NETGEAR DOCSIS 3.0 C6220 - User Manual

Quick Start
AC1200 WiFi Cable Modem Router
Model C6220
© NETGEAR, Inc., NETGEAR and the NETGEAR Logo are trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. Any
non‑NETGEAR trademarks are used for reference purposes only.
Visit netgear.com/support to get your questions answered and access the latest
downloads.
You can also check out our NETGEAR Community for helpful advice at
community.netgear.com.
Customer‑owned cable devices might not be compatible with certain cable
networks. Check with your cable Internet provider to conrm that this NETGEAR
cable device is allowed on your cable network.
If you are experiencing trouble installing your modem router, contact NETGEAR
at 1‑866‑874‑8924.
Support and Community
Cable Internet
Provider
Support Contact Information
Cox https://www.cox.com/residential/support/home.html
https://www.cox.com/activate
1‑888‑556‑1193
Mediacom
https://support.mediacomcable.com
1‑855‑Mediacom (1‑855‑633‑4226)
Optimum https://www.optimum.net/support/contact‑us
https://install.optimum.com/JointInstall
1‑877‑810‑6750
Sparklight
https://support.sparklight.com
1‑877‑692‑2253
Spectrum
https://www.spectrum.net/contact‑us
https://activate.spectrum.net
1‑833‑267‑6094
Xnity
https://www.xnity.com/internetsetup
Use the Xnity app for Xnity activation and then use the NETGEAR
Nighthawk app for router installation.
Cable modem router LEDs
LED Description
Power • Green: Power is supplied to the modem router.
• Red: Power is cut off due to a thermal error caused by heat. Move the unit to
a well‑ventilated area and power‑cycle the unit.
• Off: No power is supplied to the modem router.
Downstream
• Solid green: One or more downstream channels are locked.
• Blinking green: The modem router is scanning for a downstream channel.
• Off: No downstream channel is locked.
Upstream
• Solid green: One or more upstream channels are locked.
• Blinking green: The modem router is scanning for an upstream channel.
• Off: No upstream channel is locked.
Online
• Solid green: The modem router is online.
• Blinking green: The modem router is synchronizing with the cable
provider’s cable modem termination system (CMTS).
• Off: The modem router is ofine.
2.4 GHz radio
• Solid green: The 2.4 GHz WiFi radio is on.
• Blinking green: There is WiFi activity on the 2.4 GHz band.
• Off: The 2.4 GHz WiFi radio is off.
5 GHz radio • Solid green: The 5 GHz WiFi radio is on.
• Blinking green: There is WiFi activity on the 5 GHz band.
• Off: The 5 GHz WiFi radio is off.
Ethernet • Solid green: A powered‑on device is connected to an Ethernet port.
• Blinking green: The Ethernet port is sending or receiving trafc.
• Off: No device is connected to an Ethernet port.
USB
• Solid green: A USB device is connected to the port on the back panel.
• Off: No USB device is connected to the port on the back panel.
WiFi On/Off
button with LED
Pressing this button for two seconds turns the WiFi radios on and off. If this
LED is lit, the WiFi radios are on. If this LED is off, the WiFi radios are turned off
and you cannot use WiFi to connect to the modem router.
WPS
button with LED
This button lets you use WPS to join the WiFi network without typing the WiFi
password. The WPS LED blinks during this process and then lights solid.
Download the Nighthawk app to get started
For more information about the
Nighthawk app, visit Nighthawk‑app.
com. Set up your modem router and
activate your Internet service with the
Nighthawk app.
If you don’t want to use the Nighthawk app, set up your modem router using
the instructions in Install using the modem router web interface.
BEFORE RETURNING THIS PRODUCT TO THE STORE FOR
ANY REASON, call NETGEAR Technical Support at
1‑866‑534‑9377 or visit
https://kb.netgear.com/000061156/How‑can‑I‑
troubleshoot‑my‑cable‑modem.
Note to CATV system installer: This reminder is provided to call the CATV system
installer’s attention to Section 820‑93 of the National Electrical Code, which
provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, species that coaxial
cable shield shall be connected to the grounding system of the building, as close
to the point of cable entry as practical.

Summary

Cable Modem Router LEDs

Power LED Status

Indicates power status: Green for supplied, Red for thermal error, Off for no power.

Connectivity LEDs

Details status for Downstream, Upstream, and Online connectivity.

WiFi and Network LEDs

Explains status for 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz radio, Ethernet, USB, WiFi On/Off, and WPS LEDs.

Quick Start Guide

Nighthawk App Setup

Guide to downloading and using the Nighthawk app for modem router setup and activation.

Technical Support and Returns

Information on contacting NETGEAR support for troubleshooting or returning the product.

Installation and Setup

Connecting Your Modem Router

Step-by-step instructions for connecting antennas, power, and coaxial cables.

Setup with Xfinity

Instructions for activating the modem router using the Xfinity app.

Setup with Other ISPs

Steps for setting up the modem router via web interface for other cable providers.

Regulatory and Legal Information

Compliance and Privacy

Links to regulatory compliance, privacy policy, and terms and conditions.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

This document provides a comprehensive guide for the NETGEAR AC1200 WiFi Cable Modem Router, Model C6220, covering its setup, activation, and troubleshooting. It is designed to assist users in getting their modem router up and running, whether they are using the Nighthawk app or the web interface, and provides specific instructions for various cable Internet service providers.

Function Description

The NETGEAR AC1200 WiFi Cable Modem Router, Model C6220, serves as a dual-purpose device, combining the functionalities of a cable modem and a WiFi router. As a cable modem, it connects to your cable Internet service provider (ISP) to receive Internet access. As a WiFi router, it broadcasts a wireless network, allowing multiple devices to connect to the Internet wirelessly. It also includes Ethernet ports for wired connections. The device is designed to provide high-speed Internet access and a reliable wireless network for home or small office environments.

Usage Features

The modem router offers several features to facilitate its use and management:

• Integrated Design: By combining a cable modem and a WiFi router into a single unit, it simplifies your network setup and reduces the number of devices and cables needed.
• Dual-Band WiFi: The device supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi radios. The 2.4 GHz band provides broader coverage, while the 5 GHz band offers faster speeds and less interference, ideal for bandwidth-intensive activities like streaming and gaming.
• Ethernet Ports: It includes Ethernet ports, allowing you to connect devices like computers, gaming consoles, or smart TVs directly to the modem router for stable and high-speed wired connections.
• USB Port: A USB port is available for connecting USB devices, potentially for network storage or printer sharing, though specific functionalities might depend on the firmware.
• WPS Button: The WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) button simplifies connecting new wireless devices to your network without manually entering the WiFi password.
• WiFi On/Off Button: A dedicated button allows you to easily turn the WiFi radios on or off, providing control over your wireless network's availability and potentially saving power.
• LED Indicators: A series of LED lights on the device provide visual feedback on its operational status, including power, downstream and upstream connectivity, online status, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi activity, Ethernet connection, USB connection, and WPS status. These indicators are crucial for troubleshooting and monitoring the device's performance.
• Nighthawk App Integration: For a streamlined setup and management experience, the modem router is compatible with the NETGEAR Nighthawk app. This app guides users through the installation process, activation with their ISP, and ongoing network management.
• Web Interface Setup: For users who prefer not to use the Nighthawk app, the modem router can also be set up and managed through a web browser interface by navigating to routerlogin.net or 192.168.0.1. This interface provides comprehensive control over network settings, security, and other advanced features.
• ISP Compatibility: The device is designed to work with various cable Internet service providers. The manual provides specific contact information and setup instructions for major ISPs like Cox, Mediacom, Optimum, Sparklight, Spectrum, and Xfinity, highlighting the importance of checking compatibility with your specific provider.
• Security Features: During setup, users are prompted to change default admin credentials and set up security questions, enhancing the security of the modem router's management interface.
• Pre-configured WiFi Settings: The modem router comes with preset WiFi network name (SSID) and password, typically found on a sticker on the device, allowing for immediate wireless connection after initial setup.
• Coaxial Cable Connection: It connects directly to your cable wall outlet using a coaxial cable, and recommendations are provided for optimal connection, including the use of a splitter if necessary.
• Power Management: The device includes a Power On/Off switch on the back panel, allowing users to easily power cycle or shut down the device.

Maintenance Features

The document outlines several aspects that contribute to the maintenance and longevity of the modem router:

• LED Troubleshooting: The detailed description of each LED indicator's status (solid green, blinking green, red, off) serves as a primary tool for diagnosing issues. For example, a red Power LED indicates a thermal error, prompting the user to move the unit to a well-ventilated area.
• Firmware Updates: While not explicitly detailed as a user-initiated feature, modern NETGEAR devices typically receive firmware updates that improve performance, add features, and address security vulnerabilities. These updates are often managed automatically or through the Nighthawk app/web interface.
• Ventilation Guidance: The troubleshooting tip for a red Power LED, suggesting relocation to a well-ventilated area, highlights the importance of proper airflow for the device's optimal operation and to prevent overheating.
• Support Resources: The manual directs users to netgear.com/support for FAQs, downloads, and community forums (community.netgear.com), providing extensive resources for self-help and peer support.
• Technical Support Contact: For more complex issues, a dedicated NETGEAR Technical Support phone number (1-866-534-9377) and a knowledge base article link (https://kb.netgear.com/000061156/How-can-I-troubleshoot-my-cable-modem) are provided, ensuring users can access professional assistance when needed.
• ISP-Specific Activation: The guide emphasizes the importance of contacting the ISP for activation, especially when replacing a leased modem or setting up new service, which is a critical step in maintaining Internet connectivity.
• Grounding Guidelines: For CATV system installers, the document includes a reminder about Section 820-93 of the National Electrical Code, emphasizing proper grounding of the coaxial cable shield to the building's grounding system. This is a crucial safety and performance maintenance aspect for the cable infrastructure.
• Regular Software Updates: For Xfinity users, the guide recommends updating the Xfinity app to the latest version, implying that keeping associated software up-to-date is part of maintaining a smooth user experience and compatibility.
• Terms and Conditions: The inclusion of links to NETGEAR's regulatory compliance information, privacy policy, and terms and conditions (https://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory/, https://www.netgear.com/about/privacy-policy, https://www.netgear.com/about/terms-and-conditions) ensures users are informed about the legal and operational framework governing their device, which can be important for understanding support and warranty conditions.

NETGEAR DOCSIS 3.0 C6220 Specifications