User Manual Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Models RAX41 RAX42 RAX43 November 2021 202-12556-03 NETGEAR, Inc. 350 E.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Support and Community Visit netgear.com/support to get your questions answered and access the latest downloads. You can also check out our NETGEAR Community for helpful advice at community.netgear.com. Regulatory and Legal Si ce produit est vendu au Canada, vous pouvez accéder à ce document en français canadien à https://www.netgear.com/support/download/. (If this product is sold in Canada, you can access this document in Canadian French at https://www.netgear.
Contents Chapter 1 Hardware Setup Unpack your router...............................................................................9 Top panel LEDs and buttons.............................................................10 Rear panel............................................................................................12 Router label.........................................................................................13 Attach and position the antennas...............................................
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Set up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet connection..................................38 Manage the MTU size.........................................................................39 MTU concepts.................................................................................39 Change the MTU size....................................................................40 Chapter 4 Control Access to the Internet Enable access control to allow or block access to the Internet....
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Delete a static route.......................................................................79 Enable or disable implicit beamforming.........................................80 Enable or disable MU-MIMO............................................................80 Enable or disable PMF.......................................................................81 Set up the router in bridge mode....................................................
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Chapter 8 Share USB Storage Devices Attached to the Router USB device requirements................................................................112 Connect a USB storage device to the router................................112 Access a storage device connected to the router from a Windows-based computer..............................................................113 Map a USB device to a Windows network drive...........................
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Add a custom port forwarding service.....................................142 Edit a port forwarding service....................................................143 Delete a port forwarding entry..................................................144 Application example: Make a local web server public...........144 How the router implements the port forwarding rule.............145 Port triggering.................................................................................
1 Hardware Setup This chapter contains the following sections: • • • • • • • • Unpack your router Top panel LEDs and buttons Rear panel Router label Attach and position the antennas Position your router Wall-Mount Your Router Cable your router For more information about the topics covered in this manual, visit the support website at netgear.com/support.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Unpack your router Your package contains the router, the power adapter, four antennas, and an Ethernet cable. Figure 1.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Top panel LEDs and buttons The status LEDs and two buttons are located on the top panel of the router. Figure 2. Top view Table 1. LED descriptions LED and Button Description Power LED • Solid white. The router is ready. • Blinking white. The router is not ready, firmware is upgrading, or the Reset button was pressed. • Off. Power is not supplied to the router. Internet LED • Solid white. The Internet connection is ready. • Blinking white.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Table 1. LED descriptions (Continued) LED and Button Description Ethernet LEDs for ports 1–4 The LED color indicates the speed: white for Gigabit Ethernet connections and amber for 100 Mbps or 10 Mbps Ethernet connections. • Solid white. The router detected a 1 Gbps link with a powered-on device. • Blinking white. The port is sending or receiving traffic at 1 Gbps. • Solid amber. The router detected a 100 Mbps or 10 Mbps link with a powered-on device. • Blinking amber.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Rear panel The following figure shows the rear panel connectors and buttons. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Figure 3. Rear panel The rear panel contains the following components: 1. Reset button. Pressing the Reset button resets the router. If the Reset button is pressed for at least 10 seconds and the Power LED blinks, the router returns to its factory settings. 2. USB 3.0 port. Use the USB 3.0 port to connect USB storage device. 3. Ethernet ports.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Router label The router label shows the login information, WiFi network name (SSID), password, serial number, and MAC address. The following image shows an example of what your router label might look like: Figure 4. Router label Attach and position the antennas Before you install your router, attach the antennas to the router. Note: If the antennas for your router do not have labels, they can be attached to any antenna post on the router.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Figure 5. Attach and position the antennas Position your 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 your router.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router • 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 The following factors might limit the range of your WiFi: • The thickness and number of walls the WiFi signal passes through can limit the range. • Other WiFi access points in and around your home might affect your router’s signal.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Figure 6. Bottom of the router To wall-mount your router: 1. Drill holes in the wall where you want to wall-mount your router. 2. Insert wall anchors in the holes. 3. Insert screws into the wall anchors, leaving 3/16 inch (0.5 cm) of each screw exposed. 4. Align the router’s wall-mounting holes with the screws and mount your router.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Cable your router Power on your router and connect it to a modem. Figure 7. Cable your router To cable your router: 1. Unplug your modem, remove and reinsert the backup battery if it uses one, and then plug the modem back in. 2. Use the Ethernet cable to connect the modem to the yellow Internet port on the router. Note: If your Internet connection does not require a modem, connect your main Ethernet cable to the yellow Internet port on the router. 3.
2 Connect to the network and access the router You can connect to the router’s WiFi networks or use a wired Ethernet connection. This chapter explains the ways you can connect and how to access the router and log in.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Connect to the router network You can connect to the router network using a wired, WiFi, or WPS connection. Note: If you set up your computer to use a static IP address, change the settings so that it uses Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). Connect to the router using a wired connection You can connect your computer to the router using an Ethernet cable and join the router’s local area network (LAN).
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router To use WPS to connect to the WiFi network: 1. Make sure that the router is receiving power (its Power LED is lit). 2. Check the WPS instructions for your WPS-enabled device. 3. Press the WPS button on the router. 4. Within two minutes, on your WPS-enabled device, press its WPS button or follow its instructions for how to connect using WPS. Your WPS-enabled device connects to the WiFi network. Types of logins Separate types of logins serve different purposes.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router information and make sure that the computers and devices in the network are using the settings described here. When your Internet service starts, your Internet service provider (ISP) typically gives you all the information needed to connect to the Internet.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router • Close and reopen the browser or clear the browser cache. • Browse to http://www.routerlogin.net. • If the computer is set to a static or fixed IP address (this setting is uncommon), change it to obtain an IP address automatically from the router. 6. If the router does not connect to the Internet, do the following: a. Review your settings. Make sure that you selected the correct options and typed everything correctly. b.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The Nighthawk app is available for iOS and Android mobile devices. Note: Your router is not connected to the Internet until you finish setting it up with the app. If you are connected to your router’s WiFi network before the setup, you do not have Internet access and cannot download the app. Use your cellular data or connect to your previous router’s WiFi network to download the app.
3 Specify Your Internet Settings Usually, the quickest way to set up the router to use your Internet connection is to allow your router to detect the Internet connection automatically when you first access the router web interface. You can also customize and manually specify your Internet settings.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Use the Internet Setup Wizard You can use the Setup Wizard to detect your Internet settings and automatically set up your router. The Setup Wizard is not the same as the pages that display the first time you connect to your router to set it up. To use the Setup Wizard: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select Internet. The Internet Setup page displays. 5. In the Does your Internet connection require a login? section, leave the No radio button selected. 6.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 12. Click the Test button to test your Internet connection. If the NETGEAR website does not display within one minute, see You cannot access the Internet on page 154. Specify an Internet connection that uses a login To view or change the basic Internet setup: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router • Get Dynamically from ISP. Your ISP uses DHCP to assign your IP address. Your ISP automatically assigns these addresses. • Use Static IP Address. Enter the IP address, IP subnet mask, and the gateway IP address that your ISP assigned. The gateway is the ISP router to which your router connects. 13. Select a Domain Name Server (DNS) Address radio button: • Get Automatically from ISP. Your ISP uses DHCP to assign your DNS servers.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6. The IPv6 page displays. 5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select the IPv6 connection type: • If you are not sure, select Auto Detect so that the router detects the IPv6 type that is in use. • If your Internet connection does not use PPPoe or DHCP, or is not fixed, but is IPv6, select Auto Config. Your Internet service provider (ISP) can provide this information. 6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The router automatically detects the information in the following fields: • Router’s IPv6 Address on WAN. This field shows the IPv6 address that is acquired for the router’s WAN (or Internet) interface. The number after the slash (/) is the length of the prefix, which is also indicated by the underline (_) under the IPv6 address. If no address is acquired, the field displays Not Available. • Router’s IPv6 Address on LAN.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Use auto detect for an IPv6 Internet connection To set up an IPv6 Internet connection through autodetection: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 8. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Set up an IPv6 6to4 tunnel Internet connection The remote relay router is the router to which your router creates a 6to4 tunnel. Make sure that the IPv4 Internet connection is working before you apply the 6to4 tunnel settings for the IPv6 connection. To set up an IPv6 Internet connection by using a 6to4 tunnel: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router This setting specifies how the router assigns IPv6 addresses to the devices on your home network (the LAN). 8. (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. 9. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The IPv6 page displays. 5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select 6rd. The page adjusts. The router automatically detects the information in the following sections: • 6rd (IPv6 Rapid Development) Configuration. The router detects the service provider’s IPv4 network and attempts to establish an IPv6 6rd tunnel connection. If the IPv4 network returns 6rd parameters to the router, the page adjusts to display the correct settings in this section.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router To set up a pass-through IPv6 Internet connection: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 6. Configure the fixed IPv6 addresses for the WAN connection: • IPv6 Address/Prefix Length. The IPv6 address and prefix length of the router WAN interface. • Default IPv6 Gateway. The IPv6 address of the default IPv6 gateway for the router’s WAN interface. • 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.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6. The IPv6 page displays. 5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select DHCP. The page adjusts. The router automatically detects the information in the following fields: • Router’s IPv6 Address on WAN.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 10. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Set up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet connection To set up a PPPoE IPv6 Internet connection: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Note: The default setting of the Connection Mode menu is Always On to provide a steady IPv6 connection. The router never terminates the connection. If the connection is terminated, for example, when the modem is turned off, the router attempts to reestablish the connection immediately after the PPPoE connection becomes available again. 9. Select an IP Address Assignment radio button: • Use DHCP Server.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router For example, if a secure website does not open, or displays only part of a web page, you might need to change the MTU. • You use VPN and experience severe performance problems. • You used a program to optimize MTU for performance reasons and now you are experiencing connectivity or performance problems. CAUTION: An incorrect MTU setting can cause Internet communication problems.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > WAN Setup. The WAN Setup page displays. 5. In the MTU Size field, enter a value from 64 to 1500. 6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.
4 Control Access to the Internet The router comes with a built-in firewall that helps protect your home network from unwanted intrusions from the Internet.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Enable access control to allow or block access to the Internet You can use access control to block or allow access to the Internet through your router. To set up access control: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The list displays. 8. To allow the WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device you’re currently using to continue to access the Internet, select the check box next to your computer or device, and click the Allow button. 9. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Use keywords to block Internet sites You can use keywords to block certain Internet sites from your network. You can use blocking all the time or based on a schedule.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router For example: • Specify XXX to block http://www.badstuff.com/xxx.html. • Specify the domain suffix (for example, .com) if you want to block only sites with a domain suffix such as .com. In such a situation, sites with domain suffixes such as .edu and .gov are still allowed. • Enter a period (.) to block all Internet browsing access. 7. Click the Add Keyword button. The keyword is added to the keyword list. The keyword list supports up to 32 entries. 8.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Block services from the Internet You can block Internet services on your network based on the type of service. You can block the services all the time or based on a schedule. Note: Service blocking only works for website URLs that begin with http:// only. It does not work for URLs that begin with https://. To block services: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router publisher of the application, ask user groups or newsgroups, or search on the Internet. 9. Select a filtering option: • Only This IP Address. Block services for a single computer. • IP Address Range. Block services for a range of computers with consecutive IP addresses on your network. • All lP Addresses. Block services for all computers on your network. 10. Click the Add button. Your settings are saved.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Prevent blocking on a trusted computer You can exempt one trusted computer from blocking. The computer that you exempt must be assigned a fixed IP address. You can use the reserved IP address feature to specify the IP address. See Manage reserved LAN IP addresses on page 59. To specify a trusted computer: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Access Control. The Access Control page displays. 5. Select the Turn on Access Control check box. 6. Click the View list of allowed devices not currently connected to the network link. The list displays. 7. Select the check box for a device. 8. Use the Add button, Edit button, and Remove from the list button as needed. 9. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router • Time of Day to Block. Select a start and end time in 24-hour format, or select the All Day check box for 24-hour blocking. 6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Set up security event email notifications The router can email you its logs of router activity. The log records router activity and security events such as attempts to access blocked sites or services. To set up email notifications: 1.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 10. If your outgoing email server requires authentication, select the My Mail Server requires authentication check box, and do the following: a. In the User Name field, type the user name for the outgoing email server. b. In the Password field, type the password for the outgoing email server. 11. To send alerts when someone attempts to visit a blocked site, select the Send Alerts Immediately check box.
5 Manage Network Settings You can customize the router’s network settings. We recommend that you install the router and connect it to the Internet before you change its network settings.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router View or change the WAN settings You can view or configure wide area network (WAN) settings for the Internet port. You can set up a DMZ (demilitarized zone) server, change the maximum transmit unit (MTU) size, and enable the router to respond to a ping to its WAN (Internet) port. To view or change the WAN settings: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router • Disable SIP ALG. Some voice and video communication applications do not work well with the SIP ALG. Disabling the SIP ALG might help your voice and video applications to create and accept a call through the router. 5. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Set up a default DMZ server The default DMZ server feature is helpful when you are using some online games and videoconferencing applications that are incompatible with Network Address Translation (NAT).
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 5. Select the Default DMZ Server check box. 6. Type the IP address. 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Change the Router’s Device Name The router's device name is preconfigured with the router's model number. You can edit the device name from the LAN Setup page. To change the router’s device name: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router These addresses are part of the designated private address range for use in private networks and are suitable for most applications. If your network requires a different IP addressing scheme, you can change these settings. You might want to change these settings if you need a specific IP subnet that one or more devices on the network use, or if you use competing subnets with the same IP scheme. To change the LAN TCP/IP settings: 1.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router • RIP-2. This format carries more information. Both RIP-2B and RIP-2M send the routing data in RIP-2 format. RIP-2B uses subnet broadcasting. RIP-2M uses multicasting. 8. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. If you changed the LAN IP address of the router, you are disconnected when this change takes effect. 9. To reconnect, close your browser, relaunch it, and log in to the router.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 6. Specify the range of IP addresses that the router assigns: a. In the Starting IP Address field, type the lowest number in the range. This IP address must be in the same subnet as the router. b. In the Ending IP Address field, type the number at the end of the range of IP addresses. This IP address must be in the same subnet as the router. 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The LAN Setup page displays. 5. Clear the Use Router as DHCP Server check box. 6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. 7. (Optional) If this service is disabled and no other DHCP server is on your network, set your computer IP addresses manually so that the computers can access the router.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 8. Click the Apply button. The reserved address is entered into the table. The reserved address is not assigned until the next time the computer contacts the router’s DHCP server. Reboot the computer, or access its IP configuration and force a DHCP release and renew. Edit a reserved IP address To edit a reserved address entry: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > LAN Setup. The LAN Setup page displays. 5. Select the radio button next to the reserved address that you want to delete. 6. Click the Delete button. The address is removed.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 7. Within two minutes, on your WPS-enabled device, press its WPS button or follow its instructions for how to connect using WPS. A success page displays if your WPS-enabled device successfully connects to the WiFi network. Specify basic WiFi settings The router comes with preset security. This means that the WiFi network name (SSID), network key (password), and security option (encryption protocol) are preset in the factory.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router When this check box is selected, the router broadcasts its network name (SSID) so that it displays when you scan for local WiFi networks on your computer or mobile device. 7. To change the network name (SSID), type a new name in the Name (SSID) field. The name can be up to 32 characters long and it is case-sensitive. The default SSID is randomly generated and is on the router label. If you change the name, make sure to write down the new name and keep it in a safe place.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Change the WiFi mode if AX WiFi is enabled To change the WiFi mode settings if AX WiFi is enabled: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router limits 802.11ax devices to functioning at up to 1800 Mbps. This mode is the default mode. • Up to 3600 Mbps. This mode allows 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, and 802.11a devices to join the selected WiFi network in the 5 GHz band of the network and allows 802.11ax devices to function at up to 3600 Mbps. 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Change the WiFi mode if AX WiFi is disabled To change the WiFi mode settings if AX WiFi is disabled: 1.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 6. In the Wireless Network (5 GHz a/n/ac/ax) section, select a WiFi mode from the Mode menu. • Up to 360 Mbps. This mode allows 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, and 802.11a devices to join the selected WiFi network in the 5 GHz band of the network but limits 802.11ax, 802.11ac, and 802.11n devices to functioning at up to 360 Mbps. • Up to 750 Mbps. This mode allows for reduced interference with neighboring WiFi networks. This mode allows 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The Wireless Settings page displays. 5. In the Wireless Network (2.4 GHz b/g/n) section, select a percentage from the Transmit Power Control menu. 6. In the Wireless Network (5 GHz a/n/ac) section, select a percentage from the Transmit Power Control menu. 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Change the WiFi password or the WiFi security The WiFi password is different from the admin password that you use to log in to the router.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 6. To change the WiFi security for the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz WiFi network, select a Security Options radio button. • None. An open WiFi network that does not provide any security. Any WiFi device can join the WiFi network. We recommend that you do not use an open WiFi network. • WPA2-PSK [AES]. This option is the default setting. This type of security enables WiFi devices that support WPA2 to join the router’s WiFi network.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 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 router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router • WPA2-PSK [AES]. WPA2 provides a secure and fast connection but some older WiFi devices do not detect WPA2 and support only WPA. Select WPA2-PSK [AES] security to allow 802.11n devices to connect to the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz guest WiFi network at the fastest speed. If your network includes older devices that do not support WPA2, select WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK [AES] security. To use WPA2 security, in the Password (Network Key) field, enter a phrase of 8 to 63 characters.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router To enable or disable the WiFi radios: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 5. Click the Add a new period button. The page adjusts. 6. Use the menus, radio buttons, and check boxes to set up a period during which you want to turn off the WiFi signal. 7. Click the Apply button. The Wireless Settings page displays. 8. Select the Turn off wireless signal by schedule check box to activate the schedule. 9. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router • Use fixed IP settings on this device (not recommended). Use this setting if you want to manually assign a specific IP address to this router while it is in AP mode. Using this option effectively requires advanced network experience. Note: To avoid interference with other routers or gateways in your network, we recommend that you use different WiFi settings on each router.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > VLAN/Bridge Settings. The VLAN/Bridge Settings page displays. 5. Select the Enable VLAN/Bridge Setup check box. The page expands. 6. Select the By bridge group radio button. The page expands. 7.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router To add a VLAN tag group and enable the bridge: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 11. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Set up an IPTV port You can set up the router to create an Internet Protocol television (IPTV) port that can lease an IP address from your IPTV service provider. Use this feature only if you subscribe to an IPTV service and your IPTV service requires an intranet address. Some IPTV ports cannot work behind NAT because the IPTV port requires an IP address within the Internet service provider's network (intranet address).
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Note: You must select at least one Wired Ports or Wireless check box. You can select more than one check box. 8. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Manage custom static routes Typically, you do not need to add static routes unless you use multiple routers or multiple IP subnets on your network. As an example of when a static route is needed, consider the following case: • Your main Internet access is through a cable modem to an ISP.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Static Routes. The Static Routes page displays. 5. Click the Add button. The page adjusts. 6.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Edit a static route To edit a static route: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 5. In the table, select the radio button for the route. 6. Click the Delete button. The route is removed from the table. Enable or disable implicit beamforming Implicit beamforming means that the router can use information from WiFi clients that support beamforming to improve the WiFi signal. To enable or disable implicit beamforming: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router to function, WiFi clients must support MU-MIMO, and they must be connected to a 5 GHz WiFi band. This feature is enabled by default, but you can disable it. To enable or disable MU-MIMO: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings. The Wireless Settings page displays. 5. Enable or disable the PMF feature: • Enable PMF. To enable PMF, clear the Disable PMF check box. If you enable PMF, devices that do not support PMF cannot connect to the WiFi network.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router To set up the router in bridge mode: 1. Make a note of the WiFi settings of the other router to which this router will connect. You must know the SSID, WiFi security mode, wireless password, and operating frequency (either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz). 2. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 3. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 4. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin.
6 Optimize Performance You can set up the router to optimize performance for applications such as Internet gaming, high-definition video streaming, and VoIP communication. By default, the router uses Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service (WMM QoS).
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Use Dynamic QoS to optimize Internet traffic management Dynamic Quality of Service (QoS) helps improve your router’s Internet traffic management capabilities through better application and device identification, bandwidth allocation, and traffic prioritization techniques. Dynamic QoS resolves traffic congestion when the Internet bandwidth is limited and different demands compete for bandwidth.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router • I want to define my Internet Bandwidth. If you know what your download and upload speed are, select this radio button and enter your download and upload speeds in the fields. 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Enable or disable the automatic QoS database update The router uses a QoS database of the most popular applications and services to implement Dynamic QoS. By default, the router automatically updates this database.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router To manually update the Dynamic QoS database: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select QoS. The QoS page displays.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > UPnP. The UPnP page displays. 5. Select the Turn UPnP On check box. By default, this check box is selected. UPnP for automatic device configuration can be enabled or disabled.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router benefits of WMM QoS, WMM must be enabled for both it and the client running that application. Legacy applications that do not support WMM and applications that do not require QoS are assigned to the best effort category, which receives a lower priority than voice and video. Note: We recommend that you do not disable the WMM settings. If you disable the WMM settings for 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, the maximum link rate your router can reach is 54 Mbps.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router To enable or disable AX WiFi: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select Wireless. The Wireless Setup page displays. 5.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select Wireless. The Wireless Setup page displays. 5. Select or clear the Enable Smart Connect check box. Selecting this check box turns on Smart Connect and clearing this check box turns off Smart Connect. 6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select Wireless. The Wireless Setup page displays. 5. Select or clear the Enable OFDMA in 2.4GHz check box. Selecting this check box turns on OFDMA in the 2.4 GHz radio band and clearing this check box turns off OFDMA in the 2.4 GHz radio band. 6.
7 Manage Your Router This chapter describes the router settings for administering and maintaining your router and home network.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Update the router firmware You can log in to the router and check if new firmware is available, or you can manually load a specific firmware version to your router. Check for new firmware and update the router The router firmware (routing software) is stored in flash memory. You might see a message at the top of the router pages when new firmware is available.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router When the upload is complete, your router restarts. The update process typically takes about one minute. Read the new firmware release notes to find out if you must reconfigure the router after updating. Manually upload firmware to the router If you want to upload a specific firmware version, or your router fails to update its firmware automatically, follow these instructions.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Change the admin password The admin password is the one you specified the first time you logged in. You can change this password. Note: The ideal password contains no dictionary words from any language and contains uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. It can be up to 30 characters. To change the password for the admin user name: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Set Password. The Set Password page displays. 5. Select the Enable Password Recovery check box. 6. Select two security questions and provide answers to them. 7. Click the Apply button.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router A login window opens. 9. With your recovered password, log in to the router. View information about the router and the Internet and WiFi settings You can view router information, the Internet port status, and WiFi settings. To view information about the router and the Internet, modem, and WiFi settings: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Display the statistics of the Internet port To display the statistics of the Internet port: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 6. To change the polling frequency, enter a time in seconds in the Poll Interval field and click the Set Interval button. To stop the polling entirely, click the Stop button. Check the Internet connection status To check the Internet connection status: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 6. To release (stop) the Internet connection, click the Release button. 7. To renew (restart) the Internet connection, click the Renew button. 8. To exit the screen, click the Close Window button. View and manage logs of router activity The logs are a detailed record of the websites you accessed or attempted to access and many other router actions. Up to 256 entries are stored in the log. To view and manage logs: 1.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router You must set up email notifications in order to receive the logs. The router to emails the logs to the address that you specified when you set up email notifications. For more information, see Set up security event email notifications on page 50. 9. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. View devices currently on the network You can view all computers and devices that are currently connected to your network. To view devices on the network: 1.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router To monitor Internet traffic: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Traffic Meter.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 10. Click the Apply button. The Internet Traffic Statistics section helps you to monitor the data traffic. 11. To update the Traffic Statistics section, click the Refresh button. 12. To display more information about the data traffic on your router and to change the poll interval, click the Traffic Status button. Manage the router configuration file The configuration settings of the router are stored within the router in a configuration file.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router To erase the settings: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Backup Settings.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The file is uploaded to the router and the router restarts. WARNING: Do not interrupt the restoration process. Connect to your router with Anywhere Access The Anywhere Access feature on the Nighthawk app allows you to connect to your router when you're away from home and change its settings. Before you can use the Anywhere Access feature on the Nighthawk app, you must update your router’s firmware and download the latest Nighthawk app for your mobile device.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Set your time zone To set your time zone: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Specify ReadyDLNA media server settings By default, the router acts as a ReadyDLNA media server, which lets you view movies and photos on DLNA/UPnP AV-compliant media players, such as Xbox360, Playstation, and NETGEAR media players. To specify media server settings: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Return the router to its factory default settings Under some circumstances (for example, if you lost track of the changes that you made to the router settings or you move the router to a different network), you might want to erase the configuration and reset the router to factory default settings. To reset the router to factory default settings, you can use either the Reset button on the back of the router or the Erase function.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router To erase the settings: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Backup Settings.
8 Share USB Storage Devices Attached to the Router This chapter describes how to access and manage storage devices attached to your router. ReadySHARE lets you access and share USB storage devices connected to the router. (If your storage device uses special drivers, it is not compatible.) Note: You can use a USB port on the router to connect a USB storage device like a flash drive or hard drive. Do not connect a computer, USB modem, CD drive, or DVD drive to a USB port on the router.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router USB device requirements The router works with most USB-compliant external flash and hard drives. For the most up-to-date list of USB devices that the router supports, visit kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/18985/~/readyshare-usb-drives-compatibility-list. Some USB external hard drives and flash drives require you to load the drivers onto the computer before the computer can access the USB storage device. Such USB storage devices do not work with the router.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Access a storage device connected to the router from a Windows-based computer To access the USB storage device from a Windows-based computer: 1. Connect a USB storage device to a USB port on your router. 2. If your USB storage device uses a power supply, connect it. You must use the power supply when you connect the USB storage device to the router.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 6. Right-click the USB device and select Map network drive. The Map Network Drive window opens. 7. Select the drive letter to map to the new network folder. 8. Click the Finish button. The USB storage device is mapped to the drive letter that you specified. 9. To connect to the USB storage device as a different user, select the Connect using different credentials check box, click the Finish button, and do the following: a. Type the user name and password. b.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 6. Click the Connect button. A window automatically opens and displays the files and folders on the USB storage device. Enable FTP access within your network File Transfer Protocol (FTP) lets you download (receive) and upload (send) large files faster. To enable FTP access within your network: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > USB Functions > ReadySHARE Storage. The USB Storage (Advanced Settings) page displays. 5. Scroll down to the Available Networks Folder section to view the following settings: • Share Name. If only one USB device is connected, the default share name is USB_Storage.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The USB Storage (Advanced Settings) page displays. 5. In the Available Network Folders section, select the USB storage device. If a single device is attached to the USB port, the radio button is selected automatically. 6. Click the Create Network Folder button. The Add Folder window opens. If this window does not open, your web browser might be blocking pop-ups. If it is, change the browser settings to allow pop-ups. 7. From the USB Device menu, select the USB drive.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > USB Functions > ReadySHARE Storage. The USB Storage (Advanced Settings) page displays. 5. In the Available Network Folders section, select the USB storage device. 6. Click the Edit button.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 7. Physically disconnect the USB storage device.
9 Use Dynamic DNS to Access USB Storage Devices Through the Internet With Dynamic DNS, you can use the Internet to access a USB device that's connected to a USB port on the router when you’re not home.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Set up and manage Dynamic DNS Internet service providers (ISPs) assign numbers called IP addresses to identify each Internet account. Most ISPs use dynamically assigned IP addresses. This means that the IP address can change at any time. You can use the IP address to access your network remotely, but most people don’t know what their IP addresses are or when this number changes.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 8. Click the Edit button. The Edit page displays. 9. In the Read Access menu, select admin. 10. In the Write Access menu, select admin. 11. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Your personal FTP server With your customized free URL, you can use FTP to access your network when you aren’t home through Dynamic DNS. To set up your FTP server, you must register for a NETGEAR Dynamic DNS (DDNS) service account and specify the account settings.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 6. On a remote computer with Internet access, you can use FTP to access your router using ftp://yourname.mynetgear.com. Set up a new Dynamic DNS account To set up Dynamic DNS and register for a free NETGEAR account: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router To set up Dynamic DNS if you already created an account: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router To change your settings: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Dynamic DNS.
10 Use VPN to Access Your Network You can use OpenVPN software to remotely access your router using virtual private networking (VPN). This chapter explains how to set up and use VPN access.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Set up a VPN connection A virtual private network (VPN) lets you use the Internet to securely access your network when you aren’t home. This type of VPN access is called a client-to-gateway tunnel. The computer is the client, and the router is the gateway. To use the VPN feature, you must log in to the router and enable VPN, and you must install and run VPN client software on the computer. VPN uses DDNS or a static IP address to connect with your router.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 6. To change the TUN mode settings, do the following: a. In the TUN Mode Service Type section, select a radio button: • UDP • TCP b. In the TUN Mode Service Port field, enter a new service port. 7. To change the TAP mode settings, do the following: a. In the TAP Mode Service Type section, select a radio button: • UDP • TCP b. In the TAP Mode Service Port field, enter a new service port. 8. Click the Apply button. Your changes are saved.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > VPN Service. The VPN Service page displays. 5. Make sure that the Enable VPN Service check box is selected. 6. Specify any VPN service settings on the page. For more information, see Specify VPN service in the router on page 127. 7. Click the For Windows button to download the OpenVPN configuration files. 8. Visit https://openvpn.net/community-downloads/ to download the OpenVPN client utility. 9.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 12. Read the License Agreement and click the I Agree button. 13. Leave the check boxes selected as shown, and click the Next button. 14. To specify the destination folder, click the Browse button and select a destination folder. 15. Click the Install button.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The window displays the progress of the installation and then displays the final installation page. 16. Click the Finish button. 17. Unzip the configuration files that you downloaded and copy them to the folder where the VPN client is installed on your device. For a client device with Windows 64-bit system, the VPN client is installed at C:\Program files\OpenVPN\config\ by default. 18. For a client device with Windows, modify the VPN interface name to NETGEAR-VPN: a.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router To install VPN client software on your Mac computer: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > VPN Service. The VPN Service page displays. 5. Make sure that the Enable VPN Service check box is selected. 6. Specify any VPN service settings on the page. For more information, see Specify VPN service in the router on page 127. 7.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 6. Specify any VPN service settings on the page. For more information, see Specify VPN service in the router on page 127. 7. Click the For Smart Phone button to download the OpenVPN configuration files. 8. On your Android device, download and install the OpenVPN Connect app from the Google Play Store. 9. On your computer, unzip the configuration files that you downloaded and send the files to your Android device. 10. Open the files on your Android device. 11. Open the .
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router To open a VPN tunnel: 1. Launch the OpenVPN application with administrator privileges. The OpenVPN icon displays in the Windows taskbar. Tip: You can create a shortcut to the VPN program, then use the shortcut to access the settings and select the run as administrator check box.Then every time you use this shortcut, OpenVPN automatically runs with administrator privileges. 2. Right-click the OpenVPN icon. 3. Select Connect. The VPN connection is established.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Use VPN to access the router’s USB device and media To access a USB device and download files from your Windows-based computer using VPN: 1. On your Windows-based computer, open the Windows file manager and select Network. Note: See your computer’s documentation for information about how to display the network resources. The network resources display.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Set up VPN client Internet access in the router By default, the router is set up to allow VPN connections only to your home network, but you can change the settings to allow Internet access. Accessing the Internet remotely through a VPN might be slower than accessing the Internet directly. To allow VPN clients to use your home Internet service: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router To allow VPN clients to access only your home network: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 4. When the VPN connection is established, launch your Internet browser.
11 Manage port forwarding and port triggering You can use port forwarding and port triggering to set up rules for Internet traffic. You need networking knowledge to set up these features.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Manage port forwarding to a local server If your home network includes a server, you can allow certain types of incoming traffic to reach the server. For example, you might want to make a local web server, FTP server, or game server visible and available to the Internet. The router can forward incoming traffic with specific protocols to computers on your local network.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 11. Click the Add button. The service displays in the menu. Add a custom port forwarding service The router lists default services and applications that you can use in port forwarding rules. If the service or application is not predefined, you can add a port forwarding rule with a custom service or application. To add a custom service: 1. Find out which port number or range of numbers the application uses.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router You can enter a port range and fixed ports in one rule, for example, external (30–50, 78, 100–102), internal (40–60, 99, 200–202). With this rule, external ports 30–50 are forwarded to internal ports 40–60. 12. In the Internal IP address field, type the IP address or select the radio button for an attached device listed in the table. 13. Click the Apply button. The service is now in the list on the Port Forwarding/Port Triggering page.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Delete a port forwarding entry To delete a port forwarding entry: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router How the router implements the port forwarding rule The following sequence shows the effects of a port forwarding rule: 1. When you type the URL www.example.com in your browser, the browser sends a web page request message with the following destination information: • Destination address. The IP address of www.example.com, which is the address of your router. • Destination port number. 80, which is the standard port number for a web server process. 2.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Add a port triggering service To add a port triggering service: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Enable port triggering To enable port triggering: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router also allow incoming traffic on port 113 to reach the originating computer.” The following sequence shows the effects of this port triggering rule: 1. You open an IRC client program to start a chat session on your computer. 2. 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.
12 Troubleshooting This chapter provides information to help you diagnose and solve problems you might experience with your router. If you do not find the solution here, check the NETGEAR support site at netgear.com/support for product and contact information.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Quick tips This section describes tips for troubleshooting some common problems. Sequence to restart your network If you must restart your network, follow this sequence: 1. Turn off and unplug the modem. 2. Turn off the router. 3. Plug in the modem and turn it on. Wait two minutes. 4. Turn on the router and wait two minutes. Check the power adapter and Ethernet cable connections If the router does not start, make sure that the power adapter cable is securely plugged in.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Some Internet service providers require you to use the MAC address of the computer initially registered on the account, but this is an unusual situation. You can view the MAC address on the Attached Devices page of the router web interface. Troubleshoot with the LEDs By default, the router uses standard LED settings. Standard LED behavior when the router is powered on After you turn on power to the router, verify that the following sequence of events occurs: 1.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Power LED is off or blinking This could occur for a number of reasons. Check the following: • Make sure that the power adapter is securely connected to your router and securely connected to a working power outlet. • Make sure that you are using the power adapter that NETGEAR supplied for this product. • If the Power LED blinks slowly and continuously, the router firmware is corrupted.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router You cannot log in to the router If you are unable to log in to the router from a computer or mobile device on your local network, check the following: • If you are using an Ethernet-connected computer, check the cable connection between the computer and the router. • If you are using a WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device, check the WiFi connection between the computer or mobile device and the router. • Make sure that you are using the correct login information.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router example, the router cannot convert ADSL or cable data into Ethernet networking information. NETGEAR does not support such a configuration. You cannot access the Internet If you can access your router but not the Internet, check to see if the router can obtain a WAN IP address from your Internet service provider (ISP). Unless your ISP provides a fixed IP address, your router requests an IP address from the ISP.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router • If your ISP allows only one Ethernet MAC address to connect to Internet and checks for your computer’s MAC address, do one of the following: - Inform your ISP that you bought a new network device and ask them to use the router’s MAC address. - Configure your router to clone your computer’s MAC address.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Changes are not saved If the router does not save the changes that you make in the router web interface, do the following: • When entering configuration settings, always click the Apply button before moving to another page or tab, or your changes are lost. • Click the Refresh or Reload button in the web browser. It is possible that the changes occurred, but the old settings might be in the web browser’s cache.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Troubleshoot your network using the ping utility Most network devices and routers contain a ping utility that sends an echo request packet to the designated device. The device then responds with an echo reply. You can easily troubleshoot a network using the ping utility in your computer or workstation. Test the LAN path to your router You can ping the router from your computer to verify that the LAN path to your router is set up correctly.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Test the path from a Windows-based computer to a remote device To test the path from a Windows-based computer to a remote device: 1. From the Windows toolbar, click the Start button and select Run. 2. In the Windows Run window, type ping -n 10 where is the IP address of a remote device such as your ISP DNS server.
13 Supplemental Information This chapter includes technical information about your router.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Factory Settings You can return the router to its factory settings. Use the end of a paper clip or a similar object to press and hold the Reset button on the back of the router for at least seven seconds. The router resets and returns to the factory configuration settings shown in the following table. Table 3. Factory default settings Feature Router login Internet connection Local network (LAN) Wireless Default setting User login URL www.routerlogin.com or www.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Table 3. Factory default settings (Continued) Feature Default setting RF channel Auto for 2.4 GHz, CH 44 for WW SKU, and CH 153 for North America SKU Operating mode Up to 600 Mbps at 2.4 GHz Up to 3600 Gbps at 5 GHz 1 Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. Actual throughput can vary.
Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Table 4. Router specifications (Continued) Feature Description Radio data rates Auto Rate Sensing Data encoding standards IEEE 802.11ax 2.4GHz 1024 QAM support IEEE 802.11ax 5.0GHz 80 MHz 1024 QAM support Maximum computers per wireless network Limited by the amount of WiFi network traffic generated by each node (typically 50–70 nodes). 802.11 security WPA2-PSK and WPA/WPA2 2 Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE 802.11 specifications.
