Nighthawk X8 AC5300 Tri-Band WiFi Router User Manual Model R8500 October 2015 202-11555-02 350 E.
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Contents Chapter 1 Hardware Setup Unpack Your Router...............................................................................................9 Front View..............................................................................................................9 USB Ports on the Right Panel..............................................................................11 Rear Panel...........................................................................................................
Allow or Block Access to Your Network................................................................46 Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites..................................................................48 Block Services From the Internet.........................................................................50 Delete Keywords From the Blocked List...............................................................51 Avoid Blocking on a Trusted Computer........................................................
Specify WPS Settings..........................................................................................93 Use the Router as a WiFi Access Point...............................................................94 Use the Router in Bridge Mode............................................................................97 Chapter 7 Optimize Performance Use Dynamic QoS to Optimize Internet Traffic Management.............................101 Enable Dynamic QoS...................................................
Edit a Network Folder on a USB Storage Device...............................................133 Remotely Access a USB Device Using ReadyCLOUD......................................133 Create a ReadyCLOUD Account...................................................................134 Register Your Router With ReadyCLOUD.....................................................134 Safely Remove a USB Device............................................................................
Use a VPN Tunnel to Access Your Internet Service at Home........................170 Chapter 14 Customize Internet Traffic Rules for Ports Set Up Port Forwarding to a Local Server.........................................................172 Edit a Port Forwarding Service..........................................................................174 Delete a Port Forwarding Entry..........................................................................174 Application Example: Make a Local Web Server Public......
Hardware Setup 1 The Nighthawk X8 AC5300 Tri-Band WiFi Router is the next wave in WiFi with Tri-Band Quad Stream performance, Nighthawk delivers combined WiFi speeds of up to 5.3 Gbps. Four external active antennas combined with four internal antennas amplify and maximize WiFi range. The X8’s powerful 1.4 Ghz dual-core processor gives you a high-performance networking engine for faster connections. Aggregate two of the Gigabit ports to double your wired speeds to network-attached storage.
Unpack Your Router Your package contains the Nighthawk X8 AC5300 Tri-Band WiFi Router, the power adapter, and a yellow Ethernet cable. Figure 1. Package contents Front View The status LEDs are located on the top of the router. Buttons are on the front, and the USB ports are on the right panel. Figure 2.
Table 1. LED descriptions LED Power Internet 2.4 GHz WiFi 5 GHz WiFi 1 and 5 GHz WiFi 2 Description • 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.
LED USB 3.0 port 1 and USB 2.0 port 2 Ethernet ports 1–6 Description • Solid white. A USB device is connected and is ready. • Blinking. A USB device is plugged in and is trying to connect. • Off. No USB device is connected, or someone clicked the Safely Remove Hardware button and it is now safe to remove the attached USB device. The LED color indicates the speed: white for Gigabit Ethernet connections and amber for 100 Mbps or 10 Mbps Ethernet connections. • Solid.
Figure 3. A USB 3.0 port and a USB 2.0 port are located on the right Rear Panel The rear panel connections and buttons are shown in the following figure. Figure 4. Rear panel 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.
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.
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 rear panel of the router. 6. To change the LED mode, press the LED button on the front panel. Pressing the LED button turns off blinking. Pressing the LED button again turns off all LEDs except the Power LED.
The router receives a much cleaner and less noisy signal for amplification, significantly improving the received signal and providing a clean, powerful signal that extends WiFi coverage and performance. Active antennas help reduce the mismatch between the sent and the received signal by compensating for the relatively poor WiFi on the client side.This WiFi improvement is seen across all devices-new and old but helps mobile devices the most, which present the greatest connectivity challenges today.
Hardware Setup 16
Connect to the Network and Access the Router 2 You can connect to the router’s WiFi networks or use a wired Ethernet connection. This chapter explains the ways you can connect and how to access the router and log in.
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). Wired Connection You can connect your computer to the router using an Ethernet cable and join the router’s local area network (LAN). The router has six Ethernet ports.
WiFi Connection Using WPS You can connect to the router’s WiFi network with Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) or you can find and select the WiFi network. 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 computer or WiFi device. 3. Press the WPS button on the router. 4. Within two minutes, on your computer or WiFi device, press its WPS button or follow its instructions for WPS connections.
Use a Web Browser to Access the Router When you connect to the network (either with WiFi or with an Ethernet cable), you can use a web browser to access the router to view or change its settings. When you access the router, the software automatically checks to see if your router can connect to your Internet service. 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.
5. If the browser does not display a router page, 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. 6.
To change the language: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. In the upper right corner, select a language from the menu. 5. When prompted, click the OK button to confirm this change.
Specify Your Internet Settings 3 Usually, the quickest way to set up the router to use your Internet connection is to allow the genie to detect the Internet connection when you first access the router with a web browser.You can also customize or specify your Internet settings.
Use the Internet Setup Wizard You can use the Setup Wizard to detect your Internet settings and automatically set up your router. The Setup Wizard is not the same as the pages that display the first time you connect to your router to set it up. To use the Setup Wizard: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin.
Specify an Internet Connection Without a Login To specify the Internet connection settings: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select Internet.
• 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.
6. From the Internet Service Provider menu, select the encapsulation method: PPPoE, L2TP, or PPTP. 7. In the Login field, enter the login name that your ISP gave you. This login name is often an email address. 8. In the Password field, type the password that you use to log in to your Internet service. 9. If your ISP requires a service name, type it in the Service Name (if Required) field. 10. From the Connection Mode menu, select Always On, Dial on Demand, or Manually Connect. 11.
• 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 Cannot Access the Internet on page 183. Specify IPv6 Internet Connections You can set up an IPv6 Internet connection if the router does not detect it automatically. To set up an IPv6 Internet connection: 1.
• Set Up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet Connection on page 38 • Set Up an IPv6 6rd Internet Connection on page 39 6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.
Requirements for Entering IPv6 Addresses IPv6 addresses are denoted by eight groups of hexadecimal quartets that are separated by colons. You can reduce any four-digit group of zeros within an IPv6 address to a single zero or omit it.
• 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 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 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.
Set Up an IPv6 6to4 Tunnel Internet Connection The remote relay router is the router to which your router creates a 6to4 tunnel. Make sure that the IPv4 Internet connection is working before you apply the 6to4 tunnel settings for the IPv6 connection. To set up an IPv6 Internet connection by using a 6to4 tunnel: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password.
• Use DHCP Server. This method passes more information to LAN devices but some IPv6 systems might not support the DHCPv6 client function. • Auto Config. This is the default setting. This setting specifies how the router assigns IPv6 addresses to the devices on your home network (the LAN). 8. (Optional) Select the Use This Interface ID check box and specify the interface ID to be used for the IPv6 address of the router’s LAN interface.
5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select DHCP. The router automatically detects the information in the following fields: • Router’s IPv6 Address on WAN. This field shows the IPv6 address that is acquired for the router’s WAN (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.
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 Fixed Internet Connection To set up a fixed IPv6 Internet connection: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password.
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 24.) 7. Select an IP Address Assignment radio button: • Use DHCP Server. This method passes more information to LAN devices but some IPv6 systems might not support the DHCPv6 client function. • Auto Config. This is the default setting.
Your settings are saved. Set Up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet Connection To set up a PPPoE IPv6 Internet connection: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is 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.
This is usually the name that you use in your email address. For example, if your main mail account is JerAB@ISP.com, you would type JerAB in this field. Some ISPs (like Mindspring, Earthlink, and T-DSL) require that you use your full email address when you log in. If your ISP requires your full email address, type it in this field. 7. In the Password field, enter the password for the ISP connection. 8. In the Service Name field, enter a service name.
• Auto mode. In IPv6 Auto Detect mode, when the router receives option 212 from the DHCPv4 option, auto detect selects the IPv6 as 6rd tunnel setting. The router uses the 6rd option information to establish the 6rd connection. • Manual mode. Select 6rd Tunnel. If the router receives option 212, the fields are automatically completed. Otherwise, you must enter the 6rd settings. To set up an IPv6 6rd Internet connection: 1.
your ISP connection. For more information about changing the MTU size, see Change the MTU Size on page 41. 6. 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.
• MSN portal • America Online’s DSL service • You use VPN and experience severe performance problems. • You used a program to optimize MTU for performance reasons and now you are experiencing connectivity or performance problems. Note 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. To change the MTU size: 1.
MTU Application 1472 Maximum size to use for pinging. (Larger packets are fragmented.) 1468 Used in some DHCP environments. 1460 Usable by AOL if you do not send or receive large email attachments, for example. 1436 Used in PPTP environments or with VPN. 1400 Maximum size for AOL DSL. 576 Typical value to connect to dial-up ISPs.
Control Access to the Internet 4 The router comes with a built-in firewall that helps protect your home network from unwanted intrusions from the Internet.
Set Up Parental Controls The first time that you select Parental Controls from the BASIC Home page, your browser goes to the Live Parental Controls website, where you can learn more about Parental Controls and download the application. After you set up and enable parental controls, you can change the web filtering level for each device on the network through the network map page on the genie app. To set up Parental Controls: 1.
a. Complete the fields. b. Click the Next button. After you log on or create your account, the filtering level page displays. 10. Select a filtering level and click the Next button. The Setup is complete page displays. 11. Click the Take me to the status screen button. The Status page displays. Parental controls are now set up for the router. 12. To enable Parental Controls, click the Enable Live Parental Controls.
4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Access Control. 5. Select the Turn on Access Control check box. You must select this check box before you can specify an access rule and use the Allow and Block buttons. When this check box is cleared, all devices are allowed to connect, even if a device is in the blocked list. 6. Select an access rule: • Allow all new devices to connect. With this setting, if you add a new device, it can access your network. You don’t need to enter its MAC address on this page.
Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites You can use keywords to block certain Internet sites from your network. You can use blocking all the time or based on a schedule. To block Internet sites: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive.
7. Click the Add Keyword button. The keyword is added to the keyword list. The keyword list supports up to 32 entries. 8. Click the Apply button. Keyword blocking takes effect.
Block Services From the Internet You can block Internet services on your network based on the type of service. You can block the services all the time or based on a schedule. To block services: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive.
6. Click the Add button. 7. To add a service that is in the Service Type menu, select the application or service. The settings for this service automatically display in the fields. 8. To add a service or application that is not in the menu, select User Defined, and do the following: a. If you know that the application uses either TCP or UDP, select the appropriate protocol. Otherwise, select TCP/UDP (both). b. Enter the starting port and ending port numbers.
A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is admin. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Block Sites. The Block Sites page displays. 5. Do one of the following: • To delete a single word, select it and click the Delete Keyword button. The keyword is removed from the list. • To delete all keywords on the list, click the Clear List button.
Your settings are saved. Manage Network Access Control Lists You can use access control to block or allow access to your network. To manage devices that are allowed or blocked: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the network. 2. Type http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4.
The list displays. 7. Select the check box for a device. 8. Use the Add button, Edit button, and Remove from the list button as needed. 9. Click the Apply button. Your changes take effect. Schedule When to Block Internet Sites and Services When you schedule blocking, the same schedule is used to block sites and to block services. For information about how to specify what you want the router to block, see Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites on page 48 and Block Services From the Internet on page 50.
4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Schedule. 5. Specify when to block keywords and services: • Days to Block. Select the check box for each day that you want to block the keywords, or select the Every Day check box, which automatically selects the check boxes for all days. • Time of Day to Block. Select a start and end time in 24-hour format, or select the All Day check box for 24-hour blocking. 6. Select your time zone from the menu. 7.
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. 5. Select the Turn E-mail Notification On check box. 6. In the Your Outgoing Mail Server field, enter the name of your ISP outgoing (SMTP) mail server (such as mail.myISP.com). You might be able to find this information in the configuration window of your email program.
a. From Send logs according to this schedule menu, select the schedule type. b. From the Day menu, select the day. c. From the Time menu, select the time, and select the am or pm radio button. 11. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Logs are sent automatically according to the schedule that you set. If the log fills before the specified time, it is sent. After the log is sent, it is cleared from the router memory.
Tri-Band WiFi Connections 5 This chapter explains how the router manages WiFi connections for its WiFi bands and how you can control the relevant router settings.
Tri-Band WiFi Tri-band WiFi delivers 3.2 Gbps combined WiFi speeds through three dedicated WiFi bands—a 2.4 GHz band plus two 5 GHz bands. This additional 5 GHz WiFi band allows you to double the WiFi bandwidth for dual-band devices. Figure 6. Tri-band WiFi doubles the available bandwidth for dual-band devices Smart Connect intelligently selects the best WiFi band for each dual-band device to optimize connection speed and performance based on that device’s speed and performance capabilities.
band, they must share the bandwidth. If four devices connect, then the router divides its 640 Mbps capacity by 5, as shown in the following figure. Figure 7. Dual-band WiFi network with one 5 GHz WiFi band That means that in the network shown, a computer with a 1,300 Mbps capacity provides an effective WiFi connection speed of 160 Mbps (13005 ), and other devices would also see their WiFi speeds divided by 5. Tri-band WiFi adds a second 5 GHz WiFi band to the network.
Figure 8. A tri-band network includes two dedicated 5 GHz bands In this tri-band network, the first 5 GHz band provides a speed of 200 Mbps, and the second 5 GHz band provides a speed of 1,300 Mbps. The slower and faster devices are separated in different WiFi connections to ensure that you get the best speed on each device. So in the previous figure, all the three mobile devices are on one 5 GHz band with a combined maximum speed of 200 Mbps, and the other 5 GHz WiFi band is used for the faster 802.
Figure 9. Load balancing Slower devices like printers, older computers, or IP cameras connect to the 2.4 GHz band. The presence of two 5 GH bands prevents overloading when many devices use WiFi at the same time. Benefits of Tri-Band WiFi The tri-band WiFi network outperforms the dual-band network in several ways: • More bandwidth is available.
iTunes Server lets you play music with your Windows or Mac iTunes app from a storage device that is connected to the router. You can also use the Apple Remote app from an iPhone or iPad to play music on any AirPlay devices, such as Apple TV or AirPlay-supported receivers. Figure 10. Smart Connect For Smart Connect to work, both 5 GHz radio bands must use the same WiFi network name (SSID) and network key (password).
The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select Wireless. The Wireless Setup page displays. 5. Select or clear the the Smart Connect – One Wireless Network Name (SSID) for both 5 GHz radios check box. Selecting this check box turns on Smart Connect and clearing this check box turns off Smart Connect. 6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Beamforming Beamforming means that your router actively tracks clients and directs Wifi to the client, rather than just blasting it out in all directions.
Your settings are saved.
Network Settings 6 The router comes ready for WiFi, Ethernet, and USB connections. You can customize the router’s network settings. We recommend that you install the router and connect it to the Internet before you change its network settings.
View or Change WAN Settings You can view or configure wide area network (WAN) settings for the Internet port.You can set up a DMZ (demilitarized zone) server, change the maximum transmit unit (MTU) size, and enable the router to respond to a ping to its WAN (Internet) port. To view or change the WAN settings: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password.
• MTU Size (in bytes). The normal MTU (maximum transmit unit) value for most Ethernet networks is 1500 bytes, or 1492 bytes for PPPoE connections. Change the MTU only if you are sure that it is necessary for your ISP connection. See Change the MTU Size on page 41. • NAT Filtering. Network Address Translation (NAT) determines how the router processes inbound traffic.
5. Select the Default DMZ Server check box. 6. Type the IP address. 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Set Up Ethernet Port Aggregation Ethernet aggregation lets you combine two Gigabit Ethernet ports to improve the aggregated file transfer speed. Note that Ethernet port aggregation is also referred to as link aggregation, teaming port, and port trunking.
To set up Ethernet port aggregation: 1. If you are connecting a switch, make sure that the switch supports 802.3ad LACP. You must configure the switch before you connect the Ethernet cables to the router. WARNING: To avoid causing broadcast looping, which can shut down your network, do not connect an unmanaged switch to Ethernet aggregate port 1 and port 2 on the router. 2.
View Ethernet Port Aggregation Status You can view the status of Ethernet aggregation for a device that is connected to the router's designated Ethernet aggregation ports. The device must support Ethernet aggregation. To view the status of the Ethernet port aggregation: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login screen displays. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin.
To change the LAN TCP/IP settings: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > LAN Setup. Your router might display information that is different from this example. 5.
a. Select the RIP direction: • Both. The router broadcasts its routing table periodically and incorporates information that it receives. • Out Only. The router broadcasts its routing table periodically. • In Only. The router incorporates the RIP information that it receives. b. Select a RIP version: • Disabled. This is the default setting. • RIP-1. This format is universally supported. It is adequate for most networks, unless you are using an unusual network setup. • RIP-2.
Your settings are saved. Specify the IP Addresses That the Router Assigns By default, the router acts as a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server. The router assigns IP, DNS server, and default gateway addresses to all computers connected to the LAN. The assigned default gateway address is the LAN address of the router. These addresses must be part of the same IP address subnet as the router’s LAN IP address. Using the default addressing scheme, define a range between 192.168.1.2 and 192.168.1.
a. In the Starting IP Address field, type the lowest number in the range. This IP address must be in the same subnet as the router. b. In the Ending IP Address field, type the number at the end of the range of IP addresses. This IP address must be in the same subnet as the router. 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.
Your settings are saved. 7. (Optional) If this service is disabled and no other DHCP server is on your network, set your computer IP addresses manually so that the computers can access the router. Manage Reserved LAN IP Addresses When you specify a reserved IP address for a computer on the LAN, that computer always receives the same IP address each time it accesses the router’s DHCP server. Assign reserved IP addresses to computers or servers that require permanent IP settings.
The reserved address is not assigned until the next time the computer contacts the router’s DHCP server. Reboot the computer, or access its IP configuration and force a DHCP release and renew. Edit a Reserved IP Address To edit a reserved address entry: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password.
5. Select the radio button next to the reserved address. 6. Click the Delete button. The address is removed. Custom Static Routes Typically, you do not need to add static routes unless you use multiple routers or multiple IP subnets on your network. As an example of when a static route is needed, consider the following case: • Your main Internet access is through a cable modem to an ISP. • Your home network includes an ISDN router for connecting to the company where you are employed.
The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Static Routes. The Static Routes page displays. 5. Click the Add button. 6. In the Route Name field, type a name for this static route (for identification purposes only). 7. So limit access to the LAN only, select the Private check box. If the Private check box is selected, the static route is not reported in RIP. 8. Select the Active check box to make this route effective. 9. Type the IP address of the final destination. 10.
Edit a Static Route To edit a static route: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Static Routes. The Static Routes page displays. 5. In the table, select the radio button for the route.
5. In the table, select the radio button for the route. 6. Click the Delete button. The route is removed from the table. Set Up a Bridge for a Port Group or VLAN Tag Group Some devices, such as an IPTV, cannot function behind the router’s network address translation (NAT) service or firewall.
6. Select the By bridge group radio button. 7. Select a Wired Ports check box or a Wireless check box: • • If your device is connected to an Ethernet port on the router, select the Wired Ports check box that corresponds to the Ethernet port on the router to which the device is connected. If your device is connected to your router’s WiFi network, select the Wireless check box that corresponds to the router’s WiFi network to which the device is connected.
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 > VLAN/Bridge Settings. The VLAN / Bridge Settings page displays. 5. Select the Enable VLAN/Bridge Group check box. 6. Select the By VLAN tag group radio button. 7. Specify the settings as described in the following table. Field Description Name Enter a name for the VLAN tag group. The name can be up to 10 characters.
Field Description Priority Enter a value from 0 to 7. Select the check box for a wired LAN port or WiFi port. If your device is connected to an Ethernet port on the router, select the LAN port check box that corresponds to the Ethernet port on the router to which the device is connected. If your device is connected to your router’s WiFi network, select the WiFi check box that corresponds to the router’s WiFi network to which the device is connected. You must select at least one LAN port or WiFi port.
• PIN Number. The page adjusts. Enter the client security PIN and click the Next button. 7. Within two minutes, go to the client device and use its WPS software to connect to the WiFi network. The WPS process automatically sets up your computer with the network password when it connects. The router WPS page displays a confirmation message. Specify Basic WiFi Settings The router comes with preset security.
4. Select Wireless. You can specify the settings for the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz-1, and 5 GHz-2 bands. Your router might display information that is different from this example. 5. From the Region menu, select your region. In some locations, you cannot change this setting. 6. To control the SSID broadcast, select or clear the Enable SSID Broadcast check box.
Your settings are saved. If you connected to the WiFi network and you changed the SSID, you are disconnected from the network. 10. Make sure that you can use WiFi to connect to the network's new new settings. If you cannot connect with WiFi, check the following: • Is your computer or WiFi device connected to another wireless network in your area? Some WiFi devices automatically connect to the first open network without WiFi security that they discover.
Change the WiFi Password or Security Level Your router comes with preset WPA2 or WPA security. The password that you enter to connect to your network is unique to your router and is on the router label. We recommend that you use the preset security, but you can change the settings. Do not disable security. To change the WPA settings: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3.
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. Your router might display information that is different from this example. 5. For the 2.4 GHz WiFi band, in the Wireless Network (2.4 GHz b/gn/n) section, select a setting from the Mode menu. Up to 1000 Mbps is the default setting. The other settings are Up to 433 Mbps and Up to 54 Mbps. 6.
To set up a guest network: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select Guest Network. Your router might display information that is different from this example. 5.
8. For the WiFi channel and mode, leave the default settings selected. 9. Select a security option. The WPA2 options use the newest standard for the strongest security. 10. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Control the WiFi Radios The router’s internal WiFi radios 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.
4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings. Your router might display information that is different from this example. 5. In the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz-1, and 5 GHz-2 sections, select or clear the Enable Wireless Router Radio check boxes. Clearing these check boxes turns off the WiFi feature of the router for each band. 6. Click the Apply button. If you turned off the WiFi radios, the WiFi On/Off LED and the WPS LED turn off. If you turned on the WiFi radios, the WiFi On/Off LED and the WPS LED light.
5. Click the Add a new period button. 6. Use the menus, radio buttons, and check boxes to set up a period during which you want to turn off the WiFi signal. 7. Click the Apply button. The Wireless Settings page displays. 8. Select the Turn off wireless signal by schedule check box to activate the schedule. 9. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Specify WPS Settings Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) lets you join the WiFi network without typing the WiFi password. To specify WPS settings: 1.
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. TheWireless Settings page displays. The Router’s PIN field displays the PIN that you use on a registrar (for example, from the Network Explorer on a Vista Windows computer) to configure the router’s WiFi settings through WPS. 5.
To set up the router as an AP: 1. Use an Ethernet cable to connect the yellow Internet port of this router to a LAN port in the other router. 2. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 3. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 4. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays.
5. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless AP. 6. Select the Enable AP Mode check box. 7. Scroll down and select an IP address setting: • Get dynamically from existing router. The other router on the network assigns an IP address to this router while this router is in AP mode. • Enable fixed IP settings on this device (not recommended). Use this setting if you want to manually assign a specific IP address to this router while it is in AP mode.
Use the Router in Bridge Mode You can use your router in bridge mode to connect multiple devices with WiFi at the faster 802.11ac speed. To do this, you need two WiFi routers: one set up as a router and the other set up as a bridge. Figure 12. Router in bridge mode Installing your router as a bridge offers the following benefits: • You can take advantage of gigabit WiFi speeds on current devices. • Use gigabit WiFi for applications like video and gaming.
To set up bridge mode: 1. Make a note of the WiFi settings of the other router to which this router will connect. You must know the SSID, WiFi security mode, WiFi password, and operating frequency (either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz). 2. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network of the router that will run in bridge mode. 3. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 4. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin.
The settings for the other router are saved and theWireless Settings page displays. 10. Click the Apply button on the Wireless Settings page. Your settings are saved.
Optimize Performance 7 You can set up the router to optimize performance for applications such as Internet gaming, high definition video streaming, and VoIP communication. By default, the router uses Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service (WMM QoS).
Use Dynamic QoS to Optimize Internet Traffic Management Dynamic Quality of Service (QoS) helps improve your router’s Internet traffic management capabilities through better application and device identification, bandwidth allocation, and traffic prioritization techniques. Dynamic QoS resolves traffic congestion when the Internet bandwidth is limited and different demands compete for bandwidth. Figure 13.
5. Select the Enable Dynamic QoS check box. 6. Specify your Internet bandwidth. You must specify your Internet bandwidth so that Dynamic QoS can perform bandwidth allocation and traffic prioritization. To allow Speedtest to detect your Internet bandwidth (recommended), do the following: a. For more accurate Speedtest results, make sure that no other devices are accessing the Internet. b. Click the Speedtest button. Speedtest determines your Internet bandwidth. 7. Click the Apply button.
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 Dynamic QoS. The Dynamic QoS screen displays. If you are using Dynamic QoS, the Enable Dynamic QoS check box is selected. 5. Select or clear the Automatically update performance optimization database check box. 6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.
Participate in Dynamic QoS Analytics NETGEAR uses a QoS database of the most popular applications and services to implement Dynamic QoS. As new applications and services become popular, we update this database and automatically update your router if you enabled Dynamic QoS.You can opt in to share aggregate QoS information to help improve the Dynamic QoS feature. To opt in to participate in Dynamic QoS analytics: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the network. 2.
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. UPnP for automatic device configuration can be enabled or disabled.
To disable WMM QoS: 1. Launch an Internet browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > QoS Setup. The Quality of Service page displays. 5. Click the WMM tab. 6. Clear the Enable WMM (Wi-Fi multimedia) settings (2.
Manage Your Network 8 This chapter describes the router settings for administering and maintaining your router and home network.
Update the Router Firmware The router firmware (routing software) is stored in flash memory. You might see a message at the top of the router pages when new firmware is available. You can respond to that message to update the firmware or you can check to see if new firmware is available and update your product. To check for new firmware and update your router: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.
Note Be sure to change the password for the user name admin to a secure password. The ideal password contains no dictionary words from any language and contains uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. It can be up to 30 characters. To set the password for the user name admin: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin.
To set up password recovery: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Set Password. The Set Password page displays. 5. Select the Enable Password Recovery check box. 6.
A login window opens. 8. With your recovered password, log in to the router. View Router Status To view router status and usage information: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Click the ADVANCED tab.
Display Internet Port Statistics To display Internet port statistics: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Click the ADVANCED tab. The ADVANCED Home page displays. 5.
• Rx B/s. The current reception (inbound) bandwidth used on the WAN and LAN ports. • Up Time. The time elapsed since this port acquired the link. • Poll Interval. The interval at which the statistics are updated on this page. 6. To change the polling frequency, enter a time in seconds in the Poll Interval field and click the Set Interval button. To stop the polling entirely, click the Stop button. Check the Internet Connection Status To check the Internet connection status: 1.
5. In the Internet Port pane, click the Connection Status button. The following information displays: • IP Address. The IP address that is assigned to the router. • Subnet Mask. The subnet mask that is assigned to the router. • Default Gateway. The IP address for the default gateway that the router communicates with. • DHCP Server. The IP address for the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol server that provides the TCP/IP configuration for all the computers that are connected to the router.
To view and manage logs: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Logs. The Logs screen shows the following information: • Action.
View Devices Currently on the Network You can view all computers or devices that are currently connected to your network. To view devices on the network: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select Attached Devices.
4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Traffic Meter. 5. Select the Enable Traffic Meter check box. 6. To control the volume of Internet traffic, use either the traffic volume control feature or the connection time control feature: • • Select the Traffic volume control by radio button and then select one of the following options: • No Limit. No restriction is applied when the traffic limit is reached. • Download only. The restriction is applied to incoming traffic only. • Both Directions.
11. To update the Traffic Statistics section, click the Refresh button. 12. To display more information about the data traffic on your router and to change the poll interval, click the Traffic Status button. Manage the Router Configuration File The configuration settings of the router are stored within the router in a configuration file. You can back up (save) this file to your computer, restore it, or reset it to the factory default settings.
Erase the Current Configuration Settings You can erase the current configuration and restore the factory default settings. You might want to do this if you move the router to a different network. (See Factory Settings on page 191.) To erase the configuration settings: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin.
WARNING: Do not interrupt the reboot process. Set Up Remote Management You can access your router over the Internet to view or change its settings. You must know the router’s WAN IP address to use this feature. For information about remote access using Dynamic DNS, see Access USB Storage Devices Through the Internet on page 139. Note Be sure to change the password for the user name admin to a secure password.
4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Remote Management. 5. Select the Turn Remote Management On check box. 6. In the Allow Remote Access By section, specify the external IP addresses to be allowed to access the router’s remote management. Note For enhanced security, restrict access to as few external IP addresses as practical. Select one of the following: • Only This Computer. Allow access from a single IP address on the Internet. Enter the IP address to be allowed access. • IP Address Range.
Use Remote Access To use remote access: 1. Launch a web browser on a computer that is not on your home network. 2. Type your router’s WAN IP address into your browser’s address or location field followed by a colon (:) and the custom port number. For example, if your external address is 134.177.0.123 and you use port number 8080, enter http://134.177.0.123:8080 in your browser.
Share USB Storage Devices Attached to the Router 9 This chapter describes how to access and manage storage devices attached to your router. ReadySHARE lets you access and share USB storage devices connected to the router. (If your storage device uses special drivers, it is not compatible.) Note The USB ports on the router can be used only to connect USB storage devices like flash drives or hard drives or a printer. Do not connect computers, USB modems, CD drives, or DVD drives to the router USB port.
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 http://kbserver.netgear.com/readyshare. 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.
Figure 14. A USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 port are located on the side of the router To connect a USB device: 1. Insert your USB storage drive into a USB port on the side panel of the router. 2. If your USB device uses a power supply, connect it. You must use the power supply when you connect the USB device to the router. When you connect the USB device to the router USB port, it might take up to two minutes before it is ready for sharing.
3. Enter \\readyshare in the dialog box. 4. Click the OK button. A window automatically opens and displays the files and folders on the device. Map a USB Device to a Windows Network Drive To map the USB device to a Windows network drive: 1. Connect a USB storage device to a USB port on the router. If your storage device uses a power supply, you must use it when you connect the device to the router.
To access the device from a Mac: 1. Connect a USB storage device to the appropriate port on the router. If your storage device uses a power supply, you must use it when you connect the device to the router. When you connect the storage device to the router’s port, it might take up to two minutes before it is ready for sharing. By default, the device is available to all computers on your local area network (LAN) 2. On a Mac that is connected to the network, select Go > Connect to Server. 3.
Back Up Mac Computers With Time Machine You can use Time Machine to back up your Mac computers onto a USB hard drive that is connected to one of the router’s USB ports. You can access the connected storage device from your Mac with a wired or WiFi connection to your router. Set Up a USB Hard Drive on a Mac NETGEAR recommends that you use a new USB HDD or format your old USB HDD to do the Time Machine backup for the first time. Use a blank partition to prevent some issues during backup using Time Machine.
c. Click the Power Adapter tab. d. Select the Wake for Wi-Fi network access check box. e. Click the back arrow to save the changes and exit the screen. 5. Modify your security settings: a. From the System Preferences window, select Security & Privacy. The Security & Privacy page displays. b. Click the Advanced button at the bottom of the page. If the Advanced button is grayed out, click the lock icon so that you can change the settings. c. Clear the Log out after minutes of inactivity check box. d.
8. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences. The System Preferences window displays. 9. Select Time Machine. The Time Machine window displays. 10. Click the Select Backup Disk button and select your USB HDD from the list. 11. Click the Use Disk button. Note If you do not see the USB partition that you want in the Time Machine disk list, go to Mac Finder and click that USB partition. It displays in the Time Machine list. 12. When prompted, select the Registered User radio button. 13.
View or Change Network Folders on a USB Storage Device You can view or change the network folders on a USB storage device connected to the router. To view or change network folders: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4.
Add a Network Folder on a USB Storage Device You can add network folders on a USB storage device connected to the router USB ports. To add a network folder: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4.
Edit a Network Folder on a USB Storage Device You can edit network folders on storage devices connected to the router USB ports. To edit a network folder: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4.
A ReadyCLOUD app is also available for Windows computers, Android mobile devices, and iOS mobile devices. For more information about setting up ReadyCLOUD, see the ReadyCLOUD for Routers User Manual, which is available online at downloadcenter.netgear.com. Create a ReadyCLOUD Account To create a ReadyCLOUD account: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device. 2. Visit readycloud.netgear.com. The ReadyCLOUD Welcome page displays. 3. Click the Sign In link. The Sign In page displays. 4.
If your USB storage device uses a power supply, you must use it when you connect the USB storage 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). 3. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 4. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 5.
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. 9. 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.
This takes the device offline. 6. Physically disconnect the USB device.
Use Dynamic DNS to Access USB Storage Devices Through the Internet 10 With Dynamic DNS, you can use the Internet to access USB devices attached to the router’s USB ports when you’re not home. This chapter includes the following sections: • Access USB Storage Devices Through the Internet on page 139 • Dynamic DNS on page 141 For information about how to connect the device and specify its settings, see Share USB Storage Devices Attached to the Router on page 123.
Access USB Storage Devices Through the Internet You can access USB devices through the Internet when you’re not home. 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 your home router: • 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 Dynamic DNS on page 141.
Set Up FTP Access Through the Internet To set up FTP access: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > ReadySHARE > Advanced Settings. The ReadySHARE Advanced Settings page displays. 5.
Figure 15. 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 secure connection. 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.
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. 5. Select the Use a Dynamic DNS Service check box. 6. From the Service Provider menu, select NETGEAR. 7. Select the No radio button. 8. In the Host Name field, type the name that you want to use for your URL. The host name is sometimes called the domain name.
To set up Dynamic DNS if you already created an account: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Dynamic DNS. 5. Select the Use a Dynamic DNS Service check box. 6.
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: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4.
See Set Up FTP Access Through the Internet on page 140. 5. On a remote computer with Internet access, you can use FTP to access your router using ftp://yourname.mynetgear.com.
Use the Router as a Media Server 11 The router comes set up to work as a ReadyDLNA media server. You can set up the router to play music from iTunes Server and media from TiVo.
Specify ReadyDLNA Media Server Settings By default, the router acts as a ReadyDLNA media server, which lets you view movies and photos on DLNA/UPnP AV-compliant media players, such as Xbox360, Playstation, and NETGEAR media players. To specify media server settings: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin.
Figure 16. Play music on a USB device with iTunes Set Up the Router's iTunes Server with iTunes You can play music from a USB device that is connected to your router with iTunes on your Windows or Mac computer using Home Sharing. To set up Home Sharing, you need an Apple account and the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer. To set up the router's iTunes server to play music on iTunes: 1. Connect a USB storage device to a USB port on your router. 2.
6. Select ADVANCED > USB Functions > ReadySHARE Storage. The USB Storage (Advanced Settings) page displays. 7. Select the Media Server tab The Media Server (Settings) page displays. 8. Select the Enable iTunes Media Server (Music Only) check box and click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. 9. On your Windows or Mac computer, launch iTunes. 10. Select File > Home Sharing > Turn On Home Sharing. The Home Sharing page displays. 11.
6. Click the Add a Device button. 7. Specify the passcode in the router to set up your iTunes server. a. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to your router's network. b. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net . A login window opens. c. 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. d. Select ADVANCED > USB Functions > ReadySHARE Storage. The USB Storage (Advanced Settings) page displays. e. Select the Media Server tab. The Media Server (Settings) page displays. f. Select the Enable iTunes Media Server (Music Only) check box and click the Apply button. g. Enter the passcode and click the Allow Control button. Your settings are saved.
The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > USB Functions > ReadySHARE Storage. The USB Storage (Advanced) Settings page displays. 5. Select the Media Server tab. The Media Server (Settings) page displays. 6. Make sure that the Enable TiVo support check box is selected. 7. If you changed the settings, click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Play Videos on TiVo To play videos: 1. On the TiVo, select TiVo Central > My Shows. 2. Go to the bottom of the list and select the R8500.
Play Music or View Photos on TiVo To play music or view photos: 1. On the TiVo, select TiVo Central > Music, Photos, & Showcases. 2. Select an item to play or watch.
Share a USB Printer 12 The ReadySHARE Printer utility lets you share a USB printer that is connected to the USB port on your router. You can share this USB printer among the Windows and Mac computers on your network. For more information about the features available in the NETGEAR USB Control Center, see the ReadySHARE Printer User Manual, which is available at http://downloadcenter.netgear.com.
Install the Printer Driver and Cable the Printer Some USB printer manufacturers (for example, HP and Lexmark) request that you do not connect the USB cable until the installation software prompts you to do so. To install the driver and cable the printer: 1. On each computer on your network that shares the USB printer, install the driver software for the USB printer. If you do not have the printer driver, contact the printer manufacturer. 2.
Install the ReadySHARE Printer Utility You must install the ReadySHARE Printer utility on each computer that will share the printer. After you install it, the utility displays as NETGEAR USB Control Center on your computer. To install the utility: 1. If necessary, unzip the ReadySHARE Printer utility setup file 2. Double-click the ReadySHARE Printer utility setup file that you downloaded. 3. Follow the wizard instructions to install the NETGEAR USB Control Center.
After the InstallShield Wizard completes the installation, the NETGEAR USB Control Center prompts you to select a language: 4. Select a language from the menu and click the OK button. The USB printer connected to the router displays in the NETGEAR USB Control Center window. Some firewall software, such as Comodo, blocks the NETGEAR USB Control Center from accessing the USB printer.
To print a document using the NETGEAR USB Control Center: 1. Click the NETGEAR USB Control Center icon . The NETGEAR USB Control Center page displays. 2. Select a printer and click the Connect button. The printer status changes to Manually connected by Mycomputer. Now only the computer you are using can use this printer. 3. Use the print feature in your application to print your document. The NETGEAR USB Control Center automatically connects your computer to the USB printer and prints the document.
The printer is released from the connection and the status changes to Available. 3. To print from your computer when the status shows Waiting to Connect, do the following: a. Click the Connect button. The printer status changes to Manually connected by Mycomputer. Now only your computer can use the printer. b. To allow the printer to be shared, click the Disconnect button. The printer is released from the connection and the status changes to Available.
3. Clear the Automatically execute when logging on Windows check box. 4. Click the OK button. Your settings are saved. Change the Language for the NETGEAR USB Control Center To change the language: 1. Click the NETGEAR USB Control Center icon . 2. Select Tools > Configuration. 3. From the Language menu, select a language. 4. Click the OK button. The next time NETGEAR USB Control Center starts, the language changes.
Use VPN to Access Your Network 13 You can use OpenVPN software to remotely access your router using virtual private networking (VPN). This chapter explains how to set up and use VPN access.
Set Up a VPN Connection A virtual private network (VPN) lets you use the Internet to securely access your network when you aren’t home. Figure 17. VPN provides a secure tunnel between your home network and a remote computer This type of VPN access is called a client-to-gateway tunnel.The computer is the client, and the router is the gateway. To use the VPN feature, you must log in to the router and enable VPN, and you must install and run VPN client software on the computer.
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 > VPN Service. The VPN page displays. 5. Select the Enable VPN Service check box. By default, the VPN uses the UDP service type and uses port 12974. If you want to customize the service type and port, we recommend that you change these settings before you install the OpenVPN software. 6.
4. To install the Open VPN software on your computer, click the openVPN-install-xxx.exe file. 5. Click the Next button. 6. Read the License Agreement and click the I Agree button. 7. Leave the check boxes selected as shown, and click the Next button.
8. To specify the destination folder, click the Browse button and select a destination folder. 9. Click the Install button. The window displays the progress of the installation and then displays the final installation page. 10. Click the Finish button. 11. Unzip the configuration files that you downloaded and copy them to the folder where the VPN client is installed on your device. For a client device with Windows 64-bit system, the VPN client is installed at C:\Program files\OpenVPN\config\ by default.
Use a VPN Tunnel After you set up the router to use VPN and install the OpenVPN application on your computer, you can open a VPN tunnel from your computer to your router over the Internet. For the VPN tunnel to work, the local LAN IP address of the remote router must use a different LAN IP scheme from that of the local LAN where your VPN client computer is connected.
To open a VPN tunnel: 1. Launch the OpenVPN application with administrator privileges. The OpenVPN icon displays in the Windows taskbar. Tip You can create a shortcut to the VPN program, then use the shortcut to access the settings and select the run as administrator check box.Then every time you use this shortcut, OpenVPN automatically runs with administrator privileges. 2. Right-click the OpenVPN icon. 3. Select Connect. The VPN connection is established.
Use VPN to Access the Router’s USB Device and Media To access a USB device and download files: 1. In Windows file manager, select the Network folder. The network resources display. The ReadySHARE icon is in the Computer section and the remote R8500 icon is in the Media Devices section (if DLNA is enabled in the router). 2. If the icons do not display, click the Refresh button to update the screen.
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 > VPN Service. The VPN page displays. 5. Select the Enable VPN Service radio button. 6. Scroll down to the Clients will use this VPN connection to access section, and select the All sites on the Internet & Home Network radio button.
6. Scroll down to the Clients will use this VPN connection to access section, and select the Home Network only radio button. This is the default setting. The VPN connection is only to your home network, not to the Internet service for your home network. 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. 8. Click For Windows or For Non Windows button and download the configuration files for your VPN clients. 9.
Customize Internet Traffic Rules for Ports 14 You can use port forwarding and port triggering to set up rules for Internet traffic. You need networking knowledge to set up these features.
Set Up Port Forwarding to a Local Server If your home network includes a server, you can allow certain types of incoming traffic to reach the server. For example, you might want to make a local web server, FTP server, or game server visible and available to the Internet. The router can forward incoming traffic with specific protocols to computers on your local network.
10. In the Server IP Address field, enter the IP address of the computer that will provide the service. 11. Click the Add button. The service displays in the menu.
Edit a Port Forwarding Service To edit a port forwarding entry: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Port Forwarding/Port Triggering. The Port Forwarding/Port Triggering page displays.
5. Leave the Port Forwarding radio button selected. 6. In the table, select the radio button next to the service name. 7. Click the Delete Service button. The service is deleted. Application Example: Make a Local Web Server Public If you host a web server on your local network, you can use port forwarding to allow web requests from anyone on the Internet to reach your web server. To make a local web server public: 1.
Port Triggering Port triggering is a dynamic extension of port forwarding that is useful in these cases: • An application must use port forwarding to more than one local computer (but not simultaneously). • An application must open incoming ports that are different from the outgoing port. With port triggering, the router monitors traffic to the Internet from an outbound “trigger” port that you specify.
6. Click the Add Service button. 7. In the Service Name field, type a descriptive service name. 8. From the Service User menu, select a user option: • Any (the default) allows any computer on the Internet to use this service. • Single address restricts the service to a particular computer. 9. From the Service Type menu, select TCP or UDP or TCP/UDP (both). If you are not sure, select TCP/UDP. 10.
Enable Port Triggering To enable port triggering: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net . A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Port Forwarding/Port Triggering. The Port Forwarding/Port Triggering page displays. 5.
An example is Internet Relay Chat (IRC). Your computer connects to an IRC server at destination port 6667. The IRC server not only responds to your originating source port but also sends an “identify” message to your computer on port 113. Using port triggering, you can tell the router, “When you initiate a session with destination port 6667, you must also allow incoming traffic on port 113 to reach the originating computer.” The following sequence shows the effects of this port triggering rule: 1.
Troubleshooting 15 This chapter provides information to help you diagnose and solve problems you might experience with your router. If you do not find the solution here, check the NETGEAR support site at http://support.netgear.com for product and contact information.
Quick Tips This section describes tips for troubleshooting some common problems. Sequence to Restart Your Network When you restart your network, follow this sequence: 1. Turn off and unplug the modem. 2. Turn off the router. 3. Plug in the modem and turn it on. Wait two minutes. 4. Turn on the router and wait two minutes. Check Ethernet Cable Connections If your device does not power on, make sure that the Ethernet cables are securely plugged in.
1. When power is first applied, verify that the Power LED is lit. 2. After about two minutes, verify the following: • The Power LED is solid white. • The Internet LED is lit. • The WiFi LED is lit unless you turned off the WiFi radios. You can use the LEDs on the front panel of the router for troubleshooting. Power LED Is Off or Blinking This could occur for a number of reasons.
2.4 GHz, 5 GHz-1, and 5 GHz-2 WiFi LEDs Are Off If these LEDs stay off, check to see if someone pressed the WIFI button on the front of the router. This button turns the WiFi radios in the router on and off. These LEDs are lit when the WiFi radios are turned on.
To check the WAN IP address: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the network. 2. Select an external site such as www.netgear.com. 3. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 4. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 5. Click the ADVANCED tab. The ADVANCED Home page displays. 6.
If your computer obtains its information from the router by DHCP, reboot the computer and verify the gateway address. • You might be running login software that is no longer needed. If your ISP provided a program to log you in to the Internet (such as WinPoET), you no longer need to run that software after installing your router. You might need to go to Internet Explorer and select Tools > Internet Options, click the Connections tab, and select Never dial a connection.
Troubleshoot Internet Browsing If your router can obtain an IP address but your computer is unable to load any web pages from the Internet, it might be for one of the following reasons: • The traffic meter is enabled, and the limit was reached. By configuring the traffic meter not to block Internet access when the traffic limit is reached, you can resume Internet access. If your ISP sets a usage limit, they might charge you for the overage. • Your computer might not recognize any DNS server addresses.
If the router is not connected, click the Connect button. The router continues to attempt to connect indefinitely. 7. If you cannot connect after several minutes, the router might be set up with an incorrect service name, user name, or password, or your ISP might be experiencing a provisioning problem. Unless you connect manually, the router does not authenticate using PPPoE until data is transmitted to the network.
Test the LAN Path to Your Router You can ping the router from your computer to verify that the LAN path to your router is set up correctly. To ping the router from a Windows computer: 1. From the Windows toolbar, click the Start button and select Run. 2. In the field provided, type ping followed by the IP address of the router, as in this example: ping www.routerlogin.net 3. Click the OK button.
If the path is functioning correctly, messages display that are similar to those shown in Test the LAN Path to Your Router on page 188. 3. If you do not receive replies, check the following: • Check that IP address of your router is listed as the default gateway for your computer. If DHCP assigns the IP configuration of your computers, this information is not visible in your computer Network Control Panel. Verify that the IP address of the router is listed as the default gateway.
Supplemental Information This appendix includes technical information about your router.
Factory Settings You can return the router to its factory settings. Use the end of a paper clip or a similar object to press and hold the Reset button on the back of the router for at least seven seconds. The router resets and returns to the factory configuration settings shown in the following table. Table 4. Factory default settings Feature Router login Internet connection Local network (LAN) Default Behavior User login URL www.routerlogin.com or www.routerlogin.
Feature Wireless Default Behavior Wireless communication Enabled SSID name See router label Security WPA2-PSK (AES) Broadcast SSID Enabled Transmission speed Auto Country/region United States in the US; otherwise, varies by region RF channel Auto for 2.4GHz, CH 44 for WW SKU and CH 153 for North America SKU Operating mode Up to 600 Mbps at 2.4 GHz, 1733 Mbps at 5 GHz 1 1 Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. Actual throughput can vary.
Feature Description Electromagnetic emissions FCC Part 15 Class B VCCI Class B EN 55 022 (CISPR 22), Class B C-Tick N10947 LAN 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX or 1000BASE-T, RJ-45 WAN 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX or 1000BASE-T, RJ-45 Wireless Maximum WiFi signal rate complies with the IEEE 802.11 standard. Radio data rates Auto Rate Sensing Data encoding standards 2 • IEEE® 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz–1024 QAM support • IEEE® 802.11 a/n/ac 5.
