Netgear R7800 User Manual

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Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

User Manual

Model R7800

December 2015 202-11596-02

350 E. Plumeria Drive San Jose, CA 95134 USA

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Support

Thank you for purchasing this NETGEAR product. You can visit http://support.netgear.com to register your product, get help, access the latest downloads and user manuals,

and join our community.We recommend that you use only official NETGEAR support resources.

Conformity

For regulatory compliance information, visit http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/11621..

Compliance

For regulatory compliance information, visit http://www.netgear .com/about/regulatory. See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply.

Trademarks

Chapter 1 Hardware Setup

Unpack Your Router...............................................................................................9

Top View.................................................................................................................9

Rear Panel...........................................................................................................11

Turn the LEDs On or Off..................................................................................12

Attach the Antennas.............................................................................................12

USB Ports on the Left Panel................................................................................13

eSATA Port on the Right Panel............................................................................13

Connect an eSATA Device..............................................................................14

Position Your Router.............................................................................................14

Cable Your Router................................................................................................15

Chapter 2 Specify Your Internet Settings

Use the Internet Setup Wizard.............................................................................18

Manually Set Up the Internet Connection............................................................18

Specify an Internet Connection Without a Login.............................................19

Specify an Internet Connection That Uses a Login.........................................20

Specify IPv6 Internet Connections.......................................................................22

Requirements for Entering IPv6 Addresses....................................................23

Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet Connection...........................................23

Use Auto Detect for an IPv6 Internet Connection...........................................25

Set Up an IPv6 6to4 Tunnel Internet Connection............................................26

Set Up an IPv6 Pass Through Internet Connection.........................................27

Set Up an IPv6 Fixed Internet Connection......................................................28

Set Up an IPv6 DHCP Internet Connection....................................................29

Set Up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet Connection...................................................31

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

Chapter 3 Control Access to the Internet

Set Up Parental Controls.....................................................................................36

Allow or Block Access to Your Network................................................................37

Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites..................................................................39

Block Services From the Internet....................................................................40

Delete Keywords From the Blocked List..........................................................41

Avoid Blocking on a Trusted Computer............................................................42

Manage Network Access Control Lists................................................................43

Schedule When to Block Internet Sites and Services..........................................44

Set Up Security Event Email Notifications...........................................................45

Chapter 4 Network Settings

View or Change WAN Settings............................................................................49

Set Up a Default DMZ Server..............................................................................50

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Change the Router’s Device Name......................................................................51

Change the LAN TCP/IP Settings........................................................................51

Specify the IP Addresses That the Router Assigns.............................................53

Disable the DHCP Server Feature in the Router.................................................55

Manage Reserved LAN IP Addresses.................................................................55

Reserve an IP Address...................................................................................55

Edit a Reserved IP Address............................................................................56

Delete a Reserved IP Address Entry..............................................................57

Use the WPS Wizard for WiFi Connections.........................................................57

Specify Basic WiFi Settings.................................................................................58

Change the WiFi Mbps Settings...........................................................................61

Change the WiFi Password or Security Level......................................................62

Enable or Disable WiFi MU-MIMO.......................................................................63

Enable or Disable WiFi 160 MHz.........................................................................63

Enable a WiFi Video Network...............................................................................64

Set Up a Guest WiFi Network..............................................................................65

Enable a Video Guest WiFi Network....................................................................66

Control the WiFi Radios.......................................................................................67

Use the WiFi On/Off Button.............................................................................67

Enable or Disable the WiFi Radios..................................................................68

Set Up a WiFi Schedule.......................................................................................69

Specify WPS Settings..........................................................................................70

Use the Router as a Wireless Access Point.........................................................70

Use the Router in Bridge Mode............................................................................72

Chapter 5 Optimize Performance

Use Dynamic QoS to Optimize Internet Traffic Management...............................76

Enable Dynamic QoS......................................................................................76

Enable or Disable the Automatic QoS Database Update................................77

Manually Update the Dynamic QoS Database................................................78

Participate in Dynamic QoS Analytics.............................................................78

Improve Network Connections With Universal Plug and Play..............................79

Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service.....................................................................80

Chapter 6 Manage Your Network

Update the Router Firmware................................................................................83

Change the admin Password...............................................................................83

Set Up Password Recovery.................................................................................84

Recover the admin Password..............................................................................85

View Router Status..............................................................................................86

Display Internet Port Statistics.............................................................................87

Check the Internet Connection Status.................................................................88

View and Manage Logs of Router Activity...........................................................89

View Devices Currently on the Network...............................................................90

Monitor Internet Traffictraffic metering..................................................................91

Manage the Router Configuration File.................................................................93

Back Up Settings.............................................................................................93

Erase the Current Configuration Settings........................................................94

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Restore Configuration Settings.......................................................................94

Remote Access....................................................................................................95

Set Up Remote Management..........................................................................95

Use Remote Access........................................................................................96

Chapter 7 Share USB Storage Devices Attached to the Router

USB Device Requirements..................................................................................98

Connect a Storage Device to the Router.............................................................98

Access a Storage Device Connected to the Router From a Windows Computer.99

Map a USB Device to a Windows Network Drive.................................................99

Access a Storage Device That Is Connected to the Router From a Mac...........100

Back Up Windows Computers With ReadySHARE Vault...................................101

Back Up Mac Computers With Time Machine....................................................101

Set Up a USB Hard Drive on a Mac..............................................................101

Prepare to Back Up a Large Amount of Data................................................102

Use Time Machine to Back Up Onto a USB Hard Disk.................................102

Use FTP Within the Network..............................................................................104

View or Change Network Folders on a Storage Device.....................................104

Add a Network Folder on a Storage Device.......................................................106

Edit a Network Folder on a Storage Device.......................................................107

Safely Remove a USB Device............................................................................108

Chapter 8 Use Dynamic DNS to Access USB Storage Devices Thr ough the Internet

Dynamic DNS....................................................................................................110

Set Up FTP Access Through the Internet..........................................................110

Your Personal FTP Server.................................................................................111

Set Up Your Personal FTP Server.................................................................111

Set Up a New Dynamic DNS Account...........................................................112

Specify a DNS Account That You Already Created.......................................113

Change the Dynamic DNS Settings..............................................................114

Access USB Storage Devices Through the Inter net..........................................115

Chapter 9 Use the Router as a Media Server

Specify ReadyDLNA Media Server Settings......................................................117

Play Music From a Storage Device With iTunes Server.....................................117

Set Up the Router's iTunes Server with iTunes.............................................118

Set Up the Router's iTunes Server with the Remote app..............................119

Play Media From a USB Device on TiVo............................................................121

Set Up the Router to Work With TiVo............................................................121

Play Videos on TiVo.......................................................................................122

Play Music or View Photos on TiVo...............................................................122

Chapter 10 Share a USB Printer

Install the Printer Driver and Cable the Printer..................................................124

Download the ReadySHARE Printer Utility........................................................124

Install the ReadySHARE Printer Utility..............................................................124

Print Using the NETGEAR USB Control Center................................................126

View or Change the Status of a Printer..............................................................126

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Use the Scan Feature of a Multifunction USB Printer........................................127

Change NETGEAR USB Control Center Settings.............................................127

Turn Off Automatic Startup for NETGEAR USB Control Center....................127

Change the Language for the NETGEAR USB Control Center....................128

Specify the USB Control Center Time-Out....................................................128

Chapter 11 Customize Internet Traffic Rules for Ports

Port Forwarding to a Local Server.....................................................................131

Set Up Port Forwarding to a Local Server.....................................................131

Add a Custom Port Forwarding Service........................................................132

Edit a Port Forwarding Service......................................................................133

Delete a Port Forwarding Entry.....................................................................134

Application Example: Make a Local Web Server Public................................134

How the Router Implements the Port Forwarding Rule.................................135

Port Triggering....................................................................................................135

Add a Port Triggering Service........................................................................135

Enable Port Triggering...................................................................................137

Application Example: Port Triggering for Internet Relay Chat port triggering.138

Chapter 12 Use VPN to Access Your Network

Set Up a VPN Connection..................................................................................140

Specify VPN Service in the Router....................................................................140

Install OpenVPN Software on Your Computer....................................................141

Use a VPN Tunnel..............................................................................................144

Use VPN to Access the Router’s USB Device and Media..................................145

Use VPN to Access Your Internet Service at Home...........................................145

Set Up VPN Client Internet Access in the Router.........................................145

Block VPN Client Internet Access in the Router............................................146

Use a VPN Tunnel to Access Your Internet Service at Home........................147

Chapter 13 Troubleshooting

Quick Tips..........................................................................................................149

Sequence to Restart Your Network...............................................................149

Check Ethernet Cable Connections..............................................................149

WiFi Settings.................................................................................................149

Network Settings...........................................................................................149

Troubleshoot With the LEDs...............................................................................149

Standard LED Behavior When the Router Is Powered On............................150

Power LED Is Off or Blinking.........................................................................150

Power LED Stays Amber...............................................................................150

LEDs Never Tur n Off.....................................................................................150

Internet or Ethernet Port LEDs Are Off.........................................................151

WiFi LED Is Off..............................................................................................151

You Cannot Log In to the Router........................................................................151

You Cannot Access the Internet.........................................................................152

Troubleshoot Internet Browsing.........................................................................153

Changes Are Not Saved....................................................................................154

Troubleshoot WiFi Connectivity..........................................................................154

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Troubleshoot Your Network Using the Ping Utility..............................................154

Test the LAN Path to Your Router..................................................................154

Test the Path From Your Computer to a Remote Device...............................155

Chapter 14 Supplemental Information

Factory Settings.................................................................................................158

Technical Specifications.....................................................................................159

Hardware Setup

The Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router with f our high-performance antennas and quad-stream X4S architecture combines four WiFi streams to deliver WiFi connection speeds of up to 1.73 Gbps , and a combined speed of 2.53 Gbps:

• 800 Mbps WiFi speed on the 2.4 GHz band

• 1.73 Gbps on the 5 GHz band

• Multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) for faster speeds with simultaneously streamed data for up to three devices

• 160 MHz bandwidth support for maximum performance for mobile devices

Nighthawk X4S is ideal for homes with a high volume of network and Internet traffic from gaming and streaming.With dynamic QoS, the router optimizes performance based on the application and the device, and automatically performs cloud updates to optimize the most popular applications and services.

Nighthawk X4S also provides fast central storage, backup, and streaming to every device in your home with two USB

3.0 ports (10 times faster than USB 2.0) and an eSA TA port. Sharing content across your network is easy , from accessing stored photos and music to printing wirelessly. Stream your stored media files on any device anywhere on the network. Share your music with AirPlay-compatib le devices from a USB hard drive connected to the router . Use the free NETGEAR ReadySHARE Vault app to back up your Windows computers to a USB hard drive connected to Nighthawk X4S.

This chapter contains the following sections:

• Unpack Your Router on page 9

• Top View on page 9

• Rear Panel on page 11

• Attach the Antennas on page 12

• USB Ports on the Left Panel on page 13

• eSATA Port on the Right Panel on page 13

• Position Your Router on page 14

• Cable Your Router on page 15

For more information about the topics covered in this manual, visit the support website at http://support.netgear.com.

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Unpack Your Router

Your package contains the router, 4 antennas, the power adapter, and an Ethernet cable.

Figure 1. Package contents

Top View

The status LEDs and buttons are located on the top of the router.

Figure 2. Router LEDs and buttons

Hardware Setup

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Table 1. LED and button descriptions

DescriptionLED

Power

Internet

2.4 GHz WiFi

5 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.The router is sending or receiving WiFi traffic.

• Off.The 2.4 GHz WiFi radio is off.

• Solid white.The 5 GHz WiFi radio is operating.

• Blinking.The router is sending or receiving WiFi traffic.

USB 3.0 port 1 and USB

3.0 port 2

eSATA

• Off.The 5 GHz WiFi radio is off.

• Solid white. A USB device is connected and is ready.

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

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

is now safe to remove the attached USB device.

• Solid white. An eSATA device is connected and is ready.

• Blinking. An eSATA device is plugged in and is trying to connect.

• Off. No eSATA device is connected.

Hardware Setup

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

DescriptionLED

Ethernet ports 1–4

WiFi On/Off button with LED

WPS button with LED

The LED color indicates the speed: white for Gigabit Ethernet connections and amber for 100 Mbps or 10 Mbps Ethernet connections.

• Solid. A powered-on device is connected to the Ethernet port.

• Blinking.The port is sending or receiving traffic.

• Off. No device is connected to this Ethernet port.

Pressing this button for two seconds turns the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi radios on and off. If this LED is lit, the WiFi radios are on. If this LED is off, the WiFi radios are turned off and you cannot

use WiFi to connect to the router.

This button lets you use WPS to join the WiFi network without typing the WiFi password.The WPS LED blinks white during this process and then lights solid white.

You can use the LED On/Off switch on the rear panel of the router to turn the LEDs on the top of the router on or off. See Turn the LEDs On or Off on page 12.

Rear Panel

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

Figure 3. Router rear panel

Pressing the Reset button restores the factory settings. See Factory Settings on page 158>

Hardware Setup

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Turn the LEDs On or Off

To turn the LEDs on or off:

• Slide the LED On/Off switch on the rear panel to the On or Off position.

The Power LED stays lit even if the LED On/Off switch is in the Off position.

Attach the Antennas

The modem router comes with four antennas.

To attach the antennas:

1. To determine where to attach the antennas, match the labels on the antennas with the labels on the router.

2. Align the antennas with the antenna posts on the router.

3. Attach the antennas on the threaded antenna posts.

4. Position the antennas for the best WiFi performance.

We recommend that you position all of the antennas vertically, as shown.

Hardware Setup

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

USB Ports on the Left Panel

Two 3.0 USB ports are located on the left panel.

Figure 4. USB ports

eSATA Port on the Right Panel

An eSATA port is located on the right panel.

Figure 5. eSATA port

Hardware Setup

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Connect an eSATA Device

To connect an eSATA device:

• Use an eSATA cable to connect your device to the eSATA port on the side of the modem router as shown.

Position Your Router

The router lets you access your network anywhere within the operating range of your wireless network. However, the operating distance or range of your wireless connection can vary significantly depending on the physical placement of your router. For example, the thickness and number of walls the wireless signal passes through can limit the range.

Additionally , other wireless access points in and around y our home might affect y our router’ s signal.Wireless access points are routers, repeaters, WiFi range extenders, and any other device that emits a wireless 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 wireless 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

Hardware Setup

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

• Base of a cordless phone

• 2.4 GHz cordless phone

• Place the router away from large metal surf aces , large glass surf aces, insulated w alls, and items such as these:

• Solid metal door

• Aluminum studs

• Fish tanks

• Mirrors

• Brick

• Concrete

Cable Your Router

The following image shows how to cable your router:

Figure 6. Router cabling

To cable your router:

1. Unplug your modem’s power, leaving the modem connected to the wall jack for your Internet service.

If your modem uses a battery backup, remove the battery.

2. Plug in and turn on your modem.

If your modem uses a battery backup, put the battery back in.

Hardware Setup

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

3. Connect your modem to the Internet port of your router with the yellow Ethernet cable that came with your router.

4. Connect the power adapter to your router and plug the power adapter into an outlet.

5. Slide the LED On/Off switch on the rear panel to the On position.

6. Press the Power On/Off button on the rear panel of the router.

Hardware Setup

Specify Your Internet Settings

Usually, the quickest way to set up the router to use your Internet connection is to allow the genie to detect the Internet connection when you first access the router with a web browser .Y ou can also customiz e or specify your Internet settings.

This chapter contains the following sections:

• Use the Internet Setup Wizard on page 18

• Manually Set Up the Internet Connection on page 18

• Specify IPv6 Internet Connections on page 22

• Change the MTU Size on page 32

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Use the Internet Setup Wizard

You can use the Setup Wizard to detect your Internet settings and automatically set up your router.The Setup Wizard is not the same as the pages that 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . 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 18).

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 X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Internet.

Your router might display information that is different from this example.

5. For the Does your Internet connection require a login? setting, leave the No radio button selected.

6. If your Internet connection requires an account name or host name, type it in the Account Name (If Required)

field.

7. If your Internet connection requires a domain name, type it in the Domain Name (If Required) field.

For the other sections on this page, the default settings usually work, but you can change them.

8. Select an Internet IP Address radio button:

• Get Dynamically from ISP.Your ISP uses DHCP to assign your IP address.Your ISP automatically assigns

these addresses.

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

• 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 152

Specify an Internet Connection That Uses a Login

To view or change the basic Internet setup:

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

The user name is admin.The default password is passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Internet.

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

5. For the Does your Internet connection require a login? setting, select the Yes radio button.

6. From the Internet Service Provider menu, select the encapsulation method: PPPoE, L2TP, or PPTP.

7. In the Login field, enter the login name that your ISP gave you.

This login name is often an email address.

8. In the Password field, type the password that you use to log in to your Internet service.

9. If your ISP requires a service name, type it in the Service Name (if Required) field.

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

11. To change the number of minutes until the Internet login times out, in the Idle Timeout (In minutes) field, type

the number of minutes. This is how long the router keeps the Internet connection active when no one on the network is using the Internet

connection. A value of 0 (zero) means never log out.

12. Select an Internet IP Address radio button:

• Get Dynamically from ISP.Your ISP uses DHCP to assign your IP address.Your ISP automatically assigns

these addresses.

• Use Static IP Address. Enter the IP address, IP subnet mask, and the gateway IP address that your ISP

assigned.The gateway is the ISP router to which your router connects.

13. Select a Domain Name Server (DNS) Address radio button:

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

• 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 152.

Specify IPv6 Internet Connections

You can set up an IPv6 Internet connection if the router does not detect it automatically.

To set up an IPv6 Internet connection:

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

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

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

The user name is admin.The default password is passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

The Basic Settings page displays.

5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select the IPv6 connection type:

• If your ISP did not provide details, select IPv6 Tunnel.

• If you are not sure, select Auto Detect so that the router detects the IPv6 type that is in use.

• If your Internet connection does not use PPPoe or DHCP, or is not fixed, but is IPv6, select Auto Config.

Your Internet service provider (ISP) can provide this information. For more information about IPv6 Internet connection, see the following sections:

• Use Auto Detect for an IPv6 Internet Connection on page 25

• Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet Connection on page 23

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

• Set Up an IPv6 6to4 Tunnel Internet Connection on page 26

• Set Up an IPv6 Pass Through Internet Connection on page 27

• Set Up an IPv6 Fixed Internet Connection on page 28

• Set Up an IPv6 DHCP Internet Connection on page 29

• Set Up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet Connection on page 31

6. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Requirements for Entering IPv6 Addresses

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

• More than eight groups of hexadecimal quartets

• More than four hexadecimal characters in a quartet

• More than two colons in a row

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

The IPv6 page displays.

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

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

The router automatically detects the information in the following fields:

• Router’s IPv6 Address on WAN.This field shows the IPv6 address that is acquired for the router’s WAN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Select an IP Address Assignment radio button:

• Use DHCP Server.This method passes more information to LAN devices but some IPv6 systems might not

support the DHCv6 client function.

• Auto Config.This is the default setting.

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

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

9. (Optional) Select the Use This Interface ID check box and specify the interface ID to be used for the IPv6

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

10. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Use Auto Detect for an IPv6 Internet Connection

To set up an IPv6 Internet connection through 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

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

The router automatically detects the information in the following fields:

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

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

• Router’s IPv6 Address on WAN.This field shows the IPv6 address that is acquired for the router’s WAN

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

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

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.

Set Up an IPv6 6to4 Tunnel Internet Connection

The remote relay router is the router 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

The IPv6 page displays.

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

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

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 IP Address Assignment radio button:

• Use DHCP Server.This method passes more information to LAN devices but some IPv6 systems might not

support the DHCPv6 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. (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.

9. 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 tw o 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

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Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

The IPv6 page displays. 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.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

The user name is admin.The default password is passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

The IPv6 page displays.

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

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

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Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

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

• Default IPv6 Gateway.The IPv6 address of the default IPv6 gateway for the router’s WAN interface.

• 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 for the router.

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

Note

for the IPv4 Internet connection on the Internet Setup page. (See Manually Set Up the Internet

Connection on page 18.)

7. 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 DHCPv6 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 wireless device that is connected to the network.

2. Type 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

The IPv6 page displays.

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

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

The router automatically detects the information in the following fields:

• Router’s IPv6 Address on WAN.This field shows the IPv6 address that is acquired for the router’s WAN

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

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

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 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).

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.

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Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

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 wireless device that is connected to the network.

2. Type 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

The IPv6 page displays.

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

The page adjusts:

The router automatically detects the information in the following fields:

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Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

• Router’s IPv6 Address on WAN.This field shows the IPv6 address that is acquired for the router’s WAN

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

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

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 Always On to provide a steady IPv6

Note

connection.The router never terminates the connection. If the connection is terminated, for example, when the modem is turned off, the router attempts to reestablish the connection immediately after the PPPoE connection becomes available again.

9. 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).

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.

Change the MTU Size

The maximum transmission unit (MTU) is the largest data packet a network device transmits.When one network device communicates across the Internet with another, the data pac k ets trav el through man y de vices along the wa y.

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

If a device in the data path uses a lower MTU setting than the other devices, the data packets must be split or “fragmented” to accommodate the device 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:

• 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.

An incorrect MTU setting can cause Internet communication problems. For example, you

Note

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

To change the MTU size:

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

2. Type 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > WAN Setup.

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

6. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

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 2. 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 value for 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 AOL if you do not send or receive large email attachments, for example.1460

Used in PPTP environments or with VPN.1436

Maximum size for AOL DSL.1400

Typical value to connect to dial-up ISPs.576

Specify Your Internet Settings

Control Access to the Internet

The router comes with a built-in firewall that helps protect y our home network from unwanted intrusions from the Internet. This chapter includes the following sections:

• Set Up Parental Controls on page 36

• Allow or Block Access to Your Network on page 37

• Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites on page 39

• Manage Network Access Control Lists on page 43

• Schedule When to Block Internet Sites and Services on page 44

• Set Up Security Event Email Notifications on page 45

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Set Up Parental Controls

The first time that you select Parental Contr ols from the BASIC Home page, your bro wser goes to the Live P arental Controls website, where you can learn more about Parental Controls and download the application.

After you set up and enable parental controls, y ou can change the web filtering le v el f or 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 wireless 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Parental Controls.

The Live 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.

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 following:

Control Access to the Internet

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

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

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

10. Select a filtering level 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.

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 of the genie app.

Allow or Block Access to Your Network

You can use access control to block or allow access to your network.

To set up access control:

1. Launch a web browser from a computer or wireless 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

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Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Access Control.

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 this check box is cleared, all devices are allowed to connect, even if a device is in the blocked list.

6. Select an access rule:

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

You don’t 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.

The access rule does not affect previously blocked or allowed devices. It applies only to devices joining your network in the future after you apply these settings.

7. To view allowed or blocked devices that are not connected, click one of the following links:

• View list of allowed devices not currently connected to the network

• View list of blocked devices not currently connected to the network

The list displays.

8. To allow the computer or device you’re currently using to continue to access the network, select the check box

next to your computer or device, and click the Allow button.

9. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saed

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Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites

You can use keywords to block certain Internet sites from your network.You can use blocking all the time or based on a schedule.

To block Internet sites:

1. Launch a web browser from a computer or wireless 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security >Block Sites.

5. Select a keyword blocking option:

• Per Schedule.Turn on keyword blocking according to a schedule that you set. (See Schedule When to

Block Internet Sites and Services on page 44.

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

6. In the Type keyword or domain name here field, enter a keyword or domain that you want to block.

For example:

• 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 is added to the keyword list.The keyword list supports up to 32 entries.

8. Click the Apply button.

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Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Keyword blocking takes effect.

Block Services From the Internet

You can block Internet services on your network based on the type of service.You can block the services all the time or based on a schedule.

To block services:

1. Launch a web browser from a computer or wireless 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Block Services.

5. Specify when to block the services:

• To block the services all the time, select the Always radio button.

• To block the services based on a schedule, select the Per Schedule radio button.

For information about how to specify the schedule, see Schedule When to Block Internet Sites and Services on page 44.

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Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

6. Click the Add button.

7. To add a service that is in the Service Type menu, select the application or service.

The settings for this service automatically display in the fields.

8. To add a service or application that is not in the menu, select User Defined, and do the following: a. If you know that the application uses either TCP or UDP, select the appropriate protocol. Otherwise, select

TCP/UDP (both).

b. Enter the starting port and ending port numbers.

If the service uses a single port number, enter that number in both fields.To find out which port numbers the service or application uses, you can contact the publisher of the application, ask user groups or newsgroups, or search on the Internet.

9. Select a filtering option:

• Only This IP Address. Block services for a single computer.

• IP Address Range. Bloc k services for a range of computers with consecutiv e IP addresses on your network.

• All lP Addresses. Block services for all computers on your network.

10. Click the Add button.

Your settings are saved.

Delete Keywords From the Blocked List

To delete keywords from the list:

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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Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

The user name is admin.The default password is admin.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. Do one of the following:

• To delete a single word, select it and click the Delete Keyword button.

The keyword is removed from the list.

• To delete all keywords on the list, click the Clear List button.

All keywords are removed from the list.

6. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Avoid Blocking on a Trusted Computer

You can exempt one trusted computer from bloc king.The computer you ex empt must be assigned a fix ed IP address. You can use the reserved IP address feature to specify the IP address. See Manage Reserved LAN IP Addresses on page 55.

To specify a trusted computer:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Block Sites.

The Block Sites page displays.

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 computer.

7. Click the Apply button.

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Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Your settings are saved.

Manage Network Access Control Lists

You can use access control to block or allow access to your network.

To manage devices that are allowed or blocked:

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

2. Type 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Access Control.

5. Select the Turn on Access Control radio button.

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

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Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

The list displays.

7. Select the check box for a device.

8. Use the Add button, Edit button, and Remove from the list button as needed.

9. Click the Apply button.

Your changes take effect.

Schedule When to Block Internet Sites and Services

When you schedule blocking, the same schedule is used to block sites and to block services. For information about how to specify what you want the router to block, see Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites on page 39 and Block

Services From the Internet on page 40.

To schedule blocking:

1. Launch a web browser from a computer or wireless 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

Control Access to the Internet

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Schedule.

5. Specify when to block keywords and services:

• Days to Block. Select the check box for each day that you want to block the keywords, or select the Every

Day check box, which automatically selects the check boxes for all days.

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

24-hour blocking.

6. Select your time zone from the menu.

7. If you live in a region that observes da ylight sa ving time , select the A utomaticall y adjust f or da ylight sa vings

time check box.

8. Click the Apply button.

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.

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Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

The user name is admin.The default password is passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . 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.

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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. Click the Apply button.

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Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

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.

Control Access to the Internet

Network Settings

The router comes ready for WiFi, Ethernet, and USB connections.You can customize the router’s network settings. NETGEAR recommends that you install the router and connect it to the Internet before you change its network settings.

This chapter includes the following sections:

• View or Change WAN Settings on page 49

• Set Up a Default DMZ Server on page 50

• Change the Router’s Device Name on page 51

• Change the LAN TCP/IP Settings on page 51

• Specify the IP Addresses That the Router Assigns on page 53

• Disable the DHCP Server Feature in the Router on page 55

• Manage Reserved LAN IP Addresses on page 55

• Use the WPS Wizard for WiFi Connections on page 57

• Specify Basic WiFi Settings on page 58

• Change the WiFi Password or Security Level on page 62

• Enable or Disable WiFi MU-MIMO on page 63

• Enable or Disable WiFi 160 MHz on page 63

• Enable a WiFi Video Network on page 64

• Set Up a Guest WiFi Network on page 65

• Enable a WiFi Video Network on page 64

• Control the WiFi Radios on page 67

• Set Up a WiFi Schedule on page 69

• Specify WPS Settings on page 70

• Use the Router as a Wireless Access Point on page 70

• Use the Router in Bridge Mode on page 72

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

View or Change WAN Settings

You can view or configure wide area network (WAN) settings f or the Internet port.You can set up a DMZ (demilitarized zone) server, change the maxim um transmit unit (MTU) size, and enable the router to respond to a ping to its WAN (Internet) port.

To view or change the WAN settings:

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

2. Type 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > WAN Setup.

The following settings display:

• Disable Port Scan and DoS Protection. DoS protection protects your LAN against denial of service attacks

such as Syn flood, Smurf Attack, Ping of Death, and many others. Select this check box only in special circumstances.

• Default DMZ Server.This feature is sometimes helpful when you are playing online games or

videoconferencing, but it makes the firewall security less effective. See Set Up a Default DMZ Server on page 50.

• Respond to Ping on Internet Port.This feature allows your router to be discovered. Use this feature only

as a diagnostic tool or for a specific reason.

Network Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

• Disable IGMP Proxying. IGMP proxying allows a computer on the local area network (LAN) to receive the

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

• MTU Size (in bytes).The normal MTU (maximum transmit unit) value for most Ethernet networks is 1500

bytes, or 1492 bytes for PPPoE connections. Change the MTU only if you are sure that it is necessary for your ISP connection. See Change the MTU Size on page 32.

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

Secured NAT protects computers on the LAN from attacks from the Internet but might prevent some Internet games, point-to-point applications, or multimedia applications from working. Open NAT provides a much less secured firewall but allows almost all Internet applications to work.

5. Click the Apply button.

Your changes are saved.

Set Up a Default DMZ Server

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

WARNING:

DMZ servers pose a security risk. A computer designated as the default DMZ server loses much of the protection of the firewall and is exposed to exploits from the Internet. If compromised, the DMZ server computer can be used to attack other computers on your network.

The router usually detects and discards incoming traffic from the Internet that is not a response to one of your local computers or a service that you configured on the Port Forwarding/Port Triggering page. Instead of discarding this traffic, you can specify that the router forwards the traffic to one computer on your network.This computer is called the default DMZ server.

To set up a default DMZ server:

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

2. Type 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

Network Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > WAN Setup.

The WAN Setup page displays.

5. Select the Default DMZ Server check box.

6. Type the IP address.

7. Click the Apply button.

Your change takes effect.

Change the Router’s Device Name

The router’s def ault device name is based on its model number , such as R7500 or R7800.This device name displays in the file manager when you browse your network.

To change the router’s device name:

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

2. Type 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > LAN Setup.

The LAN Setup page displays.

5. In the Device Name field, type a new name.

6. Click the Apply button.

Your change is saved.

Change the LAN TCP/IP Settings

The router is preconfigured to use private IP addresses on the LAN side and to act as a DHCP server.The router’s default LAN IP configuration is as follows:

• LAN IP address. 192.168.1.1

• Subnet mask. 255.255.255.0

These addresses are part of the designated private address range for use in private networks and are suitable for most applications. If your network requires a different IP addressing scheme, you can change these settings.

Network Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

You might want to change these settings if you need a specific IP subnet that one or more devices on the network use, or if you use competing subnets with the same IP scheme.

To change the LAN TCP/IP settings:

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

2. Type 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > LAN Setup.

Your router might display information that is different from this example.

5. In the IP Address field, type the IP address.

6. In the IP Subnet Mask, type the subnet mask of the router.

The IP address and subnet mask identify which addresses are local to a specific device and which must be reached through a gateway or router.

7. Change the RIP settings.

Router Information Protocol (RIP) allows a router to exchange routing information with other routers.

Network Settings

a. Select a RIP direction:

• Both.The router broadcasts its routing table periodically and incorporates information that it receives.

• Out Only.The router broadcasts its routing table periodically.

• In Only.The router incorporates the RIP information that it receives.

b. Select a RIP version:

• Disabled.This is the default setting.

• RIP-1.This format is universally supported. It is adequate for most networks, unless you are using an

unusual network setup.

• RIP-2.This format carries more information. Both RIP-2B and RIP-2M send the routing data in RIP-2

format. RIP-2B uses subnet broadcasting. RIP-2M uses multicasting.

8. Click the Apply button.

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Your changes are saved. If you changed the LAN IP address of the router, you are disconnected when this change takes effect.

9. To reconnect, close your browser, relaunch it, and log in to the router

Specify the IP Addresses That the Router Assigns

By default, the router acts as a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server.The router assigns IP, DNS server, and def ault gatewa y addresses to all computers connected to the LAN.The assigned default gate way address is the LAN address of the router.

These addresses must be part of the same IP address subnet as the router’s LAN IP address. Using the default addressing scheme, define a range between 192.168.1.2 and 192.168.1.254, although you can save part of the range for devices with fixed addresses.

To specify the pool of IP addresses that the router assigns:

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

2. Type 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

Network Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > LAN Setup.

Your router might display information that is different from this example.

5. Make sure that the Use Router as DHCP Server check box is selected.

6. Specify the range of IP addresses that the router assigns: a. In the Starting IP Address field, type the lowest number in the range.

This IP address must be in the same subnet as the router.

b. In the Ending IP Address field, type the number at the end of the range of IP addresses.

This IP address must be in the same subnet as the router.

7. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

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

• An IP address from the range that you define

• Subnet mask

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

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

Network Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Disable the DHCP Server Feature in the Router

By default, the router acts as a DHCP server.The router assigns IP, DNS server, and default gateway addresses to all computers connected to the LAN.The assigned default gateway address is the LAN address of the router.

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

To disable the DHCP server feature in the router:

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

2. Type 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > LAN Setup.

The LAN Setup page displays.

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

6. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

7. (Optional) If this service is disabled and no other DHCP server is on your network, set your computer IP addresses

manually so that the computers can access the router.

Manage Reserved LAN IP Addresses

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

Reserve an IP Address

To reserve an IP address:

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

2. Type 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e .

Network Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > LAN Setup.

The LAN Setup page displays.

5. In the Address Reservation section, click the Add button.

6. In the IP Address field, type the IP address to assign to the computer or server.

Choose an IP address from the router’s LAN subnet, such as 192.168.1.x.

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

If the computer is already on your network, you can copy its MAC address from the Attached

Tip

Devices page and paste it here.

8. Click the Apply button.

The reserved address is entered into the table.

The reserved address is not assigned until the next time the computer contacts the router’s DHCP server. Reboot the computer, or access its IP configuration and force a DHCP release and renew.

Edit a Reserved IP Address

To edit a reserved address entry:

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

2. Type 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > LAN Setup.

The LAN Setup page displays.

5. Select the radio button next to the reserved address.

6. Click the Edit button.

7. Change the settings.

8. Click the Apply button.

Network Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Your changes are saved.

Delete a Reserved IP Address Entry

To delete a reserved address entry:

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

2. Type 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > LAN Setup.

The LAN Setup page displays.

5. Select the radio button next to the reserved address.

6. Click the Delete button.

The address is removed.

Use the WPS Wizard for WiFi Connections

The WPS Wizard helps you add a wireless computer or de vice to your WiFi network without typing the WiFi pass word.

To use the WPS Wizard:

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

2. Type 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > WPS Wizard.

A note explaining WPS displays.

5. Click the Next button.

Network Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

The WPS page displays.

6. Select a setup method:

• Push button. Click the WPS button on this screen.

• PIN Number.The screen adjusts. Enter the client security PIN and click the Next button.

7. Within two minutes, go to the client device and use its WPS software to connect to the WiFi network.

The WPS process automatically sets up your wireless computer with the network password when it connects. The router WPS screen displays a confirmation message.

Specify Basic WiFi Settings

The router comes with preset security.This means that the WiFi network name (SSID), network key (password), and security option (encryption protocol) are preset in the factory.You can find the preset SSID and password on the router label.

The preset SSID and password are uniquely generated for every device to protect and

Note

maximize your wireless security.

We recommend that you do not change your preset security settings. If you change your preset security settings, make a note of the new settings and store it in a safe place where you can easily find it.

If your computer is connected with WiFi when you change the SSID or other WiFi security settings, you are disconnected when you click the Apply button.To avoid this problem, use a computer with a wired connection to access the router.

To specify basic WiFi settings:

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

2. Type 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

Network Settings

4. Select Wireless.

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

You can specify the settings for the 2.4 GHz band and for the 5 GHz band. Your router might display information that is different from this example.

5. From the Region menu, select your region.

In some locations, you cannot change this setting.

6. To control the SSID broadcast, select or clear the Enable SSID Broadcast check box.

When this check box is selected, the router broadcasts its network name (SSID) so that it displays when you scan for local WiFi networks on your computer or wireless device.

7. To change the network name (SSID), type a new name in the Name (SSID) field.

The name can be up to 32 characters long and it is case-sensitive.The default SSID is randomly gener ated and is on the router’s label. If you change the name, make sure to write down the new name and keep it in a safe place.

8. To change the wireless channel, select a number from the Channel menu.

In some regions, not all channels are available. Do not change the channel unless you experience interference (shown by lost connections or slow data transfers). If this happens, experiment with different channels to see which is the best.

When you use multiple access points, it is better if adjacent access points use different channels to reduce interference.The recommended channel spacing between adjacent access points is f our channels (for e xample, use Channels 1 and 5, or 6 and 10).

9. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Network Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

If you connected wirelessly to the network and you changed the SSID, you are disconnected from the network.

10. Make sure that you can connect wirelessly to the network with its new settings.

If you cannot connect wirelessly, check the following:

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

devices automatically connect to the first open network without wireless security that they discover.

• Is your computer or wireless device trying to connect to your network with its old settings (before y ou changed

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

Network Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Change the WiFi Mbps Settings

The data rate for high-speed transmissions is commonly identified as megabits per second (Mbps). By default, the router is set to operate with up to 600 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz WiFi band and up to 1,733 Mbps in the 5 GHz WiFi band. You can select slower settings.

To change the WiFi Mbps settings:

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

2. Type 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Wireless.

Your router might display information that is different from this example.

5. For the 2.4 GHz WiFi band, in the Wireless Network (2.4 GHz b/gn/n) section, select a setting from the Mode

menu.

Up to 800 Mbps is the default setting.The other settings are Up to 347 Mbps and Up to 54 Mbps.

6. For the 5GHz WiFi band, select a setting from the Mode menu.

Network Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Up to 1733 Mbps is the default setting, which allows 802.11ac and 802.11a wireless de vices to join the network. The other settings are Up to 800 Mbps and Up to 347 Mbps.

7. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Change the WiFi Password or Security Level

Your router comes with preset WPA2 or WPA security.The password that you enter to connect to your network is unique to your router and is on the router label.We recommend that you use the preset security , b ut you can change the settings. Do not disable security.

If the WiFi Mbps setting is Up to 54 Mbps f or the 2.4 GHz r adio band (see Change the WiFi

Note

Mbps Settings on page 61), the WEP legacy security option is also available.

To change the WPA 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Wireless.

The Wireless Settings page displays.

5. Under Security Options, select a WPA option.

The WPA2 options use the newest standard for the strongest security and is the default setting. The Passphrase field displays.

6. In the Passphrase field, enter the network key (password).

It is a text string from 8 to 63 characters.

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

8. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Network Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Enable or Disable WiFi MU-MIMO

MU-MIMO improves performance when multiple MU-MIMO-capable WiFi clients transfer data at the same time. Note that the WiFi clients must have MU-MIMO support, and they must be connected to the 5GHz WiFi radio.You can enable or disable WiFi MU-MIMO.

If your computer is connected with WiFi when you change the MU-MIMO setting, you are disconnected when you click the Apply button.To avoid this problem, use a computer with a wired connection to access the router.

To enable or disable MU-MIMO:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings.

5. Select the Enable MU-MIMO check box..

6. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Enable or Disable WiFi 160 MHz

The WiFi 160 MHz setting reduces lag and improves streaming speed. Note that the WiFi clients must have 160 MHz support, and they must be connected to the 5 GHz WiFi network.You can enable or disable WiFi the HT160 setting.

To enable or disable WiFi 160 MHz:

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.

Network Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

3. Enter the router user name and password.

The user name is admin.The default password is passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings.

5. Select the Enable HT160 check box..

6. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Enable a WiFi Video Network

Guest networks allows visitors at your home to use the Internet without using your wireless security key. F or optimal HD streaming performance for your guests, you can enable a 5 GHz guest video network.When this the video network feature is enabled, the router uses video reliability algorithms to reduce jitter and packet loss during video streaming.

To enable a WiFi video network:

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

2. Type 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Wireless.

The Wireless Setup screen displays.

5. Scroll down to the Wireless Network (5 GHz 802.11a/n/ac) section of the screen.

6. Select the Enable Video Network check box.

7. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Network Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Set Up a Guest WiFi Network

Guest networks allow visitors at your home to use the Internet without using your wireless security key.You can add a guest network for the 2.4 GHz WiFi band and the 5.0 GHz WiFi band.

To set up a guest network:

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

2. Type 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Guest Network.

Your router might display information that is different from this example.

5. Scroll to the section of the screen for the guest WiFi network that you want to set up.

The default guest wireless network names (SSIDs) are as follows:

• NETGEAR-Guest is for the 2.4 GHz WiFi band.

• NETGEAR-5G-Guest is for the 5 GHz WiFi band.

6. Leave the Enable SSID Broadcast check box selected.

Network Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Allowing the router to broadcast its wireless network name (SSID) makes it easier to find your network and connect to it. If you clear this check box, that creates a hidden network.

7. Give the guest network a name.

The guest network name is case-sensitive and can be up to 32 characters.You then manually configure the wireless devices in your network to use the guest network name in addition to the main SSID.

8. For the wireless channel and mode, leave the default settings selected.

9. Select a security option.

The WPA2 options use the newest standard for the strongest security.WPA2 is the default setting.

10. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Enable a Video Guest WiFi Network

Guest networks allow visitors at your home to use the Internet without using your wireless security key. For optimal HD streaming performance for your guests, you can enable a 5 GHz guest video network.When this the video network feature is enabled, the router uses video reliability algorithms to reduce jitter and packet loss during video streaming.

To set up a guest network:

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

2. Type 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

Network Settings

4. Select Guest Network.

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Your router might display information that is different from this example.

5. Scroll to the Wireless Network (5 GHz 802.11a/n/ac) section.

6. Select the Enable Video Network check box.

7. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Control the WiFi Radios

The router’s internal WiFi r adios broadcast signals in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz ranges . By default, they are on so that you can connect over WiFi to the router. When the WiFi radios are off, you can still use an Ethernet cable for a LAN connection to the router.

You can turn the WiFi radios on and off with the WiFi On/Off button on the router, or you can log in to the router and enable or disable the WiFi radios. If y ou are close to the router, it might be easier to press its WiFi On/Off button. If you are away from the router or already logged in it might be easier to enable or disable them.You can also turn the WiFi radios off and on based on a schedule. (See Set Up a WiFi Schedule on page 69.)

Use the WiFi On/Off Button

To turn the WiFi radios off and on with the WiFi On/Off button:

• Press the WiFi On/Off button on the top of the router for two seconds.

If you turned off the WiFi radios, the WiFi On/Off LED and the WPS LED turn off. If you turned on the WiFi radios, the WiFi On/Off LED and the WPS LED light.

Network Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Enable or Disable the WiFi Radios

If you used the WiFi On/Off button to turn off the WiFi radios, you can’t log in to the router to turn them back on. You must press the WiFi On/Off button again for two seconds to turn the WiFi radios back on.

To enable or disable the WiFi radios:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings.

Your router might display information that is different from this example.

5. In the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz sections, select or clear the Enable Wireless Router Radio check boxes.

Clearing these check boxes turns off the WiFi feature of the router for each band.

6. Click the Apply button.

If you turned off both WiFi radios, the WiFi On/Off LED and the WPS LED turn off. If you turned on the WiFi radios, the WiFi On/Off LED and the WPS LED light.

Network Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Set Up a WiFi Schedule

You can turn off the WiFi signal from your router at times when you do not need a WiFi connection. For example, you might turn it off for the weekend if you leave town.

To set up the WiFi schedule:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings.

The Advanced Wireless Settings page displays. The Wireless Settings page displays.

5. Click the Add a new period button.

6. Use the menus, radio buttons, and check boxes to set up a period during which you want to turn off the WiFi

signal.

7. Click the Apply button.

The Advanced Wireless Settings page displays. The Wireless Settings page displays.

8. Select the Turn off wireless signal by schedule check box to activate the schedule.

9. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Network Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Specify WPS Settings

Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) lets you join the WiFi network without typing the WiFi password.

To specify WPS Settings:

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

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

A login screen displays.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

The user name is admin.The default password is passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home screen displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings.

The Router’s PIN field displays the PIN that you use on a registrar (for example, from the Network Explorer on a Vista Windows computer) to configure the router’s wireless settings through WPS.

5. (Optional) Select or clear the Enable Router’s PIN check box.

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

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

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

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

7. Click the Apply button.

Your changes are saved.

Use the Router as a Wireless Access Point

You can set up the router to run as an access point (AP) on the same local network as another router.

Network Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

To set up the router as an AP:

1. Use an Ethernet cable to connect the Internet port of this router to a LAN port in the other router.

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

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

A login window opens.

4. Enter the router user name and password.

The user name is admin.The default password is passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

5. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless AP.

6. Select the Enable AP Mode check box.

7. Scroll down and select an IP address setting:

• Get dynamically from existing r outer.The other router on the network assigns an IP address to this router

while this router is in AP mode.

Network Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

• Enable fixed IP settings on this device (not recommended). Use this setting if you want to manually

assign a specific IP address to this router while it is in AP mode. Using this option effectiv ely requires advanced network experience.

T o a void interf erence with other routers or gatewa ys in your network, NETGEAR recommends

Note

that you use different wireless settings on each router.You can also turn off the wireless radio on the other router or gatewa y and use the R7800 router only for wireless client access.

8. Click the Apply button.

The IP address of the router changes, and you are disconnected.

9. To reconnect, close and restart your browser and typeType http://www.routerlogin.net .

Use the Router in Bridge Mode

You can use your router in bridge mode to connect multiple devices with WiFi at the faster 802.11ac speed.To do this, you need two WiFi routers: one set up as a router and the other set up as a bridge.

Figure 7. Router in bridge mode with an 802.11ac WiFi connection

Installing your router as a bridge offers the following benefits:

Network Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

• You can take advantage of gigabit WiFi speeds on current devices.

• Use gigabit WiFi for applications like video and gaming.

• Connect multiple devices like NAS , Smart TV, NeoTV, Blu-ray play er , and game consoles at gigabit WiFi speeds

using a WiFi link.

• Avoid the need for separate WiFi adapters for each device.

For example, you could install the first router in a room such as a home office where your Internet connection is located.

Then set up the second router in bridge mode. Place the router in bridge mode in a diff erent room such as the room where your home entertainment center is located. Cable the router in bridge mode to your Smart TV, DVR, game console, or Blu-ray player, and use its 802.11ac WiFi connection to the first router.

To set up bridge mode:

1. Make a note of the WiFi settings of the other router to which this router will connect.

You must know the SSID, WiFi security mode, wireless password, and operating frequency (either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).

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

will run in bridge mode.

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

A login window opens.

4. Enter the router user name and password.

The user name is admin.The default password is passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

5. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless Bridge.

The Wireless Bridge page displays.

6. Select the Enable Bridge Mode check box.

7. Click the Setup Bridge Mode Wireless Settings button.

Network Settings

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

8. Enter the settings of the other router: a. Select the wireless network frequency (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).

b. For 802.11ac mode, select 5 GHz. c. In the Name (SSID) field, enter the wireless network name (SSID). d. In the Security Option section, select a radio button. e. If prompted, type the passphrase (the WiFi pass w ord that y ou use to connect with WiFi to the other router).

9. Click the Apply button.

The settings for the other router are saved and the Advanced Wireless Settings page displays.

10. Click the Apply button on the Advanced Wireless Settings page.

Your settings are saved.

Network Settings

Optimize Performance

You can set up the router to optimize performance for applications such as Internet gaming, high definition video streaming, and VoIP communication. By default, the router uses Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service (WMM QoS).

This chapter contains the following sections:

• Use Dynamic QoS to Optimize Internet Traffic Management on page 76

• Improve Network Connections With Universal Plug and Play on page 79

• Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service on page 80

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Use Dynamic QoS to Optimize Internet Traffic Management

Dynamic Quality of Service (QoS) helps improve your router’ s Internet traffic management capabilities through better application and device identification, bandwidth allocation, and traffic prioritization techniques. Dynamic QoS resolves traffic congestion when the Internet bandwidth is limited and different demands compete for bandwidth.

Figure 8. Dynamic QoS optimizes Internet traffic by prioritizing competing demands

Enable Dynamic QoS

Because not everyone uses Dynamic QoS, it is disabled by default.

To enable Dynamic QoS:

1. Launch a web browser from a computer or wireless 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Quality of Service.

The QoS Setup page displays.

Optimize Performance

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

5. Select the Dynamic QoS check box.

6. Specify your Internet bandwidth.

You must specify your Internet bandwidth so that Dynamic QoS can perform bandwidth allocation and traffic prioritization.We recommend that you use Speedtest to detect your Internet bandwidth.

To use Speedtest, do the following:

a. For more accurate Speedtest results, make sure that no other devices are accessing the Internet. b. Click the Speedtest button.

Speedtest determines your Internet bandwidth.

7. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved. A link displays on the bottom of the page to view bandwidth utilization. Clicking the link displays the Attached

Devices page. For more information, see View Devices Currently on the Network on page 90.

Enable or Disable the Automatic QoS Database Update

The router uses a QoS database of the most popular applications and services to implement Dynamic QoS. By default, the router automatically updates this database.You can turn off this feature and manually update the database.

To enable or disable the automatic Dynamic QoS database update:

1. Launch a web browser from a computer or wireless 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Dynamic QoS.

The Dynamic QoS screen displays. If you are using Dynamic QoS, the Enable Dynamic QoS check box is selected.

5. Select or clear the Automatically update performance optimization database check box.

6. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Optimize Performance

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Manually Update the Dynamic QoS Database

The router uses a QoS database of the most popular applications and services to implement Dynamic QoS. By default, the router automatically updates this database when you enable Dynamic QoS, but if you turned off the automatic update feature, you can manually update the database.

To manually update the Dynamic QoS database:

1. Launch a web browser from a computer or wireless 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Dynamic QoS.

The Dynamic QoS page displays. If you are using Dynamic QoS, the Enable Dynamic QoS check box is selected.

5. Click the Update Now button.

The router checks for the newest version of the database and downloads it.

6. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Participate in Dynamic QoS Analytics

NETGEAR uses a QoS database of the most popular applications and services to implement Dynamic QoS. As ne w applications and services become popular, we update this database and automatically update your router if you enabled Dynamic QoS.Y ou can opt in to share aggregate QoS inf ormation to help improve the Dynamic QoS f eature.

To opt in to participate in Dynamic QoS analytics:

1. Launch a web browser from a computer or wireless 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

Optimize Performance

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

4. Select Dynamic QoS.

The Dynamic QoS page displays.

5. Make sure that you enabled Dynamic QoS.

For more information about enabling Dynamic QoS, see Enable Dynamic QoS on page 76.

6. Select the Help improve the Dynamic QoS feature by sharing analytics with NETGEAR check box.

A pop-up window displays detailed information about sharing analytics.The Yes radio button is selected by default.

7. Read the information and click the Submit button.

8. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

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 or remote assistance (a feature in Windows XP), enable UPnP.

To enable Universal Plug and Play:

1. Launch a web browser from a computer or wireless 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . 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.

Optimize Performance

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

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 for the advertisement time to live is 4 hops, which should be fine for 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.

Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service

Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service (WMM QoS) prioritizes WiFi voice and video traffic over 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.

To disable WMM QoS:

1. Launch an Internet 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > QoS Setup.

The Quality of Service page displays.

5. Click the WMM tab.

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

Optimize Performance

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

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

8. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Optimize Performance

Manage Your Network

This chapter describes the router settings for administering and maintaining your router and home network. The chapter includes the following sections:

• Update the Router Firmware on page 83

• Change the admin Password on page 83

• Set Up Password Recovery on page 84

Recover the admin Password on page 85

• View Router Status on page 86

• View Devices Currently on the Network on page 90

• Monitor Internet Traffic on page 91

• Manage the Router Configuration File on page 93

• Remote Access on page 95

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Update the Router Firmware

The router firmware (routing software) is stored in flash memory.You might see a message at the top of the router pages when new firmware is available.You can respond to that message to update the firmware or you can check to see if new firmware is available and update your product.

To check for new firmware and update your router:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Firmware Update.

The Router Update page displays.

5. Click the Check button.

The router finds new firmware information if any is available and displays a message asking if you want to download and install it.

6. Click the Yes button.

The router locates and downloads the firmware and begins the update.

WARNING:

T o avoid the risk of corrupting the firmware, do not interrupt the update. For example, do not close the browser, click a link, or load a new page. Do not turn off the router.

When the upload is complete, your router restarts.The update process typically takes about one minute. Read the new firmware release notes to find out if you need to reconfigure the router after updating.

Change the admin Password

You can change the default password that is used to log in to the router with the user name admin.This password is not the one that you use for WiFi access.

Manage Your Network

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Be sure to change the password for the user name admin to a secure password.The ideal

Note

password contains no dictionary words from any language and contains uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. It can be up to 30 characters.

To set the password for the user name admin:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Set Password.

5. Type the old password, and type the new password twice.

6. To be able to recover the password, select the Enable Password Recovery check box.

We recommend that you enable password recovery.

7. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Set Up Password Recovery

We recommend that you enable password recovery if you change the password for the router user name admin. Then you can recover the pass word if it is f orgotten.This recov ery process is supported in Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Chrome browsers but not in the Safari browser.

Manage Your Network

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

To set up password recovery:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Set Password.

The Set Password page displays.

5. Select the Enable Password Recovery check box.

6. Select two security questions and provide answers to them.

7. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Recover the admin Password

To recover your password:

1. In the address field of your browser, enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

2. Click the Cancel button.

If password recovery is enabled, you are prompted to enter the serial number of the router. The serial number is on the product label.

3. Enter the serial number of the router.

4. Click the Continue button.

A window opens requesting the answers to your security questions.

5. Enter the saved answers to your security questions.

6. Click the Continue button.

A window opens and displays your recovered password.

7. Click the Login again button.

Manage Your Network

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

A login window opens.

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

View Router Status

To view the router status and usage information:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Click the ADVANCED tab.

Your router might display information that is different from this example.

Manage Your Network

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Display Internet Port Statistics

To display Internet port statistics:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Click the ADVANCED tab.

The ADVANCED Home page displays.

5. In the Internet Port pane, click the Show Statistics button.

The following information displays:

• System Up Time. The time elapsed since the router was last restarted.

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

following information:

• Status.The link status of the port.

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

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

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

• Tx B/s.The current transmission (outbound) bandwidth used on the WAN and LAN ports.

• Rx B/s.The current reception (inbound) bandwidth used on the WAN and LAN ports.

Manage Your Network

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

• Up Time. The time elapsed since this port acquired the link.

• Poll Interval.The interval at which the statistics are updated on this page.

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

button. To stop the polling entirely, click the Stop button.

Check the Internet Connection Status

To check the Internet connection status:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Click the ADVANCED tab.

The ADVANCED Home page displays.

5. In the Internet Port pane, click the Connection Status button.

The following information displays:

Manage Your Network

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

• IP Address.The IP address that is assigned to the router.

• Subnet Mask.The subnet mask that is assigned to the router.

• Default Gateway.The IP address for the default gateway that the router communicates with.

• DHCP Server.The IP address for the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol server that provides the TCP/IP

configuration for all the computers that are connected to the router.

• DNS Server.The IP address of the Domain Name Service server that provides translation of network names

to IP addresses.

• Lease Obtained.The date and time when the lease was obtained.

• Lease Expires.The date and time that the lease expires.

6. To return the status of all items to 0, click the Release button.

7. To refresh the screen, click the Renew button.

8. To exit the screen, click the Close Window button.

View and Manage Logs of Router Activity

The log is a detailed record of the websites you accessed or attempted to access and other router actions. Up to 256 entries are stored in the log.

To view and manage logs:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

Manage Your Network

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Logs.

The Logs screen shows the following information:

• Action.The action that occurred, such as whether Internet access was blocked or allowed.

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

• Target address.The name or IP address of the website or news group visited or to which access was

attempted.

• Date and time.The date and time the log entry was recorded.

5. To customize the logs, scroll down and clear or select the check boxes in the Include in Log section.

6. To refresh the log screen, click the Refresh button.

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

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

View Devices Currently on the Network

You can view all computers or devices that are currently connected to your network.

Manage Your Network

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

To view devices on the network:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Attached Devices.

The Attached Devices page displays devices that are connected to the router through Ethernet (using a wired connection) or connected to a WiFi band in the WiFi network.

The IP address for devices can change because the router assigns an IP address to each device when it joins the network.The unique MAC address for each device does not change.

5. To update this page, click the Refresh button.

Monitor Internet Traffic

Traffic metering allows you to monitor the volume of Internet traffic that passes through the router Internet port.You can set limits for traffic volume.

To monitor Internet traffic:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

Manage Your Network

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Traffic Meter.

5. Select the Enable Traffic Meter check box.

6. T o control the v olume of Internet traffic, use either the traffic volume control f eature or the connection time control

feature:

• Select the Traffic volume control by radio button and then select one of the following options:

• No Limit. No restriction is applied when the traffic limit is reached.

• Download only.The restriction is applied to incoming traffic only.

• Both Directions.The restriction is applied to both incoming and outgoing traffic.

• Select the Connection time control radio button and enter the allowed hours in the Monthly limit field.

7. If your ISP charges for extra data volume when you mak e a new connection, enter the extra data volume in MB

in the Round up data volume for each connection by field.

8. In the Traffic Counter section, set the traffic counter to begin at a specific time and date.

To start the traffic counter immediately, click the Restart Counter Now button.

9. In the Traffic Control section, specify whether the router should issue a warning message before the monthly

limit of Mbytes or hours is reached. By default, the value is 0 and no warning message is issued.You can select one of the following to occur when

the limit is attained:

• The Internet LED blinks white or amber.

• The Internet connection is disconnected and disabled.

Manage Your Network

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

10. Click the Apply button.

The Internet Traffic Statistics section helps you to monitor the data traffic.

11. To update the Traffic Statistics section, click the Refresh button.

12. To display more information about the data traffic on your router and to change the poll interval, click the Traffic

Status button.

Manage the Router Configuration File

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

Back Up Settings

To back up the router’s configuration 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Backup Settings.

5. Click the Back Up button.

6. Follow the direction of your browser to save the file.

A copy of the current settings is saved in the location that you specified.

Manage Your Network

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

Erase the Current Configuration Settings

You can erase the current configuration and restore the factory default settings.You might want to do this if you move the router to a different network. (See Factory Settings on page 158.)

To erase the configuration 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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Backup Settings.

The Backup Settings page displays.

5. Click the Erase button.

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

Restore Configuration Settings

To restore configuration settings that you backed up:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Backup Settings.

The Backup Settings page displays.

5. Click the Browse button to find and select the .cfg file.

6. Click the Restore button.

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

Manage Your Network

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

WARNING:

Do not interrupt the reboot process.

Remote Access

You can access your router over the Internet to view or change its settings.You must know the router’s WAN IP address to use this feature. For information about remote access using Dynamic DNS, see Dynamic DNS on page

110.

Be sure to change the password for the user name admin to a secure password.The ideal

Note

password contains no dictionary words from any language and contains uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. It can be up to 30 characters. See Change the admin Password on page 83.

Set Up Remote Management

To set up remote management:

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 passw or d.The user name and password are case-sensitiv e . The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Remote Management.

5. Select the Turn Remote Management On check box.

Manage Your Network

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

6. In the Allow Remote Access By section, specify the external IP addresses to be allowed to access the router’s

remote management.

For enhanced security, restrict access to as few external IP addresses as practical.Note

Select one of the following:

• Only This Computer. Allow access from a single IP address on the Internet. Enter the IP address to be

allowed access.

• IP Address Range. Allo w access from a range of IP addresses on the Internet. Enter a beginning IP address

and an ending IP address to define the allowed range.

• Everyone. Allow access from any IP address on the Internet.

7. Specify the port number for accessing the web management interface.

Normal web browser access uses the standard HTTP service port 80. For greater security , enter a custom port number for the remote web management interface. Choose a number from 1024 to 65535, but do not use the number of any common service port. The default is 8080, which is a common alternate for HTTP.

8. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Use Remote Access

To use remote access:

1. Launch a web browser on a computer that is not on your home network.

2. Type your router’s WAN IP address into your browser’s address or location field followed by a colon (:) and the

custom port number. For example, if your external address is 134.177.0.123 and you use port number 8080, enter

http://134.177.0.123:8080 in your browser.

Manage Your Network

Share USB Storage Devices Attached to the Router

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

The USB ports on the router can be used only to connect USB storage devices like flash drives or

Note

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 98

• Connect a Storage Device to the Router on page 98

• Access a Storage Device That Is Connected to the Router From a Mac on page 100

• Access a Storage Device Connected to the Router From a Windows Computer on page 99

• Map a USB Device to a Windows Network Drive on page 99

• Back Up Windows Computers With ReadySHARE Vault on page 101

• Use Time Machine to Back Up Onto a USB Hard Disk on page 102

• Use FTP Within the Network on page 104

• View or Change Network Folders on a Storage Device on page 104

• Safely Remove a USB Device on page 108

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

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

USB Device Requirements

The router works with most USB-compliant external flash and hard drives. For the most up-to-date list of USB de vices 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 bef ore 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

• HFS

• HFS+

Connect a Storage Device to the Router

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

Figure 9. USB 3.0 and an eSATA port are located on the sides of the router

Share USB Storage Devices Attached to the Router

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

To connect a USB device:

1. Insert your USB storage drive into a USB port on the side 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 your local area network (LAN).

Access a Storage Device Connected to the Router From a Windows Computer

To access the device from a Windows computer:

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

If your storage device uses a power 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 device is available to all computers on your local area network (LAN).

2. Select Start > Run.

3. Enter \\readyshare in the dialog box.

4. Click the OK button.

A window automatically opens 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 a USB port on the router.

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

2. Select Start > Run.

3. Enter \\readyshare in the dialog box.

Share USB Storage Devices Attached to the Router

Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router

4. Click the OK button.

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

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.

Access a Storage Device That Is Connected to the Router From a Mac

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

To access the device from a Mac:

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

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

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

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

4. When prompted, select the Guest radio button.

If you set up access control on the router and you allowed y our Mac to access the network, select the Registered User radio button and enter admin for the name and password for the password. For more information about

access control, see the user manual, which is availab le online at http://downloadcenter.netgear.com or through a link in the router’s user interface.

5. Click the Connect button.

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

Share USB Storage Devices Attached to the Router

100

Netgear R7800 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Hardware Setup

Unpack Your Router

Top View

Rear Panel

Turn the LEDs On or Off

Attach the Antennas

USB Ports on the Left Panel

eSATA Port on the Right Panel

Connect an eSATA Device

Position Your Router

Cable Your Router

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

Specify IPv6 Internet Connections

Requirements for Entering IPv6 Addresses

Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet Connection

Use Auto Detect 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 PPPoE Internet Connection

Change the MTU Size

Control Access to the Internet

Set Up Parental Controls

Allow or Block Access to Your Network

Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites

Block Services From the Internet

Delete Keywords From the Blocked List

Avoid Blocking on a Trusted Computer

Manage Network Access Control Lists

Schedule When to Block Internet Sites and Services

Set Up Security Event Email Notifications

Network Settings

View or Change WAN Settings

Set Up a Default DMZ Server

Change the Router’s Device Name

Change the LAN TCP/IP Settings

Specify the IP Addresses That the Router Assigns

Disable the DHCP Server Feature in the Router

Manage Reserved LAN IP Addresses

Reserve an IP Address

Edit a Reserved IP Address

Delete a Reserved IP Address Entry

Use the WPS Wizard for WiFi Connections

Specify Basic WiFi Settings

Change the WiFi Mbps Settings

Change the WiFi Password or Security Level

Enable or Disable WiFi MU-MIMO

Enable or Disable WiFi 160 MHz

Enable a WiFi Video Network

Set Up a Guest WiFi Network

Enable a Video Guest WiFi Network

Control the WiFi Radios

Use the WiFi On/Off Button

Enable or Disable the WiFi Radios

Set Up a WiFi Schedule

Specify WPS Settings

Use the Router as a Wireless Access Point

Use the Router in Bridge Mode

Optimize Performance

Use Dynamic QoS to Optimize Internet Traffic Management

Enable Dynamic QoS

Enable or Disable the Automatic QoS Database Update

Manually Update the Dynamic QoS Database

Participate in Dynamic QoS Analytics

Improve Network Connections With Universal Plug and Play

Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service

Manage Your Network

Update the Router Firmware

Change the admin Password

Set Up Password Recovery