NETGEAR RAX200 User Manual
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NETGEAR RAX200 User Manual

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User Manual
Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12
12-Stream AX WiFi Router
Model RAX200
August 2019
202-11959-02
NETGEAR, Inc.
350 E. Plumeria Drive
San Jose, CA 95134, USA

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  • Page 1 User Manual Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Model RAX200 NETGEAR, Inc. August 2019 350 E. Plumeria Drive 202-11959-02 San Jose, CA 95134, USA...
  • Page 2 For regulatory compliance information including the EU Declaration of Conformity, visit https://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

    Contents Chapter 1 Hardware Setup Unpack your router................10 Top panel LEDs and buttons.............11 Rear panel....................14 Extend the antennas................15 Router label..................16 Position your router................16 Cable your router................17 Chapter 2 Connect to Network and Access the Router Connect to the network..............20 Connect to the network using a wired connection....20 Find and connect to the WiFi network........20 WiFi connection using WPS............20 Types of logins..................21...
  • Page 4 Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Use auto config for an IPv6 Internet connection......40 Set up an IPv6 6rd Internet connection........42 Manage the MTU size.................44 MTU concepts.................44 Change the MTU size..............45 Chapter 4 Control Access to the Internet Enable access control to allow or block access to the Internet..47 Use keywords to block Internet sites..........48 Block services from the Internet............50 Delete keywords from the blocked list..........51...
  • Page 5 Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Manage custom static routes............82 Set up a static route...............83 Edit a static route................84 Delete a static route...............85 Enable or disable implicit beamforming.........85 Enable or disable airtime fairness............86 Enable or disable MU-MIMO............87 Set Up the Router in Bridge Mode...........88 Ethernet Port Aggregation..............89 Set Up Ethernet Port Aggregation..........90 View or Change the Router Ethernet Port Aggregation Mode.91...
  • Page 6 Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Disable LED blinking or turn off LEDs..........115 Set your time zone................115 Set the NTP Server................116 Specify ReadyDLNA Media Server Settings........117 Return the router to its factory default settings......118 Use the Reset button..............118 Erase the settings.................118 Chapter 8 Share USB Storage Devices Attached to the Router USB device requirements..............121 Connect a USB storage device to the router........121...
  • Page 7 Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Install OpenVPN Software...............142 Install OpenVPN Software on Your Windows Computer..142 Install OpenVPN Software on Your Mac Computer....145 Install OpenVPN Software on an iOS Device......146 Install OpenVPN Software on an Android Device....146 Use a VPN Tunnel on Your Windows Computer......147 Use VPN to Access the Router’s USB Device and Media....149 Use VPN to Access Your Internet Service at Home......149 Set Up VPN Client Internet Access in the Router.....150...
  • Page 8 Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Test the LAN path to your router..........169 Test the path from a Windows-based computer to a remote device....................170 Chapter 13 Supplemental Information Factory settings.................173 Technical specifications..............174...

  • Page 9: Chapter 1 Hardware Setup

    • Top panel LEDs and buttons • Rear panel • Extend the antennas • Router label • Position your router • Cable your router For more information about the topics covered in this manual, visit the support website at netgear.com/support.

  • Page 10: Unpack Your Router

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Unpack your router Your package contains the router, the power adapter, and an Ethernet cable. Figure 1. Package contents Hardware Setup User Manual...

  • Page 11: Top Panel Leds And Buttons

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Top panel LEDs and buttons The status LEDs and two buttons are located on the top panel of the router. Figure 2. Top view Table 1. LED descriptions LED and Button Description Power LED Solid white.
  • Page 12 Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Table 1. LED descriptions (Continued) LED and Button Description 5 GHz 1 WiFi LED Solid white. The 5 GHz 1 WiFi radio or 5 GHz 2 WiFi radio is operating. 5 GHz 2 WiFi LED Blinking white.
  • Page 13 Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Table 1. LED descriptions (Continued) LED and Button Description WiFi LED Pressing the WiFi button for two seconds turns WiFi LED and WiFi radios on and off. If this LED is lit, the WiFi radios are on. If this LED is off, the WiFi radios are turned off and you cannot use WiFi to connect to the router.

  • Page 14: Rear Panel

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Rear panel The following figure shows the rear panel connectors and buttons. Figure 3. Rear panel Viewed from left to right, the rear panel contains the following components: • LED On/Off switch. Move the LED On/Off switch to the Off position to turn off the router LEDs.

  • Page 15: Extend The Antennas

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Use Ethernet port 1 to setup Multi-Gig Internet. For more information, see Get Multi-Gig Internet With Internet Port Aggregation on page 31. Use Ethernet ports 3 and 4 to cable a device that supports Ethernet port aggregation to the router.

  • Page 16: Router Label

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Router label The router label shows the login information, WiFi Network Name (SSID), network key (password), serial number, and MAC address. Figure 5. Router label Position your router The router lets you access your network anywhere within the operating range of your WiFi network.

  • Page 17: Cable Your Router

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Aluminum studs Fish tanks Mirrors Brick Concrete The following factors might limit the range of your WiFi: • The thickness and number of walls the WiFi signal passes through can limit the range. •...
  • Page 18 Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 3. Connect the power adapter to your router and plug the power adapter into an outlet. 4. Press the Power On/Off button on the rear panel of the router. The router’s Power LED lights solid white when the router is ready. Hardware Setup User Manual...

  • Page 19: Chapter 2 Connect To Network And Access The Router

    Connect to 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 20: Connect To The Network

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 21: 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 22: Use A Web Browser To Access The Router

    Internet. When you start an Internet application, your router automatically logs you in. The NETGEAR installation assistant runs on any device with a web browser. Installation and basic setup takes about 15 minutes to complete. To automatically set up your router: 1.

  • Page 23: Log In To The Router

    4. Follow the onscreen instructions. The router connects to the Internet. 5. If the browser does not display the NETGEAR installation assistant, do the following: • Make sure that the computer is connected to one of the LAN Ethernet ports or over WiFi to the router.

  • Page 24: Change The Language

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router To log in to the router: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. Note: You can also enter http://www.routerlogin.com or http://192.168.1.1. The procedures in this manual use http://www.routerlogin.net.

  • Page 25: 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 26: Use The Internet Setup Wizard

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 27 Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 28: Specify An Internet Connection That Uses A Login

    Your settings are saved. 13. 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 166. Specify an Internet connection that uses a login To view or change the basic Internet setup: 1.
  • Page 29 Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 5. In the WAN Preference section, select one of the following options: • Internet Port (1 Gbps). Select this option if you connected a modem to the Internet port on your router. • Multi-Gig Port (2.5/1 Gbps). Select this option if you want to use the Multi-Gig port for your Internet connection.

  • Page 30: Set Up The Multi-Gig Port On Your Router

    Your settings are saved. 17. 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 166. Set up the Multi-Gig port on your router The Multi-Gig port on your router is an Ethernet port capable of speeds of up to 2.5...

  • Page 31: Get Multi-Gig Internet With Internet Port Aggregation

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Your settings are saved. Get Multi-Gig Internet With Internet Port Aggregation To get multi-gig Internet with your router, set up Internet port aggregation by aggregating the Internet port and Ethernet port 1 on the router. To set up Internet port aggregation, you need the following: •...

  • Page 32: Specify Ipv6 Internet Connections

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Specify IPv6 Internet connections You can set up an IPv6 Internet connection if the router does not detect it automatically. To set up an IPv6 Internet connection: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.

  • Page 33: Use Auto Detect For An Ipv6 Internet Connection

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 34: Set Up An Ipv6 6To4 Tunnel Internet Connection

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 8. Select an IPv6 Filtering radio button: • Secured. In secured mode, which is the default mode, the router inspects both TCP and UDP packets. • Open. In open mode, the router inspects UDP packets only. 9.

  • Page 35: Set Up An Ipv6 Pass-Through Internet Connection

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router • Static IP Address. Enter the static IPv4 address of the remote relay router. Your IPv6 ISP usually provides this address. 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.

  • Page 36: Set Up An Ipv6 Fixed Internet Connection

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router The IPv6 page displays. 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 37: Set Up An Ipv6 Dhcp Internet Connection

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 38 Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 39: Set Up An Ipv6 Pppoe Internet Connection

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 40: Use Auto Config For An Ipv6 Internet Connection

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 41 Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router The IPv6 page displays. 5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select Auto Config. The page adjusts. 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 42: Set Up An Ipv6 6Rd Internet Connection

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router • Open. In open mode, the router inspects UDP packets only. 11. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Set up an IPv6 6rd Internet connection The 6rd protocol makes it possible to deploy IPv6 to sites using a service provider’s IPv4 network.
  • Page 43 Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router • 6rd (IPv6 Rapid Development) Configuration. The router detects the service provider’s IPv4 network and attempts to establish an IPv6 6rd tunnel connection. If the IPv4 network returns 6rd parameters to the router, the page adjusts to display the correct settings in this section.

  • Page 44: 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. Leave the MTU unchanged unless one of these situations occurs: •...

  • Page 45: Change The Mtu Size

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Table 2. Common MTU sizes (Continued) Application 1472 Maximum size to use for pinging. (Larger packets are fragmented.) 1468 Used in some DHCP environments. 1458 Used in PPPoA environments. 1436 Used in PPTP environments or with VPN. Change the MTU size To change the MTU size: 1.

  • Page 46: 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 47: Enable Access Control To Allow Or Block Access To The Internet

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 48: Use Keywords To Block Internet Sites

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 49 Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router • Specify .com if you want to allow only sites with domain suffixes such as .edu or .gov. • Enter a period (.) to block all Internet browsing access. 7. Click the Add Keyword button. The keyword is added to the keyword list.

  • Page 50: Block Services From The Internet

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Block services from the Internet You can block Internet services on your network based on the type of service. You can block the services all the time or based on a schedule. To block services: 1.

  • Page 51: Delete Keywords From The Blocked List

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router • 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. • All lP Addresses. Block services for all computers on your network. 10.

  • Page 52: Manage Network Access Control Lists

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router To specify a trusted computer: 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 53: Schedule When To Block Internet Sites And Services

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 5. Select the Turn on Access Control radio button. 6. Click the View list of allowed devices not currently connected to the network link. The list displays. 7. Select the check box for a device. 8.

  • Page 54: Set Up Security Event Email Notifications

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Your settings are saved. 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. To set up email notifications: 1.
  • Page 55 Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 11. To send alerts when someone attempts to visit a blocked site, select the Send Alerts Immediately check box. Email alerts are sent immediately when someone attempts to visit a blocked site. 12. To send logs based on a schedule, specify these settings: a.

  • Page 56: Chapter 5 Manage Network Settings

    Manage Network Settings The router comes ready for WiFi, Ethernet, and USB connections. You can customize the router’s network settings. We recommend that you install the router and connect it to the Internet before you change its network settings. This chapter contains the following sections: •...

  • Page 57: View Or Change The Wan Settings

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router View or change the 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 58: Set Up A Default Dmz Server

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router • Disable IGMP Proxying. IGMP proxying allows a computer on the local area network (LAN) to receive the multicast traffic it is interested in from the Internet. If you do not need this feature, you can select this check box to disable it. 5.

  • Page 59: Change The Router's Device Name

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 5. Select the Default DMZ Server check box. 6. Type the IP address. 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Change the Router’s Device Name The router’s default device name is based on its model number. This device name displays in the file manager when you browse your network.
  • Page 60 Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router These addresses are part of the designated private address range for use in private networks and are suitable for most applications. If your network requires a different IP addressing scheme, you can change these settings. You might want to change these settings if you need a specific IP subnet that one or more devices on the network use, or if you use competing subnets with the same IP scheme.

  • Page 61: Specify The Ip Addresses That The Router Assigns

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router • RIP-2. This format carries more information. Both RIP-2B and RIP-2M send the routing data in RIP-2 format. RIP-2B uses subnet broadcasting. RIP-2M uses multicasting. 8. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. If you changed the LAN IP address of the router, you are disconnected when this change takes effect.

  • Page 62: Disable The Dhcp Server Feature In The Router

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 6. Specify the range of IP addresses that the router assigns: a. In the Starting IP Address field, type the lowest number in the range. This IP address must be in the same subnet as the router. b.

  • Page 63: Manage Reserved Lan Ip Addresses

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router The LAN Setup page displays. 5. Clear the Use Router as DHCP Server check box. 6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. 7. (Optional) If this service is disabled and no other DHCP server is on your network, set your computer IP addresses manually so that the computers can access the router.

  • Page 64: Edit A Reserved Ip Address

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 8. Click the Apply button. The reserved address is entered into the table. The reserved address is not assigned until the next time the computer contacts the router’s DHCP server. Reboot the computer, or access its IP configuration and force a DHCP release and renew.

  • Page 65: Use The Wps Wizard For Wifi Connections

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 66: Specify Basic Wifi Settings

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router The WPS process automatically sets up yourr WPS-enabled device with the network password when it connects. The router WPS page displays a confirmation message. Specify Basic WiFi Settings The router comes with preset security. This means that the WiFi network name (SSID), network key (password), and security option (encryption protocol) are preset in the factory.

  • Page 67: Change The Wifi Mode

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 7. To change the network name (SSID), type a new name in the Name (SSID) field. The name can be up to 32 characters long and it is case-sensitive. The default SSID is randomly generated and is on the router label. If you change the name, make sure to write down the new name and keep it in a safe place.

  • Page 68: Change The Wifi Mode If Ax Wifi Is Enabled

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Change the WiFi mode if AX WiFi is enabled To change the WiFi mode settings if AX WiFi is enabled: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.

  • Page 69: Change The Wifi Mode If Ax Wifi Is Disabled

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router allows 802.11ac devices to function at up to 2400 Mbps. This mode is the default mode. • Up to 4800 Mbps. This mode allows 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, and 802.11a devices to join the selected WiFi network in the 5 GHz-1 band of the network and allows 802.11ac devices to function at up to 4800 Mbps.
  • Page 70 Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router The Wireless Settings page displays. 5. In the Wireless Network (2.4 GHz b/g/n/ax) section, select a WiFi mode from the Mode menu. • Up to 54 Mbps. This mode allows 802.11ax, 802.11n, 802.11g, and 802.11b devices to join the network but limits 802.11n devices to functioning at up to 54 Mbps.

  • Page 71: Change The Wifi Password Or The Wifi Security

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router devices to join the selected WiFi network in the 5 GHz-2 band of the network but limits 802.11ac devices to functioning at up to 1000 Mbps. • Up to 2165 Mbps. This mode allows 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, and 802.11a devices to join the selected WiFi network in the 5 GHz-2 band of the network and allows 802.11ac devices to function at up to 2165 Mbps.

  • Page 72: Set Up A Guest Wifi Network

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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. Note: By default, your password is hidden. To display your password, click the icon next to the Password field.
  • Page 73 • Guest Wireless Network Name (SSID). The SSID is the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz-1, or 5GHz-2 guest WiFi network name. The default 2.4 GHz SSID is NETGEAR-Guest. Manage Network Settings...
  • Page 74 Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router The default 5 GHz-1 SSID is NETGEAR-5G-Guest. The default 5 GHz-2 SSID is NETGEAR-5G-2-Guest. To change the SSID, enter a 32-character (maximum), case-sensitive name in this field. 6. Select a WiFi security option for the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz-1, or 5GHz-2 guest WiFi network: •...

  • Page 75: Control The Wifi Radios

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Control the WiFi radios The router’s internal WiFi radios broadcast signals in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz ranges. By default, they are on so that you can connect over WiFi to the router. When the WiFi radios are off, you can still use an Ethernet cable for a LAN connection to the router.

  • Page 76: Set Up A Wifi Schedule

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router • Turn on the WiFi radio. Select the Enable Wireless Router Radio check box. 6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. 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.

  • Page 77: Specify Wps Settings

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Specify WPS settings Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) lets you join the WiFi network without typing the WiFi password. To specify WPS settings: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.

  • Page 78: Set Up The Router As A Wifi Access Point

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Set up the router as a WiFi access point You can set up the router to run as an access point (AP) on the same local network as another router. To set up the router as an AP: 1.

  • Page 79: Set Up A Bridge For A Port Group Or Vlan Tag Group

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Set up a bridge for a port group or VLAN tag group Some devices, such as an IPTV, cannot function behind the router’s network address translation (NAT) service or firewall. Based on what your Internet service provider (ISP) requires, for the device to connect to the ISP’s network directly, you can enable the bridge between the device and the router’s Internet port or add new VLAN tag groups to the bridge.

  • Page 80: Set Up A Bridge For A Vlan Tag Group

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 7. Select a Wired Ports check box or a Wireless check box: • If your device is connected to an Ethernet port on the router, select the Wired Ports check box that corresponds to the Ethernet port on the router to which the device is connected.

  • Page 81: Set Up An Iptv Port

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router The page expands. 6. Select the By VLAN tag group radio button. The page expands. 7. Click the Add button. The Add VLAN Rule page displays. 8. Specify the following settings for the VLAN tag group: •...

  • Page 82: Manage Custom Static Routes

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router To configure an IPTV port: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin.

  • Page 83: Set Up A Static Route

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router • Your home network includes an ISDN router for connecting to the company where you are employed. This router’s address on your LAN is 192.168.1.100. • Your company’s network address is 134.177.0.0. When you set up your router, two implicit static routes were created. A default route was created with your ISP as the gateway, and a second static route was created to your local network for all 192.168.1.x addresses.

  • Page 84: Edit A Static Route

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 6. In the Route Name field, type a name for this static route (for identification purposes only). 7. To limit access to the LAN only, select the Private check box. If the Private check box is selected, the static route is not reported in RIP. 8.

  • Page 85: Delete A Static Route

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router The Static Routes page displays. 5. In the table, select the radio button for the route. 6. Click the Edit button. The Static Routes page adjusts. 7. Edit the route information. 8. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.

  • Page 86: Enable Or Disable Airtime Fairness

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 87: Enable Or Disable Mu-Mimo

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 5. Scroll down below the WPS Settings section and select or clear the Enable AIRTIME FAIRNESS check box. Selecting this check box enables airtime fairness. Clearing this check box disables airtime fairness. 6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.

  • Page 88: Set Up The Router In Bridge Mode

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 89: Ethernet Port Aggregation

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 8. Specify the settings of the other router to which this router will connect: a. Select the wireless network from the menu: • Wireless Networks (2.4Ghz b/g/n) • Wireless Networks (5Ghz a/n/ac) For 802.11ac or 802.11ax mode, select 5 GHz. b.

  • Page 90: Set Up Ethernet Port Aggregation

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Set Up Ethernet Port Aggregation If you are connecting a switch, make sure that your switch supports 802.3ad LACP. To set up Ethernet port aggregation: 1. Set up Ethernet port aggregation on your device before connecting it to your router. Note: If your device supports a static link aggregation group (LAG) only, you must enable static mode before you connect your device to Ethernet ports 4 and 5 on the router.
  • Page 91 Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Note: You must enable static mode before you connect your device to Ethernet ports 4 and 5 on the router. f. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. View or Change the Router Ethernet Port Aggregation Mode To view or change your router's Ethernet port aggregation mode: 1.

  • Page 92: Chapter 6 Optimize Performance

    Optimize Performance You can set up the router to optimize performance for applications such as Internet gaming, high-definition video streaming, and VoIP communication. By default, the router uses Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service (WMM QoS). This chapter contains the following sections: •...

  • Page 93: Use Dynamic Qos To Optimize Internet Traffic Management

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Use Dynamic QoS to optimize Internet traffic management Dynamic Quality of Service (QoS) helps improve your router’s Internet traffic management capabilities through better application and device identification, bandwidth allocation, and traffic prioritization techniques. Dynamic QoS resolves traffic congestion when the Internet bandwidth is limited and different demands compete for bandwidth.

  • Page 94: Enable Or Disable The Automatic Qos Database Update

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router • I want to define my Internet Bandwidth. If you know what your download and upload speed are, select this radio button and enter your download and upload speeds in the fields. 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.

  • Page 95: Improve Network Connections With Universal Plug And Play

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router To manually update the Dynamic QoS database: 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 96: Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality Of Service

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 > UPnP. The UPnP page displays.

  • Page 97: Enable Or Disable Ax Wifi

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router benefits of WMM QoS, WMM must be enabled for both it and the client running that application. Legacy applications that do not support WMM and applications that do not require QoS are assigned to the best effort category, which receives a lower priority than voice and video.

  • Page 98: Enable Or Disable Smart Connect

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router To enable or disable AX WiFi: 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 99 Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 Wireless. The Wireless Setup page displays.

  • Page 100: 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 101: Update The Router Firmware

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 102: 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 103: Change The Admin Password

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 104: Recover The Admin Password

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 105: View Information About The Router And The Internet And Wifi Settings

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 106: Display The Statistics Of The Internet Port

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 107: Check The Internet Connection Status

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 108: View And Manage Logs Of Router Activity

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 109: View Devices Currently On The Network

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 54. 9.
  • Page 110 Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 111: Manage The Router Configuration File

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 112: Restore The Settings

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 113: Remote Access

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router The file is uploaded to the router and the router restarts. WARNING: Do not interrupt the restoration process. 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 114: 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 101. 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 115: Disable Led Blinking Or Turn Off Leds

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 116: Set The Ntp Server

    7. 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 117: Specify Readydlna Media Server Settings

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 and PlayStation. To specify media server settings: 1.

  • Page 118: Return The Router To Its Factory Default Settings

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Return the router to its factory default settings Under some circumstances (for example, if you lost track of the changes that you made to the router settings or you move the router to a different network), you might want to erase the configuration and reset the router to factory default settings.
  • Page 119 Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 120: 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 121: 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 122: Access A Storage Device Connected To The Router From A Windows-Based Computer

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 123: Access A Storage Device That Is Connected To The Router From A Mac

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 124: 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 125: Set Up A Usb Hard Drive On A Mac

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 126: Prepare To Back Up A Large Amount Of Data

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 127 Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 128: Enable Ftp Access Within Your Network

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 129: Add A Network Folder On A Usb Storage Device

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 130: Edit A Network Folder On A Usb Storage Device

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 131: Safely Remove A Usb Storage Device

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > USB Functions > ReadySHARE Storage. The USB Storage (Advanced Settings) page displays. 5. In the Available Network Folders section, select the USB storage device. 6.

  • Page 132: 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 USB devices attached to the router’s USB ports when you’re not home. This chapter contains the following sections: • Set up and manage Dynamic DNS •...

  • Page 133: Set Up And Manage Dynamic Dns

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 134: 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 135.

  • Page 135: 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 136: 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 137: Access Usb Storage Devices Through The Internet

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 138: 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 139 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 140: Chapter 10 Use Vpn To Access Your Network

    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 contains the following sections: • Set up a VPN connection •...

  • Page 141: Set Up A Vpn Connection

    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. If your Internet service provider (ISP) assigned a static WAN IP address (such as 50.196.x.x or 10.x.x.x) that never changes to your Internet account, the VPN can use that IP address...

  • Page 142: Install Openvpn Software

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 6. To change the service type, scroll down and select the TCP radio button. 7. To change the port, scroll down to the Service Port field, and type the port number that you want to use. 8.
  • Page 143 Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 9. In the Windows Installer section of the page, double-click the openVPN-install-xxx.exe link. 10. Download and install the Open VPN software on your computer, click the openVPN-install-xxx.exe file. 11. Click the Next button. 12.
  • Page 144 For a client device with Windows 64-bit system, the VPN client is installed at C:\Program files\OpenVPN\config\ by default. 18. For a client device with Windows, modify the VPN interface name to NETGEAR-VPN: a. On your computer, go to the Networks page. If you are using Windows 10, select Control Panel >...

  • Page 145: Install Openvpn Software On Your Mac Computer

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router c. 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. For more information about using OpenVPN on your Windows computer, visit https://openvpn.net/index.php/open-source/documentation/howto.html#quick.

  • Page 146: Install Openvpn Software On An Ios Device

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Install OpenVPN Software on an iOS Device You must install this software on each iOS device that you plan to use for VPN connections to your router. To install VPN client software on an iOS device: 1.

  • Page 147: Use A Vpn Tunnel On Your Windows Computer

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router To install VPN client software on an Android device: 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 148 Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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. If you experience a conflict, change the IP scheme either for your home network or for the network with the client VPN computer.

  • Page 149: Use Vpn To Access The Router's Usb Device And Media

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Use VPN to Access the Router’s USB Device and Media To access a USB device and download files from your Windows-based computer using VPN: 1. On your Windows-based computer, open the Windows file manager and select Network.

  • Page 150: Set Up Vpn Client Internet Access In The Router

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Set Up VPN Client Internet Access in the Router By default, the router is set up to allow VPN connections only to your home network, but you can change the settings to allow Internet access. Accessing the Internet remotely through a VPN might be slower than accessing the Internet directly.

  • Page 151: Use A Vpn Tunnel To Access Your Internet Service At Home

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router To allow VPN clients to access only your home network: 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 152 Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 4. When the VPN connection is established, launch your Internet browser. Use VPN to Access Your Network User Manual...

  • Page 153: 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 154: Manage Port Forwarding To A Local Server

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 155: Add A Custom Port Forwarding Service

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 156: Edit A Port Forwarding Service

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 157: Delete A Port Forwarding Entry

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 158: How The Router Implements The Port Forwarding Rule

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 159: Add A Port Triggering Service

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 160: Enable Port Triggering

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 161 Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 162: 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 163: Quick Tips

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 164: 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 165: 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 166: 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 167 Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 168: Troubleshoot Internet Browsing

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 169: Troubleshoot Wifi Connectivity

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 170: Test The Path From A Windows-Based Computer To A Remote Device

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 171 Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router 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 172: Chapter 13 Supplemental Information

    Supplemental Information This chapter includes technical information about your router. The chapter contains the following topics: • Factory settings • Technical specifications...

  • Page 173: Factory Settings

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Factory settings You can return the router to its factory settings. Use the end of a paper clip or a similar object to press and hold the Reset button on the back of the router for at least seven seconds.

  • Page 174: Technical Specifications

    Nighthawk Tri-Band AX12 12-Stream AX WiFi Router Table 3. Factory default settings (Continued) Feature Default setting Wireless SSID name See router label Security WPA2-PSK (AES) Broadcast SSID Enabled Transmission speed Auto Country/region United States in the US; otherwise, varies by region RF channel Auto for 2.4 GHz, CH 44 for WW SKU, and CH 153 for North America SKU...
  • Page 175 Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE 802.11 specifications. Actual data throughput and wireless coverage will vary and may be lowered by network and environmental conditions, including network traffic volume and building construction. NETGEAR makes no representations or warranties about this product’s compatibility with AX standards. Supplemental Information...

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