Hardware Setup

16

2

Connect to the Network and Access the

Router

You can connect to the router’s WiFi networks or use a wired Ethernet connection. This chapter explains the ways you

can connect and how to access the router and log in.

The chapter contains the following sections:

•

Connect to the Network

on page 18

•

Types of Logins

on page 19

•

Use a Web Browser to Access the Router

on page 20

•

Change the Language

on page 21

•

Access the Router With NETGEAR genie Apps

on page 22

17

Connect to the Network

You can connect to the router’s network through a wired or WiFi connection. If you set up your computer to use a

static IP address, change the settings so that it uses Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).

Wired Connection

You can connect your computer to the router using an Ethernet cable and join the router’s local area network (LAN).

The router has six Ethernet ports. Ports 1 and 2 can be used as Ethernet LAN ports or as aggregation ports to

connect to a NAS or Smart Switch that supports port aggregation (LACP).

To connect your computer to the router with an Ethernet cable:

1.

Make sure that the router is receiving power (its Power LED is lit).

2.

Connect an Ethernet cable to an Ethernet port on your computer.

3.

Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable Ethernet port 3 on the router.

To get the fastest performance with port aggregation, for wired connections use Ethernet

port 3 for the first computer, and use Ethernet port 4, 5 or 6 for the second computer, which

allows for speeds up to 2 Gbps with port aggregation. The maximum speed between port 4,

5 and 6 is limited to 1 Gbps.

Note

Your computer connects to the local area network (LAN). A message might display on your computer screen

to notify you that an Ethernet cable is connected.

WiFi Connection

To find and select the WiFi network:

1.

Make sure that the router is receiving power (its Power LED is lit).

2.

On your computer or WiFi device, find and select the WiFi network.

The WiFi network name is on the router’s label.

3.

Join the WiFi network and enter the WiFi password.

The password is on the router’s label.

Your WiFi device connects to the WiFi network.

Connect to the Network and Access the Router

18

WiFi Connection Using WPS

You can connect to the router’s WiFi network with Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) or you can find and select the WiFi

network.

To use WPS to connect to the WiFi network:

1.

Make sure that the router is receiving power (its Power LED is lit).

2.

Check the WPS instructions for your computer or WiFi device.

3.

Press the

WPS

button on the router.

4.

Within two minutes, on your computer or WiFi device, press its

WPS

button or follow its instructions for WPS

connections.

Your computer or WiFi device connects to the WiFi network.

Label

The label on the router shows the login information, WiFi network name and network key (password), MAC address,

and serial number.

Figure 5. Product label

Types of Logins

Separate types of logins serve different purposes. It is important that you understand the difference so that you know

which login to use when.

Several types of logins are associated with the router:

•

ISP login

. The login that your ISP gave you logs you in to your Internet service.Your service provider gave you

this login information in a letter or some other way. If you cannot find this login information, contact your service

provider.

•

WiFi network key or password

.Your router is preset with a unique WiFi network name (SSID) and password

for WiFi access. This information is on the router label.

•

Router login

. This logs you in to the router interface from a web browser as admin.

Connect to the Network and Access the Router

19

Use a Web Browser to Access the Router

When you connect to the network (either with WiFi or with an Ethernet cable), you can use a web browser to access

the router to view or change its settings. When you access the router, the software automatically checks to see if

your router can connect to your Internet service.

Automatic Internet Setup

You can set up your router automatically, or you can use a web browser to access the router and set up your router

manually. Before you start the setup process, get your ISP information and make sure that the computers and

devices in the network are using the settings described here.

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

to connect to the Internet. For DSL service, you might need the following information to set up your router:

•

The ISP configuration information for your DSL account

•

ISP login name and password

•

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

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 login program on your computer to access the Internet. When you start an Internet

application, your router automatically logs you in.

NETGEAR genie runs on any device with a web browser. Installation and basic setup takes about 15 minutes to

complete.

To automatically set up your router:

1.

Turn the router on by pressing the

On/Off

button.

2.

Make sure that your computer or WiFi device is connected to the router with an Ethernet cable (wired) or over

WiFi with the preset security settings listed on the label.

If you want to change the router’s WiFi settings, use a wired connection to avoid being

disconnected when the new WiFi settings take effect.

Note

3.

Launch a web browser.

The page that displays depends on whether you accessed the router before:

•

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

and the Configuring the Internet Connection page displays.

•

If you already set up the Internet connection, enter

in the address field for your

browser to start the installation process.

4.

Follow the onscreen instructions.

The router connects to the Internet.

Connect to the Network and Access the Router

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