NETGEAR R7900P User Manual

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User Manual

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router

Model R7900P

NETGEAR, Inc.

350 E. Plumeria DriveDecember 2019 San Jose, CA 95134, USA202-11719-02

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

Support

Thank you for purchasing this NETGEAR product. You can visit https://www.netgear.com/support 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.

Compliance and Conformity

For regulatory compliance information including the EU Declaration of Conformity, visit https://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory/.

See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply.

Trademarks

Chapter 1 Hardware Setup

Unpack Your Router...........................................................................11

Extend the Antennas..........................................................................11

LEDs and Buttons on the Top Panel.................................................12

Rear Panel............................................................................................13

USB Port on the Back Panel..........................................................14

Router Label........................................................................................15

Position the Router.............................................................................15

Cable Your Router..............................................................................16

Turn the LEDs On or Off Using the LED On/Off Switch.................17

Disable or Enable LED Blinking or Turn Off LEDs..........................18

Chapter 2 Connect to the Network and Access the Router

Connect to the Router........................................................................20

Connect to the Router Through an Ethernet Cable..................20

Join the WiFi Network of the Router...........................................20

Manual Method.........................................................................20

Wi-Fi Protected Setup Method................................................21

Types of Logins..............................................................................21

Use a Web Browser to Access the Router.......................................21

Automatic Internet Setup..............................................................22

Install and manage your router with the Nighthawk app..............24

Change the Language.......................................................................24

Chapter 3 Specify Your Internet Settings

Use the Internet Setup Wizard..........................................................26

Manually set up the Internet connection.........................................26

Specify an Internet Connection Without a Login.......................26

Specify an Internet Connection That Uses a Login and PPPoE

Service.............................................................................................28

Specify an Internet Connection That Uses a Login and PPTP or

L2TP Service....................................................................................30

Specify an IPv6 Internet Connection................................................31

IPv6 Internet Connections and IPv6 Addresses.........................31

Use Auto Detect for an IPv6 Internet Connection......................33

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet Connection.....................34

Set Up an IPv6 6to4 Tunnel Internet Connection......................35

Set Up an IPv6 6rd Tunnel Connection.......................................36

Set Up an IPv6 Pass-Through Internet Connection...................38

Set Up a Fixed IPv6 Internet Connection....................................39

Set Up an IPv6 DHCP Internet Connection.................................40

Set Up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet Connection................................41

Manage the MTU Size........................................................................43

MTU Concepts................................................................................43

Change the MTU Size....................................................................44

Chapter 4 Optimize Performance

Manage Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service..................................47

Improve Network Connections With Universal Plug-N-Play.........48

Chapter 5 Control Access to the Internet

Allow or Block Access to Your Network..........................................51

Enable and Manage Network Access Control...........................51

Manage Network Access Control Lists........................................52

Add Devices to or Remove Them From the Allowed List....53

Add Devices to or Remove Them From the Blocked List....54

Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites...............................................55

Set Up Blocking..............................................................................55

Remove a Keyword or Domain From the Blocked List.............57

Remove All Keywords and Domains From the Blocked List....57

Specify a Trusted Computer.........................................................58

Manage Simple Outbound Firewall Rules for Services and

Applications........................................................................................59

Add an Outbound Firewall Rule..................................................59

Add an Outbound Firewall Rule for a Custom Service or

Application......................................................................................60

Change an Outbound Firewall Rule............................................62

Remove an Outbound Firewall Rule............................................63

Set Up a Schedule for Keyword Blocking and Outbound Firewall

Rules.....................................................................................................63

Set Up Security Event Email Notifications.......................................64

Chapter 6 Manage Dynamic DNS and Access Storage Devices Through the Internet

Set Up and Manage Dynamic DNS..................................................68

Your Personal FTP Server..............................................................68

Set Up a New Dynamic DNS Account.........................................69

Specify a DNS Account That You Already Created...................70

Change the Dynamic DNS Settings.............................................71

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

Access Storage Devices Through the Internet...............................72

Access Storage Devices From a Remote Computer.................72

Set Up FTP Access Through the Internet....................................72

Use FTP to Access Storage Devices Through the Internet.......73

Remotely Access a USB Device Using ReadyCLOUD....................74

Create a ReadyCLOUD Account..................................................74

Chapter 7 Manage the Basic WiFi Network Settings

Manage the Basic WiFi Settings and WiFi Security of the Main

Network................................................................................................78

View or Change the Basic WiFi Settings and WiFi Security

Settings............................................................................................78

Configure WEP Legacy WiFi Security..........................................86

Configure WPA and WPA2 Enterprise WiFi Security................88

Use WPS to Add a Device to the WiFi Network..............................90

Use WPS With the Push Button Method.....................................90

Use WPS With the PIN Method....................................................91

Manage the Basic WiFi Settings and WiFi Security of the Guest

Network................................................................................................92

Control the WiFi Radios.....................................................................96

Use the WiFi On/Off Button..........................................................96

Enable or Disable the WiFi Radios...............................................96

Chapter 8 Share a Storage Device Attached to the Router

USB Device Requirements.................................................................99

Connect a USB Device to the Router...............................................99

Access a Storage Device Connected to the Router.....................100

Access the Storage Device From a Windows-Based

Computer......................................................................................100

Access the Storage Device From a Mac...................................101

Map a USB Device to a Windows Network Drive.........................102

Back Up Windows-Based Computers With ReadySHARE Vault..103

Back Up Mac Computers With Time Machine..............................103

Set Up a Storage Device on a Mac............................................103

Prepare to Back Up a Large Amount of Data...........................104

Use Time Machine to Back Up Onto a Storage Device..........105

Manage Access to a Storage Device.............................................106

Enable FTP Access Within Your Network......................................108

View Network Folders on a Device................................................109

Add a Network Folder on a Storage Device.................................110

Change a Network Folder, Including Read and Write Access, on a

USB Drive...........................................................................................111

Approve USB Devices......................................................................112

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

Safely Remove a USB Device..........................................................113

Chapter 9 Use the Router as a Media Server

Specify ReadyDLNA Media Server Settings..................................115

Play Music From a Storage Device With iTunes Server...............116

Chapter 10 Share a USB Printer

Install the printer driver and cable the printer..............................119

Download the ReadySHARE printer utility....................................119

Install the ReadySHARE printer utility............................................119

Print using the NETGEAR USB Control Center.............................120

Chapter 11 Manage the Advanced WiFi Features

Set Up a WiFi Schedule...................................................................123

Manage the WPS Settings...............................................................124

Manage Advanced WiFi Settings...................................................125

Specify How the Router Manages WiFi Clients............................126

Manage Airtime Fairness............................................................126

Manage Implicit Beamforming..................................................127

Manage MU-MIMO......................................................................128

Set up the router as a WiFi access point.......................................128

Set up the router in bridge mode..................................................129

Return the router to router mode...................................................131

Chapter 12 Manage the WAN and LAN Network Settings

Manage the WAN Security Settings...............................................133

Set Up a Default DMZ Server..........................................................134

Set Up Ethernet Port Aggregation.................................................135

View Ethernet Port Aggregation Status.........................................136

Manage IGMP Proxying...................................................................136

Manage NAT Filtering......................................................................137

Manage the SIP Application-Level Gateway.................................138

Manage the LAN IP Address Settings............................................138

Manage the Router Information Protocol Settings......................139

Manage the DHCP Server Address Pool.......................................140

Manage Reserved LAN IP Addresses............................................142

Reserve a LAN IP Address..........................................................142

Change a Reserved IP Address..................................................143

Remove a Reserved IP Address Entry.......................................143

Disable the Built-In DHCP Server...................................................144

Change the Router’s Device Name................................................145

Set Up and Manage Custom Static Routes...................................145

Set Up a Static Route...................................................................146

Change a Static Route.................................................................147

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

Remove a Static Route................................................................148

Set Up a Bridge for a Port Group or VLAN Tag Group................148

Set Up a Bridge for a Port Group...............................................149

Set Up a Bridge for a VLAN Tag Group....................................150

Chapter 13 Manage the Router and Monitor the Traffic

Update the router firmware............................................................153

Check for new firmware and update the router......................153

Manually upload firmware to the router...................................154

Change the admin Password..........................................................155

Set Up Password Recovery..............................................................155

Recover the admin Password..........................................................156

Manage the Configuration File of the Router...............................157

Back Up the Settings...................................................................157

Restore the Settings....................................................................158

Disable LED Blinking or Turn Off LEDs..........................................158

Return the Router to Its Factory Default Settings.........................159

Use the Reset Button...................................................................160

Erase the Settings........................................................................160

View the Status and Statistics of the Router..................................161

View Information About the Router and the Internet and WiFi

Settings.........................................................................................161

Display Internet Port Statistics....................................................162

Check the Internet Connection Status......................................163

Manage the Activity Log..................................................................164

View, Email, or Clear the Logs...................................................164

Specify Which Activities Are Logged........................................165

View Devices Currently on the Network........................................166

Monitor and Meter Internet Traffic.................................................167

Monitor Traffic Meter Without Configuring Traffic Volume

Restrictions...................................................................................167

Restrict Internet Traffic by Volume............................................168

Restrict Internet Traffic by Connection Time............................169

View the Internet Traffic Volume and Statistics........................170

Unblock the Traffic Meter After the Traffic Limit Is Reached...171

Manage the Router Remotely.........................................................172

Remotely access your router using the Nighthawk app..............173

Chapter 14 Use VPN to Access Your Network

Set Up a VPN Connection...............................................................175

Specify VPN Service in the Router.............................................175

Install OpenVPN Software on a Windows-Based Computer...176

Install OpenVPN Software on a Mac Computer.......................178

Install OpenVPN Software on an iOS Device...........................179

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

Install OpenVPN Software on an Android Device...................180

Use a VPN Tunnel on a Windows-Based Computer....................181

Use VPN to Access the Router’s USB Device and Media............182

Use VPN to Access Your Internet Service at Home......................182

Set Up VPN Client Internet Access in the Router.....................182

Block VPN Client Internet Access in the Router.......................183

Use a VPN Tunnel to Access Your Internet Service at Home..184

Chapter 15 Manage Port Forwarding and Port Triggering

Manage Port Forwarding to a Local Server for Services and

Applications......................................................................................186

Forward Incoming Traffic for a Default Service or Application.186

Add a Port Forwarding Rule With a Custom Service or

Application...................................................................................187

Change a Port Forwarding Rule.................................................188

Remove a Port Forwarding Rule................................................189

Application Example: Make a Local Web Server Public.........190

How the Router Implements the Port Forwarding Rule..........190

Manage Port Triggering for Services and Applications..............191

Add a Port Triggering Rule.........................................................191

Change a Port Triggering Rule..................................................193

Remove a Port Triggering Rule..................................................193

Specify the Time-Out for Port Triggering.................................194

Disable Port Triggering...............................................................195

Application Example: Port Triggering for Internet Relay Chat.195

Chapter 16 Troubleshooting

Reboot the Router From Its Web Interface...................................198

Quick Tips..........................................................................................198

Sequence to Restart Your Network...........................................198

Check Ethernet Cable Connections..........................................199

WiFi Settings.................................................................................199

Network Settings..........................................................................199

Troubleshoot With the LEDs...........................................................199

Standard LED Behavior When the Router Is Powered On......199

Power LED Is Off or Blinking......................................................200

Power LED Stays Amber.............................................................200

Internet or Ethernet LEDs Are Off..............................................201

WiFi LED Is Off.............................................................................201

You Cannot Log In to the Router....................................................201

You Cannot Access the Internet.....................................................202

Check the WAN IP Address........................................................202

Troubleshoot PPPoE....................................................................204

Troubleshoot Internet Browsing................................................204

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

Changes Are Not Saved..................................................................205

Troubleshoot WiFi Connectivity.....................................................205

Troubleshoot Your Network Using the Ping Utility......................206

Test the LAN Path to Your Router..............................................206

Test the Path From Your Computer to a Remote Device.......207

Chapter 17 Supplemental Information

Factory Settings................................................................................210

Technical Specifications..................................................................213

Hardware Setup

This chapter contains the following sections:

• Unpack Your Router

• Extend the Antennas

• LEDs and Buttons on the Top Panel

• Rear Panel

• Router Label

• Position the Router

• Cable Your Router

• Turn the LEDs On or Off Using the LED On/Off Switch

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

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

Unpack Your Router

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

Figure 1. Package contents

Extend the Antennas

Position the antennas for the best WiFi performance.

To extend the antennas:

Position all of the antennas vertically as shown.

User Manual11Hardware Setup

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

LEDs and Buttons on the Top Panel

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

Table 1. LED and button descriptions

DescriptionsLEDs and Buttons

Power

Internet

2.4 GHz WiFi

5 GHz WiFi (2)

USB 3.0 port

Guest WiFi

Solid amber. The router is starting. Blinking amber. The firmware is upgrading, or the Reset button was pressed. Solid white. The router is ready. Blinking white. The firmware is corrupted. Off. Power is not supplied to the router.

Solid white. The Internet connection is ready. Solid amber. The router detected an Ethernet cable connection to the modem. Off. No Ethernet cable is connected between the router and the modem.

Solid white. The 2.4 GHz WiFi radio is operating. Blinking white. The router is sending or receiving WiFi traffic. Off. The 2.4 GHz WiFi radio is off.

Solid white. The 5 GHz WiFi radio is operating. Blinking white. The router is sending or receiving WiFi traffic. Off. The 5 GHz WiFi radio is off.

Solid white. A USB device is connected and is ready. Blinking white. A USB device is plugged in and is trying to connect. Off. No USB device is connected, or someone clicked the Safely Remove Hardware button

and it is now safe to remove the attached USB device.

Solid white. The guest WiFi network is operating. Blinking white. The router is sending or receiving WiFi traffic. Off. The guest WiFi network is off.

Ethernet ports 1–4

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

Solid white or solid amber. A powered-on device is connected to the Ethernet port. Blinking white or blinking amber. The port is sending or receiving traffic. Off. No device is connected to this Ethernet port.

User Manual12Hardware Setup

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

Table 1. LED and button descriptions (Continued)

DescriptionsLEDs and Buttons

WiFi On/Off button with LED

WPS button with LED

Pressing this button for two seconds turns the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi radios on and off. If this LED is solid white, the WiFi radios are on. If this LED is off, the WiFi radios are turned off and you cannot use WiFi to connect to the router.

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

For information about disabling LED blinking for network communications and turning off all LEDs except the Power LED, see Disable or Enable LED Blinking or Turn Off LEDs on page 18.

Rear Panel

The following figure shows the rear panel connectors and buttons.

Figure 2. Router back panel

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Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

In addition to the six antenna connectors, viewed from left to right, the back panel contains the following components:

LED On/Off switch. Use the LED On/Off switch to turn the LEDs. Note that the

•

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

Ethernet ports. Four Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 LAN ports. Use these ports to connect

• the router to LAN devices. Use Ethernet ports 1 and 2 to cable a device that supports

Ethernet port aggregation.

Internet port. One Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 WAN port to connect the router to an

• Internet modem such as a cable modem or DSL modem.

USB port. Use the USB 3.0 port to connect the router to a USB storage device.

•

Reset button. Pressing the Reset button resets the router. If the Reset button is

• pressed for at least 10 seconds and the Power LED blinks amber and the router returns to its factory settings.

DC power connector. Connect the power adapter that came with your router to

• the DC power connector.

Power On/Off button. Press the Power On/Off button to provide power to the

• router.

USB Port on the Back Panel

A USB 3.0 port is located on the back of the router.

Figure 3. Router back panel

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Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

Router Label

The router label on the bottom panel lists the login information, WiFi network name (SSID) and password (network key), serial number, and MAC address of the router.

Figure 4. Router label

Position the Router

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

Additionally, other WiFi access points in and around your home might affect your router’s signal. WiFi access points are routers, repeaters, WiFi range extenders, and any other device that emits a WiFi signal for network access.

Position the router according to the following guidelines:

Place the router near the center of the area where your computers and other devices

• operate and within line of sight to your WiFi devices.

Make sure that the router is within reach of an AC power outlet and near Ethernet

• cables for wired computers.

Place the router in an elevated location, minimizing the number walls and ceilings

• between the router and your other devices.

Place the router away from electrical devices such as these:

•

Ceiling fans

- Home security systems

- Microwaves

- Computers

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Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

Base of a cordless phone

- 2.4 GHz cordless phone

- 5 GHz cordless phone

Place the router away from large metal surfaces, large glass surfaces, insulated walls,

• and items such as these:

- Solid metal door

- Aluminum studs

- Fish tanks

- Mirrors

- Brick

- Concrete

If you are using adjacent access points, use different radio frequency channels to reduce interference.

Cable Your Router

The following image shows how to cable your router:

Figure 5. Cable your Router

User Manual16Hardware Setup

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

To cable your router:

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.

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

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

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

Turn the LEDs On or Off Using the LED On/Off Switch

Use the LED On/Off switch on the rear panel of the router to turn off the LEDs, including the LEDs on the six active antennas. Note that the Power LED stays lit even if the LED

On/Off switch is in the Off position.

To turn the LEDs on or off using the LED On/Off switch:

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

User Manual17Hardware Setup

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

Disable or Enable LED Blinking or Turn Off LEDs

The LEDs on the back panel of the router indicate activities and behavior. You can turn off the router LEDs using the LED On/Off switch on the rear panel of the router. You can also log in to the router to disable or enable LED blinking or turn off the LEDs. In addition, you can disable LED blinking for network communications, or turn off all LEDs except the Power LED.

To disable LED blinking or turn off the LEDs using the router web interface:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > LED Control Settings. The LED Control Settings page displays.

5. Select an LED control setting:

Enable blinking on Internet LED, LAN LED, Wireless LED and USB LED when

•

data traffic is detected. Allows standard LED behavior. This setting is enabled by default.

Disable blinking on Internet LED, LAN LED, Wireless LED and USB LED when

•

data traffic is detected. Blinking is disabled when data traffic is detected.

Turn off all LEDs except Power LED. All the LEDs, except the Power LED, are

•

turned off.

For more information about LEDs, see LEDs and Buttons on the Top Panel on page

12.

6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.

User Manual18Hardware Setup

Connect to the Network and Access the Router

You can connect to the router’s WiFi networks or use a wired Ethernet connection. This chapter describes the ways you can connect and how to access the router and log in.

The chapter contains the following sections:

• Connect to the Router

• Use a Web Browser to Access the Router

• Install and manage your router with the Nighthawk app

• Change the Language

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

Connect to the Router

During and after installation, you can connect to the router’s network through a wired or WiFi connection. If you set up your computer to use a static IP address, change the settings of your computer so that it uses Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).

Connect to the Router Through an Ethernet Cable

You can connect your computer to the router using an Ethernet cable and join the router’s local area network (LAN).

To connect your computer to the router with an Ethernet cable:

1. Make sure that the router is receiving power (its Power LED is lit).

2. Connect an Ethernet cable to an Ethernet port on your computer.

Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to one of the numbered Ethernet ports. Your computer connects to the local area network (LAN). A message might display

on your computer screen to notify you that an Ethernet cable is connected.

Join the WiFi Network of the Router

Choose either the manual or the WPS method to add a WiFi device such as a WiFi-enabled computer, an iPhone, an iPad, another mobile device, or a gaming device to the WiFi network of the router.

Manual Method On the WiFi device that you want to connect to the router, you can

use the software application that manages your WiFi connections.

To connect a device manually to the WiFi network of the router:

1. Make sure that the router is receiving power (its Power LED is lit).

On the WiFi device that you want to connect to your router, open the software application that manages your WiFi connections.

This software scans for all WiFi networks in your area.

Look for the router’s network and select it. If you did not change the name of the network during the setup process, look for

the default WiFi network name (SSID) and select it. The default SSID is on the router label.

4. Enter the router WiFi password. The default WiFi password (also referred to as the network key or passphrase) is also

on the router label.

User Manual20Connect to the Network and

Access the Router

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

5. Click the Connect button. The device connects to the WiFi network of the router.

Wi-Fi Protected Setup Method Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is a standard for

easily adding computers and other devices to a home network while maintaining security. To use WPS (Push 'N' Connect), make sure that all WiFi devices to be connected to the network are Wi-Fi certified and support WPS. During the connection process, the client gets the security settings from the router so that every device in the network supports the same security settings.

To use WPS to connect a computer or mobile device to the WiFi network of the router:

1. Make sure that the router is receiving power (its Power LED is lit).

Check the WPS instructions for your computer or mobile device.

Press the WPS button of the router for three seconds.

4. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your computer or mobile device, or follow the WPS instructions that came with the device.

The WPS process automatically sets up the device with the network password and connects the device to the WiFi network of the router.

For more information, see Use WPS to Add a Device to the WiFi Network on page

90.

Types of Logins

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

Several types of logins are associated with the router:

ISP login. The login that your ISP gave you logs you in to your Internet service. Your

• service provider gave you this login information in a letter or some other way. If you

cannot find this login information, contact your service provider.

WiFi network key or password. Your router is preset with a unique WiFi network

• name (SSID) and password for WiFi access. This information is on the router label.

Router login. This logs you in to the router interface from a web browser as admin.

•

Use a Web Browser to Access the Router

When you connect to the network (either with WiFi or with an Ethernet cable), you can use a web browser to access the router to view or change its settings. When you access

User Manual21Connect to the Network and

Access the Router

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

the router, the software automatically checks to see if your router can connect to your Internet service.

Automatic Internet Setup

You can set up your router automatically, or you can use a web browser to access the router and set up your router manually. Before you start the setup process, get your ISP information and make sure that the computers and devices in the network are using the settings described here.

When your Internet service starts, your Internet service provider (ISP) typically gives you all the information needed to connect to the Internet. For DSL service, you might need the following information to set up your router:

The ISP configuration information for your DSL account

•

ISP login name and password

•

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

•

If you cannot locate this information, ask your ISP to provide it. When your Internet connection is working, you no longer need to launch the ISP login program on your computer to access the Internet. When you start an Internet application, your router automatically logs you in.

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

To automatically set up your router:

1. Make sure that the router is powered on.

2. Make sure that your computer or mobile device is connected to the router with an Ethernet cable (wired) or over WiFi with the preset security settings listed on the label.

Note: If you want to change the router’s WiFi settings, use a wired connection to avoid being disconnected when the new WiFi settings take effect.

3. Launch a web browser. The page that displays depends on whether you accessed the router before:

•

The first time you set up the Internet connection for your router, the browser goes to http://www.routerlogin.net and the Configuring the Internet Connection page displays.

•

If you already set up the Internet connection, enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field for your browser to start the installation process.

4. Follow the onscreen instructions.

Access the Router

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Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

The router connects to the Internet.

If the browser does not display the NETGEAR installation assistant, do the following:

•

Make sure that the computer is connected to one of the LAN Ethernet ports or over WiFi to the router.

• Make sure that the router is receiving power and that its Power LED is lit.

• Close and reopen the browser or clear the browser cache.

•

Browse to http://www.routerlogin.net.

•

If the computer is set to a static or fixed IP address (this setting is uncommon), change it to obtain an IP address automatically from the router.

If the router does not connect to the Internet, do the following: a. Review your settings. Make sure that you selected the correct options and typed

everything correctly.

Contact your ISP to verify that you are using the correct configuration information.

Read You Cannot Access the Internet on page 202. If problems persist, register your NETGEAR product and contact NETGEAR Technical Support.

Log in to the router

When you first connect to your router and launch a web browser, the browser automatically displays the router web interface. If you want to view or change settings for the router later, you can use a browser to log in to the router web interface.

To log in to the router:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

Note: You can also enter http://www.routerlogin.com or http://192.168.1.1. The procedures in this manual use http://www.routerlogin.net.

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time

that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

User Manual23Connect to the Network and

Access the Router

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

Install and manage your router with the Nighthawk app

With the Nighthawk app, you can easily install and manage your router. The app automatically updates the router to the latest firmware, allows you to personalize your WiFi network, and even helps register your router with NETGEAR.

The Nighthawk app is available for iOS and Android mobile devices.

To install your router using the Nighthawk app:

1. To download the app, visit Nighthawk-app.com.

On your mobile device, tap Settings > Wi-Fi and find and connect to your router’s WiFi network.

Your router’s WiFi network name (SSID) and network key (WiFi password) are on the router label.

If the label includes a QR code, you can scan the QR code to join the router’s WiFi network.

3. Launch the Nighthawk app on your mobile device.

4. Follow the prompts on the app to install your router and connect to the Internet.

Change the Language

By default, the language is set as Auto. You can change the language.

To change the language:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

In the upper right corner, select a language from the menu.

When prompted, click the OK button to confirm this change. The page refreshes with the language that you selected.

Access the Router

User Manual24Connect to the Network and

Specify Your Internet Settings

You can also customize or specify your Internet settings.

This chapter contains the following sections:

• Use the Internet Setup Wizard

• Manually set up the Internet connection

• Specify an IPv6 Internet Connection

• Manage the MTU Size

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

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:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time

that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup Wizard. The Setup Wizard page displays.

5. Select the Yes radio button. If you select the No radio button, you are taken to the Internet Setup page (see

Manually set up the Internet connection on page 26).

6. Click the Next button. The Setup Wizard searches your Internet connection for servers and protocols to

determine your Internet configuration.

Manually set up the Internet connection

You can view or change the router’s Internet connection settings.

Specify an Internet Connection Without a Login

You can manually specify the connection settings for an Internet service for which you do not need to log in.

Use the information that your ISP gave you to connect to your Internet service. If you cannot find this information, contact your ISP. Entering incorrect information might prevent the router from connecting to the Internet.

User Manual26Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

To specify the connection settings for an Internet service for which you do not need to log in:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Internet. The Internet Setup window displays. The Internet Setup page displays.

5. Leave the Does your Internet connection require a login? No radio button selected.

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

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.

• 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.

User Manual27Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

• 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 202.

Specify an Internet Connection That Uses a Login and PPPoE Service

You can manually specify the connection settings for a PPPoE Internet service for which you must log in. Use the information that your ISP gave you to connect to your Internet service. If you cannot find this information, contact your ISP. Entering incorrect information might prevent the router from connecting to the Internet.

To specify the connection settings for a PPPoE Internet service for which you must log in:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Internet. The Internet Setup page displays.

5. Select the Does your Internet connection require a login? Yes radio button. The page adjusts.

6. From the Internet Service Provider menu, select PPPoE as the encapsulation method.

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

User Manual28Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

This login name is often an email address.

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

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

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

11.

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

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

12. Select an Internet IP Address radio button:

•

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

ISP automatically assigns these addresses.

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

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

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

•

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

Your ISP automatically assigns this address.

•

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 202.

User Manual29Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

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

You can manually specify the connection settings for a PPTP or L2TP Internet service for which you must log in. Use the information that your ISP gave you to connect to your Internet service. If you cannot find this information, contact your ISP. Entering incorrect information might prevent the router from connecting to the Internet.

To specify the connection settings for a PPTP or L2TP Internet service for which you must log in:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Internet. The Internet Setup page displays.

5. Select the Does your Internet connection require a login? Yes radio button. The page adjusts.

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

In the Login field, enter the login name that your ISP gave you. This login name is often an email address.

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

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

10.

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

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

User Manual30Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

11.

If your ISP gave you fixed IP addresses and a connection ID or name, type them in the My IP Address, Subnet Mask, Server Address, Gateway IP Address, and Connection ID/Name fields.

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

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

•

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

Your ISP automatically assigns this address.

•

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

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

13. Select a Router MAC Address radio button:

•

Use Default Address. Use the default MAC address.

• Use Computer MAC Address. The router captures and uses the MAC address

of the computer that you are now using. You must use the one computer that the ISP allows.

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

14. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.

15. Click the Test button to test your Internet connection. If the NETGEAR website does not display within one minute, see You Cannot Access

the Internet on page 202.

Specify an IPv6 Internet Connection

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

IPv6 Internet Connections and IPv6 Addresses

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

Auto Detect. For information, see Use Auto Detect for an IPv6 Internet Connection

• on page 33.

Auto Config. For information, see Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet Connection

• on page 34.

User Manual31Specify Your Internet Settings

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6to4 tunnel. For information, see Set Up an IPv6 6to4 Tunnel Internet Connection

• on page 35.

6rd. For information, see Set Up an IPv6 6rd Tunnel Connection on page 36.

•

Pass-through. For information, see Set Up an IPv6 Pass-Through Internet Connection

• on page 38.

Fixed. For information, see Set Up a Fixed IPv6 Internet Connection on page 39.

•

DHCP. For information, see Set Up an IPv6 DHCP Internet Connection on page 40.

•

PPPoE. For information, see Set Up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet Connection on page 41.

•

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

If your ISP did not provide details, use the 6to4 tunnel connection type (see Set Up

• an IPv6 6to4 Tunnel Internet Connection on page 35).

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

• connection type, which lets the router detect the IPv6 type that is in use (see Use

Auto Detect for an IPv6 Internet Connection on page 33).

If your Internet connection does not use pass-through, a fixed IP address, DHCP,

• 6rd, or PPPoE but is IPv6, use the Auto Config connection type, which lets the router autoconfigure its IPv6 connection (see Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet Connection on page 34).

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

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

More than eight groups of hexadecimal quartets

•

More than four hexadecimal characters in a quartet

•

More than two colons in a row

•

User Manual32Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

Use Auto Detect for an IPv6 Internet Connection

To set up an IPv6 Internet connection through autodetection:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6. The IPv6 page displays.

5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select Auto Detect. The page adjusts. The router automatically detects the information in the following fields:

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 (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. 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).

(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.

User Manual33Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

8. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.

Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet Connection

To set up an IPv6 Internet connection through autoconfiguration:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6. The IPv6 page displays.

From the Internet Connection Type menu, select Auto Config. The page adjusts. 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

•

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

•

(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.

(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 server is mail.xxx.yyy.zzz, type xxx.yyy.zzz as the domain name. If your ISP provided a domain name, type it in this field. For example, Earthlink Cable might require a host name of home, and Comcast sometimes supplies a domain name.

User Manual34Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

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

•

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

Your ISP automatically assigns this address.

•

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

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

9. Select an IP Address Assignment radio button:

•

Use DHCP Server. This method passes more information to LAN devices but

some IPv6 systems might not support the DHCv6 client function.

•

Auto Config. This is the default setting.

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

10.

(Optional) Select the Use This Interface ID check box and specify the interface ID to be used for the IPv6 address of the router’s LAN interface.

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

11. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.

Set Up an IPv6 6to4 Tunnel Internet Connection

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

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

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6. The IPv6 page displays.

User Manual35Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select 6to4 Tunnel. The page adjusts. The router automatically detects the information in the Router’s IPv6 Address on

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

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

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

This is the default setting.

•

Static IP Address. Enter the static IPv4 address of the remote relay router. Your

IPv6 ISP usually provides this address.

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

•

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

Your ISP automatically assigns this address.

•

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

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

8. Select an IP Address Assignment radio button:

•

Use DHCP Server. This method passes more information to LAN devices but

some IPv6 systems might not support the DHCv6 client function.

•

Auto Config. This is the default setting.

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

(Optional) Select the Use This Interface ID check box and specify the interface ID to be used for the IPv6 address of the router’s LAN interface.

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

10. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.

Set Up an IPv6 6rd Tunnel Connection

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

User Manual36Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

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

To set up an IPv6 6rd tunnel connection:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6. The IPv6 page displays.

5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select 6rd Tunnel. The page adjusts. The router automatically detects the information in the Router’s IPv6 Address on

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

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

•

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

•

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

•

gave you.

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

•

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

•

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

Your ISP automatically assigns this address.

•

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

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

8. Select an IP Address Assignment radio button:

User Manual37Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

•

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).

(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.

In the MTU Size field, enter a value from 64 to 1500. (SeeManage the MTU Size on page 43.) The normal MTU (maximum transmit unit) value for most Ethernet networks is 1500 bytes, or 1492 bytes for PPPoE connections, or 1436 for PPTP connections. Change the MTU only if you are sure that it is necessary for your ISP connection.

11. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.

Set Up an IPv6 Pass-Through Internet Connection

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

To set up an IPv6 pass-through Internet connection:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6. The IPv6 page displays.

5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select Pass Through. The page adjusts and no additional fields display.

6. Click the Apply button.

User Manual38Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

Your settings are saved.

Set Up a Fixed IPv6 Internet Connection

To set up a fixed IPv6 Internet connection:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6. The IPv6 page displays.

5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select Fixed. The page adjusts.

Configure the fixed IPv6 addresses for the WAN connection:

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

•

WAN interface.

Default IPv6 Gateway. The IPv6 address of the default IPv6 gateway for the

•

router’s WAN interface.

Primary DNS. The primary DNS server that resolves IPv6 domain name records

•

for the router.

Secondary DNS. The secondary DNS server that resolves IPv6 domain name

•

records for the router.

Note: If you do not specify the DNS servers, the router uses the DNS servers that are configured for the IPv4 Internet connection on the Internet Setup page. (See Manually set up the Internet connection on page 26.)

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 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).

User Manual39Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

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:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6. The IPv6 page displays.

5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select DHCP. The page adjusts. 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

•

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

•

(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.

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

User Manual40Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

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 server is mail.xxx.yyy.zzz, type xxx.yyy.zzz as the domain name. If your ISP provided a domain name, type it in this field. For example, Earthlink Cable might require a host name of home, and Comcast sometimes supplies a domain name.

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

•

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

Your ISP automatically assigns this address.

•

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

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

9. Select an IP Address Assignment radio button:

•

Use DHCP Server. This method passes more information to LAN devices but

some IPv6 systems might not support the DHCv6 client function.

•

Auto Config. This is the default setting.

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

10.

(Optional) Select the Use This Interface ID check box and specify the interface ID to be used for the IPv6 address of the router’s LAN interface.

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

11. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.

Set Up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet Connection

To set up a PPPoE IPv6 Internet connection:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

User Manual41Specify Your Internet Settings

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

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:

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

•

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

•

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.

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

In the Service Name field, enter a service name. If your ISP did not provide a service name, leave this field blank.

Note: The default setting of the Connection Mode menu is Always On to provide a steady IPv6 connection. The router never terminates the connection. If the connection is terminated, for example, when the modem is turned off, the router attempts to reestablish the connection immediately after the PPPoE connection becomes available again.

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

•

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

Your ISP automatically assigns this address.

•

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

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

10. Select an IP Address Assignment radio button:

•

Use DHCP Server. This method passes more information to LAN devices but

some IPv6 systems might not support the DHCv6 client function.

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•

Auto Config. This is the default setting.

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

11.

(Optional) Select the Use This Interface ID check box and specify the interface ID to be used for the IPv6 address of the router’s LAN interface.

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

12. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.

Manage the MTU Size

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

MTU Concepts

When one network device communicates across the Internet with another, the data packets travel through many devices along the way. If a device in the data path uses a lower maximum transmission unit (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

You use VPN and experience severe performance problems.

•

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

• experiencing connectivity or performance problems.

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

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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

Used in PPPoA environments.1458

Used in PPTP environments or with VPN.1436

Change the MTU Size

WARNING: An incorrect MTU setting can cause Internet communication problems.

For example, you might not be able to access certain websites, frames within websites, secure login pages, or FTP or POP servers. Change the MTU only if you are sure that it is necessary for your ISP connection.

To change the MTU size:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > WAN Setup. The WAN Setup page displays.

In the MTU Size field, enter a value from 64 to 1500. The normal maximum transmit unit (MTU) value for most Ethernet networks is 1500

bytes, 1492 bytes for PPPoE connections, or 1436 for PPTP connections.

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6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.

User Manual45Specify Your Internet Settings

Optimize Performance

This chapter describes how to optimize the router’s performance and manage the traffic flows through the router.

The chapter contains the following sections:

• Manage Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service

• Improve Network Connections With Universal Plug-N-Play

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

Manage 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 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 on both the application 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.

WMM QoS is automatically enabled for the router. In some circumstances you might want to disable WMM.

To manage WMM QoS:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > QoS Setup. The QoS Setup page displays.

Disable or enable WMM QoS by doing the following:

•

To disable WMM QoS for the 2.4 GHz radio, clear the Enable WMM (Wi-Fi multimedia) settings (2.4GHz b/g/n) check box.

•

To enable WMM QoS for the 2.4 GHz radio, select the Enable WMM (Wi-Fi multimedia) settings (2.4GHz b/g/n) check box.

By default, WMM QoS is enabled for the 2.4 GHz radio.

•

To disable WMM QoS for the 5 GHz radio, clear the Enable WMM (Wi-Fi multimedia) settings (5GHz a/n) check box.

•

To enable WMM QoS for the 5 GHz radio, select the Enable WMM (Wi-Fi multimedia) settings (5GHz a/n) check box.

•

To disable WMM QoS for the second 5 GHz radio, clear the Enable WMM (Wi-Fi multimedia) settings Second Radio (5GHz a/n) check box.

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•

To enable WMM QoS for the second 5 GHz radio, select the Enable WMM (Wi-Fi multimedia) settings Second Radio (5GHz a/n) check box.

Note: By default, WMM QoS is enabled for the 5 GHz radios.

6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.

Improve Network Connections With Universal Plug-N-Play

Universal Plug-N-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 multiplayer gaming, peer-to-peer connections, or real-time communications such as instant messaging or remote assistance, keep UPnP enabled, which it is by default.

To manage Universal Plug-N-Play:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > UPnP. The UPnP page displays.

5. Select the Turn UPnP On check box. By default, this check box is selected. You can disable or enable UPnP for automatic

device configuration. 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. Enter the advertisement period in minutes.

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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 detect 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. Enter 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.

User Manual49Optimize Performance

Control Access to the Internet

The router comes with a built-in firewall that helps protect your home network from unwanted intrusions from the Internet.

This chapter includes the following sections:

• Allow or Block Access to Your Network

• Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites

• Manage Simple Outbound Firewall Rules for Services and Applications

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

• Set Up Security Event Email Notifications

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Allow or Block Access to Your Network

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

Enable and Manage Network Access Control

When you enable access control, you must select whether new devices are allowed to access the network or are blocked from accessing the network. By default, currently connected devices are allowed to access the network, but you can also block these devices from accessing the network.

To set up network access control:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Access Control. The Access Control window displays.

5. Select the Turn on Access Control check box. You must select this check box before you can specify an access rule and use the

Allow and Block buttons. When the Turn on Access Control check box is cleared, all devices are allowed to connect, even if a device is in the list of blocked devices.

6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.

Select an access rule for new devices:

•

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

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

•

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

before it can access your network, you must enter its MAC address for an Ethernet

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connection and its MAC address for a WiFi connection in the allowed list. For more information, see Manage Network Access Control Lists on page 52.

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.

To manage access for currently connected computers and devices, do the following:

•

If you blocked all new devices from connecting, to allow the computer or device that you are currently using to continue to access the network, select the check box next to your computer or device in the table, and click the Allow button.

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

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

9. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.

Manage Network Access Control Lists

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

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

Each network device owns a MAC address, which is a unique 12-character physical address, containing the hexadecimal characters 0–9, a–f, or A–F (uppercase or lowercase) only, and separated by colons (for example, 00:09:AB:CD:EF:01). Typically, the MAC address is on the label of the WiFi card or network interface device. If you cannot see the label, you can display the MAC address using the network configuration utilities of

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the computer. You might also find the MAC addresses through the router web interface (see View Devices Currently on the Network on page 166).

Add Devices to or Remove Them From the Allowed List If you set up an

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

To add or remove devices that are allowed:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Access Control. The Access Control page displays.

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

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

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To add a device to the allowed list, do the following: a. Click the Add button.

The Add Allowed Device page displays.

Enter the MAC address and device name for the device that you want to allow.

c. On the Add Allowed Device page, click the Apply button.

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

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

Select the check box for the device.

b. Click the Delete button.

The device is removed from the allowed list.

8. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.

Add Devices to or Remove Them From the Blocked List If you set up an

access list that allows all new devices to access your network but you want to block some devices from accessing your network, you must specify the devices that you want to block.

To add or remove devices that are blocked:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Access Control. The Access Control page displays.

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

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

To add a device to the blocked list, do the following: a. Click the Add button.

The Add Blocked Device page displays.

Enter the MAC address and device name for the device that you want to block.

c. On the Add Blocked Device page, click the Apply button.

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

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

Select the check box for the device.

b. Click the Delete button.

The device is removed from the blocked list.

8. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.

Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites

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

Set Up Blocking

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

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To set up keyword and domain blocking:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Block Sites. The Block Sites window displays.

Specify a keyword blocking option:

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

For more information, see Set Up a Schedule for Keyword Blocking and Outbound Firewall Rules on page 63.

• Always. Use keyword blocking continuously.

In the Type keyword or domain name here field, enter a keyword or domain. Here are some sample entries:

Specify XXX to block http://www.badstuff.com/xxx.html.

•

Specify .com if you want to allow only sites with domain suffixes such as .edu or

•

.gov.

Enter a period (.) to block all Internet browsing access.

•

7. Click the Add Keyword button. The keyword or domain is added to the Block sites containing these keywords

or domain names field (which is also referred to as the blocked list).

8. To add more keywords or domains, repeatStep 6 andStep 7. The keyword list supports up to 32 entries.

9. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.

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Remove a Keyword or Domain From the Blocked List

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

To remove a keyword or domain from the blocked list:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Block Sites. The Block Sites page displays.

In the Block sites containing these keywords or domain names field, select the keyword or domain.

6. Click the Delete Keyword button. The keyword or domain is removed from the blocked list.

7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.

Remove All Keywords and Domains From the Blocked List

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

To remove all keywords and domains from the blocked list:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

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4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Block Sites. The Block Sites page displays.

5. Click the Clear List button. All keywords and domains are removed from the blocked list.

6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.

Specify a Trusted Computer

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

To specify a trusted device:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Block Sites. The Block Sites window displays.

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

In the Trusted IP Address field, enter the IP address of the trusted device. The first three octets of the IP address are automatically populated and depend on

the IP address that is assigned to the router on the LAN Setup page.

7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.

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Manage Simple Outbound Firewall Rules for Services and Applications

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

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

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

For information about blocking specific keywords, URLs, or sites, see Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites on page 55. This type of blocking is another aspect of the outbound firewall. For information about inbound firewall rules, see Manage Port Forwarding and Port Triggering on page 185.

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

Add an Outbound Firewall Rule

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

To add an outbound firewall rule:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Block Services. The Block Services window displays.

Specify a services blocking option:

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

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For more information, see Set Up a Schedule for Keyword Blocking and Outbound Firewall Rules on page 63.

• Always. Use keyword blocking continuously.

6. Below the Service Table, click the Add button. The Block Services Setup window displays.

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

If the service or application does not display in the list, you can add it (see Add an Outbound Firewall Rule for a Custom Service or Application on page 60).

Specify which devices on your LAN are affected by the rule, based on their IP addresses:

•

Only This IP Address. Enter the required address in the fields to apply the rule

to a single device on your LAN.

•

IP Address Range. Enter the required addresses in the start and end fields to

apply the rule to a range of devices.

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

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

9. Click the Add button. The new rule is added to the Service Table on the Block Services page.

Add an Outbound Firewall Rule for a Custom Service or Application

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

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

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

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

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

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4. Enter router the user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

5. Select ADVANCED > Security > Block Services. The Block Services Setup window displays.

If this is the first time that you add an outbound firewall rule services blocking section option:

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

For more information, see Set Up a Schedule for Keyword Blocking and Outbound Firewall Rules on page 63.

• Always. Use keyword blocking continuously.

7. Below the Service Table, click the Add button. The Block Services Setup window displays.

From the Service Type menu, select User Defined.

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

DescriptionField

Protocol

Ending Port

10.

Specify which devices on your LAN are affected by the rule, based on their IP

Select the protocol (TCP or UDP) that is associated with the

service or application. If you are unsure, select TCP/UDP.

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

If the service or application uses a range of ports, enter the

end port for the range. If the service or application uses a

single port, repeat the port number that you entered in the

Starting Port field.

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

addresses:

•

Only This IP Address. Enter the required address in the fields to apply the rule

to a single device on your LAN.

•

IP Address Range. Enter the required addresses in the start and end fields to

apply the rule to a range of devices.

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

rule.

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

11. Click the Add button. The new rule is added to the Service Table on the Block Services page.

Change an Outbound Firewall Rule

You can change an existing outbound firewall rule.

To change an outbound firewall rule:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Block Services. The Block Services Setup window displays.

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

6. Click the Edit button. The Block Services Setup page displays.

7. Change the settings. For more information about the settings, see Add an Outbound Firewall Rule for a

Custom Service or Application on page 60.

8. Click the Accept button. Your settings are saved. The changed rule displays in the Service Table on the Block

Services page.

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Remove an Outbound Firewall Rule

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

To remove an outbound firewall rule:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Block Services. The Block Services Setup window displays.

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

6. Click the Delete button. The rule is removed from the Service Table.

Set Up a Schedule for Keyword Blocking and Outbound Firewall Rules

You can set up a schedule that you can apply to keyword blocking and outbound firewall rules.

The schedule can specify the days and times that these features are active. After you set up the schedule, if you want it to become active, you must apply it to keyword blocking (see Set Up Blocking on page 55), outbound firewall rules (see Manage Simple Outbound Firewall Rules for Services and Applications on page 59), or both. Without a schedule, you can only enable or disable these features. By default, no schedule is set.

To set up a schedule:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

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3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Schedule. The Schedule window displays.

Set up the schedule for blocking:

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

•

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

Time of Day to Block. Select a start and end time for blocking in 24-hour format

•

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

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

If you live in an area that observes daylight saving time, select the Automatically

adjust for daylight savings time check box.

Note: If the router synchronized its internal clock with a time server on the Internet

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

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:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Security > E-mail. The E-mail window displays.

Select the Turn E-mail Notification On check box.

In the Send alerts and logs through email field, type the primary and the secondary email address (optional) to which logs and alerts are to be sent.

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

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.

Select the Outgoing Mail Server Port Number Specific Port Number radio button, and enter the port number that the mail server uses.

If you do not know the port number, leave the default (Auto Detection) radio button selected. The default port number is 25.

If your outgoing email server requires authentication, select the My Mail Server requires authentication check box, and do the following:

In the User Name field, type the user name for the outgoing email server.

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

10.

To send notifications to your email address when a downloader task is complete, select Send E-mail notification when a downloader task is finished.

11. 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.

12.

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.

13. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.

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Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

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.

User Manual66Control Access to the Internet

Manage Dynamic DNS and Access Storage Devices Through the Internet

With Dynamic DNS, you can use the Internet and a personal domain name to access a USB storage device that is attached to a USB port on the router when you are not home. If you know the IP address of the router (and the IP address did not change), you can also access the USB storage device by using the IP address.

This chapter includes the following sections:

• Set Up and Manage Dynamic DNS

• Access Storage Devices Through the Internet

• Remotely Access a USB Device Using ReadyCLOUD

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

Set Up and Manage Dynamic DNS

Internet service providers (ISPs) assign numbers called IP addresses to identify each Internet account. Most ISPs use dynamically assigned IP addresses. This means that the IP address can change at any time. You can use the IP address to access your network remotely, but most people do not know what their IP address is or when this address changes.

To make it easier to connect, you can get a free account with a Dynamic DNS service that lets you use a domain name to access your home network. To use this account, you must set up the router to use Dynamic DNS. Then the router notifies the Dynamic DNS service provider whenever its IP address changes. When you access your Dynamic DNS account, the service finds the current IP address of your home network and automatically connects you.

If your ISP assigns a private WAN IP address (such as 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x), the Dynamic DNS service does not work because private addresses are not routed on the Internet.

Your Personal FTP Server

With your customized free URL, you can use FTP to access your network when you are not home through Dynamic DNS. To set up your FTP server, you must register for a NETGEAR Dynamic DNS (DDNS) service account and specify the account settings.

Figure 6. You can access your network through the Internet when you’re not home

Note: The router supports only basic DDNS, and the login and password might not be secure. You can use DDNS with a VPN tunnel for a more secure connection (see Set Up a VPN Connection on page 175).

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To set up your personal account and use FTP:

1. Get your NETGEAR Dynamic DNS domain name.

For more information, see Set Up a New Dynamic DNS Account on page 69.

2. Make sure that your Internet connection is working.

Your router must use a direct Internet connection. It cannot connect to a different router to access the Internet.

Connect a USB storage device to one of the USB ports of the router.

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

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

5. Set up FTP access on the router.

For more information, see Set Up FTP Access Through the Internet on page 72.

6. On a remote computer with Internet access, you can use FTP to access your router

using ftp://yourname.mynetgear.com, in which yourname is your specific domain name.

For more information, see Use FTP to Access Storage Devices Through the Internet on page 73.

Set Up a New Dynamic DNS Account

NETGEAR offers you the opportunity to set up and register for a free Dynamic DNS account.

To set up Dynamic DNS and register for a free NETGEAR account:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Dynamic DNS. The Dynamic DNS page

displays.

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5. Select the Use a Dynamic DNS Service check box.

6. From the Service Provider menu, select NETGEAR.

7. Select the No radio button.

In the Host Name field, enter the name that you want to use for your URL. The host name is sometimes called the domain name. Your free URL includes the

host name that you specify and ends with mynetgear.com. For example, enter MyName.mynetgear.com.

In the Email field, enter the email address that you want to use for your account.

10.

In the Password (6-32 characters) field, enter the password that you want to use for your account.

11. Click the Register button.

12.

Follow the onscreen instructions to register for your NETGEAR Dynamic DNS service.

Specify a DNS Account That You Already Created

If you already created a Dynamic DNS account with NETGEAR, No-IP, or Dyn, you can set up the router to use your account.

To set up Dynamic DNS if you already created an account:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Dynamic DNS. The Dynamic DNS page

displays.

5. Select the Use a Dynamic DNS Service check box.

6. From the Service Provider menu, select your provider.

7. Select the Yes radio button.

In the Host Name field, enter the host name (sometimes called the domain name) for your account.

Depending on the type of account, specify your user name or email address:

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•

For a No-IP or Dyn account, in the User Name field, enter the user name for your account.

•

For a NETGEAR account, in the Email field, enter the email address for your account.

10.

In the Password (6~32 characters) field, enter the password for your DDNS account.

11. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

12.

To verify that your Dynamic DNS service is enabled in the router, click the Show Status button.

A message displays the Dynamic DNS status.

Change the Dynamic DNS Settings

You can change the settings for your Dynamic DNS account.

To change your settings:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Dynamic DNS.

The Dynamic DNS page displays.

Change your DDNS account settings as necessary. See Specify a DNS Account That You Already Created on page 70.

6. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Access Storage Devices Through the Internet

User Manual71Manage Dynamic DNS and

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Access Storage Devices Through the Internet

If you connect a USB storage device to the router, you can access the USB device through the Internet when you are not home. After you gain access, you can use FTP to share files on the USB device.

Access Storage Devices From a Remote Computer

From a remote computer, you can access storage devices that are attached to the router on your home network.

To access devices from a remote computer:

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

2. Connect to the router on your home network:

• To connect with Dynamic DNS, type the DNS name.

To use a Dynamic DNS account, you must enter the account information on the Dynamic DNS page (see Set Up and Manage Dynamic DNS on page 68).

• To connect without Dynamic DNS, type the router’s Internet port IP address.

You can view the router’s Internet IP address on the BASIC Home page.

Set Up FTP Access Through the Internet

If you attach a storage device to the router, you can access the storage device from your network (see Enable FTP Access Within Your Network on page 108). You can also set up FTP access through the Internet so that you can access the storage device from outside your local network, for example, when you are not at home.

To set up FTP access through the Internet:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > USB Functions > ReadySHARE Storage. The ReadySHARE

Storage page displays, showing a USB device attached to the router.

Access Storage Devices Through the Internet

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5. In the ReadySHARE tab (on the USB Storage (Advanced Settings) window, select the

FTP (via internet) check box Admin password protection is enabled by default.

6. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

To limit access to the admin user, do the following: a.

In the Available Network Folders list, select the radio button for the device. If a single device is attached to the USB port, the radio button is selected

automatically.

b. Click the Edit button. The Edit Network Folder page displays.

c. In the Read Access menu, select admin.

The default setting is All - no password.

d. In the Write Access menu, select admin.

The default setting is All - no password.

e. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Click the Close Window button.

The pop-up window closes.

Use FTP to Access Storage Devices Through the Internet

If you attached a storage device to the router, before you can access the storage device through the Internet with FTP, you must first set up FTP access (see Set Up FTP Access Through the Internet on page 72).

To access a USB device with FTP from a remote computer to download or upload a file:

Take one of the following actions:

•

To download a file from a storage device connected to the router, launch a web browser.

•

To upload a file to a storage device connected to the router, launch an FTP client such as Filezilla.

Type ftp:// and the Internet port IP address in the address field of the browser. For example, if your IP address is 10.1.65.4, type ftp://10.1.65.4.

Access Storage Devices Through the Internet

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If you are using Dynamic DNS, type the DNS name. For example, type ftp://MyName.mynetgear.com, in which MyName is your DNS name.

3. When prompted, log in:

•

To log in as admin, in the user name field, enter admin and in the password field, enter the same password that you use to log in to the router.

•

To log in as a guest, in the user name field, enter guest. The guest user name does not need a password.

The files and folders that your account can access on the USB device display. For example, you might see share/partition1/directory1.

4. Navigate to a location on the USB device.

Download or upload the file.

Remotely Access a USB Device Using ReadyCLOUD

NETGEAR ReadyCLOUD®for routers lets you remotely access files stored on a USB storage device that is connected to the router. Before you can use ReadyCLOUD, you must create a ReadyCLOUD account and register your router.

A ReadyCLOUD app is also available for Windows-based computers, Android mobile devices, and iOS mobile devices. For more information about setting up ReadyCLOUD, see the NETGEAR ReadyCLOUD for Routers User Manual, which is available online at downloadcenter.netgear.com.

Create a ReadyCLOUD Account

To create a ReadyCLOUD account:

Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device.

2. Visit readycloud.netgear.com.

The ReadyCLOUD Welcome page displays.

3. Click the Sign In link.

The Sign In page displays.

4. Click the Create Account link. The Create MyNETGEAR account page displays.

Complete the fields to set up your account, and click the Create button. You are now ready to register your router with your ReadyCLOUD account.

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Register Your Router With ReadyCLOUD

After you create a ReadyCLOUD account, you must register your router with your ReadyCLOUD account.

To register your router with your ReadyCLOUD account:

Visit kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/27323/ and check to see if you router supports ReadyCLOUD.

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

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 storage device to the router’s USB port, it might take up

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

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

6. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

7. Select ADVANCED > USB Functions > ReadySHARE Storage > ReadyCLOUD.

The ReadyCloud page displays.

8. Enter your ReadyCLOUD user name and password and click the Register button.

If you did not create a ReadyCLOUD account, see Create a ReadyCLOUD Account on page 74.

The router is registered with ReadyCLOUD.

Note: If the router’s Internet connection mode is set to Dial on Demand, the router automatically changes the connection mode to Always On. This change is required for ReadyCLOUD to remotely access the USB storage device.

After registration, visit readycloud.netgear.com.

10. Click the Sign In link, enter your ReadyCLOUD user name and password, and click

the Sign In button.

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The ReadyCLOUD page displays the router that you registered and the contents of the USB storage device that is connected to the router.

Access Storage Devices Through the Internet

User Manual76Manage Dynamic DNS and

Manage the Basic WiFi Network Settings

This chapter describes how to manage the basic WiFi network settings of the router. For information about the advanced WiFi settings, see Manage the Advanced WiFi Features on page 122.

The chapter includes the following sections:

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

Manage the Basic WiFi Settings and WiFi Security of the Main Network

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. The preset SSID and password are uniquely generated for every device to protect and maximize your WiFi security. You can find the preset SSID and password on the router label (see Router Label on page 15).

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

View or Change the Basic WiFi Settings and WiFi Security Settings

You can view or change the basic WiFi settings and WiFi security. The router is a dual-band WiFi access point that simultaneously supports the 2.4 GHz band for

802.11b/g/n devices and the 5 GHz band for 802.11a/n/ac devices.

Tip: If you change the WiFi settings of the router’s main network, use a wired connection to avoid being disconnected when the new WiFi settings take effect.

To view or change the basic WiFi settings and WiFi security settings:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password.

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

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Wireless.

Wireless Setup page is displayed.

5. View or change the basic WiFi settings and security settings.

The following table describes the fields on the Wireless Network page.

Settings

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Region Selection

DescriptionField

Region

Wireless Network (2.4GHz b/g/n)

Enable SSID Broadcast

Name (SSID)

From the menu, select the region in which the router operates.

Note: It might not be legal to operate the router in a region other than the regions

listed in the menu. If your country or region is not listed, check with your local

government agency.

By default, the router broadcasts its SSID so that WiFi stations can detect the WiFi

name (SSID) in their scanned network lists. To turn off the SSID broadcast, clear the

Enable SSID Broadcast check box. Turning off the SSID broadcast provides additional

WiFi security, but users must know the SSID to be able to join the WiFi network of

the router.

The SSID is the 2.4 GHz WiFi network name. If you did not change the SSID, the

default SSID displays. The default SSID is also printed on the router label (see Router

Label on page 15).

Note: If you change the SSID, enter a 32-character (maximum), case-sensitive name

in this field.

Channel

Settings

From the Channel menu, select Auto for automatic channel selection or select an

individual channel. The default selection is Auto.

Note: 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 situation occurs, experiment with different channels to see which is the best.

Note: If you use multiple WiFi access points (APs), reduce interference by selecting

different channels for adjacent APs. We recommend a channel spacing of four

channels between adjacent APs (for example, use Channels 1 and 5, or 6 and 10).

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DescriptionField

Mode

Transmit Power

Control

From the Mode menu, select one of the following modes:

Up to 54 Mbps. Legacy mode. This mode allows 802.11n, 802.11g, and 802.11b

• devices to join the network but limits 802.11n devices to functioning at up to

54 Mbps.

Up to 216 Mbps. Neighbor-friendly mode for reduced interference with

• neighboring WiFi networks. This mode allows 802.11n, 802.11g, and 802.11b

devices to join the network but limits 802.11n devices to functioning at up to

216 Mbps.

Up to 450 Mbps. Performance mode. This mode allows 802.11n, 802.11g, and

•

802.11b devices to join the network and allows 802.11n devices to function at up

to 450 Mbps. This mode is the default mode.

Note: WPA-PSK security supports speeds of up to 54 Mbps. Even if your devices

are capable of a higher speed, WPA-PSK security limits their speed to 54 Mbps.

Transmission power control limits the maximum power used when the router transmits

packets. The options are 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25%. You can easily turn down the

transmission power to ensure that you are utilizing the optimum power that gives

you the optimum range while saving money and the environment.

Settings

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(Continued)

DescriptionField

Security Options

This information applies to the 2.4 GHz WiFi network.

If you change the WiFi security, select one of the following WiFi security options for the router’s WiFi network:

None. An open WiFi network that does not provide any security. Any WiFi device can join the WiFi network.

• We recommend that you do not use an open WiFi network.

WEP. Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) security is a legacy authentication and data encryption mode that is

• superseded by WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK. The WEP option displays only if you select Up to 54 Mbps from

the Mode menu. For information about configuring WEP, see Configure WEP Legacy WiFi Security on page

86.

WPA2-PSK [AES]. This option is the default setting. This type of security enables WiFi devices that support

• WPA2 to join the router’s 2.4 GHz WiFi network. If you did not change the password, the default password

displays. The default password is printed on the router label (see Router Label on page 15). WPA2 provides

a secure connection but some older WiFi devices do not detect WPA2 and support only WPA. If your

network includes such older devices, select WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK [AES] security.

If you change the password, in the Password (Network Key) field, enter a phrase of 8 to 63 characters or

64 hex digits. To join the router’s WiFi network, a user must enter this password.

WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK [AES]. This type of security enables WiFi devices that support either WPA

• or WPA2 to join the router’s 2.4 GHz WiFi network. However, WPA-PSK [TKIP] is less secure than WPA2-PSK

[AES] and limits the speed of WiFi devices to 54 Mbps.

To use this type of security, in the Password (Network Key) field, enter a phrase of 8 to 63 characters or

64 hex digits. To join the router’s WiFi network, a user must enter this password.

WPA/WPA2 Enterprise. This type of security requires that your WiFi network can access a RADIUS server.

• For information about configuring WPA/WPA2 Enterprise, see Configure WPA and WPA2 Enterprise WiFi

Security on page 88.

Wireless Network (5GHz a/n/ac)

5GHz-1

Enable SSID Broadcast

By default, for an SSID in the 5 GHz-1 band, the router broadcasts the SSID so that

WiFi stations can detect the WiFi name (SSID) in their scanned network lists. To turn

off an SSID broadcast, clear the appropriate Enable SSID Broadcast check box.

Turning off an SSID broadcast provides additional WiFi security, but users must know

the SSID to be able to join the WiFi network of the router.

Settings

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DescriptionField

Name (SSID)

Channel

Mode

The SSID is the 5 GHz-1 WiFi band name. If you did not change the SSID, the default

SSID displays. The default SSID is also printed on the router label (see Router Label

on page 15).

Note: If you change the SSID, enter a 32-character (maximum), case-sensitive name

in this field.

From the Channel menu, select an individual channel for a 5 GHz-1 SSID. The default

channel depends on your selection from the Region menu.

Note: 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 situation occurs, experiment with different channels to see which is the best.

Note: If you use multiple WiFi access points (APs), reduce interference by selecting

different channels for adjacent APs. We recommend a channel spacing of four

channels between adjacent APs.

From the appropriate Mode menu, select one of the following modes for a 5 GHz-1

SSID:

Up to 289 Mbps. Legacy mode. This mode allows 802.11ac, 802.11n, and 802.11a

• devices to join the selected WiFi network in the 5 GHz-1 band of the network but

limits 802.11ac and 802.11n devices to functioning at up to 289 Mbps.

Transmit Power

Control

Settings

Up to 600 Mbps. Neighbor-friendly mode for reduced interference with

• neighboring WiFi networks. This mode allows 802.11ac, 802.11n, and 802.11a

devices to join the selected WiFi network in the 5 GHz-1 band of the network but

limits 802.11ac devices to functioning at up to 600 Mbps.

Up to 1300 Mbps. Performance mode. This mode allows 802.11ac, 802.11n, and

•

802.11a devices to join the selected WiFi network in the 5 GHz-1 band of the

network and allows 802.11ac devices to function at up to 1300 Mbps. This mode

is the default mode.

Transmission power control limits the maximum power used when the router transmits

packets. The options are 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25%. You can easily turn down the

transmission power to ensure that you are utilizing the optimum power that gives

you the optimum range while saving money and the environment.

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(Continued)

DescriptionField

Security Options

This information applies to the 5 GHz-1 WiFi network.

If you change the WiFi security, select one of the following WiFi security options for the router’s WiFi network:

None. An open WiFi network that does not provide any security. Any WiFi device can join the selected WiFi

• network in the 5 GHz-1 band of the WiFi network. We recommend that you do not use an open WiFi network.

WPA2-PSK [AES]. This option is the default setting. This type of security enables WiFi devices that support

• WPA2 to join the selected WiFi network in the 5 GHz-1 band of the WiFi network. If you did not change the

password, the default password displays. The default password is printed on the router label (see Router

Label on page 15). WPA2 provides a secure connection but some older WiFi devices do not detect WPA2

and support only WPA. If your network includes such older devices, select WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK

[AES] security.

If you change the password, in the Password (Network Key) field, enter a phrase of 8 to 63 characters or

64 hex digits. To join the selected WiFi network in the 5 GHz-1 band of the WiFi network, a user must enter

this password.

WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK [AES]. This type of security enables WiFi devices that support either WPA

• or WPA2 to join the selected WiFi network in the 5 GHz-1 band of the WiFi network. However, WPA-PSK

[TKIP] is less secure than WPA2-PSK [AES] and limits the speed of WiFi devices to 54 Mbps.

To use this type of security, in the Password (Network Key) field, enter a phrase of 8 to 63 characters or

64 hex digits. To join the selected WiFi network in the 5 GHz-1 band of the WiFi network, a user must enter

this password.

WPA/WPA2 Enterprise. This type of security requires that your WiFi network can access a RADIUS server.

• For information about configuring WPA/WPA2 Enterprise, see Configure WPA and WPA2 Enterprise WiFi

Security on page 88.

5GHz-2

Enable SSID Broadcast

Name (SSID)

By default, for an SSID in the 5 GHz-2 band, the router broadcasts the SSID so that

WiFi stations can detect the WiFi name (SSID) in their scanned network lists. To turn

off an SSID broadcast, clear the appropriate Enable SSID Broadcast check box.

Turning off an SSID broadcast provides additional WiFi security, but users must know

the SSID to be able to join the WiFi network of the router.

The SSID is the 5 GHz-2 WiFi band name. If you did not change the SSID, the default

SSID displays. The default SSID is also printed on the router label (see Router Label

on page 15).

Settings

Note: If you change the SSID, enter a 32-character (maximum), case-sensitive name

in this field.

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DescriptionField

Channel

Mode

From the Channel menu, select an individual channel for a 5 GHz-2 SSID. The default

channel depends on your selection from the Region menu.

Note: 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 situation occurs, experiment with different channels to see which is the best.

Note: If you use multiple WiFi access points (APs), reduce interference by selecting

different channels for adjacent APs. We recommend a channel spacing of four

channels between adjacent APs.

From the appropriate Mode menu, select one of the following modes for a 5 GHz-2

SSID:

Up to 289 Mbps. Legacy mode. This mode allows 802.11ac, 802.11n, and 802.11a

• devices to join the selected WiFi network in the 5 GHz-2 band of the network but

limits 802.11ac and 802.11n devices to functioning at up to 289 Mbps.

Up to 600 Mbps. Neighbor-friendly mode for reduced interference with

• neighboring WiFi networks. This mode allows 802.11ac, 802.11n, and 802.11a

devices to join the selected WiFi network in the 5 GHz-2 band of the network but

limits 802.11ac devices to functioning at up to 600 Mbps.

Transmit Power

Control

Up to 1300 Mbps. Performance mode. This mode allows 802.11ac, 802.11n, and

•

802.11a devices to join the selected WiFi network in the 5 GHz-2 band of the

network and allows 802.11ac devices to function at up to 1300 Mbps. This mode

is the default mode.

Transmission power control limits the maximum power used when the router transmits

packets. The options are 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25%. You can easily turn down the

transmission power to ensure that you are utilizing the optimum power that gives

you the optimum range while saving money and the environment.

Settings

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(Continued)

DescriptionField

Security Options

This information applies to the 5 GHz-2 WiFi network.

If you change the WiFi security, select one of the following WiFi security options for the router’s WiFi network:

None. An open WiFi network that does not provide any security. Any WiFi device can join the selected WiFi

• network in the 5 GHz-2 band of the WiFi network. We recommend that you do not use an open WiFi network.

WPA2-PSK [AES]. This option is the default setting. This type of security enables WiFi devices that support

• WPA2 to join the selected WiFi network in the 5 GHz-2 band of the WiFi network. If you did not change the

password, the default password displays. The default password is printed on the router label (see Router

Label on page 15). WPA2 provides a secure connection but some older WiFi devices do not detect WPA2

and support only WPA. If your network includes such older devices, select WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK

[AES] security.

If you change the password, in the Password (Network Key) field, enter a phrase of 8 to 63 characters or

64 hex digits. To join the selected WiFi network in the 5 GHz-2 band of the WiFi network, a user must enter

this password.

WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK [AES]. This type of security enables WiFi devices that support either WPA

• or WPA2 to join the selected WiFi network in the 5 GHz-2 band of the WiFi network. However, WPA-PSK

[TKIP] is less secure than WPA2-PSK [AES] and limits the speed of WiFi devices to 54 Mbps.

To use this type of security, in the Password (Network Key) field, enter a phrase of 8 to 63 characters or

64 hex digits. To join the selected WiFi network in the 5 GHz-2 band of the WiFi network, a user must enter

this password.

WPA/WPA2 Enterprise. This type of security requires that your WiFi network can access a RADIUS server.

• For information about configuring WPA/WPA2 Enterprise, see Configure WPA and WPA2 Enterprise WiFi

Security on page 88.

6. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

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

7. Make sure that you can reconnect over WiFi to the network with its new settings. If you cannot connect over WiFi, check the following:

•

If your computer or mobile device is already connected to another WiFi network in your area, disconnect it from that WiFi network and connect it to the WiFi network that the router provides. Some WiFi devices automatically connect to the first open network without WiFi security that they discover.

Settings

User Manual85Manage the Basic WiFi Network

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

•

If your computer or mobile device is trying to connect to your network with its old settings (before you changed the settings), update the WiFi network selection in your computer or mobile device to match the current settings for your network.

• Does your computer or mobile device display as an attached device? (See View

Devices Currently on the Network on page 166) If it does, it is connected to the network.

• Are you using the correct network name (SSID) and password?

Configure WEP Legacy WiFi Security

Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) security is a legacy authentication and data encryption mode that is superseded by WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK. WEP limits the WiFi transmission speed to 54 Mbps (the router is capable of higher speeds in the 2.4 GHz band).

Tip: If you want to change the WiFi settings of the router’s main network, use a wired connection to avoid being disconnected when the new WiFi settings take effect.

To configure WEP security:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Wireless. The Wireless Network page displays.

Note: If you are configuring a guest network, select Guest Network instead. The Guest Network Settings page displays. In this situtation disregardStep 5 and go toStep 6.

5. From the Mode menu, select Up to 54 Mbps. The page adjusts to display the WEP radio button.

Note: If you are configuring a guest network, disregard this step.

6. In the Security Options section, select the WEP radio button. The page adjusts.

User Manual86Manage the Basic WiFi Network

Settings

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

From the Authentication Type menu, select one of the following types:

• Automatic. Clients can use either Open System or Shared Key authentication.

• Shared Key. Clients can use only Shared Key authentication.

8. From the Encryption Strength menu, select the encryption key size:

• 64-bit. Standard WEP encryption, using 40/64-bit encryption.

• 128-bit. Standard WEP encryption, using 104/128-bit encryption. This selection

provides stronger encryption security.

Specify the active key by selecting the Key 1, Key 2, Key 3, or Key 4 radio button. Only one key can be the active key. To join the router’s WiFi network, a user must

enter the key value for the key that you specified as the active key.

10.

Enter a value for the key:

•

For 64-bit WEP, enter 10 hexadecimal digits (any combination of 0–9, A–F). The key values are not case-sensitive.

•

For 128-bit WEP, enter 26 hexadecimal digits (any combination of 0–9, A–F). The key values are not case-sensitive.

11. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.

12. Make sure that you can reconnect over WiFi to the network with its new security settings.

If you cannot connect over WiFi, check the following:

•

• Does your computer or mobile device display as an attached device? (See View

Devices Currently on the Network on page 166.) If it does, it is connected to the network.

• Are you using the correct WiFi network name (SSID) and password?

Settings

User Manual87Manage the Basic WiFi Network

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

Configure WPA and WPA2 Enterprise WiFi Security

Remote Authentication Dial In User Service (RADIUS) is an enterprise-level method for centralized Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) management. To enable the router to provide WPA and WPA2 enterprise WiFi security, the WiFi network that the router provides must be able to access a RADIUS server.

Tip: If you want to change the WiFi settings of the router’s main network, use a wired connection to avoid being disconnected when the new WiFi settings take effect.

To configure WPA and WPA2 enterprise security:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Wireless. The Wireless Network page displays.

Note: If you are configuring a guest network, select Guest Network instead. The Guest Network Settings page displays.

5. In the Security Options WPA/WPA2 Enterprise section below either the Wireless Network (2.4GHz b/g/n) section or the Wireless Network (5GHz a/n/ac) section, select the WPA/WPA2 Enterprise radio button. The page adjusts.

In the WPA/WPA2 Enterprise section, enter the settings as described in the following table.

Settings

User Manual88Manage the Basic WiFi Network

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

DescriptionField

Encryption Mode

Group Key Update Interval

RADIUS server IP Address

RADIUS server Port

RADIUS server Shared Secret

From the Encryption Mode menu, select the encription mode:

WPA [TKIP] +WPA2 [AES]. This type of security enables WiFi devices

• that support either WPA or WPA2 to join the router’s WiFi network.

This is the default mode.

WPA2 [AES]. WPA2 provides a secure connection but some older WiFi

• devices do not detect WPA2 and support only WPA. If your network

includes such older devices, select WPA [TKIP] + WPA2 [AES] security.

Enter the interval in seconds after which the RADIUS group key is updated.

The default interval is 3600 seconds.

Enter the IPv4 address of the RADIUS server to which the WiFi network

can connect.

Enter the number of the port on the router that is used to access the

RADIUS server for authentication. The default port number is 1812.

Enter the shared secret (RADIUS password) that is used between the

router and the RADIUS server during authentication of a WiFi user.

7. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

8. Make sure that you can reconnect over WiFi to the network with its new security settings.

If you cannot connect over WiFi, check the following:

•

• Does your computer or mobile device display as an attached device? (SeeView

Devices Currently on the Network on page 166.) If it does, it is connected to the network.

• Are you using the correct network name (SSID) and password?

Settings

User Manual89Manage the Basic WiFi Network

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

Use WPS to Add a Device to the WiFi Network

WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) lets you connect a computer or mobile device to the router’s network without entering the WiFi network passphrase or key. Instead, you use a WPS button or enter a PIN to connect.

If you use the push button method, the computer or device that you are trying to connect must provide either a physical button or a software button. If you use the PIN method, you must know the PIN of the computer or device that you are trying to connect.

WPS supports WPA and WPA2 WiFi security. If your router network is open (no WiFi security is set, which is not the default setting for the router), connecting with WPS automatically sets WPA + WPA2 WiFi security on the router network and generates a random passphrase. You can view this passphrase (see Manage the Basic WiFi Settings and WiFi Security of the Main Network on page 78).

Use WPS With the Push Button Method

For you to use the push button method to connect a WiFi device to the router’s WiFi network, the WiFi device that you are trying to connect must provide either a physical button or a software button. You can use the physical button and software button to let a WiFi device join only the main WiFi network, not the guest WiFi network.

To let a WiFi device join the router’s main WiFi network using WPS with the push button method:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > WPS Wizard. The page displays a description of the WPS method.

5. Click the Next button. The Add WPS Client page displays. By default, the Push Button (recommended) radio button is selected.

Settings

User Manual90Manage the Basic WiFi Network

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

Either click the button onscreen or press the WPS button on the top panel of the router.

For two minutes, the router attempts to find the WiFi device (that is, the client) that you want to join the router’s main WiFi network.

During this time, the WiFi LED on the top panel of the router blinks white.

7. Within two minutes, go to the WiFi device and press its WPS button to join the router’s main WiFi network without entering a password.

After the router establishes a WPS connection, the WiFi LED lights solid white and the Add WPS Client page displays a confirmation message.

To verify that the WiFi device is connected to the router’s main WiFi network, select BASIC > Attached Devices.

The WiFi device displays onscreen.

Use WPS With the PIN Method

To use the PIN method to connect a WiFi device to the router’s WiFi network, you must know the PIN of the WiFi device that you are trying to connect.

To let a WiFi device join the router’s WiFi network using WPS with the PIN method:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > WPS Wizard. The page displays a description of the WPS method.

5. Click the Next button. The Add WPS Client page adjusts.

The Push Button (recommended) radio button is selected by default.

6. Select the PIN Number radio button. The page adjusts.

In the Enter Clients' PIN field, enter the PIN number of the WiFi device.

8. Click the Next button.

Settings

User Manual91Manage the Basic WiFi Network

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

For four minutes, the router attempts to find the WiFi device (that is, the client) that you want to join the router’s main WiFi network.

During this time, the WiFi LED on the top panel of the router blinks white.

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

After the router establishes a WPS connection, the WiFi LED lights solid white and the Add WPS Client page displays a confirmation message.

10.

To verify that the WiFi device is connected to the router’s main WiFi network, select BASIC > Attached Devices.

The WiFi device displays onscreen.

Manage the Basic WiFi Settings and WiFi Security of the Guest Network

A guest network allows visitors to use the Internet without using your WiFi security password or with a different WiFi password. By default, the guest WiFi network is disabled. You can enable and configure the guest WiFi network for each WiFi band. The router simultaneously supports the 2.4 GHz band for 802.11n, 802.11g, and 802.11b devices and the 5 GHz band for 802.11ac, 802.11n, and 802.11a devices.

The WiFi mode of the guest WiFi network depends on the WiFi mode of the main WiFi network. For example, if you configure the WiFi mode for the main WiFi network as Up to 54 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band, the guest WiFi network also functions in the Up to 54 Mbps mode in the 2.4 GHz band. For information about configuring the WiFi mode, see View or Change the Basic WiFi Settings and WiFi Security Settings on page 78. The channel also depends on the channel selection of the main WiFi network.

The router provides two default guest networks with the following names (SSIDs):

2.4 GHz band. NETGEAR_Guest

•

5 GHz band. NETGEAR-5G_Guest

•

By default, these networks are configured as open networks without security but are disabled. You can enable one or both networks. You can also change the SSIDs for these networks.

To set up a guest network:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

User Manual92Manage the Basic WiFi Network

Settings

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select Guest Network. The Guest Network Settings page is displayed.

Enable the guest network and configure its WiFi settings as described in the following table.

DescriptionField

Wireless Network (2.4GHz b/g/n)

Enable Guest Network

Enable SSID Broadcast

Allow guests to see

each other and access

my local network

Guest Wireless

Network Name (SSID)

By default, the guest WiFi network is disabled. To enable the guest WiFi network for

the 2.4 GHz WiFi band, select the Enable Guest Network check box.

By default, the router broadcasts the SSID of the 2.4 GHz WiFi band so that WiFi

stations can detect the WiFi name (SSID) in their scanned network lists. To turn off

the SSID broadcast for the 2.4 GHz WiFi band for the guest WiFi network, clear the

Enable SSID Broadcast check box.

By default, WiFi clients that are connected to the 2.4 GHz WiFi band of the guest WiFi

network cannot access WiFi devices or Ethernet devices that are connected to the

main WiFi network. To allow access to the main WiFi network, select the Allow guests

to see each other and access my local network check box.

The guest wireless network name or the SSID is the 2.4 GHz WiFi band name. If you

did not change the SSID, the default SSID displays, which is NETGEAR_Guest.

To change the SSID in the 2.4 GHz WiFi band for the guest WiFi network, enter a

32-character (maximum), case-sensitive name in this field.

Settings

User Manual93Manage the Basic WiFi Network

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

(Continued)

DescriptionField

Security Options

If you want to change the WiFi security, select one of the following WiFi security options for the 2.4 GHz band

of the guest WiFi network:

None. An open WiFi network that does not provide any security. Any WiFi device can join the 2.4 GHz band

• of the guest WiFi network. This is the default setting for the guest WiFi network.

WEP. Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) security is a legacy authentication and data encryption mode that is

• superseded by WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK. The WEP option displays only if you configure the WiFi mode

for the main WiFi network as Up to 54 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band (see View or Change the Basic WiFi Settings

and WiFi Security Settings on page 78). For information about configuring WEP, see Configure WEP Legacy

WiFi Security on page 86.

WPA2-PSK [AES]. WPA2 provides a secure and fast connection but some older WiFi devices do not detect

• WPA2 and support only WPA. Select WPA2-PSK [AES] security to allow 802.11n devices to connect to the

2.4 GHz band of the guest WiFi network at the fastest speed. If your network includes older devices that

do not support WPA2, select WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK [AES] security.

To use WPA2 security, in the Password field, enter a phrase of 8 to 63 characters. To join the 2.4 GHz band

of the guest WiFi network, a user must enter this password.

WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK [AES]. This type of security enables WiFi devices that support either WPA

• or WPA2 to join the 2.4 GHz band of the guest WiFi network. However, WPA-PSK [TKIP] is less secure than

WPA2-PSK [AES] and limits the speed of WiFi devices to 54 Mbps.

To use WPA + WPA2 security, in the Password field, enter a phrase of 8 to 63 characters. To join the 2.4 GHz

band of the guest WiFi network, a user must enter this password.

Password

Wireless Network (5GHz a/n/ac)

Enable Guest Network

Enable SSID Broadcast

The password that provides users access to the guest WiFi network in the 2.4 GHZ

band. The password is also referred to as the network key.

By default, the guest WiFi network is disabled. To enable the guest WiFi network for

an SSID in the 5 GHz WiFi band, select the appropriate Enable Guest Network check

box.

By default, for an SSID in the 5 GHz band, the router broadcasts the SSID so that WiFi

stations can detect the WiFi name (SSID) in their scanned network lists. To turn off

an SSID broadcast for the 5 GHz WiFi band for the guest WiFi network, clear the

appropriate Enable SSID Broadcast check box.

Settings

User Manual94Manage the Basic WiFi Network

(Continued)

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

DescriptionField

Allow guests to see

each other and access

my local network

Guest Wireless

Network Name (SSID)

Security Options

If you want to change the WiFi security for an SSID in the 5 GHz band, select one of the following WiFi security

options for that SSID in the guest WiFi network:

None. An open WiFi network that does not provide any security. Any WiFi device can join the selected WiFi

• network in the 5 GHz band of the guest WiFi network. This is the default setting for the guest WiFi network.

WPA2-PSK [AES]. WPA2 provides a secure and fast connection but some older WiFi devices do not detect

• WPA2 and support only WPA. Select WPA2-PSK [AES] security to allow 802.11ac and 802.11n devices to

connect to the selected WiFi network in the 5 GHz band of the guest WiFi network at the fastest speed. If

your network includes older devices that do not support WPA2, select WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK [AES]

security.

To use WPA2 security, in the Password field, enter a phrase of 8 to 63 characters. To join the WiFi network

in the 5 GHz band of the guest WiFi network, a user must enter this password.

By default, WiFi clients that are connected to an SSID in the 5 GHz WiFi band of the

guest WiFi network cannot access WiFi devices or Ethernet devices that are connected

to the main WiFi network. To allow access to the main WiFi network, select the

appropriate Allow guests to see each other and access my local network check

box.

The guest wireless network name or the SSID is the 5 GHz WiFi band name. If you

did not change the SSID, the default SSID displays, which is NETGEAR-5G-Guest for

5GHz-1 wireless network and NETGEAR-5G-2-Guest for 5GHz-2 wireless network .

To change the SSID in the 5 GHz WiFi band for the guest WiFi network, enter a

32-character (maximum), case-sensitive name in this field.

WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK [AES]. This type of security enables WiFi devices that support either WPA

• or WPA2 to join the selected WiFi network in the 5 GHz band of the guest WiFi network. However, WPA-PSK

[TKIP] is less secure than WPA2-PSK [AES] and limits the speed of WiFi devices to 54 Mbps.

To use WPA + WPA2 security, in the Password field, enter a phrase of 8 to 63 characters. To join the 5 GHz

band of the guest WiFi network, a user must enter this password.

Password

The password that provides users access to the selected WiFi network in the 5 GHz

band of the guest WiFi network. The password is also referred to as the network key.

6. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

7. Make sure that you can reconnect over WiFi to the guest network. If you cannot connect over WiFi, check the following:

Settings

User Manual95Manage the Basic WiFi Network

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

•

• Does your computer or mobile device display as an attached device? (See View

Devices Currently on the Network on page 166.) If it does, it is connected to the network.

• Are you using the correct network name (SSID) and password?

Control the WiFi Radios

The router provides internal WiFi radios that 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 front panel, or you can log in to the router and enable or disable the WiFi radios through the router web pages. If you are close to the router, it might be easier to press the WiFi On/Off button. If you are away from the router or already logged in, it might be easier to enable or disable the radios through the router web pages. You can also turn the WiFi radios off and on based on a schedule. (See Set Up a WiFi Schedule on page 123.)

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 panel of the router for two seconds. If you turned off the WiFi radios, the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz LEDs, the LED on the WiFi

On/Off button, and the LED on the WPS button turn off. If you turned on the WiFi radios, the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz LEDs, the LED on the WiFi On/Off button, and the LED on the WPS button light solid white.

Tip: If you want to disable the WiFi radio or radios of the router, use a wired connection to avoid being disconnected when WiFi radio or radios turn off.

Enable or Disable the WiFi Radios

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

User Manual96Manage the Basic WiFi Network

Settings

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

To enable or disable the WiFi radios:

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

Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and

password are case-sensitive.

The BASIC Home page displays.

4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings. The Advanced Wireless Settings page displays.

Do one of the following in the Wireless Network (2.4GHz b/g/n) section or Wireless Network (5GHz-1 a/n/ac) or Wireless Network (5GHz-2 a/n/ac) section, or all three sections:

•

Turn off the radios. Clear the Enable Wireless Router Radio check box.

The 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz-1 and 5 GHz-2 LEDs, the LED on the WiFi On/Off button, and the LED on the WPS button turn off.

• Turn on the radios. Select the Enable Wireless Router Radio check box.

The 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz-1 and 5 GHz-2 LEDs, the LED on the WiFi On/Off button, and the LED on the WPS button light solid white.

6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.

Settings

User Manual97Manage the Basic WiFi Network

Share a Storage Device Attached to the Router

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

Note: The USB port on the router can be used only to connect a USB storage device such as flash drives or hard drives or a printer. Do not connect computers, USB modems, CD drives, or DVD drives to the router USB port.

The chapter contains the following sections:

• USB Device Requirements

• Connect a USB Device to the Router

• Access a Storage Device Connected to the Router

• Map a USB Device to a Windows Network Drive

• Back Up Windows-Based Computers With ReadySHARE Vault

• Back Up Mac Computers With Time Machine

• Manage Access to a Storage Device

• Enable FTP Access Within Your Network

• View Network Folders on a Device

• Add a Network Folder on a Storage Device

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

• Approve USB Devices

• Safely Remove a USB Device

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

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

USB Device Requirements

The router works with most USB-compliant external flash and hard drives. For the most up-to-date list of USB devices that the router supports, visit kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/18985/~/readyshare-usb-drives-compatibility-list .

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

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

FAT16

•

FAT32

•

NTFS

•

NTFS with compression format enabled

•

Ext2

•

Ext3

•

Ext4

•

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

HFS

•

HFS+

•

Connect a USB Device to the Router

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

to the Router

User Manual99Share a Storage Device Attached

Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri-Band WiFi Router Model R7900P

Figure 7. One USB 3.0 port is located on the back panel of the router

To connect a USB device:

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

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

Access the Storage Device From a Windows-Based Computer

To access the storage device from a Windows-based computer:

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

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.

to the Router

User Manual100Share a Storage Device Attached

NETGEAR R7900P User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Hardware Setup

Unpack Your Router

Extend the Antennas

LEDs and Buttons on the Top Panel

Rear Panel

USB Port on the Back Panel

Router Label

Position the Router

Cable Your Router

Turn the LEDs On or Off Using the LED On/Off Switch

Disable or Enable LED Blinking or Turn Off LEDs

Connect to the Network and Access the Router

Connect to the Router

Connect to the Router Through an Ethernet Cable

Join the WiFi Network of the Router

Manual Method On the WiFi device that you want to connect to the router, you can

Wi-Fi Protected Setup Method Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is a standard for

Types of Logins

Use a Web Browser to Access the Router

Automatic Internet Setup

Log in to the router

Install and manage your router with the Nighthawk app

Change the Language

Specify Your Internet Settings

Use the Internet Setup Wizard

Manually set up the Internet connection

Specify an Internet Connection Without a Login

Specify an Internet Connection That Uses a Login and PPPoE Service

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

Specify an IPv6 Internet Connection

IPv6 Internet Connections and IPv6 Addresses

Use Auto Detect for an IPv6 Internet Connection

Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet Connection

Set Up an IPv6 6to4 Tunnel Internet Connection

Set Up an IPv6 6rd Tunnel Connection

Set Up an IPv6 Pass-Through Internet Connection

Set Up a Fixed IPv6 Internet Connection

Set Up an IPv6 DHCP Internet Connection

Set Up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet Connection

Manage the MTU Size

MTU Concepts

Change the MTU Size

Optimize Performance

Manage Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service

Improve Network Connections With Universal Plug-N-Play

Control Access to the Internet

Allow or Block Access to Your Network

Enable and Manage Network Access Control

Manage Network Access Control Lists

Add Devices to or Remove Them From the Allowed List If you set up an

Add Devices to or Remove Them From the Blocked List If you set up an

Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites

Set Up Blocking

Remove a Keyword or Domain From the Blocked List

Remove All Keywords and Domains From the Blocked List

Specify a Trusted Computer

Manage Simple Outbound Firewall Rules for Services and Applications

Add an Outbound Firewall Rule

Add an Outbound Firewall Rule for a Custom Service or Application

Change an Outbound Firewall Rule

Remove an Outbound Firewall Rule

Set Up a Schedule for Keyword Blocking and Outbound Firewall Rules

Set Up Security Event Email Notifications

Manage Dynamic DNS and Access Storage Devices Through the Internet

Set Up and Manage Dynamic DNS

Your Personal FTP Server

Set Up a New Dynamic DNS Account

Specify a DNS Account That You Already Created

Change the Dynamic DNS Settings

Access Storage Devices Through the Internet

Access Storage Devices From a Remote Computer

Set Up FTP Access Through the Internet

Use FTP to Access Storage Devices Through the Internet

Remotely Access a USB Device Using ReadyCLOUD

Create a ReadyCLOUD Account