NETGEAR R6900v2 User Manual
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NETGEAR R6900v2 User Manual

Nighthawk ac1900 smart wifi router
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Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi
Router
User Manual
Model R6900v2
April 2017
202-11740-02
350 E. Plumeria Drive
San Jose, CA 95134
USA

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Summary of Contents for NETGEAR R6900v2

  • Page 1 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router User Manual Model R6900v2 April 2017 202-11740-02 350 E. Plumeria Drive San Jose, CA 95134...
  • Page 2 For the current EU Declaration of Conformity, visit http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/11621. Compliance For regulatory compliance information, visit http://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory. See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply. Trademarks NETGEAR, Inc., NETGEAR, and the NETGEAR Logo are trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. Any non-NETGEAR trademarks are used for reference purposes only.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Use a Web Browser to Access the Router............18 Automatic Internet Setup.................19 Log In to the Router..................20 Install the Router With the NETGEAR Up App............21 Change the Language..................21 Access the Router With the NETGEAR genie App..........22 Chapter 3 Specify Your Internet Settings Use the Internet Setup Wizard................24...

  • Page 4: Optimize Performance

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 MTU Concepts....................43 Change the MTU Size..................44 Chapter 4 Optimize Performance Optimize Traffic With QoS..................47 Manage Default and Custom QoS Rules.............48 Add a Custom QoS Rule for a Service or Application........48 Add a Custom QoS Rule for a Device.............49 Change a QoS Rule or Change the Priority for a Rule........51...
  • Page 5 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Chapter 7 Share a Storage Device Attached to the Router USB Device Requirements..................96 Connect a USB Device to the Router..............96 Access a Storage Device Connected to the Router..........97 Access the Storage Device From a Windows-Based Computer.....97 Access the Storage Device From a Mac............97...
  • Page 6 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Use the Scan Feature of a Multifunction USB Printer........132 Manage the NETGEAR USB Control Center Settings........133 Turn Off Automatic Startup of the NETGEAR USB Control Center....133 Change the NETGEAR USB Control Center Language........134 Specify the USB Control Center Time-Out............134 Chapter 11 Manage the WAN and LAN Network Settings Manage the WAN Security Settings..............136...
  • Page 7 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Manage the Activity Log..................166 View, Email, or Clear the Logs..............166 Specify Which Activities Are Logged.............167 View Devices Currently on the Network.............168 Monitor and Meter Internet Traffic..............170 Start the Traffic Meter Without Traffic Volume Restrictions......170 View the Internet Traffic Volume and Statistics..........171...
  • Page 8 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Add a Port Triggering Rule................208 Change a Port Triggering Rule..............209 Remove a Port Triggering Rule..............210 Specify the Time-Out for Port Triggering............211 Disable Port Triggering..................212 Application Example: Port Triggering for Internet Relay Chat......212 Chapter 16 Troubleshooting Reboot the Router From Its Web Page..............215...
  • Page 9 WiFi coverage. NETGEAR makes no express or implied representations or warranties about this product’s compatibility with any future standards. 802.11ac 1300 Mbps is approximately 2x faster than 802.11n 600 Mbps.

  • Page 10: Unpack Your Router

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 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.

  • Page 11: Leds And Buttons On The Top Panel

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Attach the antennas on the threaded antenna posts. Position the antennas for the best WiFi performance. We recommend that the center antenna be vertical and that you aim the others outward at 45-degree angles, as shown.

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

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Table 2. LED and button descriptions (Continued) LED and Button Description Guest WiFi Solid white. The guest WiFi network is operating. Blinking white. The router is sending or receiving WiFi traffic. Off. The guest WiFi network is off.

  • Page 13: Usb Port On The Front Panel

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 • Reset button. For information about using the Reset button, see Return the Router to Its Factory Default Settings on page 160. • Ethernet LAN ports. Use the four Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 LAN ports to connect the router to LAN devices.

  • Page 14: Router Label

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Router Label The router label on the bottom panel of the router lists the login information, WiFi network name (SSID) and password (network key), serial number, and MAC address of the router. Figure 4. Router label Position the Router The router lets you access your network anywhere within the operating range of your WiFi network.

  • Page 15: Cable Your Router

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 2.4 GHz cordless phone 5 GHz cordless phone • Place the router away from large metal surfaces, large glass surfaces, insulated walls, and items such as these: Solid metal door Aluminum studs Fish tanks...
  • Page 16 The chapter contains the following sections: • Connect to the Router on page 17 • Use a Web Browser to Access the Router on page 18 • Change the Language on page 21 • Access the Router With the NETGEAR genie App on page 22...

  • Page 17: Connect To The Router

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Connect to the Router During and after installation, you can connect to the router’s network through a wired or WiFi connection. If you set up your computer to use a static IP address, change the settings of your computer so that it uses Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).

  • Page 18: Wi-Fi Protected Setup Method

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Enter the router WiFi password. The default WiFi password (also referred to as the network key or passphrase) is also on the router label. Click the Connect button. The device connects to the WiFi network of the router.

  • Page 19: 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. The NETGEAR installation assistant launches automatically the first time that you set up the Internet connection for your router and runs on any device with a web browser.

  • Page 20: Log In To The Router

    218. If problems persist, register your NETGEAR product and contact NETGEAR technical support. When the router connects to the Internet, you are prompted to download and install the free NETGEAR Desktop genie app and the free ReadySHARE Vault app.

  • Page 21: Install The Router With The Netgear Up App

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

  • Page 22: Access The Router With The Netgear Genie App

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Access the Router With the NETGEAR genie App The genie app is the easy dashboard for managing, monitoring, and repairing your home network from a smartphone, tablet, or WiFi-enabled computer. The genie app can help you with the following: •...
  • Page 23 Specify Your Internet Settings Usually, the quickest way to set up the router to use your Internet connection is to allow the NETGEAR installation assistant to detect the Internet connection when you first access the router with a web browser. You can also customize or specify your Internet settings.

  • Page 24: Use The Internet Setup Wizard

    The Setup Wizard searches your Internet connection for servers and protocols to determine your Internet configuration. When the router connects to the Internet, you are prompted to download and install the free NETGEAR Desktop genie app and the free ReadySHARE Vault app.
  • Page 25 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 To specify the connection settings for an Internet service for which you do not need to log Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network.

  • Page 26: Specify An Internet Connection That Uses A Login And Pppoe Service

    Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. 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 page 218. Specify an Internet Connection That Uses a Login and PPPoE Service You can manually specify the connection settings for a PPPoE Internet service for which you must log in.
  • Page 27 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 From the Internet Service Provider menu, select PPPoE as the encapsulation method. In the Login field, enter the login name that your ISP gave you. This login name is often an email address.

  • Page 28: Specify An Internet Connection That Uses A Login And Pptp Or L2Tp Service

    Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. 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 page 218. Specify an Internet Connection That Uses a Login and PPTP...
  • Page 29 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 From the Internet Service Provider menu, select PPTP or L2TP as the encapsulation method. In the Login field, enter the login name that your ISP gave you. This login name is often an email address.

  • Page 30: Specify An Ipv6 Internet Connection

    Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. 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 page 218. Specify an IPv6 Internet Connection The router supports many different types of IPv6 Internet connections for which you can specify the settings manually.

  • Page 31: Use Auto Detect For An Ipv6 Internet Connection

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 • If your ISP did not provide details, use the 6to4 tunnel connection type (see Set Up an IPv6 6to4 Tunnel Internet Connection on page 34). • If you are not sure what type of IPv6 connection the router uses, use the Auto Detect connection type,...

  • Page 32: Use Auto Config For An Ipv6 Internet Connection

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 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.
  • Page 33 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 A login window opens. 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.

  • Page 34: Set Up An Ipv6 6To4 Tunnel Internet Connection

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 ISP provided a domain name, type it in this field. For example, Earthlink Cable might require a host name of home, and Comcast sometimes supplies a domain name. Select an IPv6 Domain Name Server (DNS) Address radio button: •...
  • Page 35 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 From the Internet Connection Type menu, select 6to4 Tunnel. The router automatically detects the information in the Router’s IPv6 Address on LAN field. This field shows the IPv6 address that is acquired for the router’s LAN interface. The number after the slash (/) is the length of the prefix, which is also indicated by the underline (_) under the IPv6 address.

  • Page 36: Set Up An Ipv6 6Rd Tunnel Connection

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 If you do not specify an ID here, the router generates one automatically from its MAC address. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Set Up an IPv6 6rd Tunnel Connection The 6rd protocol makes it possible to deploy IPv6 to sites using a service provider’s IPv4 network. 6rd uses the service provider’s own IPv6 address prefix.
  • Page 37 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 From the Internet Connection Type menu, select 6rd Tunnel. The router automatically detects the information in the Router’s IPv6 Address on LAN field. This field shows the IPv6 address that is acquired for the router’s LAN interface. The number after the slash (/) is the length of the prefix, which is also indicated by the underline (_) under the IPv6 address.

  • Page 38: Set Up An Ipv6 Pass-Through Internet Connection

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 (Optional) Select the Use This Interface ID check box and specify the interface ID to be used for the IPv6 address of the router’s LAN interface. If you do not specify an ID here, the router generates one automatically from its MAC address.
  • Page 39 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 From the Internet Connection Type menu, select Fixed. Configure the fixed IPv6 addresses for the WAN connection: • IPv6 Address/Prefix Length. The IPv6 address and prefix length of the router WAN interface. •...

  • Page 40: Set Up An Ipv6 Dhcp Internet Connection

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Set Up an IPv6 DHCP Internet Connection To set up an IPv6 Internet connection with a DHCP server: Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network.

  • Page 41: Set Up An Ipv6 Pppoe Internet Connection

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 (Optional) In the DHCP User Class (If Required) field, enter a host name. Most people can leave this field blank, but if your ISP gave you a specific host name, enter it here.
  • Page 42 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 From the Internet Connection Type menu, select PPPoE. 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.

  • Page 43: Manage The Mtu Size

    “fragmented” to accommodate the device with the smallest MTU. The best MTU setting for NETGEAR equipment is often the default value. In some situations, changing the value fixes one problem but causes another.

  • Page 44: Change The Mtu Size

    Table 3. Common MTU sizes Application 1500 The largest Ethernet packet size. This setting is typical for connections that do not use PPPoE or VPN and is the default value for NETGEAR routers, adapters, and switches. 1492 Used in PPPoE environments.
  • Page 45 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 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. Select ADVANCED > Setup > WAN Setup.
  • Page 46 Optimize Performance This chapter describes how you can optimize the router’s performance and manage the traffic flows through the router. The chapter contains the following sections: • Optimize Traffic With QoS on page 47 • Manage Default and Custom QoS Rules on page 48 •...

  • Page 47: Optimize Traffic With Qos

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Optimize Traffic With QoS You can use Quality of Service (QoS) to assign different priorities to Internet traffic, applications, and services. The router provides default QoS rules.You can add custom QoS rules and manage both default and custom...

  • Page 48: Manage Default And Custom Qos Rules

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Manage Default and Custom QoS Rules You can add custom QoS rules and change and remove both default and custom QoS rules. You can add QoS rules for services and applications but also for specific devices on your network.

  • Page 49: Add A Custom Qos Rule For A Device

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 This selection is located all the way at the bottom of the Applications menu. Specify a new QoS rule for a service or application as described in the following table. Field Description Priority QoS Policy for Enter a name for the QoS rule.
  • Page 50 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. Select ADVANCED > Setup > QoS Setup. Select the By Device radio button.

  • Page 51: Change A Qos Rule Or Change The Priority For A Rule

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 (Continued) Field Description Device Enter the name of the device. Priority Select the priority (Highest, High, Normal, or Low) that must be assigned to the service or application. The priority selections correspond to the queue columns in the QoS rules table.

  • Page 52: Remove A Qos Rule

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Select ADVANCED > Setup > QoS Setup. In the QoS rules table, click the service, application, or device to select it. The Edit button becomes available. Click the Edit button. The QoS Priority Rules page displays.

  • Page 53: Remove All Qos Rules

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Select ADVANCED > Setup > QoS Setup. The QoS Setup page displays. In the QoS rules table, click the service, application, or device to select it. The Delete button becomes available. Click the Delete button.

  • Page 54: Manage Uplink Bandwidth Control

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Manage Uplink Bandwidth Control Uplink bandwidth control lets you check the maximum uplink bandwidth that your Internet connection can support and specify the maximum uplink bandwidth. To specify the maximum uplink bandwidth: Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network.

  • Page 55: Manage Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality Of Service

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Manage Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service (WMM QoS) prioritizes WiFi voice and video traffic over the WiFi link. WMM QoS prioritizes WiFi data packets from different applications based on four access categories: voice, video, best effort, and background.
  • Page 56 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 To manage Universal Plug-N-Play: Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. Enter the router user name and password.
  • Page 57 Control Access to the Internet The router comes with a built-in firewall that helps protect your home network from unwanted intrusions from the Internet. This chapter includes the following sections: • Set Up Parental Controls on page 58 • Allow or Block Access to Your Network on page 59 •...

  • Page 58: Set Up Parental Controls

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Set Up Parental Controls The first time that you select Parental Controls from the BASIC Home page, your browser goes to the Parental Controls website. You can learn more about parental controls or download the application.

  • Page 59: Allow Or Block Access To Your Network

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Because Live Parental Controls uses free OpenDNS accounts, you are prompted to log in or create a free account. Select a radio button as follows: • If you already own an OpenDNS account, leave the Yes radio button selected.
  • Page 60 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 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. Select ADVANCED > Security > Access Control.

  • Page 61: Manage Network Access Control Lists

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 • To either continue to allow or to block other computers and devices that are currently connected, select the check box next to the computer or device in the table, and click either the Allow button or the Block button.
  • Page 62 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. Select ADVANCED > Security > Access Control. The Access Control page displays.

  • Page 63: Add Devices To Or Remove Them From The Blocked List

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Add Devices to or Remove Them From the Blocked List If you set up an access list that allows all new devices to access your network but you want to block some devices from accessing your network, you must specify the devices that you want to block.

  • Page 64: Use Keywords To Block Internet Sites

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 To remove a device from blocked list, do the following: Select the check box for the device. Click the Delete button. The device is removed from the blocked list. Click the Apply button.
  • Page 65 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Select ADVANCED > Security > Block Sites. Specify a keyword blocking option: • Per Schedule. Use keyword blocking according to a schedule that you set. For more information, see Set Up a Schedule for Keyword Blocking and Outbound Firewall Rules on page 73.

  • Page 66: Remove A Keyword Or Domain From The Blocked List

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Remove a Keyword or Domain From the Blocked List If you no longer need a keyword or domain on the blocked list, you can remove the keyword or domain. To remove a keyword or domain from the blocked list: Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network.

  • Page 67: Specify A Trusted Computer

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Specify a Trusted Computer You can exempt one trusted device from blocking and logging. The device that you exempt must be assigned a fixed (static) IP address. To specify a trusted device: Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network.

  • Page 68: Manage Simple Outbound Firewall Rules For Services And Applications

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Manage Simple Outbound Firewall Rules for Services and Applications A firewall protects one network (the trusted network, such as your LAN) from another (the untrusted network, such as the Internet), while allowing communication between the two.

  • Page 69: Add An Outbound Firewall Rule For A Custom Service Or Application

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 For more information, see Set Up a Schedule for Keyword Blocking and Outbound Firewall Rules on page 73. • Always. Use keyword blocking continuously. Below the Service Table, click the Add button. From the Service Type menu, select service or application to be covered by this rule.
  • Page 70 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Enter router the user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. Select ADVANCED > Security > Block Services.

  • Page 71: Change An Outbound Firewall Rule

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 (Continued) Field Description Ending Port If the service or application uses a range of ports, enter the end port for the range. If the service or application uses a single port, repeat the port number that you entered in the Starting Port field.

  • Page 72: Remove An Outbound Firewall Rule

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Select ADVANCED > Security > Block Services. The previous figure shows two rules in the Service Table. In the Service Table, select the radio button for the rule. Click the Edit button. The Block Services Setup page displays.

  • Page 73: Set Up A Schedule For Keyword Blocking And Outbound Firewall Rules

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Select ADVANCED > Security > Block Services. The previous figure shows two rules in the Service Table. In the Service Table, select the radio button for the rule. Click the Delete button. The rule is removed from the Service Table.
  • Page 74 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Select ADVANCED > Security > Schedule. Set up the schedule for blocking: • Days to Block. Select the check box for each day that you want to block access or specify that blocking occurs on every day by selecting the Every Day check box.

  • Page 75: Set Up Security Event Email Notifications

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Set Up Security Event Email Notifications The router can email you its logs of router activity. The log records router activity and security events such as attempts to access blocked sites or services.
  • Page 76 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 If you do not know the port number, leave the default port number, which is 25. If your outgoing email server requires authentication, select the My Mail Server requires authentication check box, and do the following: In the User Name field, type the user name for the outgoing email server.
  • Page 77 Manage the Basic WiFi Network Settings This chapter describes how you can manage the basic WiFi network settings of the router. For information about the advanced WiFi settings, see Manage the Advanced WiFi Features on page 178. The chapter includes the following sections: •...

  • Page 78: Manage The Basic Wifi Settings And Wifi Security Of The Main Network

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Manage the Basic WiFi Settings and WiFi Security of the Main Network The router comes with preset security. This means that the WiFi network name (SSID), network key (password), and security option (encryption protocol) are preset in the factory. The preset SSID and password are uniquely generated for every device to protect and maximize your WiFi security.
  • Page 79 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Select Wireless. View or change the basic WiFi settings and security settings. The following table describes the fields on the Wireless Network page. Field Description Region Selection Region From the menu, select the region in which the router operates.
  • Page 80 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 (Continued) Field Description Channel From the Channel menu, select Auto for automatic channel selection or select an individual channel. The default selection is Auto. Note In some regions, not all channels are available. Do not change the channel unless you experience interference (shown by lost connections or slow data transfers).
  • Page 81 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 (Continued) Field Description Security Options This information applies to the 2.4 GHz WiFi network. If you change the WiFi security, select one of the following WiFi security options for the router’s WiFi network: •...
  • Page 82 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 (Continued) Field Description Channel From the Channel menu, select an individual channel for a 5 GHz SSID. The default channel depends on your selection from the Region menu. Note In some regions, not all channels are available. Do not change the channel unless you experience interference (shown by lost connections or slow data transfers).
  • Page 83 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 (Continued) Field Description Security Options This information applies to the 5 GHz WiFi network. If you change the WiFi security, select one of the following WiFi security options for the router’s WiFi network: •...

  • Page 84: Configure Wep Legacy Wifi Security

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Configure WEP Legacy WiFi Security Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) security is a legacy authentication and data encryption mode that is superseded by WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK. WEP limits the WiFi transmission speed to 54 Mbps (the router is capable of higher speeds in the 2.4 GHz band).

  • Page 85: Configure Wpa/Wpa2 Enterprise Wifi Security

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 From the Authentication Type menu, select one of the following types: • Automatic. Clients can use either Open System or Shared Key authentication. • Shared Key. Clients can use only Shared Key authentication.
  • Page 86 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 To configure WPA and WPA2 enterprise security: Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. Enter the router user name and password.

  • Page 87: Use Wps To Add A Device To The Wifi Network

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 (Continued) Field Description RADIUS server Port Enter the number of the port on the router that is used to access the RADIUS server for authentication. The default port number is 1812. RADIUS server Shared Secret Enter the shared secret (RADIUS password) that is used between the router and the RADIUS server during authentication of a WiFi user.
  • Page 88 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 physical button and software button to let a WiFi device join only the main WiFi network, not the guest WiFi network. To let a WiFi device join the router’s main WiFi network using WPS with the push button method: Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network.

  • Page 89: Use Wps With The Pin Method

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Use WPS With the PIN Method To use the PIN method to connect a WiFi device to the router’s WiFi network, you must know the PIN of the WiFi device that you are trying to connect.

  • Page 90: Manage The Basic Wifi Settings And Wifi Security Of The Guest Network

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Manage the Basic WiFi Settings and WiFi Security of the Guest Network A guest network allows visitors to use the Internet without using your WiFi security password or with a different WiFi password. By default, the guest WiFi network is disabled. You can enable and configure the guest WiFi network for each WiFi band.
  • Page 91 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Select Guest Network. Enable the guest network and configure its WiFi settings as described in the following table. Field Description Wireless Network (2.4GHz b/g/n) Name (SSID) The SSID is the 2.4 GHz WiFi band name. If you did not change the SSID, the default SSID displays, which is NETGEAR_Guest.
  • Page 92 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 (Continued) Field Description Security Options If you want to change the WiFi security, select one of the following WiFi security options for the 2.4 GHz band of the guest WiFi network: • None. An open WiFi network that does not provide any security. Any WiFi device can join the 2.4 GHz band of the guest WiFi network.

  • Page 93: Control The Wifi Radios

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 (Continued) Field Description Security Options If you want to change the WiFi security for an SSID in the 5 GHz band, select one of the following WiFi security options for that SSID in the guest WiFi network: •...

  • Page 94: Use The Wifi On/Off Button

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 might be easier to enable or disable the radios through the router web pages. You can also turn the WiFi radios off and on based on a schedule. (See Set Up a WiFi Schedule on page 179.)
  • Page 95 Change a Network Folder, Including Read and Write Access, on a USB Drive on page 107 • Approve USB Devices on page 109 • Safely Remove a USB Device on page 110 For more information about ReadySHARE features, visit netgear.com/readyshare.

  • Page 96: Usb Device Requirements

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 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 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.

  • Page 97: Access A Storage Device Connected To The Router

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 To connect a USB device: Insert your USB storage drive into the USB port on the router. If your USB device uses a power supply, connect it. You must use the power supply when you connect the USB device to the router.

  • Page 98: Map A Usb Device To A Windows Network Drive

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Click the Connect button. When prompted, select the Guest radio button. If you set up access control on the router and you allowed your Mac to access the network, select the Registered User radio button and enter admin for the name and password for the password.

  • Page 99: Back Up Windows-Based Computers With Readyshare Vault

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Back Up Windows-Based Computers With ReadySHARE Vault Your router comes with free backup software for all Windows-based computers in your home. Connect a USB hard disk drive (HDD) to the router for centralized, continuous, and automatic backup.

  • Page 100: Prepare To Back Up A Large Amount Of Data

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Open the Disk Utility, select your USB storage device, click the Erase tab, and click the Erase button. Click the Partition tab. In the Partition Layout menu, set the number of partitions that you want to use.

  • Page 101: Use Time Machine To Back Up Onto A Storage Device

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Use Time Machine to Back Up Onto a Storage Device You can use Time Machine to back up your Mac computers onto a USB hard disk drive (HDD) that is connected to the router’s USB ports.

  • Page 102: Manage Access To A Storage Device

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Manage Access to a Storage Device You can specify the device name, workgroups, and network folders for a storage device connected to the USB port on the router. To specify the storage device access settings: Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network.
  • Page 103 Through the Internet on page 112), you can also type a URL domain name. For example, if your domain name is MyName and you use the NETGEAR DDNS server, you can type ftp://MyName.mynetgear.com to access the USB device over the Internet and download or upload files.

  • Page 104: Enable Ftp Access Within Your Network

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Enable FTP Access Within Your Network File Transfer Protocol (FTP) lets you download (receive) and upload (send) large files faster. Note For information about using FTP to access a storage device through the Internet, see Access Storage Devices Through the Internet on page 117.

  • Page 105: View Network Folders On A Device

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 View Network Folders on a Device You can view or change the network folders on a USB storage device connected to the router. To view network folders: Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network.

  • Page 106: Add A Network Folder On A Storage Device

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 • Volume Name. Volume name from the storage device. • Total Space and Free Space. The current utilization of the storage device. Add a Network Folder on a Storage Device You can add network folders on a storage device connected to the USB port on the router.

  • Page 107: Change A Network Folder, Including Read And Write Access, On A Usb Drive

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Click the Create Network Folder button. If this pop-up window does not display, your web browser might be blocking pop-ups. If it is, change the browser settings to allow pop-ups. From the USB Device menu, select the USB drive.
  • Page 108 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Select ADVANCED > USB Functions > ReadySHARE. The previous figure shows a USB device attached to the router. In the Available Network Folders table, select a device. If a single device is attached to the USB port, the radio button is selected automatically.

  • Page 109: Approve Usb Devices

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Approve USB Devices For more security, you can set up the router to share only USB devices that you approve. To allow only approved USB devices to connect to the router and specify which USB devices are approved: Make sure that the USB device that you want to approve is attached to the router.

  • Page 110: Safely Remove A Usb Device

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Select the Allow only approved devices check box. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. To approve another USB device that is not attached to a USB port, first remove the attached USB device from...
  • Page 111 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 The previous figure shows a USB device attached to the router. In the Available Network Folders table, select a device. If a single device is attached to the USB port, the radio button is selected automatically.

  • Page 112: Chapter 8 Manage Dynamic Dns And Access Storage Devices Through The

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

  • Page 113: Set Up And Manage Dynamic Dns

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

  • Page 114: Set Up A New Dynamic Dns Account

    119. Set Up a New Dynamic DNS Account NETGEAR offers you the opportunity to set up and register for a free Dynamic DNS account. To set up Dynamic DNS and register for a free NETGEAR account: Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network.

  • Page 115: Specify A Dns Account That You Already Created

    Follow the onscreen instructions to register for your NETGEAR Dynamic DNS service. Specify a DNS Account That You Already Created If you already created a Dynamic DNS account with NETGEAR, No-IP, or Dyn, you can set up the router to use your account.
  • Page 116 For a No-IP or Dyn account, in the User Name field, enter the user name for your account. • For a NETGEAR account, in the Email field, enter the email address for your account. In the Password (6~32 characters) field, enter the password for your DDNS account.

  • Page 117: Change The Dynamic Dns Settings

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Change the Dynamic DNS Settings You can change the settings for your Dynamic DNS account. To change your settings: Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network.
  • Page 118 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 so that you can access the storage device from outside your local network, for example, when you are not at home. To set up FTP access through the Internet: Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network.

  • Page 119: Use Ftp To Access Storage Devices Through The Internet

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 In the Available Network Folders list, select a device. If a single device is attached to the USB port, the radio button is selected automatically. Click the Edit button. In the Read Access menu, select admin.

  • Page 120: Remotely Access A Usb Device Using Readycloud

    A ReadyCLOUD app is also available for Windows-based computers, Android mobile devices, and iOS mobile devices. For more information about setting up ReadyCLOUD, see the NETGEAR ReadyCLOUD for Routers User Manual, which is available online at downloadcenter.netgear.com.

  • Page 121: Register Your Router With Readycloud

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Register Your Router With ReadyCLOUD After you create a ReadyCLOUD account, you must register your router with your ReadyCLOUD account. To register your router with your ReadyCLOUD account: Visit kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/27323/ and check to see if you router supports ReadyCLOUD.
  • Page 122 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Select the ReadyCLOUD radio button. Enter your ReadyCLOUD user name and password and click the Register button. If you did not create a ReadyCLOUD account, see Create a ReadyCLOUD Account on page 120.

  • Page 123: Chapter 9 Use The Router As A Media Server

    Use the Router as a Media Server You can set up the router to work as a ReadyDLNA media server. You can also set up the router to play music from iTunes Server. This chapter contains the following sections: • Specify ReadyDLNA Media Server Settings on page 124 •...

  • Page 124: Specify Readydlna Media Server Settings

    Specify ReadyDLNA Media Server Settings The router can function 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: Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network.

  • Page 125: Play Music From A Storage Device With Itunes Server

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Your settings are saved. To rescan media files, click the Rescan media files button. Play Music From a Storage Device With iTunes Server iTunes Server lets you play music with your Windows or Mac iTunes app from a storage device that is connected to the router.
  • Page 126 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. Select ADVANCED > USB Functions > ReadySHARE. The USB Storage (Advanced Settings) page displays.
  • Page 127 Use the Shared Printer on page 130 • View or Change the Status of a Printer on page 131 • Use the Scan Feature of a Multifunction USB Printer on page 132 • Manage the NETGEAR USB Control Center Settings on page 133...

  • Page 128: Install The Printer Driver And Cable The Printer

    Follow the onscreen instructions to download the ReadySHARE Printer utility setup file. 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. Share a USB Printer...
  • Page 129 Double-click the ReadySHARE Printer utility setup file that you downloaded. Follow the wizard instructions to install NETGEAR USB Control Center. After the InstallShield Wizard completes the installation, the NETGEAR USB Control Center prompts you to select a language. Share a USB Printer...

  • Page 130: Use The Shared Printer

    Select a language from the menu and click the OK button. Some firewall software, such as Comodo, blocks NETGEAR USB Control Center from accessing the USB printer. If you do not see the USB printer displayed onscreen, you can disable the firewall temporarily to allow the utility to work.

  • Page 131: Print And Release The Printer

    If another computer is already connected to the printer, your print job goes into a queue to wait to be printed. If your document does not print, use the NETGEAR USB Control Center to check the status. View or Change the Status of a Printer on page 131.

  • Page 132: Use The Scan Feature Of A Multifunction Usb Printer

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Use the Scan Feature of a Multifunction USB Printer If your USB printer supports scanning, you can also use the USB printer for scanning. For example, the USB printer displayed in the Windows Printers and Faxes window is ready for print jobs.

  • Page 133: Manage The Netgear Usb Control Center Settings

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Manage the NETGEAR USB Control Center Settings You can stop the NETGEAR USB Control Center from starting automatically when you log in to Windows. You can also change the language and specify the time-out to release the printer connection.

  • Page 134: Change The Netgear Usb Control Center Language

    The Control Center - Configuration page displays. From the Language menu, select a language. Click the OK button. The next time the NETGEAR USB Control Center starts, the language changes. Specify the USB Control Center Time-Out To specify the time-out: Click the NETGEAR USB Control Center icon The main page displays.
  • Page 135 Manage the WAN and LAN Network Settings This chapter describes how you can manage the WAN and LAN network settings of the router. The chapter includes the following sections: • Manage the WAN Security Settings on page 136 • Set Up a Default DMZ Server on page 136 •...

  • Page 136: Manage The Wan Security Settings

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Manage the WAN Security Settings The WAN security settings include port scan protection and denial of service (DoS) protection, which can protect your LAN against attacks such as Syn flood, Smurf Attack, Ping of Death, and many others. By default, DoS protection is enabled and a port scan is rejected.

  • Page 137: Manage Igmp Proxying

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 To set up a default DMZ server: Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device device that is connected to the network. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. Enter the router user name and password.

  • Page 138: Manage Vpn Pass-Through

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Manage VPN Pass-Through VPN pass-through allows a computer on the local area network (LAN) to receive VPN traffic from the Internet over an IPSec, PPTP, or L2TP connection. Under normal circumstances, leave VPN pass-through enabled, which is the default setting.

  • Page 139: Manage The Sip Application-Level Gateway

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Select a NAT Filtering radio button: • Secured. Provides a secured firewall to protect the computers on the LAN from attacks from the Internet but might prevent some Internet games, point-to-point applications, or multimedia applications from functioning.
  • Page 140 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 settings if you need a specific IP subnet that one or more devices on the network use, or if competing subnets use the same IP scheme. To change the LAN IP address settings: Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network.

  • Page 141: Manage The Router Information Protocol Settings

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Manage the Router Information Protocol Settings Router Information Protocol (RIP) lets the router exchange routing information with other routers. By default, RIP is enabled in both directions (in and out) without a particular RIP version.
  • Page 142 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 The router delivers the following parameters to any LAN device that requests DHCP: • An IP address from the range that you define • Subnet mask • Gateway IP address (the router’s LAN IP address) •...

  • Page 143: Manage Reserved Lan Ip Addresses

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 This IP address must be in the same subnet as the router. By default, the ending IP address is 192.168.1.254. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. 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.

  • Page 144: Change A Reserved Ip Address

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Change a Reserved IP Address You can change a reserved IP address entry. To change a reserved IP address entry: Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network.

  • Page 145: Disable The Built-In Dhcp Server

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Disable the Built-In DHCP Server By default, the router functions as a DHCP server. The router assigns IP, DNS server, and default gateway addresses to all devices connected to the LAN. The assigned default gateway address is the LAN address of the router.

  • Page 146: Set Up And Manage Custom Static Routes

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Select ADVANCED > Setup > LAN Setup. The LAN Setup page displays. Type a new name in the Device Name field. The router’s default device name is R6900v2. Click the Apply button. A pop-up window displays.

  • Page 147: Set Up A Static Route

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Set Up a Static Route You can add a static route to a destination IP address and specify the subnet mask, gateway IP address, and metric. To set up a static route: Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network.

  • Page 148: Change A Static Route

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 (Continued) Field Description Gateway IP Enter the IP address of the gateway. Address The IP address of the gateway must be on the same LAN segment as the router. Metric Enter a number from 1 through 15.

  • Page 149: Remove A Static Route

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Remove a Static Route You can remove an existing static route that you no longer need. To remove a static route: Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network.

  • Page 150: Set Up A Bridge For A Vlan Tag Group

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > VLAN / Bridge Settings. The VLAN / Bridge Settings page displays.
  • Page 151 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 To add a VLAN tag group and enable the bridge: Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. Enter the router user name and password.
  • Page 152 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Click the Add button. 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. VLAN ID Enter a value from 1 to 4094.
  • Page 153 Manage the Router and Monitor the Traffic This chapter describes how you can manage the settings for administering and maintaining your router and monitor the network. The chapter includes the following sections: • Update the Firmware of the Router on page 154 •...

  • Page 154: Update The Firmware Of The Router

    The router firmware is stored in flash memory. You can check to see if new firmware is available and update the router to the new firmware. You can also visit the NETGEAR support website, download the firmware manually, and update the router to the new firmware.

  • Page 155: Manually Upload New Firmware And Update The Router

    Downloading firmware and updating the router are two separate tasks that are combined in the following procedure. To download new firmware manually and update your router: Visit downloadcenter.netgear.com, locate the support page for your product, and download the new firmware. Read the new firmware release notes to determine whether you must reconfigure the router after updating.

  • Page 156: Change The Admin Password

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 A progress bar might show the progress of the firmware upload process. The firmware upload process takes several minutes. When the upload is complete, your router restarts. Verify that the router runs the new firmware version: Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network.

  • Page 157: Set Up Password Recovery

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Select ADVANCED > Administration > Set Password. Type the old password, and type the new password twice. To be able to recover the password, select the Enable Password Recovery check box. We recommend that you enable password recovery.

  • Page 158: Recover The Admin Password

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Select two security questions and provide answers to them. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Recover the admin Password To recover your password: In the address field of your browser, enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

  • Page 159: Restore The Settings

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Backup Settings. The Backup Settings page displays.

  • Page 160: Disable Led Blinking Or Turn Off Leds

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 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.

  • Page 161: Use The Reset Button

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 After you reset the router to factory default settings, the user name is admin, the password is password, the LAN IP address is 192.168.1.1 (which is the same as www.routerlogin.net), and the DHCP server is enabled.

  • Page 162: View The Status And Statistics Of The Router

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 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. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Backup Settings.
  • Page 163 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 The BASIC Home page displays. Click the ADVANCED tab. The information that is shown onscreen is self-explanatory. The information uses the following color coding: • A green flag indicates that the Internet connection is fine and no problems exist. For a WiFi network, the network is enabled and secured.

  • Page 164: Display Internet Port Statistics

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Display Internet Port Statistics To display Internet port statistics: Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. Enter the router user name and password.

  • Page 165: Check The Internet Connection Status

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 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: Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network.

  • Page 166: Manage The Activity Log

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 • DNS Server.The IP address of the Domain Name Service server that provides translation of network names to IP addresses. • Lease Obtained. The date and time when the lease was obtained. •...

  • Page 167: Specify Which Activities Are Logged

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Select ADVANCED > Administration > Logs. The Logs page shows the following information: • Action. The action that occurred, such as whether Internet access was blocked or allowed. • Source. The name, IP address, or MAC address of the target device, application, or website for this log entry.

  • Page 168: View Devices Currently On The Network

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 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. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Logs.
  • Page 169 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. Select Attached Devices. Wired devices are connected to the router with Ethernet cables. WiFi devices are connected to the router through the WiFi network, in either the 2.4 GHz band or one of the 5 GHz bands.

  • Page 170: Monitor And Meter Internet Traffic

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Monitor and Meter Internet Traffic Traffic metering allows you to monitor the volume of Internet traffic that passes through the router Internet port. With the traffic meter utility, you can set limits for traffic volume, set a monthly limit, and get a live update of traffic usage.

  • Page 171: View The Internet Traffic Volume And Statistics

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 To start the traffic counter immediately, click the Restart Counter Now button. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved and the router restarts. The Internet Traffic Statistics section helps you to monitor the data traffic. For more information, see View the Internet Traffic Volume and Statistics on page 171.

  • Page 172: Restrict Internet Traffic By Volume

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Restrict Internet Traffic by Volume You can record and restrict the traffic by volume in MB. This is useful when your ISP measures your traffic in volume. To record and restrict the Internet traffic by volume: Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network.

  • Page 173: Restrict Internet Traffic By Connection Time

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 In the Traffic Counter section, set the traffic counter to begin at a specific time and date. In the Traffic Control section, enter a value in minutes to specify when the router issues a warning message before the monthly limit in hours is reached.
  • Page 174 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Traffic Meter. Select the Enable Traffic Meter check box. Select the Connection time control radio button. Note The router must be connected to the Internet for you to be able to select the Connection time control radio button.

  • Page 175: Unblock The Traffic Meter After The Traffic Limit Is Reached

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 • Disconnect and disable the Internet connection. This setting is optional. When the traffic limit is reached, the Internet connection is disconnected and disabled. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved and the router restarts.
  • Page 176 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 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.

  • Page 177: Remotely Access Your Router Using The Genie App

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 The default is 8443, which is a common alternate for HTTPS. For greater security, enter a custom port number for accessing the router’s web pages remotely. Choose a number from 1024 to 65535, but do not use the number of any common service port.
  • Page 178 Manage the Advanced WiFi Features This chapter describes how you can manage the advanced WiFi features of the router. For information about the basic WiFi settings, see Manage the Basic WiFi Network Settings on page 77. The chapter includes the following sections: •...

  • Page 179: Set Up A Wifi Schedule

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Set Up a WiFi Schedule You can use this feature to 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. You can set up a separate WiFi schedule for each WiFi band.
  • Page 180 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Advanced Wireless Settings. In the Advanced Wireless Settings section for the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz band, click the Add a new period button. Use the menus, radio buttons, and check boxes to set up a period during which you want to turn off the WiFi signal and specify whether the schedule is recurrent.

  • Page 181: Manage The Wps Settings

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Select the Turn off wireless signal by schedule check box to activate the schedule. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Manage the WPS Settings Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) lets you join the WiFi network without typing the WiFi password. You can change the WPS default settings.

  • Page 182: Manage Advanced Wifi Settings

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 By default, both Keep Existing Wireless Settings check boxes are selected. We recommend that you leave these check boxes selected. If you clear a check box, the next time a new WiFi client uses WPS to connect to the router, the router’s associated WiFi settings change to an automatically generated...

  • Page 183: Specify How The Router Manages Wifi Clients

    2347), and the preamble mode (the default is Long Preamble) are reserved for WiFi testing and advanced configuration only. CTS/RTS Threshold (1-2347) Do not change these settings unless directed by NETGEAR support or unless you are sure what the consequences are. Incorrect settings might disable the WiFi Preamble Mode function of the router unexpectedly.

  • Page 184: Manage Implicit Beamforming

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Manage Implicit Beamforming Implicit beamforming contrasts with explicit beamforming, which means that the router actively tracks clients and directs power to the router antenna closest to the client. Explicit beamforming works whether or not the client supports beamforming.

  • Page 185: Set Up A Wifi Bridge Between The Router And Another Device

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. If you connected over WiFi to the network, you are disconnected from the network and must reconnect. Set Up a WiFi Bridge Between the Router and Another...
  • Page 186 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 The router that is connected to the Internet modem does not require any special setup because the router that functions as a WiFi bridge connects to an existing SSID as a WiFi client, just like any other WiFi clients.
  • Page 187 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Click the setup bridge mode wireless settings button. Enter the WiFi settings of the router that is connected to the Internet modem (that is, the other router): From the Choose a Wireless Network menu, select the WiFi band that the other router.

  • Page 188: Use The Router As A Wifi Access Point Only

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Your settings are saved. The router restarts with a new IP address. To reconnect, close your browser, relaunch it, and log in to the router by entering http://www.routerlogin.net. When the router functions as a WiFi bridge, you cannot change its WiFi settings, that is, the settings on the Wireless Network page (BASIC >...
  • Page 189 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Note To avoid interference with other routers or gateways on your network, we recommend that you use different WiFi settings on each router. You can also turn off the WiFi radio on the other router or gateway and use the router only for WiFi client access.
  • Page 190 Use VPN to Access Your Network 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. The chapter includes the following sections: • Set Up a VPN Connection on page 191 •...

  • Page 191: Set Up A Vpn Connection

    VPN uses DDNS or a static IP address to connect with your router. To use a DDNS service, register for an account with a host name (sometimes called a domain name). You use the host name to access your network. The router supports these accounts: NETGEAR, No-IP, and Dyn.

  • Page 192: Install Openvpn Software On A Windows-Based Computer

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 The VPN page displays. Select the Enable VPN Service check box. To change the TUN mode service type, select the UCP or TCP radio button. To change the TUN mode service port, type the port number that you want to use in the field.
  • Page 193 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 To install the OpenVPN client utility on your computer, click the openVPN-install-xxx.exe file. Click the Next button. Read the License Agreement and click the I Agree button. Leave the check boxes selected as shown in the previous figure, and click the Next button.

  • Page 194: Install Openvpn Software On A Mac Computer

    In the local area connection list, find the local area connection with the device name TAP-Windows Adapter. Select the local area connection and change its name (not its device name) to NETGEAR-VPN. If you do not change the VPN interface name, the VPN tunnel connection will fail.

  • Page 195: Install Openvpn Software On An Ios Device

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > VPN Service. The VPN Service page displays.

  • Page 196: Install Openvpn Software On An Android Device

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 On your computer, unzip the configuration files that you downloaded and send the files to your iOS device. Note that when you open the file, a list of apps displays. Select the OpenVPN Connect app to .ovpn...
  • Page 197 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 same LAN IP scheme, when the VPN tunnel is established, you cannot access your home router or your home network with the OpenVPN software. The default LAN IP address scheme for the router is 192.x.x.x. The most common IP schemes are 192.x.x.x, 172.x.x.x, and 10.x.x.x.

  • Page 198: Use Vpn To Access The Router's Usb Device And Media From A Windows-Based Computer

    If the icons do not display, click the Refresh button to update the page. If the local LAN and the remote LAN are using the same IP scheme, the remote ReadyDLNA: R6900v2 icon does not display in the Media Devices section and the R6900v2 (Gateway) icon does not display in the Network Infrastructure section.

  • Page 199: Block Vpn Client Internet Access In The Router

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 To allow VPN clients to use your home Internet service: Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device device that is connected to the network. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

  • Page 200: Use A Vpn Tunnel To Access Your Internet Service At Home

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 The VNP page displays. Make sure that the Enable VPN Service radio button is selected. Scroll down to the Clients will use this VPN connection to access section, and select the Home Network only radio button.

  • Page 201: Chapter 15 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 for services and applications. You need networking knowledge to set up these features. This chapter includes the following sections: •...

  • Page 202: Manage Port Forwarding To A Local Server For Services And Applications

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Manage Port Forwarding to a Local Server for Services and Applications If a server is part of your network, 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 203: Add A Port Forwarding Rule With A Custom Service Or Application

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 If the service or application that you want to add is not in the list, create a port forwarding rule with a custom service or application (see Add a Port Forwarding Rule With a Custom Service or Application on page 203).

  • Page 204: Change A Port Forwarding Rule

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Specify a new port forwarding rule with a custom service or application as described in the following table. Field Description Service Name Enter the name of the custom service or application. Service Type Select the protocol (TCP or UDP) that is associated with the service or application.

  • Page 205: Remove A Port Forwarding Rule

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Port Forwarding / Port Triggering. The previous figure shows two custom port forwarding rules. Make sure that the Port Forwarding radio button is selected. In the table, select the radio button for the service or application name.

  • Page 206: Application Example: Make A Local Web Server Public

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Port Forwarding / Port Triggering. The previous figure shows two custom port forwarding rules. Make sure that the Port Forwarding radio button is selected. In the table, select the radio button for the service or application name.

  • Page 207: How The Router Implements The Port Forwarding Rule

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 How the Router Implements the Port Forwarding Rule The following sequence shows the effects of a port forwarding rule: When you enter the URL www.example.com in your browser, the browser sends a web page request message with the following destination information: •...

  • Page 208: Add A Port Triggering Rule

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Add a Port Triggering Rule The router does not provide default services and applications for port triggering rules. You must define a custom service or application for each port triggering rule. To add a port triggering rule: Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network.

  • Page 209: Change A Port Triggering Rule

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Field Description Service Service Name Enter the name of the custom service or application. Service User From the Service User menu, select Any, or select Single address and enter the IP address of one computer: •...

  • Page 210: Remove A Port Triggering Rule

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Select the Port Triggering radio button. The previous figure shows two port triggering rules. In the Port Triggering Portmap Table, select the radio button for the service or application name. Click the Edit Service button.

  • Page 211: Specify The Time-Out For Port Triggering

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Select the Port Triggering radio button. The previous figure shows two port triggering rules. In the Port Triggering Portmap Table, select the radio button for the service or application name. Click the Delete Service button.

  • Page 212: Disable Port Triggering

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Your settings are saved. Disable Port Triggering By default, port triggering is enabled. You can disable port triggering temporarily without removing any port triggering rules. To disable port triggering: Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device device that is connected to the network.
  • Page 213 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Translation (NAT) on the source address and port, and sends this request message through the Internet to the IRC server. Noting your port triggering rule and observing the destination port number of 6667, your router creates another session entry to send any incoming port 113 traffic to your computer.
  • Page 214 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 215: Reboot The Router From Its Web Page

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Reboot the Router From Its Web Page You or NETGEAR technical support can reboot the router from its web page, either locally or remotely, for example, when the router seems to be unstable or is not operating normally.

  • Page 216: Wifi Settings

    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 might be corrupted. This can happen if a firmware upgrade is interrupted, or if the router detects a problem with the firmware.

  • Page 217: Power Led Stays Amber

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Power LED Stays Amber When the router is turned on, the Power LED turns amber for up to two minutes and then turns white. If the LED does not turn white, this indicates a problem with the router.

  • Page 218: You Cannot Access The Internet

    If you are attempting to set up your router as a replacement for an ADSL gateway in your network, the router cannot perform many gateway services. For example, the router cannot convert DSL or cable data into Ethernet networking information. NETGEAR does not support such a configuration. You Cannot Access the Internet If you can access your router but not the Internet, check to see if the router can obtain an IP address from your Internet service provider (ISP).

  • Page 219: Troubleshoot Pppoe

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 If your router cannot obtain an IP address from the ISP, you might need to force your modem to recognize your new router by restarting your network. For more information, see Sequence to Restart Your Network on page 215.

  • Page 220: Troubleshoot Internet Browsing

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. Click the ADVANCED tab. The ADVANCED Home page displays. In the Internet Port pane, click the Connection Status button.

  • Page 221: Changes Are Not Saved

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Changes Are Not Saved If the router does not save the changes that you make on the router web pages, do the following: • When entering configuration settings, always click the Apply button before moving to another page or tab, or your changes are lost.

  • Page 222: Test The Path From Your Computer To A Remote Device

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 ping www.routerlogin.net Click the OK button. You see a message like this one: Pinging <IP address > with 32 bytes of data If the path is working, you see this message: Reply from < IP address >: bytes=32 time=NN ms TTL=xxx...
  • Page 223 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 • If your ISP assigned a host name to your computer, enter that host name as the account name on the Internet Setup page. • Your ISP might be rejecting the Ethernet MAC addresses of all but one of your computers.

  • Page 224: Appendix A Supplemental Information

    Supplemental Information This appendix includes technical information about your router. The appendix covers the following topics: • Factory Settings on page 225 • Technical Specifications on page 228...

  • Page 225: Factory Settings

    For more information about resetting the router to its factory settings, see Return the Router to Its Factory Default Settings on page 160. The following table shows the factory default settings for model R6900v2. Table 4. Router factory default settings Feature Default Settings...
  • Page 226 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 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 (communications Enabled (all)
  • Page 227 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Table 4. Router factory default settings (Continued) Feature Default Settings Guest WiFi network WiFi communication Disabled SSID name 2.4 GHz band: NETGEAR_Guest 5 GHz band: NETGEAR-5G_Guest Security None (open network) Allow guests to access main...

  • Page 228: Technical Specifications

    Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 Technical Specifications The following table shows the technical specifications for model R6900v2. Table 5. Router specifications Feature Description Data and routing protocols TCP/IP, RIP-1, RIP-2, DHCP, PPPoE, Dynamic DNS, UPnP, and SMB Power adapter North America: 120V, 60 Hz, input All regions: 12V @ 3.5A output...
  • Page 229 Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Model R6900v2 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 •...

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