NETGEAR WAC124-100NAS User manual

User Manual
AC2000 802.11ac
Wireless Access Point/Router
Model WAC124
NETGEAR, Inc.
350 E. Plumeria DriveMarch 2020
San Jose, CA 95134, USA202-12008-03

Support and Community
Visit netgear.com/support to get your questions answered and access the latest
downloads.
You can also check out our NETGEAR Community for helpful advice at
community.netgear.com.
Regulatory and Legal
Si ce produit est vendu au Canada, vous pouvez accéder à ce document en français
canadien à https://www.netgear.com/support/download/.
(If this product is sold in Canada, you can access this document in Canadian French at
https://www.netgear.com/support/download/.)
For regulatory compliance information including the EU Declaration of Conformity, visit
https://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory/.
See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply.
For NETGEAR’s Privacy Policy, visit https://www.netgear.com/about/privacy-policy.
By using this device, you are agreeing to NETGEAR’s Terms and Conditions at
https://www.netgear.com/about/terms-and-conditions. If you do not agree, return the
device to your place of purchase within your return period.
Trademarks
© NETGEAR, Inc., NETGEAR, and the NETGEAR Logo are trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc.
Any non-NETGEAR trademarks are used for reference purposes only.
Revision History
CommentsPublish DatePublication Part
Number
We changed the information to reflect that the USB 2.0 port does not
support a connection to a printer. However, you can connect a printer to
a LAN port.
March 2020202-12008-03
We added Manage client isolation for a single WiFi network on page 67.
We added Manage SSID isolation for all WiFi networks on page 68.
We added Manage access to LAN ports for WiFi clients of the Wireless 2
network on page 69.
We revised Change the local login password on page 139.
November 2019202-12008-02
We changed this user manual to reflect that in firmware version 1.0.4.2
and later versions, the default mode of the WAC124 is router mode.
In earlier firmware versions, the default mode of the WAC124 is access
point mode. This user manual is for firmware version 1.0.4.2 and later
versions. That means that the WAC124 initially starts up in router mode.
June 2019202-12008-01
First publication.December 2018202-11885-02
2
AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

Contents
Chapter 1 Hardware Overview of the Access Point/Router
Top panel with LEDs...........................................................................12
Back panel with ports, buttons, and a power connector...............13
Position the antennas for best WiFi performance..........................14
Access point/router label..................................................................15
Chapter 2 Install and Access the Access Point/Router in Your
Network
About router mode and access point mode...................................17
Routing features enabled in router mode and disabled in access
point mode..........................................................................................17
Credentials that you must enter to access the local browser
interface...............................................................................................18
Connect the access point/router to the Internet and complete the
initial log-in process...........................................................................19
Connect the access point/router to a modem and log in for the
first time...........................................................................................19
Connect the access point/router to another router and log in for
the first time....................................................................................23
Log in to the access point/router when it is connected to the
Internet.................................................................................................26
Log in to the access point/router when it is not connected to the
Internet.................................................................................................27
Use the NETGEAR Insight mobile app to discover the access
point/router.........................................................................................29
Find the IP address of the access point/router...............................29
Change the language of the local browser interface....................31
Connect a wired or WiFi device to the access point/router’s network
after installation...................................................................................32
Connect to the LAN of the access point/router through an
Ethernet cable................................................................................33
Use Wi-Fi Protected Setup to join the WiFi network of the access
point/router....................................................................................33
Manually join the WiFi network of the access point/router......34
3

Chapter 3 Specify the Access Point/Router Internet Settings
Manually
Router mode: Use the Setup Wizard................................................36
Access point mode: Specify a fixed LAN IP address......................37
Router mode: Manually set up the access point/router Internet
connection...........................................................................................38
Router mode: Specify a dynamic or fixed WAN IP address Internet
connection without a login...........................................................38
Router mode: Specify a PPPoE Internet connection that uses a
login.................................................................................................40
Router mode: Specify a PPTP or L2TP Internet connection that
uses a login.....................................................................................42
Router mode: Specify an IPv6 Internet connection........................44
Router mode: Requirements for entering IPv6 addresses.......45
Router mode: Use Auto Detect for an IPv6 Internet
connection......................................................................................45
Router mode: Use Auto Config for an IPv6 Internet
connection......................................................................................47
Router mode: Set up an IPv6 6to4 tunnel Internet connection.48
Router mode: Set up an IPv6 6rd Internet connection..............50
Router mode: Set up an IPv6 passthrough Internet
connection......................................................................................52
Router mode: Set up an IPv6 fixed Internet connection...........53
Router mode: Set up an IPv6 DHCP Internet connection.........54
Router mode: Set up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet connection........56
Chapter 4 Manage the Basic WiFi and Radio Features
Set up or change an open or secure WiFi network........................60
Configure WPA and WPA2 Enterprise WiFi security.....................63
Disable or enable a WiFi network....................................................65
Hide or broadcast the SSID for a WiFi network..............................66
Manage client isolation for a single WiFi network..........................67
Manage SSID isolation for all WiFi networks...................................68
Manage access to LAN ports for WiFi clients of the Wireless 2
network................................................................................................69
Enable or disable the WiFi radios.....................................................71
Use WPS to add a device to the WiFi network................................72
Use WPS with the push button method......................................72
Use WPS with the PIN method.....................................................74
Chapter 5 Manage the Firewall and Security
Router mode: Manage the basic firewall settings..........................77
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AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

Router mode: Manage port scan protection and denial of service
protection........................................................................................77
Router mode: Set up a default DMZ server................................78
Router mode: Manage IGMP proxying.......................................79
Router mode: Manage NAT filtering...........................................80
Router mode: Manage the SIP application-level gateway........81
Router mode: Manage VPN pass-through..................................82
Allow or block device access to your network................................83
Enable and manage network access control..............................83
Manage network access control lists...........................................84
Add or remove a device from the allowed list...........................85
Add or remove a device from the blocked list...........................86
Router mode: Specify keywords and domains to block Internet
sites.......................................................................................................87
Router mode: Set up keyword and domain blocking...............87
Router mode: Specify a trusted device.......................................89
Router mode: Remove a keyword or domain from the blocked
list.....................................................................................................90
Router mode: Remove all keywords and domains from the
blocked list......................................................................................91
Router mode: Block specific services and applications from the
Internet.................................................................................................91
Router mode: Add a service blocking rule for a predefined service
or application..................................................................................92
Router mode: Add a service blocking rule for a custom service
or application..................................................................................93
Router mode: Change a service blocking rule..........................95
Router mode: Remove a service blocking rule..........................96
Router mode: Set up a schedule for blocking................................97
Set up security event email notifications.........................................98
Chapter 6 Optimize Performance
Optimize traffic with the default QoS rules...................................102
Manage default and custom QoS rules.........................................103
Add a custom QoS rule for a service or application...............103
Add a custom QoS rule for a device.........................................104
Change a QoS rule or change the priority for a rule...............105
Remove a QoS rule......................................................................106
Remove all QoS rules..................................................................107
Manage uplink bandwidth control.................................................108
Manage WiFi Multimedia (WMM) for a radio...............................109
Improve network connections with Universal Plug and Play......110
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AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

Chapter 7 Manage the Network Settings
Router mode: Manage the LAN IP address settings....................114
Router mode: Change the access point/router network device
name..............................................................................................114
Router mode: Change the LAN IP address and subnet
settings..........................................................................................115
Router mode: Manage the DHCP server address pool..........116
Router mode: Disable the DHCP server...................................118
Router mode: Manage the Router Information Protocol
settings..........................................................................................119
Router mode: Manage reserved LAN IP addresses.....................120
Router mode: Reserve a LAN IP Address.................................120
Router mode: Change a reserved LAN IP address.................121
Router mode: Remove a reserved LAN IP address entry.......122
Add and manage IPv4 static routes...............................................123
Add an IPv4 static route..............................................................124
Change an IPv4 static route........................................................125
Remove an IPv4 static route.......................................................126
Router mode: Enable an IPTV bridge for a port group or VLAN tag
group.................................................................................................127
Router mode: Enable an IPTV bridge for a port group..........127
Router mode: Enable an IPTV bridge for a VLAN tag group..128
Router mode: Change the MTU size..............................................130
Chapter 8 Maintain and Monitor the Access Point/Router
Update the firmware of the access point/router..........................134
Let the access point/router check for new firmware and update
the firmware..................................................................................134
Check for new firmware manually and update the access
point/router manually.................................................................135
Manage the configuration file of the access point/router...........137
Back up the access point/router configuration file.................137
Restore the access point/router configuration settings..........138
Change the local login password...................................................139
Change the password recovery questions for the local login
password...........................................................................................140
Recover the local login admin password......................................141
Return the access point/router to its factory default settings.....142
Use the Reset button...................................................................143
Erase the settings to factory default settings...........................143
Manage the time settings................................................................144
Manually set the time zone and adjust the daylight saving
time................................................................................................144
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AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

Change the NTP server...............................................................145
Manage the activity log...................................................................146
Specify which activities the access point/router logs..............146
View, send, or clear the logs......................................................148
View the status and statistics of the access point/router.............149
Access point mode: View information about the access
point/router, LAN port, and WiFi settings................................149
Router mode: View information about the access point/router,
Internet port, and WiFi settings.................................................151
Check the Internet connection status........................................154
Display Internet port statistics....................................................156
View devices currently on the access point/router network...157
Router mode: Monitor and meter Internet traffic.........................160
Router mode: Start the traffic meter without traffic restrictions.160
Router mode: Restrict Internet traffic by volume.....................161
Router mode: Restrict Internet traffic by connection time.....162
Router mode: View the Internet traffic volume and statistics..164
Router mode: Unblock the traffic meter after the traffic limit is
reached.........................................................................................165
Router mode: Manage and use remote access............................166
Router mode: Set up remote management for the access
point/router..................................................................................166
Router mode: Use remote access..............................................167
Change the system mode to access point mode or back to router
mode..................................................................................................168
Disable LED blinking or turn off LEDs............................................169
Chapter 9 Share a USB Storage Device Attached to the Access
Point/Router
USB device requirements................................................................172
Connect a USB storage device to the access point/router.........172
Access a USB storage device that is connected to the access
point/router.......................................................................................173
Access a USB storage device from a Windows-based
computer......................................................................................173
Access a USB storage device from a Mac.................................173
Map a USB storage device to a Windows network drive............174
Back up a Windows-based computer with ReadySHARE Vault...175
Back up a Mac with Time Machine.................................................176
Set up a USB hard disk drive on a Mac.....................................176
Prepare to back up a large amount of data..............................177
Use Time Machine to back up onto a USB hard disk drive....178
Manage access to a USB storage device.......................................179
Enable FTP access within the access point/router network........181
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AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

View and manage network folders on a USB storage device.....183
View network folders on a USB storage device.......................183
Add a network folder on a USB storage device.......................184
Change a network folder on a USB storage device................185
Router mode: Approve a USB storage device.............................187
Safely remove a USB storage device.............................................188
Chapter 10 Use the Access Point/Router as a Media Server
Specify ReadyDLNA media server settings...................................191
Play music from a storage device with iTunes server..................192
Set up the access point/router’s iTunes server with iTunes....192
Set up the access point/router’s iTunes server with the Remote
app.................................................................................................194
Set up the access point/router to work with TiVo........................196
Chapter 11 Router Mode: Manage Dynamic DNS and FTP Access
Through the Internet
Router mode: Set up and manage Dynamic DNS.......................198
Router mode: Set up a new Dynamic DNS account................198
Router mode: Specify a DNS account that you already
created..........................................................................................199
Router mode: Change the Dynamic DNS settings..................200
Router mode: Use DDNS with FTP to access your network........201
Router mode: Overview of the steps to set up an FTP server with
DDNS.............................................................................................201
Router mode: Set up FTP access through the Internet on the
access point/router......................................................................202
Router mode: Use FTP to access a storage device over the
Internet..........................................................................................204
Chapter 12 Router Mode: Set up VPN Connections with OpenVPN
Router mode: Enable and configure OpenVPN and VPN client access
on the access point/router..............................................................206
Router mode: Install OpenVPN client software on a remote
client...................................................................................................207
Router mode: Install the OpenVPN client utility and VPN
configuration files on a Windows-based computer................208
Router mode: Install the OpenVPN client utility and VPN
configuration files on a Mac.......................................................209
Router mode: Install the OpenVPN client utility and VPN
configuration files on an iOS device.........................................210
Router mode: Install the OpenVPN client utility and VPN
configuration files on an Android device.................................212
Router mode: Set up an OpenVPN connection...........................213
8
AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

Router mode: Manage VPN access to your network or Internet
service at your office or home....................................................213
Router mode: Use a VPN tunnel to access your Internet service
at your office or home.................................................................214
Chapter 13 Manage the Advanced WiFi and Radio Features
Add a WiFi schedule for a radio.....................................................216
Change the channel for a radio......................................................217
Change the WiFi throughput mode for a radio band.................218
Change the transmission output power for a radio.....................220
Manage advanced WiFi and broadcast settings..........................221
Manage the WPS settings...............................................................222
Specify how the access point/router manages WiFi clients........224
Manage Implicit Beamforming..................................................224
Manage MU-MIMO......................................................................225
Manage Airtime Fairness............................................................226
Set Up a WiFi bridge between the access/point router and another
device.................................................................................................227
Chapter 14 Router Mode: Manage Port Forwarding and Port
Triggering
Router mode: Manage port forwarding to a local server for services
and applications...............................................................................232
Router mode: Forward incoming traffic for a default service or
application....................................................................................232
Router mode: Add a port forwarding rule for a custom service
or application...............................................................................233
Router mode: Change a port forwarding rule.........................235
Router mode: Remove a port forwarding rule.........................236
Router mode application example: Make a local web server
public.............................................................................................237
Router mode: How the access/point router implements a port
forwarding rule.............................................................................237
Router mode: Manage port triggering for services and
applications.......................................................................................238
Router mode: Add a port triggering rule.................................238
Router mode: Change a port triggering rule...........................240
Router mode: Remove a port triggering rule..........................241
Router mode: Specify the time-out for port triggering...........242
Router mode: Disable port triggering......................................243
Router mode application example: Port triggering for Internet
Relay Chat.....................................................................................244
9
AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

Chapter 15 Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Reboot the access point/router from its local browser interface.246
Quick tips...........................................................................................247
Router mode: Sequence to restart your access point/router
network.........................................................................................247
Access point mode: Restart your access point/router............247
Check the Ethernet cable connections.....................................247
Check the WiFi settings of your computer or mobile device..248
Check the DHCP network settings of your computer or mobile
device............................................................................................248
Standard LED behavior when the access point/router is powered
on........................................................................................................249
Troubleshoot with the LEDs............................................................249
Power LED is off...........................................................................249
Power LED stays blinking green................................................249
Router mode: Internet LED is off...............................................250
Access point mode: Internet LED is off.....................................250
WiFi LED Is Off.............................................................................251
You cannot log in to the access point/router...............................251
Router mode: You cannot log in to the access point/router...251
Access point mode: You cannot log in to the access
point/router..................................................................................253
Router mode: You cannot access the Internet.............................254
Router mode: Check the Internet WAN IP address.................254
Router mode: Check or manually start the PPPoE connection.257
Troubleshoot Internet browsing.....................................................258
Troubleshoot the WiFi connectivity...............................................258
Changes are not saved....................................................................259
Troubleshoot your network using the ping utility of your
computer...........................................................................................260
Test the LAN path from your computer to the access
point/router..................................................................................260
Router mode: Test the path from your computer to a remote
device............................................................................................261
Appendix A Factory Default Settings and Technical Specifications
Factory default settings...................................................................263
Technical specifications...................................................................265
Appendix B Position and Wall-Mount the Access Point/Router
Position the access point/router.....................................................268
Wall-mount the access point/router..............................................269
10
AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

1
Hardware Overview of the Access
Point/Router
The NETGEAR AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router Model WAC124, in this
manual referred to as the access point/router, supports dual-band concurrent operation
at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz with combined throughput of 2000 Mbps (300 Mbps at 2.4 GHz
and 1700 Mbps at 5 GHz). The access point/router is designed to function in a small
office network or home network.
You can use the access point/router in its default router mode with its router features
enabled, directly connected to the Internet, for example through a modem. You can
also use the access point/router in access point mode with its router features disabled,
connected to an existing router in your network.
Note: In firmware version 1.0.4.2 and later versions, the default mode of the WAC124
is router mode. In earlier firmware versions, the default mode of the WAC124 is access
point mode. This user manual is for firmware version 1.0.4.2 and later versions. That
means that the WAC124 initially starts up in router mode. For more information, see
Install and Access the Access Point/Router in Your Network on page 16.
The chapter contains the following sections:
• Top panel with LEDs
• Back panel with ports, buttons, and a power connector
• Position the antennas for best WiFi performance
• Access point/router label
Note: For more information about the topics that are covered in this manual, visit the
support website at netgear.com/support/.
Note: Firmware updates with new features and bug fixes are made available from time
to time at netgear.com/support/download/. You can check for and download new
firmware manually. If the features or behavior of your product does not match what is
described in this manual, you might need to update the firmware.
11

Top panel with LEDs
The four status LEDs are located on the top panel of the access point/router. From left
to right, the top panel contains the Power LED, Internet LED, WiFi LED, and USB LED.
Figure 1. Top panel with LEDs
Table 1. LED descriptions
DescriptionLED
Solid green. The access point/router is ready.
Solid green temporarily, blinking green temporarily, and finally solid green. The
access point/router is starting or was reset to factory default settings and is restarting.
For more information about resetting the access point/router to factory default settings,
see Return the access point/router to its factory default settings on page 142.
Blinking green. The access point/router is starting or upgrading firmware. If the Power
LED is blinking green at any other time, see Power LED stays blinking green on page
249.
Off. Power is not supplied to the access point/router.
Power
Solid green or blinking green. An Internet connection is established.
Off. No Internet connection is established. For more information, see Router mode:
Internet LED is off on page 250 (router mode is the default system mode) or Access point
mode: Internet LED is off on page 250.
Internet
User Manual12Hardware Overview of the
Access Point/Router
AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

Table 1. LED descriptions (Continued)
DescriptionLED
Solid green. One or both WiFi radios are operating.
Blinking green. One or both WiFi radios are sending or receiving traffic.
Blinking green slowly. Someone pressed the WPS button.
Off. Both WiFi radios are off. For more information, see WiFi LED Is Off on page 251.
WiFi
Solid green. A USB device is connected and is ready.
Off. No USB device is connected.
USB
Back panel with ports, buttons, and a power
connector
The back panel of the access point/router provides ports, buttons, and a DC power
connector.
Figure 2. Access point/router back panel
User Manual13Hardware Overview of the
Access Point/Router
AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

Viewed from left to right, the back panel contains the following components:
•USB 2.0 port. One USB 2.0 port to connect a storage device to the access
point/router.
•LAN ports 4 through 1. Four Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 LAN ports numbered LAN4
through LAN1 to connect the access point/router to Ethernet devices such as a
computer and a switch.
•Internet port. One Internet (WAN) port to connect the access point/router to a
modem or existing router in your network:
-Connect to a modem. Connect the Internet port directly to a modem. The modem
must provide an Internet connection to the access point/router. For more
information about this setup, in which the access point/router must function in
its default router mode, see Connect the access point/router to a modem and
log in for the first time on page 19.
-Connect to a router. Connect the Internet port directly to a router in your network,
or to a switch or hub that is connected to the router. The router must provide an
Internet connection to the access point/router. For more information about this
setup, in which the access point/router must function in access point mode, see
Connect the access point/router to another router and log in for the first time on
page 23.
•WPS button. Press the WPS button to join the access point/router’s WiFi network
without typing the WiFi password. For more information, see Use WPS to add a
device to the WiFi network on page 72.
•Reset button. Press the Reset button to reset the access point/router to factory
default settings. For more information, see Use the Reset button on page 143.
•Power On/Off button. Press the Power On/Off button to provide power to the
access point/router.
•DC power connector. Connect the power adapter that came in the product package
to the DC power connector.
Position the antennas for best WiFi
performance
You can swivel the three access point/router antennas in any direction. For best WiFi
performance, we recommend that you experiment with various antenna positions. For
example, you could position the center antenna vertically and aim the other two antennas
outward at 45-degree angles.
User Manual14Hardware Overview of the
Access Point/Router
AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

Access point/router label
The access point/router label on the bottom panel of the access point/router shows the
default login information, default WiFi network name (SSID), default WiFi passphrase,
serial number and MAC address of the access point/router, and other information.
Figure 3. Access point/router label
User Manual15Hardware Overview of the
Access Point/Router
AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

2
Install and Access the Access
Point/Router in Your Network
This chapter describes how you can install and access the access point/router in your
network and go through the initial log-in process. By default, the access point/router is
in router mode. You can also change the mode to access point mode.
IMPORTANT: For the initial log-in process, also referred to as single sign-on (SSO),
the access point/router must connect to the Internet and you must log in with a NETGEAR
account. (You can create an account during the log-in process.)
Note: When you log in to the access point/router, you connect to the local
browser–based management interface, in this manual referred to as the local browser
interface.
The chapter contains the following sections:
• About router mode and access point mode
• Routing features enabled in router mode and disabled in access point mode
• Credentials that you must enter to access the local browser interface
•Connect the access point/router to the Internet and complete the initial log-in process
• Log in to the access point/router when it is connected to the Internet
• Log in to the access point/router when it is not connected to the Internet
• Use the NETGEAR Insight mobile app to discover the access point/router
• Find the IP address of the access point/router
• Change the language of the local browser interface
• Connect a wired or WiFi device to the access point/router’s network after installation
16

About router mode and access point mode
Before you set up the access point/router, decide whether you will use the access
point/router in its default router mode or in access point mode:
•Router mode. By default, the access point/router is in router mode so that you can
connect it directly to a modem such as a cable or DSL modem. In router mode, the
access point/router functions as both a router for Internet access and a WiFi access
point. The access point/router receives its IP address settings from your Internet
service provider (ISP) and delivers IP address settings to its WiFi and LAN clients.
•Access point mode. You can also connect the access point/router to an existing
router in your network and, after you log in, change the system mode to access point
mode. The router must support a DHCP server so that it assigns an IP address to the
access point/router and its clients and provides Internet access.
In access point mode, the access point/router functions as a WiFi access point only
and its router functions are disabled. For example, routing services such as NAT and
the DHCP server are disabled.
For more information about the routing features, see Routing features enabled in router
mode and disabled in access point mode on page 17.
Routing features enabled in router mode
and disabled in access point mode
The access point/router can function in router mode (its default system mode) or in
access point mode.
The following routing features are enabled in router mode but disabled in access point
mode:
•Internet settings, including an IP address issued through dynamic DHCP (the default
setting), a manually specified static IP address, an IP address issued through PPPoE,
L2TP, or PPTP, and various ways to implement an IPv6 address.
•WAN settings, including routing services such as NAT.
•LAN settings, including a DHCP server.
•Internet security settings, including the option to block sites and services, and the
option to set up port forwarding and port triggering rules.
•VPN service.
•Remote management.
User Manual17Install and Access the Access
Point/Router in Your Network
AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

•Advanced USB settings.
•Internet traffic meter.
•VLAN or bridge tag group for an IPVT device.
For information about changing the system mode after initial setup, Change the system
mode to access point mode or back to router mode on page 168.
Note: If the access point/router is in router mode, you can always reach the local browser
interface by entering http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field of your browser.
If the access point/router is in access point mode, you must enter the IP address that
your existing router assigned to the access point/router. For more information, see Find
the IP address of the access point/router on page 29.
Credentials that you must enter to access
the local browser interface
The credentials (email address or user name and password) that you must enter to
access the local browser interface of the access point/router depend on the Internet
connection:
•Connected to the Internet. When the access point/router is connected to the
Internet, you must use your NETGEAR account email address and password to log
in to the local browser interface. If you do not own a NETGEAR account, you can
create one during the log-in process.
•Not connected to the Internet. If the access point/router is not connected to the
Internet, you must use the local login user name (admin) and your customized local
login password, also referred to as the admin password. When you use the Smart
Setup Wizard for the initial log-in process on the access point/router, you must
customize the local login password. (By default, the local login password is
password.)
IMPORTANT: When the access point/router is connected to the Internet, you cannot
use the admin user name and local login password to log in to the local browser
interface. You must use your NETGEAR account email address and password.
Note: If a temporary Internet outage occurs and the access point/router cannot
reach the NETGEAR server to log you in with your NETGEAR account email address
and password, you can also use the admin user name and local login password to
access the access point/router.
User Manual18Install and Access the Access
Point/Router in Your Network
AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

Connect the access point/router to the
Internet and complete the initial log-in
process
When you connect the access point/router to the Internet and complete the initial log-in
process, also referred to as single sign-on (SSO), the following are required:
•The access point/router must be in its default router mode.
•The access point/router must connect to the Internet through a modem or through
an existing router in your network.
•You must log in with a NETGEAR account. If you do not own a NETGEAR account,
you must create one during the initial log-in process.
For more information about connecting the the access point/router to the Internet and
completing the initial log-in process, see one of the following sections:
•Connect the access point/router to a modem and log in for the first time on page
19
•Connect the access point/router to another router and log in for the first time on
page 23
Note: Before you connect the access point/router to the Internet and complete the
initial log-in process, you can use the local login password (by default, password) to
connect to the local browser interface of the access point/router and configure the
access point/router offline.
Connect the access point/router to a modem and log in for
the first time
When you set up the access point/router and connect it to your modem, the following
applies, depending on the type of WAN connection of your modem:
•Dynamic DHCP. If the type of WAN connection of your modem is dynamic DHCP,
the access point/router automatically receives an IP address from your Internet
service provider (ISP) and you do need to provide any IP address information. This
type of WAN connection is the most common.
•PPPoE, L2TP, or PPTP, or static IP address. If the type of WAN connection of your
modem is PPPoE, L2TP, or PPTP, or your Internet connection requires a static IP
address, you must follow the prompts during the setup process and provide the
required information for the Internet connection.
User Manual19Install and Access the Access
Point/Router in Your Network
AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124

Note: If you are not sure what the type of WAN connection of your modem is, contact
your ISP before you start the following procedure.
Figure 4. Connect the access point/router in default router mode to your modem
To connect the access point/router to a modem and log in to the local browser
interface for the first time:
1. Unplug your modem’s power, leaving the modem connected to the wall jack for
your Internet service.
2. If the modem uses a battery backup, remove the battery.
3. Connect the Ethernet cable to the yellow Internet port on the access point/router.
4. Connect the other end of the cable to a LAN port on your modem.
5. If the modem uses a battery backup, put the battery back in.
6. Plug in and turn on the modem.
7. Power on the access point/router and check to see that the LEDs light.
User Manual20Install and Access the Access
Point/Router in Your Network
AC2000 802.11ac Wireless Access Point/Router WAC124