NETGEAR Nighthawk AX5 User Manual
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NETGEAR Nighthawk AX5 User Manual

5-stream wifi router
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User Manual
Nighthawk AX5
5-Stream WiFi Router
Models
RAX41
RAX42
RAX43
November 2021
202-12556-03
NETGEAR, Inc.
350 E. Plumeria Drive
San Jose, CA 95134, USA

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Summary of Contents for NETGEAR Nighthawk AX5

  • Page 1 User Manual Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Models RAX41 RAX42 RAX43 NETGEAR, Inc. November 2021 350 E. Plumeria Drive 202-12556-03 San Jose, CA 95134, USA...
  • Page 2 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.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Chapter 1 Hardware Setup Unpack your router................9 Top panel LEDs and buttons.............10 Rear panel....................12 Router label..................13 Attach and position the antennas.............13 Position your router................14 Wall-Mount Your Router..............15 Cable your router................17 Chapter 2 Connect to the network and access the router Connect to the router network............19 Connect to the router using a wired connection.......19 Connect to the router WiFi network..........19...
  • Page 4 Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Set up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet connection........38 Manage the MTU size.................39 MTU concepts.................39 Change the MTU size..............40 Chapter 4 Control Access to the Internet Enable access control to allow or block access to the Internet..43 Use keywords to block Internet sites..........44...
  • Page 5 Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Delete a static route...............79 Enable or disable implicit beamforming.........80 Enable or disable MU-MIMO............80 Enable or disable PMF...............81 Set up the router in bridge mode............82 Chapter 6 Optimize Performance Use Dynamic QoS to optimize Internet traffic management..85 Enable Dynamic QoS..............85...
  • Page 6 Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Chapter 8 Share USB Storage Devices Attached to the Router USB device requirements..............112 Connect a USB storage device to the router........112 Access a storage device connected to the router from a Windows-based computer..............113 Map a USB device to a Windows network drive......113 Access a storage device that is connected to the router from a Mac.....................114...
  • Page 7 Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Add a custom port forwarding service........142 Edit a port forwarding service............143 Delete a port forwarding entry..........144 Application example: Make a local web server public...144 How the router implements the port forwarding rule.....145 Port triggering..................145 Add a port triggering service.............146 Enable port triggering..............147...

  • Page 8: Chapter 1 Hardware Setup

    • Rear panel • Router label • Attach and position the antennas • Position your router • Wall-Mount Your Router • Cable your router For more information about the topics covered in this manual, visit the support website at netgear.com/support.

  • Page 9: Unpack Your Router

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Unpack your router Your package contains the router, the power adapter, four antennas, and an Ethernet cable. Figure 1. Package contents Hardware Setup User Manual...

  • Page 10: Top Panel Leds And Buttons

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Top panel LEDs and buttons The status LEDs and two buttons are located on the top panel of the router. Figure 2. Top view Table 1. LED descriptions LED and Button Description Power LED • Solid white. The router is ready.
  • Page 11 Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Table 1. LED descriptions (Continued) LED and Button Description Ethernet LEDs for ports 1–4 The LED color indicates the speed: white for Gigabit Ethernet connections and amber for 100 Mbps or 10 Mbps Ethernet connections.

  • Page 12: Rear Panel

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Rear panel The following figure shows the rear panel connectors and buttons. Figure 3. Rear panel The rear panel contains the following components: 1. Reset button. Pressing the Reset button resets the router. If the Reset button is pressed for at least 10 seconds and the Power LED blinks, the router returns to its factory settings.

  • Page 13: Router Label

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Router label The router label shows the login information, WiFi network name (SSID), password, serial number, and MAC address. The following image shows an example of what your router label might look like: Figure 4. Router label Attach and position the antennas Before you install your router, attach the antennas to the router.

  • Page 14: Position Your Router

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Figure 5. Attach and position the antennas Position your router The router lets you access your network anywhere within the operating range of your WiFi network. However, the operating distance or range of your WiFi connection can vary significantly depending on the physical placement of your router.

  • Page 15: Wall-Mount Your Router

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router • Place the router away from large metal surfaces, large glass surfaces, insulated walls, and items such as these: Solid metal door Aluminum studs Fish tanks Mirrors Brick Concrete The following factors might limit the range of your WiFi: •...
  • Page 16 Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Figure 6. Bottom of the router To wall-mount your router: 1. Drill holes in the wall where you want to wall-mount your router. 2. Insert wall anchors in the holes. 3. Insert screws into the wall anchors, leaving 3/16 inch (0.5 cm) of each screw exposed.

  • Page 17: Cable Your Router

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Cable your router Power on your router and connect it to a modem. Figure 7. Cable your router To cable your router: 1. Unplug your modem, remove and reinsert the backup battery if it uses one, and then plug the modem back in.

  • Page 18: Chapter 2 Connect To The Network And Access The Router

    Connect to the network and access the router You can connect to the router’s WiFi networks or use a wired Ethernet connection. This chapter explains the ways you can connect and how to access the router and log in. The chapter contains the following sections: •...

  • Page 19: Connect To The Router Network

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Connect to the router network You can connect to the router network using a wired, WiFi, or WPS connection. Note: If you set up your computer to use a static IP address, change the settings so that it uses Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).

  • Page 20: Types Of Logins

    WiFi network name (SSID) and password for WiFi access. This information is on the router label. • NETGEAR account login. The free NETGEAR account that you need to register your router and manage your subscriptions. If you do not own a NETGEAR account, you can create one.
  • Page 21 4. Follow the onscreen instructions. The router connects to the Internet. 5. If the browser does not display the NETGEAR installation assistant, do the following: • Make sure that the computer is connected to one of the LAN Ethernet ports or over WiFi to the router.

  • Page 22: Log In To The Router

    With the Nighthawk app, you can easily install and manage your router. The app automatically updates the router to the latest firmware, allows you to personalize your WiFi network, and even helps register your router with NETGEAR. Connect to the network and...

  • Page 23: Change The Language

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The Nighthawk app is available for iOS and Android mobile devices. Note: Your router is not connected to the Internet until you finish setting it up with the app. If you are connected to your router’s WiFi network before the setup, you do not have Internet access and cannot download the app.

  • Page 24: Chapter 3 Specify Your Internet Settings

    Specify Your Internet Settings Usually, the quickest way to set up the router to use your Internet connection is to allow your router to detect the Internet connection automatically when you first access the router web interface. You can also customize and manually specify your Internet settings. This chapter contains the following sections: •...

  • Page 25: Use The Internet Setup Wizard

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Use the Internet Setup Wizard You can use the Setup Wizard to detect your Internet settings and automatically set up your router. The Setup Wizard is not the same as the pages that display the first time you connect to your router to set it up.
  • Page 26 Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

  • Page 27: Specify An Internet Connection That Uses A Login

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 12. Click the Test button to test your Internet connection. If the NETGEAR website does not display within one minute, see You cannot access the Internet on page 154. Specify an Internet connection that uses a login To view or change the basic Internet setup: 1.

  • Page 28: Specify Ipv6 Internet Connections

    15. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. 16. Click the Test button to test your Internet connection. If the NETGEAR website does not display within one minute, see You cannot access the Internet on page 154. Specify IPv6 Internet connections You can set up an IPv6 Internet connection if the router does not detect it automatically.

  • Page 29: Requirements For Entering Ipv6 Addresses

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6. The IPv6 page displays. 5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select the IPv6 connection type: • If you are not sure, select Auto Detect so that the router detects the IPv6 type that is in use.
  • Page 30 Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The router automatically detects the information in the following fields: • Router’s IPv6 Address on WAN. This field shows the IPv6 address that is acquired for the router’s WAN (or Internet) interface. The number after the slash (/) is the length of the prefix, which is also indicated by the underline (_) under the IPv6 address.

  • Page 31: Use Auto Detect For An Ipv6 Internet Connection

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Use auto detect for an IPv6 Internet connection To set up an IPv6 Internet connection through autodetection: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.

  • Page 32: Set Up An Ipv6 6To4 Tunnel Internet Connection

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 8. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Set up an IPv6 6to4 tunnel Internet connection The remote relay router is the router to which your router creates a 6to4 tunnel. Make sure that the IPv4 Internet connection is working before you apply the 6to4 tunnel settings for the IPv6 connection.

  • Page 33: Set Up An Ipv6 6Rd Internet Connection

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router This setting specifies how the router assigns IPv6 addresses to the devices on your home network (the LAN). 8. (Optional) Select the Use This Interface ID check box and specify the interface ID to be used for the IPv6 address of the router’s LAN interface.

  • Page 34: Set Up An Ipv6 Pass-Through Internet Connection

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The IPv6 page displays. 5. From the Internet Connection Type menu, select 6rd. The page adjusts. The router automatically detects the information in the following sections: • 6rd (IPv6 Rapid Development) Configuration. The router detects the service provider’s IPv4 network and attempts to establish an IPv6 6rd tunnel connection.

  • Page 35: Set Up An Ipv6 Fixed Internet Connection

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router To set up a pass-through IPv6 Internet connection: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password.

  • Page 36: Set Up An Ipv6 Dhcp Internet Connection

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 6. Configure the fixed IPv6 addresses for the WAN connection: • IPv6 Address/Prefix Length. The IPv6 address and prefix length of the router WAN interface. • Default IPv6 Gateway. The IPv6 address of the default IPv6 gateway for the router’s WAN interface.
  • Page 37 Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > IPv6.

  • Page 38: Set Up An Ipv6 Pppoe Internet Connection

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 10. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Set up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet connection To set up a PPPoE IPv6 Internet connection: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.

  • Page 39: Manage The Mtu Size

    “fragmented” to accommodate the device with the smallest MTU. The best MTU setting for NETGEAR equipment is often the default value. In some situations, changing the value fixes one problem but causes another. Leave the MTU unchanged unless one of these situations occurs: •...

  • Page 40: Change The Mtu Size

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router For example, if a secure website does not open, or displays only part of a web page, you might need to change the MTU. • You use VPN and experience severe performance problems. • You used a program to optimize MTU for performance reasons and now you are experiencing connectivity or performance problems.
  • Page 41 Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > WAN Setup. The WAN Setup page displays. 5. In the MTU Size field, enter a value from 64 to 1500. 6. Click the Apply button.

  • Page 42: Chapter 4 Control Access To The Internet

    Control Access to the Internet The router comes with a built-in firewall that helps protect your home network from unwanted intrusions from the Internet. This chapter contains the following sections: • Enable access control to allow or block access to the Internet •...

  • Page 43: Enable Access Control To Allow Or Block Access To The Internet

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Enable access control to allow or block access to the Internet You can use access control to block or allow access to the Internet through your router. To set up access control: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.

  • Page 44: Use Keywords To Block Internet Sites

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The list displays. 8. To allow the WiFi-enabled computer or mobile device you’re currently using to continue to access the Internet, select the check box next to your computer or device, and click the Allow button.
  • Page 45 Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router For example: • Specify XXX to block http://www.badstuff.com/xxx.html. • Specify the domain suffix (for example, .com) if you want to block only sites with a domain suffix such as .com. In such a situation, sites with domain suffixes such as .edu and .gov are still allowed.

  • Page 46: Block Services From The Internet

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Block services from the Internet You can block Internet services on your network based on the type of service. You can block the services all the time or based on a schedule. Note: Service blocking only works for website URLs that begin with http:// only. It does not work for URLs that begin with https://.

  • Page 47: Delete Keywords From The Blocked List

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router publisher of the application, ask user groups or newsgroups, or search on the Internet. 9. Select a filtering option: • Only This IP Address. Block services for a single computer. • IP Address Range. Block services for a range of computers with consecutive IP addresses on your network.

  • Page 48: Prevent Blocking On A Trusted Computer

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Prevent blocking on a trusted computer You can exempt one trusted computer from blocking. The computer that you exempt must be assigned a fixed IP address. You can use the reserved IP address feature to specify the IP address.

  • Page 49: Schedule When To Block Internet Sites And Services

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Access Control. The Access Control page displays. 5. Select the Turn on Access Control check box. 6. Click the View list of allowed devices not currently connected to the network link.

  • Page 50: Set Up Security Event Email Notifications

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router • Time of Day to Block. Select a start and end time in 24-hour format, or select the All Day check box for 24-hour blocking. 6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Set up security event email notifications The router can email you its logs of router activity.
  • Page 51 Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 10. If your outgoing email server requires authentication, select the My Mail Server requires authentication check box, and do the following: a. In the User Name field, type the user name for the outgoing email server.

  • Page 52: Chapter 5 Manage Network Settings

    Manage Network Settings You can customize the router’s network settings. We recommend that you install the router and connect it to the Internet before you change its network settings. This chapter contains the following sections: • View or change the WAN settings •...

  • Page 53: View Or Change The Wan Settings

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router View or change the WAN settings You can view or configure wide area network (WAN) settings for the Internet port. You can set up a DMZ (demilitarized zone) server, change the maximum transmit unit (MTU) size, and enable the router to respond to a ping to its WAN (Internet) port.

  • Page 54: Set Up A Default Dmz Server

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router • Disable SIP ALG. Some voice and video communication applications do not work well with the SIP ALG. Disabling the SIP ALG might help your voice and video applications to create and accept a call through the router.

  • Page 55: Change The Router's Device Name

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 5. Select the Default DMZ Server check box. 6. Type the IP address. 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Change the Router’s Device Name The router's device name is preconfigured with the router's model number. You can edit the device name from the LAN Setup page.
  • Page 56 Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router These addresses are part of the designated private address range for use in private networks and are suitable for most applications. If your network requires a different IP addressing scheme, you can change these settings.

  • Page 57: Specify The Ip Addresses That The Router Assigns

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router • RIP-2. This format carries more information. Both RIP-2B and RIP-2M send the routing data in RIP-2 format. RIP-2B uses subnet broadcasting. RIP-2M uses multicasting. 8. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. If you changed the LAN IP address of the router, you are disconnected when this change takes effect.

  • Page 58: Disable The Dhcp Server Feature In The Router

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 6. Specify the range of IP addresses that the router assigns: a. In the Starting IP Address field, type the lowest number in the range. This IP address must be in the same subnet as the router.

  • Page 59: Manage Reserved Lan Ip Addresses

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The LAN Setup page displays. 5. Clear the Use Router as DHCP Server check box. 6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. 7. (Optional) If this service is disabled and no other DHCP server is on your network, set your computer IP addresses manually so that the computers can access the router.

  • Page 60: Edit A Reserved Ip Address

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 8. Click the Apply button. The reserved address is entered into the table. The reserved address is not assigned until the next time the computer contacts the router’s DHCP server. Reboot the computer, or access its IP configuration and force a DHCP release and renew.

  • Page 61: Use The Wps Wizard For Wifi Connections

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > LAN Setup.

  • Page 62: Specify Basic Wifi Settings

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 7. Within two minutes, on your WPS-enabled device, press its WPS button or follow its instructions for how to connect using WPS. A success page displays if your WPS-enabled device successfully connects to the WiFi network.

  • Page 63: Change The Wifi Mode

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router When this check box is selected, the router broadcasts its network name (SSID) so that it displays when you scan for local WiFi networks on your computer or mobile device. 7. To change the network name (SSID), type a new name in the Name (SSID) field.

  • Page 64: Change The Wifi Mode If Ax Wifi Is Enabled

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Change the WiFi mode if AX WiFi is enabled To change the WiFi mode settings if AX WiFi is enabled: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.

  • Page 65: Change The Wifi Mode If Ax Wifi Is Disabled

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router limits 802.11ax devices to functioning at up to 1800 Mbps. This mode is the default mode. • Up to 3600 Mbps. This mode allows 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, and 802.11a devices to join the selected WiFi network in the 5 GHz band of the network and allows 802.11ax devices to function at up to 3600 Mbps.

  • Page 66: Change The Transmission Power Control

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 6. In the Wireless Network (5 GHz a/n/ac/ax) section, select a WiFi mode from the Mode menu. • Up to 360 Mbps. This mode allows 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, and 802.11a devices to join the selected WiFi network in the 5 GHz band of the network but limits 802.11ax, 802.11ac, and 802.11n devices to functioning at up to 360 Mbps.

  • Page 67: Change The Wifi Password Or The Wifi Security

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The Wireless Settings page displays. 5. In the Wireless Network (2.4 GHz b/g/n) section, select a percentage from the Transmit Power Control menu. 6. In the Wireless Network (5 GHz a/n/ac) section, select a percentage from the Transmit Power Control menu.

  • Page 68: Set Up A Guest Wifi Network

    Mbps mode in the 2.4 GHz band. The channel also depends on the channel selection of the main WiFi network. The router provides two default guest networks with the following names (SSIDs): • 2.4 GHz guest WiFi network SSID. NETGEAR_Guest • 5 GHz guest WiFi network SSID. NETGEAR-5G_Guest Manage Network Settings User Manual...
  • Page 69 Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router By default, these networks are configured as open networks without security but are disabled. You can enable one or both networks. You can also change the SSIDs for these networks. To set up a guest network: 1.

  • Page 70: Enable Or Disable The Wifi Radios

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router • WPA2-PSK [AES]. WPA2 provides a secure and fast connection but some older WiFi devices do not detect WPA2 and support only WPA. Select WPA2-PSK [AES] security to allow 802.11n devices to connect to the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz guest WiFi network at the fastest speed.

  • Page 71: Set Up A Wifi Schedule

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router To enable or disable the WiFi radios: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password.

  • Page 72: Set Up The Router As A Wifi Access Point

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 5. Click the Add a new period button. The page adjusts. 6. Use the menus, radio buttons, and check boxes to set up a period during which you want to turn off the WiFi signal.

  • Page 73: Set Up A Bridge For A Port Group Or Vlan Tag Group

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router • Use fixed IP settings on this device (not recommended). Use this setting if you want to manually assign a specific IP address to this router while it is in AP mode. Using this option effectively requires advanced network experience.

  • Page 74: Set Up A Bridge For A Vlan Tag Group

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.
  • Page 75 Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router To add a VLAN tag group and enable the bridge: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

  • Page 76: Set Up An Iptv Port

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 11. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Set up an IPTV port You can set up the router to create an Internet Protocol television (IPTV) port that can lease an IP address from your IPTV service provider. Use this feature only if you subscribe to an IPTV service and your IPTV service requires an intranet address.

  • Page 77: Manage Custom Static Routes

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Note: You must select at least one Wired Ports or Wireless check box. You can select more than one check box. 8. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Manage custom static routes Typically, you do not need to add static routes unless you use multiple routers or multiple IP subnets on your network.
  • Page 78 Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

  • Page 79: Edit A Static Route

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Edit a static route To edit a static route: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password.

  • Page 80: Enable Or Disable Implicit Beamforming

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 5. In the table, select the radio button for the route. 6. Click the Delete button. The route is removed from the table. Enable or disable implicit beamforming Implicit beamforming means that the router can use information from WiFi clients that support beamforming to improve the WiFi signal.

  • Page 81: Enable Or Disable Pmf

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router to function, WiFi clients must support MU-MIMO, and they must be connected to a 5 GHz WiFi band. This feature is enabled by default, but you can disable it. To enable or disable MU-MIMO: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.

  • Page 82: Set Up The Router In Bridge Mode

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings.
  • Page 83 Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router To set up the router in bridge mode: 1. Make a note of the WiFi settings of the other router to which this router will connect. You must know the SSID, WiFi security mode, wireless password, and operating frequency (either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).

  • Page 84: Chapter 6 Optimize Performance

    Optimize Performance You can set up the router to optimize performance for applications such as Internet gaming, high-definition video streaming, and VoIP communication. By default, the router uses Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service (WMM QoS). This chapter contains the following sections: •...

  • Page 85: Use Dynamic Qos To Optimize Internet Traffic Management

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Use Dynamic QoS to optimize Internet traffic management Dynamic Quality of Service (QoS) helps improve your router’s Internet traffic management capabilities through better application and device identification, bandwidth allocation, and traffic prioritization techniques. Dynamic QoS resolves traffic congestion when the Internet bandwidth is limited and different demands compete for bandwidth.

  • Page 86: Enable Or Disable The Automatic Qos Database Update

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router • I want to define my Internet Bandwidth. If you know what your download and upload speed are, select this radio button and enter your download and upload speeds in the fields. 7. Click the Apply button.

  • Page 87: Improve Network Connections With Universal Plug And Play

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router To manually update the Dynamic QoS database: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password.

  • Page 88: Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality Of Service

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > UPnP.

  • Page 89: Enable Or Disable Ax Wifi

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router benefits of WMM QoS, WMM must be enabled for both it and the client running that application. Legacy applications that do not support WMM and applications that do not require QoS are assigned to the best effort category, which receives a lower priority than voice and video.

  • Page 90: Enable Or Disable Smart Connect

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router To enable or disable AX WiFi: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password.

  • Page 91: Enable Or Disable Ofdma

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select Wireless.
  • Page 92 Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select Wireless.

  • Page 93: Chapter 7 Manage Your Router

    Manage Your Router This chapter describes the router settings for administering and maintaining your router and home network. The chapter contains the following sections: • Update the router firmware • Change the admin password • Enable admin password recovery • Recover the admin password •...

  • Page 94: Update The Router Firmware

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Update the router firmware You can log in to the router and check if new firmware is available, or you can manually load a specific firmware version to your router. Check for new firmware and update the router The router firmware (routing software) is stored in flash memory.

  • Page 95: Manually Upload Firmware To The Router

    To manually upload a firmware file to your router: 1. Download the firmware for your router from the NETGEAR Download Center, save it to your desktop, and unzip the file if needed. Note: The correct firmware file uses an .img or .chk extension.

  • Page 96: Change The Admin Password

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Change the admin password The admin password is the one you specified the first time you logged in. You can change this password. Note: The ideal password contains no dictionary words from any language and contains uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

  • Page 97: Recover The Admin Password

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

  • Page 98: View Information About The Router And The Internet And Wifi Settings

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router A login window opens. 9. With your recovered password, log in to the router. View information about the router and the Internet and WiFi settings You can view router information, the Internet port status, and WiFi settings.

  • Page 99: Display The Statistics Of The Internet Port

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Display the statistics of the Internet port To display the statistics of the Internet port: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.

  • Page 100: Check The Internet Connection Status

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 6. To change the polling frequency, enter a time in seconds in the Poll Interval field and click the Set Interval button. To stop the polling entirely, click the Stop button. Check the Internet connection status To check the Internet connection status: 1.

  • Page 101: View And Manage Logs Of Router Activity

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 6. To release (stop) the Internet connection, click the Release button. 7. To renew (restart) the Internet connection, click the Renew button. 8. To exit the screen, click the Close Window button. View and manage logs of router activity The logs are a detailed record of the websites you accessed or attempted to access and many other router actions.

  • Page 102: View Devices Currently On The Network

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router You must set up email notifications in order to receive the logs. The router to emails the logs to the address that you specified when you set up email notifications. For more information, see Set up security event email notifications on page 50.
  • Page 103 Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router To monitor Internet traffic: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password.

  • Page 104: Manage The Router Configuration File

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 10. Click the Apply button. The Internet Traffic Statistics section helps you to monitor the data traffic. 11. To update the Traffic Statistics section, click the Refresh button. 12. To display more information about the data traffic on your router and to change the poll interval, click the Traffic Status button.

  • Page 105: Restore The Settings

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router To erase the settings: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password.

  • Page 106: Connect To Your Router With Anywhere Access

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The file is uploaded to the router and the router restarts. WARNING: Do not interrupt the restoration process. Connect to your router with Anywhere Access The Anywhere Access feature on the Nighthawk app allows you to connect to your router when you're away from home and change its settings.

  • Page 107: Set Your Time Zone

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Set your time zone To set your time zone: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.

  • Page 108: Specify Readydlna Media Server Settings

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Specify ReadyDLNA media server settings By default, the router acts as a ReadyDLNA media server, which lets you view movies and photos on DLNA/UPnP AV-compliant media players, such as Xbox360, Playstation, and NETGEAR media players.

  • Page 109: Return The Router To Its Factory Default Settings

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Return the router to its factory default settings Under some circumstances (for example, if you lost track of the changes that you made to the router settings or you move the router to a different network), you might want to erase the configuration and reset the router to factory default settings.
  • Page 110 Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router To erase the settings: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password.

  • Page 111: Chapter 8 Share Usb Storage Devices Attached To The Router

    • View network folders on a storage device • Add a network folder on a USB storage device • Edit a network folder on a USB storage device • Safely remove a USB storage device For more information about ReadySHARE features, visit netgear.com/readyshare.

  • Page 112: Usb Device Requirements

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router USB device requirements The router works with most USB-compliant external flash and hard drives. For the most up-to-date list of USB devices that the router supports, visit kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/18985/~/readyshare-usb-drives-compatibility-list. Some USB external hard drives and flash drives require you to load the drivers onto the computer before the computer can access the USB storage device.

  • Page 113: Access A Storage Device Connected To The Router From A Windows-Based Computer

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Access a storage device connected to the router from a Windows-based computer To access the USB storage device from a Windows-based computer: 1. Connect a USB storage device to a USB port on your router.

  • Page 114: Access A Storage Device That Is Connected To The Router From A Mac

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 6. Right-click the USB device and select Map network drive. The Map Network Drive window opens. 7. Select the drive letter to map to the new network folder. 8. Click the Finish button. The USB storage device is mapped to the drive letter that you specified.

  • Page 115: Enable Ftp Access Within Your Network

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 6. Click the Connect button. A window automatically opens and displays the files and folders on the USB storage device. Enable FTP access within your network File Transfer Protocol (FTP) lets you download (receive) and upload (send) large files faster.

  • Page 116: Add A Network Folder On A Usb Storage Device

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > USB Functions > ReadySHARE Storage.

  • Page 117: Edit A Network Folder On A Usb Storage Device

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The USB Storage (Advanced Settings) page displays. 5. In the Available Network Folders section, select the USB storage device. If a single device is attached to the USB port, the radio button is selected automatically.

  • Page 118: Safely Remove A Usb Storage Device

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.
  • Page 119 Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 7. Physically disconnect the USB storage device. Share USB Storage Devices User Manual Attached to the Router...

  • Page 120: Chapter 9 Use Dynamic Dns To Access Usb Storage Devices

    Use Dynamic DNS to Access USB Storage Devices Through the Internet With Dynamic DNS, you can use the Internet to access a USB device that's connected to a USB port on the router when you’re not home. This chapter contains the following sections: •...

  • Page 121: Set Up And Manage Dynamic Dns

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Set up and manage Dynamic DNS Internet service providers (ISPs) assign numbers called IP addresses to identify each Internet account. Most ISPs use dynamically assigned IP addresses. This means that the IP address can change at any time. You can use the IP address to access your network remotely, but most people don’t know what their IP addresses are or when this number...

  • Page 122: Your Personal Ftp Server

    With your customized free URL, you can use FTP to access your network when you aren’t home through Dynamic DNS. To set up your FTP server, you must register for a NETGEAR Dynamic DNS (DDNS) service account and specify the account settings. See Set up a new Dynamic DNS account on page 123.

  • Page 123: Set Up A New Dynamic Dns Account

    12. Follow the onscreen instructions to register for your NETGEAR Dynamic DNS service. Specify a DNS account that you already created If you already created a Dynamic DNS account with NETGEAR, No-IP, or DynDNS, you can set up the router to use your account.

  • Page 124: Change The Dynamic Dns Settings

    • No-IP account or DynDNS account. In the User Name field, type the user name for your account. • NETGEAR account. In the Email field, type the email address for your account. 10. In the Password (6-32 characters) field, type the password for your DDNS account.

  • Page 125: Access Usb Storage Devices Through The Internet

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router To change your settings: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password.

  • Page 126: Chapter 10 Use Vpn To Access Your Network

    Use VPN to Access Your Network You can use OpenVPN software to remotely access your router using virtual private networking (VPN). This chapter explains how to set up and use VPN access. The chapter contains the following sections: • Set up a VPN connection •...

  • Page 127: Set Up A Vpn Connection

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Set up a VPN connection A virtual private network (VPN) lets you use the Internet to securely access your network when you aren’t home. This type of VPN access is called a client-to-gateway tunnel. The computer is the client, and the router is the gateway.

  • Page 128: Install Openvpn Software

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 6. To change the TUN mode settings, do the following: a. In the TUN Mode Service Type section, select a radio button: • UDP • TCP b. In the TUN Mode Service Port field, enter a new service port.
  • Page 129 Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > VPN Service. The VPN Service page displays. 5. Make sure that the Enable VPN Service check box is selected. 6. Specify any VPN service settings on the page.
  • Page 130 Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 12. Read the License Agreement and click the I Agree button. 13. Leave the check boxes selected as shown, and click the Next button. 14. To specify the destination folder, click the Browse button and select a destination folder.

  • Page 131: Install Openvpn Software On Your Mac Computer

    For a client device with Windows 64-bit system, the VPN client is installed at C:\Program files\OpenVPN\config\ by default. 18. For a client device with Windows, modify the VPN interface name to NETGEAR-VPN: a. On your computer, go to the Networks page. If you are using Windows 10, select Control Panel >...

  • Page 132: Install Openvpn Software On An Ios Device

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router To install VPN client software on your Mac computer: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password.

  • Page 133: Install Openvpn Software On An Android Device

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > VPN Service.

  • Page 134: Use A Vpn Tunnel On Your Windows Computer

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 6. Specify any VPN service settings on the page. For more information, see Specify VPN service in the router on page 127. 7. Click the For Smart Phone button to download the OpenVPN configuration files.
  • Page 135 Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router To open a VPN tunnel: 1. Launch the OpenVPN application with administrator privileges. The OpenVPN icon displays in the Windows taskbar. Tip: You can create a shortcut to the VPN program, then use the shortcut to access the settings and select the run as administrator check box.Then every time you use...

  • Page 136: Use Vpn To Access The Router's Usb Device And Media

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Use VPN to access the router’s USB device and media To access a USB device and download files from your Windows-based computer using VPN: 1. On your Windows-based computer, open the Windows file manager and select Network.

  • Page 137: Set Up Vpn Client Internet Access In The Router

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Set up VPN client Internet access in the router By default, the router is set up to allow VPN connections only to your home network, but you can change the settings to allow Internet access. Accessing the Internet remotely through a VPN might be slower than accessing the Internet directly.

  • Page 138: Use A Vpn Tunnel To Access Your Internet Service At Home

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router To allow VPN clients to access only your home network: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.
  • Page 139 Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 4. When the VPN connection is established, launch your Internet browser. Use VPN to Access Your Network User Manual...

  • Page 140: Chapter 11 Manage Port Forwarding And Port Triggering

    Manage port forwarding and port triggering You can use port forwarding and port triggering to set up rules for Internet traffic. You need networking knowledge to set up these features. This chapter contains the following sections: • Manage port forwarding to a local server •...

  • Page 141: Manage Port Forwarding To A Local Server

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Manage port forwarding to a local server If your home network includes a server, you can allow certain types of incoming traffic to reach the server. For example, you might want to make a local web server, FTP server, or game server visible and available to the Internet.

  • Page 142: Add A Custom Port Forwarding Service

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router 11. Click the Add button. The service displays in the menu. Add a custom port forwarding service The router lists default services and applications that you can use in port forwarding rules. If the service or application is not predefined, you can add a port forwarding rule with a custom service or application.

  • Page 143: Edit A Port Forwarding Service

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router You can enter a port range and fixed ports in one rule, for example, external (30–50, 78, 100–102), internal (40–60, 99, 200–202). With this rule, external ports 30–50 are forwarded to internal ports 40–60. 12. In the Internal IP address field, type the IP address or select the radio button for an attached device listed in the table.

  • Page 144: Delete A Port Forwarding Entry

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Delete a port forwarding entry To delete a port forwarding entry: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

  • Page 145: How The Router Implements The Port Forwarding Rule

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router How the router implements the port forwarding rule The following sequence shows the effects of a port forwarding rule: 1. When you type the URL www.example.com in your browser, the browser sends a web page request message with the following destination information: •...

  • Page 146: Add A Port Triggering Service

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Add a port triggering service To add a port triggering service: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

  • Page 147: Enable Port Triggering

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Enable port triggering To enable port triggering: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password.
  • Page 148 Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router also allow incoming traffic on port 113 to reach the originating computer.” The following sequence shows the effects of this port triggering rule: 1. You open an IRC client program to start a chat session on your computer.

  • Page 149: Chapter 12 Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting This chapter provides information to help you diagnose and solve problems you might experience with your router. If you do not find the solution here, check the NETGEAR support site at netgear.com/support for product and contact information. The chapter contains the following sections: •...

  • Page 150: Quick Tips

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Quick tips This section describes tips for troubleshooting some common problems. Sequence to restart your network If you must restart your network, follow this sequence: 1. Turn off and unplug the modem. 2. Turn off the router.

  • Page 151: Troubleshoot With The Leds

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Some Internet service providers require you to use the MAC address of the computer initially registered on the account, but this is an unusual situation. You can view the MAC address on the Attached Devices page of the router web interface.

  • Page 152: Power Led Is Off Or Blinking

    • Make sure that the power adapter is securely connected to your router and securely connected to a working power outlet. • Make sure that you are using the power adapter that NETGEAR supplied for this product. • If the Power LED blinks slowly and continuously, the router firmware is corrupted.

  • Page 153: You Cannot Log In To The Router

    IP address, you don’t need to reset the router to factory default settings. • If you are attempting to set up your NETGEAR router as a replacement for an ADSL gateway in your network, the router cannot perform many gateway services. For...

  • Page 154: You Cannot Access The Internet

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router example, the router cannot convert ADSL or cable data into Ethernet networking information. NETGEAR does not support such a configuration. You cannot access the Internet If you can access your router but not the Internet, check to see if the router can obtain a WAN IP address from your Internet service provider (ISP).

  • Page 155: Troubleshoot Internet Browsing

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router • If your ISP allows only one Ethernet MAC address to connect to Internet and checks for your computer’s MAC address, do one of the following: Inform your ISP that you bought a new network device and ask them to use the router’s MAC address.

  • Page 156: Changes Are Not Saved

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Changes are not saved If the router does not save the changes that you make in the router web interface, do the following: • When entering configuration settings, always click the Apply button before moving to another page or tab, or your changes are lost.

  • Page 157: Troubleshoot Your Network Using The Ping Utility

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Troubleshoot your network using the ping utility Most network devices and routers contain a ping utility that sends an echo request packet to the designated device. The device then responds with an echo reply. You can easily troubleshoot a network using the ping utility in your computer or workstation.

  • Page 158: Test The Path From A Windows-Based Computer To A Remote Device

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Test the path from a Windows-based computer to a remote device To test the path from a Windows-based computer to a remote device: 1. From the Windows toolbar, click the Start button and select Run.

  • Page 159: Chapter 13 Supplemental Information

    Supplemental Information This chapter includes technical information about your router. The chapter covers the following topics: • Factory Settings on page 160 • Technical Specifications on page 161...

  • Page 160: Factory Settings

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Factory Settings You can return the router to its factory settings. Use the end of a paper clip or a similar object to press and hold the Reset button on the back of the router for at least seven seconds.

  • Page 161: Technical Specifications

    Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream WiFi Router Table 3. Factory default settings (Continued) Feature Default setting RF channel Auto for 2.4 GHz, CH 44 for WW SKU, and CH 153 for North America SKU Operating mode Up to 600 Mbps at 2.4 GHz Up to 3600 Gbps at 5 GHz Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications.
  • Page 162 Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE 802.11 specifications. Actual data throughput and wireless coverage will vary and may be lowered by network and environmental conditions, including network traffic volume and building construction. NETGEAR makes no representations or warranties about this product’s compatibility with AX standards. Supplemental Information...

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