ActionTec MI424-WR User manual

Wireless
Broadband
Router
Model #: MI424WR
Firmware Version: 4.0.16.1.44.28
User Manual
Ver 2.0
Solutions for the Digital Life™

i
Table of Contents
1 Introduction 1
Package Contents 1
Minimum System Requirements 2
Features 2
Getting to Know the Router 4
2 Connecting the Router 9
Setting Up the Router 9
Computer Network Configuration 14
Home Page 16
3 Configuring My Network Settings 19
Accessing My Network 19
Using My Network 20
4 Creating a Wireless Network 27
Overview 27
Wireless Network Connection 28
Configuring a Wireless Windows XP Client 35
Connecting a Wireless Windows XP Client 37
5 Using Network Connections 41
Network (Home/Office) 42
Ethernet Connection 48
Coax Connection 51
Broadband Ethernet Connection 54
Coax Broadband Connection 60
WAN PPPoE/WAN PPPoE 2 65
6 Configuring the Router’s Security 71
General 73
Access Control 75
Port Forwarding 78
DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) Host 80
Port Triggering 81
Remote Administration 82
Website Blocking 84
Static NAT 86
Advanced Filtering 87
Security Log 90
7 Using Parental Controls 99
Activating Parental Controls 99
Creating a Filtering Policy 100
Advanced Options 104
Statistics 105

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8 Using Advanced Settings 107
About 109
Configuration File 109
Restart 110
Restoring Default Settings 110
Diagnostics 111
MAC Cloning 112
System Settings 113
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) 118
Firmware Upgrade 119
Scheduler Rules 122
Date and Time 124
RADIUS (Client) 125
Users 125
ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) Table 127
Routing 127
Network Objects 129
Firmware Restore 131
Dynamic DNS 131
IP Address Distribution 133
DNS Server 137
Remote Administration 139
Protocols 140
9 Monitoring the Router 143
Monitoring Connections 143
Traffic Monitoring 144
System Log 145
Router Status 145
10 Troubleshooting 147
A Quality Of Service 151
Traffic Priority 151
Traffic Shaping 155
B Specifications 165
General 165
Wireless Operating Range 166
LED Indicators 166
Environmental 166
Notices 167
Regulatory Compliance Notices 167
Modifications 167

1
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router. The Wireless
Broadband Router supports Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA), a new net-
working standard that allows digital entertainment and information to be trans-
mitted and distributed to multiple devices over coaxial cables. The Router also sup-
ports Ethernet and Wi-Fi networking, making it the most versatile router available.
If you want to take your home or office networking to the next level, the Actiontec
Wireless Broadband Router is sure to be one of the keys to your success.
Package Contents
s Actiontec Wireless Broadband Router
s Black Power cord
s Yellow cable (Ethernet, 6 ft.)
s White cable (Ethernet, 10 ft.)
s Quick Start Guide
s Installation Guide
s Wireless Networking Guide
s User Manual CD
1

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Chapter 1 Introduction
s Wall-mount template
s Vertical stand
s Warranty
Minimum System Requirements
s Computer with Ethernet capability
s Microsoft Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, or XP; Mac OS 9 or greater; Linux/
BSD, Unix
s Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher; Netscape Navigator 7.0 or higher
s TCP/IP network protocol installed on each computer
Features
s Supports multiple networking standards, including:
WAN - Ethernet and MoCA interfaces
LAN - 802.11g, 802.11b, Ethernet, and MoCA
s Integrated wired networking with 4-port 10/100 Mbps Ethernet switch
and MoCA
s Integrated wireless networking with 802.11g access point featuring:
802.11g enabled to support speeds up to 54 Mbps wirelessly
802.11b backward compatible, communicating with 802.11b wireless
products at speeds up to 11 Mbps
s Enterprise-level security, including :
Fully customizable firewall with Stateful Packet Inspection
Content filtering with URL-keyword based filtering, parental control,
customizable filtering policies per computer, and E-mail notification
Denial of service protection against IP spoofing attacks, intrusion and
scanning attacks, IP fragment overlap, ping of death, and fragmentation
attacks
Event logging

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Chapter 1 Introduction
Intrusion detection
MAC address filtering
NAT
DMZ hosting
Access control
Advanced wireless protection featuring WPA, WEP 64/128 bit encryp-
tion, 802.1x authentication, and MAC address filtering
ICSA certified
s Other Features
DHCP server option
DHCP server/PPPoE server auto-detection
DNS server
LAN IP and WAN IP address selection
MAC address cloning
Port forwarding
PPPoE support
QoS support (end to end layer 2/3) featuring Diffserv, 802.1p/q prioriti-
zation, configurable upstream/downstream traffic shaping, random early
detection and pass-through of WAN-side DSCPs, PHBs, and queuing to
LAN-side devices
Remote management and secured remote management using HTTPS
Reverse NAT
Static NAT
Static routing
Time zone support
VLAN multicast support
VPN IPSec (VPN passthrough only)

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Chapter 1 Introduction
Getting to Know the Router
This section contains a quick description of the Router’s lights (LEDs), ports, etc.
The Router features several indicator lights on its front panel, and a series of ports
and switches on its rear panel.
Front Panel
The front panel of the Router features ten indicator lights: Power, Ethernet WAN,
Coax WAN, Internet, Ethernet LAN (4), Coax LAN, and Wireless.
1234
MI424WR
Power Light
The Power light displays the Router’s current status. If the Power light glows
steadily green, the Router is receiving power and fully operational. When the
Power light flashes rapidly, the Router is initializing. If the Power light is not illu-
minated or glows red when the Power cord is plugged in and the Power switch is
turned on, the Router has suffered a critical error and technical support should
be contacted.

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Chapter 1 Introduction
Ethernet WAN Light
The Ethernet WAN light illuminates when the Router is connected to the
Internet via Ethernet. If flashing, data traffic is passing across the port.
Coax WAN Light
The Coax WAN light glows steadily or flashes when the Router is connected to
the Internet via coaxial cable.
Internet Light
When the Internet light glows steadily green, the Router is connected to the ISP
(Internet Service Provider). If it glows amber, there is a physical connection to
the ONT (Optical Network Terminator), but authentication has not taken place
(i.e., no IP address is present).
Ethernet LAN Lights (1, 2, 3, 4)
The Ethernet LAN lights illuminate when the Router is connected to a local
network via one or more of its Ethernet ports. If flashing, data traffic is passing
across the port(s).
Coax LAN Light
The Coax LAN light glows steadily or flashes when the Router is connected to a
local network via its Coax port.
Wireless Light
The Wireless light illuminates when the Router is connected wirelessly. If flash-
ing, data traffic is passing across the wireless connection.

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Chapter 1 Introduction
Rear Panel
The rear panel of the Router features seven ports (Coax, Ethernet WAN, Ethernet
LAN [4], and Power), as well as a Reset button and Power switch.
1
Reset
234
100 100
Coax
ResetReset
On/Off
5VDC 3A
100 100
101010 10
Coax Port
The Coax port connects the Router to the ISP or other devices using a coaxial
cable.
Reset Button
To restore the Router’s factory default settings, press and hold the Reset button
for approximately ten seconds. The reset process will start about ten seconds
after releasing the button. When the Router resets, all the lights on the front
panel turn off, and then the lights start flashing. The Router has completed its
reset process when the Power light glows steadily green.
M Caution: Do not unplug the Power cord from the Router dur-
ing the reset process. Doing so may result in the loss of the
Router’s configuration information. If this occurs, reset the
Router again.

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Chapter 1 Introduction
Ethernet WAN Port
The Ethernet WAN port connects the Router to the ISP using an Ethernet cable.
Ethernet LAN Ports (4)
The Ethernet LAN ports connect devices to the Router via Ethernet cables to cre-
ate a local area network (LAN). The Ethernet LAN ports are 10/100 Mbps auto-
sensing ports, and either a straight-through or crossover Ethernet cable can be
used when connecting to the ports.
Power Switch
The Power switch powers the Router on and off.
Power Port
The Power port connects the Router to an electrical wall outlet via the
Power cord.
M Caution: Do not unplug the Power cord from the Router dur-
ing the reset process. Doing so may result in the loss of the
Router’s configuration information. If this occurs, reset the
Router again.

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9
Connecting the
Router
Connecting a computer or local network to the Wireless Broadband Router is a
simple procedure, varying slightly depending on the computer’s operating system,
and designed to seamlessly integrate the Router with the computer or local net-
work. Moreover, zero-configuration is attained when taking advantage of Universal
Plug-and-Play support in Windows XP.
The Windows default network settings dictate that in most cases, the setup pro-
cedure described in the “Computer Network Configuration” will be unnecessary.
For example, the default DHCP setting in Windows 2000 is “client,” requiring no
further modification.
However, Actiontec advises following the setup procedure described below to verify all
communication parameters are valid and the physical cable connections are correct.
Setting Up the Router
There are three parts to setting up the Router: Connecting the Cables, Configuring
the Router, and Connecting Other Computers/Set Top Boxes.
Connecting the Cables
☞ Note: If a different router was being used, disconnect it. Remove
all router components, including power supplies and cables,
since they will not work with the Wireless Broadband Router.
1. Get the Router and black Power cord from the box.
2. Plug the black Power cord in the black port on the back of the Router and
then into a power outlet.
3. Turn the Router on.
4. Make sure the Power light on the front of the Router is glows steadily green.
5. Plug the yellow Ethernet cable from the box into one of the four yellow
Ethernet ports on the back of the Router.
2

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Chapter 2 Connecting the Router
6. Make sure the computer is powered on, then plug the other end of the yellow
Ethernet cable into an Ethernet port on the computer.
7. Make sure at least one of the Ethernet LAN lights on the front of the Router
glows steadily green. This may take a few moments.
8. The phone company previously installed a high-speed wall jack somewhere in
the house. Locate it and note its type (Ethernet or coaxial). If Ethernet, follow
steps 8a and 9a. If coaxial, follow steps 8b and 9b. Then, continue to step 10.
a) If connecting via Ethernet, get the white Ethernet cable from the box and
plug one end in the white port on the back of the Router.
b) If connecting via coaxial cable, get a coaxial cable and connect one end to
the red Coax port on the back of the Router.
9. a) If connecting via Ethernet, plug the other end of the white Ethernet cable
into the high-speed Ethernet jack.
b) If connecting via coaxial cable, connect the other end of the coaxial cable
to a coax jack.
10. Make sure the Ethernet WAN light (if connecting via Ethernet) or Coax WAN
light (if connecting via coaxial cable) on the front of the Router glows steadily
green. If connecting via coaxial cable, this may take a few minutes.
☞ Note: If the Ethernet WAN light or Coax WAN light does not
illuminate, make sure the cable (Ethernet or coaxial) is con-
nected properly at both ends.
Configuring the Router
1. Open a web browser on the computer connected to the Router. In the
“Address” text box, type:
http://192.168.1.1
then press Enter on the keyboard.

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Chapter 2 Connecting the Router
2. The “Login” screen appears. Enter the default user name (admin) and pass-
word (password) in the appropriate text boxes, then click OK.
3. The “Login Setup” screen appears. Select a new user name and password and
enter them in the appropriate text boxes (the password must be entered twice,
for validation purposes). Write the new user name and password down on a
piece of paper and keep it in a safe place, since they will be needed to access
the Router’s MegaControl Panel™ in the future.
4. The “Home” screen of the MegaControl Panel appears. Make sure the green
light is displayed in the “Network Status” section of the screen.
5. Make sure the “Ethernet Status” or “Coax Status” in the “Broadband
Connection” section displays “Connected,” as shown in the figure above.

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Chapter 2 Connecting the Router
6. Click Advanced at the top of the Home screen. The “Advanced” screen
appears.
7. Click Date and Time. The “Date and Time” screen appears.
8. In the “Localization” section of the screen, select the correct time zone from
the “Time Zone” drop-down list, then click OK at the bottom of the screen.
The Router is now configured.

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Chapter 2 Connecting the Router
Connecting Other Computers/Set Top Boxes
The Router can connect to other computers or set top boxes in three ways: via
Ethernet, via wireless connection, or via coaxial cable.
Ethernet
1. Get an Ethernet cable and plug one end into one of the open yellow
Ethernet ports on the back of the Router.
2. Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into an Ethernet port on the computer.
3. Make sure the corresponding Ethernet LAN light on the front of the Router
glows steadily green.
4. Repeat these steps for each computer to be connected to the Router
via Ethernet.
Wireless
1. Make sure each computer to be connected wirelessly has built-in wireless or
an attached wireless adapter.
2. Make sure the computer uses the same ESSID and WEP key as the Router by
launching the computer’s wireless application
3. Enter the ESSID and WEP key found on the sticker on the bottom of the
Router in the computer’s wireless settings and click Save. Make sure to con-
figure the computer to use 64/40-bit WEP encryption.
4. Make sure the changes were implemented by surfing the Internet from
the computer.
5. Repeat these steps for every other computer to be connected to the
Router wirelessly.
Coaxial
1. Make sure all set top boxes are turned off.
2. Disconnect any adapter currently connected to the coaxial jack in the room
where the Router is.

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Chapter 2 Connecting the Router
3. Connect one end of the coaxial cable to the coaxial wall jack, and the other
end to the red Coax port on the back of the Router.
4. Power up the set top box.
5. Make sure the Coax LAN light on the front of the Router glows steadily
green. This may take a few minutes. When it does, the set top box is con-
nected to the Router.
Computer Network Conguration
Each network interface on the computer should either be configured with a stati-
cally defined IP address and DNS address, or instructed to automatically obtain an
IP address using the Network DHCP server. The Router is set up, by default, with
an active DHCP server, and Actiontec recommends leaving this setting as is.
Configuring a Computer to Use Dynamic IP Addressing
To configure a computer to use dynamic IP addressing:
Windows XP
1. Select Network Connections in the Control Panel.
2. Right-click Ethernet Local Area Connection, then click Properties.
3. In the “General” tab, select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), then click
Properties.
4. The “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties” window appears.
5. Click the “Obtain an IP address automatically” radio button.
6. Click the “Obtain DNS server address automatically” radio button.
7. Click OK to save the settings.

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Chapter 2 Connecting the Router
Windows 2000/98/Me
1. Select Network and Dialing Connections in the Control Panel.
2. Right-click on the Ethernet connection’s icon, then click Properties.
3. Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) component, then click Properties.
4. The “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties” window appears.
5. Click the “Obtain an IP address automatically” radio button.
6. Click the “Obtain DNS server address automatically” radio button.
Windows NT
1. Click Network in the Control Panel. The “Network” window appears.
2. In the “Protocol” tab, select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) then click
Properties.
3. In the “IP Address” tab, click the “Obtain an IP address automatically” radio
button.
4. In the “DNS” tab, verify no DNS server is defined in the “DNS Service Search
Order” text box and no suffix is defined in the “Domain Suffix Search
Order” text box.
Linux
1. Login into the system as a super-user, by entering “su” at the prompt.
2. Type “ifconfig” to display the network devices and allocated IPs.
3. Type “pump -i <dev>,” where <dev> is the network device name.
4. Type “ifconfig” again to view the newly allocated IP address.
5. Make sure no firewall is active on device <dev>.

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Chapter 2 Connecting the Router
Home Page
After logging into the Router’s MegaControl Panel (see “Configuring the Router” at
the beginning of this chapter), the “Home” screen appears.
The Home screen has a “Main Menu” that occupies the top of the screen. Below
that, the screen is divided into three columns: “Network Status,” “My Network,” and
“Entertainment/General Information.” A brief description of each continues below.
Main Menu
The “Main Menu” contains links to all of the configuration options of the Router:
Wireless Setup (explained in chapter 4 of this manual), Network Connections
(chapter 5), Security (chapter 6), Parental Control (chapter 7), Quality of
Service (appendix A), Advanced (chapter 8), and System Monitoring (chapter 9).

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Chapter 2 Connecting the Router
Network Status
This section displays the status of the Router’s network and Internet connection.
A green light signifies the Router is connected; a yellow light means the Router is
attempting to connect; and a red light signifies the Router’s connection is down.
Broadband Connection
The “Broadband Connection” section of Network Status displays the state of the
Router’s broadband connection (“Connected” or “Disconnected”) for the two
connection options (“Coax Status” and “Ethernet Status”).
My Network
The “My Network” section of the Home screen displays the connection type, name,
IP address, and MAC (Media Access Control) address of all devices connected to
the Router’s network. The icon associated with the device will be displayed nor-
mally (signifying an active device) or shaded (signifying the device has not been
active for at least 60 seconds). The user can also configure the basic settings of each
device by clicking on its icon. These settings are described in more detail in chapter
3, “Configuring My Network Settings.”
Entertainment/General Information
This section contains links to various Verizon Web sites, and other informational
links. Clicking on the flashing icon above “Go to Internet Now” connects the user
to the home page configured on the user’s web browser.