AC1200 WiFi Router User Manual Model R6120 January 2018 202-11753-04 350 E.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Support Thank you for purchasing this NETGEAR product. You can visit www.netgear.com/support to register your product, get help, access the latest downloads and user manuals, and join our community. We recommend that you use only official NETGEAR support resources. Conformity For the current EU Declaration of Conformity, visit http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/11621. Compliance For regulatory compliance information, visit http://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory.
Contents Chapter 1 Hardware Overview of the Router Unpack Your Router...............................................................................................9 LED Descriptions.................................................................................................10 Ports, Buttons, and Connectors on the Back Panel.............................................10 Router Label........................................................................................................
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Chapter 4 Control Access to the Internet Set Up Parental Controls.....................................................................................38 Allow or Block Access to Your Network................................................................39 Enable and Manage Network Access Control.................................................39 Manage Network Access Control Lists...........................................................
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 View or Change the Status of a Printer................................................................77 Use the Scan Feature of a Multifunction USB Printer..........................................78 Manage the NETGEAR USB Control Center Settings.........................................78 Turn Off Automatic Startup of the NETGEAR USB Control Center.................78 Change the NETGEAR USB Control Center Language..................................
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Check the Internet Connection Status..........................................................106 Manage the Activity Log.....................................................................................107 View, Email, or Clear the Logs......................................................................107 Specify Which Activities Are Logged.............................................................108 View Devices Currently on the Network.............................
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Troubleshoot Your Network Using the Ping Utility..............................................133 Test the LAN Path to Your Router..................................................................133 Test the Path From Your Computer to a Remote Device...............................134 Appendix A Supplemental Information Factory Settings.................................................................................................136 Technical Specifications.................
Hardware Overview of the Router 1 This chapter contains the following sections: • Unpack Your Router on page 9 • LED Descriptions on page 10 • Ports, Buttons, and Connectors on the Back Panel on page 10 • Router Label on page 12 • Position the Router on page 12 • Cable Your Router on page 13 For more information about the topics that are covered in this manual, visit the support website at netgear.com/support.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Unpack Your Router The box contains the following items. Figure 1. Package contents Table 1. Legend 1. Router 2. Ethernet cable 3. Power adapter In some regions, a CD is included in the package.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 LED Descriptions The following table describes the LEDs on the router. Table 2. LED descriptions LED Description Power LED Solid green. The power is on, and the router is ready. Blinking green. A firmware update is in progress. Off. Power is not supplied to the router. WiFi LED Solid green. The wireless radio is operating. Off. The wireless radio is off. Internet LED Solid green. The Internet connection is ready. Off.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Figure 2. Router back panel In addition to the two antennas, the back panel contains the following components: • Reset/WPS button. This button can be used to reboot and reset the router and connect WPS-enabled devices to the router depending on how long the button is pressed: - Reboot the router. Press the button for less than 5 seconds to reboot the router. - Connect WPS-enabled devices. Press the button for about 5 to 10 seconds until the WiFi LED blinks amber.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Router Label The router label on the bottom panel of the router lists the login information, WiFi network name (SSID) and password (network key), serial number, and MAC address of the router. Figure 3. Router label Position the Router The router lets you access your network anywhere within the operating range of your WiFi network. However, the operating distance or range of your WiFi connection can vary significantly depending on the physical placement of the router.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 • - 2.4 GHz cordless phone - 5 GHz cordless phone Place the router away from large metal surfaces, large glass surfaces, insulated walls, and items such as these: - Solid metal door - Aluminum studs - Fish tanks - Mirrors - Brick - Concrete If you are using adjacent access points, use different radio frequency channels to reduce interference. Cable Your Router The following image shows how to cable your router: Figure 4.
Connect to the Network and Access the Router 2 You can connect to the router’s WiFi networks or use a wired Ethernet connection. This chapter describes the ways you can connect and how to access the router and log in.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Connect to the Router During and after installation, you can connect to the router’s network through a wired or WiFi connection. If you set up your computer to use a static IP address, change the settings of your computer so that it uses Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). Connect to the Router Through an Ethernet Cable You can connect your computer to the router using an Ethernet cable and join the router’s local area network (LAN).
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 If you did not change the name of the network during the setup process, look for the default WiFi network name (SSID) and select it. The default SSID is on the router label. 4. Enter the router WiFi password. The default WiFi password (also referred to as the network key or passphrase) is also on the router label. 5. Click the Connect button. The device connects to the WiFi network of the router.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 • ISP login. The login that your ISP gave you logs you in to your Internet service. Your service provider gave you this login information in a letter or some other way. If you cannot find this login information, contact your service provider. • WiFi network key or password. Your router is preset with a unique WiFi network name (SSID) and password for WiFi access. This information is on the router label. • Router login.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 The router connects to the Internet. 6. If the browser does not display the installation assistant page, do the following: • • • • • Make sure that the computer is connected to one of the four LAN Ethernet ports or over WiFi to the router. Make sure that the router is receiving power and that its Power LED is lit. Close and reopen the browser or clear the browser cache. Browse to http://www.routerlogin.net.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 To change the language: 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. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. In the upper right corner, select a language from the menu. 5. When prompted, click the OK button to confirm this change.
Specify Your Internet Settings 3 Usually, the quickest way to set up the router to use your Internet connection is to allow the NETGEAR installation assistant to detect the Internet connection when you first access the router with a web browser. You can also customize or specify your Internet settings.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 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 installation assistant pages that displays the first time you connect to your router to set it up. To use the Setup Wizard: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select Internet. The Internet Setup page displays. 5. Leave the Does your Internet connection require a login? No radio button selected. 6. If your Internet connection requires an account name or host name, type it in the Account Name (If Required) field. 7.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 To specify the connection settings for a PPPoE Internet service for which you must log in: 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. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select Internet. The Internet Setup page displays. 5.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 • Use This MAC Address. Enter the MAC address that you want to use. 15. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. 16. Click the Test button to test your Internet connection. If the NETGEAR website does not display within one minute, see You Cannot Access the Internet on page 130. Specify an Internet Connection That Uses a Login and PPTP Service You can manually specify the connection settings for a PPTP Internet service for which you must log in.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 11. If your ISP gave you fixed IP addresses and a connection ID or name, type them in the My IP Address, Subnet Mask, Server Address, Gateway IP Address, and Connection ID/Name fields. If your ISP did not give you IP addresses, a connection ID, or name, leave these fields blank. 12. Select a Domain Name Server (DNS) Address radio button: • • Get Automatically from ISP. Your ISP uses DHCP to assign your DNS servers. Your ISP automatically assigns this address.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 The page adjusts. 7. In the Login field, enter the login name that your ISP gave you. This login name is often an email address. 8. In the Password field, type the password that you use to log in to your Internet service. 9. From the Connection Mode menu, select Always On, Dial on Demand, or Manually Connect. 10. To change the number of minutes until the Internet login times out, in the Idle Timeout (In minutes) field, type the number of minutes.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 • Pass-through. For information, see Set Up an IPv6 Pass-Through Internet Connection on page 30. • Fixed. For information, see Set Up a Fixed IPv6 Internet Connection on page 31. • DHCP. For information, see Set Up an IPv6 DHCP Internet Connection on page 32. • PPPoE. For information, see Set Up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet Connection on page 33. Which connection type you must use depends on your IPv6 ISP. Follow the directions that your IPv6 ISP gave you.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select Auto Detect. The IPv6 page displays. The router automatically detects the information in the following fields: • Connection Type. This field indicates the connection type that is detected. • Router’s IPv6 Address on WAN. This field shows the IPv6 address that is acquired for the router’s WAN (or Internet) interface.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 • Router’s IPv6 Address on WAN. This field shows the IPv6 address that is acquired for the router’s WAN (or Internet) interface. The number after the slash (/) is the length of the prefix, which is also indicated by the underline (_) under the IPv6 address. If no address is acquired, the field displays Not Available. • Router’s IPv6 Address on LAN. This field shows the IPv6 address that is acquired for the router’s LAN interface.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6. The IPv6 page displays. 5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select 6to4 Tunnel. The IPv6 page displays. The router automatically detects the information in the Router’s IPv6 Address on LAN field.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 To set up an IPv6 pass-through Internet connection: 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. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6. The IPv6 page displays. 5.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 • Primary DNS Server. The primary DNS server that resolves IPv6 domain name records for the router. • Secondary DNS Server. The secondary DNS server that resolves IPv6 domain name records for the router. Note If you do not specify the DNS servers, the router uses the DNS servers that are configured for the IPv4 Internet connection on the Internet Setup page. (See Manually Set Up the Internet Connection on page 21.) 7.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 indicated by the underline (_) under the IPv6 address. If no address is acquired, the field displays Not Available. • Router’s IPv6 Address on LAN. This field shows the IPv6 address that is acquired for the router’s LAN interface. The number after the slash (/) is the length of the prefix, which is also indicated by the underline (_) under the IPv6 address. If no address is acquired, the field displays Not Available. 6.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6. The IPv6 page displays. 5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select PPPoE. The IPv6 page displays. 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.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 11. (Optional) Select the Use This Interface ID check box and specify the interface ID to be used for the IPv6 address of the router’s LAN interface. If you do not specify an ID here, the router generates one automatically from its MAC address. 12. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Manage the MTU Size The maximum transmission unit (MTU) is the largest data packet a network device transmits.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Table 3. Common MTU sizes (Continued) MTU Application 1468 Used in some DHCP environments. 1458 Used in PPPoA environments. 1436 Used in PPTP environments or with VPN. Change the MTU Size WARNING: An incorrect MTU setting can cause Internet communication problems. For example, you might not be able to access certain websites, frames within websites, secure login pages, or FTP or POP servers.
Control Access to the Internet 4 The router comes with a built-in firewall that helps protect your home network from unwanted intrusions from the Internet.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Set Up Parental Controls The first time that you select Parental Controls from the BASIC Home page, your browser goes to the Parental Controls website. You can learn more about Parental Controls or download the application. After you set up and enable Parental Controls, you can change the web filtering level for each device on the network through the network map page on the genie app. To set up Parental Controls: 1.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 After you set up and enable Parental Controls, you can change the web filtering level for each device on the network through the network map page of the genie app. Allow or Block Access to Your Network You can use access control to block or allow access of devices to your network. You define access by selecting or specifying the MAC addresses of the wired and WiFi devices that either can access your entire network or are blocked from accessing your entire network.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 You must select this check box before you can specify an access rule and use the Allow and Block buttons. When the Turn on Access Control check box is cleared, all devices are allowed to connect, even if a device is in the list of blocked devices. 6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. 7. Select an access rule for new devices: • • Allow all new devices to connect. With this setting, if you add a new device, it can access your network.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Add Devices to or Remove Them From the Allowed List If you set up an access list that blocks all new devices from accessing your network, you must specify which devices are allowed to access your network. To add or remove devices that are allowed: 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.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Add Devices to or Remove Them From the Blocked List If you set up an access list that allows all new devices to access your network but you want to block some devices from accessing your network, you must specify the devices that you want to block. To add or remove devices that are blocked: 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.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites You can block keywords and domains (websites) to prevent certain types of HTTP traffic from accessing your network. By default, keyword blocking is disabled and no domains are blocked. Set Up Blocking You can set up blocking of specific keywords and domains to occur continuously or according to a schedule. To set up keyword and domain blocking: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network. 2.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Remove a Keyword or Domain From the Blocked List If you no longer need a keyword or domain on the blocked list, you can remove the keyword or domain. To remove a keyword or domain from the blocked list: 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. The default password is password.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Specify a Trusted Computer You can exempt one trusted device from blocking and logging. The device that you exempt must be assigned a fixed (static) IP address. To specify a trusted device: 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. The default password is password.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 The Schedule page displays. 5. Set up the schedule for blocking: • Days to Block. Select the check box for each day that you want to block access or specify that blocking occurs on every day by selecting the Every Day check box. By default, the Every Day check box is selected. • Time of Day to Block. Select a start and end time for blocking in 24-hour format or select the All Day check box for 24-hour blocking. By default, the All Day check box is selected. 6.
Manage the Basic WiFi Network Settings 5 This chapter describes how you can manage the basic WiFi network settings of the router. For information about the advanced WiFi settings, see Manage the Advanced WiFi Features on page 110.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Manage the Basic WiFi Settings and WiFi Security of the Main Network The router comes with preset security. This means that the WiFi network name (SSID), network key (password), and security option (encryption protocol) are preset in the factory. The preset SSID and password are uniquely generated for every device to protect and maximize your WiFi security. You can find the preset SSID and password on the router label (see Router Label on page 12).
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Field Description Region Selection Region From the menu, select the region in which the router operates. Note It might not be legal to operate the router in a region other than the regions listed in the menu. If your country or region is not listed, check with your local government agency. Wireless Network (2.4GHz b/g/n) Name (SSID) The SSID is the 2.4 GHz WiFi network name. If you did not change the SSID, the default SSID displays.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 (Continued) Field Description Enable SSID Broadcast By default, the router broadcasts its SSID so that WiFi stations can detect the WiFi name (SSID) in their scanned network lists. To turn off the SSID broadcast, clear the Enable SSID Broadcast check box. Turning off the SSID broadcast provides additional WiFi security, but users must know the SSID to be able to join the WiFi network of the router.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 (Continued) Field Description Channel From the Channel menu, select an individual channel for a 5 GHz SSID. The default channel depends on your selection from the Region menu. Note In some regions, not all channels are available. Do not change the channel unless you experience interference (shown by lost connections or slow data transfers). If this situation occurs, experiment with different channels to see which is the best.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 (Continued) Field Description Security Options This information applies to the 5 GHz WiFi network. If you change the WiFi security, select one of the following WiFi security options for the router’s WiFi network: • None. An open WiFi network that does not provide any security. Any WiFi device can join the selected WiFi network in the 5 GHz band of the WiFi network. We recommend that you do not use an open WiFi network. • WPA2-PSK [AES].
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Configure WEP Legacy WiFi Security Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) security is a legacy authentication and data encryption mode that is superseded by WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK. WEP limits the WiFi transmission speed to 54 Mbps (the router is capable of higher speeds in the 2.4 GHz band). Tip If you want to change the WiFi settings of the router’s main network, use a wired connection to avoid being disconnected when the new WiFi settings take effect. To configure WEP security: 1.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 7. From the Authentication Type menu, select one of the following types: • • Automatic. Clients can use either Open System or Shared Key authentication. Shared Key. Clients can use only Shared Key authentication. 8. From the Encryption Strength menu, select the encryption key size: • • 64-bit. Standard WEP encryption, using 40/64-bit encryption. 128-bit. Standard WEP encryption, using 104/128-bit encryption. This selection provides stronger encryption security. 9.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 To configure WPA and WPA2 enterprise security: 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. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select Wireless. The Wireless Network page displays.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 (Continued) Field Description RADIUS server Port Enter the number of the port on the router that is used to access the RADIUS server for authentication. The default port number is 1812. RADIUS server Shared Secret Enter the shared secret (RADIUS password) that is used between the router and the RADIUS server during authentication of a WiFi user. 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. 8.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 physical button and software button to let a WiFi device join only the main WiFi network, not the guest WiFi network. To let a WiFi device join the router’s main WiFi network using WPS with the push button method: 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. The default password is password.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > WPS Wizard. The page displays a description of the WPS method. 5. Click the Next button. The Add WPS Client page adjusts. The Push Button (recommended) radio button is selected by default. 6. Select the PIN Number radio button. The Add WPS Client page displays. 7.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 By default, these networks are configured as open networks without security but are disabled. You can enable one or both networks. You can also change the SSIDs for these networks. To set up a guest network: 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. The default password is password.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 (Continued) Field Description Security Options If you want to change the WiFi security, select one of the following WiFi security options for the 2.4 GHz band of the guest WiFi network: • None. An open WiFi network that does not provide any security. Any WiFi device can join the 2.4 GHz band of the guest WiFi network. This is the default setting for the guest WiFi network. • WEP.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 (Continued) Field Description Security Options If you want to change the WiFi security for an SSID in the 5 GHz band, select one of the following WiFi security options for that SSID in the guest WiFi network: • None. An open WiFi network that does not provide any security. Any WiFi device can join the selected WiFi network in the 5 GHz band of the guest WiFi network. This is the default setting for the guest WiFi network. • WPA2-PSK [AES].
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Advanced Wireless Settings. The Advanced Wireless Settings page displays. 5. Do one of the following in the Wireless Network (2.4GHz b/g/n) section or Wireless Network (5GHz a/n/ac), or both sections: • • Turn off the radios.
Share a Storage Device Attached to the Router 6 This chapter describes how to access and manage a storage device attached to your router. ReadySHARE lets you access and share a storage device, such as a USB storage device, connected to the router. (If your storage device uses special drivers, it is not compatible.) Note The USB port on the router can be used only to connect a USB storage device such as flash drives or hard drives or a printer.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 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 netgear.com/support/. Some USB external hard drives and flash drives require you to load the drivers onto the computer before the computer can access the USB device. Such USB devices do not work with the router.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Connect a USB Device to the Router ReadySHARE lets you access and share a USB device connected to the router USB port. (If your USB device uses special drivers, it is not compatible.) Figure 5. One USB 2.0 port is located on the back panel of the router To connect a USB device: 1. Insert your USB storage drive into the USB port on the router. 2. If your USB device uses a power supply, connect it. You must use the power supply when you connect the USB device to the router.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 You must use the power supply when you connect the USB device to the router. When you connect the storage device to the router’s port, it might take up to two minutes before the storage device is ready for sharing. By default, the device is available to all computers on your local area network (LAN). 3. On a Windows-based computer that is connected to the network, select Start > Run. 4. Enter \\readyshare in the dialog box. 5. Click the OK button.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 3. Select Start > Run. 4. Enter \\readyshare in the dialog box. 5. Click the OK button. A window automatically opens and displays the USB device. 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 device is mapped to the drive letter that you specified. 9.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 7. Enable or disable access methods by selecting or clearing the corresponding check boxes and specifying access to the storage device as described in the following table. Access Method Description Network Connection Enabled by default. You can type \\readyshare to access the storage device within your network. If you change the name in the Network/Device Name field from readyshare to another name, the link changes accordingly.You can enable password protection.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > USB Storage > ReadySHARE. The USB Storage (Advanced Settings) page displays. 5. Select the FTP check box. 6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. View Network Folders on a Device You can view the network folders on a USB storage device connected to the router.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Add a Network Folder on a Storage Device You can add network folders on a storage device connected to the USB port on the router. To add a network folder: 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. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Change a Network Folder, Including Read and Write Access, on a USB Drive You can change network folders on a storage device that is connected to the USB port on the router. To change a network folder: 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. The default password is password.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 4. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 5. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > USB Settings. The USB Settings page displays. 6. Select the No radio button. By default the Yes radio button is selected. This setting lets you connect and access all your USB devices. 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. 8.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 4. Select ADVANCED > USB Storage > ReadySHARE. The USB Storage (Advanced Settings) page displays. 5. In the Available Network Folders table, select a device. If a single device is attached to the USB port, the radio button is selected automatically. 6. Click the Safely Remove USB Device button. The device goes offline and a pop-up window opens. 7. Click the OK button. 8. Physically disconnect the USB device.
Share a USB Printer 7 The ReadySHARE Printer utility lets you share a USB printer that is connected to the USB port on your router. You can share this USB printer among the Windows and Mac computers on your network.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Install the Printer Driver and Cable the Printer Some USB printer manufacturers (for example, HP and Lexmark) request that you do not connect the USB cable until the installation software prompts you to do so. To install the driver and cable the printer: 1. On each computer on your network that shares the USB printer, install the driver software for the USB printer. If the printer driver is not installed, contact the printer manufacturer. 2.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Some firewall software, such as Comodo, blocks the NETGEAR USB Control Center from accessing the USB printer. If you do not see the USB printer displayed onscreen, you can disable the firewall temporarily to allow the utility to work. 5. Select the printer and click the Connect button. The printer status changes to Manually connected by Mycomputer. Now only the computer that you are using can use this printer. 6. Click the Disconnect button. The status changes to Available.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 See View or Change the Status of a Printer on page 77. 3. To release the printer so that all computers on the network can use it, click the Disconnect button. The status changes to Available. Now any computers on the network can use the printer. View or Change the Status of a Printer To view or change the status: 1. Click the NETGEAR USB Control Center icon The NETGEAR USB Control Center opens. . The Status column shows the status for each device: • Available.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Use the Scan Feature of a Multifunction USB Printer If your USB printer supports scanning, you can also use the USB printer for scanning. For example, the USB printer displayed in the Windows Printers and Faxes window is ready for print jobs. Figure 6. Printers and Faxes window To use the scan feature of a multifunction USB printer: 1. Click the NETGEAR USB Control Center icon The NETGEAR USB Control Center opens. . 2. Make sure that the printer status shows as Available.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 3. Clear the Automatically execute when logging on Windows check box. 4. Click the OK button. Your settings are saved. Change the NETGEAR USB Control Center Language To change the language: 1. Click the NETGEAR USB Control Center icon The NETGEAR USB Control Center opens. . 2. Select Tools > Configuration. The Control Center - Configuration page displays. 3. From the Language menu, select a language. 4. Click the OK button.
Manage the WAN and LAN Network Settings This chapter describes how you can manage the WAN and LAN network settings of the router.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Manage the WAN Security Settings The WAN security settings include port scan protection and denial of service (DoS) protection, which can protect your LAN against attacks such as Syn flood, Smurf Attack, Ping of Death, and many others. By default, DoS protection is enabled and a port scan is rejected. You can also enable the router to respond to a ping to its WAN (Internet) port. This feature allows your router to be discovered.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 To set up a default DMZ server: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > WAN Setup. The WAN Setup page displays. 5. Select the Default DMZ Server check box.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Manage VPN Pass-Through VPN pass-through allows a computer on the local area network (LAN) to receive VPN traffic from the Internet over an IPSec, PPTP, or L2TP connection. Under normal circumstances, leave VPN pass-through enabled, which is the default setting. If you disable VPN pass-through, VPN traffic is blocked. To disable VPN pass-through: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 5. Select a NAT Filtering radio button: • • Secured. Provides a secured firewall to protect the computers on the LAN from attacks from the Internet but might prevent some Internet games, point-to-point applications, or multimedia applications from functioning. By default, the Secured radio button is selected. Open. Provides a much less secured firewall but allows almost all Internet applications to function. 6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 settings if you need a specific IP subnet that one or more devices on the network use, or if competing subnets use the same IP scheme. To change the LAN IP address settings: 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. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 • • Out Only. The router broadcasts its routing table periodically but does not incorporate the RIP information that it receives. In Only. The router incorporates the RIP information that it receives but does not broadcast its routing table. 6. From the RIP Version menu, select the RIP version: • • • Disabled. The RIP version is disabled. This is the default setting. RIP-1. This format is universally supported.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 6. Specify the range of IP addresses that the router assigns: • In the Starting IP Address field, enter the lowest number in the range. This IP address must be in the same subnet as the router. By default, the starting IP address is 192.168.1.2. • In the Ending IP Address field, enter the number at the end of the range of IP addresses. This IP address must be in the same subnet as the router. By default, the ending IP address is 192.168.1.254. 7. Click the Apply button.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 The reserved address is not assigned until the next time the computer or device contacts the router’s DHCP server. Reboot the computer or device, or access its IP configuration and force a DHCP release and renew. Change a Reserved IP Address You can change a reserved IP address entry. To change a reserved IP address entry: 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.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 5. In the Address Reservation section, select the radio button for the reserved address. 6. Click the Delete button. The address entry is removed. Disable the Built-In DHCP Server By default, the router functions as a DHCP server. The router assigns IP, DNS server, and default gateway addresses to all devices connected to the LAN. The assigned default gateway address is the LAN address of the router.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > LAN Setup. The LAN Setup page displays. 5. Type a new name in the Device Name field. 6. Click the Apply button. A pop-up window displays. 7. Click the Yes button. The router restarts.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Set Up a Static Route You can add a static route to a destination IP address and specify the subnet mask, gateway IP address, and metric. To set up a static route: 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. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Change a Static Route You can change an existing static route. To change a static route: 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. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Static Routes.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 The route is removed from the table on the Static Routes page. 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.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 6. Select the By bridge group radio button. 7. Select a Wired Ports check box or a Wireless check box. • • If your device is connected to an Ethernet port on the router, select the Wired Devices check box that corresponds to the Ethernet port on the router to which the device is connected. If your device is connected to your router’s WiFi network, select the Wireless check box that corresponds to the router’s WiFi network to which the device is connected.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > VLAN / Bridge Settings. The VLAN / Bridge Settings page displays. 5. Select the Enable VLAN Tag check box. The page expands. 6. Select the By VLAN tag group radio button. The router includes a default VLAN tag group with the name Internet. 7. Click the Add button. The page adjusts. 8. Specify the settings as described in the following table. Field Description Name Enter a name for the VLAN tag group.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Improve Network Connections With Universal Plug-N-Play Universal Plug-N-Play (UPnP) helps devices such as Internet appliances and computers access the network and connect to other devices as needed. UPnP devices can automatically discover the services from other registered UPnP devices on the network.
Manage the Router 9 This chapter describes how you can manage the settings for administering and maintaining your router.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Update the Firmware of the Router The router firmware is stored in flash memory. You can check to see if new firmware is available and update the router to the new firmware. You can also visit the NETGEAR support website, download the firmware manually, and update the router to the new firmware. Check for New Firmware and Update the Router For you to check for new firmware, the router must be connected to the Internet. To check for new firmware and update your router: 1.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. The firmware version is stated in the top right, under the Logout button. 8. Read the new firmware release notes to determine whether you must reconfigure the router after updating.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 A progress bar might show the progress of the firmware upload process. The firmware upload process takes several minutes. When the upload is complete, your router restarts. 9. Verify that the router runs the new firmware version: a. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network. b. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. c. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Set Up Password Recovery We recommend that you enable password recovery if you change the password for the router user name admin. Then you can recover the password if it is forgotten. This recovery process is supported in Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Chrome browsers but not in the Safari browser. To set up password recovery: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 A login window opens. 8. With your recovered password, log in to the router. Manage the Configuration File of the Router The configuration settings of the router are stored within the router in a configuration file. You can back up (save) this file to your computer or restore it. Back Up the Settings You can save a copy of the current configuration settings. To back up the router’s configuration settings: 1.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Backup Settings. The Backup Settings page displays. 5. Click the Browse button and navigate to and select the saved configuration file. The backup file from which you can restore the configuration ends in .cfg. 6. Click the Restore button. The configuration is uploaded to the router. When the restoration is complete, the router reboots. This process takes about two minutes.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 WARNING: To avoid the risk of corrupting the firmware, do not interrupt the reset. For example, if you are connected to the router’s web page, do not close the browser, click a link, or load a new page. Do not turn off the router. Wait until the router finishes restarting and the Power LED turns solid green. Erase the Settings CAUTION: This process erases all settings that you configured in the router. To erase the settings: 1.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 View the Status and Statistics of the Router You can view information about the router and its ports and the status of the Internet connection and WiFi network. In addition, you can view traffic statistics for the various ports. 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.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 4. Click the ADVANCED tab. The ADVANCED Home page displays. 5. In the Internet Port pane, click the Show Statistics button. The following information displays: • System Up Time. The time elapsed since the router was last restarted. • Port. The statistics for the WAN (Internet), LAN (Ethernet) ports, and WLAN (WiFi) ports. For each port, the pop-up window displays the following information: - Status. The link status of the port. - TxPkts.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 • IP Address. The IP address that is assigned to the router. • Subnet Mask. The subnet mask that is assigned to the router. • Default Gateway. The IP address for the default gateway that the router communicates with. • DHCP Server. The IP address for the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol server that provides the TCP/IP configuration for all the computers that are connected to the router. • DNS Server.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 • Action. The action that occurred, such as whether Internet access was blocked or allowed. • Source. The name, IP address, or MAC address of the target device, application, or website for this log entry. • Target. The name, IP address, or MAC address of the target device, application, or website for this log entry. • Date and Time. The date and time at which the action occurred. 5. To refresh the log entries onscreen, click the Refresh button. 6.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select Attached Devices. Wired devices are connected to the router with Ethernet cables. Wireless devices are connected to the router through the WiFi network, in either the 2.4 GHz band or one of the 5 GHz bands. The following table describes the fields that can be displayed.
Manage the Advanced WiFi Features 10 This chapter describes how you can manage the advanced WiFi features of the router. For information about the basic WiFi settings, see Manage the Basic WiFi Network Settings on page 47.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Set Up a WiFi Schedule You can turn off the WiFi signal from your router at times when you do not need a WiFi connection. For example, you might turn it off for the weekend if you leave town. You can set up a separate WiFi schedule for each WiFi band. To set up the WiFi schedule for a WiFi band: 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.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Advanced Wireless Settings. The Advanced Wireless Settings page displays. 5. Scroll down to the WPS Settings section in the lower part of the page. The Router’s PIN field displays the fixed PIN that you use to configure the router’s WiFi settings from another platform through WPS. 6. To disable the PIN, clear the Enable Router’s PIN check box.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 To manage the advanced WiFi settings: 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. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Advanced Wireless Settings. The Advanced Wireless Settings page displays.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 4. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 5. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless Access Point. The Wireless Access Point page displays. 6. Select the Enable Access Point Mode check box. The page expands. 7.
Manage Port Forwarding and Port Triggering 11 You can use port forwarding and port triggering to set up rules for Internet traffic for services and applications. You need networking knowledge to set up these features.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Manage Port Forwarding to a Local Server for Services and Applications If a server is part of your network, you can allow certain types of incoming traffic to reach the server. For example, you might want to make a local web server, FTP server, or game server visible and available to the Internet. The router can forward incoming traffic with specific protocols to computers on your local network.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Add a Port Forwarding Rule With a Custom Service or Application 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. To add a port forwarding rule with a custom service or application: 1. Find out which port number or range of numbers the service or application uses.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 (Continued) Field Description Internal port range Specify the internal port or ports by one of these methods: Internal IP address • If the external and internal port or ports are identical, leave the Use the same port range for Internal port check box selected. • If the service or application uses a single port, enter the port number in the Internal port range field.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 For information about the settings, see Add a Port Forwarding Rule With a Custom Service or Application on page 117. 9. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. The changed rule displays in the table on the Port Forwarding / Port Triggering page. Remove a Port Forwarding Rule You can remove a port forwarding rule that you no longer need. To remove a port forwarding rule: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile that is connected to the network. 2.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Dynamic DNS makes it much easier to access a server from the Internet because you can enter the name in the web browser. Otherwise, you must know the IP address that the ISP assigned, which typically changes. How the Router Implements the Port Forwarding Rule The following sequence shows the effects of a port forwarding rule: 1. When you enter the URL www.example.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Add a Port Triggering Rule The router does not provide default services and applications for port triggering rules. You must define a custom service or application for each port triggering rule. To add a port triggering rule: 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. The default password is password.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 (Continued) Field Description Starting Port Enter the start port number for the inbound connection. Ending Port Enter the end port number for the inbound connection. 8. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved and the rule is added to the Port Triggering Portmap Table on the Port Forwarding / Port Triggering page. Change a Port Triggering Rule You can change an existing port triggering rule. To change a port triggering rule: 1.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Remove a Port Triggering Rule You can remove a port triggering rule that you no longer need. To remove a port triggering rule: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 6. In the Port Triggering Time-out field, enter a value up to 9999 minutes. The default setting is 20 minutes. 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Disable Port Triggering By default, port triggering is enabled. You can disable port triggering temporarily without removing any port triggering rules. To disable port triggering: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 1. You open an IRC client program to start a chat session on your computer. 2. Your IRC client composes a request message to an IRC server using a destination port number of 6667, the standard port number for an IRC server process. Your computer then sends this request message to your router. 3. Your router creates an entry in its internal session table describing this communication session between your computer and the IRC server.
Troubleshooting 12 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.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Reboot the Router From Its Web Interface You or NETGEAR technical support can reboot the router from its web interface, either locally or remotely, for example, when the router seems to be unstable or is not operating normally. To reboot the router from its web interface: 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.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 WiFi Settings Make sure that the WiFi settings in the computer or mobile device and router match exactly. The WiFi network name (SSID) and WiFi security settings of the router and computer or mobile device must match exactly. If you set up an access control list, you must add the MAC address of each computer or mobile device to the router’s access control list (see Allow or Block Access to Your Network on page 39).
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Power LED Stays Amber When the router is turned on, the Power LED turns amber for up to two minutes and then turns green. If the LED does not turn green, this indicates a problem with the router. If the Power LED is still amber three minutes after you turn on power to the router, do the following: • Reboot the router to see if the router recovers. • If the router does not recover, press and hold the Reset/WPS button to return the router to its factory default settings.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 autogenerated addresses are in the range of 169.254.x.x. If your IP address is in this range, check the connection from the computer to the router and reboot your computer. • If your router’s IP address was changed and you do not know the current IP address, use an IP scanner application to detect the IP address. If you still cannot find the IP address, clear the router’s configuration to factory defaults. This sets the router’s IP address to 192.168.1.1.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 If your router is still unable to obtain an IP address from the ISP, the problem might be one of the following: • Your Internet service provider (ISP) might require a login program. Ask your ISP whether they require PPP over Ethernet (PPPoE) or some other type of login. • If your ISP requires a login, the login name and password might be set incorrectly. • Your ISP might check for your computer’s host name.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 4. Click the ADVANCED tab. The ADVANCED Home page displays. 5. In the Internet Port pane, click the Connection Status button. The Connection Status pop-up window opens. 6. Check the information in the Connection Status pop-up window to see if your PPPoE connection is up and working. If the router is not connected, click the Connect button. The router continues to attempt to connect indefinitely. 7.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Troubleshoot WiFi Connectivity If you are experiencing trouble connecting over WiFi to the router, try to isolate the problem: • Does the computer or mobile device that you are using find your WiFi network? If not, check the WiFi LED on the front of the router. If it is off, you can press the WiFi On/Off button on the router to turn the router WiFi radios back on.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Request timed out If the path is not functioning correctly, one of the following problems might be present: • Wrong physical connections For a wired connection, make sure that the numbered LAN port LED is lit for the port to which you are connected. Check to see that the appropriate LEDs are lit for your network devices.
Supplemental Information This appendix includes technical information about your router.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Factory Settings You can reset the router to the factory default settings that are shown in the following table. For more information about resetting the router to its factory settings, see Return the Router to Its Factory Default Settings on page 103. The following table shows the factory default settings for the router. Table 4. Router factory default settings Feature Default Setting Router login User login URL www.routerlogin.net (or www.routerlogin.com or 192.168.1.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Table 4.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Table 4. Router factory default settings (Continued) Feature Default Setting Security None (open network) Allow guests to access main Disabled network General WiFi settings Radio transmission power 100%, nonconfigurable 20/40 MHz coexistence Enabled Fragmentation length 2346 CTS/RTS threshold 2347 Preamble mode Long Preamble WPS WPS capability Enabled Router’s PIN Enabled.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Technical Specifications The following table shows the technical specifications for the router. Table 5. Router specifications Feature Description Data and routing protocols TCP/IP, RIP-1, RIP-2, DHCP, PPPoE, Dynamic DNS, UPnP, and SMB Power adapter North America: 120V, 60 Hz, input All regions: 12V @ 1.5A output Dimensions Dimensions: 185 x 136.5 x 46 mm (7.2 x 5.4 x 1.8 in.) Weight Weight: 250 g (0.
AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120 Table 5. Router specifications (Continued) Feature Description Operating frequency range 2.4 GHz band • US: 2.412–2.462 GHz • Europe: 2.412–2.472 GHz • Australia: 2.412–2.472 GHz • China: 2.412–2.472 GHz 5 GHz band 802.11 security • US: 5.18–5.24 + 5.745–5.825 GHz • Europe: 5.18–5.24 GHz • Australia: 5.18–5.24 + 5.745–5.825 GHz • China: 5.18–5.24 + 5.745–5.
