A Netgear Nighthawk RAX120 that shows no internet, with a router that is on and a Wi-Fi network that devices can join but nothing loads, has a break between the router and your provider, and the way to find it is to test from the modem outward. The RAX120 is a high-end dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router in the AX6000 class, with 2.4 and 5 gigahertz bands and no 6 gigahertz band, four Gigabit Ethernet ports and a 2.5 gigabit-capable internet port on some versions. It connects to a cable, fiber or DSL modem or an ONT, and gets its internet from that device.
The checks in more detail
First look at the lights. The router's internet light should be solid white or blue when it has a connection; amber or off means that it cannot reach the provider. Check the cable from the modem to the router's internet port, which must be the correct port, and replace it if it is worn. Power cycle in order: unplug the modem and the router, wait 30 seconds, plug in the modem and wait until its lights settle, which can take several minutes, then plug in the router.
This resolves a frozen address lease. If the modem has its own router function, the two devices may conflict, so set the modem to bridge mode or ask the provider. Then log in. Open the Nighthawk app or the router's web page and check the internet status, which shows whether the router received an address from the provider. If it shows a private address such as 192.168.x.x on the internet side, there is a double NAT; if it shows no address, the provider is not leasing one, which may need the modem restarted or a call to the provider.
Check for a firmware update. Test with a computer connected directly to the modem; if that works, the router's settings, such as a manual DNS, a MAC clone or a VLAN tag required by fiber providers, may be at fault. A router reset to factory settings clears a bad configuration, and you then set it up again. If the modem itself has no connection, contact the provider. Quote the RAX120 serial number to Netgear.
Differential
Likely causes of “NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX120 router has Wi-Fi but no internet”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A stalled modem or lease
What separates it The internet light is amber after a long uptime
How to confirm Power cycle modem then router
- 2
A bad cable or the wrong port
What separates it No link at the internet port
How to confirm Check the cable and the port
- 3
A double NAT or modem conflict
What separates it A private address on the internet side
How to confirm Use bridge mode on the modem
- 4
A provider outage or no address
What separates it No address from the provider
How to confirm Check with the provider
- 5
A bad router setting
What separates it The computer works directly but the router does not
How to confirm Reset the router and set up again
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The color of the internet light
- What the status page shows
- Whether a computer works directly on the modem
- The modem and provider
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedRead the internet light
ReversibleWhite or blue is good.
Power cycle in order
ReversibleModem first, then router.
Check the cable and port
ReversibleThe internet port.
Check the status page
ReversibleFor an address.
Test with a computer
ReversibleDirectly on the modem.
Contact the provider
ReversibleIf the modem has no link.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Test from the modem outward
- The break is between the modem and the provider or the router.
- Order matters
- Modem first, then router.
- The status page
- It shows the address received.
- Bridge mode
- It avoids a double NAT.
- Firmware
- Updates fix known faults.
- Netgear help
- Quote the serial number.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Do not factory reset without noting your settings
- !Do not share your admin password in an unsecured message
- !Contact the provider if the modem has no link
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Why does my router say no internet?+
A stalled modem, a cable or an outage.
Does the RAX120 have 6 GHz?+
No, it is dual-band Wi-Fi 6.
What is double NAT?+
Two routers on one connection.
Will a reset help?+
It clears a bad configuration.
Do I need the app?+
The web page works too.