NETGEAR Nighthawk RS300 User Manual
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NETGEAR Nighthawk RS300 User Manual

Wifi 7 tri-band router
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User Manual
Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router
Model RS300 and Model RS280
May 2024
202-12707-01
NETGEAR, Inc.
350 E. Plumeria Drive
San Jose, CA 95134, USA

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Summary of Contents for NETGEAR Nighthawk RS300

  • Page 1 User Manual Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300 and Model RS280 NETGEAR, Inc. May 2024 350 E. Plumeria Drive 202-12707-01 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 Introduction What is WiFi 7?.................. 11 Additional documentation............... 11 Chapter 2 Hardware Setup Unpack your router................13 Front panel LEDs and buttons............13 Rear panel..................16 Router label..................17 Position your router................18 Cable your router................19 Chapter 3 Connect to the Router Network and Access the Router Connect to the router network............
  • Page 4 MTU concepts................50 Change the MTU size..............51 Chapter 5 Control Access to the Internet NETGEAR Armor................54 Activate Armor using the Nighthawk app........54 Network access control list.............. 54 Enable the network access control list, set the access rule, and allow or block connected devices..........
  • Page 5 Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Chapter 7 Manage the WAN and LAN Network Settings Manage the WAN settings............... 84 Change the WAN security settings..........84 Set up a default DMZ server............85 Manage IGMP proxying............... 86 Manage NAT filtering..............
  • Page 6 Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Manage the router configuration file........... 116 Back up the settings..............116 Restore the settings..............117 Erase the settings............... 117 Monitor the router and network........... 118 View information about the router and the Internet and WiFi settings..................
  • Page 7 Set up and manage Dynamic DNS..........149 Set up a new Dynamic DNS account........149 Use a Dynamic DNS account that you already have....150 Manage your existing NETGEAR or No-IP Dynamic DNS account..................151 Your personal FTP server............... 152 Set up your personal FTP server: Overview of steps.....
  • Page 8 Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Chapter 14 Troubleshooting Quick tips..................180 Sequence to restart your network..........180 Check the power adapter and Ethernet cable connections.. 180 Check the WiFi settings............. 180 Check the network settings............181 Reboot the router from its router web interface......

  • Page 9: Chapter 1 Introduction

    Introduction ® This user manual is for the NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300 and Model RS280. Model RS300 supports WiFi 7 (IEEE 802.11be) with a combined WiFi speed of up to 9.3 Gbps and tri-band concurrent radio operation: •...
  • Page 10 NOTE: Firmware updates with new features and bug fixes are made available from time to time at netgear.com/support/download/. You can check for and download new firmware manually. If the features or behavior of your product does not match what is described in this manual, you might need to update the firmware.

  • Page 11: What Is Wifi 7

    • 2.4 times faster speed than WiFi 6 • Double the maximum bandwidth for your devices • Lower latency than WiFi6 • A more reliable connection For more information, visit the NETGEAR WiFi 7 page at netgear.com/home/discover/wifi7. Additional documentation The following documents are available at netgear.com/support/download/: •...

  • Page 12: Chapter 2 Hardware Setup

    • Unpack your router • Front panel LEDs and buttons • Rear panel • Router label • Position your router • Cable your router For more information about the topics covered in this manual, visit the support website at netgear.com/support.

  • Page 13: Unpack Your Router

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Unpack your router Your package contains the router, an Ethernet cable, and the power adapter (the type varies by region). Figure 1. Package contents Front panel LEDs and buttons The status LEDs and two buttons are located on the front panel of the router. Hardware Setup User Manual...
  • Page 14 Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Figure 2. Top view Table 1. LED descriptions LED and Button Description Power LED Solid white: The router is ready. Solid amber and then blinking amber: The Reset button was pressed. When you first press the Reset button, the LED lights solid amber.
  • Page 15 Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Table 1. LED descriptions (Continued) LED and Button Description Ethernet LAN ports 1–4 The LED color indicates the speed of the Ethernet connection at each LAN port: LEDs white for the maximum supported speed on each port (1 Gbps on ports 1-2, 2.5 Gbps on ports 3-4) and amber for lower speeds.

  • Page 16: Rear Panel

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Rear panel The following figure shows the rear panel connectors and buttons. Figure 3. Rear panel The rear panel contains the following components: • A. Reset button: Pressing the Reset button resets the router. If the Reset button is pressed for at least five seconds and the Power LED blinks amber, the router returns to its factory settings.

  • Page 17: Router Label

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 • C. Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports: Two Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 LAN ports that support 1G, 100M, and 10M speed. Use these ports to connect Ethernet LAN devices to your router. The router supports port aggregation: ○...

  • Page 18: Position Your Router

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Figure 4. Router label 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 19: Cable Your Router

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 • To avoid wireless signal interference, place the router away from electrical devices such as these: ○ Ceiling fans ○ Home security systems ○ Microwaves ○ Computers ○ The base of a cordless phone ○...
  • Page 20 Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Figure 5. Cable your router To cable your router: 1. Unplug your modem, remove and reinsert the backup battery if it uses one, and then plug the modem back in. 2. Use the Ethernet cable to connect the modem to the yellow Internet port on the router.

  • Page 21: Chapter 3 Connect To The Router Network And Access The Router

    Connect to the Router 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 22: Connect To The Router Network

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Connect to the router network You can connect to the router network using a wired or WiFi 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 23: Types Of Logins

    WiFi access. This information is on the router label. The WiFi password is also known as the network key or passphrase. • NETGEAR account login: The free NETGEAR account that you need to register your router, manage your router remotely, and manage your subscriptions. If you do not have a NETGEAR account, you can create one.
  • Page 24 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. Installation and basic setup takes about 15 minutes to complete.

  • Page 25: Log In To The Router After You Set Up The Router

    2. If the router still does not detect the Internet settings, contact your ISP to verify that you are using the correct configuration information. 3. If problems persist, register your router and contact NETGEAR Technical Support. Log in to the router after you set up the...

  • Page 26: Change The Language

    WiFi network, and helps you to register your router with NETGEAR. You can also manage your router remotely and use the Armor and Smart Parental Controls services.
  • Page 27 Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 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 your router is set up, you do not have Internet access and cannot download the app.

  • Page 28: Chapter 4 Specify Your Internet Settings

    Usually, the quickest way to set up the router to use your Internet connection is to allow the NETGEAR installation assistant to detect the Internet connection. After you set up your router, you can use the Setup Wizard to redetect the Internet settings, or you can manually specify your Internet settings.

  • Page 29: Use The Setup Wizard

    2. If the router still does not detect the Internet settings, contact your ISP to verify that you are using the correct configuration information. 3. If problems persist, register your router and contact NETGEAR Technical Support. Specify Your Internet Settings...

  • Page 30: Manually Set Up The Internet Connection

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Manually set up the Internet connection You can view or change the router’s Internet connection settings. Set an Internet connection without a login You can manually specify the connection settings for an Internet service for which you do not need to log in.
  • Page 31 12. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. 13. Click the Test button to test your Internet connection. If the NETGEAR website does not display within one minute, see You cannot access the Internet on page 185. Specify Your Internet Settings...

  • Page 32: Set A Pppoe Internet Connection

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Set a PPPoE Internet connection You can manually set the connection settings for a PPPoE Internet service for which you must log in. Use the information that your ISP gave you to connect to your Internet service.

  • Page 33: Set A Pptp Or L2Tp Internet Connection

    Your settings are saved. 17. 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 185. Set a PPTP or L2TP Internet connection You can manually specify the connection settings for a PPTP or L2TP Internet service for which you must log in.
  • Page 34 Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 To set a PPTP or L2TP 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 displays. 3.

  • Page 35: About High-Speed Internet Connections And Internet Port Aggregation

    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 185. About high-speed Internet connections and Internet port aggregation Use the router’s yellow Internet port, which supports speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, to connect...

  • Page 36: Get Multi-Gigabit Internet With Internet Port Aggregation

    • A modem that support both an Internet speed that’s over 1 Gbps and two Ethernet ports that support static Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), for example, the NETGEAR Nighthawk Multi-Gig Cable Modem, model CM1200. To set up Internet port aggregation: 1.

  • Page 37: Set An Ipv6 Internet Connection

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. 8. Connect the yellow Internet port and the Ethernet LAN port 4 on your router to two Ethernet ports on your modem. Set an IPv6 Internet connection The router supports many different types of IPv6 Internet connections for which you can specify the settings manually.

  • Page 38: Requirements For Entering Ipv6 Addresses

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Requirements for entering IPv6 addresses IPv6 addresses are denoted by eight groups of hexadecimal quartets that are separated by colons. You can reduce any four-digit group of zeros within an IPv6 address to a single zero or omit it.

  • Page 39: Set A 6To4 Tunnel Ipv6 Internet Connection

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 • Connection Type: This field indicates the connection type that is detected. • Router’s IPv6 Address on WAN: This field shows the IPv6 address that is acquired for the 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 40 Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 To set a 6to4 tunnel 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 displays. 3.

  • Page 41: Set A Pass-Through Ipv6 Internet Connection

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 This setting specifies how the router assigns IPv6 addresses to the devices on your home network (the LAN). 9. (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 42: Set A Fixed Ipv6 Internet Connection

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Set a fixed IPv6 Internet connection To set a fixed IPv6 Internet connection: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2.

  • Page 43: Set A Dhcp Ipv6 Internet Connection

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 This selection enables RIP Next Generation (RIPng) on IPv6 Internet connections. RIPng is an extension of Routing Information Protocol (RIP) that supports IPv6. You might want to enable RIPng if you are an advanced user with a complex home network configuration that requires dynamic routing.
  • Page 44 Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Most people can leave this field blank, but if your ISP gave you a specific host name, enter it here. 7. (Optional) In the Domain Name (If Required) field, enter a domain name. You can type the domain name of your IPv6 ISP.

  • Page 45: Set A Pppoe Ipv6 Internet Connection

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Set a PPPoE IPv6 Internet connection To set a PPPoE IPv6 Internet connection: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2.
  • Page 46 Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 NOTE: The default setting of the Connection Mode menu is Always On to provide a steady IPv6 connection. The router never terminates the connection. If the connection is terminated - for example, when the modem is turned off - the router attempts to reestablish the connection immediately after the PPPoE connection becomes available again.

  • Page 47: Use Auto Config For An Ipv6 Internet Connection

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Use auto config for an IPv6 Internet connection To set up an IPv6 Internet connection through auto configuration: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.

  • Page 48: Set A 6Rd Ipv6 Internet Connection

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 • Get Automatically from ISP: Your ISP uses DHCP to assign your DNS servers. Your ISP automatically assigns this address. Unless the ISP assigns DNS servers through DHCPv6, this option uses the DNS servers assigned by the ISP for the IPv4 connection.
  • Page 49 Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 uses the 6rd option information to establish the 6rd connection. For more information, see Use auto detect for an IPv6 Internet connection on page 38. • Manual mode: In 6rd mode, if the router receives option 212, the fields are automatically completed.

  • Page 50: 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...

  • Page 51: Change The Mtu Size

    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 52 Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 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 616 to 1500. 6.

  • Page 53: Chapter 5 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: • NETGEAR Armor • Activate Armor using the Nighthawk app • Network access control list •...

  • Page 54: Netgear Armor

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 NETGEAR Armor Your router supports NETGEAR Armor. After you start your subscription, NETGEAR Armor protects your home network from potential cyber threats and provides complete data protection, advanced threat defense, webcam protection, multilayer ransomware protection, anti-phishing, safe files, secure browsing, rescue mode, anti-fraud, and anti-theft.

  • Page 55: Enable The Network Access Control List, Set The Access Rule, And Allow Or Block Connected Devices

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 The router detects and stores the MAC addresses of devices that connect to the network, so it lists the MAC addresses both of devices that are currently connected and any that were previously connected.
  • Page 56 Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified when you set up your router. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays.

  • Page 57: Manage Allowed Devices Currently Not On The Network

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 NOTE: If you blocked all new devices from connecting, make sure that the computer or mobile device that you are currently using to access the router web interface shows as Allowed in the Status column. •...
  • Page 58 Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 A table displays the detected device name, MAC address, and connection type of the devices that are not connected but allowed to access the network. In the following steps, we refer to the list of allowed devices not currently connected to the network as the list of allowed devices.

  • Page 59: Manage Blocked Devices Currently Not On The Network

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Manage blocked devices currently not on the network If you set up an access control list (ACL) that allows all new devices to access the network, you can add new devices that must be blocked from accessing the network, remove old devices, or change whether devices that were blocked must now be allowed when they try to connect to the network.

  • Page 60: Block Internet Sites And Services

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 The device is removed from the list of blocked devices. 8. To change the device status by allowing access for a device on the list of blocked devices, do the following: a.
  • Page 61 Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 To block Internet sites: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window displays. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin.

  • Page 62: Delete Keywords From The Blocked List

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Delete keywords from the blocked list To delete keywords from the list: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window displays.

  • Page 63: Block Services From The Internet

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Security > Block Sites. The Block Sites page displays. 5. Scroll down and select the Allow trusted IP address to visit blocked sites check box.

  • Page 64: Schedule When To Block Internet Sites And Services

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 7. To add a service that is in the Service Type menu, select the application or service. The settings for this service automatically display in the fields. 8. To add a service or application that is not in the menu, select User Defined, and do the following: a.

  • Page 65: Set Up Security Event Email Notifications

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 The Schedule page displays. 5. Specify when the schedule is active: • Days to Block: Select the check box for each day that you want to enable blocking, or select the Every Day check box, which automatically selects the check boxes for all days.
  • Page 66 Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 9. In the Your Outgoing Mail Server field, type the name of your ISP outgoing (SMTP) mail server (such as mail.myISP.com). You might be able to find this information in the configuration window of your email program.

  • Page 67: Chapter 6 Manage Wifi Settings

    Manage WiFi Settings You can customize the router’s WiFi settings. The chapter includes the following sections: • Change your country or region • Disable or reenable Smart Connect • Hide or broadcast the SSID for a WiFi network • Enable or disable 20/40 MHz coexistence for the 2.4 GHz radio •...

  • Page 68: Change Your Country Or Region

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Change your country or region In some countries, the router is sold with a preconfigured country or region setting and you might not be able to change it. To view or change your country or region: 1.

  • Page 69: Hide Or Broadcast The Ssid For A Wifi Network

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 To disable or reenable Smart Connect: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window displays. 3.

  • Page 70: Enable Or Disable 20/40 Mhz Coexistence For The 2.4 Ghz Radio

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 The Wireless Setup page displays. 5. Select or clear the Enable SSID Broadcast check box for the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz radio. Selecting each check box enables broadcast of the SSID (the default setting) and clearing each check box hides the SSID for the corresponding band.

  • Page 71: Change The Name For A Wifi Network

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Change the name for a WiFi network For each WiFi network, the WiFi network name (also referred to as the SSID) is randomly generated and is on the router label. You can change the default network name. The network name can be up to 32 characters long and is case-sensitive.
  • Page 72 Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 To change the WiFi password or the WiFi security: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window displays. 3.

  • Page 73: Change The 2.4 Ghz, 5 Ghz, Or 6 Ghz Wifi Channel

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 NOTE: If you first disable and then reenable Smart Connect and the security settings for the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz radios do not match, the security settings for the 2.4 GHz radio overwrite the WiFi settings for the 5 GHz and 6 GHz radios.

  • Page 74: Change The Wifi Mode

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 4. Select Wireless. The Wireless Setup page displays. 5. To change the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz WiFi channel, select a channel number from the Channel menu in the Wireless Network (2.4 GHz) section, Wireless Network (5 GHz) section, or Wireless Network (6 GHz) section.

  • Page 75: Set Up A Guest Wifi Network

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 • 0.4 Gbps: Allows WiFi devices to join the 5 GHz radio of the network and function at up to 400 Mbps (0.4 Gbps), depending on the WiFi standard that they support. •...
  • Page 76 • Guest Wireless Network Name (SSID): The SSID is the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz guest WiFi network name. The default name for all three networks is NETGEAR-Guest. To change the SSID, type a name of maximum 32 characters in the field. The SSID is case-sensitive.

  • Page 77: Manage Advanced Wifi Settings

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 network includes these older devices, select WPA-Personal + WPA2-Personal security. • WPA-Personal + WPA2-Personal: Enables WiFi devices that support either WPA or WPA2 to join the guest WiFi network. However, WPA is less secure than WPA2 and limits the speed of WiFi devices to 54 Mbps.

  • Page 78: Enable Or Disable Mu-Mimo

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 can set up multiple schedules, and you can set up separate schedules for the 2.4 GH and 5 GHz radios. To set up a WiFi schedule for a radio: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.

  • Page 79: Change The Fragmentation Length, Cts/Rts Threshold, Or Preamble Mode For A Radio

    CAUTION: We recommend that you do not change these settings unless directed by NETGEAR support or unless you are sure what the consequences are. Incorrect settings might disable the WiFi function of a radio unexpectedly. NOTE: If the Smart Connect feature is enabled, the fragmentation length, CTS/RTS threshold, and preamble mode for the 2.4 GHz radio, 5 GHz radio, and...

  • Page 80: Use The Wps Wizard For Wifi Connections

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 A login window displays. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified when you set up your router. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays.

  • Page 81: Use The Wps Wizard With The Push Button

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Use the WPS Wizard with the push button To use the push button method to connect a WiFi device to your WiFi network, the device must have either a physical button or a software button. To use the WPS Wizard with the push button: 1.
  • Page 82 Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified when you set up your router. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4.

  • Page 83: Chapter 7 Manage The Wan And Lan Network Settings

    Manage the WAN and LAN Network Settings You can customize the router’s wide area network (WAN) settings for the Internet port and local area network (LAN) settings for local devices. 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: •...

  • Page 84: Manage The Wan Settings

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Manage the WAN settings You can change security and other settings that determine how the router interacts with the Internet, also known as the wide area network (WAN). Change the WAN security settings The wide area network (WAN) security settings include port scan protection and denial of service (DoS) protection, which can protect your local area network (LAN) against many common cyber attacks.

  • Page 85: Set Up A Default Dmz Server

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Set up a default DMZ server The default DMZ server feature is helpful when you are using some online games and videoconferencing applications that are incompatible with Network Address Translation (NAT). The router is programmed to recognize some of these applications and to work correctly with them, but other applications might not function well.

  • Page 86: Manage Igmp Proxying

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Manage IGMP proxying IGMP proxying allows a computer on the local area network (LAN) to receive the multicast traffic (such as video streaming) it is interested in from the Internet. If you do not need this feature, leave it disabled, which is the default setting.

  • Page 87: Manage The Sip Application-Level Gateway

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified when you set up your router. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4.

  • Page 88: Change The Lan Ip Address Settings Or Rip Settings

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Your settings are saved. Change the LAN IP address settings or RIP settings The router is preconfigured to use private IP addresses on the local area network (LAN) side and to act as a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server. We also refer to the LAN IP address settings as the LAN TCP/IP settings.

  • Page 89: Set The Ip Addresses That The Router Assigns

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 The IP address and subnet mask specify the IP address range that the devices on your network can use. 6. To change the RIP settings, do the following: a. Select the RIP direction: •...

  • Page 90: Disable The Dhcp Server Feature In The Router

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 To set 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 displays.

  • Page 91: Manage Reserved Lan Ip Addresses

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 To disable the DHCP server feature in the router: 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 displays. 3.

  • Page 92: Edit A Reserved Ip Address

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > LAN Setup. The LAN Setup page displays. 5. In the Address Reservation section, click the Add button. The Address Reservation page displays. 6.

  • Page 93: Delete A Reserved Ip Address Entry

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 5. Select the radio button next to the reserved address that you want to edit. 6. Click the Edit button. The Address Reservation page displays. 7. Change the settings. 8. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.

  • Page 94: Set Up A Static Route

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 • Your LAN subnet is 192.168.1.0, and the ADSL router’s address on your LAN is 192.168.1.100. • The public IP address range at the remote office site is 134.177.0.0. When you set up your router, two implicit static routes were created: 1.

  • Page 95: Edit A Static Route

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 The Static Routes page displays. 5. Click the Add button. Static route configuration options display. 6. In the Route Name field, type a name for this static route (for identification purposes only).

  • Page 96: Delete A Static Route

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Static Routes. The Static Routes page displays. 5. In the table, select the radio button for the route. 6. Click the Edit button. Static route configuration options display.

  • Page 97: Set Up A Bridge For A Port Group

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Some devices, such as an IPTV, cannot function behind the router’s network address translation (NAT) service or firewall. For example, an IPTV port might require an IP address within the Internet service provider’s (ISP’s) network (also called an ISP intranet address).

  • Page 98: Set Up A Bridge For A Vlan Tag Group

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 7. Select a Wired Ports check box or a Wireless check box: • Wired Ports: If your device is connected to an Ethernet LAN port on the router, select the Wired Ports check box that corresponds to the Ethernet LAN port on the router to which the device is connected.

  • Page 99: Manage Ethernet Lan Port Aggregation To A Lan Device

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 5. Select the Enable VLAN / Bridge group check box. The page expands. 6. Select the Enable VLAN Tag radio button. The page expands. The table includes a default VLAN enabled for normal Internet access. The VLAN's ID is 10 and has all Ethernet LAN ports and WiFi networks as members.

  • Page 100: Set Up Lan Port Aggregation To A Lan Device

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 To set up Ethernet LAN port aggregation to a LAN device that is configured for 802.3ad Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), first configure Ethernet LAN port aggregation for the LAN port 1 and LAN port 2 on your router, and then connect these ports to the two aggregated ports on the LAN device.

  • Page 101: View Or Change The Router Lan Port Aggregation Mode

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 • Enable (LACP-IEEE 802.3ad): After you connect the Ethernet cables (see the following step), the router communicates with the LAN device that is connected to LAN ports 1 and 2 on your router, and checks to see if LAN port aggregation is supported on the LAN device.
  • Page 102 Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 5. To change the LAN port aggregation mode, select one of the following radio buttons: • Disable: This mode is selected by default. This mode disables LAN port aggregation on your router. LAN ports 1 and 2 can be used as independent Ethernet LAN ports.

  • Page 103: Chapter 8 Optimize Performance

    Optimize Performance You can set up the router to optimize performance. This chapter contains the following sections: • Enable QoS • Set the Internet bandwidth for your router • Update the QoS database • Manage Wi-Fi Multimedia QoS • Improve network connections with Universal Plug and Play...

  • Page 104: Enable Qos

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Enable QoS 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. QoS resolves traffic congestion when the Internet bandwidth is limited and different demands compete for bandwidth.

  • Page 105: Update The Qos Database

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 A login window displays. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified when you set up your router. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays.

  • Page 106: Manage Wi-Fi Multimedia Qos

    When you enable QOS, this check box is automatically selected. 6. To update the QoS database immediately, click the Update Now button. The router connects to a Netgear server. 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved.

  • Page 107: Improve Network Connections With Universal Plug And Play

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 4. Select ADVANCED > Setup > QoS Setup. The QoS page displays. 5. Click the WMM tab. The WMM check boxes display. 6. Clear the Enable WMM (Wi-Fi multimedia) settings check box for one or more radios.
  • Page 108 Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 6. In the Advertisement Period field, 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.

  • Page 109: Chapter 9 Manage And Monitor Your Router

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

  • Page 110: Update The Router Firmware

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Update the router firmware You can log in to the router and check if new firmware is available, or you can manually install a specific firmware version on your router. Check for new firmware and update the router The router firmware (routing software) is stored in flash memory.

  • Page 111: Manually Upload Firmware To The Router

    Ethernet connection to upload the firmware. 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 112: Manage The Firmware Update Settings

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 When the upload is complete, your router restarts. The upload process typically takes about one minute. Manage the firmware update settings You can set the router to automatically update to future firmware versions as they become available.

  • Page 113: Enable Admin Password Reset

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 NOTE: The ideal password contains no dictionary words from any language and contains uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. It can be up to 30 characters. To change the password for the admin user name: 1.

  • Page 114: Reset The Admin Password

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 The Set Password page displays. 5. Select the Enable Password Reset check box. 6. Select two security questions and provide answers to them. 7. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Reset the admin password If you set up the password reset feature (see Enable admin password reset on page 113), you can reset your router admin password if you forgot it.

  • Page 115: Use Https To Access The Router

    This is expected behavior. You can proceed, or add an exception for the security warning. For more information, visit kb.netgear.com/000062980/what-to-do-incase-of-security-message. To require HTTPS connections: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.

  • Page 116: Manage The Router Configuration File

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 To change the router’s device name: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window displays. 3.

  • Page 117: Restore The Settings

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 The BASIC Home page displays. 4. Select ADVANCED > Administration > Backup Settings. The Backup Settings page displays. 5. Click the Back Up button. 6. Follow the direction of your browser to save the .cfg file. A copy of the current settings is saved in the location that you specify.

  • Page 118: Monitor The Router And Network

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 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 displays. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin.

  • Page 119: View Devices Currently On The Network

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified when you set up your router. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4.

  • Page 120: View And Manage Logs Of Router Activity

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 • IP Address: The IP address that the router assigned to this device when it joined the network. This address can change if a device is disconnected and rejoins the network. •...

  • Page 121: View The Internet Connection Status Or Renew The Connection

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 To view and manage logs: 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 displays. 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin.
  • Page 122 Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 The information in this section applies to Internet connections that do not require you to log in to your ISP, L2TP connections, and PPTP connections. To view the Internet connection status or renew the connection: 1.

  • Page 123: View The Pppoe Internet Connection Status Or Renew The Connection

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 View the PPPoE Internet connection status or renew the connection If your router is set up to use a PPPoE Internet connection, you can view the PPPoE connection status and, if necessary, manually restart the connection. To view the PPPoE Internet connection status or renew the connection: 1.

  • Page 124: Monitor, Meter, And Control Internet Traffic

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified when you set up your router. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4.

  • Page 125: Start The Traffic Meter Without Traffic Volume Restrictions

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Start the traffic meter without traffic volume restrictions You can monitor the traffic volume without setting a limit. To start or restart the traffic meter without configuring traffic volume restrictions: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.
  • Page 126 Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 3. Enter the router admin user name and password. The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified when you set up your router. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays.

  • Page 127: Restrict Internet Traffic By Connection Time

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Restrict Internet traffic by connection time If you connect to the Internet with a session-based connection type, you can record and restrict traffic by connection time. This is useful when your ISP measures your connection time.

  • Page 128: View The Internet Traffic Volume And Statistics

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 View the Internet traffic volume and statistics If you enabled the traffic meter (see Start the traffic meter without traffic volume restrictions on page 125), you can view the Internet traffic volume and statistics. To view the Internet traffic volume and statistics shown by the traffic meter: 1.

  • Page 129: Set The Ntp Server

    Your settings are saved. Set the NTP server By default, the router uses the NETGEAR Network Time Protocol (NTP) server to sync the network time. You can change the NTP server to your preferred NTP server. To set the NTP server: 1.

  • Page 130: Set Your Time Zone And Daylight Saving Time

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 • Use the default NETGEAR NTP server: Use the preset NETGEAR NTP server. • Set your preferred NTP server: Enter the name or IP address of your preferred server. 6. If you select the Set your preferred NTP server radio button, enter the NTP server domain name or IP address in the field below the radio button.

  • Page 131: Set Up The Router As A Wifi Access Point

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Set up the router as a WiFi access point You can set up the router to run as an access point (AP) on the same local network as another router. When you set up the router as an AP, some of its router features are disabled so that they do not interfere with the router features of the other router.

  • Page 132: Return The Router To Router Mode

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Return the router to router mode By default, your router is set to router mode. If you changed the mode to access point mode (AP mode), you can change the mode back to router mode. To return the router to router mode: 1.

  • Page 133: Connect To Your Router With Anywhere Access

    Nighthawk app for your mobile device. For more information about how to update your router’s firmware, see Update the router firmware on page 110. To download the latest Nighthawk app for your mobile device, visit netgear.com/home/apps-services/nighthawk-app. Manage and Monitor Your User Manual Router...

  • Page 134: Return The Router To Its Factory Default Settings

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 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 current configuration and reset the router to factory default settings.

  • Page 135: Erase The Settings

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Erase the settings CAUTION: This process erases all settings that you configured in the router. To erase the settings: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.

  • Page 136: Chapter 10 Share A Usb Storage Device Attached To The Router

    • Change a network folder on a USB storage device • Add a network folder on a USB storage device • Safely remove a USB storage device • Change the media server settings or rescan media files For more information about ReadySHARE features, visit netgear.com/readyshare.

  • Page 137: 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 138: Display Network Folders On A Storage Device

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Display network folders on a storage device You can display network folders on a storage device that is connected to the router. To display network folders: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.

  • Page 139: Access A Storage Device Connected To The Router

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Access a storage device connected to the router From a computer or mobile device on your network, you can access a USB storage device that is connected to the router. Access a storage device connected to the router from a Windows-based computer To access the USB storage device from a Windows-based computer: 1.

  • Page 140: Access A Storage Device Connected To The Router From A Mac

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 When you connect the USB storage device to the router’s port, it might take up to two minutes before it is ready for sharing. By default, the USB storage device is available to all computers on your local area network (LAN).

  • Page 141: Manage Access To A Usb Storage Device

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 5. When prompted, select the Guest radio button. 6. Click the Connect button. A window automatically opens and displays the files and folders on the USB storage device. Manage access to a USB storage device You can manage how you access a USB storage device that is connected to the router: •...
  • Page 142 Use Dynamic DNS to Access a USB Storage Device From the Internet on page 148. If you set up DDNS, you can also type a URL domain name. For example, if your domain name is MyName and you use the NETGEAR DDNS service, you can type https://MyName.mynetgear.com or ftp://MyName.mynetgear.com to access the USB device over the Internet.

  • Page 143: Enable Ftp Access Within Your Network

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 To remove the password requirement, clear the associated Admin Password Protection check box. 8. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. Enable FTP access within your network File Transfer Protocol (FTP) lets you download (receive) and upload (send) large files faster.

  • Page 144: Change A Network Folder On A Usb Storage Device

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Change a network folder on a USB storage device By default, when you connect a USB storage device to a router USB port, the entire device is shared. You can change the network folder to limit access to specific files or folders.

  • Page 145: Add A Network Folder On A Usb Storage Device

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 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 on a USB storage device: 1.

  • Page 146: Safely Remove A Usb Storage Device

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 11. Click the Apply button. The folder is added on the USB storage device. 12. Click the Close Window button. The window closes. Safely remove a USB storage device Before you physically disconnect a USB storage device from the router USB port, log in to the router and take the USB storage device offline.
  • Page 147 Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 To change the media server settings or rescan media files: 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 displays.
  • Page 148 Use Dynamic DNS to Access a USB Storage Device From the Internet With Dynamic DNS (DDNS), 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 149: Set Up And Manage Dynamic Dns

    Internet. Set up a new Dynamic DNS account If you do not yet have a Dynamic DNS (DDNS) account, NETGEAR provides you the opportunity to set up a free account.

  • Page 150: Use A Dynamic Dns Account That You Already Have

    Use a Dynamic DNS account that you already have If you already have a Dynamic DNS (DDNS) account with NETGEAR, No-IP, or DynDNS, you can set up the router to use your existing account. To set up DDNS if you already have an account: 1.

  • Page 151: Manage Your Existing Netgear Or No-Ip Dynamic Dns Account

    Manage your existing NETGEAR or No-IP Dynamic DNS account You can manage the settings for your existing NETGEAR or No-IP Dynamic DNS (DDNS) account, or reset your password for the DDNS account. To manage your DynDNS account, visit the DynDNS website.

  • Page 152: Your Personal Ftp Server

    With your customized free URL, you can use FTP to access your network through Dynamic DNS when you aren’t home. 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 149.

  • Page 153: Set Up Https Access Through The Internet

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 4. Select ADVANCED > USB Functions > Advanced Settings. The USB Storage (Advanced Settings) page displays. 5. Select the FTP (via Internet) check box. The default port is number 21. Password protection is enabled by default. We highly recommend that you keep password protection enabled.

  • Page 154: Access A Usb Storage Device Through The Internet

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified when you set up your router. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4.
  • Page 155 Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 To access a device from a remote computer: 1. Launch a web browser on a computer that is not on your home network. 2. Connect to your home router: The link that lets you access the device over the Internet is https://public-ip-address/shares.

  • Page 156: Chapter 12 Use Openvpn To Access Your Network

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

  • Page 157: About Vpn Connections

    • To use a DDNS service, register for a DDNS account with a host name. You use the host name to access your network. The router supports these DDNS accounts: NETGEAR, No-IP, and Dyn. For more information, see Set up and manage Dynamic DNS on page 149.

  • Page 158: Enable Openvpn Service On The Router

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 If both networks use the same LAN IP scheme, when the VPN tunnel is established, you cannot access your home router or your home network with the OpenVPN software. For information about changing the LAN settings on the router, see Change the LAN IP address settings or RIP settings on page 88.

  • Page 159: Install Openvpn Software On A Vpn Client

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 The default protocol for TUN mode is UDP. • To change the TUN mode service port, type the port number that you want to use in the field. The default port number for TUN mode is 12973. The TUN port number is used in the .ovpn file of the OpenVPN configuration software package for Mac and non-Windows clients.

  • Page 160: Install Openvpn Software On A Windows-Based Computer

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 NOTE: If you later change the OpenVPN configuration for the router (for example, you change the TUN or TAP port number), you must download and install the .ovpn configuration file again on each client, depending on its operating system.

  • Page 161: Install Openvpn Software On A Mac

    You can also import the unzipped .ovpn configuration file from the OpenVPN client user interface. 11. Modify the VPN interface name to NETGEAR-VPN: a. If your computer is running Windows 10 or newer, select Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Change adapter options.

  • Page 162: Install Openvpn Software On An Ios Device

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 The BASIC Home page displays. 6. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > VPN Service. The VPN Service page displays. 7. Make sure that the Enable VPN Service check box is selected. For more information about the VPN configuration for the router, see Enable OpenVPN service on the router on page 158.

  • Page 163: Install Openvpn Software On An Android Device

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 7. Click the For Smart Phone button to download the router’s OpenVPN configuration file to your computer or iOS device. If you download the configuration file to your computer, unzip the .ovpn file, and send it to your iOS device.

  • Page 164: Use Vpn To Access Your Internet Service At Home

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 For more information about the VPN configuration for the router, see Enable OpenVPN service on the router on page 158. 7. Click the For Smart Phone button to download the router’s OpenVPN configuration file to your computer or Android device.

  • Page 165: Block Vpn Client Internet Access In The Router

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 To allow VPN clients to use your home Internet service: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network. 2. Enter http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window displays.
  • Page 166 Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 4. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > VPN Service. The VPN Service page displays. 5. Make sure that the Enable VPN Service check box is selected. For more information about the VPN configuration for the router, see Enable OpenVPN service on the router on page 158.

  • Page 167: Chapter 13 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 for services and applications. You need networking knowledge to set up these features. This chapter includes the following sections: •...

  • Page 168: Manage Port Forwarding To A Local Server

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Manage port forwarding to a local server If a server is part of your network, 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 169: Add A Custom Port Forwarding Service Or Application

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 If the service or application that you want to add is not in the list, create a port forwarding rule with a custom service or application (see Add a custom port forwarding service or application on page 169).

  • Page 170: Change A Port Forwarding Rule

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 You can specify ports and port ranges divided by commas, for example: 30, 50–60, 65500–65510. 11. Specify the internal ports by one of these methods: • Leave the Use the same port range for Internal port check box selected. •...

  • Page 171: Remove A Port Forwarding Rule

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 For information about the settings, see Add a custom port forwarding service or application on page 169. 9. Click the Apply button. Your settings are saved. The changed rule displays in the table on the Port Forwarding / Port Triggering page.

  • Page 172: How The Router Implements The Port Forwarding Rule

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 In this example, your router always gives your web server an IP address of 192.168.1.33. 2. On the Port Forwarding / Port Triggering page, configure the router to forward the HTTP service to the local address of your web server at 192.168.1.33. HTTP (port 80) is the standard protocol for web servers.

  • Page 173: Add A Port Triggering Rule

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 • An application must use port forwarding to more than one local computer (but not simultaneously). • An application must open incoming ports that are different from the outgoing port. With port triggering, the router monitors traffic to the Internet from an outbound “trigger” port that you specify.

  • Page 174: Change A Port Triggering Rule

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 7. Specify the following settings: • Service Name: Enter the name of the custom service or application. • Service User: From the Service User menu, select Any, or select Single address and enter the IP address of one computer: ○...

  • Page 175: Remove A Port Triggering Rule

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 The Port Forwarding / Port Triggering page displays. 5. Select the Port Triggering radio button. The port triggering settings display. 6. In the Port Triggering Portmap Table, select the radio button for the rule. 7.

  • Page 176: Set The Time-Out Period For Port Triggering

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Set the time-out period for port triggering The time-out period for port triggering controls how long the inbound ports stay open when the router detects no activity. A time-out period is required because the router cannot detect when the service or application terminates.

  • Page 177: Disable Port Triggering

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified when you set up your router. The user name and password are case-sensitive. The BASIC Home page displays. 4.

  • Page 178: Application Example: Port Triggering For Internet Relay Chat

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 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 179: Chapter 14 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 180: Quick Tips

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 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.

  • Page 181: Check The Network Settings

    Reboot the router from its router web interface You or NETGEAR technical support can reboot the router from its router web interface, either locally or remotely, for example, when the router seems to be unstable or is not operating normally.

  • Page 182: 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. Power LED stays solid amber or blinking...

  • Page 183: Internet Or Ethernet Lan Port Leds Are Off

    If the error persists, it is likely that a hardware problem exists. For recovery instructions, or help with a hardware problem, contact Technical Support at netgear.com/support. Internet or Ethernet LAN port LEDs are off If the Internet LED or Ethernet LAN port LEDs do not light when an Ethernet connection is made, check the following: •...
  • Page 184 • 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 185: You Cannot Access The Internet

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 NOTE: If you use high-speed fiber Internet service, you might not need a separate modem. Contact your Internet service provider (ISP) for more information. You cannot access the Internet If you can access your router but not the Internet, check to see if the router can obtain a Internet IP address from your Internet service provider (ISP).
  • Page 186 Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 • Your Internet service provider (ISP) might be experiencing an outage. Try connecting a computer directly to your modem's Ethernet port and accessing the internet. If your computer still can't access the Internet, contact your ISP to troubleshoot your connection.

  • Page 187: Troubleshoot Internet Browsing

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 Troubleshoot Internet browsing If your router can obtain an IP address but your computer is unable to load any web pages from the Internet, it might be for the following reasons: •...

  • Page 188: Troubleshoot Your Network Using The Ping Utility

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 • Does the WiFi device that you are using find your WiFi network? If not, check the WiFi LED on the router. If it is off, log in to the router web interface and check if the WiFi radio is enabled or disabled.

  • Page 189: Test The Path From A Windows-Based Computer To A Remote Device

    Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 To ping the router from a Windows-based computer: 1. From the Windows toolbar, click the Start button and select Run. 2. In the field provided, type ping followed by the IP address of the router, as in this example: ping www.routerlogin.net 3.
  • Page 190 Nighthawk WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router Model RS300, Model RS280 If the path is functioning correctly, messages display that are similar to those shown in Test the LAN path to your router on page 188. 3. If you do not receive replies, check the following: •...

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