How to Configure a Netgear Wireless Routerby M. Wade ; Updated September 28, 2017
A wireless router is a device that acts both as a gateway joining your computer and your high-speed modem and as a wireless access point that allows your wireless devices, such as a laptop, to connect to the network. Netgear manufactures several types of wireless routers, each offering different ranges and options for business and home users. Before you can use your Netgear wireless router, you must connect the device using Ethernet cables and configure the router’s settings.
Connect your high-speed modem to the Netgear wireless router with an Ethernet cable. Turn off and unplug your high-speed modem’s power before connecting the device to your wireless router. Plug the Ethernet cable from your high-speed modem into the “Internet” port on the back of your Netgear wireless router. This port is located next to the wireless router’s power port and is designated by a green color.
Connect your computer and the Netgear wireless router with an Ethernet cable. Shut down your computer before connecting it to your wireless router. Plug one end of the short, blue Ethernet cable that came with your Netgear wireless router into your computer’s Ethernet jack. Plug the other end of the cable into a LAN port on the back of your wireless router. Your wireless router will have several numbered LAN ports, designated by a yellow color. It does not matter which LAN port you use.
Turn on each device in order. First, power up your high-speed modem, then wait at least two minutes. This allows it time to connect to your Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) server. Make sure that your high-speed modem’s status indicators show that it has successfully connected to your ISP’s server. Next, plug the Netgear AC power adapter into the Netgear wireless router and a power outlet. The AC power adapter plugs into the back of the wireless router in a black-colored port labeled “Power.” Wait at least two minutes for your wireless router to connect to your high-speed modem. You will know that it has successfully connected if all of the status lights on the front of the wireless router are on. Finally, turn on your computer.
Open your Web browser and connect to the wireless router’s URL. In the address bar of your Web browser, type in the wireless router’s address. The Netgear wireless router addresses are: www.routerlogin.net, www.routerlogin.com or 192.168.1.1. You can use any one of these URLs. Press “Enter” on your keyboard once you have typed in the address.
Input the default username and password. After entering the wireless router’s URL, a dialog box will appear requiring you to enter a username and password. The default username is “admin” and the default password is “password.” The textboxes are case sensitive, so it is important that you use lower-case letters.
Follow the “Setup Wizard” instructions. Once you log in to the router, a Setup Wizard will load and ask if you want it to detect your Internet type. Click the “Yes” radio button, then click “Next.” Once you have completed the wizard, configuration is complete and you can access the Internet using the wireless router.
Configure wireless settings. If you have wireless devices that you wish to connect to your Netgear wireless router, you must access your wireless settings. Log in to the wireless router as described in Steps 4 and 5 and find and click the “Wireless Setting” link on the main menu. You can change the default SSID (wireless network name) from “NETGEAR” to a custom name and you can change security settings such that a passcode is required to log on to your wireless network. When you finish changing your wireless settings, click “Apply.” You must use this SSID and passcode in order to connect your wireless devices to your Netgear wireless router.
If you have the “Resource CD” that comes packaged with a new Netgear wireless router, you can insert this CD to install the router using the “Smart Wizard,” following the on-screen instructions. If possible, place your Netgear wireless router in the center of your home (or office) on an elevated, non-metal surface away from walls to maximize signal strength in all areas of the building. To connect to the Internet wirelessly using your Netgear wireless router, you must have a computer (or other Wi-Fi enabled device) that is equipped with an internal or external wireless card.