Linksys EA6900V11 User manual

User Guide
SMART Wi-Fi Router AC1900, EA6900

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Contents
Linksys EA-Series
i
Product Overview
EA6900 V1.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Wall-mounting placement 4
Setting Up: Basics
How to create a home network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
What is a network? 5
How to set up a home network 5
Where to nd more help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
How to install your router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
How to congure your router. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
How to connect to Linksys Smart Wi-Fi 7
How to connect directly to your router 8
How to improve your wireless connection speed 8
How to change your network’s name and password 9
How to change your router’s local access password 9
How to change your router’s time zone 10
How to test your Internet connection speed . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
How to connect devices to your network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
How to connect a computer to your network 11
How to connect a USB printer 11
How to connect other devices 12
How to view device details 13
How to set up parental controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
How to set parental controls 14
How to congure your guest network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
How to back up your router conguration . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
How to customize Linksys Smart Wi-Fi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Using widgets 17
Customizing the Device List 17
Using an External Drive
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
How to attach a USB drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
How to use secured folder access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
How to set up authorized users and shared folders 19
How to access shared folders 20
How to set up your router as a media server . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
How to connect your UPnP device to the media server 22
How to remotely access storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Setting Up: Advanced
How to manually set up your router. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
How to manually set up your Internet connection 24
How to associate a router with your Linksys Smart Wi-Fi account25
How to get the most out of your dual-band router . . . . . . . . 26
How to control access to your network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
How to improve security using the built-in rewall 29
How to set up the DHCP server on your router . . . . . . . . . . .30
How to set up DHCP reservation 31
How to access your network on the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
How to clone a MAC address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
How to connect to your corporate oce using a VPN . . . . . . 33
How to optimize your router for gaming and voice . . . . . . . . 34
How to enable Voice over IP on your network . . . . . . . . . . . 35
How to congure UPnP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
How to use a router as an access point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
How to put your new router behind an existing router. . . . . .38
Contents

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Contents
Linksys EA-Series
To add your router to an existing router or gateway 38
To share an Internet connection 39
To extend your network 41
How to expose a device to the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Port Forwarding and Port Triggering
How to set up port forwarding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
How to set up port forwarding for a single port 43
How to set up port forwarding for multiple ports 44
How to set up port forwarding for a range of ports 44
How to set up port range triggering for online gaming . . . . . 45
Maintaining and Monitoring
How to back up and restore your router conguration. . . . . .47
How to upgrade the router’s rmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
How to restore factory defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
How to check the status of your router. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
How to disable the Ethernet port status lights 50
How to test your Internet connection 50
How to congure and use logs 51
Troubleshooting
Your router was not successfully set up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Windows XP Service Pack update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Your Internet cable is not plugged in message . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Cannot access your router message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
After setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
The Internet appears to be unavailable 55
Linksys Smart Wi-Fi does not open in your web browser 55
You cannot access Linksys Smart Wi-Fi 56
All other troubleshooting has been unsuccessful 56
Specications
Linksys EA6900 V1.1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

1
Product Overview
Linksys EA-Series
1
Product Overview
EA6900
Package contents
In addition to your router, your router package includes:
•Network (Ethernet) cable
•AC power adapter
•SimpleTap™ card
Features
Wireless-AC technology
Built with leading 802.11ac wireless technology, your router offers maximum
speed and range to create an ultra-powerful network designed for home
theater performance. Connect your computers, Internet-ready TVs, game
consoles, smartphones and other Wi-Fi devices at blazingly fast transfer rates
for an unrivaled experience.
The power of dual band
Double your network bandwidth with simultaneous dual-band wireless-AC.The
dual-band feature is designed to avoid interference and optimize throughput
for smoother and faster HD video streaming, file transfers, and wireless gaming.
SpeedBoost
Higher quality antenna technology helps maintain high speeds across greater
distances throughout your home.
Advanced security
Keep Wi-Fi freeloaders and Internet threats at bay with WPA2 encryption and
SPI firewall to help keep your network protected.
Benefits of gigabit
Use the four Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000) ports for quick file sharing (up to
10× faster than standard Ethernet) between other Gigabit-enabled devices like
computers and servers.
Built-in USB ports and DLNA media server
The USB ports let you add an external USB drive to your network and share
files at home or over the Internet. It also features a built-in DLNA media server
for seamless streaming of your video and media files to an Xbox 360, PS3, or
other DLNA-compatible device. You can also connect a USB printer and share
it across your network.

2
Product Overview
Linksys EA-Series
Home theater ready
Bring the ultimate entertainment experience to your home by connecting
computers, Internet-ready TVs, game consoles, media players, and more to
your wireless network and the Internet. Simultaneous dual-band N and QoS
traffic prioritization technology delivers maximum speed and performance so
you can enjoy fast downloads, smooth video and music streaming, and reliable
gaming and VoIP.
Quick to install
Linksys Smart Wi-Fi software helps you easily set up your router.
IPv6 enabled
Supports the latest Internet protocol technology to future-proof your network.
Easy to manage
Linksys Smart Wi-Fi software helps you customize your settings and quickly
add multiple devices to your network:
Separate guest network
Create a separate, password-protected network for guests.
Parental controls
Limit access time and websites with parental controls.
Top view
Indicator light
•Indicator light—Stays on steadily while power is connected and
following a successful Wi-Fi Protected Setup connection. Pulses slowly
during bootup, during firmware upgrades, and during a Wi-Fi Protected
Setup connection. Flashes quickly when there is a Wi-Fi Protected Setup
error.

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Product Overview
Linksys EA-Series
Back view
Internet Ethernet
1 42 3
12VDC
Power
Reset USB1 USB2
Ethernet ports
Wi-Fi Protected Setup button Internet port
Power port
Reset button USB ports
•Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ button—Press this button to easily configure
wireless security on Wi-Fi Protected Setup-enabled network devices.
•Ethernet ports—Connect Ethernet cables (also called network cables)
to these Gigabit (10/100/1000) ports, color coded blue, and to wired
Ethernet network devices on your network.
NOTE
For best performance, use CAT5E or higher rated cables on the
Ethernet ports.
•Internet port—Connect an Ethernet cable (also called a network or
Internet cable) to this port, color coded yellow, and to your modem.
•USB ports—To easily share disk storage with other users on your network
or on the Internet, connect a USB drive to one of these ports. You can also
connect a USB printer and share it across your network.
•Reset button—Press and hold this button for 10 seconds (until the port
lights flash at the same time) to reset the router to its factory defaults.
You can also restore the defaults using Linksys Smart Wi-Fi.
•Power port—Connect the included AC power adapter to this port.
CAUTION
Use only the adapter that came with your router.
Port activity indicators
Green connectivity
indicator
Yellow network
activity indicator
Network or Internet port
•Green connectivity indicator—On Ethernet ports, turns on when a
cable connects the port to another Gigabit Ethernet port. On the Internet
port, turns on while connected to a modem.
•Yellow network activity indicator—Flashes to indicate network activity
over that port.

4
Product Overview
Linksys EA-Series
Wall-mounting placement
The router has two wall-mount slots on its bottom panel.The distance between
the slots is 82 mm. Two screws are needed to mount the router.
Suggested Mounting Hardware
3-5 mm
7-8 mm 1.5-2 mm
NOTE
Linksys is not responsible for damages incurred by unsecured wall-
mounting hardware.
Follow these instructions:
1. Determine where you want to mount the router. Make sure that the wall
you use is smooth, flat, dry, and sturdy. Also make sure the location is
within reach of an electrical outlet.
2. Drill two holes into the wall. Make sure the holes are 82 mm apart.
3. Insert a screw into each hole and leave 3 mm of its head exposed.
4. Position the router so the wall-mount slots line up with the two screws.
5. Place the wall-mount slots over the screws and slide the router down
until the screws fit snugly into the wall-mount slots.
Wall-mounting template
Print this page at 100% size.
Cut along the dotted line, and place on the wall to drill precise spacing.
82 mm

5
Setting Up: Basics
Linksys EA-Series
5
How to create a home network
What is a network?
A network is any group of devices that can communicate with each other. A
home network can also include Internet access, which requires a router like
this one.
A typical home network may include multiple computers, a printer, a modem,
and a router. A large home network may also have a switch, additional routers,
access points, and many Internet-capable media devices such as TVs, game
consoles, and web cameras.
•Modem—Connects a computer or a router to your ISP (Internet Service
Provider). Your ISP may have provided one. The modem is a device that
connects to a phone jack or your cable TV outlet.
•Router—Connects your wireless and wired network devices to each
other and to the modem (and to your ISP).
•Switch—Allows you to connect several wired network devices to your
home network. Your router has a built-in network switch (the Ethernet
ports). If you have more wired network devices than available Ethernet
ports on your router, you will need an additional switch to consolidate
the wired connections.
How to set up a home network
1. Purchase the proper equipment. For a network that includes Internet
access, you’ll need:
•Computers with an Ethernet port or wireless networking capabilities
•A modem for connecting to your ISP (typically supplied by your ISP)
•A router to connect your computers with each other and to the modem
•Internet service to your home, provided by an ISP (Internet Service
Provider)
2. Make sure that your modem is working. Your ISP can help you set up your
modem and verify that it’s working correctly.
3. Set up your router. See “How to install your router” on page 6.
4. To connect a computer or other network device to the network, see
“How to connect a computer to your network” on page 11 and “How to
connect other devices”on page 12.
Where to find more help
In addition to this User Guide, you can find help at these locations:
•Linksys.com/support (documentation, downloads, FAQs, technical
support, live chat, forums)
•Linksys Smart Wi-Fi help (connect to Linksys Smart Wi-Fi, then click
Help at the top of the screen)
Setting Up: Basics

6
Setting Up: Basics
Linksys EA-Series
How to install your router
To install your router:
1. Power on your new router. If replacing an existing router, disconnect it.
2. Connect the Internet cable from your modem to the yellow Internet port
on your router. Wait until the power light on the front of the router is
solid.
3. Connect to the secure wireless name shown in the Quick Start Guide that
came with your router. (You can change the network name and password
later during router setup.) If you need help connecting to the network,
refer to your device documentation. Note: You will not have Internet
access until router setup is complete.
4. Open a web browser and follow the instructions to complete your
router’s setup. If instructions do not appear in the web browser, enter
linksyssmartwifi.com in the browser’s address bar.
5. At the end of setup, follow the on-screen instructions to set up your
Linksys Smart Wi-Fi account. Use Linksys Smart Wi-Fi to easily manage
your router’s settings, such as:
• Change your router’s name and password
• Set up guest access
• Configure parental controls
• Connect devices to your network
• Test your Internet connection speed
NOTE:
As part of the router setup process, you will be sent a verification
e-mail. From your home network, click the link in the e-mail to
associate your router with the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi account. Make
sure that the link opens in a supported web browser, such as
Internet Explorer 8 or higher, Firefox 8 or higher, Google Chrome 10
or higher, and Safari 5 (for Mac) or higher.
If you cannot click the link while behind your new Linksys router, log into
Linksys Smart Wi-Fi while behind the router and add your router there.
For more information, see “How to associate a router with your Linksys
Smart Wi-Fi account” on page 25.
TIP:
Print this page, then record your router and account settings in
the table below as a reference. Store your notes in a safe place.
Setup also saves your setup information as a file to your computer
desktop.
Network Name (SSID)
Network Password
Router Password
Guest Network Name
Guest Network
Password
Linksys Smart Wi-Fi
Username
Linksys Smart Wi-Fi
Password

7
Setting Up: Basics
Linksys EA-Series
How to configure your router
You can change router settings to make your network more secure or to work
better with a device or game. Being able to adjust the settings while you’re
away from home can help make router administration easier. You can configure
your router from anywhere in the world by using Linksys Smart Wi-Fi, but you
can also configure your router directly from your home network.
Linksys Smart Wi-Fi may be available for your mobile device, as well. See your
device’s app store for information.
Use Linksys Smart Wi-Fi to easily manage your router’s settings, such as:
• Change your router’s name and password
• Set up guest access
• Configure parental controls
• Connect devices to your network
• Test your Internet connection speed
Your Linksys Smart Wi-Fi account can also be used to manage multiple Linksys
routers. For more information, see“How to associate a router with your Linksys
Smart Wi-Fi account” on page 25.
How to connect to Linksys Smart Wi-Fi
To connect to Linksys Smart Wi-Fi:
1. Open your computer’s web browser.
2. Go to www.linksyssmartwifi.com and log into your account.
If you can’t remember your password, click Forgot your password? and
follow the on-screen instructions to recover it.