Hardware Setup

11

R6100 WiFi Router

Label

The label on the bottom of the router shows the login information, MAC address, and serial

number.

Serial number and

Preset WiFi

Default access information

password

MAC address

Figure 4. The label shows unique information about your router

Position Your Router

The router lets you access your network from virtually anywhere within the operating range of

your wireless network. However, the operating distance or range of your wireless connection

can vary significantly depending on the physical placement of your router. For example, the

thickness and number of walls the wireless signal passes through can limit the range. For

best results, place your router:

•

Near the center of the area where your computers and other devices operate, and

preferably within line of sight to your wireless devices.

•

So it is accessible to an AC power outlet and near Ethernet cables for wired computers.

•

In an elevated location such as a high shelf, keeping the number of walls and ceilings

between the router and your other devices to a minimum.

•

Away from electrical devices that are potential sources of interference. Equipment that

might cause interference includes ceiling fans, home security systems, microwaves,

computers, the base of a cordless phone, or a 2.4 GHz cordless phone.

•

Away from any large metal surfaces, such as a solid metal door or aluminum studs. Large

expanses of other materials such as glass, insulated walls, fish tanks, mirrors, brick, and

concrete can also affect your wireless signal.

12

2

2.

Getting Started

Connect the router

This chapter explains how to use NETGEAR genie to set up your router after you complete

cabling as described in the installation guide.

This chapter contains the following sections:

•

Router Setup Preparation

•

Login and Access

•

NETGEAR genie Setup

•

Use NETGEAR genie after Installation

•

Upgrade the Firmware

•

Dashboard (BASIC Home Screen)

•

Join Your Wireless Network

•

NETGEAR genie App and Mobile genie App

Getting Started

13

R6100 WiFi Router

Router Setup Preparation

You can set up your router with the NETGEAR genie automatically, or you can use the genie

menus and screens to set up your router manually. Before you start the setup process, get

your ISP information and make sure the computers and devices in the network have the

settings described here.

Use Standard TCP/IP Properties for DHCP

If you set up your computer to use a static IP address, change the settings so that it uses

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).

Gather ISP Information

If you have DSL broadband service, you might need the following information to set up your

router and to check that your Internet configuration is correct. When your Internet service

starts, your Internet service provider (ISP) typically gives you all the information needed to

connect to the Internet. If you cannot locate this information, ask your ISP to provide it. When

your Internet connection is working, you no longer need to launch the ISP’s login program on

your computer to access the Internet. When you start an Internet application, your router

automatically logs you in.

•

The ISP configuration information for your DSL account

•

ISP login name and password

•

Fixed or static IP address settings (special deployment by ISP; this is rare)

Wireless Devices and Security Settings

Make sure that the wireless device or computer that you are using supports WPA or WPA2

wireless security, which is the wireless security that the router uses.

Login and Access

Separate types of logins have different purposes. It is important that you understand the

difference so that you know which login to use when.

•

Router login

logs you in to the router interface. For information about this login, see

Use

NETGEAR genie after Installation

on page

15.

•

ISP login

logs you in to your Internet service. Your service provider has provided you with

this login information in a letter or some other way. If you cannot find this login

information, contact your service provider.

•

Wireless network key or password

. Your router is preset with a unique wireless

network name (SSID) and password for wireless access. This information is on the label

on your router.

Getting Started

14

R6100 WiFi Router

NETGEAR genie Setup

NETGEAR genie runs on any device with a web browser. Installation with basic setup takes

about 15

minutes to complete.



To use NETGEAR genie to set up your router:

1.

Turn the router on by pressing the

On/Off

button.

2.

Make sure that your computer or wireless device is connected to the router with an Ethernet

cable (wired) or wirelessly with the preset security settings listed on the bottom label.

3.

Launch your Internet browser.

•

The first time you set up the Internet connection for your router, the browser goes to

http://www.routerlogin.net, and the NETGEAR genie screen displays.

•

If you already used the NETGEAR genie, type

in the

address field for your browser to display the NETGEAR genie screen. See

Use

NETGEAR genie after Installation

on page

15.

4.

Follow the onscreen instructions.

NETGEAR genie guides you through connecting the router to the Internet.

If the browser cannot display the web page:

•

Make sure that the computer is connected to one of the four LAN Ethernet ports or

wirelessly to the router.

•

Make sure that the router has full power, and that its WiFi LED is lit.

•

To make sure that the browser does not cache the previous page, close and reopen the

browser.

•

Browse to

.

•

If the computer is set to a static or fixed IP address (this is uncommon), change it to

obtain an IP address automatically from the router.

If the router does not connect to the Internet:

1.

Review your settings. Make sure that you have selected the correct options and typed

everything correctly.

2.

Contact your ISP to verify that you have the correct configuration information.

3.

Read

Chapter 9, Troubleshooting

. If problems persist, register your NETGEAR product and

contact NETGEAR technical support.

Getting Started

15

R6100 WiFi Router

Use NETGEAR genie after Installation

When you first set up your router, NETGEAR genie automatically starts when you launch an

Internet browser on a computer that is connected to the router. If you want to view or change

settings for the router, you can use genie again.

1.

Launch your browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the router.

2.

Type

http://www.routerlogin.net

or

.

A login screen displays.

3.

Enter

admin

for the router user name and

password

for the router password, both in

lowercase letters.

Note:

The router user name and password are different from the user name

and password for logging in to your Internet connection. For more information,

see

Login and Access

on page

13.

Upgrade the Firmware

When you set up your router and are connected to the Internet, the router automatically

checks for you to see if newer firmware is available. If it is, a message is displayed on the top

of the screen. For more information, see

Upgrade the Router Firmware

on page

71.

Click the message when it shows up, and click the

Yes

button to upgrade the router with the

latest firmware. After the upgrade, the router restarts.

WARNING:

To avoid the risk of corrupting the firmware, do not interrupt the

upgrade. For example, do not close the browser, click a link, or

load a new page. Do not turn off the router.