NETGEAR N450 WNR2500 User Manual
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NETGEAR N450 WNR2500 User Manual

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N450 Wireless Router WNR2500
Us er Manual
September 2013
202-11311-01
350 East Plumeria Drive
San Jose, CA 95134
USA

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Summary of Contents for NETGEAR N450 WNR2500

  • Page 1 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Us er Manual September 2013 202-11311-01 350 East Plumeria Drive San Jose, CA 95134...
  • Page 2 Trademarks NETGEAR, the NETGEAR logo, and Connect with Innovation are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. Information is subject to change without notice. © NETGEAR, Inc. All rights reserved.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    NETGEAR genie Setup ........
  • Page 4 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Chapter 4 genie ADVANCED Home Setup Wizard ..........44 WPS Wizard .
  • Page 5 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Set Up Port Forwarding to Local Servers ......90 Add a Custom Service ........91 Edit or Delete a Port Forwarding Entry .
  • Page 6 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Wireless Connectivity ........130 Troubleshoot Your Network Using the Ping Utility .

  • Page 7: Hardware Setup

    Firmware updates with new features and bug fixes are made available from time to time on downloadcenter.netgear.com. Some products can regularly check the site and download new firmware, or you can check for and download new firmware manually. If the features or behavior of your product does not match what is described in this guide, you might need to update your firmware.

  • Page 8: Unpack Your Router

    Category 5e (Cat 5e) Ethernet cable • Installation guide If any parts are incorrect, missing, or damaged, contact your NETGEAR dealer. Hardware Features Before you cable your router, take a moment to become familiar with the label and the front and back panels.

  • Page 9: Front Panel

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Front Panel The router front panel has the following status LEDs and button: LAN LEDs WPS button Power LED and LED Internet LED WiFi LED WiFi button Figure 2. Front panel Hardware Setup...
  • Page 10 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Table 1. Front panel LED descriptions Description Power • Solid amber. The router is starting up after being powered on. • Solid green. The power is on, and the router is ready. • Blinking amber. A firmware update is in progress. •...

  • Page 11: Back Panel

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Back Panel The back panel has the following ports and connector: Internet port AC power connector LAN ports Figure 3. Back panel Table 2. Back panel port and connector descriptions Port or Connector Description LAN ports Four local area networks (LAN) 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports for connecting the router to your local computers.

  • Page 12: Label

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Label The label of the router shows the default login information, default WiFi network name (SSID), network key (also referred to as wireless network password or passphrase), serial number, MAC address, and other information. Figure 4. Label on the back panel Position Your Router The router lets you access your network from virtually anywhere within the operating range of your wireless network.
  • Page 13 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500  To prepare your router for installation: Carefully peel off the protective film covering your router. Place your router in a suitable area for installation (near an AC power outlet and accessible to the Ethernet cables for your wired computers). Hardware Setup...

  • Page 14: Cable Your Router

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Cable Your Router The installation guide that came in the box has a cabling diagram on the first page. This section describes how to connect the router, the computer, and the cable or DSL broadband modem, and provides detailed illustrations. Unplug and turn off the cable or DSL broadband modem.
  • Page 15 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Insert the Ethernet cable that came with your NETGEAR router into your modem and into the router’s Internet port. Securely insert the cable that you removed from the modem in Step 4 into the LAN port of the router.

  • Page 16: Verify The Cabling

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Verify the Cabling Verify that your router is cabled correctly and the cables are attached securely by checking the router LEDs: • The Power LED is solid green when the router is turned on. • The WiFi LED is solid green. •...

  • Page 17: Chapter 2 Get Started With Netgear Genie

    C on ne c t t o t h e ro u t e r This chapter explains how to use NETGEAR genie to set up your router after you complete cabling as described in the installation guide and in the previous chapter in this book.

  • Page 18: Router Setup Preparation

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Router Setup Preparation You can set up your router with NETGEAR genie automatically, or you can use the genie menus and screens to set up your router manually. However, before you start the setup process, you must have your ISP information about hand and make sure the laptops, computers, and other devices in the network have the settings described here.

  • Page 19: Netgear Genie Setup

    (SSID) and password for wireless access. This information is on the label on your router. NETGEAR genie Setup NETGEAR genie runs on any device with a web browser. It is the easiest way to set up the router because it automates many of the steps and verifies that those steps have been successfully completed.

  • Page 20: Use Netgear Genie After Installation

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Use NETGEAR genie after Installation When you first set up your router, NETGEAR genie automatically starts when you launch an Internet browser on a computer that is connected to the router.  To use NETGEAR genie again to view or change settings for the router: Launch your browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the router.

  • Page 21: Basic Home Screen

    • Internet. Set, update, and check the ISP settings of your router. • Wireless. View or change the wireless settings for your router. • Attached Devices. View the devices that are connected to your network. Get Started with NETGEAR genie...

  • Page 22: Change The Password

    These links work after you have an Internet connection. Change the Password The default password that you use to log in to the router is admin. NETGEAR recommends that you change this default password to a secure password. Changing the default password is not the same as changing the password for wireless access.

  • Page 23: Password Recovery

    Click the Apply button. Password Recovery NETGEAR recommends that you enable password recovery if you change the password for the router’s user name of admin. Then you have an easy way to recover the password when it is forgotten. This recovery process is supported in Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Chrome browsers, but not in the Safari browser.

  • Page 24: Manual Method

    Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) lets you connect to a secure WiFi network without typing its password. Instead, press a button or enter a PIN. NETGEAR calls WPS Push 'N' Connect. During the connection process, the client gets the security settings from the router so that every device in the network has the same security settings.

  • Page 25: Chapter 3 Genie Basic Settings

    genie BASIC Settings Yo ur I nt e rn e t co n n ec tion an d n e t wo r k This chapter describes the features that are available from the genie BASIC Home screen. This chapter contains the following sections: •...

  • Page 26: Internet Setup

    ISP settings. Click the Apply button. Click the Test button. Your Internet connection is tested. If the router does not detect the Internet connection and the NETGEAR website does not display within one minute, see Chapter 9, Troubleshooting. genie BASIC Settings...
  • Page 27 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 The following descriptions explain all of the possible fields on the Internet Setup screen. The fields that display on this screen depend on whether an ISP login is required. Does Your ISP Require a Login? Select either the Yes or No radio button. These fields display when no login is required: •...

  • Page 28: Basic Wireless Settings

    WARNING: NETGEAR recommends that you do not change your preset security settings. If you do decide to change your preset security settings, make a note of the new settings and store it in a safe place where you can easily find it.

  • Page 29: Wireless Settings Screen Fields

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 A screen similar to the following displays: Note: The screen sections, settings, and procedures are explained in the following sections. Make your changes. Click the Apply button. Set up and test your wireless devices and computers to make sure that they can connect wirelessly.

  • Page 30: Wireless Network

    Name (SSID). The SSID is also known as the wireless network name. The default SSID is randomly generated. NETGEAR strongly recommends that you do not change the default SSID. If you do decide to change the name, enter a 32-character (maximum) name in this field.

  • Page 31: Wpa-Psk, Wpa2-Psk, And Wpa-Psk + Wpa2-Psk Mixed Mode

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, and WPA-PSK + WPA2-PSK Mixed Mode These types of wireless security options use a pre-shared key (PSK), which is the same as a passphrase, wireless network password, or network key. You can select from the following wireless PSK security options: •...

  • Page 32: Wpa/Wpa2 Enterprise

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 WPA/WPA2 Enterprise This security option is not for home use but is typically used in a business or enterprise. WPA/WPA2 Enterprise does not use a passphrase but supports 802.1x authentication, which requires an internal or external RADIUS server. A Remote Authentication Dial In User Service (RADIUS) server provides Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) management to grant (or deny) computers access to your wireless network.

  • Page 33: Wep

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) security is an authentication and data encryption mode that is superseded by WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK. WEP supports speeds of up to 54 Mbps and does not function with WPS. However, if you set up a wireless distribution system (see Wireless Distribution System on page 82), WEP is the only security that can be supported.

  • Page 34: Attached Devices

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 b. Click the Generate button. For 64-bit WEP, four different WEP keys are generated. For 128-bit WEP, only one WEP key is generated, and the four key fields are populated with the same WEP key. • If the authentication type is Shared Key: a.

  • Page 35: Set Up Access Control

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 A screen similar to the following displays: The Wired Devices and Wireless Devices tables show the following information: • # (number). The order in which the device joined the network. • Device Name. If the device name is known, it is shown here. •...
  • Page 36 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500  To set up access control: Select BASIC > Attached Devices. To go to the Access Control screen, click the Access Control link. A screen similar to the following displays: Select the Turn on Access Control check box and click the Apply button. A screen similar to the following displays: The Access Rule radio buttons and the Allow and Block buttons become active.
  • Page 37 MAC address in this screen. NETGEAR recommends that you keep this radio button selected. If you change this setting to Block all new devices from connecting, your new device cannot access your network until you add its MAC address to the allowed list.

  • Page 38: Parental Controls

    Parental Controls The first time that you select Parental Controls from the BASIC Home screen, you are automatically directed to the NETGEAR website, where you can learn more about Live Parental Controls or download the application. The following screen displays: Figure 6.
  • Page 39 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 After installation, Live Parental Controls automatically starts. Click Next, read the note, and click Next again to proceed. You are prompted to log in or create a free account. Select the radio button that applies to you and click the Next button. •...
  • Page 40 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Select the radio button for the filtering level that you want and click the Next button. Click the Take me to the status screen button. Parental controls are now set up for the router. The dashboard shows Parental Controls as enabled.

  • Page 41: Guest Network

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Guest Network Adding a wireless guest network allows visitors at your home to use the Internet without seeing your passphrase. You can also specify the degree of access that you give to visitors.  To set up a guest network: Select BASIC >...
  • Page 42 32, and on page 33). By default, the wireless guest network has no security (no authentication or encryption). However, NETGEAR recommends that you do select a security option. Click the Apply button. Your changes are saved. genie BASIC Settings...

  • Page 43: Chapter 4 Genie Advanced Home

    genie ADVANCED Home S p ec if y cu s t o m s e t t ings This chapter describes the features that are available from the genie ADVANCED Home screen. This chapter contains the following sections: • Setup Wizard •...

  • Page 44: Setup Wizard

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Setup Wizard The NETGEAR genie installation process is launched with the Setup Wizard the first time that you start the router. After you have set up the router, the genie installation process no longer launches automatically, but you can launch the Setup Wizard manually.

  • Page 45: Wps Wizard

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 The Setup Wizard searches your Internet connection for servers and protocols to determine your ISP configuration. When the Setup Wizard is successful, the following screen displays: WPS Wizard The WPS Wizard helps you add a WPS-capable client (a computer or other wireless device) to your network.

  • Page 46: Setup Menu

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 • PIN Number. To use the PIN method, do the following: a. Select the PIN Number radio button. The screen adjusts: b. Enter the client security PIN. c. Click the Next button. Within two minutes, go to the client and use its WPS software to let the client join the network.

  • Page 47: Wan Setup

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 WAN Setup You can configure the Internet (WAN) port.  To change the WAN settings: Select ADVANCED > Setup > WAN Setup. A screen similar to the following displays: Enter the settings that you want to customize. For more information, see WAN Setup Screen Settings on page 47.

  • Page 48: Default Dmz Server

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 • Disable IGMP Proxying. IGMP proxying allows computers on the LAN to receive the multicast traffic they are subscribed to from the Internet. By default, this check box is selected, and the IGMP proxy is disabled, preventing multicast traffic from the Internet to the LAN.

  • Page 49: Change The Mtu Size

    MTU. The best MTU setting for NETGEAR equipment is often just the default value, and changing the value might fix one problem but cause another.

  • Page 50: Lan Setup

    The following table describes common MTU sizes and applications. Table 3. Common MTU sizes Application 1500 The largest Ethernet packet size. This value is the typical setting for non-PPPoE, non-VPN connections, and is the default value for NETGEAR routers, adapters, and switches. 1492 Used in PPPoE environments. 1472 Maximum size to use for pinging.

  • Page 51: Lan Setup Screen Settings

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Note: If you change the LAN IP address of the router while connected through the browser, you are disconnected. If this situation occurs, you must open a new connection to the new IP address and log in again.

  • Page 52: Use Router As Dhcp Server

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 broadcasts its routing table periodically. With the Both or In Only setting, the router incorporates the RIP information that it receives. • RIP Version. This setting controls the format and the broadcasting method of the RIP packets that the router sends.

  • Page 53: Set Up Address Reservation

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 The LAN Setup screen displays. Clear the Use Router as DHCP Server check box. Click the Apply button. If the DHCP service is not enabled on the router and no other DHCP server is available on your network, you must set your computers’...

  • Page 54: Qos Setup

    WMM QoS is enabled by default, and the Enable WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) settings check box is selected. NETGEAR recommends that you leave this setting as it is for full 802.11n wireless rate support. You can disable it in the QoS Setup screen by clearing this check box and clicking the Apply button.

  • Page 55: Quality Of Service Priority Rules And Internet Access

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Quality of Service Priority Rules and Internet Access You can give prioritized Internet access to the following types of traffic: • Specific applications • Specific online games • Individual Ethernet LAN ports of the router • A specific device by MAC address To specify prioritization of traffic, you need to create a policy for the type of traffic and add the policy to the QoS Policy table in the QoS Setup screen.
  • Page 56 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500  To view, change, or delete a QoS rule: Select ADVANCED > Setup > QoS Setup. The QoS Setup screen displays. Click the Setup QoS rule button. All preconfigured QoS rules are displayed in a table, along with their priority (Highest, High, Normal, or Low) and a description: Select the radio button next to the QoS policy that you want to edit or delete, and do one of the following:...
  • Page 57 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 WARNING: If you click the Delete All button, all preconfigured and custom QoS rules are deleted. Create a QoS Rule for an Application or Online Game  To create a QoS policy for an application or online game: Select ADVANCED >...
  • Page 58 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 The screen adjusts: In the QoS Policy for field, type a descriptive name for the new application or game. From the Priority list, select the priority that this traffic should receive relative to other applications and traffic when accessing the Internet. Select Highest, High, Normal, or Low. In the Connection Type field, select either TCP, UDP, or TCP/UDP.
  • Page 59 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 The screen adjusts: In the QoS Policy for field, type a descriptive name for the LAN port. From the Ethernet LAN port list, select the LAN port (1, 2, 3, or 4) for which you want to configure the QoS policy.
  • Page 60 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 The screen adjusts: In the QoS Policy for field, type a descriptive name for the MAC address. If the device for which you want to create a QoS policy is displayed in the MAC Device List, select its radio button.

  • Page 61: Bandwidth Control

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 • To remove the device from the table, click the Delete button. • To edit the MAC address, device name, or priority, click the Edit button. Edit the information you want to change. Note: You cannot delete or edit a device that is detected and automatically added to the MAC Device List.
  • Page 62 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Click the Apply button. genie ADVANCED Home...

  • Page 63: Chapter 5 Security

    Security K e ep u n wa n t ed c o nt e nt out o f y o u r n e t w o rk This chapter explains how to use the basic firewall features of the router to prevent objectionable content from reaching the computers and other devices connected to your network.

  • Page 64: Keyword Blocking Of Http Traffic

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Keyword Blocking of HTTP Traffic Use keyword blocking to prevent certain types of HTTP traffic from accessing your network. The blocking can be always or according to a schedule.  To set up keyword blocking: Select ADVANCED > Security > Block Sites. A screen similar to the following displays: Select one of the keyword blocking options (by default, Never is selected): •...

  • Page 65: Port Filtering To Block Services

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500  To delete a keyword or domain: Select ADVANCED > Security > Block Sites. The Block Sites screen displays. Select the keyword or domain that you want to delete from the list. Click the Delete Keyword button. To delete all keywords and domains from the list, click the Clear List button.
  • Page 66 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 information by contacting the publisher of the application, by asking user groups or newsgroups, or by searching. You can add and block specific Internet services by computers on your network. This feature is called service blocking or port filtering. To add a service for blocking, first find out which port number or range of numbers the application uses.
  • Page 67 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 A screen similar to the following displays: From the Service Type list, select the application or service to block. The list already displays several common services, but you are not limited to these choices. To add any additional services or applications that do not already display, select User Defined.

  • Page 68: Schedule Blocking

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 a. Edit the application or service as described in the previous procedure. b. Click the Accept button. To delete the application or service, click the Delete button. The application or service is removed from the table. Schedule Blocking If you have set up keyword blocking, service blocking, or both, you can specify the days and time that you want blocking to occur.

  • Page 69: Security Event Email Notifications

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Security Event Email Notifications To receive logs and alerts by email, provide your email information in the E-mail screen, and specify which alerts you want to receive and how often.  To set up email notifications: Select ADVANCED >...
  • Page 70 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 If you select the Weekly, Daily, or Hourly option and the log fills up before the specified period, the log is automatically emailed to the specified email address. You can also select the log that is sent when the log is full. Note: Whatever option you select, after the log is sent, the log is cleared from the router’s memory.

  • Page 71: Chapter 6 Administration

    Administration M a na ge y o u r n e t wo r k This chapter describes the router settings for administering and maintaining your router and home network. This chapter includes the following sections: • Upgrade the Router Firmware •...

  • Page 72: Upgrade The Router Firmware

    Assistant screen. To update the router to the new firmware, click the Yes button. (Optional) If you have manually downloaded new firmware from the NETGEAR support website: a. Click Browse, navigate to the firmware file (the file ends in .img), and select the firmware file.

  • Page 73: View And Configure Logs

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 WARNING: When uploading firmware to the router, do not interrupt the web browser by closing the window, clicking a link, or loading a new page. If the browser is interrupted, the firmware might be corrupted. When the upload is complete, your router restarts. The upload process can take up to three minutes, and the upgrade process typically takes about one minute.

  • Page 74: Manage The Configuration File

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 The Logs screen shows the following information: • Date and time. The date and time the log entry was recorded. • Source IP. The IP address of the initiating device for this log entry. • Target address. The name or IP address of the website or news group that users visited or attempted to access.

  • Page 75: Restore Configuration Settings

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 A screen similar to the following displays: To save a copy of the current settings, click the Back Up button. Choose a location to store the .cfg file on a computer on your network. Click the OK button. A copy of the current settings is saved.
  • Page 76 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 You can either use the Restore Factory Settings button on the back of the router (see Factory Settings on page 134), or you can use the Erase button on the Backup Settings screen.  To erase the configuration and restore the factory default settings: Select ADVANCED >...

  • Page 77: Chapter 7 Advanced Settings

    Advanced Settings E nh an c e t h e p e rf o r m an c e of y our ro uter This chapter describes the advanced features of your router. The information is for users with a solid understanding of networking concepts.

  • Page 78: Advanced Wireless Settings

    WPS settings, and set up an access list for wireless clients. Advanced Settings for Your Wireless Network NETGEAR recommends that you use caution when changing these settings.  To change advanced settings for your wireless network: Select ADVANCED >...

  • Page 79: Set Up A Wireless Schedule

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 IMPORTANT: The Fragmentation Length, CTS/RTS Threshold, and Preamble Mode options are reserved for wireless testing and advanced configuration only. Do not change these settings. Click the Apply button. Set Up a Wireless Schedule You can use this feature to turn off the wireless signal from your router at times when you do not need a wireless connection.

  • Page 80: Set Up The Wps Settings

    To activate the schedule, select the Turn off wireless signal by schedule check box. Click the Apply button. Set Up the WPS Settings You can control how WPS functions on the router. NETGEAR recommends that you use caution when changing the WPS settings. Note:...

  • Page 81: Wireless Access Point

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 This check box is selected by default. However, when the check box is selected, some applications such as Network Explorer in Windows Vista might not detect the router. CAUTION: When you clear this check box and you add a new wireless client through WPS, the router’s wireless settings change to an automatically generated SSID and passphrase.

  • Page 82: Wireless Distribution System

    Note: When the other router or gateway in your network has wireless capability, NETGEAR recommends that you use wireless settings that are different from those settings on the other router or gateway to avoid interference. You could also disable the wireless radio on the other router or gateway and use your router only for wireless client access.
  • Page 83 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 The following figure shows a wireless repeating scenario. Repeater Base station access point access point Figure 8. Wireless repeating scenario The router can function either as a base station or as a repeater: • Wireless base station. The router acts as the parent access point, bridging traffic to and from the child repeater access point, as well as handling wireless and wired local computers.

  • Page 84: Set Up The Base Station

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 • The security option must be WEP (or no security). The WEP option displays only if you select Up to 54 Mbps from the Mode list on the Wireless Settings screen (see Basic Wireless Settings on page 28). Set Up the Base Station The wireless repeating function works only in hub and spoke mode.

  • Page 85: Set Up A Repeater

    To set up the repeater to avoid conflicts with the wireless connection to the base station, use a wired Ethernet connection. Note: If you set up your router as a base station with a non-NETGEAR access point as the repeater, you might need to change more configuration settings. In particular, you should disable the DHCP server function on the access point that functions as the repeater.

  • Page 86: Port Forwarding And Port Triggering Configuration Concepts

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 This IP address must be in the same subnet as the base station, but different from the LAN IP address of the base station. To prevent wireless clients from associating with the repeater and allow LAN client associations only, select the Disable Wireless Client Association check box.
  • Page 87 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 • Source address. Your computer’s IP address. • Source port number. 5678, which is the browser session. • Destination address. The IP address of www.example.com, which your computer finds by asking a DNS server. • Destination port number. 80, which is the standard port number for a web server process.

  • Page 88: Port Triggering To Open Incoming Ports

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Port Triggering to Open Incoming Ports In the preceding example, your router sends requests to a remote computer from a particular service port number, and replies from the remote computer to your router are directed to that port number.

  • Page 89: Port Forwarding To Permit External Host Communications

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Note: Only one computer at a time can use the triggered application. Port Forwarding to Permit External Host Communications In both of the preceding examples, your computer initiates an application session with a server computer on the Internet. However, you might need to allow a client computer on the Internet to initiate a connection to a server computer on your network.

  • Page 90: How Port Forwarding Differs From Port Triggering

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 How Port Forwarding Differs from Port Triggering The following points summarize the differences between port forwarding and port triggering: • Any computer on your network can use port triggering, although only one computer can use it at a time. •...

  • Page 91: Add A Custom Service

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 A screen similar to the following displays: By default, Port Forwarding is selected as the service type. From the Service Name list, select the service or game that you are hosting on your network. If the service does not display in the list, see Add a Custom Service on page 91.
  • Page 92 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 A screen similar to the following displays: In the Service Name field, enter a descriptive name. In the Protocol list, select the protocol. Select TCP, UDP, or TCP/UDP. If you are not sure, select TCP/UDP. In the External Starting Port field, enter the beginning port number. •...

  • Page 93: Edit Or Delete A Port Forwarding Entry

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Edit or Delete a Port Forwarding Entry  To edit or delete a port forwarding entry: Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Port Forwarding / Port Triggering. The Port Forwarding / Port Triggering screen displays. In the table, select the radio button next to the service that you want to edit or delete. To edit the service, click the Edit Service button.
  • Page 94 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 When port triggering is enabled, the router monitors outbound traffic looking for a specified outbound trigger port. When the router detects outbound traffic on that port, it remembers the IP address of the local computer that sent the data. The router then temporarily opens the specified incoming port or ports, and forwards incoming traffic on the triggered ports to the triggering computer.
  • Page 95 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 The screen adjusts to display the port triggering information: Clear the Disable Port Triggering check box if it is selected. Note: If the Disable Port Triggering check box is selected after you configure port triggering, port triggering is disabled. However, any port triggering configuration information you added to the router is retained even though it is not used.
  • Page 96 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 A screen similar to the following displays: In the Service Name field, type a descriptive service name. In the Service User list, select Any (the default) to allow any computer on the Internet to use this service. Otherwise, select Single address, and enter the IP address of one computer to restrict the service to a particular computer.

  • Page 97: Dynamic Dns

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 To edit the service, click the Edit Service button. The Port Triggering - Services screen displays. a. Edit the service. b. Click the Apply button. To delete the service, click the Delete Service button. The service is removed from the table. Dynamic DNS If your Internet service provider (ISP) gave you a permanently assigned IP address, you can register a domain name and have that name linked with your IP address by public Domain...

  • Page 98: Static Routes

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 A screen similar to the following displays: Select the Use a Dynamic DNS Service check box. Select the URL of your Dynamic DNS service provider. Type the host name (or domain name) that your Dynamic DNS service provider gave you. Type the user name for your Dynamic DNS account.
  • Page 99 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 • Your company’s network address is 134.177.0.0. When you first configured 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 100: Remote Management

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 If you want to limit access to the LAN only, select the Private check box. If you select Private, the static route is not reported in RIP. To make this route effective, select the Active check box. By default, the Active check box is selected.
  • Page 101 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500  To set up remote management: Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Remote Management. A screen similar to the following displays: Select the Turn Remote Management On check box. Under Allow Remote Access By, specify the external IP addresses that the router’s remote management allows.

  • Page 102: Universal Plug And Play

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 When you access your router from the Internet, type your router’s WAN IP address in your browser’s address or location field followed by a colon (:) and the custom port number. For example, if your external address is 203.0.113.123 and you use port number 8080, enter http://203.0.113.123:8080 in your browser.

  • Page 103: Ipv6

    IP address. To refresh the information in the UPnP Portmap Table, click the Refresh button. IPv6 You can use this feature to set up an IPv6 Internet connection type if NETGEAR genie does not detect it automatically. ...

  • Page 104: Requirements For Entering Ipv6 Addresses

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 A screen similar to the following displays: In the Internet Connection Type list, select the IPv6 connection type. Your Internet service provider (ISP) can provide this information. • If your ISP did not provide details, you can select 6to4 Tunnel. •...

  • Page 105: Ipv6 Auto Detect

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 • More than four hexadecimal characters in a quartet • More than two colons in a row IPv6 Auto Detect  To set up an IPv6 Internet connection through auto detection: Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6. The IPv6 screen displays.

  • Page 106: Ipv6 Auto Config

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 If you do not specify an ID here, the router generates one automatically from its MAC address. Specify IPv6 filtering. When the connection type is not IPv6 Pass Through or Disabled, the router starts the stateful packet inspection (SPI) firewall function on the WAN interface. The router creates connection records and checks every inbound IPv6 packet.
  • Page 107 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 of the prefix, which is also indicated by the underline (_) under the IPv6 address. If no address is acquired, the field displays Not Available. • Router’s IPv6 Address on LAN. This field shows the IPv6 address that is acquired for the router’s LAN interface.

  • Page 108: Ipv6 6To4 Tunnel

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 IPv6 6to4 Tunnel  To set up an IPv6 Internet connection by using a 6to4 tunnel: Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6. The IPv6 screen displays. In the Internet Connection Type list, select 6to4 Tunnel. The screen adjusts: The router automatically detects the information in the Router’s IPv6 Address on LAN field.

  • Page 109: Ipv6 Pass Through

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 • Auto Config. This is the default setting. (Optional) Select the Use This Interface ID check box, and specify the interface ID that you want 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 110 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 The screen adjusts: Configure the fixed IPv6 addresses for the WAN connection: • IPv6 Address/Prefix Length. The static IPv6 address and prefix length of the router’s WAN interface. • Default IPv6 Gateway. The IPv6 address of the default IPv6 gateway. •...

  • Page 111: Ipv6 Dhcp

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 When the connection type is not IPv6 Pass Through or Disabled, the router starts the stateful packet inspection (SPI) firewall function on the WAN interface. The router creates connection records and checks every inbound IPv6 packet. The router blocks this packet when the inbound packet is not destined to the router itself and the router does not expect to receive such a packet.

  • Page 112: Ipv6 Pppoe

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 which is also indicated by the underline (_) under the IPv6 address. If no address is acquired, the field displays Not Available. (Optional) In the DHCP User Class (If Required) field, enter a host name. Most people do not need to fill in this field, but if your ISP has given you a specific host name, enter it here.
  • Page 113 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 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 114: Traffic Meter

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 • Secured. In the secured mode, which is the default mode, the router inspects both TCP and UDP packets. • Open. In the open mode, the router inspects UDP packets only. Click the Apply button. Traffic Meter Traffic metering allows you to monitor the volume of Internet traffic passing through your router’s Internet port.
  • Page 115 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 (Optional) Control the volume of Internet traffic. You can use either the traffic volume control feature or the connection time control feature to do this. • Select the Traffic volume control by radio button and then select one of the following options: No Limit.

  • Page 116: Chapter 8 Monitoring

    Monitoring M o ni t o r yo u r r ou t e r a n d netw o rk t r aff i c This chapter describes how to monitor your router and network traffic. This chapter includes the following sections: •...

  • Page 117: Router Status And Usage Information Screen

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Router Status and Usage Information Screen  To view router status and usage information: Click the ADVANCED tab. The screen that displays shows information about the router, the Internet port, the wireless settings, and the guest network (this screen is referred to as the Router Status screen): Note: The Router Status screen also displays when you select ADVANCED >...

  • Page 118: Router Information Pane

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Router Information Pane  To display the Router Information pane: Click the ADVANCED tab. The Router Status screen displays. The Router Information pane is located in the upper left of the screen. The following information displays: •...

  • Page 119: Statistics

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 • Domain Name Server. The Domain Name Server address that the router uses. A Domain Name Server translates human-language URLs such as www.netgear.com into IP addresses. Statistics The router provides various statistics.  To view the traffic statistics: Click the ADVANCED tab.

  • Page 120: Connection Status

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Connection Status The content of this screen depends on the type of connection. For example, different information is shown for a PPPoE connection than for a DHCP connection.  To view the connection status: Click the ADVANCED tab. The Router Status screen displays.

  • Page 121: Wireless Settings Pane

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 To release the router’s IP address and terminate the Internet connection, click the Release button. To let the router acquire an IP address from the DHCP server and start the Internet connection, click the Renew button. To close the Connection Status screen, click the Close Window button.

  • Page 122: Guest Network Pane

    The following information displays: • Name (SSID). The wireless network name (SSID) that the router uses. The default name is NETGEAR-Guest. • Wireless AP. Indicates whether the radio of the router is enabled for the guest network. •...

  • Page 123: Chapter 9 Troubleshooting

    F i nd a n d f ix p r o ble ms This chapter provides information to help you diagnose and solve problems you might have with your router. If you do not find the solution here, visit the NETGEAR support site at http://support.netgear.com for product and contact information.

  • Page 124: Quick Tips

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Quick Tips This section describes tips for troubleshooting some common problems. Sequence to Restart Your Network  Make sure to restart your network in this sequence: Unplug and turn off the cable or DSL broadband modem. Turn off the router and computers.

  • Page 125: Troubleshoot With The Leds

    • 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. This situation can happen if a firmware upgrade is interrupted, or if the router detects a problem with the firmware.

  • Page 126: All Leds Remain Lit After Startup

    134. If the error persists, you might have a hardware problem. Contact technical support at www.netgear.com/support. Internet or LAN Port LEDs Are Off If one of the LAN port LEDs or the Internet LED does not light when the Ethernet connection is made, check the following: •...

  • Page 127: Cannot Log In To The Router

    Make sure that Caps Lock is off when you enter this information. • If you are attempting to set up your NETGEAR router as an additional router behind an existing router in your network, either configure the NETGEAR router to function as an access point only (see...

  • Page 128: Cannot Access The Internet

    Router Status screen.  To check the WAN IP address: Start your browser and select an external site such as http://www.netgear.com. Access the router user interface at http://www.routerlogin.net. Click the ADVANCED tab.

  • Page 129: Troubleshoot A Pppoe Internet Connection

    Unless you connect manually, the router does not authenticate using PPPoE until data is transmitted to the network. Changes Not Saved If the router does not save the changes you make through the NETGEAR genie screens, check the following: Troubleshooting...

  • Page 130: Wireless Connectivity

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 • When you enter configuration settings on a screen, always click the Apply button before you move to another screen or tab, or your changes are lost. • Click the Refresh or Reload button in the web browser. The changes might have occurred, but the old settings might be in the web browser’s cache.

  • Page 131: Test The Path From Your Computer To A Remote Device

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Click the OK button. You should 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 If the path is not working, you see this message: Request timed out If the path is not functioning correctly, you might have one of the following problems:...
  • Page 132 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 • Check that your cable or DSL broadband modem is connected and functioning. • If your ISP assigned a host name to your computer, enter that host name as the account name in the Internet Settings screen. •...

  • Page 133: Appendix A Supplemental Information

    Supplemental Information A d di t i o n a l d e t ails This appendix provides factory default settings and technical specifications for the N450 Wireless Router WNR2500: • Factory Settings • Technical Specifications...

  • Page 134: Factory Settings

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Factory Settings You can return the router to its factory settings. Use the end of a paper clip or some other similar object to press and hold the Restore Factory Settings button on the back panel of the router for at least seven seconds.

  • Page 135: Technical Specifications

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 Table 4. WNR2500 router factory default settings (continued) Feature Default behavior Wireless 20/40 MHz coexistence Enabled (continued) Data rate Best Output power Full Technical Specifications Table 5. WNR2500 router specifications Feature Description Data and routing protocols TCP/IP, RIP-1, RIP-2, DHCP, PPPoE, PPTP, Bigpond, Dynamic DNS, UPnP, and Power adapter •...

  • Page 136: Appendix B Notification Of Compliance

    FCC Declaration of Conformity We, NETGEAR, Inc., 350 East Plumeria Drive, San Jose, CA 95134, declare under our sole responsibility that the N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 complies with Part 15 Subpart B of FCC CFR47 Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: •...

  • Page 137: Canadian Department Of Communications Radio Interference Regulations

    N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 FCC Radio Frequency Interference Warnings & Instructions This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
  • Page 138 Cet équipement doit être installé et utilisé avec un minimum de 20 cm de distance entre la source de rayonnement et votre corps. Interference Reduction Table The following table shows the recommended minimum distance between NETGEAR equipment and household appliances to reduce interference (in feet and meters). Household Appliance...

  • Page 139: Index

    Index Numerics coexistence 20/40 MHz, disabling compliance 20/40 MHz coexistence, disabling configuration file, managing 6to4 tunnel, IPv6 Internet connection connecting wirelessly, operating range connection status contents, box crossover cable access control CTS/RTS threshold access point (AP) mode custom service, port forwarding accessing remote computer router remotely...
  • Page 140 IRC (Internet Relay Chat) fragmented data packets isolation, wireless front panel keywords, blocking games, DMZ server gateway default IP address L2TP genie, NETGEAR label, product guest network LAN port setting up QoS for viewing settings viewing settings GUI, described LAN port LEDs...
  • Page 141 MTU (maximum transmit unit) size port numbers, services multicasting port triggering concepts configuring portmap table, UPnP NAT (Network Address Translation) ports NETGEAR genie back panel network settings, troubleshooting status, viewing network, guest positioning the router setting up power adapter, specifications viewing...
  • Page 142 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 push button method, WPS Setup Wizard shared key, WEP signal strength, troubleshooting SIP ALG (Session Initiation Protocol Application Layer – QoS (Quality of Service) Gateway) sites, blocking SMTP server software radio, disabling upgrading RADIUS server version range of wireless connections specifications, technical received packets...
  • Page 143 N450 Wireless Router WNR2500 user name, default wizards Setup Wizard WPS Wizard WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) versions, firmware, hardware, and language WPA/WPA2 Enterprise videoconferencing, DMZ server WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, and WPA+WPA2 mixed mode viewing logs WPS button – router, Internet, and network status WPS LED VoIP (Voice over IP) described...

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