NETGEAR C6250 (AC1600) WiFi Cable Modem Router Quick Start Guide
- June 12, 2024
- NETGEAR
Table of Contents
NETGEAR C6250 (AC1600) WiFi Cable Modem Router
Download the Nighthawk app to get started
For more information about the Nighthawk app, visit Nighthawk-app.com. Set up your modem router and activate your Internet service with the Nighthawk app.
If you don’t want to use the Nighthawk app, set up your modem router using the instructions in Set up and activate using the modem router web interface. BEFORE RETURNING THIS PRODUCT TO THE STORE FOR ANY REASON, call NETGEAR Technical Support at 1-866-534-9377 or visit
https://kb.netgear.com/000061156/How-can-I- troubleshoot-my-cable-modem.
Cable modem router LEDs
| LED | Description |
|---|
Power
- Green. Power is supplied to the modem router.
- Red. Power is cut off due to a thermal error caused by heat. Move the unit to a well‑ventilated area and power cycle the unit.
- Off. No power is supplied to the modem router.
Downstream
- Solid amber. One downstream channel is locked.
- Blinking amber. The modem router is scanning for a downstream channel.
- Solid green. Two or more downstream channels are locked.
- Blinking green. The modem router is scanning for additional downstream channels.
- Off. No downstream channel is locked.
Upstream
- Solid amber. One upstream channel is locked.
- Blinking amber. The modem router is scanning for an upstream channel.
- Solid green. Two or more upstream channels are locked.
- Blinking green. The modem router is scanning for additional upstream channels.
- Off. No upstream channel is locked.
Internet
- Solid green. The modem router is online.
- Blinking green. The modem router is synchronizing with the cable provider’s cable modem termination system (CMTS).
- Off. The modem router is offline.
2.4 GHz radio
- Solid green. The 2.4 GHz WiFi radio is on.
- Blinking green. There is WiFi activity on the 2.4 GHz band.
- Off. The 2.4 GHz WiFi radio is off.
5 GHz radio
- Solid green. The 5 GHz WiFi radio is on.
- Blinking green. There is WiFi activity on the 5 GHz bands.
- Off. The 5 GHz WiFi radio is off.
Ethernet
- Solid green. A powered‑on device is connected to an Ethernet port.
- Blinking green. The Ethernet port is sending or receiving traffic.
- Off. No device is connected to an Ethernet port.
WiFi On/Off: button with LED
- Pressing this button for two seconds turns the WiFi radios on and off. If this LED is lit, the WiFi radios are on. If this LED is off, the WiFi radios are turned off and you cannot use WiFi to connect to the modem router.
WPS : button with LED
- This button lets you use WPS to join the WiFi network without typing the WiFi password. The WPS LED blinks during this process and then lights solid.
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. Customer-owned cable devices might not be compatible with certain cable networks. Check with your cable Internet provider to confirm that this NETGEAR cable device is allowed on your cable network. If you are experiencing trouble installing your modem router, contact NETGEAR at 1-866-874-8924. The following table lists support contact information for cable Internet providers that support your modem router.
| Cable Internet Provider | Support Contact Information |
|---|---|
| Cox | https://www.cox.com/residential/support/home.html |
https://www.cox.com/activate 1‑888‑556‑1193
Mediacom|
https://support.mediacomcable.com
1‑855‑Mediacom (1‑855‑633‑4226)
Optimum|
https://www.optimum.net/support/contact‑us
https://install.optimum.com/JointInstall 1‑877‑810‑6750
Sparklight| https://support.sparklight.com
1‑877‑692‑2253
Spectrum| https://www.spectrum.net/contact‑us
https://activate.spectrum.net 1‑833‑267‑6094
Xfinity| https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/activate-purchased-modem http://xfinity.com/activate
1‑800‑XFINITY (1‑800‑934‑6489)
Package contents
A sticker on your modem router displays the preset WiFi network name, password, and QR code.
Set up and activate using the modem router web interface
-
Turn off and disconnect existing modems and routers. If you are replacing a modem that is currently connected in your home, unplug the modem and plug the new modem router into the same outlet.
-
Connect a coaxial cable. Use a coaxial cable to connect the cable port on the modem router to a cable wall outlet. Make sure that the cable is tightly connected. We recommend that you connect your cable modem directly to a USB Reset Cable cable wall outlet. If you must share the connection, use a 3.5dB (1 to 2) splitter.
-
Connect the power adapter. Connect the power adapter to the modem router and plug the power adapter into a power outlet.
-
Wait for the Online LED to light solid green. This process might take up to 10 minutes. When the cable modem comes online, the Online LED stops blinking and lights solid green for at least a minute. After 10 minutes, if the Online LED doesn’t light solid, make sure that the cable outlet is working, or call your Internet service provider (ISP) to make sure you have service.
Note: When the Online LED lights solid, your modem router is not connected to the Internet yet. You must connect a router or computer to your cable modem, and then activate your cable modem with your cable Internet provider. -
Connect your computer or mobile device to the modem router with WiFi or Ethernet.
- WiFi. Use the WiFi network name (SSID) and password on the product label to connect.
- Ethernet. The computer must have an Ethernet port. Connect an Ethernet cable to an Ethernet port on the modem router and the Ethernet port on your computer.
-
collect the following information:
- Your cable Internet provider (ISP) account information
- The cable modem model number is C6250
- Cable modem serial number
- Cable modem MAC address
-
Activate your Internet service:
The following table lists the activation contact information for cable Internet providers that support your modem router.Cable Internet Provider| Activation Contact
---|---
Cox| 1‑888‑556‑1193
Mediacom| 1‑855‑Mediacom (1‑855‑633‑4226)
Optimum| 1‑877‑810‑6750
Sparklight| 1‑877‑692‑2253
Spectrum| 1‑833‑267‑6094
Xfinity| Visit http://xfinity.com/activate and follow the prompts to activate
Your ISP’s contact information might change. You can also find the contact information in your monthly Internet service billing statement.
Note to CATV system installer:
This reminder is provided to call the CATV systems installer’s attention to
Section 820-93 of the National Electrical Code, which provides guidelines for
proper grounding and in particular, specifies that coaxial cable shield shall
be connected to the grounding system of the building as close to the point of
cable entry as practical.
Regulatory and Legal
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.
NETGEAR, Inc. 350 East Plumeria Drive San Jose, CA 95134, USA
NETGEAR INTERNATIONAL LTD Floor 1, Building 3 University Technology Centre Curraheen Road, Cork, T12EF21, Ireland
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the NETGEAR C6250 (AC1600) WiFi Cable Modem Router?
The NETGEAR C6250 (AC1600) WiFi Cable Modem Router is a combination device that functions both as a cable modem and a WiFi router. It provides high-speed internet access and wireless connectivity in one unit.
Is the NETGEAR C6250 compatible with all cable internet providers?
The NETGEAR C6250 is compatible with most major cable internet providers, but it is always recommended to check with your specific provider to ensure compatibility.
What is the maximum internet speed supported by the NETGEAR C6250?
The NETGEAR C6250 supports internet speeds up to 1600 Mbps, which is divided into 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band.
Does the NETGEAR C6250 support dual-band WiFi?
Yes, the NETGEAR C6250 supports dual-band WiFi, allowing devices to connect to both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands simultaneously.
Does the NETGEAR C6250 have built-in wireless security features?
Yes, the NETGEAR C6250 has built-in wireless security features such as WPA/WPA2 encryption, firewall protection, and denial-of-service (DoS) attack prevention.
Can I connect multiple devices to the NETGEAR C6250 simultaneously?
Yes, the NETGEAR C6250 supports multiple device connections, allowing you to connect multiple devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart home devices at the same time.
Does the NETGEAR C6250 have Ethernet ports?
Yes, the NETGEAR C6250 has Ethernet ports, allowing you to connect wired devices like computers, gaming consoles, or smart TVs directly to the router for a stable and reliable internet connection.
Can I use the NETGEAR C6250 with a telephone service?
No, the NETGEAR C6250 is a cable modem router and does not support telephone service. It is designed for internet access only.
Does the NETGEAR C6250 have USB ports?
Yes, the NETGEAR C6250 has USB ports, allowing you to connect USB devices such as external hard drives or printers for sharing and network storage purposes.
Can I set up parental controls on the NETGEAR C6250?
Yes, the NETGEAR C6250 supports parental controls, allowing you to manage and restrict internet access for specific devices or users based on customizable settings.
Does the NETGEAR C6250 support guest networks?
Yes, the NETGEAR C6250 supports guest networks, allowing you to create separate WiFi networks for guests while keeping your main network secure.
Is the NETGEAR C6250 easy to set up?
Yes, the NETGEAR C6250 features a simple setup process. It typically involves connecting the modem router to the cable line and following the provided instructions or using the NETGEAR Genie app for configuration.
Can I use the NETGEAR C6250 with a different router?
The NETGEAR C6250 is a combined cable modem and router. If you already have a separate router, you may not need to use the routing capabilities of the C6250. In such cases, you can often configure the C6250 to operate in bridge mode, allowing it to function solely as a cable modem.
Does the NETGEAR C6250 support IPv6?
Yes, the NETGEAR C6250 supports IPv6, the latest version of the Internet Protocol, which offers improved address space and network connectivity.
Does the NETGEAR C6250 receive firmware updates?
Yes, NETGEAR regularly releases firmware updates for their devices, including the C6250. These updates may provide performance improvements, bug fixes, and security enhancements.
DOWNLOAD THE PDF LINK:NETGEAR C6250 (AC1600) WiFi Cable Modem Router Quick Start Guide