Asus RT-AC56S User manual

RT-AC56S
Dual Band Wireless-AC1200 Gigabit Router
User Guide
The ultra-thin and stylish RT-AC56S features a 2.4GHz and 5GHz dual bands for
an unmatched concurrent wireless HD streaming; SMB server, UPnP AV server,
and FTP server for 24/7 file sharing; a capability to handle 300,000 sessions; and
the ASUS Green Network Technology, which provides up to 70% power-saving
solution.

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Copyright © 2014 ASUSTeK Computer Inc. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this manual, including the products and software described
in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval
system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except
documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the
express written permission of ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (“ASUS”).
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired,
modied or altered, unless such repair, modication of alteration is authorized
in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or
missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS”WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND,
EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS,
EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL,
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS,
LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS
AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR
PRODUCT.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE
FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A
COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY
FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL,
INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be
registered trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used
only for identication or explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent
to infringe.
E8832
First Edition
March 2014

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Table of contents
1 Getting to know your wireless router
1.1 Welcome! ........................................................................................6
1.2 Package contents.........................................................................6
1.3 Your wireless router.....................................................................7
1.4 Positioning your router..............................................................9
Mounting to the stand .....................................................................10
1.5 Setup Requirements ................................................................ 11
1.6 Router Setup............................................................................... 12
1.6.1 Wired connection..................................................................12
1.6.2 Wireless connection.............................................................13
2 Getting started
2.1 Logging into the Web GUI ..................................................... 15
2.2 Quick Internet Setup (QIS) with Auto-detection ........... 16
2.3 Connecting to your wireless network................................ 20
3 Conguring the General settings
3.1 Using the Network Map ......................................................... 21
3.1.1 Setting up the wireless security settings......................22
3.1.2 Managing your network clients.......................................23
3.1.3 Monitoring your USB device.............................................24
3.2 Creating a Guest Network...................................................... 27
3.3 Using the Trac Manager...................................................... 29
3.3.1 Managing QoS (Quality of Service) Bandwidth..........29
3.3.2 Monitoring Trac .................................................................32
3.4 Setting up Parental Control................................................... 33
3.5 Using the USB Application..................................................... 34
3.5.1 Using AiDisk...............................................................................34
3.5.2 Using Servers Center............................................................36
3.5.3 3G/4G ........................................................................................42

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Table of contents
3.6 Using AiCloud............................................................................. 44
3.6.1 Cloud Disk................................................................................45
3.6.2 Smart Access...........................................................................47
3.6.3 Smart Sync...............................................................................48
4 Conguring the Advanced Settings
4.1 Wireless......................................................................................... 49
4.1.1 General......................................................................................49
4.1.2 WPS ............................................................................................52
4.1.3 Bridge ........................................................................................54
4.1.4 Wireless MAC Filter ...............................................................56
4.1.5 RADIUS Setting ......................................................................57
4.1.6 Professional.............................................................................58
4.2 LAN................................................................................................. 60
4.2.1 LAN IP ........................................................................................60
4.2.2 DHCP Server............................................................................61
4.2.3 Route .........................................................................................63
4.2.4 IPTV ...............................................................................................64
4.3 WAN ............................................................................................... 65
4.3.1 Internet Connection.............................................................65
4.3.2 Port Trigger..............................................................................68
4.3.3 Virtual Server/Port Forwarding........................................70
4.3.4 DMZ............................................................................................73
4.3.5 DDNS .........................................................................................74
4.3.6 NAT Passthrough...................................................................75
4.4 IPv6................................................................................................. 76
4.5 VPN Server................................................................................... 77
4.6 Firewall.......................................................................................... 78
4.6.1 General......................................................................................78
4.6.2 URL Filter ..................................................................................78
4.6.3 Keyword lter .........................................................................79

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Table of contents
4.6.4 Network Services Filter .......................................................80
4.7 Administration ........................................................................... 82
4.7.1 Operation Mode ....................................................................82
4.7.2 System.......................................................................................83
4.7.3 Firmware Upgrade................................................................84
4.7.4 Restore/Save/Upload Setting ...........................................84
4.8 System Log .................................................................................. 85
5 Utilities
5.1 Device Discovery....................................................................... 86
5.2 Firmware Restoration .............................................................. 87
5.3 Setting up your printer server .............................................. 88
5.3.1 ASUS EZ Printer Sharing .....................................................88
5.3.2 Using LPR to Share Printer .................................................92
5.4 Download Master...................................................................... 97
5.4.1 Conguring Bit Torrent download settings.................98
5.4.2 NZB settings............................................................................99
6 Troubleshooting
6.1 Basic Troubleshooting...........................................................100
6.2 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ................................103
Appendices
Notices .....................................................................................................113
ASUS Contact information..................................................................127
Networks Global Hotline Information.............................................128

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1 Getting to know your wireless
router
NOTES:
• If any of the items are damaged or missing, contact ASUS for
technical inquiries and support, Refer to the ASUS Support Hotline
list at the back of this user manual.
• Keep the original packaging material in case you would need future
warranty services such as repair or replacement.
RT-AC56S Wireless Router Network cable (RJ-45)
Power adapter Quick Start Guide
Stand Warranty card
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for purchasing an ASUS RT-AC56S Wireless Router!
The ultra-thin and stylish RT-AC56S features a 2.4GHz and 5GHz
dual bands for an unmatched concurrent wireless HD streaming;
SMB server, UPnP AV server, and FTP server for 24/7 le sharing;
a capability to handle 300,000 sessions; and the ASUS Green
Network Technology, which provides up to 70% power-saving
solution.
1.2 Package contents

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1.3 Your wireless router
USB 3.0 / 2.0 LED
Off: No power or no physical connection.
On: Has physical connection to USB 3.0 / 2.0 devices.
LAN LED
Off: No power or no physical connection.
On: Has physical connection to a local area network (LAN).
WAN LED
Off: No power or no physical connection.
On: Has physical connection to a wide area network (WAN).
2.4GHz LED / 5GHz LED
Off: No 2.4GHz or 5GHz signal.
On:Wireless system is ready.
Flashing:Transmitting or receiving data via wireless connection.
RT-AC56S

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NOTES:
• Use only the adapter that came with your package. Using other
adapters may damage the device.
• Specications:
DC Power adapter DC Output: +19V with max 1.58A current;
Operating
Temperature 0~40oCStorage 0~70oC
Operating Humidity 50~90% Storage 20~90%
Power LED
Off: No power.
On: Device is ready.
Flashing slow: Rescue mode
Flashing quick:WPS is processing.
WPS button
This button launches the WPS Wizard.
WI-FI On/Off button
Press this button to turn on /off the Wi-Fi connection
LAN 1 ~ 4 ports
Connect network cables into these ports to establish LAN connection.
WAN (Internet) port
Connect a network cable into this port to establish WAN connection.
USB 3.0 / 2.0 ports
Insert USB 3.0 / 2.0 devices such as USB hard disks or USB flash drives into these ports.
Insert your iPad’s USB cable into one of these ports to charge your iPad.
Reset button
This button resets or restores the system to its factory default settings.
Power (DC-IN) port
Insert the bundled AC adapter into this port and connect your router to a power source.
Power button
Press this button to power on or off the stystem.
On Off

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1.4 Positioning your router
For the best wireless signal transmission between the wireless
router and the network devices connected to it, ensure that you:
• Place the wireless router in a centralized area for a maximum
wireless coverage for the network devices.
• Keep the device away from metal obstructions and away from
direct sunlight.
• Keep the device away from 802.11g or 20MHz only Wi-Fi
devices, 2.4GHz computer peripherals, Bluetooth devices,
cordless phones, transformers, heavy-duty motors, fluorescent
lights, microwave ovens, refrigerators, and other industrial
equipment to prevent signal interference or loss.
• Always update to the latest firmware.Visit the ASUS website at
http://www.asus.com to get the latest firmware updates.
• For optimum performance, please switch on the cooling
system.
RT-AC56S

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1.5 Setup Requirements
To set up your wireless network, you need a computer that meets
the following system requirements:
• Ethernet RJ-45 (LAN) port (10Base-T/100Base-TX/
1000BaseTX)
• IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac wireless capability
• An installed TCP/IP service
• Web browser such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, or
Google Chrome
NOTES:
• If your computer does not have built-in wireless capabilities, you may
install an IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac WLAN adapter to your computer to
connect to the network.
• With its dual band technology, your wireless router supports 2.4GHz
and 5GHz wireless signals simultaneously.This allows you to do
Internet-related activities such as Internet surfing or reading/writing
e-mail messages using the 2.4GHz band while simultaneously
streaming high-definition audio/video files such as movies or music
using the 5GHz band.
• If you are using only one computer with single band
IEEE 802.11b/g/n WLAN adapter, you will only be able to use the
2.4GHz band.
• If you are using only one computer with dual band
IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac WLAN adapter, you will be able to use the
2.4GHz or 5GHz band.
• If you are using two computers with both
IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac WLAN adapters, you will be able to use both
2.4GHz and 5GHz bands simultaneously.
• The Ethernet RJ-45 cables that will be used to connect the network
devices should not exceed 100 meters.

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1.6 Router Setup
IMPORTANT!
• Use a wired connection when setting up your wireless router to
avoid possible setup problems.
• Before setting up your ASUS wireless router, do the following:
• If you are replacing an existing router, disconnect it from your
network.
• Disconnect the cables/wires from your existing modem setup. If
your modem has a backup battery, remove it as well.
• Reboot your cable modem and computer (recommended).
1.6.1 Wired connection
NOTE: You can use either a straight-through cable or a crossover cable
for wired connection.
To set up your wireless router via wired connection:
1. Insert your wireless router’s AC adapter to the DC-IN port and
plug it to a power outlet.
Computer
Wall Power Outlet
Modem
RT-AC56S
WAN
Power
LAN

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2. Using the bundled network cable, connect your computer to
your wireless router’s LAN port.
IMPORTANT! Ensure that the LAN LED is blinking.
3 Using another network cable, connect your modem to your
wireless router’s WAN port.
4. Insert your modem’s AC adapter to the DC-IN port and plug it
to a power outlet.
1.6.2 Wireless connection
To set up your wireless router via wireless connection:
1. Insert your wireless router’s AC adapter to the DC-IN port and
plug it to a power outlet.
2 Using the bundled network cable, connect your modem to
your wireless router’s WAN port.
Modem
RT-AC56S
1
2
3

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3. Insert your modem’s AC adapter to the DC-IN port and plug it
to a power outlet.
4. Install an IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac WLAN adapter on your
computer.
NOTES:
• For details on connecting to a wireless network, refer to the WLAN
adapter’s user manual.
• To set up the security settings for your network, refer to the section
Setting up the wireless security settings in Chapter 3 of this user
manual.

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2 Getting started
2.1 Logging into the Web GUI
Your ASUS Wireless Router comes with an intuitive web graphical
user interface (GUI) that allows you to easily congure its various
features through a web browser such as Internet Explorer, Firefox,
Safari, or Google Chrome.
NOTE: The features may vary with dierent rmware versions.
To log into the web GUI:
1. On your web browser, manually key in the wireless router’s
default IP address: 192.168.1.1 or default domain name:
http://router.asus.com.
2. On the login page, key in the default user name (admin) and
password (admin).
3. You can now use the Web GUI to congure various settings of
your ASUS Wireless Router.
NOTE: If you are logging into the Web GUI for the rst time, you will be
directed to the Quick Internet Setup (QIS) page automatically.
Navigation
panel
QIS
Top command buttons
Information
banner
middle
column
right column

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2.2 Quick Internet Setup (QIS) with Auto-
detection
The Quick Internet Setup (QIS) function guides you in quickly
setting up your Internet connection.
NOTE: When setting the Internet connection for the rst time, press
the Reset button on your wireless router to reset it to its factory default
settings.
To use QIS with auto-detection:
1. Log into the Web GUI. The QIS page launches automatically.
NOTES:
• By default, the login username and password for your wireless
router's Web GUI is admin. For details on changing your wireless
router's login username and password, refer to section 4.7.2 System.
• The wireless router's login username and password is dierent from
the 2.4GHz/5GHz network name (SSID) and security key. The wireless
router's login username and password allows you to log into your
wireless router's Web GUI to congure your wireless router's settings.
The 2.4GHz/5GHz network name (SSID) and security key allows Wi-Fi
devices to log in and connect to your 2.4GHz/5GHz network.

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2. The wireless router automatically detects if your ISP connection
type is Dynamic IP, PPPoE, PPTP, L2TP, and Static IP. Key in
the necessary information for your ISP connection type.
IMPORTANT! Obtain the necessary information from your ISP about
the Internet connection type.
for Automatic IP (DHCP)
for PPPoE, PPTP, and L2TP

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for Static IP
NOTES:
• The auto-detection of your ISP connection type takes place when
you congure the wireless router for the rst time or when your
wireless router is reset to its default settings.
• If QIS failed to detect your Internet connection type, click Skip to
manual setting and manually congure your connection settings.
3. Assign the wireless network name (SSID) and security key for
your 2.4GHz and 5 GHz wireless connection. Click Apply when
done.

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4. Your Internet and wireless settings are displayed. Click Next to
continue.
5. Read the wireless network connection tutorial. When done,
click Finish.

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2.3 Connecting to your wireless network
After setting up your wireless router via QIS, you can connect your
computer or other smart devices to your wireless network.
To connect to your network:
1. On your computer, click the network icon in the notication
area to display the available wireless networks.
2. Select the wireless network that you want to connect to, then
click Connect.
3. You may need to key in the network security key for a secured
wireless network, then click OK.
4. Wait while your computer establishes connection to the
wireless network successfully. The connection status is
displayed and the network icon displays the connected
status.
NOTES:
• Refer to the next chapters for more details on conguring your
wireless network's settings.
• Refer to your device's user manual for more details on connecting it
to your wireless network.

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3 Conguring the General
settings
3.1 Using the Network Map
Network Map allows you to congure your network’s security
settings, manage your network clients, and monitor your USB
device.