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NETGEAR XR450 User Manual

Nighthawk pro gaming router
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User Manual
Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router
Model XR450
October 2019
202-11888-02
NETGEAR, Inc.
350 E. Plumeria Drive
San Jose, CA 95134, USA

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Summary of Contents for NETGEAR XR450

  • Page 1 User Manual Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Model XR450 NETGEAR, Inc. October 2019 350 E. Plumeria Drive 202-11888-02 San Jose, CA 95134, USA...
  • Page 2 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. Trademarks ©NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR and the NETGEAR Logo are trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. Any non-NETGEAR trademarks are used for reference purposes only.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Use a Web Browser to Access the Router........22 Automatic Internet Setup..............22 Log In to the Router...............24 Change the Language..............25 Manage Your Router With the NETGEAR Nighthawk App...25 Chapter 3 Specify Your Internet Settings Use the Internet Setup Wizard............28 Manually Set Up the Internet Connection........28 Specify an Internet Connection Without a Login.......28...
  • Page 4 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Set Up an IPv6 DHCP Internet Connection.........41 Set Up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet Connection........42 Change the MTU Size.................44 Chapter 4 Customize Quality of Service Settings and Optimize Gaming Improve Response Time by Using the Geo Filter......48 Configure and Use the Geo Filter..........48...
  • Page 5 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Set Up a Schedule for Keyword Blocking and Outbound Firewall Rules.....................77 Set Up Email Notifications for Security Events and Log Messages.79 Chapter 7 Manage the Router’s Network Settings View or Change WAN Settings............82 Set Up a Default DMZ Server............83 Change the Router’s Device Name..........84...
  • Page 6 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Use the Router as a WiFi Access Point Only.........117 Chapter 9 Maintain the Router Update the Router Firmware............120 Check for New Firmware and Update the Router....120 Manually Upload Firmware to the Router.........121 Change the admin Password............123 Enable admin Password Recovery..........123...
  • Page 7 Install the printer driver and cable the printer......169 Download the ReadySHARE printer utility........169 Install the ReadySHARE printer utility..........169 Print using the NETGEAR USB Control Center......170 Chapter 14 Use VPN to Access Your Network Set Up a VPN Connection...............173 Specify VPN Service in the Router..........173 Install OpenVPN Software...............174...
  • Page 8 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Use VPN to Access the Router’s USB Storage Device and Media From a Windows-Based Computer..........181 Use VPN to Access Your Internet Service at Home......181 Allow VPN Client Internet Access in the Router.......181 Block VPN Client Internet Access in the Router.......182 Use a VPN Tunnel to Access Your Internet Service at Home..183...
  • Page 9 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Troubleshoot Internet Browsing.............206 Changes are not saved..............207 Troubleshoot WiFi Connectivity.............207 Troubleshoot your network using the ping utility......208 Test the path from a Windows-based computer to a remote device....................208 Test the LAN path to your router..........209 Chapter 18 Supplemental Information Factory Settings................212...

  • Page 10: Chapter 1 Hardware Setup

    Hardware Setup ® This user manual is for the NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router. This chapter contains the following sections: • Unpack Your Router • LEDs, Buttons, and Ports on the Front Panel, Top Panel, and Left Side Panel • Rear Panel •...

  • Page 11: Unpack Your Router

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Unpack Your Router Your package contains the Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router, the four antennas, the power adapter, and an Ethernet cable. Figure 1. Package contents Hardware Setup User Manual...

  • Page 12: Leds, Buttons, And Ports On The Front Panel, Top Panel, And Left Side Panel

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router LEDs, Buttons, and Ports on the Front Panel, Top Panel, and Left Side Panel The status LEDs are located on the front panel, two buttons with LEDs are located on the top panel, and two USB 3.0 ports are located on the left side panel of the router.
  • Page 13 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Table 1. LED descriptions (Continued) LED and Button Description 2.4 GHz WiFi LED Solid white. The 2.4 GHz WiFi radio is operating. Blinking white. The router is sending or receiving WiFi traffic. Off. The 2.4 GHz WiFi radio is off.

  • Page 14: Rear Panel

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Rear Panel The following figure shows the rear panel connectors and buttons. Figure 3. Rear panel Viewed from left to right, the rear panel contains the following components: • LED On/Off switch. If this switch is in the Off position, all the router’s LEDs, including the LEDs on the four active antennas, but not the Power LED, are turned off.

  • Page 15: Attach The Antennas

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Attach the Antennas The router comes with four antennas. Attach two antennas to the rear panel and attach one antenna to each side panel. Figure 4. Attach the antennas and position them for best WiFi performance To attach the antennas: 1.

  • Page 16: Router Label

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Router Label The router label on the top panel of the router shows the login information, WiFi Network Name (SSID), network key (password), serial number, and MAC address. Figure 5. Router label Figure 6. Location of the router label...
  • Page 17 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router To take full advantage of the 11ad advanced feature, your router must be placed within 20 feet and within line of sight of the 11ad enabled device that you are connecting to In addition, position your router according to the following guidelines: •...

  • Page 18: Cable Your Router

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming 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 19 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router To turn the LEDs on or off using the LED On/Off switch: Move the LED On/Off switch on the rear panel to the On or Off position. Hardware Setup User Manual...

  • Page 20: Chapter 2 Connect To The Network And Access The Router

    The chapter contains the following sections: • Connect to the Network • Types of Logins • Use a Web Browser to Access the Router • Manage Your Router With the NETGEAR Nighthawk App...

  • Page 21: Connect To The Network

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Connect to the Network You can connect to the router’s network through a wired or WiFi connection. If you set up your computer to use a static IP address, change the settings so that it uses Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).

  • Page 22: Types Of Logins

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router 4. Within two minutes, on your computer or mobile device, press its WPS button or follow its instructions for WPS connections. Your computer or mobile device connects to the WiFi network. Types of Logins Separate types of logins serve different purposes. It is important that you understand the difference so that you know which login to use when.
  • Page 23 Internet. When you start an Internet application, your router automatically logs you in. The NETGEAR installation assistant runs on any device with a web browser. To automatically set up your router: 1. Make sure that the router is powered on.

  • Page 24: Log In To The Router

    Contact your ISP to verify that you are using the correct configuration information. c. Read You Cannot Access the Internet on page 204. If problems persist, register your NETGEAR product and contact NETGEAR Technical Support. When the router connects to the Internet, you are prompted to download and install ®...

  • Page 25: Change The Language

    Manage Your Router With the NETGEAR Nighthawk App With the NETGEAR Nighthawk app, you can easily manage your router. With the app, you can update your router's firmware, change your WiFi network settings, register your router with NETGEAR, and more.
  • Page 26 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router The dashboard displays. 4. Tap a feature on the dashboard to view or change the settings. Connect to the Network and User Manual Access the Router...

  • Page 27: 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 the installation assistant to detect the Internet connection when you first access the router with a web browser (see Automatic Internet Setup on page 22). You can also customize or specify your Internet settings.

  • Page 28: Use The Internet Setup Wizard

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming 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 29 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming 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 30: Specify An Internet Connection That Uses A Login

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming 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 204. Specify an Internet Connection That Uses a Login To view or change the basic Internet setup: 1.

  • Page 31: 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 204. Specify IPv6 Internet Connections You can set up an IPv6 Internet connection if the router does not detect it automatically.

  • Page 32: Requirements For Entering Ipv6 Addresses

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router 4. Select Settings > Advanced Settings > 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 33: Use Auto Detect For An Ipv6 Internet Connection

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming 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 34: Use Auto Config For An Ipv6 Internet Connection

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router 8. Select an IPv6 Filtering radio button: • Secured. In secured mode, which is the default mode, the router inspects both TCP and UDP packets. • Open. In open mode, the router inspects UDP packets only.

  • Page 35: Set Up An Ipv6 6To4 Tunnel Internet Connection

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router 7. (Optional) In the DHCP Domain Name (If Required) field, enter a domain name. You can type the domain name of your IPv6 ISP. Do not enter the domain name for the IPv4 ISP here. For example, if your ISP’s mail server is mail.xxx.yyy.zzz, type xxx.yyy.zzz as the domain name.
  • Page 36 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router To set up an IPv6 Internet connection by using a 6to4 tunnel: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.

  • Page 37: Set Up An Ipv6 6Rd Internet Connection

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router This setting specifies how the router assigns IPv6 addresses to the devices on your home network (the LAN). 9. Select an IPv6 Filtering radio button: • Secured. In secured mode, which is the default mode, the router inspects both TCP and UDP packets.
  • Page 38 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router 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 39: Set Up An Ipv6 Pass Through Internet Connection

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router • Secured. In secured mode, which is the default mode, the router inspects both TCP and UDP packets. • Open. In open mode, the router inspects UDP packets only. 11. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.
  • Page 40 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming 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 41: Set Up An Ipv6 Dhcp Internet Connection

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router • Secured. In secured mode, which is the default mode, the router inspects both TCP and UDP packets. • Open. In open mode, the router inspects UDP packets only. 10. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.

  • Page 42: Set Up An Ipv6 Pppoe Internet Connection

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router You can type the domain name of your IPv6 ISP. Do not enter the domain name for the IPv4 ISP here. For example, if your ISP’s mail server is mail.xxx.yyy.zzz, type xxx.yyy.zzz as the domain name. If your ISP provided a domain name, type it in this field.
  • Page 43 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming 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 44: Change The Mtu Size

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router 7. Select an IPv6 Domain Name Server (DNS) Address radio button: • Get Automatically from ISP. This is the default setting. Your ISP uses DHCP to assign your DNS servers. Your ISP automatically assigns this address.
  • Page 45 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router 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: • You experience problems connecting to your ISP or other Internet service, and the technical support of either the ISP or NETGEAR recommends changing the MTU setting.
  • Page 46 Table 2. Common MTU sizes Application 1500 The largest Ethernet packet size. This setting is typical for connections that do not use PPPoE or VPN and is the default value for NETGEAR routers, adapters, and switches. 1492 Used in PPPoE environments. 1472 Maximum size to use for pinging.

  • Page 47: Chapter 4 Customize Quality Of Service Settings And Optimize Gaming

    Customize Quality of Service Settings and Optimize Gaming You can customize Quality of Service (QoS) settings and optimize gaming by preventing network lag and congestion, by allocating bandwidth to specific devices, and by prioritizing traffic for specific devices. This chapter contains the following sections: •...

  • Page 48: Improve Response Time By Using The Geo Filter

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Improve Response Time by Using the Geo Filter The main cause of lag in console games such as Call of Duty, Destiny, FIFA, and many others, is the distance from you to the host or server of the game. The Geo Filter can limit the distance of these hosts or servers by blocking all hosts or servers outside the range that you can specify.
  • Page 49 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router distance radius to force your device to use a host or server inside your radius. We recommend this setting for console games. If your device is a not console, by default, the Spectating Mode radio button is selected for the device, which means that the router does not block connections outside of your distance radius.

  • Page 50: Ping A Device And Allow Or Deny The Device A Connection

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Blocked server (that is, a server outside the distance radius) Whitelisted server (that is, a server that you added to the whitelist) Note: For information about allowing (whitelisting) or blocking (blacklisting) a connection to a device (that is, to a player or server), see Ping a Device and Allow or Deny the Device a Connection on page 50.

  • Page 51: Add A Device To The Geo Filter

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router 5. In the Geo-Filter Map pane, click the connection on the Geo Filter Map. If the Ping pane is not yet open, the Ping pane opens. For the selected connection, the Ping pane displays the ping information and the associated host type, IP address, and domain name.

  • Page 52: Remove A Device From The Geo Filter

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router The Geo-Filter window opens and displays the detected devices. 6. Select your device. 7. Click NEXT. 8. Select a service. If your device is a console, console services display. If your device is not a console, nonconsole services displays.

  • Page 53: Manage The General Geo Filter Map Settings

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router The device is removed from the Geo Filter. Manage the General Geo Filter Map Settings You can manage the general Geo Filter map settings such as the unit of length (kilometers or miles) in which the distance radius is expressed, whether the Strict Mode feature is enabled, and whether the Auto Ping Host feature is enabled.

  • Page 54: Manage Bandwidth Allocation

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Note: The Flush Cloud button is for use under guidance from NETGEAR Technical Support. (Clicking the Flush Cloud button reloads the IP addresses for the Geo Filter.) 7. To close the Settings pane, click the X.

  • Page 55: Disable Anti-Bufferbloat

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router 7. Change the default Anti-Bufferbload options: • Goodput. By default, the Goodput check box is selected and both the upload and download bandwidth values are more closely aligned to the results of a speedtest. If you used the automatic Internet setup, the router performed a speed test during the setup process.

  • Page 56: Allocate Bandwidth To Devices

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router queued. However, situations might exist in which you want to disable the Anti-Bufferbloat feature. To disable the Anti-Bufferbloat feature: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.
  • Page 57 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router The Dashboard displays. 4. Select QoS. The Bandwidth Allocation pane displays a graph that shows the devices on the router network. By default, each device is allocated an equal share of the router bandwidth, expressed by a number in a white circle that is associated with a device.

  • Page 58: Reset The Bandwidth Distribution

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router 7. To allocate an exact bandwidth (either in Mbps or in percentage) to a device, do the following in the Bandwidth Allocation pane: a. Above the graph, select either the Download radio button or Upload radio button.

  • Page 59: Manage Traffic Prioritization

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router To reset the bandwidth to default 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 60 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router You can also view traffic prioritization information. The router shows the number of uploaded and downloaded packets that were sent to the front of the queue and shows whether high-priority traffic is automatically prioritized. To prioritize traffic for a device and view prioritization information: 1.

  • Page 61: Add A Device For Traffic Prioritization

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router e. To display other selection criteria, select the Advanced radio button, and enter the start and end numbers for the source port, enter the start and end numbers for the destination port, and select the protocol.

  • Page 62: Stop Traffic Prioritization For A Device

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router By default, the Basic radio button is selected and a preset list of games display. We recommend that you manually select a service only if you consider yourself an advanced user. 10. To display other selection criteria, select the Advanced radio button, and enter the start and end numbers for the source port, enter the start and end numbers for the destination port, and select the protocol.
  • Page 63 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router To disable the automatic traffic prioritization: 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 64: Chapter 5 Monitor Devices And The Network And View Router Information

    Monitor Devices and the Network and View Router Information This chapter describes how to monitor the devices on your network and the network itself and how to view the router system information. For more information about viewing the router logs, statistics, and network connection, see Maintain the Router on page 119.

  • Page 65: View And Manage Devices Currently On The Network

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router View and Manage Devices Currently on the Network You can view all computers and devices that are currently connected to your router network. You can change the settings that display on the page (you cannot change the actual settings for a device through the router), prevent a device from being displayed, and block a device from connecting to the Internet through router.

  • Page 66: View Network Usage Information

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router 8. To block a device from accessing the Internet through the router, in the Device Settings pane, click the BLOCK button. The device is blocked and is indicated by a black icon in the device tree.
  • Page 67 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router 5. To view upload or download volume details, point to a bar (in the Network Snapshot pane) or point to a node (in the Network Overview pane). A small pop-up window displays volume details. 6. To limit the displayed bandwidth in a pane to the download bandwidth or upload bandwidth, do the following: •...

  • Page 68: View Router System Information

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router • To close the Category Breakdown pane, click the X. View Router System Information To view router system information: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.

  • Page 69: Customize The Dashboard

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router • Flash Usage. This pane shows usage information about the eight flash memory categories on the router. You can take any of the following actions in the Flash Usage pane: To exclude a flash memory category from the graph, above the graph, click the name of the flash memory category.
  • Page 70 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router For information about these panes, see View Router System Information on page 68. You can customize the panes that display on the Dashboard by adding panes that are useful to you and removing panes that are not useful to you. You also rearrange and resize the panes.

  • Page 71: Chapter 6 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 includes the following sections: • Block Access to Internet Sites • Block Services and Applications With Simple Outbound Firewall Rules •...

  • Page 72: Block Access To Internet Sites

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Block Access to Internet Sites You can block keywords and domains (websites) to prevent certain types of HTTP traffic from accessing your network. By default, keyword blocking is disabled and no domains are blocked. Add Keywords and Block Access to Specific Internet Sites You can add keywords to block specific Internet sites from your network.

  • Page 73: Delete Keywords From The Blocked List

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router • Enter a period (.) to block all Internet browsing access. 7. Click the Add Keyword button. The keyword is added to the keyword list. The keyword list supports up to 255 entries. 8. Click the Apply button.

  • Page 74: Block Services And Applications With Simple Outbound Firewall Rules

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router To specify a trusted computer: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password.

  • Page 75: Block A Service Or Application From Accessing The Internet

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Block a Service or Application From Accessing 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.

  • Page 76: Change An Outbound Firewall Rule For A Service Or Application

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router 9. Select a filtering option: • Only This IP Address. Block services for a single computer. Enter the IP address for that computer. • IP Address Range. Block services for a range of computers with consecutive IP addresses on your network.

  • Page 77: Remove An Outbound Firewall Rule For A Service Or Application

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Your settings are saved. The changed rule displays in the Service Table on the Block Services page. Remove an Outbound Firewall Rule for a Service or Application You can remove an outbound firewall rule that you no longer need. After you remove the rule, the service or application is no longer blocked.
  • Page 78 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router To set up a schedule: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password.
  • Page 79 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Set Up Email Notifications for Security Events and Log Messages The router can email you notifications of security events and its log messages of router activity. The log records router activity and security events such as attempts to access blocked sites, services, or applications.
  • Page 80 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router 10. To send alerts when someone attempts to visit a blocked site, select the Send Alerts Immediately check box. Email alerts are sent immediately when someone attempts to visit a blocked site. This is the default setting.

  • Page 81: Chapter 7 Manage The Router's Network Settings

    Manage the Router’s Network Settings The router comes ready for WiFi, Ethernet, and USB connections. You can customize the router’s network settings. We recommend that you install the router and connect it to the Internet before you change its network settings. This chapter includes the following sections: •...

  • Page 82: View Or Change Wan Settings

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router View or Change 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 83: Set Up A Default Dmz Server

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router attacks from the Internet but might prevent some Internet games, point-to-point applications, or multimedia applications from working. Open NAT provides a much less secured firewall but allows almost all Internet applications to work. By default, the Secured NAT radio button is selected and the router functions with secured NAT.

  • Page 84: Change The Router's Device Name

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router The Dashboard displays. 4. Select Settings > Setup > WAN Setup. The WAN Setup page displays. 5. Select the Default DMZ Server check box. 6. Type the IP address. 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.

  • Page 85: Change The Router's Lan Ip Address And Rip Settings

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Change the Router’s LAN IP Address and RIP Settings The router is preconfigured to use private IP addresses on the LAN side and to function as a DHCP server. The router’s default LAN IP configuration is as follows: •...

  • Page 86: Specify The Ip Addresses That The Router Assigns

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router 7. Router Information Protocol (RIP) allows a router to exchange routing information with other routers. To change the RIP settings, do the following: a. Select the RIP direction: • Both. The router broadcasts its routing table periodically and incorporates information that it receives.
  • Page 87 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router To specify the pool of IP addresses that the router assigns: 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 88: Disable The Dhcp Server Feature In The Router

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Disable the DHCP Server Feature in the Router By default, the router functions as a DHCP server. The router assigns IP, DNS server, and default gateway addresses to all computers connected to the LAN. The assigned default gateway address is the LAN address of the router.

  • Page 89: Reserve A Lan Ip Address

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Reserve a LAN IP Address To reserve a LAN IP address: 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 90: Change A Reserved Ip Address

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router The reserved address is not assigned until the next time the computer contacts the router’s DHCP server. You can restart the computer, or access its IP configuration and force a DHCP release and renew. Change a Reserved IP Address To change a reserved address entry: 1.

  • Page 91: Set Up A Bridge To Your Isp's Network Using A Port Group Or Vlan Tag Group

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming 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 92: Set Up A Bridge To Your Isp's Network Using A Vlan Tag Group

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router To set up a bridge to your ISP’s network using a port group: 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 93 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router If you are subscribed to a service such as IPTV, the router might require VLAN tags to distinguish between the Internet traffic and the IPTV traffic. A bridge with a VLAN tag group prevents packets that are sent between the device and the router’s Internet port from being processed through the router’s Network Address Translation (NAT) service.

  • Page 94: Set Up An Iptv Port To Lease An Intranet Port

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router • Select the check box for a wired LAN port or WiFi port. If your device is connected to an Ethernet port on the router, select the LAN port check box that corresponds to the Ethernet port on the router to which the device is connected.

  • Page 95: Manage Custom Static Routes

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router The VLAN / Bridge Settings page displays. 5. Select the Enable VLAN/Bridge Group check box. The page expands. 6. Select the By bridge group radio button. The page expands. 7. Depending on the port to which the IPTV is connected, select a Wired Ports check box or a Wireless check box: •...

  • Page 96: Set Up A Static Route

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router • The Gateway IP Address field specifies that all traffic for these addresses will be forwarded to the ISDN router at 192.168.1.100. • A metric value of 1 works because the ISDN router is on the LAN.

  • Page 97: Change A Static Route

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router This value represents the number of routers between your network and the destination. Usually, a setting of 2 or 3 works, but if this is a direct connection, set it to 1. 13. Click the Apply button.

  • Page 98: Improve Network Connections With Universal Plug And Play

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming 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 Dashboard displays. 4. Select Settings > Advanced Settings > Static Routes.
  • Page 99 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router 6. Type the advertisement period in minutes. The advertisement period specifies how often the router broadcasts its UPnP information. This value can range from 1 to 1440 minutes. The default period is 30 minutes. Shorter durations ensure that control points receive current device status at the expense of more network traffic.

  • Page 100: Chapter 8 Manage The Router's Wifi Settings

    Manage the Router’s WiFi Settings The router comes ready for WiFi connections. You can customize the router’s WiFi settings. This chapter includes the following sections: • Specify Basic WiFi Settings • Change the WiFi Password or Security Level • Change the WiFi Mbps Mode for Download and Upload Speeds •...

  • Page 101: Specify Basic Wifi Settings

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Specify Basic WiFi Settings The router comes with preset security. This means that the WiFi network name (SSID), network key (password), and security option (encryption protocol) are preset in the factory. You can find the preset SSID and password on the router label.
  • Page 102 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router the 2.4 GHz band. That means that when you connect to the router with WiFi, you see only one SSID that connects to both bands. Note: If you enable Smart Connect and the SSID and passwords for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands do not match, the SSID and security option for the 2.4 GHz band...

  • Page 103: Change The Wifi Password Or Security Level

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router If you connected wirelessly to the network and you changed the SSID, you are disconnected from the network. 12. Make sure that you can connect wirelessly to the network with its new settings. If you cannot connect wirelessly, check the following: •...

  • Page 104: Change The Wifi Mbps Mode For Download And Upload Speeds.104

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router The Passphrase field displays. 6. In the Passphrase field, enter the network key (password). It is a text string from 8 to 63 characters. 7. Write down the new password and keep it in a secure place for future reference.

  • Page 105: Set Up A Guest Wifi Network

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router The Wireless Settings page displays. 5. For the 2.4 GHz WiFi band, in the Wireless Network (2.4 GHz b/g/n) section, select a setting from the Mode menu. Up to 600 Mbps is the default setting. The other settings are Up to 289 Mbps and Up to 54 Mbps.

  • Page 106: Configure Wpa/Wpa2 Enterprise Wifi Security

    8. Keep the default guest network name or type a custom name. The default guest WiFi network names (SSIDs) are as follows: • NETGEAR-Guest is for the 2.4 GHz WiFi band. • NETGEAR-5G-Guest is for the 5 GHz WiFi band.
  • Page 107 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Tip: If you want to change the WiFi settings of the router’s main network, use a wired connection to avoid being disconnected when the new WiFi settings take effect. To configure WPA and WPA2 enterprise security: 1.

  • Page 108: Configure Wep Legacy Wifi Security

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router • RADIUS server Shared Secret. Enter the shared secret (RADIUS password) that is used between the router and the RADIUS server during authentication of a WiFi user. 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.
  • Page 109 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router 4. Depending on the WiFi network that you are configuring, do one of the following: • If you are configuring the main WiFi network, do the following: a. Select Settings > Setup > Wireless Setup.

  • Page 110: Control The Wifi Radios

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router 11. Make sure that you can reconnect over WiFi to the network with its new security settings. If you cannot connect over WiFi, check the following: • Is your computer or mobile device connected to another WiFi network in your area? Some mobile devices automatically connect to the first open network without WiFi security that they discover.

  • Page 111: Use The Wps Wizard For Wifi Connections

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming 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 112: Set Up A Wifi Schedule

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router • Push button. Click the WPS button on this page. • PIN Number. The page adjusts again. Enter the client security PIN and click the Next button. 7. Within two minutes, go to the WPS-enabled device and use its WPS software to connect to the WiFi network.

  • Page 113: Specify Wps Settings

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Specify WPS Settings Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) lets you join the WiFi network without typing the WiFi password. To specify WPS settings: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.

  • Page 114: Manage Implicit Beamforming

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Manage Implicit Beamforming Implicit beamforming contrasts with explicit beamforming, which means the router actively tracks clients and directs power to the router antenna closest to the client. Explicit beamforming works whether or not the client supports beamforming. Implicit beamforming means that the router can use information from client devices that support beamforming to improve the WiFi speed, reliability, and range.

  • Page 115: Manage Ht160 For 160 Mhz Wifi Support

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router To disable Mu-MIMO: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 3. Enter the router user name and password.

  • Page 116: Disable Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality Of Service

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router The Advanced Wireless Settings page displays. 5. Scroll to the bottom of the page and select the Enable HT160 check box. 6. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. If you are connected over WiFi to the network, you might be disconnected from the network and might need to reconnect.

  • Page 117: Use The Router As A Wifi Access Point Only

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Your settings are saved. Use the Router as a WiFi Access Point Only By default, the router functions both as a router and a WiFi access point (AP). You can set up the router to function in AP mode and let it operate on the same local network as another router.
  • Page 118 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router 8. Click the Apply button. The IP address of the router changes, and you are disconnected. 9. To reconnect, close and restart your browser and type http://www.routerlogin.net. Manage the Router’s WiFi User Manual Settings...

  • Page 119: Chapter 9 Maintain The Router

    Maintain the Router This chapter describes the settings for administering and maintaining your router. For information about monitoring devices and the network and viewing the router system information, see Monitor Devices and the Network and View Router Information on page 64. The chapter includes the following sections: •...

  • Page 120: Update The Router Firmware

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Update the Router Firmware You can log in to the router and check to see 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 121: 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 extension.
  • Page 122 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router 3. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 4. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 5. 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.

  • Page 123: Change The Admin Password

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Change the admin Password The first time that you logged in to the router with the user name admin, you were required to change the password. You can change this password again. This password is not the one that you use for WiFi access.

  • Page 124: Recover The Admin Password

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router To enable password recovery: 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 125: Manage The Router Configuration File

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router 7. Click the Continue button. A window opens and displays your recovered password. 8. Click the Login again button. A login window opens. 9. With your recovered password, log in to the router. Manage the Router Configuration File The configuration settings of the router are stored within the router in a configuration file.

  • Page 126: Restore The Configuration Settings

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Restore the Configuration Settings To restore the configuration settings that you backed up: 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 127: Manage Remote Access

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router 5. Click the Erase button. The factory default settings are restored and the router restarts. WARNING: Do not interrupt the restart process. After the restart process is complete, the user name is admin, the password is password, and the LAN IP address is 192.168.1.1.

  • Page 128: Use Remote Access

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Note: For enhanced security, restrict access to as few external IP addresses as practical. Select one of the following: • Only This Computer. Allow access from a single IP address on the Internet. Enter the IP address to be allowed access.

  • Page 129: Monitor And Meter Internet Traffic

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router To download the latest Nighthawk app for your mobile device, visit https://www.netgear.com/home/apps-services/nighthawk-app/. Monitor and Meter Internet Traffic Traffic metering allows you to monitor the volume of Internet traffic that passes through the router Internet port. With the traffic meter utility, you can set limits for traffic volume, set a monthly limit, and get a live update of traffic usage.

  • Page 130: Restrict Internet Traffic By Volume

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Restrict Internet Traffic by Volume You can record and restrict the traffic by volume in MB. This is useful when your ISP measures your traffic by volume. To record and restrict the Internet traffic by volume: 1.

  • Page 131: Restrict Internet Traffic By Connection Time

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router • Disconnect and disable the Internet connection. This setting is optional. When the traffic limit is reached, the Internet connection is disconnected and disabled. 13. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved and the router restarts.

  • Page 132: View The Internet Traffic Volume And Statistics

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router 9. In the Pop up a warning message field, enter a value in minutes to specify when the router issues a warning message before the monthly limit in hours is reached. This setting is optional. The router issues a warning when the balance falls under the number of minutes that you enter.

  • Page 133: Unblock The Traffic Meter After The Traffic Limit Is Reached

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router The information on the page is updated. 7. To display more information about the data traffic and to change the polling interval, click the Traffic Status button. The Traffic Status pop-up window displays. Unblock the Traffic Meter After the Traffic Limit Is Reached...
  • Page 134 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router If you set up content filtering (see Control Access to the Internet on page 71), the log shows you when someone on your network tried to access a blocked site, service, or application. If you set up email notification (see Set Up Email Notifications for Security Events and Log Messages on page 79), the router can send you the log entries in an email message.

  • Page 135: Display Internet Port Statistics

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Note: Before you clear the log entries, we recommend that you email the log entries (seeStep 7) or download them to your computer (seeStep 10). 9. To clear the log entries, click the Clear Log button.

  • Page 136: Check The Internet Connection Status, View Details, And Release And Renew The Connection

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router RxPkts. The number of packets received on this port since reset or manual clear. Collisions. The number of collisions on this port since reset or manual clear. Tx B/s. The current transmission (outbound) bandwidth used on the WAN and LAN ports.

  • Page 137: Restart The Router From Its Web Interface

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router most common type of connection, in which the router receives an IP address dynamically from the ISP, the page shows the following information: • IP Address. The IP address that is assigned to the router.

  • Page 138: View Router Notifications

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming 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 Dashboard displays. 4. Select System Information. The page that displays shows multiple panes.

  • Page 139: Disable Or Enable Led Blinking Or Turn Off Leds

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Disable or Enable LED Blinking or Turn Off LEDs Log in to the router to disable or enable LED blinking. You can also turn off the LEDs. Note: To turn off all LEDs except the Power LED, you can also use the LED On/Off switch on the rear panel of the router (see Turn the LEDs On or Off Using the LED On/Off Switch on page 18).

  • Page 140: Chapter 10 Share Usb Storage Devices Attached To The Router

    • Manage Access to a USB Storage Device • Use FTP Within the Network • Manage Network Folders on a USB Storage Device • Approve USB Devices • Safely Remove a USB Storage Device For more information about ReadySHARE features, visit netgear.com/readyshare.

  • Page 141: Usb Device Requirements

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming 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 142: Access A Storage Device Connected To The Router From A Windows-Based Computer

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming 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 143: Access A Storage Device That Is Connected To The Router From A Mac

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming 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 144: Back Up Windows-Based Computers With Readyshare Vault

    By default, the USB storage device is available to all computers on your local area network (LAN). 3. Download ReadySHARE Vault from netgear.com/readyshare and install it on each Windows-based computer. 4. Launch ReadySHARE Vault.

  • Page 145: Set Up A Usb Hard Drive On A Mac

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Set up a USB hard drive on a Mac We recommend that you use a new USB HDD or format your old USB HDD to do the Time Machine backup for the first time. Use a blank partition to prevent some issues during backup using Time Machine.

  • Page 146: Use Time Machine To Back Up Onto A Usb Hard Disk

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router 4. Set Energy Saver: a. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences. The System Preferences page displays. b. Select Energy Saver. The Energy Saver page displays. c. Click the Power Adapter tab. d. Select the Wake for Wi-Fi network access check box.

  • Page 147: Manage Access To A Usb Storage Device

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router 5. Type smb://routerlogin.net and click the Connect button. 6. When prompted, select the Registered User radio button. 7. Enter admin for the name and the router admin password for the password and click the Connect button.
  • Page 148 If you set up Dynamic DNS (see Set Up and Manage Dynamic DNS on page 156), you can also type a URL domain name. For example, if your domain name is MyName and you use the NETGEAR DDNS server, you can type Share USB Storage Devices...

  • Page 149: Use Ftp Within The Network

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router ftp://MyName.mynetgear.com to access the USB device over the Internet and download or upload files. 6. For any access method, to allow access, the select associated Enable check box. To prevent access, clear the associated Enable check box.

  • Page 150: Manage Network Folders On A Usb Storage Device

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Manage Network Folders on a USB Storage Device From a computer or device on the network, you can view, add, or change network folders on a USB storage device that is connected to a USB port on the router.

  • Page 151: Add A Network Folder On A Usb Storage Device

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Add a Network Folder on a USB Storage Device You can add network folders on a USB storage device that is connected to a router USB port. To add a network folder: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.

  • Page 152: Change A Network Folder On A Usb Storage Device

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Change a Network Folder on a USB Storage Device You can change network folders on a USB storage device that is connected to a router USB port. To change a network folder: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.

  • Page 153: Safely Remove A Usb Storage Device

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming 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 Dashboard displays. 5. Select Settings > USB Storage > USB Settings.
  • Page 154 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming 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 Dashboard displays. 4. Select Settings > USB Storage > ReadySHARE Storage.

  • Page 155: Chapter 11 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 USB storage devices that are attached to the router’s USB ports when you are not home. This chapter includes the following sections: •...

  • Page 156: Set Up Your Personal Ftp Server

    With a customized free URL, you can use FTP to access your network when you are not home through Dynamic DNS. Before you set up your FTP server, register for a NETGEAR Dynamic DNS (DDNS) service account and specify the account settings.

  • Page 157: Set Up A New Dynamic Dns Account

    DNS service does not work because private addresses are not routed on the Internet. Set Up a New Dynamic DNS Account To set up Dynamic DNS and register for a free NETGEAR account: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.

  • Page 158: Specify A Dns Account That You Already Created

    9. For a No-IP or Dyn account, in the User Name field, type the user name for your account. 10. For a NETGEAR account at No-IP, in the Email field, type the email address for your account. 11. In the Password (6-32 characters) field, type the password for your DDNS account.

  • Page 159: Change The Dynamic Dns Settings

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Change the Dynamic DNS Settings You can change the settings for your Dynamic DNS account. To change your settings: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.

  • Page 160: Set Up Ftp Access Through The Internet

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router • To connect without Dynamic DNS, type the router’s Internet port IP address. You can view the router’s Internet IP address on the router’s System Information page. Set Up FTP Access Through the Internet To set up FTP access over the Internet: 1.

  • Page 161: Use Ftp To Access Storage Devices Through The Internet

    For example, if your IP address is 10.1.65.4, type ftp://10.1.65.4. If you are using Dynamic DNS, your domain name is MyName, and you use the NETGEAR DDNS server, type the DNS name ftp://MyName.mynetgear.com. 3. When prompted, log in: • To log in as admin, in the user name field, enter admin and in the password field, enter the same password that you use to log in to the router.

  • Page 162: Chapter 12 Use The Router As A Media Server

    Use the Router as a Media Server The router comes set up to work as a ReadyDLNA media server. You can set up the router to play music from iTunes server and media from TiVo. This chapter contains the following sections: •...

  • Page 163: Specify Readydlna Media Server Settings

    164. • Media Server Device Name. The default media server device name is ReadyDLNA:XR450. To change the router device name, which affects the XR450 extension of the media server device name, click the Edit button. Changing the router device name also affects the storage folder name.

  • Page 164: Play Music From A Storage Device With Itunes Server

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router The router automatically scans for media files when new files are added to your ReadySHARE USB storage device. The router can scan only shared folders that do not require a password. 7. To scan for new media files immediately, click the Rescan media files button.

  • Page 165: Set Up The Router's Itunes Server With The Remote App

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming 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 Dashboard displays. 6. Select Settings > USB Storage > Media Server.

  • Page 166: Set Up The Router To Work With Tivo

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router The passcode displays in the Remote app. 7. Specify the passcode in the router to set up your iTunes server: a. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.
  • Page 167 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router You can use the TiVo (Series 2 and later) Home Media Option to play photos and music on your Windows-based or Mac computer in your TiVo user interface. To set up the router to work with TiVo: 1.

  • Page 168: Chapter 13 Share A Usb Printer

    You can share this USB printer among the Windows-based and Mac computers on your network. For more information about the features available in the NETGEAR USB Control Center, see the ReadySHARE Printer User Manual, which is available at http://downloadcenter.netgear.com.

  • Page 169: Install The Printer Driver And Cable The Printer

    You must install the ReadySHARE Printer utility on each computer that will share the printer. After you install it, the utility displays as NETGEAR USB Control Center on your computer. For more information about how to use the NETGEAR USB Control Center, visit https://www.netgear.com/support/product/ReadySHARE_USB_Printer.aspx.

  • Page 170: Print Using The Netgear Usb Control Center

    USB printer and prints the document. If another computer is already connected to the printer, your print job goes into a queue to wait to be printed. 4. If your document does not print, use the NETGEAR USB Control Center to check the printer status.
  • Page 171 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router The status changes to Available. Now any computers on the network can use the printer. 6. To exit the utility, select System > Exit. Share a USB Printer User Manual...

  • Page 172: Chapter 14 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 describes how to set up VPN service in the router and use VPN access. The chapter includes the following sections: •...

  • Page 173: Set Up A Vpn Connection

    To use a DDNS service, register for an account with a host name (sometimes called a domain name). You use the host name to access your network. The router supports these accounts: NETGEAR, No-IP, and Dyn. For more information, see Set Up and Manage Dynamic DNS on page 156.

  • Page 174: Install Openvpn Software

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router port, we recommend that you change these settings before you install the OpenVPN software. 6. To change the service type, scroll down and select the TCP radio button. 7. To change the port numbers, scroll down to the Service Port fields, and type the port numbers that you want to use.
  • Page 175 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router 5. If you did not yet enable VPN service, select the Enable VPN Service check box and click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. For information about the advanced configuration options on this page, see Specify VPN Service in the Router on page 173.
  • Page 176 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router 12. Read the License Agreement and click the I Agree button. 13. Leave the check boxes selected as shown in the previous figure, and click the Next button. 14. To specify the destination folder, click the Browse button, select a destination folder, and click the Next button.

  • Page 177: Install Openvpn Software On Your Mac Computer

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

  • Page 178: Install Openvpn Software On An Ios Device

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router 6. Click the FOR MACOSX button to download the OpenVPN configuration files. 7. Visit https://tunnelblick.net/index.html to download the OpenVPN client utility for Mac OS X. 8. Download and install the file. 9. Unzip the configuration files that you downloaded and copy them to the folder where the VPN client is installed on your device.

  • Page 179: Install Openvpn Software On An Android Device

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Note that when you open the .ovpn file, a list of apps displays. Select the OpenVPN Connect app to open the .ovpn file. For more information about using OpenVPN on your iOS device, visit http://www.vpngate.net/en/howto_openvpn.aspx#ios.

  • Page 180: Use A Vpn Tunnel On A Windows-Based Computer

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Use a VPN Tunnel on a Windows-Based Computer After you set up the router to use VPN and install the OpenVPN application on a Windows-based computer, you can open a VPN tunnel from your computer to your router over the Internet.

  • Page 181: Use Vpn To Access The Router's Usb Storage Device And Media From A Windows-Based Computer

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Use VPN to Access the Router’s USB Storage Device and Media From a Windows-Based Computer To use a Windows-based computer to access a USB storage device that is attached to the router and download files: 1.

  • Page 182: Block Vpn Client Internet Access In The Router

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router access to your home network and the Internet. Accessing the Internet remotely through a VPN might be slower than accessing the Internet directly. To allow VPN clients to use your home Internet service: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.

  • Page 183: Use A Vpn Tunnel To Access Your Internet Service At Home

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router To allow VPN clients to access your home network only: 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 184 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router 4. When the VPN connection is established, launch your Internet browser. Use VPN to Access Your Network User Manual...

  • Page 185: Chapter 15 Use Vpn To Access An External Network

    Use VPN to Access An External Network You can use the router as a VPN client (as opposed to a VPN server) to let devices on the router s network securely access an external network using virtual private networking (VPN). This chapter describes how to set up the router as a VPN client and use VPN access.

  • Page 186: Set Up A Vpn Client Connection

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Set Up a VPN Client Connection In addition to using a virtual private network (VPN) to securely access your own network over the Internet when you are not home (see Use VPN to Access Your Network on page...
  • Page 187 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router You must enable the VPN client in the router before you can select one of two predefined VPN services and establish a connection to the VPN server. To enable the VPN client in the router and connect to a VPN server: 1.

  • Page 188: Disconnect The Router From The Vpn Server

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router 13. Click the Connect button. Your settings are saved and the router attempts to connect to the VPN server. When the router is connected to the VPN server, the Connect button changes into the Disconnect button, allowing you to terminate the VPN connection.

  • Page 189: Chapter 16 Manage And Customize Internet Traffic Rules For Ports

    Manage and Customize Internet Traffic Rules for Ports 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 includes the following sections: • Manage Port Forwarding to a Local Server for Services and Applications •...

  • Page 190: Manage Port Forwarding To A Local Server For Services And Applications

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Manage Port Forwarding to a Local Server for Services and Applications 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 191: Add A Custom Port Forwarding Service Or Application

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router 8. From the Service Name menu, select the service name. If the service that you want to add is not in the menu, create a custom service. See Add a Custom Port Forwarding Service or Application on page 191.

  • Page 192: Change A Port Forwarding Service Or Application

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Divide ports and port ranges by commas and hyphens, for example, 20, 40-50, 34700-34710. 10. Specify the internal ports by one of these methods: • Leave the Use the same port range for Internal port check box selected.

  • Page 193: Remove A Port Forwarding Service Or Application

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Remove a Port Forwarding Service or Application To remove a port forwarding service or application: 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 194: How The Router Implements A Port Forwarding Rule

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Dynamic DNS makes it much easier to access a server from the Internet because you can type the name in the Internet browser. Otherwise, you must know the IP address that the ISP assigned, which typically changes.

  • Page 195: Add A Port Triggering Service Or Application

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Port forwarding creates a static mapping of a port number or range of ports to a single local computer. Port triggering can dynamically open ports to any computer when needed and close the ports when they are no longer needed.

  • Page 196: Enable Port Triggering And Specify The Time-Out Value

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router If you are not sure, leave the TCP/UDP selection. 11. In the Starting Port and Ending Port fields, define the range that the service or application uses by entering the inbound starting port and ending port numbers.

  • Page 197: Change A Port Triggering Service Or Application

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Change a Port Triggering Service or Application You can change an existing port triggering service or application. To change a port triggering service or application: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.

  • Page 198: Disable Port Triggering

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming 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 199: Application Example: Port Triggering For Internet Relay Chat.199

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Application Example: Port Triggering for Internet Relay Chat Some application servers, such as FTP and IRC servers, send replies to multiple port numbers. Using port triggering, you can tell the router to open more incoming ports when a particular outgoing port starts a session.

  • Page 200: Chapter 17 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 201: Quick Tips

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming 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 202: Troubleshoot With The Leds

    • 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 203: Internet Or Ethernet Port Leds Are Off

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router If the error persists, a hardware problem might be the cause. Contact Technical Support at netgear.com/support. Internet or Ethernet Port LEDs Are Off If you changed the standard LED settings and want to troubleshoot with the LEDs,...

  • Page 204: You Cannot Log In To The Router

    Caps Lock is off when you enter this information. • 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 example, the router cannot convert ADSL or cable data into Ethernet networking information.
  • Page 205 To check the WAN IP address: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Select an external site such as netgear.com. 3. Type http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens. 4. Enter the router user name and password.

  • Page 206: Troubleshoot Internet Browsing

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router If your router obtained an IP address, but your computer does not load any web pages from the Internet, it might be for one or more of the following reasons: • Your computer might not recognize any DNS server addresses.

  • Page 207: Changes Are Not Saved

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router run that software after installing your router. If you use Internet Explorer select Tools > Internet Options, click the Connections tab, and select the Never dial a connection. Other browsers provide similar options. Changes are not saved...

  • Page 208: Troubleshoot Your Network Using The Ping Utility

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router If your computer or mobile device finds your network but the signal strength is weak, check these conditions: • Is your router too far from your computer or mobile device or too close? Place your computer or mobile device near the router but at least 6 feet (1.8 meters) away and...

  • Page 209: Test The Lan Path To Your Router

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router • If your ISP assigned a host name to your computer, enter that host name as the account name on the Internet Setup page. • Your ISP might be rejecting the Ethernet MAC addresses of all but one of your computers.
  • Page 210 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Verify that the IP address for your router and your computer are correct and that the addresses are on the same subnet. Troubleshooting User Manual...

  • Page 211: Chapter 18 Supplemental Information

    Supplemental Information This appendix includes technical information about your router. The appendix contains the following sections: • Factory Settings • Technical Specifications...

  • Page 212: Factory Settings

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming 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 up to 30 seconds or until the Power LED starts blinking amber.
  • Page 213 XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Table 3. Router factory default settings (Continued) Feature Default Setting General WiFi WiFi communication Enabled settings Smart Connect Enabled 20/40 MHz Coexistence Enabled SSID name See router label Broadcast SSID Enabled Security WPA2-PSK (AES) RF channel 2.4 GHz: Auto...

  • Page 214: Technical Specifications

    XR450 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router Technical Specifications Table 4. Router technical specifications Feature Description Data and routing protocols TCP/IP, RIP-1, RIP-2, DHCP, PPPoE, PPTP, Bigpond, Dynamic DNS, UPnP, and Power adapter North America: 100–240V, 50/60 Hz input All regions (output): 12V/3.5A DC output Dimensions 12.7 x 9.6 x 2.2 in.
  • Page 215 NETGEAR makes no express or implied representations or warranties about this product’s compatibility with any future standards. Note: For more information, see the data sheet, which is available at downloadcenter.netgear.com.

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