NETGEAR WNDR3300f User guide

July 2008
208-10148-02
v1.1
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
Wireless Router Setup
Manual

ii
© 2008 by NETGEAR, Inc. All rights reserved.
Trademarks
NETGEAR and the NETGEAR logo are registered trademarks, and RangeMax and Smart Wizard are trademarks 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.

Contents iii
Contents
Getting to Know Your Wireless Router................................................................................1
Unpacking Your New Wireless Router ...............................................................................1
Hardware Features ............................................................................................................2
Positioning Your Wireless Router ......................................................................................6
Installing Your Wireless Router ..........................................................................................7
Updating Your Router Firmware ........................................................................................8
Installing Your Wireless Router Using
Smart Wizard...........................................................................................................................9
Installing Your Wireless Router Manually (Advanced, Mac, and Linux Users)..............11
Connecting Your Wireless Router .................................................................................... 11
Verifying Your Connection ...............................................................................................14
Setting Up Your Router for Internet Access .....................................................................15
Configuring Your Wireless Network for Internet Access.................................................19
Accessing Your Router After Installation and Checking for New Firmware .....................19
Configuring Your Wireless Settings and Security Options ...............................................21
Testing Basic Wireless Connectivity ................................................................................25
Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................27
Basic Setup Checklist ......................................................................................................27
Checking Your Basic Router Functions ...........................................................................28
Troubleshooting Login Problems .....................................................................................30
Checking The Internet Service Connection .....................................................................31
Troubleshooting Connectivity Using the Ping Utility ........................................................33
Technical Specifications .....................................................................................................37
Default Configuration Settings .........................................................................................37
Restoring the Default Password and Configuration Settings ...........................................40
Related Documents..............................................................................................................41

iv Contents

Getting to Know Your Wireless Router 1
Getting to Know Your Wireless Router
Congratulations on your purchase of the NETGEAR® RangeMax™ Dual Band Wireless-N
Router WNDR3300.
Before you begin installing your router, check the package contents (see “Unpacking Your New
Wireless Router” on page 1). Become familiar with the front and back panels of your router—
especially the LEDs—and the important information on the router label (see “Hardware Features”
on page 2). Then, read the section on “Positioning Your Wireless Router” on page 6 to ensure that
you have selected the best location to install your router.
Unpacking Your New Wireless Router
The product package should contain the following items:
• The wireless router
• A snap-on stand for your wireless router
• An AC power adapter (varies by region)
• A yellow Ethernet cable
•TheResource CD, which includes:
– The Smart Wizard™ Installation Assistant (Autorun.exe)
– A PDF version of this manual
– A link to the online User Manual
• Warranty and Support Information cards
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 product for repair.
To prepare your router for installation:
1. Carefully peel off the protective film covering the sides of your router.

Wireless Router Setup Manual
2 Getting to Know Your Wireless Router
2. Set up your wireless router by inserting the router into the stand supplied with your router.
3. Place your router in an area suitable for installation (near an AC power outlet and accessible to
the Ethernet cables for your wired computers).
Hardware Features
Before you install and connect your router, take a moment to become familiar with the front and
back panels of the router—especially the LEDs on the front panel.
Figure 1

Wireless Router Setup Manual
Getting to Know Your Wireless Router 3
Front Panel
You can use the status lights on the front of the wireless router to verify various conditions.
Figure 2
Table 1. Status Light Descriptions
Item Function Activity Description
1. Power Solid Green Power is supplied to the router.
Fast Blink Green The unit is starting up, or the restore factory settings button is being
pushed to restore the factory default settings.
Slow Blink
Green Firmware is corrupted. See “Checking Basic Router Functions” on page 28 for instructions on restoring your router firmware.
Off Power is not supplied to the router.
2. 2.4 GHz
Mode Solid AmberaThe unit is operating in Legacy G mode at 2.4 GHz (5 GHz Mode [item 3] is also on).
Solid GreenbThe unit is operating in 11n mode at 2.4 GHz
(5 GHz Mode [item 3] is off).
Blinking Amber/
Blinking Green Data is being communicated over a wireless network.
3. 5 GHz
Mode Solid BluecThe unit is operating in 11n mode at 5 GHz (2.4 GHz Mode [item 2] is also on, amber).
Off 11n mode at 5 GHz is off
(2.4 GHz Mode [item 2] is on, green).
Blinking Blue Data is being communicated over the wireless network.
4. Internet Off No Ethernet cable is connected to the modem.
Solid Amber The Ethernet cable connection to the modem has been detected.

Wireless Router Setup Manual
4 Getting to Know Your Wireless Router
Back Panel
The rear panel of the WNDR3300 router contains the items in the list that follows the figure.
Blinking Amber Initializing connection and obtaining an IP address.
Solid Green An IP address has been received; ready to transmit data.
Blinking Green Data is being transmitted and received.
5. LAN
(Ports 1–4) Solid Green The LAN port has detected a 100 Mbps link with an attached device.
Blinking Green Data is being transmitted at 100 Mbps.
Solid Amber The LAN port has detected a 10 Mbps link with an attached device.
Blinking Amber Data is being transmitted at 10 Mbps.
Off No link is detected on this port.
a. On amber (default setting) signifies a 5 GHz interference-free Wireless-N and legacy 2.4 GHz 802.11g network. NETGEAR
recommends this if you have Dual Band clients (Dual Band Wireless-N laptops, Dual Band Wireless-N adapters) and/or 802.11
b/g laptops to connect.
b. On green signifies a 2.4 GHz Wireless-N network. NETGEAR recommends this if you have only 2.4 GHz Wireless-N clients
(most adapters are 2.4 GHz, if not specified as Dual Band) AND/OR 802.11 b/g laptops to connect.
c. On blue signifies a 5 GHz interference-free network.
For more information on modes, see “Configuring Your Wireless Settings and
Security Options” on page 21, and the online User Manual, available on the
Resource CD.
Figure 3
Table 1. Status Light Descriptions (continued)
Item Function Activity Description
4
1
32

Wireless Router Setup Manual
Getting to Know Your Wireless Router 5
The back of the wireless router includes:
1. Four local (LAN) 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports for connecting the router to local computers
2. Internet (WAN) Ethernet port for connecting the router to a cable or DSL modem
3. Restore factory settings button
4. AC power adapter outlet
Top Panel
The top of the wireless router includes a dome that performs two functions:
1. Antenna display lights.The lights identify the activity of the eight internal antennas, flashing
to show which combination of antennas is receiving the strongest signals. These status lights
are off by default but can be turned on.
2. Push 'N' Connect (WPS). The dome acts as a push-button for the router to enable WPS
security with other WPS-enabled devices. Pushing on the dome for over 5 seconds opens a 2-
minute window for the router to connect with other WPS-enabled devices.
To use the WPS method to implement security, see “Using Push 'N' Connect (WPS) to
Configure Your Wireless Network” on page 23.
Figure 4
Before using these WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) push-button procedures, verify
that your device (a notebook, adapter, or other device) supports WPS.

Wireless Router Setup Manual
6 Getting to Know Your Wireless Router
To turn the antenna display lights on or off:
1. Push the dome for less than 2 seconds, then release. If lights are off, they will turn on.
2. Push the dome for less than 2 seconds, then release. If lights are on, they will turn off.
Router Label
View the label on the bottom of the wireless router to identify the serial number, port connectors,
status lights, and default login information.
Positioning Your Wireless Router
The wireless router lets you access your network from virtually anywhere within the operating
range of your wireless network. However, the operating distance or range of your wireless
connection can vary significantly depending on the physical placement of your router. For
example, the thickness and number of walls the wireless signal must pass through may limit the
range. For best results, place your router:
• Near the center of the area where your computers and other devices will operate, preferably
within line of sight to your wireless devices.
• Accessible to an AC power outlet and near Ethernet cables for wired computers.
• In an elevated location such as a high shelf, keeping the number of walls and ceilings between
the wireless router and your other devices to a minimum.
Figure 5

Wireless Router Setup Manual
Getting to Know Your Wireless Router 7
• Away from electrical devices which are potential sources of interference, such as ceiling fans,
home security systems, microwaves, or the base for a cordless phone.
• Away from any large metal surfaces, such as a solid metal door or aluminum studs. Large
expanses of other materials such as glass, insulated walls, fish tanks, mirrors, brick, and
concrete can also affect your wireless signal.
Installing Your Wireless Router
To help you set up your router and get on the Internet quickly, the Resource CD contains a Smart
Wizard™. The Smart Wizard walks you through the steps required to connect your router,
microfilters, and PC(s); configure your wireless settings; and enable wireless security for your
network. When you have finished, you will be Internet ready!
You can set up your wireless router using one of two methods:
•Smart Wizard Setup: The Smart Wizard setup is available on your Resource CD. See
“Installing Your Wireless Router Using Smart Wizard” on page 9 to use the Smart Wizard.
– This is the easiest option. The wizard guides you through the setup process. It automates
many of the steps and verifies that the steps have been successfully completed.
– Smart Wizard requires a PC running Microsoft Windows.
Failure to follow these guidelines can result in significant performance degradation
or an inability to wirelessly connect to the Internet.
If you have a Macintosh or Linux system, you need to use the manual installation
method (see “Installing Your Wireless Router Manually (Advanced, Mac, and
Linux Users)” on page 11).
Before running the Smart Wizard on a corporate PC to set up your home
router, check with your company’s network support staff. Corporate
network settings or Virtual Private Network (VPN) client software may
conflict with the default settings of a home router. If you are unsure about
whether there might be a conflict, use a different computer.

Wireless Router Setup Manual
8 Getting to Know Your Wireless Router
•Manual Setup: If you cannot or prefer not to use the Smart Wizard, see “Installing Your
Wireless Router Manually (Advanced, Mac, and Linux Users)” on page 11. For example, if
you are connecting to a Mac, are using a Linux operating system, or are technically
knowledgeable, select this option. If you choose to use this option and install your router
manually, for best results, install and set up your router in this order:
1. Install and connect your wireless router to your network (see “Connecting Your Wireless
Router” on page 11).
2. Set up your wireless router for Internet access (see “Setting Up Your Router for Internet
Access” on page 15).
3. Configure your wireless network and select wireless security settings to protect your
wireless network (see “Configuring Your Wireless Network for Internet Access” on
page 19).
Updating Your Router Firmware
NETGEAR is always improving the operability and features included with your router. To make it
easy for you to receive the best, most up-to-date features of your router, NETGEAR provides a
variety of methods for updating your product.
• The Smart Wizard installation assistant lets you check for and install updates as part of the
setup activity.
• The router includes an update feature that lets you check for and install updates. You must be
logged in to the router to use this feature (see the User Manual for details).
These options are discussed in “Accessing Your Router After Installation and Checking for New
Firmware” on page 19.

Installing Your Wireless Router Using Smart Wizard 9
Installing Your Wireless Router Using
Smart Wizard
Prepare the following before you set up your router make sure that:
• You have Internet service through your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
• You are using a PC with Windows Vista, Windows 2000, or Windows XP with Service Pack 2.
• Your PC has a wired Ethernet connection (not a wireless connection).
• For cable modem service, that you use the computer you first used to set up your Internet
service.
The NETGEAR Smart Wizard takes you through the procedure to connect your router and PC(s).
It then helps you to configure your wireless settings and enable wireless security for your network.
The Smart Wizard guides you through the setup and configuration process by automating many of
the steps. At each step in the setup process, the Smart Wizard checks to ensure that the steps you
perform are successfully completed.
The wizard setup process takes about 20 minutes to complete.
To set up your router using the Smart Wizard:
1. Insert the Resource CD into a Windows PC. The CD automatically starts and detects the
language that you are using on your PC. Accept the language option, or change to a different
language.
2. From the CD menu, click Setup to start the Smart Wizard.
3. When the Smart Wizard prompts you to Check for Firmware Updates, click Yes to check the
NETGEAR website for new router firmware; or check No to check for updates later (see
“Accessing Your Router After Installation and Checking for New Firmware” in Chapter 1).
4. Follow the instructions and prompts to complete the installation.
If the CD does not automatically start, browse the CD and double-click
Autorun.exe. Be sure to double-click the Autorun file that begins with an
uppercase A.

Wireless Router Setup Manual
10 Installing Your Wireless Router Using Smart Wizard
The Smart Wizard guides you through installing your router, connecting your router to the
Internet, configuring your wireless network settings, and selecting the optimum security
protection for your network. If you choose not to select a security option during installation,
you can always access the router’s user interface later to select a security option (see “Setting
Your SSID and Wireless Security Manually” on page 21 or “Using Push 'N' Connect (WPS) to
Configure Your Wireless Network” on page 23).
You are now connected to the Internet!
After connecting to the Internet, you can:
• Log in to the router and check for new firmware. Refer to the bottom label for the default login
information, or see the steps in “Accessing Your Router After Installation and Checking for
New Firmware” on page 19.
• Set up additional wireless computers in your network for Internet access (see “Configuring
Your Wireless Settings and Security Options” on page 21).
For advanced features not covered in this manual, see the User Manual on your Resource CD. A
link to the online User Manual also is available from the router interface.
To ensure optimum performance of your high-speed wireless router, the
wireless adapter card for each computer in your network should support the
same technology as your router (see the online User Manual for more
information).
The factory default state is restored when you use the restore factory settings button.
See “Restoring the Default Password and Configuration Settings” on page 40 for more
information about this feature.

Installing Your Wireless Router Manually (Advanced, Mac, and Linux Users) 11
Installing Your Wireless Router Manually
(Advanced, Mac, and Linux Users)
Before installing and connecting your router manually, review the list below and make sure that
you have all of the necessary information.
• Internet ADSL or cable modem service connection to an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
• The configuration information your ISP gave you. Depending on how your Internet account
was set up, you might need the following information to set up your wireless router and access
the Internet:
– Host and Domain Name
– Internet Login Name and Password (frequently an email address and password)
– Domain Name Server (DNS) Addresses
– Fixed or Static IP Address
Your ISP should have provided you with all the information needed to connect to the Internet.
If you cannot locate this information, ask your ISP.
If you have not already done so:
• Check the package contents of your router to ensure that it is complete (see “Unpacking Your
New Wireless Router” on page 1”).
• Select an optimum location for your wireless router after reviewing the guidelines presented in
“Positioning Your Wireless Router” on page 6.”
Connecting Your Wireless Router
Before you install your wireless router, make sure that the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Property
settings on your computer are set to “automatically obtain an IP address” using DHCP and “Obtain
DNS server address automatically.” You can check these settings by looking at the TCP/IP
Properties of your Internal Network Connections, which are accessible through the Control Panel

Wireless Router Setup Manual
12 Installing Your Wireless Router Manually (Advanced, Mac, and Linux Users)
of your computer. If you are unsure about this, refer to the documentation for your computer or see
the link to TCP/IP Addressing in “Related Documents” on page 41.
There are two steps to setting up your wireless router:
1. Connect the router to the ADSL or cable modem, and connect a computer to the router.
2. Configure the router to use your Internet service.
To connect your wireless router:
1. Connect the wireless router, the computer, and the modem.
a. Turn off your computer.
b. Turn off and unplug the cable or ADSL broadband modem.
c. Locate the Ethernet cable (1) that connects your computer to the modem.
2. Disconnect the cable at the modem (2). You will connect it to the router later.
3. Locate the Ethernet cable that came with the NETGEAR product. Securely insert that Ethernet
cable into your modem and into the Internet port of the wireless router (3).
If you are replacing an existing router, disconnect it completely from your network
and set it aside before starting to install your new router.
Figure 6
1
2

Wireless Router Setup Manual
Installing Your Wireless Router Manually (Advanced, Mac, and Linux Users) 13
4. Locate the cable you removed from the modem in step 2. Securely insert that cable (4) into a
LAN port on the router such as LAN port 1.
Your network cables are connected, and you are ready to start your network. It is important that
you start your network in the correct sequence.
To start your network in the correct sequence.
1. First, plug in and turn on the cable or DSL modem. Wait 2 minutes.
Figure 7
Figure 8
Failure to start or restart your network in the correct sequence could prevent you
from accessing the Internet.
3
4

Wireless Router Setup Manual
14 Installing Your Wireless Router Manually (Advanced, Mac, and Linux Users)
2. Now, plug the power cord into your wireless router and into a power outlet. Wait 1 minute.
3. Last, turn on your computer. It might take several minutes for your router to establish a
connection with your computer and your Internet provider.
Verifying Your Connection
Verify that your router is connected correctly by checking the wireless router status lights (as
illustrated in Figure 9.
Check the wireless router status lights to verify the following:
•Power. The Power light (1) should turn solid green. If it does not, see “Checking Basic Router
Functions” on page 28.
•Operating Mode. The 2.4 GHz N/G-Band light (2) should be on; the 5.0 GHz N-Band light
(3) should be off.
•Internet. The Internet port light (4) should be lit. If it is not, make sure that the Ethernet cable
is securely attached to the wireless router Internet port and that the modem, and that the
modem is powered on.
For DSL customers, if software logs you in to the Internet, do not run that
software. You might need to go to the Internet Explorer Tools menu, select
Internet Options, and then click the Connections tab, where you can select
Never dial a connection.
Figure 9

Wireless Router Setup Manual
Installing Your Wireless Router Manually (Advanced, Mac, and Linux Users) 15
•LAN. A LAN light (5) should be lit. Green indicates that your computer is communicating at
100 Mbps; amber indicates 10 Mbps. 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.
Setting Up Your Router for Internet Access
When configuring your wireless router manually, you must log in to your wireless router to set it
up initially and to make any changes to your wireless router’s settings later.
To access your router:
1. Connect to the wireless router by typing http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field of
your browser, and then press Enter.
The factory default state is reset when you use the Restore Factory Settings button.
See “Restoring the Default Password and Configuration Settings” on page 40 for
more information.
Figure 10
Connect to the wireless router by typing any one of these three URLs in the address
field of your browser, then pressing Enter:
• http://www.routerlogin.net
• http://www.routerlogin.com
• http://192.168.1.1

Wireless Router Setup Manual
16 Installing Your Wireless Router Manually (Advanced, Mac, and Linux Users)
A login window such as the one in the following figure opens:
2. 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 lowercase
letters.
The Firmware Upgrade Assistant screen will display.
3. Click Yes to check for new firmware (recommended). The router will automatically check the
NETGEAR database for a new firmware image file. If no new firmware version is available,
the message “No New Firmware Version Available” will display. (If you select “No”, you can
check for new firmware later; see the online User Manual).
4. If new firmware is available, click Yes, and the router will automatically upgrade itself with
the latest firmware.
Figure 11
The router user name and password are not the same as any other user name or
password you might use to log in to your Internet connection.
Do not try to go online, turn off the router, shut down the computer, or do anything
else to the router until the router finishes restarting and the Ready light has stopped
blinking for several seconds!