Netgear orporated WPN824 Users Manual

NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual

NETGEAR, Inc.

4500 Great America Parkway Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA

Version 1.0 February 2005

February 2005

Trademarks

NETGEAR is a trademark of Netgear, Inc.

Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Other brand and product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.

Statement of Conditions

In the interest of improving internal design, operational function, and/or reliability, NETGEAR reserves the right to make changes to the products described in this document without notice.

NETGEAR does not assume any liability that may occur due to the use or application of the product(s) or circuit layout(s) described herein.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance Notice: Radio Frequency Notice

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. The user must maintain at least 20cm distance from this device.

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

NOTE:Changes or modifications not expressly approved by NETGEAR, Inc. could void the user's authority to operate

this equipment.

EN 55 022 Declaration of Conformance

This is to certify that the Wireless Router is shielded against the generation of radio interference in accordance with the application of Council Directive 89/336/EEC, Article 4a. Conformity is declared by the application of EN 55 022 Class B (CISPR 22).

February 2005

Bestätigung des Herstellers/Importeurs

Es wird hiermit bestätigt, daß das Wireless Router gemäß der im BMPT-AmtsblVfg 243/1991 und Vfg 46/1992 aufgeführten Bestimmungen entstört ist. Das vorschriftsmäßige Betreiben einiger Geräte (z.B. Testsender) kann jedoch gewissen Beschränkungen unterliegen. Lesen Sie dazu bitte die Anmerkungen in der Betriebsanleitung.

Das Bundesamt für Zulassungen in der Telekommunikation wurde davon unterrichtet, daß dieses Gerät auf den Markt gebracht wurde und es ist berechtigt, die Serie auf die Erfüllung der Vorschriften hin zu überprüfen.

Certificate of the Manufacturer/Importer

It is hereby certified that the Wireless Router has been suppressed in accordance with the conditions set out in the BMPT-AmtsblVfg 243/1991 and Vfg 46/1992. The operation of some equipment (for example, test transmitters) in accordance with the regulations may, however, be subject to certain restrictions. Please refer to the notes in the operating instructions.

Federal Office for Telecommunications Approvals has been notified of the placing of this equipment on the market and has been granted the right to test the series for compliance with the regulations.

Customer Support

Refer to the Support Information Card that shipped with your Wireless Router.

World Wide Web

NETGEAR maintains a World Wide Web home page that you can access at the universal resource locator (URL) http://www.netgear.com. A direct connection to the Internet and a Web browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape are required.

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iii

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Chapter 1 About This Guide

Audience, Conventions, and Formats ............................................................................1-1

Tips for Printing This Manual ..........................................................................................1-2

Chapter 2 Getting to Know Your NETGEAR Wireless Router

Package Contents ..........................................................................................................2-1

The Front Panel ....................................................................................................... 2-2

The Rear Panel ........................................................................................................2-3

Chapter 3 Connecting the Router to the Internet

Prepare to Install Your Wireless Router ..........................................................................3-1

First, Connect the Wireless Router to the Internet .........................................................3-1

Now, Set Up a Computer for Wireless Connectivity ....................................................... 3-6

Troubleshooting Tips ......................................................................................................3-7

Overview of How to Access the Wireless Router ........................................................... 3-8

How to Log On to the Wireless Router After

Configuration Settings Have Been Applied ..............................................................3-9

How to Bypass the Configuration Assistant ...........................................................3-10

How to Manually Configure Your Internet Connection ..................................................3-10

Using the Smart Setup Wizard .....................................................................................3-12

NETGEAR Product Registration, Support, and Documentation ...................................3-13

Chapter 4 Optimizing Wireless Connectivity and Security

Observe Performance, Placement, and Range Guidelines ............................................4-1

Implement Appropriate Wireless Security ......................................................................4-2

Understanding Wireless Settings ...................................................................................4-3

Information to Gather Before Changing Basic Wireless Settings .............................4-6

Default Factory Settings ...........................................................................................4-7

Contents v

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How to Set Up and Test Basic Wireless Connectivity ..............................................4-7

How to Configure WEP ............................................................................................4-9

How to Configure WPA-PSK Wireless Security ............................................................ 4-11

How to Restrict Wireless Access by MAC Address ...................................................... 4-11

Chapter 5 Doing Basic Router Housekeeping

Changing the Administrator Password ...........................................................................5-1

Configuration File Management ..................................................................................... 5-2

Restoring and Backing Up the Configuration ........................................................... 5-2

Erasing the Configuration .........................................................................................5-3

Upgrading the Wireless Router Software .......................................................................5-3

Chapter 6 Troubleshooting Common Problems

Basic Functioning ...........................................................................................................6-1

Power Light Not On ..................................................................................................6-1

Lights Never Turn Off ...............................................................................................6-2

LAN or Internet (WAN) Port Lights Not On ...............................................................6-2

Troubleshooting the Web Configuration Interface .......................................................... 6-2

Troubleshooting the ISP Connection ..............................................................................6-3

Troubleshooting a TCP/IP Network Using a Ping Utility .................................................6-5

Testing the LAN Path to Your Router .......................................................................6-5

Testing the Path from Your Computer to a Remote Device .....................................6-6

Restoring the Default Configuration and Password ........................................................6-7

Appendix A Technical Specifications

Glossary

List of Glossary Terms ................................................................................................... G-1

vi Contents

February 2005

Chapter 1

About This Guide

This chapter describes the intended audience, scope, conventions, and formats of this manual.

Audience, Conventions, and Formats

This reference manual assumes that the reader has basic computer and Internet skills. However, tutorial information is provided in the Appendices and on the Netgear Web site.

This guide uses the following typographical conventions:

Table 1-1. Typographical Conventions

italics Emphasis, books, CDs, URL names

bold User input

SMALL CAPS Screen text, file and server names, extensions, commands, IP addresses

This guide uses the following format to highlight special messages:

Note: This format is used to highlight information of importance or special interest.

This manual is written for NETGEAR wireless routers.

Table 1-2. Manual Publication Details

Product Version Wireless Router

Manual Publication Date February 2005

Note: Product updates are available on the NETGEAR Web site at

http://kbserver.netgear.com.

About This Guide 1

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NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual

2 About This Guide

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Chapter 2

Getting to Know Your NETGEAR Wireless Router

This chapter introduces the NETGEAR Wireless Router.

Package Contents

The product package should contain the following items:

• The Wireless Router.

• An AC power adapter.

• Feet for standing the router up.

• A Category 5 (CAT5) Ethernet cable.

• The Setup CD, including: Documentation, Application Notes and other helpful information.

• Registration, Warranty Card, and Support Information Card.

If any of the parts are incorrect, missing, or damaged, contact your NETGEAR dealer. Keep the carton, including the original packing materials, in case you need to return the router for repair.

The Top Panel

The top of the wireless router includes a dome with status lights that identify which of the seven internal antennas are active. The lights flash according to the direction of the wireless signal.

Figure 2-1: wireless router top panel

Getting to Know Your NETGEAR Wireless Router 2-1

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NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual

The Front Panel

The front panel of the wireless router includes these status lights.

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Figure 2-2: wireless router Front Panel

You can use the status lights to verify connections. Viewed from left to right, the table below describes the lights on the front panel of the router.

Table 2-1. Status Light Descriptions

Label Activity Description

Power On Green Solid

Off

Tes t On

Off

Wireless On

Off Blink

Internet Port

LAN Ports Green

On Blink

Amber

Power is supplied to the router. Power is not supplied to the router.

The router is performing its power on self test diagnostic. The router successfully completed its power on self test diagnostic.

The wireless interface is enabled. The wireless interface is turned off. Data is being communicated over the wireless network.

The Internet port has detected a link with an attached device. Data is being transmitted or received by the Internet port.

The LAN port has detected a 100 Mbps link with an attached device. The LAN port has detected a 10 Mbps link with an attached device.

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NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual

The Rear Panel

The rear panel of the wireless router router contains the items listed below.

Power

Figure 1-2: wireless router Rear Panel

4 LAN Ports

Internet Port

Reset Button

Viewed from left to right, the rear panel contains the following features:

• AC power adapter outlet for 12 V DC @ 1A output

• Four Ethernet LAN phone ports

• Internet (WAN) Ethernet port for connecting the router to a cable or DSL modem

• Factory default reset push button for Restoring the Default Configuration and Password

• The seven wireless antennas are inside the case

Getting to Know Your NETGEAR Wireless Router 2-3

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NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual

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Chapter 3

Connecting the Router to the Internet

This chapter describes how to set up the router on your local area network (LAN) and connect to the Internet. You will find out how to configure your wireless router for Internet access using the Setup Wizard configuration assistant. Alternatively, you can use other procedures in this chapter to manually configure your Internet connection.

Note: Use the Smart Wizard Installation Assistant on the Setup CD to take advantage of automated setup tools. Otherwise, follow these instructions to manually set up your NETGEAR wireless router.

Follow these instructions to set up your router.

Prepare to Install Your Wireless Router

• For Cable Modem Service: When you perform the wireless router setup steps be sure to use the computer you first registered with your cable ISP.

• For DSL Service: You may need information such as the DSL login name/e-mail address and password in order to complete the wireless router setup.

Before proceeding with the wireless router installation, familiarize yourself with the contents of the Setup CD, especially this manual and the tutorials for configuring computers for networking.

First, Connect the Wireless Router to the Internet

1. CONNECT THE WIRELESS ROUTER, THE COMPUTER, AND THE MODEM

a. Turn off your computer.

b. Unplug and turn off the cable or DSL broadband modem.

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NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual

Locate the Ethernet cable (cable 1 in the diagram) that connects your PC to the modem.

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Figure 3-1: Disconnect the Ethernet cable from the computer

Disconnect the cable at the computer end only, point A in the diagram above.

e. Look at the label on the bottom of the wireless router. Locate the Internet port. Securely

insert the Ethernet cable from your modem (Cable 1 in the diagram below) into the Internet port of the wireless router as shown in point B of the diagram below.

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Figure 3-2: Connect the wireless router to the modem

Note: Place the wireless router in a location which conforms to the “Observe

Performance, Placement, and Range Guidelines” on page 4-1.

3-2 Connecting the Router to the Internet

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NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual

Securely insert the blue cable that came with your wireless router (the blue NETGEAR

cable in the diagram below) into a LAN port on the router such as LAN port 4 (point C in the diagram), and the other end into the Ethernet port of your computer (point D in the diagram).

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Figure 3-3: Connect the computer to the wireless router

Your network cables are connected and you are ready to restart your network.

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2. RESTART YOUR NETWORK IN THE CORRECT SEQUENCE

Warning: Failure to restart your network in the correct sequence could prevent you from connecting to the Internet.

a. First, plug in then turn on the broadband modem. Wait about 2 minutes.

b. Now, plug in the wireless router power adapter into a power outlet, and plug the other end

of the cord into your wireless router. Wait 1 minute.

c. Last, turn on your computer.

Note: For DSL customers, if software logs you in to the Internet, do not run that software. You may need to go to the Internet Explorer Tools menu, Internet Options, Connections tab page where you can select “Never dial a connection.”

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NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual

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Figure 3-4: Verify the connections according to the status lights on the wireless router

Check the wireless router status lights to verify the following:

• Power: The power light should turn solid green. If it does not, see “Troubleshooting

Tips” on page 3-7.

• Test: The test light should turn off after completing the power on self test diagnostic. If it does not, see “Troubleshooting Tips” on page 3-7.

• Internet: The Internet port light should be lit. If not, make sure the Ethernet cable is securely attached to the wireless router Internet port and the modem, and the modem is powered on.

• Wireless: The wireless light should be off. The Smart Wizard configuration assistant turns on and sets up the wireless feature of your router.

• LAN: A LAN light should be lit. If a LAN light is not lit, check that the Ethernet cable from the computer to the router is securely attached at both ends, and that the computer is turned on.

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3. USE THE SMART WIZARD TO CONFIGURE THE WIRELESS ROUTER

a. From the Ethernet connected PC you just set up, open a browser such as Internet Explorer

or Netscape® Navigator.

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Figure 3-5: Router welcome screen

In its factory default state, the wireless router will automatically display the NETGEAR Smart Wizard configuration assistant welcome page.

NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual

Note: If you do not see this page, clear the browser cache by going to the Internet Explorer Tools menu, Internet Options, and clicking Delete Files, then selecting the Delete all offline files check box and clicking OK.

If you still do not connect, type http://www.routerlogin.net in the browser address bar and click Enter. Otherwise, to bypass this screen, see “How to Bypass the Configuration

Assistant” on page 3-11 and the “How to Manually Configure Your Internet Connection” on page 3-11 topics in this chapter.

If you cannot connect to the wireless router, verify your computer networking setup. It should be set to obtain both IP and DNS server addresses automatically, which is usually so. For help with this, see Appendix B, “Preparing Your Network” or the animated tutorials on the CD.

b. Click OK. Follow the prompts to proceed with the Smart Wizard configuration assistant to

connect to the Internet.

c. Follow the instructions on the screen to enable the wireless feature.

d. Enable your wireless network, click Next to proceed, then click Done to finish. If you

have trouble connecting to the Internet, see “Troubleshooting Tips” on page 3-7 to correct basic problems.

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NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual

Note: The Smart Wizard configuration assistant only appears when the router is in its factory default state. After you configure the wireless router, it will not appear again. You can always connect to the router to change its settings. To do so, open a browser such as Internet Explorer and go to http://www.routerlogin.net. Then, when prompted, enter admin as the user name and password for the password, both in lower case letters.

You are now connected to the Internet and the wireless feature of the wireless router is enabled! Next, configure your wireless computer.

Now, Set Up a Computer for Wireless Connectivity

You are now connected to the Internet and the wireless feature of the wireless router is enabled! Next, configure your wireless computer.

1. CONFIGURE THE COMPUTER’S WIRELESS ADAPTER SETTINGS

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Figure 3-6: Configure wireless computer

NETGEAR, Inc. wireless adapters display a list of available wireless networks, and, when wireless security is disabled, you simply choose yours from the list and connect.

For a non-NETGEAR wireless adapter, configure it to match your settings exactly. If you changed the default Network Name (SSID), be sure to use the correct Network Name (SSID) you set in the wireless router.

WIRELESS FEATURE DEFAULT SETTING

Wireless Network Name (SSID) NETGEAR

WPA or WEP Security Not Enabled

Warning: The Network Name (SSID) is case sensitive. Typing nETgear for the SSID will not work.

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NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual

2. VERIFY WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY

Verify wireless connectivity. Connect to the Internet or log in to the wireless router from a computer with a wireless adapter. For wireless connectivity problems, see “Troubleshooting

Tips” on page 3-7.

You are now wirelessly connected to the Internet! Implement wireless security according to the instructions in “Implement Appropriate Wireless Security” on page 4-2.

Troubleshooting Tips

Here are some tips for correcting simple problems you may have.

Be sure to always restart your network in this sequence:

1. Turn off the wireless router, computer, and turn off and unplug the modem.

2. Plug in and turn on the modem. Wait for the modem to synchronize with the network, usually

about two minutes.

3. Turn on the wireless router. Wait for the router to complete its power on self test, usually about

1 minute.

4. Turn on the computer.

Make sure the Ethernet cables are securely plugged in.

• The Internet status light on the wireless router will be lit if the Ethernet cable from the modem is plugged in securely and the modem and wireless router are turned on.

• For each powered on computer connected to the wireless router with a securely plugged in Ethernet cable, the corresponding wireless router LAN port status light will be lit. The label on the bottom of the wireless router identifies the number of each LAN port.

Make sure the wireless settings in the computer and router match exactly.

The Wireless Network Name (SSID) and WEP or WPA settings of the router and wireless computer must match exactly.

Make sure the network settings of the computer are correct.

• LAN and wirelessly connected computers must be configured to obtain IP and DNS addresses automatically via DHCP. For help with this, please see the tutorials on the CD.

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NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual

• Some cable modem ISPs require you to use the MAC address of the computer registered on the account. If so, in the Router MAC Address section of the Basic Settings menu, select “Use this Computer’s MAC Address.” The router will then capture and use the MAC address of the computer that you are now using. You must be using the computer that is registered with the ISP. Click Apply to save your settings. Restart the network in the correct sequence.

Check the router status lights to verify correct router operation.

• If the Power light does not turn solid green within 2 minutes after turning the router on, reset the router according to the instructions in “Restoring the Default Configuration and Password”

on page 6-7.

• If the Wireless light does not come on, verify that the wireless feature is turned on according to the instructions in “Understanding Wireless Settings” on page 4-3.

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NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual

Overview of How to Access the Wireless Router

The table below describes how you access the wireless router, depending on the state of the wireless router.

Table 3-1. Ways to access the router

Router State Access Options Description

Factory Default

Note: The

wireless router is supplied in the factory default state. Also,

he factory default

state is restored when you use the factory reset button. See “Restoring the

Default Configuration and Password” on page 6-7 for more

information on this feature.

Configuration Settings Have Been Applied

Automatic Access via the Smart Wizard Configuration Assistant

Manually enter a URL to bypass the Smart Wizard Configuration Assistant

Enter the standard URL to access the wireless router

Enter the IP address of the wireless router to access the wireless router.

Any time a browser is opened on any computer connected to the wireless router, the wireless router will automatically connect to that browser and display the Configuration Assistant welcome page.

There is no need to enter the wireless router URL in the browser, or provide the login user name and password.

You can bypass the Smart Wizard Configuration Assistant feature by typing

http://www.routerlogin.net/basicsetting.htm

in the browser address bar and clicking Enter. You will not be prompted for a user name or password.

This will enable you to manually configure the wireless router even when it is in the factory default state. When manually configuring the router, you must complete the configuration by clicking Apply when finished entering your settings. If you do not do so, a browser on any PC connected to the router will automatically display the router's Configuration Assistant Welcome page rather than the browser’s home page.

Connect to the wireless router by typing either of these URLs in the address field of your browser, then click Enter:

http://www.routerlogin.net

•

http://www.routerlogin.com

• The wireless router will prompt you to enter the user name of

admin and the password. The default password is password.

Connect to the wireless router by typing the IP address of the wireless router in the address field of your browser, then click Enter. 192.168.1.1 is the default IP address of the wireless router. The wireless router will prompt you to enter the user name of admin and the password. The default password is password.

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NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual

How to Log On to the Wireless Router After Configuration Settings Have Been Applied

1. Connect to the wireless router by typing http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field of

your browser, then click Enter.

Figure 3-7: Login address

For security reasons, the router has its own user name and password. When prompted, enter

admin for the router user name and password for the router password, both in lower case

letters. To change the password, see “Changing the Administrator Password” on page 5-1.

Note: The router user name and password are not the same as any user name or password you may use to log in to your Internet connection.

Figure 3-8: Login window

Once you have entered your user name and password, your Web browser should find the wireless router and display the home page as shown in below.

The browser will then display the settings home page.

When the wireless router is connected to the Internet you can use the following links in the settings home page to view up to date support or documentation on the NETGEAR Web site:

• Click the Knowledge Base link under the Web Support menu to view support information for this router.

• Click the Documentation link under the Web Support menu to view the documentation for this router.

If you do not click Logout, the wireless router will wait 5 minutes after there is no activity before it automatically logs you out.

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NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual

How to Bypass the Configuration Assistant

1. When the wireless router is in the factory default state, type

http://www.routerlogin.net/basicsetting.htm in the address field of your browser, then click Enter.

When the wireless router is in the factory default state, a user name and password are not required.

2. The browser will then display the wireless router settings home page.

If you do not click Logout, the wireless router will wait for 5 minutes of no activity before it automatically logs you out.

How to Manually Configure Your Internet Connection

You can manually configure your router using the menu below, or you can allow the Setup Wizard to determine your configuration as described in the previous section.

ISP Does Not Require Login

ISP Does Require Login

Figure 3-9: Browser-based configuration Basic Settings menus

You can manually configure the router using the Basic Settings menu shown in Figure 3-9 using these steps:

1. Connect to the wireless router by typing http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field of

your browser, then click Enter.

Connecting the Router to the Internet 3-11

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+ 51 hidden pages

Netgear orporated WPN824 Users Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual

Contents

Audience, Conventions, and Formats

Package Contents

The Top Panel

The Front Panel

The Rear Panel

Prepare to Install Your Wireless Router

First, Connect the Wireless Router to the Internet

Now, Set Up a Computer for Wireless Connectivity

Troubleshooting Tips

Overview of How to Access the Wireless Router

How to Log On to the Wireless Router After Configuration Settings Have Been Applied

How to Bypass the Configuration Assistant

How to Manually Configure Your Internet Connection