Hardware Setup

11

N300 Wireless Gigabit Router WNR3500Lv2

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, such as ceiling

fans, home security systems, microwaves, PCs, or the base of a cordless phone or 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.

When you use multiple access points, it is better if adjacent access points use different radio

frequency channels to reduce interference. The recommended channel spacing between

adjacent access points is 5 channels (for example, use Channels 1 and 6, or 6 and 11).

Prepare the Router

To ensure proper heat dissipation and for router stability, it is important that you connect the

stand and place your router in an upright position.



To prepare your router for installation:

1.

Carefully peel off the protective film covering both sides of your router.

Hardware Setup

12

N300 Wireless Gigabit Router WNR3500Lv2

2.

Set up your N300 Wireless router by inserting the tabs of the stand (supplied with your

router) into the slots on the bottom of your router as shown.

3.

Remove the protective film covering the front panel of the router.

4.

Place your router in a suitable area for installation (near an AC power outlet and accessible

to the Ethernet cables for your wired computers).

Hardware Setup

13

N300 Wireless Gigabit Router WNR3500Lv2

Cable Your Router

The installation guide that came in the box has a cabling diagram on the first page. This

section walks you through cabling with detailed illustrations.

1.

Connect the router, the computer, and the modem.

2.

Turn off and unplug the modem. If your modem has a backup battery, remove it as well.

3.

Locate the Ethernet cable (

1

) that connects your computer to the modem.

1

2

4.

Disconnect the cable from the modem (

2

). You will connect it to the router later.

5.

Locate the Ethernet cable that came with the NETGEAR product. Securely insert that

Ethernet cable into your modem and into the Internet port of the router.

Hardware Setup

14

N300 Wireless Gigabit Router WNR3500Lv2

6.

Locate the cable you removed from the modem in step 4. Securely insert that cable into a

LAN port on the router such as LAN port 1.

Your network cables are connected, and you are ready to start your network. It is important

that you start your network in the correct sequence (first power on the modem, and after it

finishes starting up, power on the router).

Verify the Cabling

Verify that your router is cabled correctly by checking the router LEDs. Turn on the router by

pressing the Power

On/Off

button on the back.

•

The Power LED is green when the router is turned on.

•

The LAN port LED is green for each PC cabled to the router by an Ethernet cable.

•

The Wireless LED is on.

•

The Internet LED is on. If it is not, make sure that the Ethernet cable is securely

attached to the router Internet port and the modem, and that the modem is powered on.

Verify that the LAN

LEDs (1 through 4) are lit for any computers cabled to the router by

an Ethernet cable.

15

2

2.

Getting Started with NETGEAR Genie

Connecting to 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 and in the previous chapter in this book.

This chapter contains the following sections:

•

Router Setup Preparation

•

Types of Logins and Access

•

NETGEAR Genie Setup

•

Use NETGEAR Genie after Installation

•

Upgrade Router Firmware

•

Router Dashboard (Basic Home Screen)

•

Add Wireless Devices or Computers to Your Network