How To Install a Netgear Router

Level of difficulty: Intermediate

Netgear routers are devices which are used in determining the next possible network point where a data packet must be sent in order to arrive at its intended destination or recipient in the least possible time with very minimal resistance. These devices are also responsible for connecting two or more networks together. This allows for optimum data flow based on its understanding on the state of interconnection between these networks. The decisions are based mainly on maintained or created tables specifying the condition and usage of the routes that are available to the specific data including algorithms calculating the best route based on cost and distance. This guide is based on the assumption that the accompanying CD of the Netgear router intended to simplify its installation is unavailable or corrupted thereby prompting a manual installation.

Materials Needed:
- Computer
- Modem
- Router
- Ethernet cable
- Web browser
- Network Interface Card
Step 1
Before proceeding with any installation steps, make sure that all involved components are turned off and unplugged from the wall socket. These includes the computer, modem, and of course the router.
Step 2
Unplug any connection between the computer and the modem device. Usually, this is an Ethernet cable from the computer’s network card to the modem’s port.
Step 3
Since the Netgear router must be positioned between the modem (gateway to the Internet) and the desktop and other similar machines, connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the WAN port of the router. Take the other end and plug it into the port of the modem.
Step 4
Take another Ethernet cable. Plug one end into the port of the computer’s network card. The other end should go into the LAN port of the Netgear router. The connection at this point should be from the computer to the router and the router to the modem. Repeat this step for other desktop machines that are part of the network.
Step 5
Plug the AC adapter of the modem into the wall socket and power it on. Wait approximately two minutes to allow the modem to acquire a signal from the Internet Service Provider.
Step 6
Plug the AC adapter for the router into the wall socket and turn it on. Allow about two minutes for the router and the modem to communicate and detect each other’s presence.
Step 7
Connect the computer to an AC outlet and switch it on. Make sure that the corresponding port light indicator on the router lights up. This means that the computer has been detected by the Netgear router. In case the indicator light is still off, check the Ethernet cable connection between the desktop and the router.
Step 8
Launch the Web browser. In the address bar, type in www.routerlogin.net and press the Enter key.
Step 9
In the login window, type the word admin in the Username box and password in the Password box. These correspond to the default factory settings of the Netgear router.
Step 10
This will bring up the setup wizard which will provide the walkthrough to complete the installation and configuration process of the Netgear router. Save all changes and reboot the computer after completing this step.