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NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro XR300 - User Manual

NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro XR300
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User Manual
Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router
Model XR300
NETGEAR, Inc.
350 E. Plumeria DriveOctober 2020
San Jose, CA 95134, USA202-11965-04

Table of Contents

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NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro XR300 Specifications

General IconGeneral
WiFi Technology802.11ac
WiFi RangeMedium to large homes
ProcessorDual-core processor
BeamformingYes
WiFi SpeedAC1750 (450Mbps @2.4GHz + 1300Mbps @5GHz)
WiFi BandDual-band (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz)
Memory128 MB Flash
Ethernet Ports4 x Gigabit LAN ports
WAN Port1 x Gigabit Ethernet WAN port
QoSYes (DumaOS)
SecurityWPA2
VPN SupportYes

Summary

1 Hardware Setup

Unpack Your Router

Details on unpacking the router, power adapter, and Ethernet cable.

Status LEDs

Explanation of the status LEDs located on the top panel of the router.

Rear Panel

Description of the connectors and buttons on the router's rear panel.

Attach the Antennas

Instructions on positioning router antennas for optimal WiFi performance.

Router Label

Information about the router label containing login details and MAC address.

Position Your Router

Guidelines for optimal router placement to maximize WiFi range and performance.

Cable Your Router

Step-by-step instructions for connecting the router to a modem and power.

2 Connect to the Network and Access the Router

Connect to the Network

Methods for connecting computers to the router via wired or WiFi connections.

Types of Logins

Explanation of different login types: ISP, WiFi password, and router admin login.

Use a Web Browser to Access the Router

Steps to access the router's web interface using a browser for settings management.

Manage Your Router With the NETGEAR Nighthawk App

Guide to managing the router using the NETGEAR Nighthawk mobile application.

3 Specify Your Internet Settings

Use the Internet Setup Wizard

Guidance on using the setup wizard to automatically configure Internet connection settings.

Manually Set Up the Internet Connection

Instructions for manually configuring the router's Internet connection settings.

Specify IPv6 Internet Connections

Configuration steps for setting up IPv6 Internet connections if not auto-detected.

Change the MTU Size

Procedure for adjusting the Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) size for network performance.

4 Customize Quality of Service Settings and Optimize Gaming

Improve Response Time by Using the Geo Filter

Using the Geo Filter to limit game server distance for better response times.

Manage Bandwidth Allocation

Allocating and managing bandwidth for specific devices to prevent congestion.

Manage Traffic Prioritization

Prioritizing network traffic for specific devices to reduce lag.

5 Monitor Devices and the Network and View Router Information

View and Manage Devices Currently on the Network

Viewing and managing connected devices, including blocking or renaming them.

View Network Usage Information

Monitoring network traffic, categories, and applications consuming bandwidth.

View Router System Information

Accessing detailed system information about the router's status and components.

Customize the Dashboard

Personalizing the router's dashboard by adding, removing, or rearranging panes.

6 Control Access to the Internet

Block Access to Internet Sites

Blocking specific websites or domains using keywords or schedules.

Block Services and Applications With Simple Outbound Firewall Rules

Configuring outbound firewall rules to block specific services and applications.

Set Up a Schedule for Keyword Blocking and Outbound Firewall Rules

Creating schedules to activate blocking rules for sites, services, and applications.

Set Up Email Notifications for Security Events and Log Messages

Configuring email alerts for security events and router log messages.

7 Manage the Router’s Network Settings

View or Change WAN Settings

Configuring Wide Area Network (WAN) settings, including DMZ and MTU.

Set Up a Default DMZ Server

Configuring a DMZ server to bypass firewall security for specific applications.

Change the Router’s Device Name

Customizing the router's device name for file sharing and network identification.

Change the Router’s LAN IP Address and RIP Settings

Modifying the router's Local Area Network (LAN) IP address and RIP settings.

Specify the IP Addresses That the Router Assigns

Configuring the pool of IP addresses that the router's DHCP server assigns.

Disable the DHCP Server Feature in the Router

Disabling the router's DHCP server to use another DHCP server on the network.

Manage Reserved LAN IP Addresses

Assigning static IP addresses to specific devices on the local network.

Set Up a Bridge to Your ISP’s Network Using a Port Group or VLAN Tag Group

Configuring a bridge for devices like IPTV to bypass NAT and access ISP network directly.

Manage Custom Static Routes

Defining static routes for specific network traffic paths, often for complex network setups.

Improve Network Connections With Universal Plug and Play

Enabling UPnP for devices to automatically discover and connect to network resources.

8 Manage the Router’s WiFi Settings

Specify Basic WiFi Settings

Configuring fundamental WiFi settings like SSID, channel, and region for 2.4/5 GHz bands.

Change the WiFi Password or Security Level

Modifying the WiFi network password and security protocol (WPA/WPA2).

Change the WiFi Mbps Mode for Download and Upload Speeds

Adjusting WiFi transmission speeds (Mbps) for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

Change the Transmission Power Control

Adjusting the router's WiFi transmission power to manage coverage and save energy.

Set Up a Guest WiFi Network

Creating a separate WiFi network for guests, isolating them from the main network.

Configure WPA;WPA2 Enterprise WiFi Security

Setting up enterprise-level WiFi security using RADIUS servers for authentication.

Configure WEP Legacy WiFi Security

Configuring older WEP security, which is less secure and slower than WPA/WPA2.

Control the WiFi Radios

Enabling or disabling the router's WiFi radios using the On/Off button or web interface.

Use the WPS Wizard for WiFi Connections

Using WPS to easily connect WiFi devices without manually entering passwords.

Set Up a WiFi Schedule

Scheduling WiFi signal to turn off automatically during specific times or days.

Specify WPS Settings

Configuring WPS settings, including the router's PIN for device connections.

Manage Implicit Beamforming

Disabling implicit beamforming to potentially improve WiFi speed and reliability.

Enable or disable airtime fairness

Managing airtime fairness to ensure all clients receive equal network time.

Use the Router as a WiFi Access Point Only

Configuring the router to function solely as a WiFi Access Point (AP).

9 Maintain the Router

Update the Router Firmware

Checking for and installing new firmware to update the router's software.

Change the admin Password

Procedure for changing the router's administrative login password for security.

Enable admin Password Recovery

Setting up password recovery options in case the admin password is forgotten.

Recover the admin Password

Steps to recover the router's admin password using security questions.

Manage the Router Configuration File

Backing up, restoring, or erasing the router's configuration settings.

Access Your Router Using the Nighthawk App

Connecting to and managing the router remotely via the NETGEAR Nighthawk mobile app.

Monitor and Meter Internet Traffic

Monitoring internet traffic volume, setting limits, and viewing usage statistics.

View and Manage the Router Activity Log

Viewing and managing the router's activity log for security events and network actions.

Display Internet Port Statistics

Viewing statistics for the router's WAN, LAN, and WiFi ports.

Check the Internet Connection Status, View Details, and Release and Renew the Connection

Checking the router's internet connection status and managing IP address leases.

Restart the Router From Its Web Interface

Remotely restarting the router through its web-based administration interface.

View Router Notifications

Viewing any notifications generated by the router regarding its status or events.

Disable or Enable LED Blinking or Turn Off LEDs

Customizing the behavior of the router's LED indicators, including blinking and power status.

10 Share USB Storage Devices Attached to the Router

USB device requirements

Details on USB device compatibility, file system types, and power supply requirements.

Connect a USB storage device to the router

Steps for physically connecting a USB storage device to the router's USB port.

Access a storage device connected to the router from a Windows-based computer

Accessing files on a USB storage device connected to the router from a Windows PC.

Map a USB device to a Windows network drive

Mapping a USB storage device as a network drive in Windows for easier access.

Access a Storage Device That Is Connected to the Router From a Mac

Accessing files on a USB storage device connected to the router from a Mac computer.

Back up Windows-based computers with ReadySHARE Vault

Using ReadySHARE Vault software to perform automatic backups of Windows computers.

Back up Mac computers with Time Machine

Using Time Machine to back up Mac computers to a USB drive connected to the router.

Manage Access to a USB Storage Device

Configuring access methods and permissions for USB storage devices connected to the router.

Use FTP Within the Network

Setting up FTP access to transfer files within the local network from USB storage.

Manage Network Folders on a USB Storage Device

Viewing, adding, or changing network folders on a USB storage device connected to the router.

Approve USB Devices

Configuring the router to allow only specific approved USB devices to connect.

Safely Remove a USB Storage Device

Steps to safely take a USB storage device offline before physically disconnecting it.

11 Use Dynamic DNS to Access USB Storage Devices Through the Internet

Set Up Your Personal FTP Server

Setting up a personal FTP server for remote access to network storage via Dynamic DNS.

Set Up and Manage Dynamic DNS

Configuring Dynamic DNS service to access the home network using a domain name.

Access USB Storage Devices Through the Internet

Accessing USB storage devices connected to the router remotely via the Internet.

12 Use the Router as a Media Server

Specify ReadyDLNA Media Server Settings

Configuring the router as a DLNA/UPnP AV media server for compatible players.

Set Up the Router to Work With TiVo

Enabling TiVo support to play media files from USB storage on a TiVo device.

13 Share a USB Printer

Install the printer driver and cable the printer

Installing printer drivers and connecting a USB printer to the router for network sharing.

Download the ReadySHARE printer utility

Downloading the NETGEAR ReadySHARE printer utility for Windows and Mac computers.

Install the ReadySHARE printer utility

Installing the ReadySHARE utility to manage shared USB printers.

Print using the NETGEAR USB Control Center

Using the NETGEAR USB Control Center to print documents through the shared USB printer.

14 Use VPN to Access Your Network

Set Up a VPN Connection

Establishing a virtual private network (VPN) connection for secure remote network access.

Specify VPN Service in the Router

Configuring the router with VPN service settings, including UDP/TCP and port numbers.

Install OpenVPN Software

Installing OpenVPN client software on computers and mobile devices for VPN connections.

Use a VPN Tunnel on a Windows-Based Computer

Establishing a VPN tunnel from a Windows computer to the router for secure access.

Use VPN to Access the Router’s USB Storage Device and Media

Accessing router USB storage and media files remotely via a VPN connection.

Use VPN to Access Your Internet Service at Home

Using a VPN connection to access your home internet service while away from home.

15 Manage and Customize Internet Traffic Rules for Ports

Manage Port Forwarding to a Local Server for Services and Applications

Configuring port forwarding rules to allow specific incoming traffic to local servers.

Manage Port Triggering for Services and Applications

Setting up port triggering for dynamic opening of ports based on outbound traffic.

16 Troubleshooting

Quick tips

General tips and sequences for troubleshooting common router problems.

Troubleshoot with the LEDs

Diagnosing router issues by interpreting the status and behavior of the LED indicators.

You Cannot Log In to the Router

Troubleshooting steps for resolving issues preventing login to the router's web interface.

You Cannot Access the Internet

Diagnosing and resolving problems when the router is connected but cannot access the Internet.

Troubleshoot Internet Browsing

Resolving issues where the router has an IP but web pages fail to load.

Changes are not saved

Troubleshooting why configuration changes made in the router's web interface are not being saved.

Troubleshoot WiFi Connectivity

Steps to diagnose and resolve problems with WiFi connection to the router.

Troubleshoot your network using the ping utility

Using the ping utility to test network connectivity and diagnose issues.

17 Supplemental Information

Factory Settings

Details on the router's default factory settings and how to restore them.

Technical Specifications

Technical specifications of the router, including hardware, power, and environmental details.

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