Contents
1. Hardware Overview of the Access Point/Router
2. Install and Access the Access Point/Router in Your Network
3. Specify the Access Point/Router Internet Settings Manually
4. Manage the Basic WiFi and Radio Features
5. Manage the Firewall and Security
6. Optimize Performance
7. Manage the Network Settings
8. Maintain and Monitor the Access Point/Router
9. Share a USB Storage Device Attached to the Access Point/Router
10. Use the Access Point/Router as a Media Server
11. Router Mode: Manage Dynamic DNS and FTP Access Through the Internet
- Router mode: Set up and manage Dynamic DNS
- Router mode: Use DDNS with FTP to access your network
12. Router Mode: Set up VPN Connections with OpenVPN
13. Manage the Advanced WiFi and Radio Features
14. Router Mode: Manage Port Forwarding and Port Triggering
- Router mode: Manage port forwarding to a local server for services and applications
- Router mode: Manage port triggering for services and applications
15. Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
A. Factory Default Settings and Technical Specifications
- Factory default settings
- Technical specifications
B. Position and Wall-Mount the Access Point/Router
- Position the access point/router
- Wall-mount the access point/router

NETGEAR WAC124 User Manual

Displayed below is the user manual for WAC124 by NETGEAR which is a product in the Wireless Access Points category. This manual has pages.

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User Manual

AC2000 802.11ac

Wireless Access Point/Router

Model WAC124

NETGEAR, Inc.

350 E. Plumeria DriveMarch 2020

San Jose, CA 95134, USA202-12008-03

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.com/support/download/.)

For regulatory compliance information including the EU Declaration of Conformity, visit

https://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory/.

See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply.

For NETGEAR’s Privacy Policy, visit https://www.netgear.com/about/privacy-policy.

By using this device, you are agreeing to NETGEAR’s Terms and Conditions at

https://www.netgear.com/about/terms-and-conditions. If you do not agree, return the

device to your place of purchase within your return period.

Trademarks

Any non-NETGEAR trademarks are used for reference purposes only.

Revision History

CommentsPublish DatePublication Part

Number

We changed the information to reflect that the USB 2.0 port does not

support a connection to a printer. However, you can connect a printer to

a LAN port.

March 2020202-12008-03

We added Manage client isolation for a single WiFi network on page 67.

We added Manage SSID isolation for all WiFi networks on page 68.

We added Manage access to LAN ports for WiFi clients of the Wireless 2

network on page 69.

We revised Change the local login password on page 139.

November 2019202-12008-02

We changed this user manual to reflect that in firmware version 1.0.4.2

and later versions, the default mode of the WAC124 is router mode.

In earlier firmware versions, the default mode of the WAC124 is access

point mode. This user manual is for firmware version 1.0.4.2 and later

versions. That means that the WAC124 initially starts up in router mode.

June 2019202-12008-01

First publication.December 2018202-11885-02

AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

Contents

Chapter 1 Hardware Overview of the Access Point/Router

Top panel with LEDs...........................................................................12

Back panel with ports, buttons, and a power connector...............13

Position the antennas for best WiFi performance..........................14

Access point/router label..................................................................15

Chapter 2 Install and Access the Access Point/Router in Your

Network

About router mode and access point mode...................................17

Routing features enabled in router mode and disabled in access

point mode..........................................................................................17

Credentials that you must enter to access the local browser

interface...............................................................................................18

Connect the access point/router to the Internet and complete the

initial log-in process...........................................................................19

Connect the access point/router to a modem and log in for the

first time...........................................................................................19

Connect the access point/router to another router and log in for

the first time....................................................................................23

Internet.................................................................................................26

Internet.................................................................................................27

Use the NETGEAR Insight mobile app to discover the access

point/router.........................................................................................29

Find the IP address of the access point/router...............................29

Change the language of the local browser interface....................31

Connect a wired or WiFi device to the access point/router’s network

after installation...................................................................................32

Connect to the LAN of the access point/router through an

Ethernet cable................................................................................33

Use Wi-Fi Protected Setup to join the WiFi network of the access

point/router....................................................................................33

Manually join the WiFi network of the access point/router......34

Chapter 3 Specify the Access Point/Router Internet Settings

Manually

Router mode: Use the Setup Wizard................................................36

Access point mode: Specify a fixed LAN IP address......................37

Router mode: Manually set up the access point/router Internet

connection...........................................................................................38

Router mode: Specify a dynamic or fixed WAN IP address Internet

connection without a login...........................................................38

Router mode: Specify a PPPoE Internet connection that uses a

Router mode: Specify a PPTP or L2TP Internet connection that

uses a login.....................................................................................42

Router mode: Specify an IPv6 Internet connection........................44

Router mode: Requirements for entering IPv6 addresses.......45

Router mode: Use Auto Detect for an IPv6 Internet

connection......................................................................................45

Router mode: Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet

connection......................................................................................47

Router mode: Set up an IPv6 6to4 tunnel Internet connection.48

Router mode: Set up an IPv6 6rd Internet connection..............50

Router mode: Set up an IPv6 passthrough Internet

connection......................................................................................52

Router mode: Set up an IPv6 fixed Internet connection...........53

Router mode: Set up an IPv6 DHCP Internet connection.........54

Router mode: Set up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet connection........56

Chapter 4 Manage the Basic WiFi and Radio Features

Set up or change an open or secure WiFi network........................60

Configure WPA and WPA2 Enterprise WiFi security.....................63

Disable or enable a WiFi network....................................................65

Hide or broadcast the SSID for a WiFi network..............................66

Manage client isolation for a single WiFi network..........................67

Manage SSID isolation for all WiFi networks...................................68

Manage access to LAN ports for WiFi clients of the Wireless 2

network................................................................................................69

Enable or disable the WiFi radios.....................................................71

Use WPS to add a device to the WiFi network................................72

Use WPS with the push button method......................................72

Use WPS with the PIN method.....................................................74

Chapter 5 Manage the Firewall and Security

Router mode: Manage the basic firewall settings..........................77

AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

Router mode: Manage port scan protection and denial of service

protection........................................................................................77

Router mode: Set up a default DMZ server................................78

Router mode: Manage IGMP proxying.......................................79

Router mode: Manage NAT filtering...........................................80

Router mode: Manage the SIP application-level gateway........81

Router mode: Manage VPN pass-through..................................82

Allow or block device access to your network................................83

Enable and manage network access control..............................83

Manage network access control lists...........................................84

Add or remove a device from the allowed list...........................85

Add or remove a device from the blocked list...........................86

Router mode: Specify keywords and domains to block Internet

sites.......................................................................................................87

Router mode: Set up keyword and domain blocking...............87

Router mode: Specify a trusted device.......................................89

Router mode: Remove a keyword or domain from the blocked

list.....................................................................................................90

Router mode: Remove all keywords and domains from the

blocked list......................................................................................91

Router mode: Block specific services and applications from the

Internet.................................................................................................91

Router mode: Add a service blocking rule for a predefined service

or application..................................................................................92

Router mode: Add a service blocking rule for a custom service

or application..................................................................................93

Router mode: Change a service blocking rule..........................95

Router mode: Remove a service blocking rule..........................96

Router mode: Set up a schedule for blocking................................97

Set up security event email notifications.........................................98

Chapter 6 Optimize Performance

Optimize traffic with the default QoS rules...................................102

Manage default and custom QoS rules.........................................103

Add a custom QoS rule for a service or application...............103

Add a custom QoS rule for a device.........................................104

Change a QoS rule or change the priority for a rule...............105

Remove a QoS rule......................................................................106

Remove all QoS rules..................................................................107

Manage uplink bandwidth control.................................................108

Manage WiFi Multimedia (WMM) for a radio...............................109

Improve network connections with Universal Plug and Play......110

AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

Chapter 7 Manage the Network Settings

Router mode: Manage the LAN IP address settings....................114

Router mode: Change the access point/router network device

name..............................................................................................114

Router mode: Change the LAN IP address and subnet

settings..........................................................................................115

Router mode: Manage the DHCP server address pool..........116

Router mode: Disable the DHCP server...................................118

Router mode: Manage the Router Information Protocol

settings..........................................................................................119

Router mode: Manage reserved LAN IP addresses.....................120

Router mode: Reserve a LAN IP Address.................................120

Router mode: Change a reserved LAN IP address.................121

Router mode: Remove a reserved LAN IP address entry.......122

Add and manage IPv4 static routes...............................................123

Add an IPv4 static route..............................................................124

Change an IPv4 static route........................................................125

Remove an IPv4 static route.......................................................126

Router mode: Enable an IPTV bridge for a port group or VLAN tag

group.................................................................................................127

Router mode: Enable an IPTV bridge for a port group..........127

Router mode: Enable an IPTV bridge for a VLAN tag group..128

Router mode: Change the MTU size..............................................130

Chapter 8 Maintain and Monitor the Access Point/Router

Update the firmware of the access point/router..........................134

Let the access point/router check for new firmware and update

the firmware..................................................................................134

Check for new firmware manually and update the access

point/router manually.................................................................135

Manage the configuration file of the access point/router...........137

Back up the access point/router configuration file.................137

Restore the access point/router configuration settings..........138

Change the local login password...................................................139

Change the password recovery questions for the local login

password...........................................................................................140

Recover the local login admin password......................................141

Return the access point/router to its factory default settings.....142

Use the Reset button...................................................................143

Erase the settings to factory default settings...........................143

Manage the time settings................................................................144

Manually set the time zone and adjust the daylight saving

time................................................................................................144

AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

Change the NTP server...............................................................145

Manage the activity log...................................................................146

Specify which activities the access point/router logs..............146

View, send, or clear the logs......................................................148

View the status and statistics of the access point/router.............149

Access point mode: View information about the access

point/router, LAN port, and WiFi settings................................149

Router mode: View information about the access point/router,

Internet port, and WiFi settings.................................................151

Check the Internet connection status........................................154

Display Internet port statistics....................................................156

View devices currently on the access point/router network...157

Router mode: Monitor and meter Internet traffic.........................160

Router mode: Start the traffic meter without traffic restrictions.160

Router mode: Restrict Internet traffic by volume.....................161

Router mode: Restrict Internet traffic by connection time.....162

Router mode: View the Internet traffic volume and statistics..164

Router mode: Unblock the traffic meter after the traffic limit is

reached.........................................................................................165

Router mode: Manage and use remote access............................166

Router mode: Set up remote management for the access

point/router..................................................................................166

Router mode: Use remote access..............................................167

Change the system mode to access point mode or back to router

mode..................................................................................................168

Disable LED blinking or turn off LEDs............................................169

Chapter 9 Share a USB Storage Device Attached to the Access

Point/Router

USB device requirements................................................................172

Connect a USB storage device to the access point/router.........172

Access a USB storage device that is connected to the access

point/router.......................................................................................173

Access a USB storage device from a Windows-based

computer......................................................................................173

Access a USB storage device from a Mac.................................173

Map a USB storage device to a Windows network drive............174

Back up a Windows-based computer with ReadySHARE Vault...175

Back up a Mac with Time Machine.................................................176

Set up a USB hard disk drive on a Mac.....................................176

Prepare to back up a large amount of data..............................177

Use Time Machine to back up onto a USB hard disk drive....178

Manage access to a USB storage device.......................................179

Enable FTP access within the access point/router network........181

AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

View and manage network folders on a USB storage device.....183

View network folders on a USB storage device.......................183

Add a network folder on a USB storage device.......................184

Change a network folder on a USB storage device................185

Router mode: Approve a USB storage device.............................187

Safely remove a USB storage device.............................................188

Chapter 10 Use the Access Point/Router as a Media Server

Specify ReadyDLNA media server settings...................................191

Play music from a storage device with iTunes server..................192

Set up the access point/router’s iTunes server with iTunes....192

Set up the access point/router’s iTunes server with the Remote

app.................................................................................................194

Set up the access point/router to work with TiVo........................196

Chapter 11 Router Mode: Manage Dynamic DNS and FTP Access

Through the Internet

Router mode: Set up and manage Dynamic DNS.......................198

Router mode: Set up a new Dynamic DNS account................198

Router mode: Specify a DNS account that you already

created..........................................................................................199

Router mode: Change the Dynamic DNS settings..................200

Router mode: Use DDNS with FTP to access your network........201

Router mode: Overview of the steps to set up an FTP server with

DDNS.............................................................................................201

Router mode: Set up FTP access through the Internet on the

access point/router......................................................................202

Router mode: Use FTP to access a storage device over the

Internet..........................................................................................204

Chapter 12 Router Mode: Set up VPN Connections with OpenVPN

Router mode: Enable and configure OpenVPN and VPN client access

on the access point/router..............................................................206

Router mode: Install OpenVPN client software on a remote

client...................................................................................................207

Router mode: Install the OpenVPN client utility and VPN

configuration files on a Windows-based computer................208

Router mode: Install the OpenVPN client utility and VPN

configuration files on a Mac.......................................................209

Router mode: Install the OpenVPN client utility and VPN

configuration files on an iOS device.........................................210

Router mode: Install the OpenVPN client utility and VPN

configuration files on an Android device.................................212

Router mode: Set up an OpenVPN connection...........................213

AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

Router mode: Manage VPN access to your network or Internet

service at your office or home....................................................213

Router mode: Use a VPN tunnel to access your Internet service

at your office or home.................................................................214

Chapter 13 Manage the Advanced WiFi and Radio Features

Add a WiFi schedule for a radio.....................................................216

Change the channel for a radio......................................................217

Change the WiFi throughput mode for a radio band.................218

Change the transmission output power for a radio.....................220

Manage advanced WiFi and broadcast settings..........................221

Manage the WPS settings...............................................................222

Specify how the access point/router manages WiFi clients........224

Manage Implicit Beamforming..................................................224

Manage MU-MIMO......................................................................225

Manage Airtime Fairness............................................................226

Set Up a WiFi bridge between the access/point router and another

device.................................................................................................227

Chapter 14 Router Mode: Manage Port Forwarding and Port

Triggering

Router mode: Manage port forwarding to a local server for services

and applications...............................................................................232

Router mode: Forward incoming traffic for a default service or

application....................................................................................232

Router mode: Add a port forwarding rule for a custom service

or application...............................................................................233

Router mode: Change a port forwarding rule.........................235

Router mode: Remove a port forwarding rule.........................236

Router mode application example: Make a local web server

public.............................................................................................237

Router mode: How the access/point router implements a port

forwarding rule.............................................................................237

Router mode: Manage port triggering for services and

applications.......................................................................................238

Router mode: Add a port triggering rule.................................238

Router mode: Change a port triggering rule...........................240

Router mode: Remove a port triggering rule..........................241

Router mode: Specify the time-out for port triggering...........242

Router mode: Disable port triggering......................................243

Router mode application example: Port triggering for Internet

Relay Chat.....................................................................................244

AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

Chapter 15 Diagnostics and Troubleshooting

Reboot the access point/router from its local browser interface.246

Quick tips...........................................................................................247

Router mode: Sequence to restart your access point/router

network.........................................................................................247

Access point mode: Restart your access point/router............247

Check the Ethernet cable connections.....................................247

Check the WiFi settings of your computer or mobile device..248

Check the DHCP network settings of your computer or mobile

device............................................................................................248

Standard LED behavior when the access point/router is powered

on........................................................................................................249

Troubleshoot with the LEDs............................................................249

Power LED is off...........................................................................249

Power LED stays blinking green................................................249

Router mode: Internet LED is off...............................................250

Access point mode: Internet LED is off.....................................250

WiFi LED Is Off.............................................................................251

You cannot log in to the access point/router...............................251

Router mode: You cannot log in to the access point/router...251

Access point mode: You cannot log in to the access

point/router..................................................................................253

Router mode: You cannot access the Internet.............................254

Router mode: Check the Internet WAN IP address.................254

Router mode: Check or manually start the PPPoE connection.257

Troubleshoot Internet browsing.....................................................258

Troubleshoot the WiFi connectivity...............................................258

Changes are not saved....................................................................259

Troubleshoot your network using the ping utility of your

computer...........................................................................................260

Test the LAN path from your computer to the access

point/router..................................................................................260

Router mode: Test the path from your computer to a remote

device............................................................................................261

Appendix A Factory Default Settings and Technical Specifications

Factory default settings...................................................................263

Technical specifications...................................................................265

Appendix B Position and Wall-Mount the Access Point/Router

Position the access point/router.....................................................268

Wall-mount the access point/router..............................................269

AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

Hardware Overview of the Access

Point/Router

The NETGEAR AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router Model WAC124, in this

manual referred to as the access point/router, supports dual-band concurrent operation

at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz with combined throughput of 2000 Mbps (300 Mbps at 2.4 GHz

and 1700 Mbps at 5 GHz). The access point/router is designed to function in a small

office network or home network.

You can use the access point/router in its default router mode with its router features

enabled, directly connected to the Internet, for example through a modem. You can

also use the access point/router in access point mode with its router features disabled,

connected to an existing router in your network.

Note: In firmware version 1.0.4.2 and later versions, the default mode of the WAC124

is router mode. In earlier firmware versions, the default mode of the WAC124 is access

point mode. This user manual is for firmware version 1.0.4.2 and later versions. That

means that the WAC124 initially starts up in router mode. For more information, see

Install and Access the Access Point/Router in Your Network on page 16.

The chapter contains the following sections:

• Top panel with LEDs

• Back panel with ports, buttons, and a power connector

• Position the antennas for best WiFi performance

• Access point/router label

Note: For more information about the topics that are covered in this manual, visit the

support website at netgear.com/support/.

Note: Firmware updates with new features and bug fixes are made available from time

to time at netgear.com/support/download/. You can check for and download new

firmware manually. If the features or behavior of your product does not match what is

described in this manual, you might need to update the firmware.

Top panel with LEDs

The four status LEDs are located on the top panel of the access point/router. From left

to right, the top panel contains the Power LED, Internet LED, WiFi LED, and USB LED.

Figure 1. Top panel with LEDs

Table 1. LED descriptions

DescriptionLED

Solid green. The access point/router is ready.

Solid green temporarily, blinking green temporarily, and finally solid green. The

access point/router is starting or was reset to factory default settings and is restarting.

For more information about resetting the access point/router to factory default settings,

see Return the access point/router to its factory default settings on page 142.

Blinking green. The access point/router is starting or upgrading firmware. If the Power

LED is blinking green at any other time, see Power LED stays blinking green on page

249.

Off. Power is not supplied to the access point/router.

Power

Solid green or blinking green. An Internet connection is established.

Off. No Internet connection is established. For more information, see Router mode:

Internet LED is off on page 250 (router mode is the default system mode) or Access point

mode: Internet LED is off on page 250.

Internet

User Manual12Hardware Overview of the

Access Point/Router

AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

Table 1. LED descriptions (Continued)

DescriptionLED

Solid green. One or both WiFi radios are operating.

Blinking green. One or both WiFi radios are sending or receiving traffic.

Blinking green slowly. Someone pressed the WPS button.

Off. Both WiFi radios are off. For more information, see WiFi LED Is Off on page 251.

WiFi

Solid green. A USB device is connected and is ready.

Off. No USB device is connected.

USB

Back panel with ports, buttons, and a power

connector

The back panel of the access point/router provides ports, buttons, and a DC power

connector.

Figure 2. Access point/router back panel

User Manual13Hardware Overview of the

Access Point/Router

AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

Viewed from left to right, the back panel contains the following components:

•USB 2.0 port. One USB 2.0 port to connect a storage device to the access

point/router.

•LAN ports 4 through 1. Four Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 LAN ports numbered LAN4

through LAN1 to connect the access point/router to Ethernet devices such as a

computer and a switch.

•Internet port. One Internet (WAN) port to connect the access point/router to a

modem or existing router in your network:

-Connect to a modem. Connect the Internet port directly to a modem. The modem

must provide an Internet connection to the access point/router. For more

information about this setup, in which the access point/router must function in

its default router mode, see Connect the access point/router to a modem and

-Connect to a router. Connect the Internet port directly to a router in your network,

or to a switch or hub that is connected to the router. The router must provide an

Internet connection to the access point/router. For more information about this

setup, in which the access point/router must function in access point mode, see

Connect the access point/router to another router and log in for the first time on

page 23.

•WPS button. Press the WPS button to join the access point/router’s WiFi network

without typing the WiFi password. For more information, see Use WPS to add a

device to the WiFi network on page 72.

•Reset button. Press the Reset button to reset the access point/router to factory

default settings. For more information, see Use the Reset button on page 143.

•Power On/Off button. Press the Power On/Off button to provide power to the

access point/router.

•DC power connector. Connect the power adapter that came in the product package

to the DC power connector.

Position the antennas for best WiFi

performance

You can swivel the three access point/router antennas in any direction. For best WiFi

performance, we recommend that you experiment with various antenna positions. For

example, you could position the center antenna vertically and aim the other two antennas

outward at 45-degree angles.

User Manual14Hardware Overview of the

Access Point/Router

AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

Access point/router label

The access point/router label on the bottom panel of the access point/router shows the

default login information, default WiFi network name (SSID), default WiFi passphrase,

serial number and MAC address of the access point/router, and other information.

Figure 3. Access point/router label

User Manual15Hardware Overview of the

Access Point/Router

AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

Install and Access the Access

Point/Router in Your Network

This chapter describes how you can install and access the access point/router in your

network and go through the initial log-in process. By default, the access point/router is

in router mode. You can also change the mode to access point mode.

IMPORTANT: For the initial log-in process, also referred to as single sign-on (SSO),

the access point/router must connect to the Internet and you must log in with a NETGEAR

account. (You can create an account during the log-in process.)

Note: When you log in to the access point/router, you connect to the local

browser–based management interface, in this manual referred to as the local browser

interface.

The chapter contains the following sections:

• About router mode and access point mode

• Routing features enabled in router mode and disabled in access point mode

• Credentials that you must enter to access the local browser interface

•Connect the access point/router to the Internet and complete the initial log-in process

• Log in to the access point/router when it is connected to the Internet

• Log in to the access point/router when it is not connected to the Internet

• Use the NETGEAR Insight mobile app to discover the access point/router

• Find the IP address of the access point/router

• Change the language of the local browser interface

• Connect a wired or WiFi device to the access point/router’s network after installation

About router mode and access point mode

Before you set up the access point/router, decide whether you will use the access

point/router in its default router mode or in access point mode:

•Router mode. By default, the access point/router is in router mode so that you can

connect it directly to a modem such as a cable or DSL modem. In router mode, the

access point/router functions as both a router for Internet access and a WiFi access

point. The access point/router receives its IP address settings from your Internet

service provider (ISP) and delivers IP address settings to its WiFi and LAN clients.

•Access point mode. You can also connect the access point/router to an existing

router in your network and, after you log in, change the system mode to access point

mode. The router must support a DHCP server so that it assigns an IP address to the

access point/router and its clients and provides Internet access.

In access point mode, the access point/router functions as a WiFi access point only

and its router functions are disabled. For example, routing services such as NAT and

the DHCP server are disabled.

For more information about the routing features, see Routing features enabled in router

mode and disabled in access point mode on page 17.

Routing features enabled in router mode

and disabled in access point mode

The access point/router can function in router mode (its default system mode) or in

access point mode.

The following routing features are enabled in router mode but disabled in access point

mode:

•Internet settings, including an IP address issued through dynamic DHCP (the default

setting), a manually specified static IP address, an IP address issued through PPPoE,

L2TP, or PPTP, and various ways to implement an IPv6 address.

•WAN settings, including routing services such as NAT.

•LAN settings, including a DHCP server.

•Internet security settings, including the option to block sites and services, and the

option to set up port forwarding and port triggering rules.

•VPN service.

•Remote management.

User Manual17Install and Access the Access

Point/Router in Your Network

AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

•Advanced USB settings.

•Internet traffic meter.

•VLAN or bridge tag group for an IPVT device.

For information about changing the system mode after initial setup, Change the system

mode to access point mode or back to router mode on page 168.

Note: If the access point/router is in router mode, you can always reach the local browser

interface by entering http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field of your browser.

If the access point/router is in access point mode, you must enter the IP address that

your existing router assigned to the access point/router. For more information, see Find

the IP address of the access point/router on page 29.

Credentials that you must enter to access

the local browser interface

The credentials (email address or user name and password) that you must enter to

access the local browser interface of the access point/router depend on the Internet

connection:

•Connected to the Internet. When the access point/router is connected to the

Internet, you must use your NETGEAR account email address and password to log

in to the local browser interface. If you do not own a NETGEAR account, you can

create one during the log-in process.

•Not connected to the Internet. If the access point/router is not connected to the

Internet, you must use the local login user name (admin) and your customized local

Setup Wizard for the initial log-in process on the access point/router, you must

customize the local login password. (By default, the local login password is

password.)

IMPORTANT: When the access point/router is connected to the Internet, you cannot

use the admin user name and local login password to log in to the local browser

interface. You must use your NETGEAR account email address and password.

Note: If a temporary Internet outage occurs and the access point/router cannot

reach the NETGEAR server to log you in with your NETGEAR account email address

and password, you can also use the admin user name and local login password to

access the access point/router.

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Connect the access point/router to the

Internet and complete the initial log-in

process

When you connect the access point/router to the Internet and complete the initial log-in

process, also referred to as single sign-on (SSO), the following are required:

•The access point/router must be in its default router mode.

•The access point/router must connect to the Internet through a modem or through

an existing router in your network.

•You must log in with a NETGEAR account. If you do not own a NETGEAR account,

you must create one during the initial log-in process.

For more information about connecting the the access point/router to the Internet and

completing the initial log-in process, see one of the following sections:

•Connect the access point/router to a modem and log in for the first time on page

•Connect the access point/router to another router and log in for the first time on

page 23

Note: Before you connect the access point/router to the Internet and complete the

initial log-in process, you can use the local login password (by default, password) to

connect to the local browser interface of the access point/router and configure the

access point/router offline.

Connect the access point/router to a modem and log in for

the first time

When you set up the access point/router and connect it to your modem, the following

applies, depending on the type of WAN connection of your modem:

•Dynamic DHCP. If the type of WAN connection of your modem is dynamic DHCP,

the access point/router automatically receives an IP address from your Internet

service provider (ISP) and you do need to provide any IP address information. This

type of WAN connection is the most common.

•PPPoE, L2TP, or PPTP, or static IP address. If the type of WAN connection of your

modem is PPPoE, L2TP, or PPTP, or your Internet connection requires a static IP

address, you must follow the prompts during the setup process and provide the

required information for the Internet connection.

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Note: If you are not sure what the type of WAN connection of your modem is, contact

your ISP before you start the following procedure.

Figure 4. Connect the access point/router in default router mode to your modem

To connect the access point/router to a modem and log in to the local browser

interface for the first time:

1. Unplug your modem’s power, leaving the modem connected to the wall jack for

your Internet service.

2. If the modem uses a battery backup, remove the battery.

3. Connect the Ethernet cable to the yellow Internet port on the access point/router.

4. Connect the other end of the cable to a LAN port on your modem.

5. If the modem uses a battery backup, put the battery back in.

6. Plug in and turn on the modem.

7. Power on the access point/router and check to see that the LEDs light.

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DescriptionLED

The Power LED lights solid green, then blinks green, and then lights solid green again

when the startup procedure is finished. This process takes about 90 seconds. If the Power

LED does not light at all, press the Power On/Off button on the back panel.

Power

The Internet LED blinks green or lights solid green when the Internet connection is

established.

Note: The Internet connection is established during the Smart Setup Wizard process

(see Step 9).

Internet

The WiFi LED lights solid green.WiFi

8. Log in to the access point/router by using one of the following methods:

•Connect over WiFi. On a WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device, find and

connect to the access point/router’s WiFi network.

The default SSID is NETGEAR-1. The default passphrase is sharedsecret.

•Connect over Ethernet directly to the access point/router. Using an Ethernet

cable, connect the LAN port on your computer directly to any of the four LANs

port on the access point/router.

9. Launch a web browser and enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field.

The Smart Setup Wizard starts.

If the Smart Setup Wizard does not start, see Router mode: You cannot log in to the

access point/router on page 251.

10. Follow the prompts.

If the modem’s type of WAN connection is PPPoE, L2TP, or PPTP, or your Internet

connection requires a static IP address, provide the required information for the

Internet connection when the Smart Setup Wizard prompts you for the information.

If the access point/router does not connect to the Internet, see Troubleshoot Internet

browsing on page 258.

When the access point/router is connected to the Internet and the Smart Setup

Wizard is finished, the NETGEAR Business page displays.

11. If the NETGEAR Business displays the ! A new firmware upgrade is available. Click

here to get it. button, do the following:

a. Click the ! A new firmware upgrade is available. Click here to get it. button.

The access point/router finds the new firmware information and displays a

message asking if you want to download and install it.

b. Click the Yes button.

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The access point/router locates and downloads the firmware and begins the

update.

The Firmware Upgrade Assistant page displays while the firmware of the access

point/router is being updated. During the update, do not turn off the power or

press the Reset button. The update process takes about three minutes, after

which the access point/router restarts.

c. After the update is complete, if the NETGEAR Business page does not display,

launch a web browser and enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address

field.

12. Depending on whether you already own a NETGEAR account, do one of the following:

•You already own a NETGEAR account. Do the following:

a. Click the Login button.

The NETGEAR Account Login page displays.

b. Enter your registered email address and password and click the Login button.

•You do not yet own a free NETGEAR account. Do the following:

a. Click the Create button.

The Create NETGEAR Account page displays.

b. Set up a new account.

c. Log in with your NETGEAR registered email address and password.

After you successfully log in to your NETGEAR account, the access point/router is

registered with NETGEAR.

You can now change the settings of the access point/router.

The first time that you log in to the access point/router’s local browser interface, the

Wireless Access Point page displays, allowing you to change the system mode from

router mode to access point mode. We recommend that you only change the system

mode if you fully understand the consequences. If you do change the system mode

to access point mode, make sure that you first connect the yellow Internet port on

the access point/router to an existing router in your network. For more information,

see Connect the access point/router to another router and log in for the first time

on page 23.

If you do not want to use the access point/router in access point mode, continue to

use the access point/router.

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Connect the access point/router to another router and log

in for the first time

The easiest way to use the access point/router in access point mode is to connect it to

an existing router in your network, either directly, or through a switch or hub (almost

any router functions as a DHCP server). If your network includes an independent DHCP

server, connect the access point/router to a switch or hub that is connected to the DHCP

server.

Only after you complete the initial log-in process, can you change the system mode to

access point mode.

Figure 5. Connect the access point/router to an existing router in your network

To connect the access point/router directly to an existing router in your network

and log in to the local browser interface for the first time:

1. Connect an Ethernet cable to the yellow Internet port on the access point/router.

2. Connect the other end of the cable to a LAN port on your network router.

Your network router must support a DHCP server so that it assigns an IP address to

the access point/routerand its clients and provides Internet access.

3. Power on the access point/router and check to see that the LEDs light.

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DescriptionLED

The Power LED lights solid green, then blinks green, and then lights solid green again

when the startup procedure is finished. This process takes about 90 seconds. If the Power

LED does not light at all, press the Power On/Off button on the back panel.

Power

The Internet LED blinks green or lights solid green when the Internet connection is

established.

Note: The Internet connection is established during the Smart Setup Wizard process

(see Step 5).

Internet

The WiFi LED lights solid green.WiFi

4. Log in to the access point/router by using one of the following methods:

•Connect over WiFi. On a WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device, find and

connect to the access point/router’s WiFi network.

The default SSID is NETGEAR-1. The default passphrase is sharedsecret. If you

already changed the default SSID and the default passphrase, use the new SSID

name and passphrase.

•Connect over Ethernet directly to the access point/router. Using an Ethernet

cable, connect the LAN port on your computer directly to any of the four LANs

port on the access point/router.

5. Launch a web browser and enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field.

The Smart Setup Wizard starts.

If the Smart Setup Wizard does not start, see Access point mode: You cannot log in

to the access point/router on page 253.

6. Follow the prompts.

If the access point/router does not connect to the Internet, see Troubleshoot Internet

browsing on page 258.

When the access point/router is connected to the Internet, the NETGEAR Business

page displays.

7. If the NETGEAR Business displays the ! A new firmware upgrade is available. Click

here to get it. button, do the following:

a. Click the ! A new firmware upgrade is available. Click here to get it. button.

The access point/router finds the new firmware information and displays a

message asking if you want to download and install it.

b. Click the Yes button.

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The access point/router locates and downloads the firmware and begins the

update.

The Firmware Upgrade Assistant page displays while the firmware of the access

point/router is being updated. During the update, do not turn off the power or

press the Reset button. The update process takes about three minutes, after

which the access point/router restarts.

c. After the update is complete, if the NETGEAR Business page does not display,

launch a web browser and enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address

field.

8. Depending on whether you already own a NETGEAR account, do one of the following:

•You already own a NETGEAR account. Do the following:

a. Click the Login button.

The NETGEAR Account Login page displays.

b. Enter your registered email address and password and click the Login button.

•You do not yet own a free NETGEAR account. Do the following:

a. Click the Create button.

The Create NETGEAR Account page displays.

b. Set up a new account.

c. Log in with your NETGEAR registered email address and password.

After you successfully log in to your NETGEAR account, the access point/router is

registered with NETGEAR.

The first time that you log in to the local browser interface after following the prompts

of the Smart Setup Wizard, the Wireless Access Point page displays.

If you logged in before or the page does not display automatically, select ADVANCED

> Advanced Setup > Wireless Access Point.

9. Select the Enable Access Point Mode check box.

10. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved and the access point/router is reconfigured in access point

mode. The routing functions of the access point/router are disabled.

11. Determine the new IP address of the access point/router.

a. Select ADVANCED.

The ADVANCED Home page of the access point/router displays. The LAN Port

pane shows the IP address that is now assigned to the access point/router.

b. Write down the LAN IP address of the access point/router for later use.

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You must use this IP address if you plan to connect to the same network as the

access point/router but not directly to the access point/router network. If you are

directly connected to the access point/router network, you can use

http://www.routerlogin.net.

12. Clear the cache of your browser.

In access point mode, the access point/router functions with different IP address

settings than in router mode. Clearing the cache of your browser might prevent

website connectivity problems.

If you experience connectivity problems, see one of the following sections:

•Access point mode: You cannot log in to the access point/router on page 253

•Access point mode: Specify a fixed LAN IP address on page 37

•Troubleshoot Internet browsing on page 258

connected to the Internet

After you connected to the access point/router and logged in for the first time (see

Connect the access point/router to the Internet and complete the initial log-in process

on page 19), you can log in again.

If the access point/router is connected to the Internet, you must use the registered email

address and password for your NETGEAR account.

Note: You can log in even if the access point/router is not connected to the Internet

(see Log in to the access point/router when it is not connected to the Internet on page

27).

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To log in to the access point/router when it is connected to the Internet:

1. Open a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected either

directly to the access point/router network or to the same network as the access

point/router.

A direct connection to the access point/router network, which is the most common

type of setup, can be through WiFi or over Ethernet:

•WiFi. A connection from a computer or mobile device to a WiFi network on the

access point/router.

•Ethernet. A connection from a computer over an Ethernet cable to one of the

LAN ports on the access point/router, either with or without a switch or hub

between the computer and the access point/router.

2. Do one of the following:

•Directly connected. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field.

•Connected to the same network but not directly connected. Enter the IP

address that was assigned to the access point/router by your existing router

during the setup process. If you do not know the IP address, see Find the IP

address of the access point/router on page 29.

The NETGEAR Business page displays. You are prompted to sign in with your

NETGEAR account.

3. Click the Login button.

The NETGEAR Account Login page displays.

4. Enter your registered email address and password and click the Login button.

The BASIC Home page of the local browser interface displays. You can now change

the settings of the access point/router.

The BASIC Home page displays a dashboard that lets you see the status of your

access point/router at a glance.

not connected to the Internet

After you connected to the access point/router and logged in for the first time (see

Connect the access point/router to the Internet and complete the initial log-in process

on page 19), you can log in again, even if the access point/router is not connected to

the Internet. In such a situation, use the admin user name and local login password (also

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referred to as the admin password), which is different from the registered email address

and password for your NETGEAR account.

To log in to the access point/router when it is not connected to the Internet:

1. Open a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected either

directly to the access point/router network or to the same network as the access

point/router.

A direct connection to the access point/router network, which is the most common

type of setup, can be through WiFi or over Ethernet:

•WiFi. A connection from a computer or mobile device to a WiFi network on the

access point/router.

•Ethernet. A connection from a computer over an Ethernet cable to one of the

LAN ports on the access point/router, either with or without a switch or hub

between the computer and the access point/router.

2. Do one of the following:

•Connected to the same network but not directly connected. Enter the IP

address that was assigned to the access point/router by your existing router

during the setup process. If you do not know the IP address, see Find the IP

address of the access point/router on page 29.

•Directly connected with the access point/router in router mode. Enter

http://www.routerlogin.net.

•Directly connected with the access point/router in access point mode. Enter

the IP address that was assigned to the access point/router by your existing router

during the setup process.

The NETGEAR Business page displays. Because the access point/router is not

connected to the Internet, you are prompted to sign in with the local login credentials.

3. Enter admin as the user name and the local login password (admin password) that

you specified when you followed the prompts of the Smart Setup Wizard during the

initial log-in process.

The user name and password are case-sensitive.

Note: When you reset the access point/router to factory default setting, the default

local login password is password.

4. Click the Login button.

The BASIC Home page of the local browser interface displays. You can now change

the settings of the access point/router.

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The BASIC Home page displays a dashboard that lets you see the status of your

access point/router at a glance.

Use the NETGEAR Insight mobile app to

discover the access point/router

The NETGEAR Insight mobile app lets you discover the access point/router in your

network.

Note: Although you can use the NETGEAR Insight mobile app to register the access

point/router, the access point/router is already registered automatically after the initial

log-in process.

To use the NETGEAR Insight mobile app to discover the access point/router in your

network:

1. On your iOS or Android mobile device, go to the app store, search for NETGEAR

Insight, and download and install the app.

2. Connect your mobile device to the access point/router WiFi network.

3. Open the NETGEAR Insight mobile app.

4. Tap LOG IN to log in to your existing NETGEAR account, which is the same account

that you logged into or created during the initial log-in process.

After you log in to your account, the IP address of the access point/router displays

in the device list.

5. Write down the IP address for future use.

Find the IP address of the access point/router

Under the following circumstances, when the access point/router is in access point

mode, you cannot use http://www.routerlogin.net to log in to the access point/router:

•Your computer or mobile device is not directly connected to the access point/router

network but to the same network as the access point/router.

•Your computer or mobile device is directly connected to the access point/router,

but the access point/router is not connected to the Internet.

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Note: If the access point/router can reach its DNS server only over the Internet (for

example, the IP address of the DNS server is 8.8.8.8), you cannot use

http://www.routerlogin.net. However, if the DNS server is the IP address of the

router to which the access point/router connects but the router’s Internet connection

is down, you can use http://www.routerlogin.net because the access point/router

can still reach the router.

•Your network includes another NETGEAR device that is also accessible by using

http://www.routerlogin.net. In such a situation, if you use

http://www.routerlogin.net, you might log in to the access point/router or you

might log in to the other NETGEAR device, depending on your network situation.

In these situations, use the IP address that was assigned to the access point/router by

your existing router during the setup process (see Connect the access point/router to

another router and log in for the first time on page 23) to log in to the local browser

interface of the access point/router.

If you do not know the IP address that was assigned to the access point/router, use one

of the following options to find the IP address of the access point/router:

•Only if the access point/router is connected to the Internet, do one of the following:

-Option 1. Temporarily connect directly and log in. Temporarily connect a

computer or mobile device directly through an Ethernet cable or over WiFi to

the access point/router and do the following:

1. Open a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is directly

connected to the access point/router network.

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field.

3. Click the Login button.

The NETGEAR Account Login page displays.

4. Enter your registered email address and password and click the Login button.

The BASIC Home page displays.

5. Select ADVANCED.

The ADVANCED Home page displays

6. In the LAN Port pane, click the Connection Status button.

The IP Address field displays the IP address that is assigned to the access

point/router.

-Option 2. Temporarily connect directly and ping the access point/router.

Temporarily connect a computer or mobile device directly through an Ethernet

cable or over WiFi to the access point/router and send a ping to

http://www.routerlogin.net.

How to send a ping depends on your computer or mobile device.

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On your computer or mobile device, the field with the ping results displays the

IP address that is assigned to the access point/router.

•Regardless of whether the access point/router is connected to the Internet, do one

of the following:

-Option 1. Use the NETGEAR Insight mobile app. To use the NETGEAR Insight

mobile app to discover the IP address of the access point/router in your network,

do the following:

1. On your iOS or Android mobile device, go to the app store, search for

NETGEAR Insight, and download and install the app.

2. Connect your mobile device to the access point/router WiFi network.

3. Open the NETGEAR Insight mobile app.

4. Tap LOG IN to log in to your existing NETGEAR account, which is the same

account that you logged into or created during the initial log-in process.

After you log in to your account, the IP address of the access point/router

displays in the device list.

-Option 2. Access your modem or existing router. Access the DHCP server

information of your modem or existing router to see the devices that are

connected to it, including the access point/router. The IP address that is assigned

to the access point/router is listed.

-Option 3. Use an IP scanner. Use an IP scanner application (they are available

free of charge on the Internet) in the network of your existing router. The IP

scanner results include the IP address that is assigned to the access point/router.

If you made a direct connection to the access point/router, you can now terminate that

connection. Connect your computer or mobile device to the same network as the access

point/router, and use the discovered IP address to log in to the access point/router.

Change the language of the local browser

interface

By default, the language of the local browser interface is set as Auto. You can change

the language.

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To change the language:

1. Open a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the

access point/router network.

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field.

If you are not connected to the access point/router network but to the same network

as the access point/router, enter the IP address that is assigned to the access

point/router. If you do not know the IP address, see Find the IP address of the access

point/router on page 29.

The NETGEAR Business page displays. You are prompted to sign in with your

NETGEAR account.

If the access point/router is not connected to the Internet, you are prompted to sign

in with the local login credentials (see Log in to the access point/router when it is

not connected to the Internet on page 27).

3. Click the Login button.

The NETGEAR Account Login page displays.

4. Enter your registered email address and password and click the Login button.

The BASIC Home page displays.

5. In the upper right corner, select a language from the menu.

The page refreshes with the language that you selected.

Connect a wired or WiFi device to the access

point/router’s network after installation

After you install the access point/router in your network (see Connect the access

point/router to the Internet and complete the initial log-in process on page 19), you

can connect a device to the access point/router’s LAN through an Ethernet cable or to

the access point/router’s WiFi network over a WiFi connection.

If the device that you are trying to connect is set up to use a static IP address, change

the settings of your device so that it uses Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

and can receive an IP address through or from the access point/router.

Note: Connecting to the access point/router’s network is not the same as connecting

to the local browser interface to view or manage the access point/router’s settings. For

information about logging in to the access point/router local browser interface, see Log

in to the access point/router when it is connected to the Internet on page 26 or Log in

to the access point/router when it is not connected to the Internet on page 27.

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Connect to the LAN of the access point/router through an

Ethernet cable

You can connect a computer or other LAN device to the access point/router using an

Ethernet cable and join the access point/router’s local area network (LAN).

To connect a computer or LAN device to the access point/router with an Ethernet

cable:

1. Make sure that the access point/router is receiving power and is connected to the

Internet (both its Power LED and Internet LED are lit).

2. Connect an Ethernet cable to an Ethernet port on the computer or LAN device.

3. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to one of the LAN ports on the access

point/router.

You can use any of the four LAN ports on the access point/router.

Note: You can also connect the computer to a switch or hub that is connected to

one of the LAN ports on the access point/router.

Your computer or LAN device connects to the local area network (LAN). A message

might display on your computer screen to notify you that an Ethernet cable is

connected.

Use Wi-Fi Protected Setup to join the WiFi network of the

access point/router

You can use Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) to add a WiFi device such as a WiFi-enabled

computer, tablet, or smartphone to the WiFi network of the access point/router.

WPS is a standard for easily adding computers and other devices to a home network

while maintaining security. To use WPS (Push 'N' Connect), make sure that all WiFi

devices to be connected to the network are Wi-Fi certified and support WPS. During

the connection process, the client gets the security settings from the access point/router

so that every device in the network supports the same security settings.

To use WPS to connect a device to the WiFi network of the access point/router:

1. Make sure that the access point/router is receiving power (its Power LED is lit) and

is connected to the Internet (its Internet LED is lit), and that the WiFi radios are on

(its WiFi LED is lit).

2. Check the WPS instructions for your computer or WiFi device.

3. Press the WPS button of the access point/router for three seconds.

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4. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your WiFi device, or follow the WPS

instructions that came with the device.

The WPS process automatically sets up the device with the WiFi passphrase and

connects the device to the WiFi network of the access point/router.

Manually join the WiFi network of the access point/router

You can manually add a WiFi device such as a WiFi-enabled computer, tablet, or

smartphone to the WiFi network of the access point/router.

On the WiFi device that you want to connect to the access point/router, you can use

the software application that manages your WiFi connections.

To connect a device manually to the WiFi network of the access point/router:

1. Make sure that the access point/router is receiving power (its Power LED is lit) and

is connected to the Internet (its Internet LED is lit), and that the WiFi radios are on

(its WiFi LED is lit).

2. On the WiFi device that you want to connect to your access point/router, open the

software application that manages your WiFi connections.

This applicaiton scans for all WiFi networks in your area.

3. Look for the access point/router’s network and select it.

The default SSID is NETGEAR-1. (By default, the access point/router’s second and

third WiFi network are disabled.)

4. Enter the default passphrase for WiFi access.

The default passphrase is sharedsecret.

5. Click the Connect button.

The device connects to the WiFi network of the access point/router.

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Specify the Access Point/Router

Internet Settings Manually

Usually, the quickest way to set up the Internet connection is to allow the NETGEAR

installation assistant to detect the Internet connection when you first set up and access

the access point/router with a web browser. After initial setup, you can use the Setup

Wizard at any time.

If the access point/router is in access point mode, you can specify the LAN IP settings

manually.

If the access point/router is in router mode, you can specify the WAN (Internet) settings

manually, including IPv6 settings. For information about changing the LAN settings if

the access point/router is in router mode, see Router mode: Manage the LAN IP address

settings on page 114.

This chapter contains the following sections:

• Router mode: Use the Setup Wizard

• Access point mode: Specify a fixed LAN IP address

• Router mode: Manually set up the access point/router Internet connection

• Router mode: Specify an IPv6 Internet connection

Router mode: Use the Setup Wizard

If the access point/router is in router mode, you can use the Setup Wizard to detect the

WAN IP address that is issued by your Internet service provider (ISP) and automatically

set up your access point/router. Although the functionality is similar, the Setup Wizard

is not the same as the Smart Setup Wizard that runs the first time that you connect to

your access point/router to set it up. Unlike the Smart Setup Wizard, you can start the

Setup Wizard any time.

For the Setup Wizard to detect the WAN IP address that is issued by your ISP, the access

point/router must be connected to the Internet.

To use the Setup Wizard:

1. Open a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the

access point/router network.

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field.

If you are not connected to the access point/router network but to the same network

as the access point/router, enter the IP address that is assigned to the access

point/router. If you do not know the IP address, see Find the IP address of the access

point/router on page 29.

The NETGEAR Business page displays. You are prompted to sign in with your

NETGEAR account.

3. Click the Login button.

The NETGEAR Account Login page displays.

4. Enter your registered email address and password and click the Login button.

The BASIC Home page displays.

5. Select ADVANCED > Setup Wizard.

The Setup Wizard page displays.

6. Select the Yes radio button.

If you select the No radio button, you are taken to the WAN Setup page when you

click the Next button. You can then set up the Internet connection manually. For

more information, see Router mode: Manually set up the access point/router Internet

connection on page 38.

7. Click the Next button.

The Setup Wizard searches your Internet connection for servers and protocols to

determine your Internet configuration. When the access point/router connects to

the Internet, you are prompted to change the local login password (also referred to

as the admin password).

User Manual36Specify the Access Point/Router

Internet Settings Manually

AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

Access point mode: Specify a fixed LAN IP

address

If the access point/router is in access point mode, you can specify the LAN IP address

for the access point/router. This is the IP address of the access point/router in your

existing network. If you specify a static (fixed) IP address, make sure that it is part of the

LAN subnet of the existing router that assigns the LAN IP address to the access

point/router.

To view the LAN settings or specify a LAN Internet connection that uses a fixed

LAN IP address:

1. Open a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the

access point/router network.

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field.

If you are not connected to the access point/router network but to the same network

as the access point/router, enter the IP address that is assigned to the access

point/router. If you do not know the IP address, see Find the IP address of the access

point/router on page 29.

The NETGEAR Business page displays. You are prompted to sign in with your

NETGEAR account.

If the access point/router is not connected to the Internet, you are prompted to sign

in with the local login credentials (see Log in to the access point/router when it is

not connected to the Internet on page 27).

3. Click the Login button.

The NETGEAR Account Login page displays.

4. Enter your registered email address and password and click the Login button.

The BASIC Home page displays.

5. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IP Settings.

The IP Settings page displays.

By default, the Get dynamically from existing router radio button is selected.

6. To specify a static (fixed) IP address for the access point/router, do the following:

a. Select the Use fixed IP Address (not recommended) radio button.

The fields become available.

b. Enter the static IP address, IP subnet mask, and gateway IP address.

User Manual37Specify the Access Point/Router

Internet Settings Manually

AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

These IP addresses must be in the LAN subnet of your existing router.

c. Enter the IP address of your network’s primary DNS server. If a secondary DNS

server address is available, enter it also.

7. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved. The access point/router restarts with the new IP address.

To log back in to the access point/router, use the new IP address.

Router mode: Manually set up the access

point/router Internet connection

If the access point/router is in router mode, you can view or change the access

point/router’s Internet connection settings.

Note: The information in this section and subsections does not apply if the access

point/router is in access point mode.

Router mode: Specify a dynamic or fixed WAN IP address

Internet connection without a login

To specify or view the settings for a WAN Internet connection that uses a dynamic

or fixed IP address and that does not require a login:

1. Open a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the

access point/router network.

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field.

If you are not connected to the access point/router network but to the same network

as the access point/router, enter the IP address that is assigned to the access

point/router. If you do not know the IP address, see Find the IP address of the access

point/router on page 29.

The NETGEAR Business page displays. You are prompted to sign in with your

NETGEAR account.

If the access point/router is not connected to the Internet, you are prompted to sign

in with the local login credentials (see Log in to the access point/router when it is

not connected to the Internet on page 27).

3. Click the Login button.

The NETGEAR Account Login page displays.

User Manual38Specify the Access Point/Router

Internet Settings Manually

AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

4. Enter your registered email address and password and click the Login button.

The BASIC Home page displays.

5. Select BASIC > Internet.

The Internet Setup page displays.

6. Select the No radio button.

This is the default setting.

7. If your Internet connection requires an account name (sometimes referred to as a

host name), enter it in the Account Name field.

The account name is the same as the device name, which, by default, is WAC124.

8. If your Internet connection requires a domain name, enter it in the Domain Name

field.

For the other sections on this page, the default settings usually work, but you can

change them.

9. Select an Internet IP Address radio button:

• Get Dynamically. Your ISP uses DHCP to automatically assign an IP address and

related settings to the access point/router.

• Use Static IP Address. Enter the static IP address, IP subnet mask, and gateway

IP address that your ISP assigned to the access point/router. The gateway is the

ISP router to which the access point/router connects.

10. Select a Domain Name Server (DNS) Address radio button:

•Get Automatically from ISP. Your ISP uses DHCP to assign DNS servers to the

access point/router.

•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.

11. Select a Router MAC Address radio button:

•Use Default Address. Use the default access point/router MAC address that

displays on the Dashboard page and the access point/router label.

• Use Computer MAC Address. The access point/router captures and uses the

MAC address of the computer that you are now using to change the settings.

Sometimes an ISP allows the MAC address of a particular computer only.

• Use This MAC Address. Enter a MAC address that must be used. Sometimes an

ISP allows the MAC address of a particular computer only.

12. Click the Apply button.

User Manual39Specify the Access Point/Router

Internet Settings Manually

AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

Your settings are saved.

13. Click the Test button to test your Internet connection.

If the NETGEAR website does not display within one minute, see one of the following

sections:

•Router mode: You cannot access the Internet on page 254

•Troubleshoot Internet browsing on page 258

Router mode: Specify a PPPoE Internet connection that

uses a login

To specify or view the settings for an ISP Internet connection that uses PPPoE and

that requires a login:

1. Open a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the

access point/router network.

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field.

If you are not connected to the access point/router network but to the same network

as the access point/router, enter the IP address that is assigned to the access

point/router. If you do not know the IP address, see Find the IP address of the access

point/router on page 29.

The NETGEAR Business page displays. You are prompted to sign in with your

NETGEAR account.

If the access point/router is not connected to the Internet, you are prompted to sign

in with the local login credentials (see Log in to the access point/router when it is

not connected to the Internet on page 27).

3. Click the Login button.

The NETGEAR Account Login page displays.

4. Enter your registered email address and password and click the Login button.

The BASIC Home page displays.

5. Select BASIC > Internet.

The Internet Setup page displays.

6. Select the Yes radio button.

The settings on the page change.

7. From the Internet Service Provider menu, select PPPoE as the encapsulation

method.

User Manual40Specify the Access Point/Router

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AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

8. In the Login field, enter the login name that your ISP gave you.

This login name is often an email address.

9. In the Password field, enter the password that you use to log in to your Internet

service.

10. If your ISP requires a service name, type it in the Service Name field.

11. From the Connection Mode menu, select Always On,Dial on Demand,orManually

Connect.

12. If you select Dial on Demand from the Connection Mode menu, in the Idle Timeout

field, enter the number of minutes until the Internet login times out

This is how long the access point/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. The default is 5 minutes.

13. Select an Internet IP Address radio button:

• Get Dynamically. Your ISP uses DHCP to automatically assign an IP address and

related settings to the access point/router.

• Use Static IP Address. Enter the static IP address, IP subnet mask, and gateway

IP address that your ISP assigned to the access point/router. The gateway is the

ISP router to which the access point/router connects.

14. Select a Domain Name Server (DNS) Address radio button:

•Get Automatically from ISP. Your ISP uses DHCP to assign DNS servers to the

access point/router.

•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.

15. Select a Router MAC Address radio button:

•Use Default Address. Use the default access point/router MAC address that

displays on the Dashboard page and the access point/router label.

• Use Computer MAC Address. The access point/router captures and uses the

MAC address of the computer that you are now using to change the settings.

Sometimes an ISP allows the MAC address of a particular computer only.

• Use This MAC Address. Enter a MAC address that must be used. Sometimes an

ISP allows the MAC address of a particular computer only.

16. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

17. Click the Test button to test your Internet connection.

User Manual41Specify the Access Point/Router

Internet Settings Manually

AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

If the NETGEAR website does not display within one minute, see one of the following

sections:

•Router mode: You cannot access the Internet on page 254

•Troubleshoot Internet browsing on page 258

Router mode: Specify a PPTP or L2TP Internet connection

that uses a login

To specify or view the settings for an ISP Internet connection that uses PPTP or

L2TP and that requires a login:

1. Open a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the

access point/router network.

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field.

If you are not connected to the access point/router network but to the same network

as the access point/router, enter the IP address that is assigned to the access

point/router. If you do not know the IP address, see Find the IP address of the access

point/router on page 29.

The NETGEAR Business page displays. You are prompted to sign in with your

NETGEAR account.

If the access point/router is not connected to the Internet, you are prompted to sign

in with the local login credentials (see Log in to the access point/router when it is

not connected to the Internet on page 27).

3. Click the Login button.

The NETGEAR Account Login page displays.

4. Enter your registered email address and password and click the Login button.

The BASIC Home page displays.

5. Select BASIC > Internet.

The Internet Setup page displays.

6. Select the Yes radio button.

The settings on the page change.

7. From the Internet Service Provider menu, select PPTP or L2TP as the encapsulation

method.

8. In the Login field, enter the login name that your ISP gave you.

This login name is often an email address.

User Manual42Specify the Access Point/Router

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AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

9. In the Password field, enter the password that you use to log in to your Internet

service.

10. If your ISP requires a service name, type it in the Service Name field.

11. From the Connection Mode menu, select Always On,Dial on Demand,orManually

Connect.

12. If you select Dial on Demand from the Connection Mode menu, in the Idle Timeout

field, enter the number of minutes until the Internet login times out

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.

The default is 5 minutes.

13. If your ISP gave you fixed IP addresses and a connection ID or name, enter them in

the My IP Address,Subnet Mask,Server Address,Gateway IP Address, and

Connection ID/Name fields.

If your ISP did not give you an IP addresses, a connection ID, or name, leave these

fields blank. The connection ID or name applies to a PPTP service only.

14. Select a Domain Name Server (DNS) Address radio button:

•Get Automatically from ISP. Your ISP uses DHCP to assign DNS servers to the

access point/router.

•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.

15. Select a Router MAC Address radio button:

•Use Default Address. Use the default access point/router MAC address that

displays on the Dashboard page and the access point/router label.

• Use Computer MAC Address. The access point/router captures and uses the

MAC address of the computer that you are now using to change the settings.

Sometimes an ISP allows the MAC address of a particular computer only.

• Use This MAC Address. Enter a MAC address that must be used. Sometimes an

ISP allows the MAC address of a particular computer only.

16. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

17. Click the Test button to test your Internet connection.

User Manual43Specify the Access Point/Router

Internet Settings Manually

AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

If the NETGEAR website does not display within one minute, see one of the following

sections:

•Router mode: You cannot access the Internet on page 254

•Troubleshoot Internet browsing on page 258

Router mode: Specify an IPv6 Internet

connection

If the access point/router is in router mode, you can set up an IPv6 Internet connection

if the router does not detect it automatically.

Note: The information in this section and subsections does not apply if the access

point/router is in access point mode.

To set up an IPv6 Internet connection:

1. Open a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the

access point/router network.

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field.

If you are not connected to the access point/router network but to the same network

as the access point/router, enter the IP address that is assigned to the access

point/router. If you do not know the IP address, see Find the IP address of the access

point/router on page 29.

The NETGEAR Business page displays. You are prompted to sign in with your

NETGEAR account.

If the access point/router is not connected to the Internet, you are prompted to sign

in with the local login credentials (see Log in to the access point/router when it is

not connected to the Internet on page 27).

3. Click the Login button.

The NETGEAR Account Login page displays.

4. Enter your registered email address and password and click the Login button.

The BASIC Home page displays.

5. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

The IPv6 page displays.

6. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select the IPv6 connection type:

•If your Internet service provider (ISP) did not provide details, select 6to4 Tunnel.

•If you are not sure, select Auto Detect so that the access point/router detects

the IPv6 type that is in use.

User Manual44Specify the Access Point/Router

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•If your Internet connection does not use PPPoE or DHCP, or is not fixed, but is

IPv6, select Auto Config.

Your ISP can provide this information. For more information about IPv6 Internet

connections, see the following sections:

•Router mode: Requirements for entering IPv6 addresses

•Router mode: Use Auto Detect for an IPv6 Internet connection

•Router mode: Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet connection

• Router mode: Set up an IPv6 6to4 tunnel Internet connection

• Router mode: Set up an IPv6 6rd Internet connection

• Router mode: Set up an IPv6 passthrough Internet connection

•Router mode: Set up an IPv6 fixed Internet connection

• Router mode: Set up an IPv6 DHCP Internet connection

• Router mode: Set up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet connection

7. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

Router mode: Requirements for entering IPv6 addresses

IPv6 addresses are denoted by eight groups of hexadecimal quartets that are separated

by colons. You can reduce any four-digit group of zeros within an IPv6 address to a

single zero or omit it. The following errors invalidate an IPv6 address:

•More than eight groups of hexadecimal quartets

•More than four hexadecimal characters in a quartet

•More than two colons in a row

Router mode: Use Auto Detect for an IPv6 Internet

connection

To set up an IPv6 Internet connection through autodetection:

1. Open a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the

access point/router network.

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field.

If you are not connected to the access point/router network but to the same network

as the access point/router, enter the IP address that is assigned to the access

point/router. If you do not know the IP address, see Find the IP address of the access

point/router on page 29.

The NETGEAR Business page displays. You are prompted to sign in with your

NETGEAR account.

User Manual45Specify the Access Point/Router

Internet Settings Manually

AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

If the access point/router is not connected to the Internet, you are prompted to sign

in with the local login credentials (see Log in to the access point/router when it is

not connected to the Internet on page 27).

3. Click the Login button.

The NETGEAR Account Login page displays.

4. Enter your registered email address and password and click the Login button.

The BASIC Home page displays.

5. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

The IPv6 page displays.

6. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select Auto Detect.

The page adjusts. The access point/router automatically detects the information in

the following fields:

•Connection Type. This field indicates the connection type that is detected.

•Router’s IPv6 Address on WAN. This field shows the IPv6 address that is acquired

for the access point/router’s WAN (or Internet) interface. The number after the

slash (/) is the length of the prefix, which is also indicated by the underline (_)

under the IPv6 address. If no address is acquired, the field displays Not Available.

•Router’s IPv6 Address on LAN. This field shows the IPv6 address that is acquired

for the access point/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.

7. In the LAN Setup section, select an IP Address Assignment radio button:

•Use DHCP Server. This method passes more information to LAN devices but

some IPv6 systems might not support the DHCPv6 client function.

•Auto Config. This is the default setting.

This setting specifies how the access point/router assigns IPv6 addresses to the

devices on your home network (the LAN).

8. (Optional) In the LAN Setup section, select the Use This Interface ID check box and

specify the interface ID to be used for the IPv6 address of the access point/router’s

LAN interface.

If you do not specify an ID here, the access point/router generates one automatically

from its MAC address.

9. Click the Apply button.

Your settings are saved.

User Manual46Specify the Access Point/Router

Internet Settings Manually

AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

Router mode: Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet

connection

To set up an IPv6 Internet connection through autoconfiguration:

1. Open a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the

access point/router network.

2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field.

If you are not connected to the access point/router network but to the same network

as the access point/router, enter the IP address that is assigned to the access

point/router. If you do not know the IP address, see Find the IP address of the access

point/router on page 29.

The NETGEAR Business page displays. You are prompted to sign in with your

NETGEAR account.

If the access point/router is not connected to the Internet, you are prompted to sign

in with the local login credentials (see Log in to the access point/router when it is

not connected to the Internet on page 27).

3. Click the Login button.

The NETGEAR Account Login page displays.

4. Enter your registered email address and password and click the Login button.

The BASIC Home page displays.

5. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

The IPv6 page displays.

6. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select Auto Config.