Spectrum RAC2V1A User manual

C2V1A Router
User Guide 1
User Guide
Model Number RAC2V1A
802.11ac Wave 2 Router

RAC2V1A Router User Guide 2
Table of Contents
1. Overview ...............................................................5
1.1. Introduction ..................................................................................................5
2. Product Overview ...............................................6
2.1. About The Router.......................................................................................6
2.2. What's in the Box? .....................................................................................6
2.3. Items You Need...........................................................................................6
2.4. About This Manual......................................................................................7
3. System Requirements ........................................8
3.1. Recommended Hardware........................................................................8
3.2. Windows ........................................................................................................8
3.3. Mac OS ...........................................................................................................8
3.4. Linux/Unix .....................................................................................................8
3.5. Mobile Devices.............................................................................................8
4. Installing the Router...........................................9
4.1. Front Panel....................................................................................................9
4.2. Rear Panel ................................................................................................... 10
4.3. Selecting an Installation Location........................................................ 11
4.3.1. Desktop Mounting Instructions .................................................... 12
4.3.2. Factors Affecting Wireless Range............................................... 12
4.4. Ethernet or Wireless?.............................................................................. 13
4.5. Connecting the Router ........................................................................... 14
4.6. Configuring the Wireless Connection................................................ 14
4.7. Getting Support ........................................................................................ 14
5. Basic Configuration .......................................... 15
5.1. Accessing the Configuration Interface ............................................. 15
5.2. Configuring the Wireless Network ..................................................... 16
5.2.1. Enabling or Disabling the Wireless Network. .......................... 16
5.2.2. Changing the Administrator Password ..................................... 16
5.2.3. Changing the Default Wi-Fi Network Name (SSID) and
Password...............................................................................................17
5.2.4. Configuring Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS).............................. 18
5.2.5. Setting Up the Internet/WAN Connection............................... 18

RAC2V1A Router User Guide 3
6. Advanced Configuration Options................ 20
6.1. Configuring DHCP ................................................................................... 20
6.1.1. Configuring DHCP for IPv4........................................................... 20
6.1.2. Configuring DHCP for IPv6............................................................ 21
6.1.3. Adding and Deleting Reserved DHCP Clients......................... 21
6.2. Selecting the NAT Mode ........................................................................22
6.3. Setting the Wireless Mode ....................................................................22
6.4. General Firewall Configuration Settings.......................................... 23
6.5. Port Forwarding....................................................................................... 24
6.6. Configuring DMZ for Gaming or Conferencing Applications... 25
6.7. Viewing Network System Information ............................................. 26
6.8. Restarting the Router............................................................................. 26
6.9. Viewing the System Logs ..................................................................... 26
6.10. Setting Up DDNS ..................................................................................... 26
6.10.1. Requirements......................................................................................27
7. Router Configuration Screen Descriptions 28
7.1. Basic Setup ................................................................................................ 29
7.1.1. Basic Wireless Settings .................................................................. 29
7.1.2. WPS Settings ...................................................................................... 31
7.2. WAN Setup ................................................................................................ 32
7.2.1. Dynamic Configuration Settings (IPv4) ................................... 32
7.2.2. Static IP Connection Type (IPv4) ............................................... 34
7.2.3. DNS Settings...................................................................................... 35
7.2.4. Dynamic Configuration Settings (IPv6) ................................... 36
7.2.5. Static IP Connection Type (IPv6) ............................................... 37
7.3. LAN Setup .................................................................................................. 39
7.3.1. LAN Settings (IPv4) ........................................................................ 39
7.3.2. LAN Settings (IPv6)......................................................................... 42
7.3.3. Client List ............................................................................................44
7.4. Wireless....................................................................................................... 46
7.4.1. Basic Setup......................................................................................... 46
7.4.2. Advanced Settings........................................................................... 50
7.4.3. Associated Stats ............................................................................... 53
7.4.4. Airtime Fairness ................................................................................ 54
7.4.5. QoS Classification ............................................................................ 56
7.4.6. Log......................................................................................................... 58
7.5. Firewall ........................................................................................................ 59
7.5.1. Firewall Settings ............................................................................... 59

RAC2V1A Router User Guide 4
7.5.2. Port Forwarding................................................................................60
7.5.3. Port Triggers ....................................................................................... 61
7.5.4. DMZ....................................................................................................... 62
7.5.5. WAN Ping Blocking ......................................................................... 64
7.5.6. Application Layer Gateway Settings......................................... 64
7.5.7. MAC Filter ........................................................................................... 65
7.5.8. Parental Controls.............................................................................. 66
7.5.9. IPv6 Client Filter ............................................................................... 73
7.6. USB ............................................................................................................... 74
7.6.1. USB Status .......................................................................................... 74
7.6.2. File Sharing......................................................................................... 75
7.6.3. Media Sharing .....................................................................................77
7.6.4. USB Access Control ........................................................................ 78
7.7. Utilities......................................................................................................... 79
7.7.1. System Information ......................................................................... 79
7.7.2. Restart Router .................................................................................... 81
7.7.3. Factory Defaults ............................................................................... 82
7.7.4. System Settings ................................................................................ 83
7.7.5. System Logs....................................................................................... 84
7.7.6. DDNS .................................................................................................... 85
7.7.7. Blocked Device ................................................................................. 86
7.7.8. QoS........................................................................................................ 87
8. Troubleshooting ............................................... 89
8.1. The router is plugged in, but the light is off................................... 89
8.2. I'm not getting on the Internet (all connections)......................... 89
8.3. I'm not getting on the Internet (Ethernet)...................................... 89
8.4. I'm not getting on the Internet (Wireless)...................................... 89
8.5. My wireless Internet connection stops working sometimes ....90
8.6. I can get on the Internet, but everything is slow..........................90
9. Safety Requirements........................................ 91
9.1.1. Federal Communication Commission Interference
Statement............................................................................................. 91

RAC2V1A Router User Guide 5
Overview
Introduction
Get ready to experience the Internet’s express lane! Whether you’re
checking out streaming media, downloading new software, or checking
your email, the RAC2V1A router brings it all to you faster and more
reliably.
The RAC2V1A router provides four Ethernet connections for use as the
hub of your home/office Local Area Network (LAN). The RAC2V1A also
provides 802.11a/b/g/n/ac wireless connectivity for enhanced mobility
and versatility.
Installation is simple, and Spectrum will provide assistance to you for
any special requirements.

RAC2V1A Router User Guide 6
Product Overview
About The Router
The RAC2V1A router is a dual-band 802.11ac router that allows users to
connect to the Internet through a separate modem.
The RAC2V1A router has the following features:
•Remote management capability: allows Spectrum to make changes
to the router's configuration
•Convenience: supports Ethernet and 802.11a/b/g/n/ac wireless
connections; both wired and wireless connections can be used
simultaneously
•Four Gigabit Ethernet ports for connections to non-wireless devices
•A USB 3.0 host port
What's in the Box?
Make sure you have the following items before proceeding. Call
Spectrum for assistance if anything is missing.
•Router
•Power Supply
•Spectrum Quick Start Guide
•Two Stickers with Wi-Fi Network Name and Password
•Ethernet Cable
•Safety Insert/License Agreement
Items You Need
Make sure you have the following items on hand before continuing:
•Router package: see What's in the Box? (page 7) for a list of items in
the package.
•Ethernet Cable: In addition to the Ethernet cable provided, you may
need an additional Ethernet cable if you want to connect to wired
clients. This is a standard CAT5e Ethernet cable with RJ45 type
connectors on both ends. You can buy Ethernet cables from any
electronics retailer and many discount stores.
•Spectrum Quick Start Guide: This guide contains information about
your service and how to set it up. Read this information carefully and
contact Spectrum if you have any questions.

Product Overview
RAC2V1A Router User Guide 7
About This Manual
This manual covers the RAC2V1A router. You can find product
information on the security label affixed to the back of the router.
1. MAC address
2. Wi-Fi Network Name (SSID). The XX here represents the last octet of
the MAC address.
3. Wi-Fi Password

RAC2V1A Router User Guide 8
System Requirements
The router operates with most computers and wireless devices. The
following describes requirements for each operating system; see the
documentation for your system for details on enabling and configuring
networking.
To use the router, you need high-speed Internet service from Spectrum.
Recommended Hardware
The following hardware configuration is recommended. Computers not
meeting this configuration can still work with the router, but may not be
able to make maximum use of available throughput.
•CPU: P4, 3 GHz or faster.
•RAM: 1 GB or greater.
•Ethernet: Gig-E (1000Base-T).
•Wi-Fi: 802.11a, b, g, n, or ac compliant Wi-Fi equipment.
Windows
Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10. A supported Ethernet or
wireless LAN connection must be available.
Mac OS
System 7.5 to Mac OS 9.2 (Open Transport recommended), or OS X. A
supported Ethernet or wireless LAN connection must be available.
Linux/Unix
Hardware drivers, TCP/IP and DHCP must be enabled in the kernel. A
supported Ethernet or wireless LAN connection must be available.
Mobile Devices
Android OS or iOS.

RAC2V1A Router User Guide 9
Installing the Router
Before you start, make sure that:
•You have all the Items You Need (page 6).
•The modem and power outlets are available nearby.
Front Panel
The router has one light, located on the front right corner.
The light on the front of the router indicates the operating status.
•A solid blue light indicates that the router is working normally or that
it has not yet begun to boot up.
•A flashing blue light indicates that the router is booting up and trying
to establish a connection to the Internet.

Installing the Router
RAC2V1A Router User Guide 10
•A pulsing light that alternates blue and red indicates that the router is
updating firmware.
•A flashing red light indicates that the router is not able to establish an
Internet connection.
•A solid red light indicates that the device was not able to achieve a
normal operating state.
Rear Panel
The rear of the router has the following connectors and controls:

Installing the Router
RAC2V1A Router User Guide 11
1. Reset button: resets the router as if you power cycled the unit. Use a
pointed non-metallic object to press this button and hold it for more
than one second but less than five seconds.
Note: If you hold the Reset button for more than five seconds, the
router will be reset to the factory default settings and will restart. Do
not perform a factory reset unless you expressly guided to do so by
Spectrum customer service.
2. WPS Button: begins associating the router with a wireless device.
3. Ethernet (1 - 4): connectors for use with a computer LAN port or
another Ethernet-connected device.
4. Internet: connector to the Spectrum modem.
5. USB: USB host connector for use with external USB devices.
6. Power: connector for the power cord.
Note: The LEDs beside each Ethernet (1 – 4) port and the Internet port
appear green if the port is connected at 1Gbps or amber if the port is
connected at 10Mbps/100Mbps. The LEDs flash while data is being
transferred, or they appear solid when data is not currently being
transferred.
Selecting an Installation Location
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a location to
install the router:
•Is an AC outlet available nearby? For best results, the outlet should
not be switched and should be close enough to the router that
extension cords are not required.
•Is the modem nearby? Can you easily run cables between the router’s
location and the modem?
•If you are connecting devices to the Ethernet ports, can you easily
run cables between the router’s location and those devices?
•If you want to install the router on a desktop, is there enough space
on either side to keep the vents clear? Blocking the vents may cause
overheating.

Installing the Router
RAC2V1A Router User Guide 12
•How close are the wireless devices? In general, the router should be
located centrally within the premises, as close as possible to the
location where users will want to access the wireless connection. The
router wireless connection range is typically 100–200 feet (30m–
65m) for 2.4 GHz signals and less for 5 GHz signals. A number of
factors can affect connection range, as described below.
Desktop Mounting Instructions
Position the router so that:
•Air flows freely around it
•The back faces the nearest wall
•It will not fall to the floor if bumped or moved
•The sides of the unit are not blocked.
Factors Affecting Wireless Range
A number of factors can affect the usable range for wireless
connections.
Increases
range
•Locating the unit centrally
•Creating as much "line-of-sight" as possible with
client devices
Decreases
range
•Metal or concrete walls between the router and other
client devices
•Large metal appliances, aquariums, or metal cabinets
between the router and other client devices
•Interference and RF noise (2.4 GHz wireless phones,
microwave ovens, wireless speaker/receiver systems,
or other wireless networks)
•Placing the router in a cabinet or other enclosed
space
•Placing the router next to a desktop computer
Notes:
•It may be acceptable to decrease the range of the wireless network,
as long as the decreased range is sufficient for your needs. By
limiting the network’s range, you reduce interference with other
networks and make it harder for unwanted users to find and connect
to the network.

Installing the Router
RAC2V1A Router User Guide 13
•Setting the transmit power level to High increases the range. Setting
it to Medium or Low decreases the range. Medium or Low may be
more appropriate for high-density residential locations.
Ethernet or Wireless?
There are two ways to connect the computer (or other equipment) to
the router. The following will help you decide which is best for you:
Ethernet
Ethernet is a standard method of connecting two or more computers
into a Local Area Network (LAN). You can use the Ethernet connection
if the client device has built-in Ethernet hardware. The router provides
support for up to four such connected devices.
Note: To connect more than four client devices to the router through
the Ethernet ports, you need an Ethernet switch (available at computer
retailers).
The router includes one 3-foot (.9m) Ethernet cable. The enclosed
Ethernet cable is yellow to match the Internet port on the back of the
router, because this cable is primarily intended to connect the router to
the Spectrum modem. You can purchase more cables if necessary at a
computer retailer. If you are connecting the router directly to a
computer, or to an Ethernet switch with a cross-over switch, ask for
Category 5e (CAT5e) straight-through cable. CAT5e cable is required
for gigabit Ethernet (Gig-E), not regular CAT5 cable.
Wireless
Wireless access lets you connect additional (wireless-capable) devices
to the router. The 802.11 wireless LAN standard allows one or more
computers to access the router using a wireless (radio) signal. These
connections are in addition to the connections supported via Ethernet.

Installing the Router
RAC2V1A Router User Guide 14
Both
If you have two or more clients, you can use Ethernet for up to four
devices and wireless for the others.
Connecting the Router
1. Unplug the power to turn off the modem.
2. Connect one end of the Ethernet cable (included) to the modem, and
the other end to the Internet port on the router.
3. Reconnect the plug on the modem to turn the modem back on. Wait
approximately 2 minutes to allow the modem to fully power up.
4. Connect the power adapter (included) to the power connector on
the back of the router, and then connect the power adapter to an
available AC outlet. Wait until the light on the front panel of the
router turns blue and begins to pulse.
5. To manage the setup of the router, you can use a second Ethernet
cable (not provided) to connect a computer to an available LAN port
on the router, or you can connect wirelessly by using the preset
wireless security settings printed on the security label located on the
back of the router.
6. Open a browser on the computer to access the management
interface of the router. If the webpage does not display correctly, try
another browser. See Accessing the Configuration Interface (page 15)
for more information.
Configuring the Wireless Connection
The router ships with a secure Wi-Fi network name (SSID) that is unique
for every device. By default, the router is set to the most current
wireless security setting, WPA2, to provide maximum protection for
Wi-Fi devices connected to the router. Wi-Fi network information is
located on the label on the back of the router. You can sign in to the
router and configure additional wireless settings.
See Configuring the Wireless Network (page 16) for complete
instructions on configuring the wireless connection.
Getting Support
Please contact Spectrum if you need assistance.

RAC2V1A Router User Guide 15
Basic Configuration
The router ships with a basic factory default configuration that should
allow you to immediately access the Internet after installing the
hardware according to the instructions in this guide.
If you need to modify the router's default basic settings, or if you want
to configure advanced settings, refer to the appropriate instructions in
this document.
Wireless LAN Default Security Setting: The router ships with wireless
LAN security set by default. See the security label on the product for the
factory security settings: Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and Wi-Fi
password.
If you need to modify the router’s default wireless security settings, or if
you want to configure any other settings, refer to the appropriate
instructions in this document.
Note: You may set up the computer and other client devices to work
with the security settings on the router. Most client devices support the
WPA2 default security standard in the router. Refer to the
documentation for the client device for instructions on setting security.
If the computer or client device supports Wi-Fi Alliance WPS (Wireless
Protected Setup), activate WPS on the computer or client device and
the router simultaneously to easily set up the Wi-Fi security.
Accessing the Configuration Interface
Perform the following steps to access the configuration interface.
1. If security has been properly set up on the computer to access the
wireless LAN on the router, use the connection utility for the
operating system to connect to the wireless LAN using its Wi-Fi
network name (SSID), as shown on the security label.
Note: If you cannot access the wireless LAN, you must first establish
a wired Ethernet connection between the computer and the router.
2. In the web browser, open the page http://192.168.1.1/ to access the
router setup. The sign-in screen for the router displays.

Basic Configuration
RAC2V1A Router User Guide 16
3. Enter the user name and password, and click Apply to sign in. These
default sign-in credentials appear on the label on the back of the
router. The Basic Wireless Settings screen displays.
Note: The default user name and the default password are both
“admin”. Both are in lower case letters.
4. Set basic setup configuration parameters as required for the system.
Note: Most configuration parameters that you may want to set can be
accessed on the Basic Wireless Settings screen or on the LAN Setup or
Wireless tabs.
Configuring the Wireless Network
Perform the following steps to make the basic configuration settings for
the wireless network.
Enabling or Disabling the Wireless Network.
By default, the router is shipped with a default Wi-Fi network name and
Wi-Fi password for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, as well as WPA2 security.
You can find this network name and password on the label on the back
of your router.
Perform the following steps to disable or re-enable the wireless network.
1. Access and sign in to the configuration interface.
2. Click the Basic Setup tab.
3. Click the Enable SSID checkbox in either the Wireless 2.4 GHz
section or the Wireless 5 GHz section to enable wireless networking
for that frequency.
4. Click Apply.
Changing the Administrator Password
You should change the administrator password to something other than
the default password so that unauthorized users cannot access your
configuration interface.
Note: When you first set up your router, the default user name and the
default password are both “admin”. Both are in lower case letters.
Perform the following steps to change the administrator password.
1. Access and sign in to the configuration interface. See Accessing the
Configuration Interface (page 15) for more information.
2. Click the Utilities tab.

Basic Configuration
RAC2V1A Router User Guide 17
3. Click System Settings in the side menu.
4. Enter the current administrator password in the Current Password
field.
5. Enter the new administrator password in both the New Password
and Confirm New Password fields.
Note: Administrator passwords are case-sensitive and must be
between 8-12 characters long. You can use any alphanumeric
characters (digits 0-9 and letters A-Z, either upper- or lower-case)
and printable special characters (such as $, !, ?, &, #, @ and others).
6. Click Apply.
7. Record your new administrator password here: __________________
Changing the Default Wi-Fi Network Name (SSID) and
Password
Perform the following steps to change the 2.4 GHz and/or 5 GHz Wi-Fi
network name and password.
1. Access and sign in to the configuration interface.
2. Click the Basic Setup tab.
3. On the Basic Wireless Settings screen, enter a unique user-friendly
name to identify the Wi-Fi network in the Wi-Fi Network Name
(SSID) field under either Wireless 2.4 GHz or Wireless 5 GHz.
Note: This name is also referred to as the Service Set Identifier
(SSID). The name can be up to 32 characters long. Do not duplicate
any other Wi-Fi network names (SSIDs that may be operating in the
area.
4. Enter a new password in the Password (Network Key) field. Valid
characters are the numbers 0 to 9, the letters a through z and A
through Z and printable characters (such as $, !, ?, &, #, @ and
others).
5. Click Apply at the bottom of the screen.
6. Record the new network names and passwords here:
2.4 GHz Wi-Fi Network name (SSID): __________________________
2.4 GHz Password: ______________________________
5 GHz Wi-Fi Network name (SSID): ___________________________
5 GHz Password: _______________________________

Basic Configuration
RAC2V1A Router User Guide 18
Configuring Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)
WPS is a standard method for easily configuring a secure connection
between the router and computers or other wireless devices (known as
enrollees) that support WPS. When WPS is enabled you can attach
other wireless devices by pressing the WPS buttons on the device (if
equipped) and on the router, or by entering the enrollee’s PIN and then
clicking the Start WPS Association icon.
Perform the following steps to enable the wireless network.
1. Access and sign in to the configuration interface.
2. Click the Basic Setup tab.
3. Click WPS Settings in the side menu.
4. In the appropriate section (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz), click the Wi-Fi
Protected Setup (WPS) Enable checkbox and click Apply to enable
WPS on the system.
5.
a. If the client device has a WPS button, press the WPS buttons on
the client device and on the router simultaneously to start the
WPS association.
Note: If you prefer, you can click Start PBC on the WPS Settings
screen instead of pressing the WPS button on the back of the
router.)
b. If the client device has a PIN number, enter the enrollee’s PIN in
the Enrollee PIN Code field, and then click Enroll. Enter the
router’s PIN code in the Device PIN Code field if requested during
connection.
6. If the connection is successful, then the device will connect to the
router. If it does not connect for some reason, then you should start
the association process over.
Setting Up the Internet/WAN Connection
A Dynamic or DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) connection
is the most commonly used WAN connection type.
Note: Do not change this setting unless Spectrum tells you to use
another connection type.
Perform the following steps to change the connection type.

Basic Configuration
RAC2V1A Router User Guide 19
1. Access and sign in to the configuration interface.
2. Click the WAN Setup tab.
3. Click Dynamic (IPv4), Static (IPv4), Dynamic (IPv6), or Static
(IPv6) in the side menu to display the appropriate screen for
configuring that type of WAN connection.
4. Set the required configuration parameters for the connection type
you selected as provided by Spectrum.
Note: Refer to WAN Setup in Router Configuration Screen
Descriptions (page 28) for specific instructions on setting the various
connection type configuration parameters.
5. Click Apply at the bottom of the screen.

RAC2V1A Router User Guide 20
Advanced Configuration
Options
This section explains how to use the most common advanced
configuration options for the router in the following areas:
•LAN Setup
•Wireless Setup
•Firewall
•Utilities
Note: Refer to Router Configuration Screen Descriptions (page 28) for
additional advanced configuration options.
Configuring DHCP
DHCP (Dynamic Host Protocol Configuration) is enabled by default on
the router, which allows the router to act as a DHCP server and
automatically assign an IP address to each device on the network.
DHCP is a set of rules used by devices such as a computer, router, or
network adapter to allow the device to request and obtain an IP address
from a server, which maintains a list of addresses available for use. The
DHCP server ensures that all IP addresses are unique, e.g., no IP address
is assigned to a second device while the first device's assignment is valid
(its lease has not expired).
Without DHCP, the IP addresses must be entered manually at each
computer or device and a new IP address must be entered each time it
moves to a new location on the network.
Configuring DHCP for IPv4
Perform the following steps to configure DHCP for IPv4.
1. Access and sign in to the configuration interface.
2. Click the LAN Setup tab.
3. Click LAN Settings (IPv4) in the side menu to display the LAN
Settings screen.
4. Click the Enable DHCP Server checkbox under DHCP Server
Settings.