Asus RT-AC56U User manual

RT-AC56U
Dual Band 2x2 802.11AC Gigabit Router
The ultra-thin and stylish RT-AC56U 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.
User Guide

2
Copyright © 2012 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,
modified or altered, unless such repair, modification 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 identification or explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without intent
to infringe.
E7967
First Edition
December 2012

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Table of contents
1 A quick look
Package contents ........................................................................................ 5
Your wireless router.................................................................................... 5
2 Creating your network
Positioning your router.............................................................................. 8
What you need ............................................................................................. 9
Setting up your wireless router ............................................................10
Wired connection...............................................................................10
Wireless connection ..........................................................................11
Mounting to the stand.............................................................................12
Before you proceed...................................................................................13
A. Disable the proxy server, if enabled...................................13
B. Set the TCP/IP settings to automatically obtain an IP
address. ........................................................................... .14
C. Disable the dial-up connection, if enabled.....................16
3 ConguringviathewebGUI
Logging into the web GUI......................................................................17
Setting up the Internet connection ....................................................18
Quick Internet Setup (QIS) with auto-detection.....................18
Setting up the wireless security settings ..........................................22
Managing your network clients ...........................................................24
Monitoring your USB device..................................................................25
Creating your Guest Network ...............................................................27
Using the Trac Manager.......................................................................28
Managing QoS (Quality of Service) Bandwidth.......................28
Monitoring Trac ..............................................................................29
Using the USB Extension ........................................................................29
Using AiDisk for Files Sharing ........................................................30
Using the Servers Center service..................................................33

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Table of contents
Using the Network Place (Samba) Share service ....................34
Using the FTP Share service............................................................35
Using the Miscellaneous setting...................................................37
Conguring the Advanced settings....................................................38
Setting up the DHCP Server ...........................................................38
Upgrading the rmware ..................................................................40
Restoring/Saving/Uploading settings ........................................41
Setting up your network printer ..........................................................42
4 Usingtheutilities
Device Discovery .......................................................................................46
Firmware Restoration...............................................................................47
5 Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................49
ASUS DDNS Service ..................................................................................52
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ............................................52
Appendices
Notices...........................................................................................................54
ASUS Contact information .....................................................................67
Networks Global Hotline Information................................................68
Networks Global Hotline Information................................. 69

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1 A quick look
Package contents
NOTES:
• If any of the items is 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-AC56U Wireless Router Network cable (RJ-45)
Power adapter Quick Start Guide
Support CD (Manual, utility software) Warranty card
Stand
Your wireless router
5
12 3 4
68
710 12
11
913

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1USB 3.0 / 2.0 LED
Off: No power or no physical connection.
On: Has physical connection to USB 3.0 / 2.0 devices.
2LAN LED
Off: No power or no physical connection.
On: Has physical connection to a local area network (LAN).
3WAN LED
Off: No power or no physical connection.
On: Has physical connection to a wide area network (WAN).
42.4GHz LED / 5GHz LED
Off: No 2.4GHz or 5GHz signal.
On:Wireless system is ready.
Flashing:Transmitting or receiving data via wireless connection.
5Power LED
Off: No power.
On: Device is ready.
Flashing slow: Rescue mode
Flashing quick:WPS is processing.
6WPS button
This button launches the WPS Wizard.
7WI-FI On/Off button
Press this button to turn on /off the Wi-Fi connection
8LAN 1 ~ 4 ports
Connect network cables into these ports to establish LAN connection.
9WAN (Internet) port
Connect a network cable into this port to establish WAN connection.
10 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.
11 Reset button
This button resets or restores the system to its factory default settings.
12 Power (DC-IN) port
Insert the bundled AC adapter into this port and connect your router to a power source.
13 Power button
Press this button to power on or off the stystem.
On Off

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NOTES:
• Use only the adapter that came with your package. Using
other adapters may damage the device.
• Specifications:
DC Power adapter DC Output: +19V with max 1.58A current;
Operating
Temperature 0~40oCStorage 0~70oC
Operating Humidity 50~90% Storage 20~90%

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2 Creating your network
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.
• To ensure the best wireless signal, orient the three detachable
antennas as shown in the drawing below.
• For optimum performance, please switch on the cooling
system.

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What you need
To set up your network, you need one or two computers that meet
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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Setting up your wireless router
Wired connection
IMPORTANT!
• Use wired connection in setting up your wireless router to
avoid possible setup problems due to wireless uncertainty.
• 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 computer (recommended).
NOTE: Your wireless router has an integrated auto-crossover
function, so use either straight-through or crossover cable for
wired connection.
Computer
Wall Power Outlet
Modem
RT-AC56U
WAN
Power
LAN
1
2
3
4
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.

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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.
Wireless connection
Modem
RT-AC56U
1
2
3
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.
2 Using the bundled network cable, connect your modem to your
wireless router’s WAN port.
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.

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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 this user
manual.

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Before you proceed
A. Disable the proxy server, if enabled.
Windows®7
1. Click Start > Internet Explorer
to launch the browser.
2. Click Tools > Internet options
> Connections tab > LAN
settings.
NOTE: Before configuring your wireless router, do the steps
described in this section for your host computer and network
clients.
3. From the Local Area
Network (LAN) Settings
screen, untick Use a proxy
server for your LAN.
4. Click OK when done.

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MAC OS
1. From your Safari
browser, click Safari
>Preferences >
Advanced > Change
Settings...
2. From the Network
screen, deselect FTP
Proxy and Web Proxy
(HTTP).
3. Cllick Apply Now when
done.
NOTE: Refer to your browser's help feature for details on
disabling the proxy server.
B. Set the TCP/IP settings to automatically obtain an IP
address.
Windows®7
1. Click Start > Control Panel
> Network and Internet
> Network and Sharing
Center > Manage network
connections.
2. Select Internet Protocol
Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) or
Internet Protocol Version
6 (TCP/IPv6), then click
Properties.

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3. To obtain the IPv4 IP
settings automatically,
tick Obtain an IP address
automatically.
To obtain the IPv6 IP
settings automatically, tick
Obtain an IPv6 address
automatically.
4. Click OK when done.
MAC OS
1. Click the Apple icon
located on the top left of
your screen.
2. Click System
Preferences > Network
> Configure...
3. From the TCP/IP tab,
select Using DHCP in
the Configure IPv4
dropdown list.
4. Cllick Apply Now when
done.
NOTE: Refer to your operating system’s help and support
feature for details on configuring your computer’s TCP/IP
settings.

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C. Disable the dial-up connection, if enabled.
Windows®7
1. Click Start > Internet Explorer
to launch the browser.
2. Click Tools > Internet options >
Connections tab.
3. Tick Never dial a connection.
4. Click OK when done.
NOTE: Refer to your browser's help feature for details on
disabling the dial-up connection.

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3 Configuring via the web GUI
Logging into the web GUI
Your ASUS Wireless Router comes with an intuitive web graphics
user interface (GUI) that allows you to easily configure its various
features through a web browser such as Internet Explorer, Firefox,
Safari, or Google Chrome.
To log into the web GUI:
1. On your web browser such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari,
or Google Chrome, manually key in the wireless router’s default
IP address: 192.168.1.1
2. On the login page, key in the
default user name (admin)
and password (admin).
NOTES:
• For your network clients, ensure that you set the TCP/IP
settings to obtain IP addresses automatically, disable the
proxy server settings, disable the dial-up settings, and cancel
the dial-up connection.
• For more details, refer to the section Before you proceed in
this user manual.

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3. The wireless router’s web GUI launches. Use the web GUI to
configure various settings.
Setting up the Internet connection
NOTE: When setting the Internet connection for the first time,
press the Reset button on your wireless router to reset it to its
factory default settings.
Quick Internet Setup (QIS) with auto-detection
The Quick Internet Setup (QIS) function guides you in quickly
setting up your Internet connection.
To use QIS with auto-detection:
1. Launch a web browser such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari,
or Google Chrome.

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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 about your
Internet connection type from your ISP.
RT-AC56U
RT-AC56U

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NOTES:
• The auto-detection of your ISP connection type takes place
when you configure the wireless router for the first 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 configure your connection
settings.
• If QIS failed to launch automatically, manually launch your
wireless router's web GUI to access the QIS page.To do this,
follow these steps:
• On your web browser, key in http://192.168.1.1
• On the login page, key in the default username admin and
password admin.
• Click the Quick Internet Setup icon from the upper left
corner of the Network Map page.
3. Assign the network name (SSID) and security key for your
2.4GHz and 5 GHz wireless connection. Click Apply when done.