Configuring your Netgear wireless router will enable you to use it with your current Internet Service Provider (ISP). Doing so can even help you resolve the associated network connectivity issues. However, for router configuration, you must have full access to its default web address i.e. routerlogin.net. In case you are completely unfamiliar with the said process, here's the ultimate Netgear wireless router configuration guide you need to follow. Here we go.
Note: All the settings can only be accessed when you are successfully logged in to your Netgear wireless router.
Changing the Admin Password
Still using the default password or has not been changed the passphrase for a while? If this is the case with you, change the admin passphrase right now! It is highly recommended to choose a strong password which is very hard to guess for others. You can also use some special symbols like @, #, $, &, ^, %, and !! to make the password more complex.
In order to change the admin password of your Netgear wireless router:
Access the Netgear genie smart setup wizard on your PC.
Click on the Advanced tab.
After that, expand the Administration menu.
Now, click on the Set Password option.
Enter the new password you want to keep.
Finally, click on Apply.
That's it! Your Netgear router password has been changed.
Netgear Router Firmware Update
In case your WiFi router is not working up to the mark, possibilities are that its firmware has become outdated. Also, after setting up the Netgear router, you must configure it to use the latest firmware version. Here are the steps for the same:
Go to routerlogin.net and access the Netgear genie wizard.
Click on the Advanced tab.
Next, click on the Firmware Update option.
Check whether a new firmware version is available by hitting Check button.
If available, go through the on-screen steps to update Netgear router firmware.
Done! Your router has been configured to use the latest firmware version.
Configuring LAN Settings to Minimize Risk
At this moment, your Netgear router admin password has been changed and the firmware is fully up to date. However, there are still a few settings which may put you at risk. A major example of this is the IP address or Internet Protocol address. It is the address which is a medium of communication between your router and computer.
There is a default Netgear router IP which can be easily found by anyone who knows your router's make and model number. In order to change it, use the following steps:
Click on the Advanced tab.
Once done, expand the Setup menu.
Now, type the new values for IP address e.g. 192.168.1.1.
At last, click on Apply to make the changes reflect.
Now, your router will reboot and then confirm that you can now use the new IP address. Also, remember to update the DHCP settings of your Netgear wireless router.
Disable Remote Management
Netgear wireless routers have Remote Management feature enabled by default. However, you can disable it by following the steps below:
Expand the Advanced Setup menu by clicking on it.
Click on Remote Management section.
Now, hit the 'Turn Remote Management On' option.
And there you are! You can enable it at any time by following the same steps.
Configuring Wireless Security
As you have completed the Netgear router setup guide for your device, it's time to configure its wireless security. Netgear routers come configured with WPS or WiFi Protected Setup protocol, but it is considered as insecure. So it is better to disable it on all the devices.
Click on the Wireless option.
After that, navigate to the WPS Settings section.
Now, uncheck the box next to 'Enable Router's PIN'.
Hit the Apply button.
That's how you can configure your Netgear wireless router after setting it up. As soon as you are done with the router configuration, don't forget to log out from its admin panel.
