NETGEAR Nighthawk R7450 User Manual
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NETGEAR Nighthawk R7450 User Manual

Ac2600 smart wifi router
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User Manual
Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router
Model R7450
October 2020
202-11907-03
NETGEAR, Inc.
350 E. Plumeria Drive
San Jose, CA 95134, USA

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Summary of Contents for NETGEAR Nighthawk R7450

  • Page 1 User Manual Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 NETGEAR, Inc. October 2020 350 E. Plumeria Drive 202-11907-03 San Jose, CA 95134, USA...
  • Page 2 See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply. For NETGEAR’s Privacy Policy, visit https://www.netgear.com/about/privacy-policy. By using this device, you are agreeing to NETGEAR’s Terms and Conditions at https://www.netgear.com/about/terms-and-conditions. If you do not agree, return the device to your place of purchase within your return period.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Chapter 1 Hardware Overview of the Router Unpack Your Router................9 Attach the Antennas................10 LEDs and Buttons on the Top Panel..........11 Ports, Buttons, and Connectors on the Back Panel......12 USB Port on the Front Panel..............13 Router Label..................13 Position the Router................14 Cable Your Router................15 Chapter 2 Connect to the network and access the router Connect to the network..............17...
  • Page 4 Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 MTU concepts.................37 Change the MTU size..............39 Chapter 4 Control Access to the Internet Enable access control to allow or block access to the Internet..41 Use keywords to block Internet sites..........42 Block services from the Internet............44 Delete keywords from the blocked list..........45 Prevent blocking on a trusted computer.........46 Manage network access control lists..........46...
  • Page 5 Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Chapter 6 Optimize Performance Optimize Internet Streaming With QoS...........80 Turn On Internet Access QoS............80 Add a QoS Rule by Device............81 Add a QoS Rule by Service............82 Edit a QoS Rule................82 Delete a QoS Rule................83 Delete All QoS Rules..............84 Manage Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service........84 Improve Network Connections With Universal Plug-N-Play..85...
  • Page 6 Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Map a USB device to a Windows network drive......107 Access a storage device that is connected to the router from a Mac.....................108 Back up Windows-based computers with ReadySHARE Vault..109 Back up Mac computers with Time Machine........109 Set up a USB hard drive on a Mac..........110 Prepare to back up a large amount of data......111 Use Time Machine to back up onto a USB hard disk....111...
  • Page 7 Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Port triggering..................137 Add a port triggering service.............138 Enable port triggering..............139 Application example: Port triggering for Internet relay chat port triggering..................139 Chapter 12 Troubleshooting Quick tips...................142 Sequence to restart your network..........142 Check the power adapter and Ethernet cable connections...142 Check the WiFi settings..............142 Check the network settings............142 Troubleshoot with the LEDs............143...

  • Page 8: Chapter 1 Hardware Overview Of The Router

    Firmware updates with new features and bug fixes are made available from time to time at downloadcenter.netgear.com. You can check for and download new firmware manually. If the features or behavior of your product does not match what is described...

  • Page 9: Unpack Your Router

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Unpack Your Router The box contains the following items. Figure 1. Package contents Table 1. Legend Router Antennas (3) Ethernet cable Power adapter In some regions, a CD is included in the package. Hardware Overview of the User Manual Router...

  • Page 10: Attach The Antennas

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Attach the Antennas The router comes with three antennas. To attach the antennas: 1. Remove the antenna caps from the antenna posts on the back panel of the router. 2. Align the antennas with the antenna posts. 3.

  • Page 11: Leds And Buttons On The Top Panel

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 LEDs and Buttons on the Top Panel The status LEDs and buttons are located on the top of the router. Table 2. LED and button descriptions LED and Button Description Power Solid amber. The router is starting. Blinking amber.

  • Page 12: Ports, Buttons, And Connectors On The Back Panel

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Ports, Buttons, and Connectors on the Back Panel The back panel of the router> provides ports, buttons, antenna connectors, and a DC power connector. For information about attaching the antennas, see Attach the Antennas on page 10.

  • Page 13: Usb Port On The Front Panel

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 USB Port on the Front Panel A USB 3.0 port is located on the front of the router. Figure 3. USB 3.0 port 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.

  • Page 14: Position The Router

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Position the Router The router lets you access your network anywhere within the operating range of your WiFi network. However, the operating distance or range of your WiFi connection can vary significantly depending on the physical placement of the router. For example, the thickness and number of walls the WiFi signal passes through can limit the range.

  • Page 15: Cable Your Router

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 If you are using adjacent access points, use different radio frequency channels to reduce interference. Cable Your Router The following image shows how to cable your router. To finish the installation, download and launch the Nighthawk app on your mobile device. For more information, see Install and manage your router with the Nighthawk app on page 18.

  • Page 16: Chapter 2 Connect To The Network And Access The Router

    Connect to the network and access the router You can connect to the router’s WiFi networks or use a wired Ethernet connection. This chapter explains the ways you can connect and how to access the router and log in. The chapter contains the following sections: •...

  • Page 17: Connect To The Network

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 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).

  • Page 18: Types Of Logins

    WiFi network name (SSID) and password for WiFi access. This information is on the router label. • NETGEAR account login. The free NETGEAR account that you need to register your router and manage your subscriptions. If you do not own a NETGEAR account, you can create one.

  • Page 19: Log In To The Router

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 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. 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.
  • Page 20 Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 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.

  • Page 21: Chapter 3 Specify Your Internet Settings

    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: •...

  • Page 22: Use The Internet Setup Wizard

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 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.
  • Page 23 Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 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.

  • Page 24: Specify An Internet Connection That Uses A Login

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 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 145. Specify an Internet connection that uses a login To view or change the basic Internet setup: 1.

  • Page 25: Specify Ipv6 Internet Connections

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

  • Page 26: Requirements For Entering Ipv6 Addresses

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6. The IPv6 page displays. 5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select the IPv6 connection type: • If you are not sure, select Auto Detect so that the router detects the IPv6 type that is in use.
  • Page 27 Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 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.

  • Page 28: Use Auto Detect For An Ipv6 Internet Connection

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Use auto detect for an IPv6 Internet connection To set up an IPv6 Internet connection through autodetection: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.

  • Page 29: Set Up An Ipv6 6To4 Tunnel Internet Connection

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 If you do not specify an ID here, the router generates one automatically from its MAC address. 8. Select an IPv6 Filtering radio button: • Secured. In secured mode, which is the default mode, the router inspects both TCP and UDP packets.

  • Page 30: Set Up An Ipv6 6Rd Internet Connection

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 • Auto. Your router uses any remote relay router that is available on the Internet. This is the default setting. • Static IP Address. Enter the static IPv4 address of the remote relay router. Your IPv6 ISP usually provides this address.
  • Page 31 Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 With a 6rd tunnel configuration, the router follows the RFC5969 standard, supporting two ways to establish a 6rd tunnel IPv6 WAN connection: • Auto Detect mode. In IPv6 Auto Detect mode, when the router receives option 212 from the DHCPv4 option, autodetect selects the IPv6 as 6rd tunnel setting.

  • Page 32: Set Up An Ipv6 Pass-Through Internet Connection

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 7. Select an IP Address Assignment radio button: • Use DHCP Server. This method passes more information to LAN devices but some IPv6 systems might not support the DHCPv6 client function. • Auto Config. This is the default setting. This setting specifies how the router assigns IPv6 addresses to the devices on your home network (the LAN).

  • Page 33: Set Up An Ipv6 Fixed Internet Connection

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select Pass Through. The page adjusts, but no additional fields display. 6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Set up an IPv6 fixed Internet connection To set up a fixed IPv6 Internet connection: 1.

  • Page 34: Set Up An Ipv6 Dhcp Internet Connection

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 • 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).
  • Page 35 Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 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.

  • Page 36: Set Up An Ipv6 Pppoe Internet Connection

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Set up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet connection To set up a PPPoE IPv6 Internet connection: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2.

  • Page 37: Manage The Mtu Size

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Note: The default setting of the Connection Mode menu is Always On to provide a steady IPv6 connection. The router never terminates the connection. If the connection is terminated, for example, when the modem is turned off, the router attempts to reestablish the connection immediately after the PPPoE connection becomes available again.
  • Page 38 Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 The best MTU setting for NETGEAR equipment is often the default value. In some situations, changing the value fixes one problem but causes another. Leave the MTU unchanged unless one of these situations occurs: •...

  • Page 39: Change The Mtu Size

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Table 3. Common MTU sizes (Continued) Application 1458 Used in PPPoA environments. 1436 Used in PPTP environments or with VPN. Change the MTU size To change the MTU size: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.

  • Page 40: Chapter 4 Control Access To The Internet

    Control Access to the Internet The router comes with a built-in firewall that helps protect your home network from unwanted intrusions from the Internet. This chapter contains the following sections: • Enable access control to allow or block access to the Internet •...

  • Page 41: Enable Access Control To Allow Or Block Access To The Internet

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Enable access control to allow or block access to the Internet You can use access control to block or allow access to the Internet through your router. To set up access control: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.

  • Page 42: Use Keywords To Block Internet Sites

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 The list displays. 8. To allow the WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device you’re currently using to continue to access the Internet, select the check box next to your computer or device, and click the Allow button. 9.
  • Page 43 Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 For example: • Specify XXX to block http://www.badstuff.com/xxx.html. • Specify the domain suffix (for example, .com) if you want to block only sites with a domain suffix such as .com. In such a situation, sites with domain suffixes such as .edu and .gov are still allowed.

  • Page 44: Block Services From The Internet

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 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. Note: Service blocking only works for website URLs that begin with http:// only. It does not work for URLs that begin with https://.

  • Page 45: Delete Keywords From The Blocked List

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 publisher of the application, ask user groups or newsgroups, or search on the Internet. 9. Select a filtering option: • Only This IP Address. Block services for a single computer. • IP Address Range. Block services for a range of computers with consecutive IP addresses on your network.

  • Page 46: Prevent Blocking On A Trusted Computer

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Prevent blocking on a trusted computer You can exempt one trusted computer from blocking. The computer that you exempt must be assigned a fixed IP address. You can use the reserved IP address feature to specify the IP address.

  • Page 47: Schedule When To Block Internet Sites And Services

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Access Control. The Access Control page displays. 5. Select the Turn on Access Control check box. 6. Click the View list of allowed devices not currently connected to the network link.

  • Page 48: Set Up Security Event Email Notifications

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 • 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.
  • Page 49 Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 If you do not know the port number, leave the default port number. 9. If your outgoing email server requires authentication, select the My Mail Server requires authentication check box, and do the following: a.

  • Page 50: Chapter 5 Manage Network Settings

    Manage Network Settings 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. This chapter contains the following sections: • View or Change WAN Settings •...

  • Page 51: View Or Change Wan Settings

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 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.

  • Page 52: Set Up A Default Dmz Server

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 • Disable SIP ALG. Some voice and video communication applications do not work well with the SIP ALG. Disabling the SIP ALG might help your voice and video applications to create and accept a call through the router. •...

  • Page 53: Change The Router's Device Name

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > WAN Setup. The WAN Setup page displays. 5. Select the Default DMZ Server check box. 6. Type the IP address. 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.

  • Page 54: Change The Lan Tcp/Ip Settings

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Change the LAN TCP/IP settings The router is preconfigured to use private IP addresses on the LAN side and to act as a DHCP server. The router’s default LAN IP configuration is as follows: •...

  • Page 55: Specify The Ip Addresses That The Router Assigns

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Router Information Protocol (RIP) allows a router to exchange routing information with other routers. a. Select the RIP direction: • Both. The router broadcasts its routing table periodically and incorporates information that it receives. •...

  • Page 56: Disable The Dhcp Server Feature In The Router

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 To specify the pool of IP addresses that the router assigns: 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.

  • Page 57: Manage Reserved Lan Ip Addresses

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 You can use another device on your network as the DHCP server or specify the network settings of all your computers. To disable the DHCP server feature in the router: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.

  • Page 58: Edit A Reserved Ip Address

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 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 > LAN Setup. The LAN Setup page displays.

  • Page 59: Delete A Reserved Ip Address Entry

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 The Address Reservation page displays. 7. Change the settings. 8. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Delete a reserved IP address entry To delete a reserved address entry: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.

  • Page 60: Specify Basic Wifi Settings

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 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 > WPS Wizard. A note explaining WPS displays.
  • Page 61 Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 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.

  • Page 62: Change The Wifi Mbps Settings

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 • Is your computer or mobile device connected to another WiFi network in your area? Some WiFi devices automatically connect to the first open network without WiFi security that they discover. • Is your computer or mobile device trying to connect to your network with its old settings (before you changed the settings)? If so, update the WiFi network selection in your computer or mobile device to match the current settings for your network.

  • Page 63: Change The Wifi Password Or The Wifi Security

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 6. For the 5 GHz WiFi band, select a setting from the Mode menu: • Up to 347 Mbps. Legacy mode. This mode allows 802.11ac, 802.11n, and 802.11a devices to join the selected WiFi network in the 5 GHz band of the network but limits 802.11ac and 802.11n devices to functioning at up to 347 Mbps.

  • Page 64: Set Up A Guest Wifi Network

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 5. To change the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz WiFi password, enter a new password in the Password (Network Key) field. You must enter a phrase of 8 to 63 characters. The Password (Network Key) field displays if the WPA2-PSK [AES] or WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK [AES] security radio button is selected.
  • Page 65 The router provides two default guest networks with the following names (SSIDs): • 2.4 GHz guest WiFi network SSID. NETGEAR_Guest • 5 GHz guest WiFi network SSID. NETGEAR-5G_Guest By default, these networks are configured as open networks without security but are disabled.

  • Page 66: Control The Wifi Radios

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 6. Select a WiFi security option for the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz guest WiFi network: • None. An open WiFi network that does not provide any security. Any WiFi device can join the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz guest WiFi network. This is the default setting for the guest WiFi network.

  • Page 67: Use The Wifi On/Off Button

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 You can turn the WiFi radios on and off with the WiFi On/Off button on the router, or you can log in to the router and enable or disable the WiFi radios. If you are close to the router, it might be easier to press its WiFi On/Off button.

  • Page 68: Set Up A Wifi Schedule

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Set up a WiFi schedule You can turn off the WiFi signal from your router at times when you do not need a WiFi connection. For example, you might turn it off for the weekend if you leave town. To set up the WiFi schedule: 1.

  • Page 69: Set Up The Router As A Wifi Access Point

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 To specify WPS settings: 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.
  • Page 70 Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 To set up the router as an AP: 1. Use an Ethernet cable to connect the Internet port of this router to an Ethernet port on the other router. 2. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.

  • Page 71: Set Up The Router In Bridge Mode

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Set up the router in bridge mode You can use your router in bridge mode to connect multiple devices wirelessly at the faster 802.11ac speed. You need two routers: one set up as a router and the other set up as a bridge.

  • Page 72: Set Up A Bridge For A Port Group Or Vlan Tag Group

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 8. Specify the settings of the other router to which this router will connect: a. Select the wireless network frequency (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz). For 802.11ac mode, select 5 GHz. b. In the Name (SSID) file, enter the wireless network name (SSID). c.

  • Page 73: Set Up A Bridge For A Vlan Tag Group

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 To configure a port group and enable the bridge: 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.
  • Page 74 Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 You can add VLAN tag groups to a bridge and assign VLAN IDs and priority values to each VLAN tag group. To add a VLAN tag group and enable the bridge: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.

  • Page 75: Set Up An Iptv Port

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Your settings are saved. Set up an IPTV port You can set up the router to create an Internet Protocol television (IPTV) port that can lease an IP address from your IPTV service provider. Use this feature only if you subscribe to an IPTV service and your IPTV service requires an intranet address.

  • Page 76: Manage Custom Static Routes

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Manage 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: •...

  • Page 77: Edit A Static Route

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 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 > Advanced Setup > Static Routes. The Static Routes page displays.

  • Page 78: Delete A Static Route

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 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.

  • Page 79: Chapter 6 Optimize Performance

    Optimize Performance You can set up the router to optimize performance for applications such as multiplayer gaming, peer-to-peer connections, or real-time communications such as instant messaging. By default, the router uses Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service (WMM QoS). This chapter contains the following sections: •...

  • Page 80: Optimize Internet Streaming With Qos

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Optimize Internet Streaming With QoS You can use Quality of Service (QoS) to assign high priority to Internet streaming, applications, and services. We recommend that you enable this feature only if you use streaming Internet. When QoS assigns a high priority to streaming video, it also assigns lower priority to the rest of your Internet traffic.

  • Page 81: Add A Qos Rule By Device

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 8. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. A link displays on the bottom of the page to view bandwidth utilization. Clicking the link displays the Attached Devices page. For more information, see View devices currently on the network on page 96.

  • Page 82: Add A Qos Rule By Service

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Add a QoS Rule by Service To enable Dynamic QoS: 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.

  • Page 83: Delete A Qos Rule

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 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.

  • Page 84: Delete All Qos Rules

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Delete All QoS Rules To delete all QoS rules: 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.

  • Page 85: Improve Network Connections With Universal Plug-N-Play

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > QoS Setup. The WMM tab is automatically selected and the WMM page displays. 5. Clear the Enable WMM (Wi-Fi multimedia) settings (2.4GHz b/g/n) check box. 6.
  • Page 86 Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 6. Type the advertisement period in minutes. The advertisement period specifies how often the router broadcasts its UPnP information. This value can range from 1 to 1440 minutes. The default period is 30 minutes.

  • Page 87: Chapter 7 Manage Your Router

    Manage Your Router This chapter describes the router settings for administering and maintaining your router and home network. The chapter contains the following sections: • Update the router firmware • Change the admin password • Enable admin password recovery • Recover the admin password •...

  • Page 88: Update The Router Firmware

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Update the router firmware You can log in to the router and check if new firmware is available, or you can manually load a specific firmware version to your router. Check for new firmware and update the router The router firmware (routing software) is stored in flash memory.

  • Page 89: Manually Upload Firmware To The Router

    To manually upload a firmware file to your router: 1. Download the firmware for your router from the NETGEAR Download Center, save it to your desktop, and unzip the file if needed. Note: The correct firmware file uses an .img or .chk extension.

  • Page 90: Change The Admin Password

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Change the admin password The admin password is the one you specified the first time you logged in. You can change this password. Note: The ideal password contains no dictionary words from any language and contains uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

  • Page 91: Recover The Admin Password

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 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.

  • Page 92: View Information About The Router And The Internet And Wifi Settings

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 A login window opens. 9. With your recovered password, log in to the router. View information about the router and the Internet and WiFi settings You can view router information, the Internet port status, and WiFi settings. To view information about the router and the Internet, modem, and WiFi settings: 1.

  • Page 93: Display The Statistics Of The Internet Port

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Display the statistics of the Internet port To display the statistics of the Internet port: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2.

  • Page 94: Check The Internet Connection Status

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 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.

  • Page 95: View And Manage Logs Of Router Activity

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 6. To release (stop) the Internet connection, click the Release button. 7. To renew (restart) the Internet connection, click the Renew button. 8. To exit the screen, click the Close Window button. View and manage logs of router activity The logs are a detailed record of the websites you accessed or attempted to access and many other router actions.

  • Page 96: View Devices Currently On The Network

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 You must set up email notifications in order to receive the logs. The router to emails the logs to the address that you specified when you set up email notifications. For more information, see Set up security event email notifications on page 48. 9.
  • Page 97 Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 To monitor Internet traffic: 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.

  • Page 98: Manage The Router Configuration File

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 10. Click the Apply button. The Internet Traffic Statistics section helps you to monitor the data traffic. 11. To update the Traffic Statistics section, click the Refresh button. 12. To display more information about the data traffic on your router and to change the poll interval, click the Traffic Status button.

  • Page 99: Restore The Settings

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 To erase the settings: 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.

  • Page 100: Manage Remote Access

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 The file is uploaded to the router and the router restarts. WARNING: Do not interrupt the restoration process. Manage remote access You can access your router over the Internet to view or change its settings. You must know the router’s WAN IP address to use this feature.

  • Page 101: Use Remote Access

    Nighthawk app for your mobile device. For more information about how to update your router’s firmware, see Check for new firmware and update the router on page 88. To download the latest Nighthawk app for your mobile device, visit https://www.netgear.com/home/apps-services/nighthawk-app/. Manage Your Router User Manual...

  • Page 102: Disable Led Blinking Or Turn Off Leds

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Disable LED blinking or turn off LEDs The LEDs on the top panel of the router indicate activities and behavior. You can disable LED blinking for network communications, or turn off all LEDs except the Power LED. To disable LED blinking or turn off the LEDs: 1.

  • Page 103: Use The Reset Button

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Tip: If the router is in access point mode or bridge mode and you do not know the IP address that is assigned to it, first try to use an IP scanner application to detect the IP address.
  • Page 104 Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 5. Click the Erase button. The configuration is reset to factory default settings. When the reset is complete, the router restarts. This process takes about two minutes. WARNING: To avoid the risk of corrupting the firmware, do not interrupt the reset. For example, do not close the browser, click a link, or load a new page.

  • Page 105: Chapter 8 Share Usb Storage Devices Attached To The Router

    • View network folders on a storage device • Add a network folder on a USB storage device • Edit a network folder on a USB storage device • Safely remove a USB storage device For more information about ReadySHARE features, visit netgear.com/readyshare.

  • Page 106: Usb Device Requirements

    The router works with most USB-compliant external flash and hard drives. For the most up-to-date list of USB devices that the router supports, visit kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/18985/~/readyshare-usb-drives-compatibility-list. Some USB external hard drives and flash drives require you to load the drivers onto the computer before the computer can access the USB storage device.

  • Page 107: Access A Storage Device Connected To The Router From A Windows-Based Computer

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Access a storage device connected to the router from a Windows-based computer To access the USB storage device from a Windows-based computer: 1. Connect a USB storage device to a USB port on your router. 2.

  • Page 108: Access A Storage Device That Is Connected To The Router From A Mac

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 6. Right-click the USB device and select Map network drive. The Map Network Drive window opens. 7. Select the drive letter to map to the new network folder. 8. Click the Finish button. The USB storage device is mapped to the drive letter that you specified.

  • Page 109: Back Up Windows-Based Computers With Readyshare Vault

    By default, the USB storage device is available to all computers on your local area network (LAN). 3. Download ReadySHARE Vault from netgear.com/readyshare and install it on each Windows-based computer. 4. Launch ReadySHARE Vault.

  • Page 110: Set Up A Usb Hard Drive On A Mac

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Note: The following instructions might be different depending on the macOS your computer is using. For more instructions about backing up your computer with Time Machine, see the Apple support site. Set up a USB hard drive on a Mac We recommend that you use a new USB HDD or format your old USB HDD to do the Time Machine backup for the first time.

  • Page 111: Prepare To Back Up A Large Amount Of Data

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Prepare to back up a large amount of data Before you back up a large amount of data with Time Machine, we recommend that you follow this procedure. To prepare to back up a large amount of data: 1.
  • Page 112 Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 3. If your USB HDD uses a power supply, connect it. You must use the power supply when you connect the USB HDD to the router. When you connect the USB HDD to the router’s port, it might take up to two minutes before it is ready for sharing.

  • Page 113: Enable Ftp Access Within Your Network

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Enable FTP access within your network File Transfer Protocol (FTP) lets you download (receive) and upload (send) large files faster. To enable FTP access within your network: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.

  • Page 114: Add A Network Folder On A Usb Storage Device

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 The USB Storage (Advanced Settings) page displays. 5. Scroll down to the Available Networks Folder section to view the following settings: • Share Name. If only one USB device is connected, the default share name is USB_Storage.

  • Page 115: Edit A Network Folder On A Usb Storage Device

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 6. Click the Create Network Folder button. The Add Folder window opens. If this window does not open, your web browser might be blocking pop-ups. If it is, change the browser settings to allow pop-ups. 7.

  • Page 116: Safely Remove A Usb Storage Device

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > USB Storage > ReadySHARE. The USB Storage (Advanced Settings) page displays. 5. In the Available Network Folders section, select the USB storage device. 6. Click the Edit button. The Edit Network Folder window opens.

  • Page 117: Chapter 9 Use Dynamic Dns To Access Usb Storage Devices

    Use Dynamic DNS to Access USB Storage Devices Through the Internet With Dynamic DNS, you can use the Internet to access a USB device that's connected to a USB port on the router when you’re not home. This chapter contains the following sections: •...

  • Page 118: Set Up And Manage Dynamic Dns

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Set up and manage Dynamic DNS Internet service providers (ISPs) assign numbers called IP addresses to identify each Internet account. Most ISPs use dynamically assigned IP addresses. This means that the IP address can change at any time. You can use the IP address to access your network remotely, but most people don’t know what their IP addresses are or when this number changes.

  • Page 119: Your Personal Ftp Server

    With your customized free URL, you can use FTP to access your network when you aren’t home through Dynamic DNS. To set up your FTP server, you must register for a NETGEAR Dynamic DNS (DDNS) service account and specify the account settings. See Set up a new Dynamic DNS account on page 120.

  • Page 120: Set Up A New Dynamic Dns Account

    12. Follow the onscreen instructions to register for your NETGEAR Dynamic DNS service. Specify a DNS account that you already created If you already created a Dynamic DNS account with NETGEAR, No-IP, or DynDNS, you can set up the router to use your account.

  • Page 121: Change The Dynamic Dns Settings

    • No-IP account or DynDNS account. In the User Name field, type the user name for your account. • NETGEAR account. In the Email field, type the email address for your account. 10. In the Password (6-32 characters) field, type the password for your DDNS account.

  • Page 122: Access Usb Storage Devices Through The Internet

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 To change your settings: 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.

  • Page 123: Remotely Access A Usb Device Using Readycloud

    Remotely access a USB device using ReadyCLOUD NETGEAR ReadyCLOUD for routers lets you remotely access files stored on a USB storage device that is connected to the router. Before you can use ReadyCLOUD, you must create a ReadyCLOUD account and register your router.
  • Page 124 Always On. This change is required for ReadyCLOUD to remotely access the USB storage device. 8. After registration, visit readycloud.netgear.com. 9. Click the Sign In link, enter your ReadyCLOUD user name and password, and click the Sign In button.

  • Page 125: Chapter 10 Use The Router As A Media Server

    Use the Router as a Media Server This chapter contains the following sections: • Specify ReadyDLNA Media Server Settings • Play Music From a Storage Device With iTunes Server • Set Up the Router to Work With TiVo • Set the NTP Server...

  • Page 126: 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 mobile device that is connected to the router network.

  • Page 127: Play Music From A Storage Device With Itunes Server

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 All – no password in Read Access can be scanned for media files. To scan for new media files immediately, click the Rescan media files button. 6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Play Music From a Storage Device With iTunes Server iTunes server lets you play music from a USB device that is connected to a USB port on...

  • Page 128: Set Up The Router's Itunes Server With The Remote App

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 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. 6. Select ADVANCED > USB Storage > ReadySHARE > Media Server. The Media Server (Settings) page displays.

  • Page 129: Set Up The Router To Work With Tivo

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 The passcode displays in the Remote app. 7. Specify the passcode in the router to set up your iTunes server. a. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your router's network.

  • Page 130: Set The Ntp Server

    6. If you changed the settings, click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Set the NTP Server By default, the router uses the NETGEAR NTP server to sync the network time. You can change the NTP server to your preferred NTP server. To set the NTP server: 1.
  • Page 131 Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 5. Select an NTP server radio button: • Use the default NETGEAR NTP server • Set your preferred NTP server 6. If you selected the Set your preferred NTP server radio button, enter the NTP server domain name or IP address in the Primary NTP server field.

  • Page 132: Chapter 11 Manage Port Forwarding And Port Triggering

    Manage port forwarding and port triggering You can use port forwarding and port triggering to set up rules for Internet traffic. You need networking knowledge to set up these features. This chapter contains the following sections: • Manage port forwarding to a local server •...

  • Page 133: Manage Port Forwarding To A Local Server

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Manage 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.

  • Page 134: Add A Custom Port Forwarding Service

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 11. Click the Add button. The service displays in the menu. Add a custom port forwarding service The router lists default services and applications that you can use in port forwarding rules. If the service or application is not predefined, you can add a port forwarding rule with a custom service or application.

  • Page 135: Edit A Port Forwarding Service

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 You can enter a port range and fixed ports in one rule, for example, external (30–50, 78, 100–102), internal (40–60, 99, 200–202). With this rule, external ports 30–50 are forwarded to internal ports 40–60. 12.

  • Page 136: Delete A Port Forwarding Entry

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Delete a port forwarding entry To delete a port forwarding entry: 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.

  • Page 137: How The Router Implements The Port Forwarding Rule

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 How the router implements the port forwarding rule The following sequence shows the effects of a port forwarding rule: 1. When you type the URL www.example.com in your browser, the browser sends a web page request message with the following destination information: •...

  • Page 138: Add A Port Triggering Service

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Add a port triggering service To add a port triggering service: 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.

  • Page 139: Enable Port Triggering

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Enable port triggering To enable port triggering: 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.
  • Page 140 Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 also allow incoming traffic on port 113 to reach the originating computer.” The following sequence shows the effects of this port triggering rule: 1. You open an IRC client program to start a chat session on your computer. 2.

  • Page 141: Chapter 12 Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting 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 netgear.com/support for product and contact information. The chapter contains the following sections: •...

  • Page 142: Quick Tips

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Quick tips This section describes tips for troubleshooting some common problems. Sequence to restart your network If you must restart your network, follow this sequence: 1. Turn off and unplug the modem. 2. Turn off the router. 3.

  • Page 143: Troubleshoot With The Leds

    • Make sure that the power adapter is securely connected to your router and securely connected to a working power outlet. • Make sure that you are using the power adapter that NETGEAR supplied for this product. • If the Power LED blinks slowly and continuously, the router firmware is corrupted.

  • Page 144: Internet Or Ethernet Lan Port Leds Are Off

    • Press and hold the Reset button to return the router to its factory settings. If the error persists, a hardware problem might be the cause. Contact Technical Support at netgear.com/support. Internet or Ethernet LAN port LEDs are off If the Internet LED or Ethernet LAN port LEDs do not light when an Ethernet connection is made, check the following: •...

  • Page 145: You Cannot Access The Internet

    IP address, you don’t need to reset the router to factory default settings. • If you are attempting to set up your NETGEAR router as a replacement for an ADSL gateway in your network, the router cannot perform many gateway services. For example, the router cannot convert ADSL or cable data into Ethernet networking information.
  • Page 146 Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 3. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 4. 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.

  • Page 147: Troubleshoot Internet Browsing

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 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, you no longer need to run that software after installing your router.

  • Page 148: Troubleshoot Wifi Connectivity

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Troubleshoot WiFi connectivity If you are experiencing trouble connecting over WiFi to the router, try to isolate the problem: • Does the WiFi device or computer that you are using find your WiFi network? If not, check the WiFi LED on the router.

  • Page 149: Test The Path From A Windows-Based Computer To A Remote Device

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 To ping the router from a Windows-based 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.
  • Page 150 Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 3. If you do not receive replies, check the following: • Check to see 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.

  • Page 151: Appendix A Supplemental Information

    Supplemental Information This appendix includes technical information about your router. The appendix covers the following topics: • Factory Settings • Technical Specifications...

  • Page 152: Factory Settings

    Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Factory Settings You can reset the router to the factory default settings that are shown in the following table. For more information about resetting the router to its factory settings, see Return the router to its factory default settings on page 102.
  • Page 153 Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Table 4. Router factory default settings (Continued) Feature Default Settings Firewall and WAN security Inbound (communications Disabled (except traffic on port 80, the HTTP port) coming in from the Internet) Outbound Enabled (all) (communications going out to the Internet) Source MAC filtering...
  • Page 154 Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Table 4. Router factory default settings (Continued) Feature Default Settings SSID name 2.4 GHz band: NETGEAR_Guest 5 GHz band: NETGEAR-5G_Guest Security None (open network) Allow guests to access main Disabled network General WiFi settings...

  • Page 155: Technical Specifications

    WiFi Maximum WiFi signal rate complies with the IEEE 802.11 standard. Note that NETGEAR makes no express or implied representations or warranties about this product’s compatibility with any future WiFi standards. 802.11ac 1300 Mbps is approximately 2x faster than 802.11n 600 Mbps.
  • Page 156 Nighthawk AC2600 Smart WiFi Router Model R7450 Table 5. Router specifications (Continued) Feature Description Operating frequency range 2.4 GHz band • US: 2.412–2.462 GHz • Europe: 2.412–2.472 GHz • Australia: 2.412–2.472 GHz • Japan: 2.412–2.472 GHz 5 GHz band • US: 5.18–5.24 + 5.745–5.825 GHz •...

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