It can be a difficult process to set up a wireless router and a Windows client. There are a number of options that have to be understood before you start, and it's easy to make a wrong turn. Luckily, once you have a router, both Windows and Netgear provide step-by-step programs for setting up your WiFi.
Instructions
Set Up a Netgear Wireless Router
1. Decide on a Netgear router. There are a number of router offerings, and prices and features differ depending on the model. Choose one that meets your needs and fits your price range.
2. Purchase a Netgear router, looking for the best price possible. Consumer electronics shopping sites like NewEgg and TigerDirect often offer good deals on clearance, open boxes or shipping (see Resources below).
3. Place the router by clearing a space on or under a desk. The router should be located centrally to reduce the distance to clients and assure better connections. The location will vary depending on how it will be used. For example, it shouldn't be placed in the corner of a basement if wireless clients all over the house will be using it.
4. Set up and plug in the Netgear router and wait a few seconds for it to boot up. Since the router is essentially a mini-computer, it won't work instantly when it's turned on. While it's booting, the power light should flash. When it's finished booting, the power light should stay solid.
5. Connect a computer to the router, either with a wireless or a wired connection. Reboot the computer to ensure it gets a new IP address from the router via Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).
6. Open the web interface by entering http://192.168.1.1/ into the address bar of your web browser. If a login screen is presented, use admin as the username and either 1234 or password as the password.
7. Connect to the Internet, if necessary. Plug your cable modem or DSL modem into the router's WAN port in the back and run the Internet Connection Setup Wizard from the web interface.
8. Follow the directions and provide authentication information.
9. Connect more clients. At this point, clients should be able to connect and access the Internet.
Tips Warnings
If you are unsure of the authentication options, call your Internet Service Provider's tech support line.
Be sure the router is not surrounded by metal, as this will interfere with the wireless signal. If set under a metal desk, you might not get any signal at all, but placing it on top of a metal desk will be OK.
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