Linksys WRT 1900AC User manual

USER GUIDE

WRT 900AC | Contents
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
WRT900AC
3 Wall-mounting placement
SETTING UP: BASICS
5 How to create a home network
5 What is a network?
5 How to set up a home network
5 Where to find more help
6 How to install your router
7 How to configure your router
7 How to connect to Linksys Smart Wi-Fi
7 How to disable remote access
8 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
 How to change your router’s time zone
0 How to test your Internet connection speed
 How to connect devices to your network
 How to connect a computer to your network
 How to connect a USB printer
 How to connect other devices
2 How to view device details
3 How to set up parental controls
4 How to configure your guest network
5 How to back up your router configuration
5 How to customize Linksys Smart Wi-Fi
5 Using widgets
5 Customizing the Network Map
USING AN EXTERNAL DRIVE
6 Overview
6 How to attach a USB drive
6 How to use secured folder access
7 How to set up authorized users and shared folders
8 How to access shared folders
8 How to set up your router as a media server
9 How to connect your UPnP device to the media server
 How to remotely access storage
SETTING UP: ADVANCED
2 How to manually set up your router
2 How to manually set up your Internet connection
22 How to associate a router with your Linksys Smart Wi-Fi account
22 How to get the most out of your dual-band router
24 How to control access to your network
25 How to improve security using the built-in firewall
26 Changing IPV6 firewall settings
27 How to set up the DHCP server on your router
27 How to set up DHCP reservation
28 How to access your network on the Internet
29 How to clone a MAC address
30 How to connect to your corporate office using a VPN
31 How to optimize your router for gaming and voice
32 How to enable Voice over IP on your network
33 How to configure UPnP
34 How to use a router as an access point
35 How to put your new router behind an existing router
35 How to add your router to an existing router or gateway
36 How to share an Internet connection
37 How to extend your network
37 How to expose a device to the Internet
Contents

WRT 900AC | Contents
PORT FORWARDING AND PORT TRIGGERING
39 How to set up port forwarding
39 How to set up port forwarding for a single port
39 How to set up port forwarding for multiple ports
40 How to set up port forwarding for a range of ports
40 How to set up port range triggering for online gaming
MAINTAINING AND MONITORING
42 How to back up and restore your router configuration
43 How to upgrade the router’s firmware
43 How to restore factory defaults
44 How to check the status of your router
44 How to disable the Ethernet port status lights
44 How to test your Internet connection
45 How to configure and use logs
TROUBLESHOOTING
46 Your router was not successfully set up
46 Windows XP Service Pack update
46 Your Internet cable is not plugged in message
47 Cannot access your router message
48 After setup
48 The Internet appears to be unavailable
48 Rebooting your router
49 Linksys Smart Wi-Fi does not open in your web browser
49 You cannot access Linksys Smart Wi-Fi
49 All other troubleshooting has been unsuccessful
SPECIFICATIONS
 Linksys WRT900AC

WRT 900AC | Product Overview 1
FRONT PANEL INDICATORS
(White) The icon LED is solid white while the router is powered on. It will blink when
the router goes through its self-diagnostic mode during every boot-up.
Internet
(White/Amber) The Internet LED is solid white when connected to the Internet. It
blinks white while the router works to establish a connection. A solid amber LED
indicates the connection is down due to configuration issues. Amber blinking
indicates that the connection is down due to hardware issues.
2.4 GHz
(White) The Wireless LED is solid white when one or more clients are connected to
the 2.4 GHz network. If the LED is blinking white, the router is sending or receiving
data over the 2.4 GHz network.
5 GHz
(White) The Wireless LED is solid white when one or more clients are connected to
the 5GHz network. If the LED is blinking white, the router is sending or receiving
data over the 5 GHz network.
eSATA
(White) When off, the USB/eSATA port is off or a USB device is connected. The LED
is solid white when an eSATA device is connected. A blinking white LED indicates
activity through the eSATA port.
USB 
(White) When off, the USB /eSATA port is off or an eSATA device is connected. The
LED is solid white when a USB device is connected. A blinking white LED indicates
activity on the port.
USB2 Primary
(White) When off, the USB 3.0 port is off. The LED is solid white when a USB device
is connected. A blinking white indicates activity on the port
USB2 Secondary
(White) When off, a USB 1.0 or USB 2.0 device is connected. A solid white LED
indicates a USB 3.0 device is connected.
ETHERNET  thru 4 (Primary)
(White) These numbered LEDs correspond with the numbered ports on the router’s
back panel. If the white LED is solid, the router is connected to a device through that
port. A flashing white LED indicates network activity over that port.
WRT AC
Front View
Front Panel ETHERNET Secondary Indiators
USB 2
Secondary Indiator
USB 2
Primary Indiator
ETHERNET
Primary Indiators
Product Overview

WRT 900AC | Product Overview 2
ETHERNET  thru 4 (Secondary)
(White)If the white LED is off, the router is successfully connected to a device
through that port at 0/00 Mbps. A solid white LED indicates that the router is
successfully connected to a device at 1000 Mbps.
(White/Amber) The LED blinks slowly for two minutes during Wi-Fi Protected Setup.
It will be solid white for five seconds to indicate a successful connection The LED
blinks amber if the he Wi-Fi Protected Setup process fails. Make sure the client
device supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup. Wait until the LED is off, and then try again.
The router supports one session at a time.
Adjustable External Antennas
This router ships with four adjustable external antennas that should be connected
to the router before powering it on. To connect the antennas, twist the antenna
connector clockwise onto the antenna port on the router.
Note:
For best performance, position the side antennas vertically as shown in
the picture.
Back View
Combo USB
2.0/eSATA Port
4 x Adjustable External Antennas
Reset
Button
Power PortInternet Port
USB 3.0 Port
Wi-Fi Protected
Setup Button Ethernet Ports
Wi-Fi Protected Setup button
Press to easily configure wireless security on Wi-Fi Protected Setup-enabled
network devices.
Ethernet Ports
Connect Ethernet cables to these blue gigabit 0/00/000) ports, and to wired
devices on your network.
Note:
For best performance, use CAT5E or higher rated cables on the Ethernet ports.
Internet Port
Connect an Ethernet cable to this yellow gigabit (0/00/000) port, and to a
broadband Internet cable/DSL or fiber modem.
Note:
For best performance, use CAT5E or higher rated cables on the Ethernet ports.
USB 3.0 Port
Connect and share a USB or eSATA drive on your network or on the Internet.
USB 2.0/eSATA Combo Port
Connect and share a USB or eSATA drive on your network or on the Internet. You
can also connect a USB printer and share it across your network.
Reset Button
Press and hold for 0 seconds (until the power LED starts flashing) to reset the
router to factory settings. You can also restore the factory settings using Linksys
Smart Wi-Fi on the Internet or mobile app.
Power Port
Connect the included AC power adapter.
Power Button
Press to turn on the router.

105 mm
WRT 900AC | Product Overview 3
Wall-Mounting Placement
The router has wall-mount slots on the bottom of each foot for flexibility in mounting
the router on the wall. The distance between the slots on the short side is 05 mm.
The distance between the slots on the longer side is 2 mm. Two screws are needed
to mount the router.
Suggested Mounting Hardware
3 mm
6-7 mm 1.5-2 mm
Note:
Linksys is not responsible for damages incurred by unsecured wall-mounting
hardware.
Mounting Instructions
 Determine where you want to mount the router and which side you should use to
mount it. Make sure that the wall you use is smooth, flat, dry, and sturdy. Make sure
the location is within reach of an electrical outlet.
• Beforedrillingholes,choosethetemplate(shortsideorlongside)thatfitsyour
installation. Drill the holes using the correct template.
• Insertascrewintoeachholeandleave8mmofitsheadexposed.
• Positiontheroutersothewall-mountslotslineupwiththetwoscrews.
•. 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 (Short Side)
Print this page at 00% size.
Cut along the dotted line, and place on the wall to ensure precise spacing of holes.

211 mm
WRT 900AC | Product Overview 4
Wall-Mounting Template (Long Side)
Print this page at 00% size.
Cut along the dotted line, and place on the wall to ensure precise spacing of holes.

5WRT 900AC | Setting Up: Basics
Setting Up: Basics
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:
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)
• Makesurethatyourmodemisworking.YourISPcanhelpyousetupyour
modem and verify that it’s working correctly.
• Set up your router. See “How to install your router” on page 6.
• Toconnectacomputerorothernetworkdevicetothenetwork,see“Howto
connect a computer to your network” on page 0 and “How to connect other
devices” on page .
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)

6WRT 900AC | Setting Up: Basics
HOW TO INSTALL YOUR ROUTER
To Install Your Router:
 If replacing an existing router, disconnect it. Power on your new router.
• 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.
• 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.) 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.
• Openawebbrowserandfollowtheinstructionstocompletesetup.Ifinstructionsdo
not appear in the web browser, type “linksyssmartwifi.com” in the address bar.
• Attheendofsetup,followtheon-screeninstructionstosetupyourLinksysSmart
Wi-Fi account. Use Linksys Smart Wi-Fi configure your router from any computer
with an Internet connection.
Manage Your Router’s Settings:
• 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.
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 22.
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

7WRT 900AC | Setting Up: Basics
HOW TO CONFIGURE YOUR ROUTER
You can change router settings to make your network more secure or to work
betterwith 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.
HOW TO CONNECT TO LINKSYS SMART WIFI
• ToconnecttoLinksysSmartWi-Fi:
• Openyourcomputer’swebbrowser.
• 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.
HOW TO DISABLE REMOTE ACCESS
If you want to configure your router only while you are on your home network,
you should disable remote access.
To disable remote access:
• LogintoLinksysSmartWi-Fi.
• UnderRouter Settings, click Connectivity.
• ClicktheAdministration tab, then deselect Allow remote access to
Linksys Smart Wi-Fi.
• ClickOK.