How to Set up a Secured Wireless Network on Netgear

A wireless network is comprised of a wireless router, a computer (or other wireless-enabled devices), a high-speed modem, and a subscription to an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Netgear is a popular manufacturer of wireless networking hardware that allows users to set up a secured wireless network. In order to prevent unauthorized users from logging onto your wireless network to gain access the Internet, and in order to protect the data you transmit and receive online, you should change your wireless router's security settings to create a secured wireless network.

Step 1 Install the router. To install a Netgear wireless router, use an Ethernet cable to connect the router to the cable/DSL modem and use another Ethernet cable to connect the router to your computer. Make sure all of these devices are powered off as you connect them. Once connected, turn on the cable/DSL modem, the router, then the computer, in that order. Allow at least two minutes to pass after turning on each device to give the devices time to recognize one another.

Step 2 Log in to the router. Open a web browser and type in the router's address to load the router's settings page. The router's address can be found in the user guide or setup CD that came with your router, or you can download a user guide from Netgear's technical support page (see Resources). Most Netgear routers use one of the following addresses: http://192.168.1.1; http://www.routerlogin.net; or http://www.routerlogin.com. Press "Enter" or click "Go" in your web browser after you have entered the address.

Step 3 Enter the router's username and password. A prompt will appear on the screen when you enter your router's address, requiring you to enter a username and password before you can access the router's settings page. The default username for Netgear routers is "username" and the password is "password." Because the textboxes are case-sensitive, you must enter both of these using all lowercase letters. Press "Enter" to log in to the router and begin changing its security settings.

Step 4 Open the security settings menu. The router's home page has multiple links for changing settings. Find and click the "Security Settings" link to change the router's security settings.

Step 5 Change the SSID, choose an encryption setting and create a password. The default name (or "SSID") of your wireless network will be "NETGEAR." Enter a new, memorable name for your wireless network to help detract would-be hackers from trying to access your router, as most novice computer users with unsecure networks do not know how to change the default network name or institute any other security features. Newer Netgear routers offer WPA or WPA-PSK encryption to secure your network, both of which provide high levels of security. Select either of these. encryption types and create a unique password. This will require all users to enter the password before they can log in to your wireless network. It is important that you create a complex password that has several characters, including numbers. Once you have created a password, click "Confirm Password" to save it. To exit the security settings menu and log off of the router, click "Save" or "Apply" to save the changes you made, then click "Logout" to exit the router.