User Manual
Table Of Contents
- Contents
- 1. Hardware Overview of the Router
- 2. Connect to the Network and Access the Router
- 3. Specify Your Internet Settings
- Use the Internet Setup Wizard
- Manually Set Up the Internet Connection
- Specify an IPv6 Internet Connection
- IPv6 Internet Connections and IPv6 Addresses
- Use Auto Detect for an IPv6 Internet Connection
- Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet Connection
- Set Up an IPv6 6to4 Tunnel Internet Connection
- Set Up an IPv6 Pass-Through Internet Connection
- Set Up a Fixed IPv6 Internet Connection
- Set Up an IPv6 DHCP Internet Connection
- Set Up an IPv6 6rd Tunnel Connection
- Set Up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet Connection
- Manage the MTU Size
- 4. Optimize Performance
- 5. Control Access to the Internet
- 6. Share a Storage Device Attached to the Router
- 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 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
- Set Up NETGEAR Downloader
- Safely Remove a USB Device
- 7. Manage Dynamic DNS and Access Storage Devices Through the Internet
- 8. Use the Router as a Media Server
- 9. Share a USB Printer
- 10. Manage the WAN and LAN Network Settings
- Manage the WAN Security Settings
- Set Up a Default DMZ Server
- Manage IGMP Proxying
- Manage NAT Filtering
- Manage the SIP Application-Level Gateway
- Manage the LAN IP Address Settings
- Manage the Router Information Protocol Settings
- Manage the DHCP Server Address Pool
- Manage Reserved LAN IP Addresses
- Disable the Built-In DHCP Server
- Change the Router’s Device Name
- Set Up and Manage Custom Static Routes
- Set Up a Bridge for a Port Group or VLAN Tag Group
- 11. Manage the WiFi Network Settings
- Use WPS to Add a Device to the WiFi Network
- Specify Basic WiFi Settings
- Change the WiFi Data Rate Settings
- Change the WiFi Password or Security Level
- Set Up a Guest WiFi Network
- Specify How the Router Manages WiFi Clients
- Control the WiFi Radios
- Set Up a WiFi Schedule
- Manage the WPS Settings
- Use the Router as a WiFi Access Point
- Use the Router in WiFi Bridge Mode
- 12. Manage the Router and Monitor the Traffic
- Update the Firmware of the Router
- Change the admin Password
- Set Up Password Recovery
- Recover the admin Password
- Manage the Configuration File of the Router
- Disable LED Blinking or Turn Off LEDs
- Return the Router to Its Factory Default Settings
- View the Status and Statistics of the Router
- Manage the Activity Log
- View Devices Currently on the Network
- Monitor and Meter Internet Traffic
- Manage the Router Remotely
- Remotely Access Your Router Using the genie App
- 13. Use VPN to Access Your Network
- 14. Manage Port Forwarding and Port Triggering
- 15. Troubleshooting
- A. Supplemental Information
Router Label
The router label on the bottom panel of the router lists the login information, WiFi network name (SSID) and
password (network key), serial number, and MAC address of the router.
Figure 5. Router label
Position Your Router
The router lets you access your network anywhere within the operating range of your WiFi network. However,
the operating distance or range of your WiFi connection can vary significantly depending on the physical
placement of your router. For example, the thickness and number of walls the WiFi signal passes through
can limit the range.
Additionally, other WiFi access points in and around your home might affect your router’s signal.WiFi access
points are routers, repeaters, WiFi range extenders, and any other device that emits a WiFi signal for network
access.
Position your router according to the following guidelines:
• Place your router near the center of the area where your computers and other devices operate and
within line of sight to your WiFi devices.
• Make sure that the router is within reach of an AC power outlet and near Ethernet cables for wired
computers.
• Place the router in an elevated location, minimizing the number walls and ceilings between the router
and your other devices.
• Place the router away from electrical devices such as these:
- Ceiling fans
- Home security systems
- Microwaves
- Computers
- Base of a cordless phone
Hardware Overview of the Router
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900P