NETGEAR D8500 User manual

AC5300 WiFi VDSL/ADSL
Modem Router
User Manual
Model D8500
January 2017
202-11674-02
350 E. Plumeria Drive
San Jose, CA 95134

AC5300 WiFi VDSL/ADSL Modem Router Model D8500
USA
Support
Thank you for purchasing this NETGEAR product.You can visit netgear.com/support to register your product,
get help, access the latest downloads and user manuals, and join our community.We recommend that you use
only official NETGEAR support resources.
Conformity
For the current EU Declaration of Conformity, visit netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/11621.
Compliance
For regulatory compliance information, visit netgear.com/about/regulatory.
See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply.
Trademarks
© NETGEAR, Inc., NETGEAR, and the NETGEAR Logo are trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. Any non-NETGEAR
trademarks are used for reference purposes only.
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Contents
Chapter 1 Hardware Overview of the Modem Router
Unpack the Modem Router..................................................................................10
Top and Front Panels With LEDs and Buttons.....................................................10
Rear Panel With Ports, Buttons, and a DC Connector.........................................13
USB Ports on the Right Panel..............................................................................13
Product Label.......................................................................................................14
Chapter 2 Install and Access the Modem Router and Its Network
Position Your Modem Router................................................................................16
How Active Antennas Improve WiFi Performance................................................17
Position the Active Antennas...............................................................................17
Connect to the Modem Router.............................................................................18
Connect to the Modem Router Through an Ethernet Cable............................19
Join the WiFi Network of the Modem Router...................................................19 Manual
Method...........................................................................................19
Wi-Fi Protected Setup Method...................................................................20 Types
of Logins...............................................................................................20
Automatic Internet Setup.................................................................................20
Set Up Your Modem Router for DSL Service.......................................................21
DSL Service....................................................................................................21
Cable the Modem Router for DSL Service and Access the Modem Router....22
Set Up the Modem Router for Cable Service.......................................................26
Log In to the Modem Router After Setup to View or Change Settings.................30
Change the Language.........................................................................................31
Access the Modem Router With NETGEAR genie Apps.....................................32
Chapter 3 Manage the Internet Settings Manually
Use the Internet Setup Wizard After Initial Setup................................................34
Manually Set Up an ADSL Internet Connection...................................................36 Specify
an ADSL Connection Without a Login................................................36
Specify an ADSL Connection With a Login and PPPoA or PPPoE Service....39
Manually Set Up a VDSL Internet Connection.....................................................44 Specify
a VDSL Connection Without a Login..................................................44
Specify a VDSL Connection With a Login and PPPoE Service.......................47
Manually Set Up a Cable Internet Connection.....................................................51 Specify
a Cable Connection Without a Login..................................................52
Specify a Cable Connection With a Login and PPPoE Service.......................55
Specify a Cable Connection With a Login and PPTP or L2TP Service...........59
Specify an IPv6 Internet Connection....................................................................63 IPv6
Internet Connections and IPv6 Addresses..............................................63
Use Auto Detect for an IPv6 Internet Connection...........................................64
Set Up an IPv6 6to4 Tunnel Internet Connection............................................66

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Set Up an IPv6 Pass Through Internet Connection.........................................67
Set Up an IPv6 Fixed Internet Connection......................................................68
Set Up an IPv6 DHCP Internet Connection....................................................69
Set Up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet Connection...................................................71
Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet Connection...........................................73
Set Up an IPv6 6rd Tunnel Internet Connection..............................................75
Manage the MTU Size.........................................................................................77
MTU Concepts................................................................................................77
Change the MTU Size.....................................................................................78
Chapter 4 Tri-Band WiFi Connections
Tri-BandWiFi........................................................................................................80
How Tri-Band WiFi Improves Speed and Performance...................................80
Load Balancing...............................................................................................82
Benefits of Tri-Band WiFi.................................................................................83
Smart Connect.....................................................................................................83
Enable or Disable Smart Connect........................................................................84
Chapter 5 Manage the Basic WiFi Network Settings
Manage the Basic WiFi Settings and WiFi Security of the Main Network............86
View or Change the Basic WiFi Settings.........................................................86
Configure WPA/WPA2 Enterprise WiFi
Security..............................................92
Configure WEP Legacy WiFi Security.............................................................94
Use WPS to Add a Device to the WiFi Network...................................................96
Use WPS With the Push Button Method.........................................................96
Use WPS With the PIN Method.......................................................................97
Manage the Basic WiFi Settings and WiFi Security of the Guest Network..........98
Control the WiFi Radios.....................................................................................102
Use the WIFI Button......................................................................................102
Enable or Disable the WiFi Radios................................................................102
Chapter 6 Control Access to the Internet
Set Up Parental Controls...................................................................................105
Allow or Block Access to Your Network..............................................................106
Enable and Manage Network Access Control...............................................106
Manage Network Access Control Lists.........................................................108
Add Devices to or Remove Them From the Allowed List..............................108
Add Devices to or Remove Them From the Blocked List..............................110
Use Keywords to Block Internet Sites................................................................111
Set Up Blocking.............................................................................................111
Remove a Keyword or Domain From the Blocked List..................................113
Remove All Keywords and Domains From the Blocked List..........................113
Specify a Trusted Computer..........................................................................114
Manage Simple Outbound Firewall Rules for Services and Applications..........115

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Add an Outbound Firewall Rule....................................................................115
Add an Outbound Firewall Rule for a Custom Service or Application...........117
Change an Outbound Firewall Rule..............................................................119
Remove an Outbound Firewall Rule..............................................................120
Set Up a Schedule for Keyword Blocking and Outbound Firewall
Rules...........120
Set Up Security Event Email Notifications.........................................................122
Chapter 7 Optimize Performance
Use Dynamic QoS to Optimize Internet Traffic Management.............................125
Enable Dynamic QoS....................................................................................125
Enable or Disable the Automatic QoS Database Update..............................126
Manually Update the Dynamic QoS Database..............................................127
Manage Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service.....................................................127
Improve Network Connections With Universal Plug-N-Play...............................128
Chapter 8 Share a Storage Device
USB Device Requirements................................................................................131
Connect a USB Device to the Modem Router....................................................131
Access a Storage Device Connected to the Modem Router..............................132
Access the Storage Device From a Windows Computer...............................132
Access the Storage Device From a Mac.......................................................132
Map a USB Device to a Windows Network Drive...............................................133
Back Up Windows Computers With ReadySHARE Vault...................................133
Manage Access to a Storage Device.................................................................134
Use FTP Within the Network..............................................................................136
Manage Network Folders on a USB Storage Device.........................................136
View Network Folders on a USB Storage Device..........................................136
Add a Network Folder on a USB Storage Device..........................................137
Change a Network Folder on a USB Storage Device....................................139
Remotely Access a USB Device Using ReadyCLOUD......................................140
Create a ReadyCLOUD Account...................................................................140
Register Your Modem Router With ReadyCLOUD........................................141
Safely Remove a USB Device............................................................................142
Chapter 9 Manage Dynamic DNS and Access Storage Devices Through the
Internet
Set Up and Manage Dynamic DNS...................................................................144
Your Personal FTP Server.............................................................................144
Set Up a New Dynamic DNS Account...........................................................145
Specify a DNS Account That You Already Created.......................................146
Access Storage Devices Through the Inter..................................................147
Access Storage Devices From a Remote Computer.....................................147
Set Up FTP Access Through the Inter....................................................147
Use FTP to Access Storage Devices Through the Inter..........................148
Chapter 10 Use the Router as a Media Server

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Specify ReadyDLNA Media Server Settings......................................................150
Play Music From a USB Storage Device With iTunes Server.............................150
Set Up the Modem Router’s iTunes Server With iTunes................................151
Set Up the Modem Router’s iTunes Server With the Remote App................152
Play Media From a USB Device on TiVo............................................................154
Set Up the Modem Router to Work With TiVo...............................................154
Play Videos on TiVo.......................................................................................155
Play Music or View Photos on TiVo...............................................................155
Chapter 11 Share a USB Printer
Install the Printer Driver and Cable the Printer..................................................157
Download the ReadySHARE Printer Utility........................................................157
Install the ReadySHARE Printer Utility..............................................................158
Print Using the NETGEAR USB Control Center................................................159
View or Change the Status of a Printer..............................................................159
Use the Scan Feature of a Multifunction USB Printer........................................160
Change NETGEAR USB Control Center Settings.............................................160
Turn Off Automatic Startup for NETGEAR USB Control Center....................160
Change the Language for the NETGEAR USB Control Center....................161
Specify the USB Control Center Time-Out....................................................161
Chapter 12 Manage the WAN and LAN Network Settings
Change the Physical WAN Connection Preference...........................................163
Manage Ethernet Port Aggregation...................................................................163
Set Up an Ethernet Port Aggregation Link....................................................164
View the Status of or Disable Ethernet Port Aggregation..............................165
Set Up a VLAN IPTV Bridge for a Port Group or VLAN Tag Group....................166
Set Up a VLAN IPTV Bridge for a Port Group...............................................166
Set Up a VLAN IPTV Bridge for a VLAN Tag Group......................................167
Manage the WAN Security Settings...................................................................169
Set Up a Default DMZ Server............................................................................170
Manage NAT Filtering........................................................................................171
Manage the SIP Application-Level Gateway......................................................171
Manage IGMP Proxying.....................................................................................172
Manage the Modem Routers’s LAN IP Address Settings..................................172
Manage the Router Information Protocol Settings.............................................174
Manage Reserved LAN IP Addresses...............................................................174
Reserve a LAN IP Address...........................................................................175
Change a Reserved IP Address....................................................................175
Remove a Reserved IP Address Entry..........................................................176
Manage the DHCP Server Address Pool...........................................................176
Disable the Built-In DHCP Server......................................................................178
Change the Modem Router’s Device Name.......................................................178
Set Up and Manage Custom Static Routes.......................................................179
Set Up a Static Route....................................................................................179
Change a Static Route..................................................................................181

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Remove a Static Route.................................................................................181
Chapter 13 Manage the Modem Router and Monitor the Traffic
Update the Firmware of the Modem Router.......................................................184
Check for New Firmware and Update the Modem Router.............................184
Manually Upload New Firmware and Update the Modem Router.................185
Manage the Configuration File of the Modem Router........................................186
Back Up the Settings.....................................................................................186
Restore the Settings......................................................................................187
Change the admin
Password.............................................................................187 Set Up
Password Recovery...............................................................................188
Recover the admin Password............................................................................189
Return the Modem Router to Its Factory Default Settings.................................189
Use the Reset Button....................................................................................190
Erase the Settings.........................................................................................190
Disable LED Blinking or Turn Off LEDs..............................................................191
View the Status and Statistics of the Modem Router.........................................192
View Information About the Modem Router and the Internet and WiFi
Settings.........................................................................................................192
View the Traffic Statistics...............................................................................196
Change the Traffic Statistics Polling Frequency.............................................198
View, Renew, or Release the TCP/IP Internet Connection............................198
View, Establish, or Terminate the PPPoE or PPPoA Internet Connection.....200
View, Establish, or Terminate the PPTP or L2TP Internet Connection..........201
View Devices Currently on the Network.............................................................201
Manage the Activity Log.....................................................................................203
View, Email, or Clear the Logs......................................................................203
Specify Which Activities Are Logged.............................................................204
Monitor and Meter Internet Traffic......................................................................205
Start the Traffic Meter Without Traffic Volume Restrictions............................205
View the Internet Traffic Volume and Statistics..............................................206
Restrict Internet Traffic by Volume.................................................................207
Restrict Internet Traffic by Connection Time..................................................209
Unblock the Traffic Meter After the Traffic Limit Is Reached..........................210
Manage the Modem Router Remotely...............................................................211
Chapter 14 Manage the Advanced WiFi Features
Set Up a WiFi Schedule.....................................................................................214
Manage the WPS Settings.................................................................................215
Manage Advanced WiFi Settings.......................................................................216
Manage Implicit Beamforming...........................................................................218
Manage Airtime Fairness...................................................................................218
Manage MU-MIMO............................................................................................219
Set Up a WiFi Bridge Between the Modem Router and a WiFi Router or Access
Point...................................................................................................................219

AC5300 WiFi VDSL/ADSL Modem Router Model D8500
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Use the Modem Router as a WiFi Access Point Only........................................222
Chapter 15 Use VPN to Access Your Network
Set Up a VPN Connection..................................................................................226
Specify VPN Service in the Modem Router...................................................226
Install OpenVPN Software on a Windows Computer....................................227
Install OpenVPN Software on a Mac Computer............................................229
Use a VPN Tunnel on a Windows Computer......................................................230
Use VPN to Access the Modem Router’s USB Device and Media From a Windows
Computer...........................................................................................................232
Use VPN to Access Your Internet Service at Home...........................................232
Set Up VPN Client Internet Access in the Modem Router............................232
Block VPN Client Internet Access in the Modem Router...............................233
Use a VPN Tunnel to Access Your Internet Service at Home........................234
Chapter 16 Manage Port Forwarding and Port Triggering
Manage Port Forwarding to a Local Server for Services and Applications........236
Forward Incoming Traffic for a Default Service or
Application.......................236 Add a Port Forwarding Rule With a Custom
Service or Application..............237
Change a Port Forwarding Rule....................................................................239
Remove a Port Forwarding Rule...................................................................240
Application Example: Make a Local Web Server Public................................240
How the Modem Router Implements the Port Forwarding Rule....................241
Manage Port Triggering for Services and Applications......................................241
Add a Port Triggering Rule............................................................................242
Change a Port Triggering Rule......................................................................244
Remove a Port Triggering Rule.....................................................................245
Specify the Time-Out for Port Triggering.......................................................245
Disable Port Triggering..................................................................................246
Application Example: Port Triggering for Internet Relay Chat........................247
Chapter 17 Troubleshooting
Reboot the Modem Router From Its Web Page.................................................249
Quick Tips for Troubleshooting...........................................................................249
Troubleshoot With the LEDs...............................................................................250
Power LED Is Off...........................................................................................251
Power LED Remains Solid Amber or Blinks White........................................251
2.4 GHz, 5 GHz 1, and 5 GHz 2 WiFi LEDs Are Off.....................................251
An Ethernet Port LED Is Off..........................................................................252
You Cannot Log In to the Modem Router...........................................................252
Troubleshoot the Internet Connection................................................................253
Troubleshoot the DSL/Internet Link...............................................................253
DSL/Internet LED Is Solid White..............................................................253
DSL/Internet LED Is Solid Amber.............................................................253

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DSL/Internet LED Is Off............................................................................253
Obtain an Internet IP Address.......................................................................254
Verify the PPPoE, PPPoA, PPTP, or L2TP
Connection.................................255
Troubleshoot Internet Browsing.....................................................................256
Changes Are Not Saved....................................................................................256
Troubleshoot the WiFi Connectivity....................................................................256
Troubleshoot Your Network Using the Ping Utility..............................................257
Test the LAN Path to Your Modem Router.....................................................257
Test the Path From Your Computer to a Remote Device...............................258
Appendix A Supplemental Information
Factory Settings.................................................................................................260
Technical Specifications.....................................................................................262

10
Hardware Overview of the Modem Router 1
The NETGEAR Nighthawk X8 AC5300 Tri-Band WiFi VDSL/ADSL Modem Router (Model D8500) is the next
wave in WiFi.With Tri-Band Quad Stream performance, Nighthawk delivers combined WiFi speeds of up to
5.3 Gbps. Four external active antennas combined with four internal antennas amplify and maximize WiFi
range. The X8’s powerful 1.4 GHz dual-core processor gives you a high-performance networking engine for
faster connections. Aggregate two of the Gigabit ports to double your wired speeds to network-attached
storage. Quad-Stream with MU-MIMO support allows you to enjoy simultaneous streaming to your devices for
faster speeds than traditional WiFi.
The Nighthawk X8 AC5300 Tri-Band WiFi VDSL/ADSL Modem Router (Model D8500) is compatible with most
major DSL Internet service providers and also supports cable Internet service.
This chapter contains the following sections:
•Unpack the Modem Router on page 10
•Top and Front Panels With LEDs and Buttons on page 10
•Rear Panel With Ports, Buttons, and a DC Connector on page 13
•USB Ports on the Right Panel on page 13
•Product Label on page 14
Note For more information about the topics covered in this manual, visit the support website at
support.netgear.com.
Note In this manual, the Nighthawk X8 AC5300 Tri-Band WiFi VDSL/ADSL Modem Router (Model
D8500) is referred to as the modem router.
Unpack the Modem Router
Your package contains the NETGEAR Nighthawk X8 AC5300 Tri-Band WiFi VDSL/ADSL Modem Router
(Model D8500), a DSL microfilter (varies by region), an Ethernet cable, a phone cable, and power adapter
(varies by region).

AC5300 WiFi VDSL/ADSL Modem Router Model D8500
Hardware Overview of the Modem Router
11
Figure 1. Package contents
Top and Front Panels With LEDs and Buttons
The status LEDs are located on the top of the modem router. Buttons are on the front, and the USB ports
are on the right panel.
Figure 2. Modem router top panel LEDs and front panel buttons
Table 1. LED descriptions

AC5300 WiFi VDSL/ADSL Modem Router Model D8500
Hardware Overview of the Modem Router
12
Table 1. LED descriptions (Continued)
Description
LED
•
Solid amber
.The modem router is starting.
•
Blinking amber
.The firmware is upgrading or the
Reset
button was pressed.
•
Solid white
.The modem router is ready.
•
Blinking white
.The firmware is corrupted.
•
Off
. Power is not supplied to the modem router.
Power
•
Solid white
.The modem router is connected to a DSL service and the DSL
connection is ready or the modem router is connected to a cable service and
the Internet connection is ready.
•
Solid amber
.The modem router is not connected to a DSL service, did not
establish a DSL connection, or did not establish an Internet connection.
•
Alternating white and amber
.The traffic meter is enabled and the traffic
limit is reached.
•
Off
.The modem router cannot connect to the Internet, the Internet connection
failed, or the DSL link is not ready for connection.
After you connect a DSL cable to the modem router, it takes
about 40 seconds before the DSL/Internet LED lights.
Note
DSL/Internet
•
Solid white
.The 2.4 GHz WiFi radio is operating.
•
Blinking
.The modem router is sending or receiving WiFi traffic.
•
Off
.The 2.4 GHz WiFi radio is off.
2.4
GHz WiFi
•
Solid white
.The 5 GHz WiFi radio is operating.
•
Blinking
.The modem router is sending or receiving WiFi traffic.
•
Off
.The 5 GHz WiFi radio is off.
5
GHz WiFi 1 and 5 GHz WiFi
2

AC5300 WiFi VDSL/ADSL Modem Router Model D8500
Hardware Overview of the Modem Router
13
Note For information about troubleshooting with the LEDs, see Troubleshoot With the LEDs
on page 250.
Table 2. Front panel button descriptions
Rear Panel With Ports, Buttons, and a DC Connector
The rear panel components are shown in the following figure.
Description
LED
•
Solid white
. A USB device is connected to the USB port and is ready.
•
Blinking
. A USB device is plugged into the USB port and is trying to connect.
•
Off
. No USB device is connected to the USB port, or someone clicked the
Safely Remove Hardware
button and it is now safe to remove the attached
USB device.
USB 3.0 port 1 and USB 2.0 port
2
The LED color indicates the speed: white for Gigabit Ethernet connections and
amber for 100 Mbps or 10 Mbps Ethernet connections.
•
Solid
. A powered-on device is connected to the Ethernet port.
•
Blinking
.The Ethernet port is sending or receiving traffic.
•
Off
. No powered-on device is connected to the Ethernet port.
Ethernet ports 1–6
Description
Button
Pressing this button changes the LED mode.
•
Mode one
. All LEDs stay on and blink.
•
Mode two
. All LEDs stay on but do not blink.
•
Mode three
. Only the Power LED stays on and the other LEDs are off.
LED
Pressing this button lets you use WPS to join the WiFi network without typing the
WiFi password. For more information, see
Join the WiFi Network of the Modem
Router
on page 19.
WPS
Pressing this button for two seconds turns the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz 1, and 5 GHz 2
WiFi radios on and off.
WIFI

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Hardware Overview of the Modem Router
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Figure 3. Rear panel
Viewed from left to right, the rear panel contains the following components:
•Internet port. One Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 WAN port to connect the modem router to a cable modem.
This port is colored yellow. Use either the Internet port or the VDSL port for your Internet connection.
•VDSL port. One RJ-11 DSL port for connecting the modem router to an ADSL or VDSL line.This port
is colored gray and is labeled VDSL but can also be used for an ADSL connection. Use either the VDSL
port or the Internet port for your Internet connection.
•Ethernet LAN ports. Six Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 LAN ports to connect the modem router to LAN
devices. You can use Ethernet AGGREGATE ports 1 and 2 to cable a device to the modem router that
supports Ethernet port aggregation. For information about Ethernet port aggregation, see Manage
Ethernet Port Aggregation on page 163.
•Reset button. Pressing the Reset button returns the modem router to its factory settings. For
information about the factory settings, see Factory Settings on page 260.
•Power On/Off button. Press the Power On/Off button to provide power to the modem router.
•DC power connector. Connect the power adapter that came in the product package to the DC power
connector.
USB Ports on the Right Panel
Two USB ports are located on the right panel.To access the ports, open the USB port cover as shown.

AC5300 WiFi VDSL/ADSL Modem Router Model D8500
Hardware Overview of the Modem Router
15
Figure 4. A USB 3.0 port and a USB 2.0 port are located on the right
Product Label
The product label on the bottom panel of the modem router lists the login information, WiFi network name
(SSID), password (network key), serial number, and MAC address of the modem router, as well as other
information.
Figure 5. Modem router label

16
Install and Access the Modem Routerand Its
Network 2
This chapter describes how to install and access the modem router and its network.
The chapter contains the following sections:
•Position Your Modem Router on page 16
•How Active Antennas Improve WiFi Performance on page 17
•Position the Active Antennas on page 17
•Connect to the Modem Router on page 18
•Set Up Your Modem Router for DSL Service on page 21
•Set Up the Modem Router for Cable Service on page 26
•Log In to the Modem Router After Setup to View or Change Settings on page 30
•Change the Language on page 31
•Access the Modem Router With NETGEAR genie Apps on page 32

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Position Your Modem Router
The modem router lets you access your network anywhere within the operating range of your WiFi network.
However, the operating distance or range of your WiFi connection can vary significantly depending on the
physical placement of your modem router. For example, the thickness and number of walls the WiFi signal
passes through can limit the range.
Additionally, other WiFi access points in and around your home might affect your modem router’s signal.
WiFi access points are routers, repeaters, WiFi range extenders, and any other device that emits a WiFi
signal for network access.
Position your modem router according to the following guidelines:
•Place your modem router near the center of the area where your computers and other devices operate
and within line of sight to your WiFi devices.
•Make sure that the modem router is within reach of an AC power outlet and near Ethernet cables for
wired computers.
•Place the modem router in an elevated location, minimizing the number walls and ceilings between the
modem router and your other devices.
•Place the modem router away from electrical devices such as these:
- Ceiling fans
- Home security systems
- Microwaves
- Computers
- Base of a cordless phone
- 2.4 GHz cordless phone
- 5 GHz cordless phone
•Place the modem router away from large metal surfaces, large glass surfaces, insulated walls, and
items such as these:
- Solid metal door
- Aluminum studs
- Fish tanks
- Mirrors
- Brick
- Concrete
If you are using adjacent access points, use different radio frequency channels to reduce interference.

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How Active Antennas Improve WiFi Performance
The growing number of WiFi devices in the home combined with the increasing demand for high-speed
WiFi connectivity places extraordinary demands on the WiFi infrastructure.To meet this demand, many
WiFi routers now use external antennas and high-power amplifiers to maximize signal power and extend
WiFi coverage throughout your home.
Increased signal power on the modem router is important, but effective WiFi connectivity requires two-way
communication between the modem router and clients such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.The client
must acknowledge every WiFi data packet sent by the modem router. Otherwise, the modem router resends
the data packet. A strong signal from the modem router without a corresponding boost in signal from the
client to the modem router does not provide you with the full benefit.
Mobile devices continue to get smaller, while adding more features and reducing power consumption to
extend battery life. Since mobile device WiFi signal power and performance are not improving, modem
router technology is evolving to find ways to compensate and improve the client-to-modem router WiFi
signal. One passive approach to addressing this problem is to add low noise amplifiers (LNA) on the modem
router to amplify the received signal.The modem router’s external antennas transmit the received WiFi
signal to the modem router.The issues with this approach are twofold.Transmitting the signal from the
external antenna to the modem router reduces the signal strength and quality. In addition, the modem
router injects noise from other components.The received signal deteriorates and noise is injected, which
reduces the efficacy of the received transmission.
Active antennas solve these problems. Active antennas move the powered amplification component (the
LNA) to the antenna itself instead of using the modem router.This eliminates signal loss during transmission
since the active antenna directly amplifies the received signal. In addition, since no noise from the modem
router components is present in the antenna, the amplified signal is cleaner.
The modem router receives a much cleaner and less noisy signal for amplification, significantly improving
the received signal and providing a clean, powerful signal that extends WiFi coverage and performance.
Active antennas help reduce the mismatch between the sent and the received signals by compensating for
the relatively poor WiFi on the client side.This WiFi improvement is seen across all devices–new and old–
but helps mobile devices the most.
Position the Active Antennas
The modem router’s four active antennas include a built-in receiver low noise amplifier (LNA), for high-
speed WiFi connections and excellent range. Both the 2.4 GHz and the 5 GHz low band (WiFi Channels
36–48 and 52–64) use the active antennas.The 5 GHz high band (WiFi Channels 100–140 and 149–165)
uses the passive antenna.
The best position for the active antennas depends on the layout for your home or office.We recommend
the following antenna positions:
•For a large single-story home (about 2,500 to 4,000 square feet in size), position all four antennas
vertically and place the router on a table.

AC5300 WiFi VDSL/ADSL Modem Router Model D8500
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19
Figure 6. Antennas positioned vertically
•For a multilevel home, position the two antennas in the center vertically, and position the other antennas
at a 45-degree outward angle.
Figure 7.Two antennas in the center positioned vertically, the other antennas at a
45-degree outward angle
Connect to the Modem Router
During and after installation, you can connect to the modem router’s network through a wired or WiFi
connection. If you set up your computer to use a static IP address, change the settings of your computer
so that it uses Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).
Connect to the Modem Router Through an Ethernet Cable
You can connect your computer to the modem router using an Ethernet cable and join the modem router’s
local area network (LAN).
To connect your computer to the modem router with an Ethernet cable:

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Install and Access the Modem Router and Its Network
20
1. Make sure that the modem router is receiving power (its Power LED is lit).
2. Connect an Ethernet cable to an Ethernet port on your computer.
3. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to one of the numbered Ethernet ports.
Your computer connects to the local area network (LAN). A message might display on your computer
screen to notify you that an Ethernet cable is connected.
Join the WiFi Network of the Modem Router
Choose either the manual or the WPS method to add a WiFi device such as a WiFi-enabled computer, an
iPhone, an iPad, another mobile device, or a gaming device to the WiFi network of the modem router.
Manual Method
On the computer or mobile device that you want to connect to the modem router, you can use the software
application that manages your WiFi connections.
To connect a computer or mobile device manually to the WiFi network of the modem
router:
1. Make sure that the modem router is receiving power (its Power LED is lit).
2. On the computer or mobile device that you want to connect to your modem router, open the software
application that manages your WiFi connections.
This software scans for all WiFi networks in your area.
3. Look for the modem router’s network and select it.
If you did not change the name of the network during the setup process, look for the default WiFi
network name (SSID) and select it.The default SSID is on the modem router label.
4. Enter the modem router WiFi password.
The default WiFi password (also referred to as the network key or passphrase) is also on the modem
router label.
5. Click the Connect button.
The device connects to the WiFi network of the modem router.
Wi-Fi Protected Setup Method
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is a standard for easily adding computers and other devices to a home
network while maintaining security.To use WPS (Push 'N' Connect), make sure that all WiFi devices to be