How to Install a Netgear Wireless Router

Netgear routers are usually very easy to configure with your existing broadband internet connection, regardless of whether it’s DSL or cable. Before you get started installing your router, you might want to have details about your connection such as internet username and password (if applicable) available for reference.

This process should start with your PC and broadband modem turned off or unplugged. At the computer, disconnect the network cable that comes from your broadband modem and connect it to the “Internet” jack on your router. As an alternative, you can replace it with the yellow cable that came with your Netgear router. Next, connect one end of a network cable to port 1 on the router and the other end to your computer.

Apply power to your broadband modem and wait for a few minutes to let it start up all the way. Next, plug in your Netgear router to turn it on. When your router is booted, you will see the LEDs for the power and wireless lit. Now that the modem and router are both on, start up the PC.

Put the Netgear CDROM into your CD drive. If the Netgear setup doesn’t begin automatically, you will have to browse to your CD drive in Windows and click Autorun to start setup. At the Netgear menu, click the “Setup” option. Netgear’s SmartWizard will guide you through the setup.

If you have a computer with an operating system such as Linux that is not compatible with the SmartWizard on the Netgear CD, you can open an Internet browser and go to http://www.routerlogin.net to run the setup wizard from the router. Log in with the default username (“admin”) and default password (“password”).

Read the “Preparation” tab and then click the “Next” button. The SmartWizard now checks to make sure the router is connected to the computer and to the broadband modem. The next tab will prompt you for your Internet logon credentials (if required for your Internet service) and then will proceed to configure your router for your connection. When this configuration is complete, you’ll be taken to the starting screen for setting up the wireless part of your router. Click “Next” to begin.

You will be prompted to name your wireless network with a service set identifier (SSID). This name can be up to 32 characters long. You’ll need to record the name you give your network so you have it available when configuring your wireless devices. Click “Next” to continue.

You will now be prompted to configure security for your wireless network. You need to make sure that the encryption you select is compatible with the wireless devices you intend to use. Normally you would choose WPA/WPA2. Also, enter the wireless passphrase in the space provided. Make sure you remember your passphrase because you will need it to connect your wireless devices to the network. Click “Next” and the router will configure the wireless network. Your Netgear wireless router is now ready to use. If you want, you can now complete the product registration process. Now you know how to install a Netgear wireless router.