Netgear Nighthawk 8500 can't log in to change settings

[VTMartha1]

Hello,

I have a Netgear Nighthawk 8500 which seems to be working fine.  I'd like to share a usb drive on it but not having much luck.  Using the Netgear genie, I cannot log in to the router so I can't access ready share or other options.  The Nighthawk app on my iPad isn't solving the problem.  Somehow, I was able to update the firmware so I know that's up to date.  I've tried a number of user name password combinations, including the default (which I don't recall changing).  Changing the login seems to require that I enter the old one.  This is all on a Mac.  Any and all help appreciated.  

Thank you!

Martha

[FURRYe38 · Accepted solution]

Glad you got it working. Please mark your thread as solved so others will know. Be sure to save off a back up configuration to file for safe keeping. Saves time if a reset is needed.

https://kb.netgear.com/24231/How-do-I-back-up-the-router-configuration-settings-on-my-Nighthawk-rout...
Enjoy. 📡

[FURRYe38]

Try using a Ethernet connected PC to the back the router and try accessing the routers web page at 192.168.1.1. Try using Safari or Opera browsers. 

What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?

[VTMartha1]

Thank you.  The modem is BEC Technologies Model BEC 8920AC.  I'm only using its modem, not the incorporated router.  Right now the modem is connected both to my iMac and to the Netgear router, as well as to a telephone line for DSL, and, of course, power.  Should I disconnect the Mac cable to the modem and then connect that to the router from the iMac?  Does it matter which of the router ports I use?  I have tried accessing the router page at that address using it the way it's now connected and it takes me to a Netgear page which, as far as I can tell isn't where I want to be.

Thank you again.

Martha

[FURRYe38]

Yes, connect the Mac to the back of the router or the 8500s wifi. When your connected at the router, you should see a log in popup appear in a web browser when you navigate to 192.168.1.1

You have two routers online and maybe causing some problems. This would be a double NAT condition which isn't recommended. https://kb.netgear.com/30186/What-is-Double-NAT
https://kb.netgear.com/30187/How-to-fix-issues-with-Double-NAT
Couple of options,
1. Configure the modem for transparent bridge or modem only mode. Then use the NG router in router mode. You'll need to contact the ISP for help and information in regards to the modem being bridged correctly.
2. If you can't bridge the modem, disable ALL wifi radios on the modem, configure the modems DMZ/ExposedHost or IP Pass-Through for the IP address the NG router gets from the modem. https://kb.netgear.com/25891/DMZ-on-NETGEAR-routers
https://kb.netgear.com/24086/How-do-I-set-up-a-default-DMZ-server-on-my-Nighthawk-router
3. Or disable all wifi radios on the modem and connect the NG router to the modem, LAN to LAN configure AP mode on the NG router.
https://kb.netgear.com/24104/How-do-I-change-my-Nighthawk-router-to-AP-mode-after-I-ve-already-run-s...
https://kb.netgear.com/26765/Disabled-Features-on-the-Router-when-set-to-AP-Mode

I would start with option #2 first...

[VTMartha1]

It’s all set now.  Thanks for your help.  Most of the problem was that the hard drive was not formatted to work with the router.  Other drives worked fine.

Thank you!

Martha

[FURRYe38 · Accepted solution]

Glad you got it working. Please mark your thread as solved so others will know. Be sure to save off a back up configuration to file for safe keeping. Saves time if a reset is needed.

https://kb.netgear.com/24231/How-do-I-back-up-the-router-configuration-settings-on-my-Nighthawk-rout...
Enjoy. 📡