User Manual Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 July 2019 202-11963-02 NETGEAR, Inc. 350 E.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Support Thank you for purchasing this NETGEAR product. You can visit https://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. Contact your Internet service provider for technical support. Trademarks ©NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR and the NETGEAR Logo are trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc.
Contents Chapter 1 Hardware Setup Unpack your router.............................................................................10 Attach the antennas............................................................................10 LEDs and buttons on the top panel.................................................11 Rear panel............................................................................................12 Router label and QR Code label.......................................................
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Set up a fixed IPv6 Internet connection......................................35 Set up an IPv6 DHCP Internet connection..................................36 Set up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet connection..................................38 Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet connection......................40 Set up an IPv6 6rd tunnel connection.........................................41 Manage the MTU size....................................................
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Chapter 6 Manage Network Settings View or change the WAN settings....................................................67 Set up a default DMZ server..............................................................68 Change the LAN TCP/IP settings......................................................69 Change the router’s device name....................................................70 Specify the IP addresses that the router assigns.......................
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Check for new firmware and update the router......................107 Manage the firmware update settings......................................108 Manually upload firmware to the router...................................108 Change the admin password..........................................................109 Enable admin password recovery..................................................110 Recover the admin password...................................
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Create a ReadyCLOUD account................................................136 Register your router with ReadyCLOUD...................................137 Safely remove a USB storage device.............................................138 Chapter 10 Use VPN to Access Your Network Set up a VPN connection.................................................................140 Manage Dynamic DNS for VPN connections................................
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Application example: Port triggering for Internet Relay Chat.164 Chapter 12 Troubleshooting Quick tips...........................................................................................167 Sequence to restart your network.............................................167 Check the power adapter and Ethernet cable connections...167 Check the WiFi settings..............................................................167 Check the network settings..
1 Hardware Setup The NETGEAR Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 comes with NETGEAR Armor built-in and includes a 3-year NETGEAR Armor subscription. NETGEAR Armor protects your connected home from Internet threats and provides best-in-class anti-virus and data theft protection for all of your smartphones and computers, with an unlimited number of devices covered.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Unpack your router Figure 1. Package contents Your package contains following: • NETGEAR Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router • Three Antennas • Power adapter (varies by region) • Yellow Ethernet cable • Quick start guide Attach the antennas The router comes with three antennas. To attach the antennas: 1. Remove the antenna caps from the antenna posts on the router. 2. Align the antennas with the antenna posts on the router. 3.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 45° 45° We recommend that the center antenna be vertical and that you aim the others outward at 45-degree angles, as shown. LEDs and buttons on the top panel The status LEDs and buttons are located on the top of the router. Table 1. LED and button descriptions LEDs and Buttons Descriptions Power Solid amber. The router is starting. Blinking amber. The firmware is upgrading, or the Reset button was pressed. Solid white. The router is ready.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Table 1. LED and button descriptions (Continued) LEDs and Buttons Descriptions LAN 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 or solid amber. A powered-on device is connected to the Ethernet port. Blinking white or blinking amber. The port is sending or receiving traffic. Off. No device is connected to this Ethernet port.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 In addition to the three antenna connectors, viewed from left to right, the rear panel contains the following components: • Reset button. Pressing the Reset button resets the router. If you press the Reset button for at least 10 seconds, the Power LED blinks amber and the router returns to its factory settings. • LAN ports. Four Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 LAN ports to connect the router to LAN devices. • Internet port.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 The QR code label is on the top panel. Your Preset Wireless Settings WiFi Network Name (SSID): Network Key (Password): Your Preset Wireless Settings WiFi Network Name (SSID): Network Key (Password): Figure 4. QR code label location Position your router The router lets you access your network anywhere within the operating range of your WiFi network.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 • 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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 To cable your router: 1. Unplug your modem’s power, leaving the modem connected to the wall jack for your Internet service. If your modem uses a battery backup, remove the battery. 2. Plug in and turn on your modem. If your modem uses a battery backup, put the battery back in. 3. Connect your modem to the Internet port of your router with the yellow Ethernet cable that came with your router. 4.
2 Connect to the Router’s Network and Automatically Set Up the Internet Connection You can connect to the router’s WiFi networks or use a wired Ethernet connection. This chapter explains the ways you can connect, how to access the router and log in, and how to automatically set up the Internet connection.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Connect to the network You can connect to the router’s network through a wired or WiFi connection. If you set up your computer to use a static IP address, change the settings so that it uses Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). Connect to the network 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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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 WPS connections. Your WPS-enabled device connects to the WiFi network. Types of logins Separate types of logins serve different purposes.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 the router, the software automatically checks to see if your router can connect to your Internet service. Use a web browser to set up the router’s Internet connection automatically You can set up your router automatically, or you can use a web browser to access the router and set up your router manually.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Note: For detailed information about security warnings and adding security certificates, see Resolve a browser security warning on page 170. • If Google Chrome displays a Your connection is not private message or a similar warning, click the ADVANCED link. Then, click the Proceed to 192.168.1.1 (unsafe) link and install a security certificate.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 • Browse to https://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. Contact your ISP to verify that you are using the correct configuration information.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 • If Apple Safari displays a This connection is not private message or a similar warning, click the Show Details button. Then, click the visit this website link. If a warning pop-up window opens, click the Visit Website button. If another pop-up window opens to let you confirm changes to your certificate trust settings, enter your Mac user name and password and click the Update Setting button.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 To change the language: 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.
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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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 175. Specify an Internet connection that uses a login and PPPoE service You can manually specify the connection settings for a PPPoE Internet service for which you must log in. Use the information that your Internet service provider (ISP) gave you to connect to your Internet service.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 10. From the Connection Mode menu, select Always On, Dial on Demand, or Manually Connect. 11. To change the number of minutes until the Internet login times out, in the Idle Timeout (In minutes) field, type the number of minutes. This is how long the router keeps the Internet connection active when no one on the network is using the Internet connection. A value of 0 (zero) means never log out. 12.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 your ISP. Entering incorrect information might prevent the router from connecting to the Internet. To specify the connection settings for a PPTP or L2TP Internet service for which you must log in: 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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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. • Use These DNS Servers. If you know that your ISP requires specific servers, select this option. Enter the IP address of your ISP’s primary DNS server. If a secondary DNS server address is available, enter it also. 13.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 • 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. Requirements for entering IPv6 addresses IPv6 addresses are denoted by eight groups of hexadecimal quartets that are separated by colons.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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. The number after the slash (/) is the length of the prefix, which is also indicated by the underline (_) under the IPv6 address.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select 6to4 Tunnel. The page adjusts. The router automatically detects the information in the Router’s IPv6 Address on LAN field. This field shows the IPv6 address that is acquired for the router’s LAN interface. The number after the slash (/) is the length of the prefix, which is also indicated by the underline (_) under the IPv6 address. If no address is acquired, the field displays Not Available. 6.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Set up an IPv6 pass-through Internet connection In pass-through mode, the router works as a Layer 2 Ethernet switch with two ports (LAN and WAN Ethernet ports) for IPv6 packets. The router does not process any IPv6 header packets. 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.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select Fixed. The page adjusts. 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.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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 > IPv6. The IPv6 page displays. 5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select DHCP. The page adjusts.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 • Use DHCP Server. This method passes more information to LAN devices but some IPv6 systems might not support the DHCv6 client function. • Auto Config. This is the default setting. This setting specifies how the router assigns IPv6 addresses to the devices on your home network (the LAN). 10. (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.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 prefix, which is also indicated by the underline (_) under the IPv6 address. If no address is acquired, the field displays Not Available. 6. In the Login field, enter the login information for the ISP connection. This is usually the name that you use in your email address. For example, if your main mail account is JerAB@ISP.com, you would type JerAB in this field.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet connection To set up an IPv6 Internet connection through autoconfiguration: 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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 8. Select an IPv6 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. • Use These DNS Servers. If you know that your ISP requires specific servers, select this option. Enter the IP address of your ISP’s primary DNS server. If a secondary DNS server address is available, enter it also. 9.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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 6rd Tunnel. The page adjusts. The router automatically detects the information in the Router’s IPv6 Address on LAN field.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 10. (Optional) Change the MTU size in bytes by specifying a new size in the field. The default size is 1480 bytes. 11. 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. MTU concepts When one network device communicates across the Internet with another, the data packets travel through many devices along the way.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Table 2. Common MTU sizes MTU Application 1500 The largest Ethernet packet size. This setting is typical for connections that do not use PPPoE or VPN and is the default value for NETGEAR routers, adapters, and switches. 1492 Used in PPPoE environments. 1472 Maximum size to use for pinging. (Larger packets are fragmented.) 1468 Used in some DHCP environments. 1458 Used in PPPoA environments. 1436 Used in PPTP environments or with VPN.
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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Manage NETGEAR Armor In addition to built-in security features, your router includes a 3-year subscription to NETGEAR Armor. After you start your subscription, NETGEAR Armor protects your home network from potential cyber threats and provides complete data protection, advanced threat defense, webcam protection, multilayer ransomware protection, anti-phishing, safe files, secure browsing, rescue mode, anti-fraud, and anti-theft.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 The Armor page displays. You can now view or change the settings. View or change your NETGEAR Armor settings from the Armor portal If you already activated NETGEAR Armor, you can view or change your NETGEAR Armor settings from the NETGEAR Armor portal. To view or change your NETGEAR Armor settings: 1. Launch a web browser and visit armor.netgear.com. The NETGEAR account sign in page displays. 2.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 6. Enter your NETGEAR account email address and password in the fields and then click the LOGIN button. If you did not create a NETGEAR account, visit netgear.com/mynetgear and register your router to create a NETGEAR account. The router contacts the NETGEAR server and NETGEAR Armor is activated.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 To disable or reenable NETGEAR Armor from the router web interface: 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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Enable Circle with Disney using the Nighthawk app Before enabling Circle, make sure that your router is in router mode (which is the default mode). Your router must be in router mode to work with Circle. You can’t enable Circle if your router is in access point (AP) mode or bridge mode. To enable Circle with Disney using the Nighthawk app: 1. Launch the Nighthawk app. The dashboard displays. 2. Tap Parental Controls. The Parental Control page displays.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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. Manage network access control lists You can manage network access control lists (ACLs) that block or allow access to the Internet through your router.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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. To block Internet sites: 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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Delete keywords from the blocked list To delete keywords from the list: 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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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 > Security > Block Sites. The Block Sites page displays. 5. Scroll down and select the Allow trusted IP address to visit blocked sites check box. 6.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 6. Click the Add button. The Block Services Setup page displays. 7. To add a service that is in the Service Type menu, select the application or service. The settings for this service automatically display in the fields. 8. To add a service or application that is not in the menu, select User Defined, and do the following: a. If you know that the application uses either TCP or UDP, select the appropriate protocol. Otherwise, select TCP/UDP (both). b.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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 > Security > Schedule. The Schedule page displays. 5. Specify when to block keywords and services: • Days to Block.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 This email address is also used for the From address. If this field is blank, log and alert messages are not sent. 7. In the Sender field, enter the email sender's name. 8. In the Your Outgoing Mail Server field, enter the name of your ISP outgoing (SMTP) mail server (such as mail.myISP.com). You might be able to find this information in the configuration window of your email program. If you leave this field blank, log and alert messages are not sent.
5 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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 • 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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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 Dynamic QoS.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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 > Setup > QoS Setup. The Dynamic QoS page displays. 5. Click the WMM tab. The page adjusts. 6. Clear the Enable WMM (Wi-Fi multimedia) settings (2.4GHz b/g/n) check box. 7.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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. If the Turn UPnP On check box is cleared, the router does not allow any device to automatically control router resources, such as port forwarding. 6. Type the advertisement period in minutes. The advertisement period specifies how often the router broadcasts its UPnP information.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 To enable or disable Smart Connect: 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.
6 Manage Network Settings The router comes ready for WiFi, Ethernet, and USB connections. You can customize the router’s network settings. We recommend that you install the router and connect it to the Internet before you change its network settings.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 • 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.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 5. Select the Default DMZ Server check box. 6. Type the IP address. 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Change the LAN TCP/IP settings The router is preconfigured to use private IP addresses on the LAN side and to act as a DHCP server. The router’s default LAN IP configuration is as follows: • LAN IP address. 192.168.1.1 • Subnet mask. 255.255.255.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Router Information Protocol (RIP) allows a router to exchange routing information with other routers. a. Select the RIP direction: • Both. The router broadcasts its routing table periodically and incorporates information that it receives. • Out Only. The router broadcasts its routing table periodically. • In Only. The router incorporates the RIP information that it receives. b. Select the RIP version: • Disabled. This is the default setting.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > Device Name. The Device Name page displays. 5. In the Device Name field, type a new name. 6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Specify the IP addresses that the router assigns By default, the router acts as a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server. The router assigns IP, DNS server, and default gateway addresses to all computers connected to the LAN.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Choose an IP address from the router’s LAN subnet, such as 192.168.1.x. 7. In the MAC Address field, type the MAC address of the device. 8. In the Device Name field, type a name for the device. 9. Click the Apply button. The reserved address is entered into the Address Reservation table on the LAN Setup page. The reserved address is not assigned until the next time the device contacts the router’s DHCP server.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Delete a reserved IP address entry To delete 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. 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.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 The Router / AP / Bridge Mode page displays. 6. Select AP Mode. The page adjusts. 7. Select an IP address setting: • Get dynamically from existing router. The other router on the network assigns an IP address to this router while it is in AP mode. • 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.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Return the router to router mode By default, your router is set to router mode. If you changed the mode to access point mode or bridge mode, you can change the mode back to router mode. To set up router mode: 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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Set up a bridge for a port group If the devices that are connected to the router’s Ethernet LAN port or WiFi network include an IPTV device, your ISP might require you to set up a bridge for a port group for the router’s Internet interface. A bridge with a port group prevents packets that are sent between the IPTV device and the router’s Internet port from being processed through the router’s network address translation (NAT) service.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Set up a bridge for a VLAN tag group If the devices that are connected to the router’s Ethernet LAN ports or WiFi network include an IPTV device, your ISP might require you to set up a bridge for a VLAN tag group for the router’s Internet interface. If you are subscribed to IPTV service, the router might require VLAN tags to distinguish between the Internet traffic and the IPTV traffic.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 9. Select the check box for a wired LAN port or WiFi port. If your device is connected to an Ethernet port on the router, select the LAN port 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 WiFi check box that corresponds to the router’s WiFi network to which the device is connected. You must select at least one LAN port or WiFi port.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 • A metric value of 1 works because the ISDN router is on the LAN. • The Private check box is selected only as a precautionary security measure in case RIP is activated. Set up a static route To set up 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.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 This value represents the number of routers between your network and the destination. Usually, a setting of 2 or 3 works, but if this is a direct connection, set it to 1. 10. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. The static route is added to the table on the Static Routes page. 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.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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. In the table, select the radio button for the route. 6. Click the Delete button. The route is removed from the table.
7 Manage the WiFi Network Settings This chapter describes how you can manage the WiFi network settings of the router.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Use the WPS Wizard for WiFi connections The WPS Wizard helps you add a WPS-enabled device to your WiFi network without typing the WiFi password. To use the WPS 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. The user name is admin.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 If you change your preset security settings, make a note of the new settings and store it in a safe place where you can easily find it. If your computer is connected with WiFi when you change the SSID or other WiFi security settings, you are disconnected when you click the Apply button. To avoid this problem, use a computer with a wired connection to access the router. To specify basic WiFi settings: 1.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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 happens, experiment with different channels to see which is the best. When you use multiple access points, it is better if adjacent access points use different channels to reduce interference.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Note: If your computer is connected with WiFi when you change the WiFi settings, you are disconnected when you click the Apply button. To avoid this problem, use a computer with a wired connection to access the router. To change the WiFi password or the WiFi security: 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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 is Up to 54 Mbps (see Change the WiFi Mbps settings on page 94). For more information about WEP security, see Set up WEP legacy WiFi security on page 92. However, we recommend that you use WPA2-PSK [AES] security. • 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 because it doesn’t provide any protection. 7. Click the Apply button.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 To set up WPA and WPA2 enterprise security: 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.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 8. Make sure that you can reconnect over WiFi to the network with its new settings. If you cannot connect over WiFi, check the following: • Is your computer or mobile device already connected to another WiFi network in your area? If so, disconnect it from that WiFi network and connect it to the WiFi network that the router provides. Some WiFi devices automatically connect to the first open network without WiFi security that they discover.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 The page adjusts to display the WEP radio button. 6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. 7. Do one of the following: • Set up WEP security for your WiFi network. Continue with Step 8. • Set up WEP security for the guest WiFi network. Do the following: a. Select Guest Network. The Guest Network Settings page displays. b. Continue with Step 8. 8. In the Security Options section, select the WEP radio button. The page adjusts. 9.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 If you cannot connect over WiFi, check the following: • Is your computer or mobile device already connected to another WiFi network in your area? If so, disconnect it from that WiFi network and connect it to the WiFi network that the router provides. Some WiFi devices automatically connect to the first open network without WiFi security that they discover.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 • Up to 289 Mbps. Neighbor-friendly mode for reduced interference with neighboring WiFi networks. This mode allows 802.11n, 802.11g, and 802.11b devices to join the network in the 2.4 GHz band but limits 802.11n devices to functioning at up to 289 Mbps. • Up to 54 Mbps. Legacy mode. This mode allows 802.11n, 802.11g, and 802.11b devices to join the network in the 2.4 GHz band but limits 802.11n devices to functioning at up to 54 Mbps. 6.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select Wireless. The Wireless Setup page displays. 5. In the Wireless Network (2.4GHz b/g/n) section, select a percentage from the Transmit Power Control menu. 6. In the Wireless Network (5GHz a/n/ac) section, select a percentage from the Transmit Power Control menu. 7.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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 Guest Network. The Guest Network Settings page displays. 5. Enter the following settings to set up a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz guest WiFi network: • Enable Guest Network. By default, the guest WiFi network is disabled.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 on the Wireless Setup page the is Up to 54 Mbps (see Change the WiFi Mbps settings on page 94). For more information about WEP security, see Set up WEP legacy WiFi security on page 92. However, we recommend that you use WPA2-PSK [AES] security. • None. An open WiFi network that does not provide any security. Any WiFi device can join the guest WiFi network. This is the default setting for the guest WiFi network. 7. Click the Apply button.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Use the WiFi On/Off button To turn the WiFi radios off and on with the WiFi On/Off button: Press the WiFi On/Off button on the top of the router for two seconds. If you turned off the WiFi radios, the WiFi On/Off LED and the WPS LED turn off. If you turned on the WiFi radios, the WiFi On/Off LED and the WPS LED light.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 To set up the WiFi schedule: 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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Advanced Wireless Settings. The 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 device through WPS. 6. (Optional) Select or clear the Enable Router’s PIN check box.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 To enable or disable airtime fairness: 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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings. The Wireless Settings page displays. 5. Scroll down below the WPS Settings section and select or clear the Enable MU-MIMO check box. Selecting this check box enables MU-MIMO. Clearing this check box disables MU-MIMO. 6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. If you connected over WiFi to the network, you are disconnected from the network and must reconnect.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 CAUTION: These settings are reserved for WiFi testing and advanced configuration only. Do not change these settings unless directed by NETGEAR support or unless you are sure what the consequences are. Incorrect settings might disable the WiFi function of the router unexpectedly. • Fragmentation Length (256-2346). The default is 2346. • CTS/RTS Threshold (1-2347). The default is 2347. • Preamble Mode. The default is Long Preamble. 6.
8 Manage Your Router This chapter describes the router settings for administering and maintaining your router and home network.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Manage the firmware update settings You can manage whether the router automatically updates to future firmware versions as they become available. To manage whether the router automatically updates to future firmware versions: 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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 To manually upload a firmware file to your router: 1. Download the firmware for your router from the NETGEAR Download Center, save it to your desktop, and unzip the file if needed. Note: The correct firmware file uses an .img or .chk extension. 2. Launch a web browser from a computer 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.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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.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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 5. Select the Enable Password Recovery check box. 6. Select two security questions and provide answers to them. 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Recover the admin password If you set up the password recovery feature, you can recover your router admin password. To recover your router admin password: 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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Back up the settings To back up the router’s configuration 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.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 WARNING: Do not interrupt the restoration process. 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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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 57. 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.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Monitor, meter, and control Internet traffic Traffic metering allows you to monitor the volume of Internet traffic that passes through the router Internet port. With the traffic meter utility, you can set limits for traffic volume, set a monthly limit, and get a live update of traffic usage. Start the traffic meter without traffic restrictions You can monitor the traffic volume without setting a limit.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Restrict Internet traffic by volume You can record and restrict the traffic by volume in MB. This is useful when your ISP measures your traffic in volume. To record and restrict the Internet traffic by volume: 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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 • Disconnect and disable the Internet connection. This setting is optional. When the traffic limit is reached, the Internet connection is disconnected and disabled. 13. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved and the router restarts. The Internet Traffic Statistics section helps you to monitor the data traffic. Restrict Internet traffic by connection time You can record and restrict the traffic by connection time.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 This setting is optional. The router issues a warning when the balance falls under the number of minutes that you enter. By default, the value is 0 and no warning message is issued. 10. Select one or more of the following actions to occur when the limit is reached: • Turn the Internet LED to flashing white/amber. This setting is optional. When the traffic limit is reached, the Internet LED alternates blinking white and amber.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 The Traffic Status pop-up window displays. Unblock the traffic meter after the traffic limit is reached If you configured the traffic meter to disconnect and disable the Internet connection after the traffic limit is reached, you cannot access the Internet until you unblock the traffic meter. CAUTION: If your Internet service provider (ISP) set a traffic limit, your ISP might charge you for the overage traffic. To unblock the traffic meter: 1.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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 > NTP Settings. The NTP Settings page displays. 5. Select your time zone from the menu. 6. If you live in a region that observes daylight saving time, select the Automatically adjust for daylight savings time check box. 7.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Disable LED blinking or turn off LEDs The LEDs on the top panel of the router indicate activities and behavior. You can disable LED blinking for network communications, or turn off all LEDs except the Power LED. To disable LED blinking or turn off the LEDs: 1. 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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Tip: If the router is in access point mode or bridge mode and you do not know the IP address that is assigned to it, first try to use an IP scanner application to detect the IP address. (IP scanner applications are available online free of charge.) If you can detect the IP address, you don’t need to reset the router to factory default settings. Use the Reset button CAUTION: This process erases all settings that you configured in the router.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 5. Click the Erase button. The configuration is reset to factory default settings. When the reset is complete, the router restarts. This process takes about two minutes. WARNING: To avoid the risk of corrupting the firmware, do not interrupt the reset. For example, 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.
9 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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Access a storage device connected to the router From a computer or device on the network, you can access a storage device that is connected to the 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.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 5. Click the OK button. A window automatically opens and displays the USB storage 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 storage device is mapped to the drive letter that you specified. 9.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 6. Click the Connect button. A window automatically opens and displays the files and folders on the USB storage device. Back up Windows-based computers with ReadySHARE Vault Your router comes with free backup software for all the Windows-based computers in your home. Connect a USB hard disk drive (HDD) to the router for centralized, continuous, and automatic backup. The following operating systems support ReadySHARE Vault: • Windows 10 • Windows 8.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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. You can click the name or you can type it in the address field of your web browser. If Not Shared is shown, the default share was deleted and no other share for the root folder exists. • Read Access and Write Access.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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. Note: We recommend that you do not attach more than one drive to one USB port (for example, through a USB hub). 8. Click the Browse button and in the Folder field, select the folder. 9.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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. The Edit Network Folder window opens. 7. Change the settings in the fields as needed. 8. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 The USB device is added to the Approved USB Devices list. 9. Select the Allow only approved devices check box. 10. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. 11. To work with another USB storage device, first click the Safely Remove USB Device button for the currently connected USB storage device. Connect the other USB device, and repeat this process.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Register your router with ReadyCLOUD After you create a ReadyCLOUD account, you must register your router with your ReadyCLOUD account. To register your router with your ReadyCLOUD account: 1. Connect a USB storage device to a USB port on the 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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Safely remove a USB storage device Before you physically disconnect a USB storage device from the router USB port, log in to the router and take the USB storage device offline. To remove a USB storage device safely: 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.
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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 You can select another service provider. 7. Select the No radio button. 8. In the Host Name field, type the name that you want to use for your URL. The host name is sometimes called the domain name. Your free URL includes the host name that you specify and ends with mynetgear.com. For example, specify MyName.mynetgear.com. 9. In the Email field, type the email address for your account. 10.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 9. Depending on the type of service, specify either the user name of the email address: • No-IP account or DynDNS account. In the User Name field, type the user name for your account. • NETGEAR account. In the Email field, type the email address for your account. 10. In the Password (6-32 characters) field, type the password for your DDNS account. 11. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. 12.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Enable and configure OpenVPN on the router You must enable OpenVPN and specify the OpenVPN service settings on your router before you or someone else can set up a remote VPN connection using OpenVPN. Note: After you configure OpenVPN on the router, make sure that the VPN configuration files are installed on the remote clients.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 6. Specify how client VPN connections can be used on the router by selecting one of the following radio buttons: • Auto. The router automatically uses the VPN service only for necessary access, that is, the router allows access to sites and services that would not be accessible without a VPN connection. This is the default selection.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 A login window opens. 4. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 5. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > VPN Service. The VPN Service page displays. 6. Make sure that the Enable VPN Service check box is selected.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Install the OpenVPN client utility and VPN configuration files on a Mac To download and install the OpenVPN client utility and the router’s VPN configuration files on a Mac: 1. Visit code.google.com/p/tunnelblick/, download the OpenVPN client utility for a Mac, and install it on the Mac. You might need administrative privileges to install the OpenVPN client utility. 2.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Install the OpenVPN client utility and VPN configuration files on an iOS device To download and install the OpenVPN client utility and the router’s VPN configuration files on an iOS device: 1. On your iOS device, visit the Apple app store and download and install the OpenVPN Connect app. 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.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Install the OpenVPN client utility and VPN configuration files on an Android device To download and install the OpenVPN client utility and the router’s VPN configuration files on an Android device: 1. On your Android device, visit the Google Play Store and download and install the OpenVPN Connect app. 2. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 3. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 LAN requirements for VPN connections For a VPN tunnel to work, the local LAN IP address of the remote router must use a different LAN IP scheme from that of the local LAN where your VPN client computer is connected. If both networks use the same LAN IP scheme, when the VPN tunnel is established, you cannot access your home router or your home network with the OpenVPN software. The default LAN IP address scheme for the router is 192.x.x.x.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Use VPN to access your Internet service at home When you’re away from home and you access the Internet, you usually use a local Internet service provider. For example, at a coffee shop you might be given a code that lets you use the coffee shop’s Internet service account to surf the web. Nighthawk lets you use a VPN connection to access your own Internet service when you’re away from home.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 For more information, see Enable and configure OpenVPN on the router on page 143. 6. Scroll down to the Clients will use this VPN connection to access section, and select the All sites on the Internet & Home Network radio button. When you access the Internet with the VPN connection, instead of using a local Internet service, you use the Internet service from your home network. 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 The VPN Service page displays. 5. Make sure that the Enable VPN Service check box is selected. For more information, see Enable and configure OpenVPN on the router on page 143. 6. Scroll down to the Clients will use this VPN connection to access section, and select the Home Network only radio button. The VPN connection is only to your home network, not to the Internet service for your home network. 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.
11 Manage Port Forwarding and Port Triggering Traffic Rules As an advanced function of the firewall, you can use port forwarding and port triggering to set up port traffic rules for Internet services and applications. These rules apply specifically to ports. You need networking knowledge to set up port traffic rules.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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, if your router supports such a configuration, 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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 9. In the Server IP Address field, enter the IP address of the computer that must provide the service or that runs the application. 10. Click the Add button. Your settings are saved and the rule is added to the table. Add a port forwarding rule for a custom service or application The router lists default services and applications that you can use in port forwarding rules.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 • External port range. If the service or application uses a single port, enter the port number in the External port range field. If the service or application uses a range or ranges of ports, specify the range in the External port range field. Specify one range by using a dash between the port numbers. Specify multiple ranges by separating the ranges with commas. Note: You can enter a port range and fixed ports in one rule.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Change a port forwarding rule You can change an existing port forwarding rule. To change a port forwarding rule: 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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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 > Port Forwarding / Port Triggering. The Port Forwarding / Port Triggering page displays. 5. Make sure that the Port Forwarding radio button is selected. 6.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 How the router implements a port forwarding rule The following sequence shows the effects of a port forwarding rule: 1. When you enter 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.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Note: If you use applications such as multiplayer gaming, peer-to-peer connections, real-time communications such as instant messaging, or remote assistance, make sure that Universal Plug-N-Play (UPnP) is enabled. 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.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 • Service Type. Select the protocol (TCP or UDP) that is associated with the service or application. • Triggering Port. Enter the number of the outbound traffic port that must open the inbound ports. • Connection Type. Select the protocol (TCP or UDP) that is associated with the inbound connection. If you are unsure, select TCP/UDP. • Starting Port. Enter the start port number for the inbound connection. • Ending Port.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 9. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. The changed rule displays in the Port Triggering Portmap Table on the Port Forwarding / Port Triggering page. Specify the time-out for port triggering The time-out period for port triggering controls how long the inbound ports stay open when the router detects no activity. A time-out period is required because the router cannot detect when the service or application terminates.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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 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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Port Forwarding / Port Triggering. The Port Forwarding / Port Triggering page displays. 5. Select the Port Triggering radio button. The port triggering settings display. 6. In the Port Triggering Portmap Table, select the radio button for the service name. 7. Click the Delete Service button. The rule is removed from the Port Triggering Portmap Table.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 session, the router restores the original address information replaced by NAT and sends this reply message to your computer. 7. When your router receives the incoming message to destination port 113, it checks its session table and finds an active session for port 113 associated with your computer. The router replaces the message’s destination IP address with your computer’s IP address and forwards the message to your computer. 8.
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 AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 If all LEDs are still lit one minute after power-up, do the following: • Cycle the power to see if the router recovers. • Press and hold the Reset button to return the router to its factory settings. If the error persists, a hardware problem might be the cause. Contact Technical Support at netgear.com/support.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 • Try quitting the browser and launching it again. • Make sure that Java, JavaScript, or ActiveX is enabled in your browser. If you are using Internet Explorer, click the Refresh button to be sure that the Java applet is loaded. • Make sure that the IP address of your computer or mobile device is in the same subnet as the router.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Google Chrome: add a security exception To access the router web interface with Google Chrome and add a security exception: 1. Launch Chrome from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A security warning displays saying your connection is not private. 3. Click Advanced > Proceed to www.routerlogin.net (unsafe). A login window opens. 4. Enter the router admin user name and password.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 11. Click OK > Next > Finish. 12. Follow the prompts to install the certificate. Note: If you enter your router’s default IP address (192.168.1.1) instead of www.routerlogin.net, Chrome still displays a warning message when you log in. The reason is that the certificate that you installed corresponds only to the www.routerlogin.net domain name, not to the IP address.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 An installation window opens. 9. Click Next. 10. Make sure that the Permanently store this exception option is selected. 11. Click Browse and select Trusted Root Certification Authorities. 12. Click OK > Next > Finish. 13. Follow the prompts to install the certificate. Note: If you enter your router’s default IP address (192.168.1.1) instead of www.routerlogin.net, Firefox still displays a warning message when you log in.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 If the Install Certificate button is not visible, modify the browser security setting by doing the following: a. In the browser, click the Tools tab. b. Select Internet Options > Security. c. Clear the Enable Protected Mode option. Note that after installing the certificate, you can reenable this setting. d. Click Apply > OK. e. Restart Internet Explorer. f. After restarting Internet Explorer, if necessary, repeat Step 2 through Step 7.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 c. Click Export to file and save the certificate to a location. 5. Navigate to the location where you saved the certificate and double-click the certificate. The General tab displays. 6. Click Install Certificate. The installation wizard starts. 7. Click the Place all certificates in the following store radio button. 8. Click Browse and select Trusted Root Certification Authorities. 9. Click Next. 10. Follow the prompts to install the certificate.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 The ADVANCED Home page displays. 6. Check to see that an IP address is shown for the Internet port. If 0.0.0.0 is shown, your router did not obtain an IP address from your ISP. If your router cannot obtain an IP address from the ISP, you might need to force your modem to recognize your new router by restarting your network. For more information, see Sequence to restart your network on page 167.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Troubleshoot Internet browsing If your router can obtain an IP address but your computer is unable to load any web pages from the Internet, it might be for the following reasons: • The traffic meter is enabled, and the limit was reached. By configuring the traffic meter not to block Internet access when the traffic limit is reached, you can resume Internet access.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 If you disabled the router’s SSID broadcast, then your WiFi network is hidden and does not display in your WiFi client’s scanning list. (By default, SSID broadcast is enabled.) • Does your WiFi device support the security that you are using for your WiFi network (WPA, WPA2, WPA and WPA2 enterprise security, or WEP)? • If you want to view the WiFi settings for the router, use an Ethernet cable to connect a computer to a LAN port on the router.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Pinging with 32 bytes of data If the path is working, you see this message: Reply from < IP address >: bytes=32 time=NN ms TTL=xxx If the path is not working, you see this message: Request timed out If the path is not functioning correctly, one of the following problems might be occurring: • 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.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 • Check to see that your cable or DSL modem is connected and functioning. • If your ISP assigned a host name to your computer, enter that host name as the account name on the Internet Setup page. • Your ISP might be rejecting the Ethernet MAC addresses of all but one of your computers. Many broadband ISPs restrict access by allowing traffic only from the MAC address of your broadband modem.
A Supplemental Information This chapter includes technical information about your router.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 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) Firewall Default setting User login URL www.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Table 3. Factory default settings (Continued) Feature WiFi ` Default setting WiFi communication Enabled SSID name See router label Security WPA2-PSK (AES) Broadcast SSID Enabled Transmission speed Auto1 Country/region United States in the US; otherwise, varies by region RF channel 2.4 GHz: Auto 5 GHz, worldwide: Channel 44 5 GHz, North America: Channel 153 Operating mode Up to 600 Mbps at 2.
Nighthawk AC2300 Cybersecurity WiFi Router Model RS400 Table 4. Router specifications (Continued) Feature Description LAN Four RJ-45 ports, compatible with 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, and 1000BASE-T WAN One RJ-45 ports are compatible with 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, and 1000BASE-T USB One USB 3.0 (front panel) One USB 2.0 (rear panel) WiFi Maximum WiFi signal rate complies with the IEEE 802.11 standard.2 Radio data rates Automatic rate sensing Data encoding standards IEEE 802.11b/g/n 2.
