The Netgear AC1000 Wi-Fi router is a product that many people use to power their home network. Setting it up can be difficult, but there are easy steps you can follow to make the process much less complicated. This article will discuss setting up a Netgear AC1000 router in just a few easy steps!
What is Netgear AC1000 wi-fi router?

As mentioned above, Netgear AC1000 is one of the popular routers that Netgear has released. This router has many features that have to be set up before you can use it. If you are planning to get this router, there are things you need to know before buying.
To use the router's advanced features completely, you should know what things you need to set up. So, what do you need to know? Everything about setting up this router from setup and configuration is essential for you to know.
Don't worry because the Netgear AC1000 setup process is easy to follow, but you should have some basic knowledge before starting your installation. Let's shred it step by step.
Position of the Router
The router allows you to connect to your network from anywhere within the Wi-Fi network's working range. However, it depends on the actual location of the router, the operational distance or range of your Wi-Fi connection may vary considerably.
The thickness and quantity of walls through which the Wi-iFi signal travels, for example, may restrict the range. Furthermore, other Wi-Fi access points in and near your house may interfere with your router's signal.
Routers, repeaters, Wi-Fi range extenders, and any other device that produces a Wi-Fi signal for network access are examples of Wi-Fi access points.
To perform this:
- Position the router in the center where PCs and other devices are located and within line of sight of your Wi-Fi gadgets.
- Make sure the router is close to an AC power outlet and Ethernet connections for wired PCs.
- Place the router in a high position, with as few walls and ceilings as possible between it and your other devices.
- Keep the router away from these electrical devices such as ceiling lights, household security systems, and microwave ovens.
Connecting the Router to a Network
Connecting your router to the network is one of the essential processes to take action first. You won't get into your router settings without an internet connection, so if you're not sure about doing it properly, here is the step-by-step guide for you to follow.
- The first step of the Netgear ac1000 setup involves connecting your router to a network. This means that you need to connect one end of an Ethernet cable into the port labeled "WAN" on your router.
- Make sure this side is inserted securely. Otherwise, there may be problems during configuration later on in the installation process. Also, make sure that no other cables are connected to this port.
- Once you've inserted your Ethernet cable, ensure that the other end is plugged into either a "LAN" port on your router or directly into one of the four ports labeled "LAN" at the back of an Internet modem.
- The next step in Netgear ac1000 setup involves connecting your wireless devices to your network, which means they need to communicate with it somehow.
Step-by-Step Guide via Wireless Connection

Aside from Ethernet cable, there is another way to connect to the network, and it is by Wi-Fi. You can use your computer or your mobile device to do this step. To connect your computer to the router via a wireless connection, do the following:
- Check if the router is on (its Power LED is lit).
- Open the Network and Settings on your computer and click Wi-Fi. This program searches for all Wi-Fi networks in your vicinity.
- Locate and choose the router's network.
- Enter your Wi-Fi password.
- Click Connect.
Step-by-Step Guide via WPS Setup
This is a feature included with several routers. Its purpose is to enable joining to a secure wireless network from a computer or other device more accessible.
To perform this:
- Check that the router is on (its Power LED is lit).
- Review your computer's or mobile device's WPS instructions.
- Hold down the router's Reset/WPS button for 5 to 10 seconds, or until the Wi-Fi LED blinks amber.
- Within two minutes, click the WPS button on your computer or mobile device, or follow the device's WPS instructions.
The WPS procedure instantly configures the device with the network password and connects it to the router's Wi-Fi network.
Login Types
To set up a Netgear wireless router, you'll need to log in to the router's interface. There are several ways to log in:
Use a Web Browser
The Netgear R6020 can be accessed in a variety of ways. The most obvious method is to use your router's IP address, but other methods may be more helpful or easier to remember for some people.
Via Nighthawk App
The second option is to use the Nighthawk App, available on both the Playstore and the Appstore. The Nighthawk App makes configuring your router and viewing network data a breeze.
Login Using Web Browser
When you connect to your router for the first time and open a web browser, the browser shows the router's web interface. If you wish to see or modify the router's settings later, you may use a browser to access the router's web interface.
To perform this:
- Open your web browser. It could be Firefox, Safari, etc.
- Go to http://www.routerlogin.net (a login window displays)
- Enter your router username and password. (the default username is "admin." For passwords, the default is "password" without the quotes.
- Select the language from the menu in the upper right corner.
- When prompted, click OK to confirm. The page will refresh with the language that you selected.
Login via Nighthawk App
- If this is your first time using the nighthawk app and you haven't downloaded it yet, just go to Playstore and Appstore to download the nighthawk App to connect your Netgear router login process without having problems.
- Check to see that your mobile device is connected to the Wi-Fi network of your Netgear router before continuing.
- To use the Nighthawk app, launch it and log in with your Netgear account information.
Basic Wi-Fi Settings and Wi-Fi Security Setup
The routers come with a default Wi-Fi name and password when newly purchased. It is recommended to change these settings for some reasons. If you're unsure of doing it, then follow these steps.
- Go to your web browser from a PC or mobile device that is connected to the network.
- Enter http://www.routerlogin.net.
- Enter the router username and password.
- Select Wireless.
- Modify the Wi-Fi settings and security settings.
Note: Store your new username and password in a safe place for future modification.
Security Options
The router has several security options. It consists of the following:
None
It is a Wi-Fi network that does not support any security. If you select "None," This will allow all of them to connect while not protecting at all.
WPA2-PSK [AES]
This is the standard-setting. This kind of security allows Wi-Fi devices that support\sWPA2 to join the chosen Wi-Fi network in the 5 GHz band of the Wi-Fi network. If you did not update the password, the default pass appears.
WPA/WAP Enterprise
It supports both types of security: Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) and Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA).
WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK [AES]
This kind of security allows Wi-Fi devices that support either WPA or WPA2 to join the chosen Wi-Fi network in the 5 GHz band of the Wi-Fi network. However, WPA-PSK\s[TKIP] is less secure than WPA2-PSK [AES] and restricts the throughput of Wi-Fi devices to 54 Mbps.
You can select any type of preferred security option from the list above. Then you need to enter the password to connect your device with the router and finally tap on the apply button after making desired changes.
Other Settings to Configure When Logged in
Guest Network Set-Up
You can simply set up a guest network on your Wi-Fi router. Doing this allows the guests to access the internet, but they will not have access to local LAN devices due to separate wireless security settings.
Manufacturers provide the option for setting up a guest network on routers these days. You just need to follow these easy steps to start with it. The router offers two default guest networks with the following names (SSIDs):
- 2.4 GHz band. NETGEAR_Guest
- 5 GHz band. NETGEAR-5G_Guest
These networks are configured as open networks with no security by default, but they are disabled. You have the option of enabling one or both networks. These networks' SSIDs can also be changed.
- Open your web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the network.
- Go to http://www.routerlogin.net. A login window opens.
- Enter the router username and the password. The user name is admin, and the default password is password. The user name and password are case-sensitive.
- Select Guest Network. The Guest Network Settings page displays.
- Enable the guest network and configure its Wi-Fi settings as described below.
Name ISSD- To change the SSID in the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band for the guest Wi-Fi network, enter a 32-character (maximum) case-sensitive name in this field.
Enable Guest network- Select the Enable Guest Network checkbox to enable the guest Wi-Fi network for the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band.
Parental Controls Set Up
Parental control is a great feature that allows you to block internet access for a certain period. If you like to set up parental controls for your Netgear AC1000, follow the steps below.
To perform this:
- Select Parental Controls in the left panel of Wireless Settings window > select On under Block Internet Access field > click Save Settings button at the bottom.
- After that, you need to set a password which will be used to enter settings later. This is an important step and should not be skipped!
- Now it's time to block access for some hours or even days - just toggle Enabled switch corresponding to required period > specify exact start date/time (in the drop-down menu) when blocking starts and end date/time when blocks are lifted.
- If you want all restrictions removed immediately, unselect the Enabled checkbox under the Block Internet Access field.
- This is the end of your journey with Netgear AC1000 setup - you can now enjoy surfing the internet freely!
Netgear AC100 R6020 Setup FAQ
1. What is the username and password for Netgear?
The factory default settings are used when you buy a new NETGEAR router. The user name is admin, while the default password is password when you access your router's web interface via the local web address www.routerlogin.com.
2. Why isn't 192.168.1.1 working?
You can't get to the login page because of a problem with the configuration of a hardwired connection (such as a bad Ethernet cable). Or you are incorrectly entering the IP address.
3. Why can't I access the router's settings?
It's most likely due to the router firewall being enabled, preventing other devices from connecting to it. In this case, the router must be reset (by pushing the reset button using a pin or power off, then power on after about 15 seconds). The admin page is only accessible for about one minute after the router has booted up.
Conclusion
Setting up your Netgear AC1000 is easy, but you should have some basic knowledge before starting. If this isn't the first time you are configuring a Wi-Fi router for use in your home or office, most of what we will go over here won't be new to you.
However, if this is the first time setting up a device like this for yourself or someone else and there are no other routers available to reference how it should be configured, these simple steps may come in handy. We hope this post has helped and provided you with some insight into what it takes to set up your Netgear AC1000.