Netgear C6250 Ac1600 Wifi Cable Modem Router User Manual

							Customize the Internet Settings 31
 AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router
The following table describes the fields on the Internet Setup page.
FieldDescription
Account Name (If Required) Enter the account name provided by your cable service provider. This 
name might also be called the host name. If you do not know or did not 
receive an account name, leave the default name, which is the model 
number of the modem router.
Domain Name (If Required) Enter the domain name provided by your cable service provider. If you do 
not know the domain name, leave this field blank.
Internet IP Address
Get Dynamically from ISP Your cable service provider uses DHCP to assign your IP address. Your 
cable service provider automatically assigns these addresses.
Use Static IP Address Enter the IP address, IP subnet mask, and gateway IP address that your 
cable service provider assigned to you. 

The gateway is the provider 
gateway to which your modem router connects.
Domain Name Server (DNS) Address
The DNS server is used to look up site addresses based on their names. 
Get Dynamically from ISP Your cable service provider uses DHCP to assign your DNS servers. Your 
cable service provider automatically assigns this address.
Use These DNS Servers If you know that your cable service provider does not automatically tran\
smit 
DNS addresses to the modem router during login, select this option, and \
enter the IP address of your cable service provider primary DNS server

. If 
secondary and tertiary DNS server addresses are available, enter these 
also.
7.  If you changed the settings, click the  Apply button.
Your settings are saved. 
						

							Customize the Internet Settings 
32 AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router 
Manage the MTU Size
The maximum transmission unit (MTU) is the largest data packet that a network device 
transmits. 
MTU Concepts
When one network device communicates across the Internet with another, the data packets 
travel through many devices along the way. If a device in the data path uses a lower MTU 
setting than the other devices, the data packets must be split or “fragmented” to 
accommodate the device with the smallest MTU. 
The best MTU setting for NETGEAR equipment is often the default value. In some situations, 
changing the value fixes one problem but causes another. 
Leave the MTU unchanged unless one of these situations occurs:
•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. 
These web-based applications might require an MTU change:
-A secure website that does not open or displays only part of a web page
-Yahoo email
-MSN portal
-America Online’s DSL service
•You use VPN and experience severe performance problems.
•You used a program to optimize MTU for performance reasons and now you are 
experiencing connectivity or performance problems.
If you suspect an MTU problem, a common solution is to change the MTU to 1400. If you are 
willing to experiment, you can gradually reduce the MTU from the maximum value of 1500 
until the problem goes away. The following table describes common MTU sizes and 
applications. 
Table 4.  Common MTU sizes 
MTUApplication
1500The largest Ethernet packet size. This setting is typical for connections that do not use PPPoE 
or VPN and is the default value for NETGEAR modem routers, adapters, and switches.
1492Used in PPPoE environments.
1472Maximum size to use for pinging. (Larger packets are fragmented.)
1468Used in some DHCP environments.
1460Usable by AOL if you do not send or receive large email attachments, for example. 
						

							Customize the Internet Settings 
33  AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router
1436Used in PPTP environments or with VPN.
1400Maximum size for AOL DSL.
Table 4.  Common MTU sizes (continued)
MTUApplication 
						

							Customize the Internet Settings 
34 AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router 
Change the MTU Size
WARNING:
An incorrect MTU setting can cause Internet communication 
problems. For example, you might not be able to access certain 
websites, frames within websites, secure login pages, or FTP or 
POP servers. Change the MTU only if you are sure that it is 
necessary for your ISP connection.
To change the MTU size:
1. Launch an Internet browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the 
network.
2. Type http://www.routerlogin.net.
A login window opens.
3. Type admin for the user name and type your password.
If you did not yet personalize your password, type password for the password.
4. Click the OK button.
The BASIC Home page displays.
5. Select ADVANCED > Setup > WAN Setup. 
The WAN Setup page displays.
6. In the MTU Size field, enter a value from 256 to 1500.
The default value is 1500.
7. Click the Apply button.
Your settings are saved. 
						

							35
4
4.   Manage the Basic WiFi Network 
Settings
This chapter describes how to configure the basic settings for the main WiFi network and guest 
WiFi network and how to use the WPS wizard.
This chapter contains the following sections:
•Manage the Basic WiFi Settings and WiFi Security of the Main Network
•Use the WPS Wizard to Add a Device to the WiFi Network
•Manage the Basic WiFi Settings and WiFi Security of the Guest Network
Note:For information about the managing the advanced WiFi settings, see 
Chapter 11, Manage the Advanced WiFi Network Settings. 
						

							Manage the Basic WiFi Network Settings 
36 AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router 
Manage the Basic WiFi Settings and WiFi Security of the 
Main Network
The modem 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. The preset SSID and password are uniquely generated for every device to protect 
and maximize your WiFi security. You can find the preset SSID and password on the product 
label (see 
Product Label on page 23).
IMPORTANT:
NETGEAR recommends that you do not change your preset 
security settings. If you decide to change your preset security 
settings, make a note of the new settings and store the note in a 
safe place where you can easily find it.
View or Change the Basic WiFi Settings
You can view or change the basic WiFi settings and WiFi security. The modem router 
simultaneously supports the 2.4 GHz band for 802.11b/g/n devices and the 5 GHz band for 
802.11a/n/ac devices.
Tip:If you decide to change the WiFi settings of the modem router’s main 
network, use a wired connection to avoid being disconnected when 
the new WiFi settings take effect.
To view or change basic WiFi settings for main WiFi network:
1. Launch an Internet browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the 
network.
2. Type http://www.routerlogin.net.
A login window opens.
3. Type admin for the user name and type your password.
If you did not yet personalize your password, type password for the password.
4. Click the OK button. 
The BASIC Home page displays.
5. Select BASIC > Wireless. 
						

							Manage the Basic WiFi Network Settings 37
 AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router
6. 
View or change the basic WiFi settings and security settings.
The following table describes the fields on the Wireless Setup page.
FieldDescription
Region Selection
Region The selection from the Region menu is fixed at United States and the menu is masked 
out.
Wireless Network (2.4GHz b/g/n) 
Enable SSID 
Broadcast  By default, the modem router broadcasts its SSID so that WiFi stations c\
an detect the 
WiFi name (SSID) in their scanned network lists. 

To turn off the SSID broadcast, clear the 
Enable SSID Broadcast check box. Turning off the SSID broadcast provides additional 
WiFi security, but users must know the SSID to be able to join the WiFi network of th\
e 
modem router. 
						

							Manage the Basic WiFi Network Settings 
38 AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router 
Name (SSID) The SSID is the WiFi network name. If you did not change the SSID, the default SSID 
displays. The default SSID is also printed on the product label (see 
Product Label on 
page 23).
Note:NETGEAR recommends that you do not change the default SSID. If you must 
change the SSID, enter a 32-character (maximum), case-sensitive name in this field.
ChannelFrom the Channel menu, select Auto for automatic channel selection or select an 
individual channel. The default selection is Auto and the channel that is in use is stated 
next to the menu.
Note:Do not change the channel unless you experience interference (shown by lost 
connections or slow data transfers). If this situation occurs, experiment with different 
channels to see which one is the best.
Note:If you use multiple WiFi access points (APs), reduce interference by selecting 
different channels for adjacent APs. NETGEAR recommends a channel spacing of four 
channels between adjacent APs (for example, use Channels 1 and 5, or 6 and 10).
ModeFrom the Mode menu, select one of the following modes:
• Up to 54 Mbps. Legacy mode. This mode allows 802.11n, 802.11g, and 802.11b 
devices to join the network but limits 802.11n devices to functioning at up to 54
 Mbps.
• Up to 145 Mbps. Neighbor-friendly mode for reduced interference with neighboring 
WiFi networks. This mode allows 802.11n, 802.11g, and 802.11b devices to join the 
network but limits 802.11n devices to functioning at up to 145
 Mbps. This mode is the 
default mode.
• Up to 300 Mbps. Performance mode. This mode allows 802.11n, 802.11g, and 
802.11b devices to join the network and allows 802.11n devices to function at up to 
300
 Mbps.
Note:WEP and WPA-PSK security support speeds of up to 54 Mbps. Even if your devices 
are capable of a higher speed, WEP and WPA-PSK security limit their speed to 54 Mbps.
FieldDescription 
						

							Manage the Basic WiFi Network Settings 
39  AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router
Security Options
This information applies to the 2.4 GHz WiFi network.
Note:NETGEAR recommends that you do not change your preset security settings (WPA2-PSK [AES]).
If you must change the WiFi security, select one of the following WiFi security options for the modem 
router’s WiFi network:
• None. An open WiFi network that does not provide any security. Any WiFi device can join the network. 
NETGEAR recommends that you do not use an open WiFi network.
• WEP. Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) security is a legacy authentication and data encryption mode 
that is superseded by WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK. The WEP option displays only if you select Up to 54 
Mbps from the Mode menu. For information about configuring WEP, see 
Configure WEP Legacy WiFi 
Security for the Main WiFi Network on page 43.
• WPA-PSK [TKIP]. WPA provides a secure connection but is superseded by WPA2. The WPA-PSK 
[TKIP] option displays only if you select Up to 54 Mbps from the Mode menu.
To use this type of security, in the Passphrase field, enter a phrase of 8 to 63 characters. To join the 
modem router’s WiFi network, a user must enter this passphrase.
• WPA2-PSK [AES]. This type of security is the default setting and enables WiFi devices that support 
WPA2 to join the modem router’s 2.4 GHz WiFi network. If you did not change the passphrase, the 
default passphrase displays. The default passphrase is printed on the product label (see 
Product Label 
on page 23). WPA2 provides a secure connection but some older WiFi devices do not detect WPA2 
and support only WPA. If your network includes such older devices, select WPA-PSK [TKIP] + 
WPA2-PSK [AES] security.
NETGEAR recommends that you do not change the default passphrase. If you must change the 
passphrase, in the Passphrase field, enter a phrase of 8 to 63 characters. To join the modem router’s 
WiFi network, a user must enter this passphrase.
• WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK [AES]. This type of security enables WiFi devices that support either 
WPA or WPA2 to join the modem router’s 2.4 GHz WiFi network. However, WPA-PSK [TKIP] is less 
secure than WPA2-PSK [AES] and limits the speed of WiFi devices to 54 Mbps.
To use this type of security, in the Passphrase field, enter a phrase of 8 to 63 characters. To join the 
modem router’s WiFi network, a user must enter this passphrase.
• WPA/WPA2 Enterprise. This type of security requires that your WiFi network can access a RADIUS 
server. For information about configuring WPA/WPA2 Enterprise, see 
Configure WPA/WPA2 Enterprise 
WiFi Security on page 41.
Wireless Network (5GHz 11a/n/ac)
Enable SSID 
Broadcast By default, the modem router broadcasts its SSID so that WiFi stations can detect the 
WiFi name (SSID) in their scanned network lists. To turn off the SSID broadcast, clear the 
Enable SSID Broadcast check box. Turning off the SSID broadcast provides additional 
WiFi security, but users must know the SSID to be able to join the WiFi network of the 
modem router.
Name (SSID) The SSID is the WiFi network name. If you did not change the SSID, the default SSID 
displays. The default SSID is also printed on the product label (see 
Product Label on 
page 23).
Note:NETGEAR recommends that you do not change the default SSID. If you must 
change the SSID, enter a 32-character (maximum), case-sensitive name in this field.
FieldDescription 
						

							Manage the Basic WiFi Network Settings 
40 AC1600 WiFi Cable Modem Router 
7. If you changed the settings, click the Apply button.
Your settings are saved.
ChannelFrom the Channel menu, select an individual channel. The default selection is 153.
Note:Do not change the channel unless you experience interference (shown by lost 
connections or slow data transfers). If this situation occurs, experiment with different 
channels to see which one is the best.
Note:If you use multiple WiFi access points (APs), reduce interference by selecting 
different channels for adjacent APs. NETGEAR recommends a channel spacing of four 
channels between adjacent APs.
ModeFrom the Mode menu, select one of the following modes:
• Up to 289 Mbps. Legacy mode. This mode allows 802.11ac, 802.11na, and 802.11a 
devices to join the network but limits 802.11ac and 802.11na devices to functioning at 
up to 289
 Mbps.
• Up to 600 Mbps. Neighbor-friendly mode for reduced interference with neighboring 
WiFi networks. This mode allows 802.11ac, 802.11na, and 802.11a devices to join 
the network, allows 802.11na devices to function at up to 600
 Mbps, and limits 
802.11ac devices to functioning at up to 600
 Mbps.
• Up to 1.3 Gbps. Performance mode. This mode allows 802.11ac, 802.11na, and 
802.11a devices to join the network and allows 802.11ac devices to function at up to 
1300
 Mbps. This mode is the default mode.
Security Options
This information applies to the 5 GHz WiFi network.
Note:NETGEAR recommends that you do not change your preset security settings (WPA2-PSK [AES]).
If you must change the WiFi security, select one of the following WiFi security options for the modem 
router’s WiFi network:
• None. An open WiFi network that does not provide any security. Any WiFi device can join the network. 
NETGEAR recommends that you do not use an open WiFi network.
• WPA2-PSK [AES]. This type of security is the default setting and enables WiFi devices that support 
WPA2 to join the modem router’s 2.4 GHz WiFi network. If you did not change the passphrase, the 
default passphrase displays. The default passphrase is printed on the product label (see 
Product Label 
on page 23). WPA2 provides a secure connection but some older WiFi devices do not detect WPA2 
and support only WPA. If your network includes such older devices, select WPA-PSK [TKIP] + 
WPA2-PSK [AES] security.
NETGEAR recommends that you do not change the default passphrase. If you must change the 
passphrase, in the Passphrase field, enter a phrase of 8 to 63 characters. To join the modem router’s 
WiFi network, a user must enter this passphrase.
• WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK [AES]. This type of security enables WiFi devices that support either 
WPA or WPA2 to join the modem router’s 2.4 GHz WiFi network. However, WPA-PSK [TKIP] is less 
secure than WPA2-PSK [AES] and limits the speed of WiFi devices to 54 Mbps.
To use this type of security, in the Passphrase field, enter a phrase of 8 to 63 characters. To join the 
modem router’s WiFi network, a user must enter this passphrase.
• WPA/WPA2 Enterprise. This type of security requires that your WiFi network can access a RADIUS 
server. For information about configuring WPA/WPA2 Enterprise, see 
Configure WPA/WPA2 Enterprise 
WiFi Security on page 41.
FieldDescription