED and button descriptions (Continued)
DescriptionLED and Button
Guest WiFi
USB 3.0 port
Ethernet ports 1–4
WiFi On/Off button
with LED
WPS button with
LED
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 f or Gigabit Ethernet connections and amber for 100 Mbps
or 10 Mbps Ethernet connections.
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.
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 radios are on. If this LED is off, the WiFi radios are turned off
and you cannot use WiFi to connect to the router.
This button lets you use WPS to join the WiFi netw ork without typing the WiFi pass w ord.The WPS
LED blinks white during this process and then lights solid white.
For information about disabling LED blinking for network communications and turning off all LEDs except
the Power LED, see Disable LED Blinking or Turn Off LEDs on page 160.
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 10.
Figure 2. Router back panel
In addition to the three antenna connectors, viewed from left to right, the back panel contains the following
components:
Hardware Overview of the Router
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2
• Reset button. For inf ormation about using the Reset button, see Return the Router to Its Factory Default
Settings on page 160.
• Ethernet LAN ports. Use the four Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 LAN ports to connect the router to LAN
devices.
• WAN port. Use the yellow 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 package to the DC power
connector.
USB Port on the Front Panel
A USB 3.0 port is located on the front of the router.
Figure 3. USB 3.0 port
Hardware Overview of the Router
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2
Router Label
The router 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.
Figure 4. Router label
Position the Router
The router lets you access your network anywhere within the operating r ange of your WiFi network. Howe ver ,
the operating distance or range of your WiFi connection can vary significantly depending on the physical
placement of the router. For example, the thickness and number of walls the WiFi signal passes through
can limit the range.
Additionally , other WiFi access points in and around your home might aff ect your router’ s signal.WiFi access
points are routers, repeaters, WiFi range extenders , and any other device that emits a WiFi signal f or network
access.
Position the router according to the following guidelines:
• Place the router near the center of the area where your computers and other devices operate and within
line of sight to your WiFi devices.
• Make sure that the router is within reach of an AC power outlet and near Ethernet cables for wired
computers.
• Place the router in an elevated location, minimizing the number walls and ceilings between the router
and your other devices.
• Place the router away from electrical devices such as these:
- Ceiling fans
- Home security systems
- Microwaves
- Computers
- Base of a cordless phone
Hardware Overview of the Router
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2
- 2.4 GHz cordless phone
- 5 GHz cordless phone
• Place the router away from large metal surfaces, large glass surfaces, insulated walls, and items such
as these:
- Solid metal door
- Aluminum studs
- Fish tanks
- Mirrors
- Brick
- Concrete
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 5. Router cabling
To cable your router:
1. Unplug your modem’s power, leaving the modem connected to the wall jack for your Internet service.
If your modem uses a battery backup, remove the battery.
2. Plug in and turn on your modem.
If your modem uses a battery backup, put the battery back in.
3. Connect your modem to the Internet port of your router with the yellow Ethernet cable that came with
your router.
4. Connect the power adapter to your router and plug the power adapter into an outlet.
5. Press the Power On/Off button on the back panel of the router.
Hardware Overview of the Router
15
Connect to the Network and Access the Router
You can connect to the router’s WiFi networks or use a wired Ethernet connection.This chapter 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 17
• Use a Web Browser to Access the Router on page 18
• Change the Language on page 21
• Access the Router With the NETGEAR genie App on page 22
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2
Connect to the Router
During and after installation, you can connect to the router’s network 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 your 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 WiFi-enabled computer, an
iPhone, an iPad, another mobile device, or a gaming device to the WiFi network of the router.
Manual Method
On the WiFi de vice 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 w ant to connect to your router, open the software 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 def ault WiFi network
name (SSID) and select it.The default SSID is on the router label.
Connect to the Network and Access the Router
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2
4. Enter the router WiFi password.
The default WiFi password (also referred to as the network key or passphrase) is also on the router
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 netw ork
while maintaining security .To use WPS (Push 'N' Connect), make sure that all WiFi de vices 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 computer or mobile 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 mobile device.
3. Press the WPS button of the router for three seconds.
4. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your computer or mobile device, or follow the WPS
instructions that came with the device.
The WPS process automatically sets up the de vice with the network passw ord and connects the de vice
to the WiFi network of the router.
For more information, see Use WPS to Add a Device to the WiFi Network on page 87.
Types of Logins
Separate types of logins serve different purposes. It is important that you understand the difference so that
you know which login to use when.
Several types of logins are associated with the router:
• ISP login.The login that your ISP gave you logs you in to your Internet service.Your service provider
gave you this login information in a letter or some other way. If you cannot find this login information,
contact your service provider.
• WiFi network key or password.Your router is preset with a unique WiFi network name (SSID) and
password for WiFi access.This information is on the 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), you can use a web browser
to access the router to view or change its settings.When you access the router, the software automatically
checks to see if your router can connect to your Internet service.
Connect to the Network and Access the Router
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2
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.The NETGEAR installation assistant launches automatically the first time that you set
up the Internet connection for your router and runs on any device with a web browser.
Before you start the setup process, get your ISP inf ormation and make sure that the computers and devices
in the network are using the settings described here.
When your Internet service starts, your Internet service provider (ISP) typically gives you all the inf ormation
needed to connect to the Internet. For DSL service, y ou might need the following information to set up your
router:
• The ISP configuration information for your DSL account
• ISP login name and password
• Fixed or static IP address setting (special deployment by ISP; this setting is rare)
If you cannot locate this information, ask your ISP to provide it.When your Internet connection is working,
you no longer need to launch the ISP login program on your computer to access the Internet.When you
start an Internet application, your router automatically logs you in.
Using the installation assistant, 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 mobile 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 being
Note
disconnected when the new WiFi settings take effect.
3. Launch a web browser.
The page that displays depends on whether you accessed the router before:
• The first time you set up the Internet connection for your router, the browser goes to
http://www.routerlogin.net and a page similar to the following one displays after a little while.
• 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.
Connect to the Network and Access the Router
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2
4. Follow the onscreen instructions.
The router connects to the Internet.
5. If the browser does not display the installation assistant 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 y our settings. Make sure that y ou selected the correct options and typed everything correctly.
b. Contact your ISP to verify that you are using the correct configuration information.
c. Read You Cannot Access the Internet on page 218. 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.
To log in to the router:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile 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 procedures
Note
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.
Connect to the Network and Access the Router
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2
Install the Router With the NETGEAR Up App
With the NETGEAR Up app, you can easily install your router.The app automatically updates the router to
the latest firmware, allows you to personalize your WiFi network, and even helps register your router with
NETGEAR.
The NETGEAR Up app is available for iOS and Android mobile devices.
To install your router using the NETGEAR Up app:
1. Cable your router.
For more information, see Cable Your Router on page 15.
2. On your iOS or Android mobile device, go to the app store, search for NETGEAR Up, and download
the app.
3. On your iOS or Android mobile device, tap Settings > Wi-Fi and find and connect to your router’s WiFi
network.
Your router’s WiFi network name (SSID) and network key (password) are on the router label.
4. Launch the NETGEAR Up app on your mobile device.
5. Follow the instructions that display on the app to install your router and connect to the Internet.
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 WiFi-enab led computer or mobile device that is connected to the netw ork.
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.
Connect to the Network and Access the Router
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2
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 WiFi-enabled computer.The genie app can help you with the following:
• Automatically repair common WiFi network problems.
• Easily manage router features such as Live P arental 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 WiFi-enabled computer .
4. Launch the genie app.
The genie app dashboard displays.
The following figure shows the genie app dashboard for a Windows-based computer.
Connect to the Network and Access the Router
22
Specify Your Internet Settings
Usually , the quick est wa y to set up the router to use your Internet connection is to allow the NETGEAR installation
assistant to detect the Internet connection when you first access the router with a web browser.You can also
customize or specify your Internet settings.
This chapter contains the following sections:
• Use the Internet Setup Wizard on page 24
• Manually Set Up the Internet Connection on page 24
• Specify an IPv6 Internet Connection on page 30
• Manage the MTU Size on page 43
3
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2
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 installation assistant 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 mobile device that is connected to the network.
2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.
A login window opens.
3. Enter the router user name and password.
The user name is admin.The default password is password.The user name and password are
case-sensitive.
The BASIC Home page displays.
4. Select ADVANCED > Setup Wizard.
5. Select the Yes radio button.
If you select the No radio button, you are taken to the Internet Setup page (see Manually Set Up the
Internet Connection on page 24).
6. Click the Next button.
The Setup Wizard searches your Internet connection for servers and protocols to determine your Internet
configuration.
When the router connects to the Internet, you are prompted to download and install the free NETGEAR
Desktop genie app and the free ReadySHARE Vault app.
Manually Set Up the Internet Connection
You can view or change the router’s Internet connection settings.
Specify an Internet Connection Without a Login
You can manually specify the connection settings for an Internet service for which you do not need to log
in.
Use the information that your ISP gave you to connect to your Internet service. If you cannot find this
information, contact your ISP. Entering incorrect information might prevent the router from connecting to
the Internet.
Specify Your Internet Settings
24
Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2
To specify the connection settings for an Internet service for which you do not need to log
in:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile 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.
5. Leave the Does your Internet connection require a login? No radio button selected.
6. If your Internet connection requires an account name or host name, type it in the Account Name (If
Required) field.
7. If your Internet connection requires a domain name, type it in the Domain Name (If Required) field.
For the other sections on this page, the default settings usually work, but you can change them.
8. Select an Internet IP Address radio button:
• Get Dynamically from ISP.Your ISP uses DHCP to assign your IP address.Your ISP automatically
assigns these addresses.
Specify Your Internet Settings
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2
• 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 218.
Specify an Internet Connection That Uses a Login and PPPoE Service
You can manually specify the connection settings for a PPPoE Internet service for which you must log in.
Use the information that your ISP gave you to connect to your Internet service. If you cannot find this
information, contact your ISP. Entering incorrect information might prevent the router from connecting to
the Internet.
To specify the connection settings for a PPPoE Internet service for which you must log in:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile 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.
The Internet Setup page displays.
5. Select the Does your Internet connection require a login? Yes radio button.
The page adjusts.
Specify Your Internet Settings
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2
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.
This is how long the router keeps the Internet connection active when no one on the network is using
the Internet connection. A value of 0 (zero) means never log out.
12. Select an Internet IP Address radio button:
• Get Dynamically from ISP.Your ISP uses DHCP to assign your IP address.Your ISP automatically
assigns these addresses.
• Use Static IP Address. Enter the IP address, IP subnet mask, and the gateway IP address that
your ISP assigned.The gateway is the ISP router to which your router connects.
13. Select a Domain Name Server (DNS) Address radio button:
• Get Automatically from ISP.Your ISP uses DHCP to assign your DNS servers.Your ISP
automatically assigns this address.
Specify Your Internet Settings
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2
• 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 218.
Specify an Internet Connection That Uses a Login and PPTP or L2TP Service
You can manually specify the connection settings for a PPTP or L2TP Internet service for which you must
log in. Use the information that your ISP gave you to connect to your Internet service. If y ou cannot find this
information, contact your ISP. Entering incorrect information might prevent the router from connecting to
the Internet.
To specify the connection settings for a PPTP or L2TP Internet service for which you m ust
log in:
1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile 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.
The Internet Setup page displays.
5. Select the Does your Internet connection require a login? Yes radio button.
The page adjusts.
Specify Your Internet Settings
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2
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.
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 gave y ou fix ed IP addresses and a connection ID or name , type them in the My IP Address,
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.
Specify Your Internet Settings
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2
• 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 218.
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:
• Auto Detect. For more information, see Use Auto Detect for an IPv6 Internet Connection on page 31.
• Auto Config. For more information, see Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet Connection on page 32.
• 6to4 tunnel. For more information, see Set Up an IPv6 6to4 Tunnel Internet Connection on page 34.
• Pass-through. For more information, see Set Up an IPv6 Pass-Through Internet Connection on page
38.
• Fixed. For more information, see Set Up a Fixed IPv6 Internet Connection on page 38.
• DHCP. For more information, see Set Up an IPv6 DHCP Internet Connection on page 40.
• 6rd. For more information, see Set Up an IPv6 6rd Tunnel Connection on page 36.
• PPPoE. For more information, see Set Up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet Connection on page 41.
Which connection type you must use depends on your IPv6 ISP. Follow the directions that your IPv6 ISP
gave you.
Specify Your Internet Settings
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