Netgear RS400 User Manual
User Manual
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi
Router
Model RS400
NETGEAR, Inc.
350 E. Plumeria DriveJuly 2019
San Jose, CA 95134, USA202-11963-02
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400
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.
Contact your Internet service provider for technical support.
Trademarks
©NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR and the NETGEAR Logo are trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc.
Any non-NETGEAR trademarks are used for reference purposes only.
Compliance and Conformity
For regulatory compliance information, visit https://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory/.
See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply.
2
Contents
Chapter 1 Hardware Setup
Unpack your router.............................................................................10
Attach the antennas............................................................................10
LEDs and buttons on the top panel.................................................11
Rear panel............................................................................................12
Router label and QR Code label.......................................................13
Position your router............................................................................14
Cable your router...............................................................................15
Chapter 2 Connect to the Router’s Network and Automatically Set
Up the Internet Connection
Connect to the network.....................................................................18
Connect to the network using a wired connection....................18
Find and connect to the WiFi network........................................18
WiFi connection using WPS..........................................................18
Types of logins....................................................................................19
Use a web browser to access the router..........................................19
Use a web browser to set up the router’s Internet connection
automatically...................................................................................20
Log in to the router........................................................................22
Change the language........................................................................23
Install and manage your router with the Nighthawk app..............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..............................................................................................29
Specify IPv6 Internet connections....................................................31
Requirements for entering IPv6 addresses.................................32
Use Auto Detect for an IPv6 Internet connection......................32
Set up an IPv6 6to4 tunnel Internet connection.........................33
Set up an IPv6 pass-through Internet connection......................35
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Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400
Set up a fixed IPv6 Internet connection......................................35
Set up an IPv6 DHCP Internet connection..................................36
Set up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet connection..................................38
Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet connection......................40
Set up an IPv6 6rd tunnel connection.........................................41
Manage the MTU size.........................................................................43
MTU concepts.................................................................................43
Change the MTU size....................................................................44
Chapter 4 Control Access to the Internet
Manage NETGEAR Armor.................................................................46
Activate Armor using the Nighthawk app...................................46
View or change your NETGEAR Armor settings using the
Nighthawk app...............................................................................46
View or change your NETGEAR Armor settings from the Armor
portal...............................................................................................47
Sign in to NETGEAR Armor from the router web interface and
start your subscription...................................................................47
Access the NETGEAR Armor portal from the router web
interface..........................................................................................48
Disable or Reenable NETGEAR Armor from the router web
interface..........................................................................................48
Enable Circle with Disney..................................................................49
Enable Circle with Disney using the Nighthawk app................50
Enable Circle with Disney using the Circle app.........................50
Enable access control to allow or block access to the Internet....51
Manage network access control lists...............................................52
Use keywords to block Internet sites...............................................53
Delete keywords from the blocked list............................................54
Prevent blocking on a trusted computer.........................................54
Block services from the Internet.......................................................55
Schedule when to block Internet sites and services......................56
Set up security event email notifications.........................................57
Chapter 5 Optimize Performance
Use Dynamic QoS to optimize Internet traffic management........60
Enable Dynamic QoS.....................................................................60
Enable or disable the automatic QoS database update...........61
Manually update the Dynamic QoS database............................61
Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service.................................................62
Improve network connections with Universal Plug and Play........63
Enable or disable Smart Connect.....................................................64
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Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400
Chapter 6 Manage Network Settings
View or change the WAN settings....................................................67
Set up a default DMZ server..............................................................68
Change the LAN TCP/IP settings......................................................69
Change the router’s device name....................................................70
Specify the IP addresses that the router assigns............................71
Disable the DHCP server feature in the router...............................72
Manage reserved LAN IP addresses................................................73
Reserve an IP address....................................................................73
Edit a reserved IP address............................................................74
Delete a reserved IP address entry..............................................75
Set up the router as a WiFi access point..........................................75
Set up the router in bridge mode....................................................76
Return the router to router mode.....................................................78
Set up a bridge for a port group or VLAN tag group....................78
Set up a bridge for a port group..................................................79
Set up a bridge for a VLAN tag group........................................80
Manage custom static routes............................................................81
Set up a static route.......................................................................82
Edit a static route...........................................................................83
Delete a static route.......................................................................83
Chapter 7 Manage the WiFi Network Settings
Use the WPS Wizard for WiFi connections......................................86
Specify basic WiFi settings................................................................86
Change the WiFi password or the WiFi security.............................88
Set up WPA/WPA2 enterprise WiFi security...................................90
Set up WEP legacy WiFi security......................................................92
Change the WiFi Mbps settings.......................................................94
Change the transmission power of the WiFi radios.......................95
Set up a guest WiFi network.............................................................96
Control the WiFi radios......................................................................98
Use the WiFi On/Off button..........................................................99
Enable or disable the WiFi radios................................................99
Set up a WiFi schedule.......................................................................99
Manage WPS settings......................................................................100
Enable or disable implicit beamforming.......................................102
Enable or disable airtime fairness..................................................102
Enable or disable MU-MIMO..........................................................103
Manage advanced WiFi settings....................................................104
Chapter 8 Manage Your Router
Update the router firmware............................................................107
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Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400
Check for new firmware and update the router......................107
Manage the firmware update settings......................................108
Manually upload firmware to the router...................................108
Change the admin password..........................................................109
Enable admin password recovery..................................................110
Recover the admin password.........................................................111
Manage the router configuration file.............................................111
Back up the settings....................................................................112
Restore the settings.....................................................................112
View information about the router and the Internet and WiFi
settings...............................................................................................113
Display the statistics of the Internet port.......................................114
Check the Internet connection status............................................115
View and manage logs of router activity.......................................116
View devices currently on the network..........................................117
Monitor, meter, and control Internet traffic..................................118
Start the traffic meter without traffic restrictions......................118
Restrict Internet traffic by volume..............................................119
Restrict Internet traffic by connection time...............................120
View the Internet traffic volume and statistics..........................121
Unblock the traffic meter after the traffic limit is reached......122
Set your time zone............................................................................122
Change the NTP server....................................................................123
Disable LED blinking or turn off LEDs............................................124
Return the router to its factory default settings............................124
Use the Reset button...................................................................125
Erase the settings.........................................................................125
Chapter 9 Share USB Storage Devices Attached to the Router
USB device requirements................................................................128
Connect a USB storage device to the router................................128
Access a storage device connected to the router........................129
Access a storage device connected to the router from a
Windows-based computer.........................................................129
Map a USB device to a Windows network drive......................129
Access a storage device that is connected to the router from a
Mac................................................................................................130
Back up Windows-based computers with ReadySHARE Vault....131
Enable FTP access within your network.........................................132
View network folders on a storage device....................................132
Add a network folder on a USB storage device...........................133
Edit a network folder on a USB storage device............................134
Approve a USB storage device.......................................................135
Remotely access a USB device using ReadyCLOUD...................136
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Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400
Create a ReadyCLOUD account................................................136
Register your router with ReadyCLOUD...................................137
Safely remove a USB storage device.............................................138
Chapter 10 Use VPN to Access Your Network
Set up a VPN connection.................................................................140
Manage Dynamic DNS for VPN connections................................140
Set up a new Dynamic DNS account.........................................140
Specify a DNS account that you already created.....................141
Change the Dynamic DNS settings...........................................142
Enable and configure OpenVPN on the router............................143
Install OpenVPN software...............................................................144
Install the OpenVPN client utility and VPN configuration files on
a Windows-based computer......................................................144
Install the OpenVPN client utility and VPN configuration files on
a Mac.............................................................................................146
Install the OpenVPN client utility and VPN configuration files on
an iOS device...............................................................................147
Install the OpenVPN client utility and VPN configuration files on
an Android device.......................................................................148
LAN requirements for VPN connections.......................................149
Use a VPN tunnel on a Windows-based computer......................149
Use VPN to access your Internet service at home........................150
Allow VPN clients full Internet access........................................150
Use a VPN tunnel to access your Internet service at home....151
Block Internet access for VPN clients........................................151
Chapter 11 Manage Port Forwarding and Port Triggering Traffic
Rules
Manage port forwarding to a local server for services and
applications.......................................................................................154
Forward incoming traffic for a default service or application.154
Add a port forwarding rule for a custom service or
application....................................................................................155
Change a port forwarding rule..................................................157
Remove a port forwarding rule..................................................157
Application example: Make a local web server public...........158
How the router implements a port forwarding rule................159
Manage port triggering for services and applications................159
Add a port triggering rule..........................................................160
Change a port triggering rule....................................................161
Specify the time-out for port triggering....................................162
Disable port triggering...............................................................163
Remove a port triggering rule....................................................163
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Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400
Application example: Port triggering for Internet Relay Chat.164
Chapter 12 Troubleshooting
Quick tips...........................................................................................167
Sequence to restart your network.............................................167
Check the power adapter and Ethernet cable connections...167
Check the WiFi settings..............................................................167
Check the network settings........................................................167
Troubleshoot with the LEDs............................................................168
Standard LED behavior when the router is powered on........168
Power LED is off or blinking.......................................................168
LEDs never turn off......................................................................168
Internet or Ethernet LAN port LEDs are off..............................169
WiFi LEDs are off..........................................................................169
You cannot log in to the router.......................................................169
Resolve a browser security warning...............................................170
Google Chrome: add a security exception..............................171
Apple Safari: add a security exception.....................................172
Mozilla Firefox: add a security exception.................................172
Microsoft Internet Explorer: add a security exception............173
Microsoft Edge: add a security exception................................174
You cannot access the Internet.......................................................175
Troubleshoot Internet browsing.....................................................177
Changes are not saved....................................................................177
Troubleshoot WiFi connectivity......................................................177
Troubleshoot your network using the ping utility........................178
Test the LAN path to your router...............................................178
Test the path from a Windows-based computer to a remote
device............................................................................................179
Appendix A Supplemental Information
Factory settings.................................................................................182
Technical specifications...................................................................183
8
1
Hardware Setup
The NETGEAR Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 comes with
NETGEAR Armor built-in and includes a 3-year NETGEAR Armor subscription.
NETGEAR Armor protects your connected home from Internet threats and provides
best-in-class anti-virus and data theft protection for all of your smartphones and
computers, with an unlimited number of devices covered.
This chapter contains the following sections:
• Unpack your router
• Attach the antennas
• LEDs and buttons on the top panel
• Rear panel
• Router label and QR Code label
• Position your router
• Cable your router
For more information about the topics covered in this manual, visit the support website
at netgear.com/support/.
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Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400
Unpack your router
Figure 1. Package contents
Your package contains following:
NETGEAR Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router
•
Three Antennas
•
Power adapter (varies by region)
•
Yellow Ethernet cable
•
Quick start guide
•
Attach the antennas
The router comes with three antennas.
To attach the antennas:
1.
Remove the antenna caps from the antenna posts on the router.
2. Align the antennas with the antenna posts on the router.
3. Attach the antennas on the threaded antenna posts.
4.
Position the antennas for the best WiFi performance.
User Manual10Hardware Setup
45° 45°
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400
We recommend that the center antenna be vertical and that you aim the others
outward at 45-degree angles, as shown.
LEDs and buttons on the top panel
The status LEDs and buttons are located on the top of the router.
Table 1. LED and button descriptions
DescriptionsLEDs and Buttons
Power
Internet
2.4 GHz WiFi
5 GHz WiFi
USB 3.0 (front panel)
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.
Blinking white. The port is sending or receiving traffic.
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 storage device is connected and is ready.
Blinking white. A USB storagedevice is plugged in and is trying to connect.
Off. No USB storagedevice is connected, or someone clicked the Safely Remove
Hardware button and it is now safe to remove the attached USB storage device.
USB 2.0 (rear panel)
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.
User Manual11Hardware Setup
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400
Table 1. LED and button descriptions (Continued)
DescriptionsLEDs and Buttons
LAN ports 1–4
WiFi On/Off button
with LED
WPS button with LED
The LED color indicates the speed: white for Gigabit Ethernet connections and amber for
100 Mbps or 10 Mbps Ethernet connections.
Solid white or solid amber. A powered-on device is connected to the Ethernet port.
Blinking white or blinking amber. The port is sending or receiving traffic.
Off. No device is connected to this Ethernet port.
Pressing this button for two seconds turns the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi radios on and off.
If this LED is solid white, the WiFi radios are on. If this LED is off, the WiFi radios are turned
off and you cannot use WiFi to connect to the router.
This button lets you use WPS to join the WiFi network without typing the WiFi password.
The WPS LED blinks white during this process and then lights solid white.
Rear panel
The following figure shows the rear panel connectors and buttons.
Figure 2. Router rear panel
User Manual12Hardware Setup
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400
In addition to the three antenna connectors, viewed from left to right, the rear panel
contains the following components:
Reset button. Pressing the Reset button resets the router. If you press the Reset
•
button for at least 10 seconds, the Power LED blinks amber and the router returns
to its factory settings.
LAN ports. Four Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 LAN ports to connect the router to LAN
•
devices.
Internet port. One Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 WAN port to connect the router to an
•
Internet modem such as a cable modem or DSL modem.
USB 2.0 port. One USB 2.0 port to connect the router to a USB storage device that
•
does not require a USB 3.0 connection.
Note: The USB 3.0 port is on the front panel. You can use the USB 3.0 port to connect
the router to a USB storage device.
Power On/Off button. Press the Power On/Off button to provide power to the
•
router.
DC power connector. Connect the power adapter that came with your router to
•
the DC power connector.
Router label and QR Code 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 3. Router label
User Manual13Hardware Setup
Your Preset Wireless Settings
WiFi Network Name (SSID):
Network Key (Password):
Your Preset Wireless Settings
WiFi Network Name (SSID):
Network Key (Password):
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400
The QR code label is on the top panel.
Figure 4. QR code label location
Position your router
The router lets you access your network anywhere within the operating range of your
WiFi network. However, the operating distance or range of your WiFi connection can
vary significantly depending on the physical placement of your router.
In addition, position your router according to the following guidelines:
Place your router near the center of the area where your computers and other devices
•
operate, and within line of sight to your WiFi devices.
Make sure that the router is within reach of an AC power outlet and near Ethernet
•
cables for wired computers.
Place the router in an elevated location, minimizing the number walls and ceilings
•
between the router and your other devices.
Place the router away from electrical devices such as these:
•
-
Ceiling fans
- Home security systems
- Microwaves
- Computers
-
Base of a cordless phone
- 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz cordless phones
User Manual14Hardware Setup
45° 45°
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400
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
The following factors might limit the range of your WiFi:
The thickness and number of walls the WiFi signal passes through can limit the range.
•
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
devices that emit a WiFi signal for network access.
Cable your router
The following figure shows how to can cable your router.
Figure 5. Cable your router
User Manual15Hardware Setup
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400
To cable your router:
1.
Unplug your modem’s power, leaving the modem connected to the wall jack for
your Internet service.
If your modem uses a battery backup, remove the battery.
2. Plug in and turn on your modem.
If your modem uses a battery backup, put the battery back in.
3.
Connect your modem to the Internet port of your router with the yellow Ethernet
cable that came with your router.
4. Connect the power adapter to your router and plug the power adapter into an outlet.
5.
Press the Power On/Off button on the back panel of the router.
User Manual16Hardware Setup
2
Connect to the Router’s Network and Automatically Set Up the Internet Connection
You can connect to the router’s WiFi networks or use a wired Ethernet connection. This
chapter explains the ways you can connect, how to access the router and log in, and
how to automatically set up the Internet connection.
The chapter contains the following sections:
• Connect to the network
• Types of logins
• Use a web browser to access the router
• Change the language
• Install and manage your router with the Nighthawk app
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Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400
Connect to the network
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 so that it uses Dynamic
Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).
Connect to the network using a wired connection
You can connect your computer to the router using an Ethernet cable and join the
router’s local area network (LAN).
To connect your computer to the router with an Ethernet cable:
1. Make sure that the router is receiving power (its Power LED is lit).
2. Connect an Ethernet cable to an Ethernet port on your computer.
3.
Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable a LAN port on the router.
Your computer connects to the local area network (LAN).
Find and connect to the WiFi network
Note: If you use a smartphone or tablet, you can scan the QR code on therouter to join
its WiFi network. You can also use the following procedure.
To find and connect to the WiFi network:
1. Make sure that the router is receiving power (its Power LED is lit).
2.
On your computer or WiFi device, find and select the WiFi network.
The preset WiFi network name is on the router label. If you customized the WiFi
network name, use your new WiFi network name.
3. Join the WiFi network and enter the WiFi password.
The preset WiFi password is on the router label. If you customized the WiFi password,
use your new WiFi password.
Your device connects to the WiFi network.
WiFi connection using WPS
You can connect your WPS-enabled device to the router’s WiFi network with Wi-Fi
Protected Setup (WPS) or you can find and select the WiFi network.
User Manual18Connect to the Router’s Network
and Automatically Set Up the
Internet Connection
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400
To use WPS to connect to the WiFi network:
1. Make sure that the router is receiving power (its Power LED is lit).
2.
Check the WPS instructions for your WPS-enabled device.
3. Press the WPS button on the router.
4.
Within two minutes, on your WPS-enabled device, press its WPS button or follow
its instructions for WPS connections.
Your WPS-enabled device connects to the WiFi network.
Types of logins
Separate types of logins serve different purposes. It is important that you understand
the differences so that you know which login to use when.
Several types of logins are associated with the router:
ISP login. The login that your Internet service provider (ISP) gave you logs you in to
•
your Internet service. Your ISP gave you this login information in a letter or some
other way. If you cannot find this login information, contact your ISP.
WiFi network key, WiFi passphrase, or WiFi password. Your router is preset with
•
a unique WiFi network name (SSID) and password for WiFi access. This information
is on the router label.
NETGEAR account login. The NETGEAR account email address and password that
•
you must enter to log in to the router when you use a web browser to access the
router and the router is connected to the Internet. You can also use your NETGEAR
account to register your router and manage your subscriptions. If you do not own a
free NETGEAR account, you can create one.
Router login. The router login password that you must enter to log in to the router
•
with the admin user name when you use a web browser to access the router and the
router is not connected to the Internet.
Note: If your router is connected to the Internet, use the NETGEAR account email
address and password to log in to the router. If your router is not connected to the
Internet, use the admin user name and router login password to log in to the router.
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 Manual19Connect to the Router’s Network
and Automatically Set Up the
Internet Connection
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400
the router, the software automatically checks to see if your router can connect to your
Internet service.
Use a web browser to set up the router’s Internet connection automatically
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 example, 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 use a web browser to set up your router’s Internet connection automatically:
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: When the router connects to the Internet, you are prompted to customize
the router’s WiFi network name and WiFi password. If you want to do so, use a wired
connection to avoid being disconnected when the new WiFi settings take effect.
You can also change the WiFi network name and WiFi password later.
3. Launch a web browser.
Your browser might display a security warning and might not let you proceed. You
can either ignore this warning or add a security certificate as described in the
following examples.
User Manual20Connect to the Router’s Network
and Automatically Set Up the
Internet Connection
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400
Note: For detailed information about security warnings and adding security
certificates, see Resolve a browser security warning on page 170.
If Google Chrome displays a Your connection is not private message or a similar
•
warning, click the ADVANCED link. Then, click the Proceed to 192.168.1.1
(unsafe) link and install a security certificate.
If Apple Safari displays a This connection is not private message or a similar
•
warning, click the Show Details button. Then, click the visit this website link. If
a warning pop-up window opens, click the Visit Website button. If another
pop-up window opens to let you confirm changes to your certificate trust settings,
enter your Mac user name and password and click the Update Setting button.
If Mozilla Firefox displays a Your connection is not secure message or a similar
•
warning, click the ADVANCED button. Then, click the Add Exception button. In
the pop-up window that opens, click the Confirm Security Exception button
and install a security certificate.
If Microsoft Internet Explorer displays a There is a problem with this website’s
•
security certificate message or a similar warning, click the Continue to this
website (not recommended) link and install a security certificate.
If Microsoft Edge displays a There is a problem with this website’s security
•
certificate message or a similar warning, select Details > Go on to the webpage
and install a security certificate.
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 https://www.routerlogin.net and the Configuring the Internet Connection
page displays.
•
If you already set up the Internet connection, enter https://www.routerlogin.net
in the address field for your browser to start the installation process.
4. Follow the onscreen instructions.
The router connects to the Internet.
5.
If you already ignored the security warning or installed a security certificate but the
browser still 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.
•
and Automatically Set Up the
Internet Connection
User Manual21Connect to the Router’s Network
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400
Browse to https://www.routerlogin.net.
•
If the computer is set to a static or fixed IP address (this setting is uncommon),
•
change it to obtain an IP address automatically from the router.
6.
If the router does not connect to the Internet, do the following:
a. Review your settings. Make sure that you selected the correct options and typed
everything correctly.
b.
Contact your ISP to verify that you are using the correct configuration information.
c. Read You cannot access the Internet on page 175.
d.
If problems persist, register your NETGEAR product and contact NETGEAR
Technical Support.
During the initial installation with the NETGEAR installation assistant, you are
prompted to register your product.
When the router connects to the Internet, you are prompted to do the following:
Change the password for the router admin user name and set up security questions.
•
Customize your WiFi network name and password.
•
Let the router check if a new firmware version is available and upgrade the firmware.
•
Log in to NETGEAR Armor and activate your subscription.
•
Register your product.
•
Download the Nighthawk app.
•
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.
Your browser might display a security warning and might not let you proceed. You can
either ignore this warning or add a security certificate as described in the following
examples.
Note: For detailed information about security warnings and adding security certificates,
see Resolve a browser security warning on page 170.
If Google Chrome displays a Your connection is not private message or a similar
•
warning, click the ADVANCED link. Then, click the Proceed to 192.168.1.1 (unsafe)
link and install a security certificate.
User Manual22Connect to the Router’s Network
and Automatically Set Up the
Internet Connection
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400
If Apple Safari displays a This connection is not private message or a similar warning,
•
click the Show Details button. Then, click the visit this website link. If a warning
pop-up window opens, click the Visit Website button. If another pop-up window
opens to let you confirm changes to your certificate trust settings, enter your Mac
user name and password and click the Update Setting button.
If Mozilla Firefox displays a Your connection is not secure message or a similar
•
warning, click the ADVANCED button. Then, click the Add Exception button. In the
pop-up window that opens, click the Confirm Security Exception button and install
a security certificate.
If Microsoft Internet Explorer displays a There is a problem with this website’s security
•
certificate message or a similar warning, click the Continue to this website (not
recommended) link and install a security certificate.
If Microsoft Edge displays a There is a problem with this website’s security certificate
•
message or a similar warning, select Details > Go on to the webpage and install a
security certificate.
To log in to the router:
1.
Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the
router network.
2.
Enter https://www.routerlogin.net.
Note: You can also enter http://www.routerlogin.com, https://192.168.1.1, or
http://192.168.1.1. If you enter one of these links starting with http://, the browser
automatically redirects your request to https:// (secure HTTP). The procedures in
this manual use http://www.routerlogin.net.
Your browser might display a security message, which you can ignore (see the
introduction to this task).
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.
Change the language
By default, the language that displays when you log in to the router web interface is set
to Auto.
User Manual23Connect to the Router’s Network
and Automatically Set Up the
Internet Connection
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400
To change the language:
1.
Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the
router network.
2.
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.
In the upper right corner, select a language from the menu.
5.
When prompted, click the OK button to confirm this change.
The page refreshes with the language that you selected.
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
https://www.netgear.com/home/apps-services/nighthawk-app/.
2.
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.
User Manual24Connect to the Router’s Network
and Automatically Set Up the
Internet Connection
3
Specify Your Internet Settings
Usually, the quickest way to set up the router to use your Internet connection is to allow
your router to detect the Internet connection automatically when you first access the
router web interface. You can also customize and manually specify your Internet settings.
This chapter contains the following sections:
• Use the Internet Setup Wizard
• Manually set up the Internet connection
• Specify IPv6 Internet connections
• Manage the MTU size
25
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400
Use the Internet Setup Wizard
You can use the Setup Wizard to detect your Internet settings and automatically set up
your router. The Setup Wizard is not the same as the pages that display the first time
you connect to your router to set it up.
To use the Setup Wizard:
1.
Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the
router network.
2.
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
To specify the Internet connection settings:
1.
Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to
therouter network.
2.
Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.
A login window opens.
User Manual26Specify Your Internet Settings
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400
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 Internet.
The Internet Setup page displays.
5. In the Does your Internet connection require a login? section, leave the No radio
button selected.
6.
If your Internet connection requires an account name or host name, click the Edit
button in the Account Name section and enter the account name.
7.
If your Internet connection requires a domain name, type it in the Domain Name (If
Required) field.
For the other sections on this page, the default settings usually work, but you can
change them.
8. Select an Internet IP Address radio button:
•
Get Dynamically from ISP. Your ISP uses DHCP to assign your IP address. Your
ISP automatically assigns these addresses.
• Use Static IP Address. Enter the IP address, IP subnet mask, and the gateway IP
address that your ISP assigned. The gateway is the ISP router to which your router
connects.
9. Select a Domain Name Server (DNS) Address radio button:
•
Get Automatically from ISP. Your ISP uses DHCP to assign your DNS servers.
Your ISP automatically assigns this address.
•
Use These DNS Servers. If you know that your ISP requires specific servers, select
this option. Enter the IP address of your ISP’s primary DNS server. If a secondary
DNS server address is available, enter it also.
10. Select a Router MAC Address radio button:
•
Use Default Address. Use the default MAC address.
• Use Computer MAC Address. The router captures and uses the MAC address
of the computer that you are now using. You must use the one computer that the
ISP allows.
• Use This MAC Address. Enter the MAC address that you want to use.
11. Click the Apply button.
Your settings are saved.
User Manual27Specify Your Internet Settings
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400
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 175.
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 Internet service provider (ISP) gave you
to connect to your Internet service. If you cannot find this information, contact your ISP.
Entering incorrect information might prevent the router from connecting to the Internet.
To specify the connection settings for a PPPoE Internet service for which you must
log in:
1.
Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the
router network.
2.
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 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.
The page adjusts.
7.
In the Login field, enter the login name that your ISP gave you.
This login name is often an email address.
8.
In the Password field, type the password that you use to log in to your Internet
service.
9.
If your ISP requires a service name, type it in the Service Name (if Required) field.
User Manual28Specify Your Internet Settings
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400
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 175.
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 Internet service provider (ISP)
gave you to connect to your Internet service. If you cannot find this information, contact
User Manual29Specify Your Internet Settings
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400
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:
1.
Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the
router network.
2.
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 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.
The page adjusts.
7.
In the Login field, enter the login name that your ISP gave you.
This login name is often an email address.
8.
In the Password field, type the password that you use to log in to your Internet
service.
9. From the Connection Mode menu, select Always On, Dial on Demand, or Manually
Connect.
10.
To change the number of minutes until the Internet login times out, in the Idle
Timeout (In minutes) field, type the number of minutes.
This is how long the router keeps the Internet connection active when no one on the
network is using the Internet connection. A value of 0 (zero) means never log out.
11.
If your ISP gave 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.
User Manual30Specify Your Internet Settings
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