NETGEAR WNR2200 - N300 Wireless Router User guide

July 2010
208-10641-01
v1.0
NETGEAR, Inc.
350 E. Plumeria Drive
San Jose, CA 95134 USA
N300 Wireless Router
WNR2200 Setup Manual

2
Trademarks
NETGEAR and the NETGEAR logo are registered trademarks, and Smart Wizard 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.

Contents iii
Contents
N300 Wireless Router WNR2200 Setup Manual
Getting to Know Your Wireless Router................................................................................1
Unpacking Your New N300 Wireless Router .....................................................................1
Hardware Features ............................................................................................................2
Front Panel ..................................................................................................................3
Back Panel ..................................................................................................................5
Router Label ................................................................................................................5
Positioning Your Wireless Router ......................................................................................6
Installing Your N300 Wireless Router ................................................................................6
Updating Your Router Firmware ........................................................................................7
Installing Your Wireless Router Using
Smart Wizard...........................................................................................................................9
Installing Your Wireless Router Manually (Advanced and Linux Users)........................11
Connecting Your N300 Wireless Router ..........................................................................11
Verifying Your Connection ...............................................................................................14
Setting Up Your Router for Internet Access ....................................................................15
Configuring Your Wireless Network...................................................................................19
Accessing Your Router After Installation and Checking for New Firmware .....................19
Configuring Your Wireless Settings and Security Options ..............................................20
Setting Your SSID and Wireless Security Manually ..................................................20
Using Push 'N' Connect (WPS) to Configure Your Wireless Network .......................22
Testing Basic Wireless Connectivity ................................................................................23
Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................27
Basic Setup Checklist ......................................................................................................27
Checking Basic Router Functions ...................................................................................28
Troubleshooting Login Problems .....................................................................................30

Contents iv
Checking the Internet Service Connection ......................................................................31
Obtaining an Internet IP Address ..............................................................................31
Troubleshooting PPPoE ............................................................................................32
Troubleshooting Internet Browsing ...........................................................................33
Troubleshooting Connectivity Using the Ping Utility ........................................................33
Testing the Path from a PC to Your Router ..............................................................33
Testing the Path from a PC to the Internet ................................................................34
Technical Specifications.....................................................................................................37
Default Configuration Settings .........................................................................................37
Restoring the Default Password and Configuration Settings ...........................................40
Related Documents .............................................................................................................41
Registration and Certifications...........................................................................................43

Getting to Know Your Wireless Router 1
Getting to Know Your Wireless Router
Congratulations on your purchase of the NETGEAR® N300 Wireless Router WNR2200.
Before you begin installing your router, check the package contents (see “Unpacking Your New
N300 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 N300 Wireless Router
The product package should contain the following items:
• The N300 wireless router
• A slide-on stand for your N300 wireless router
• An AC power adapter (varies by region)
• A yellow Ethernet cable
• A stand for the N300 wireless router
• NETGEAR Installation Guide
• The Resource CD, which includes:
– The Smart Wizard™ Installation Assistant (Autorun.exe)
– A PDF version of this manual
– A link to the online User Manual
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.

Getting to Know Your Wireless Router 2
To prepare your router for installation:
1. Carefully remove the protective film from the top of your router.
2. Set up your N300 wireless router by aligning the arrow on the base with the arrow on the back
of the case, and sliding the router onto the base.
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
Reset
Factory
Settings
button

Getting to Know Your Wireless Router 3
Front Panel
The front panel has seven status lights that you can use to monitor and verify various conditions.
There are also two switch buttons on the right (or at the top if the router is in its stand). The status
lights are described in Table 1, and the switch buttons in Table 2.
Figure 2
Table 1. Status Light Descriptions
Item Function Activity Description
1. Power/Test Solid Amber The unit is starting up after being powered on.
Solid Green The unit startup has completed; the unit is ready.
Off Power is not supplied to the router.
2. Internet Off No Ethernet cable is connected to the modem.
Solid Amber The Ethernet cable connection to the modem has been detected.
Solid Green An IP address has been received; ready to transmit data.
3. LAN
(Ports 1–4) Solid Green The LAN port has detected a 100 Mbps link with an attached device.
Solid Amber The LAN port has detected a 10 Mbps link with an attached device.
Off No link is detected on this port.
4. USB Off No USB device is connected, or the “Safely Remove Hardware”
button has been pressed and it is now safe to remove the attached
USB device.
Solid Green The USB device has been accepted by the Router and is ready to be
used.
123456

Getting to Know Your Wireless Router 4
The WLAN and WPS switch buttons toggle the WLAN and WPS functions on and off.
Back Panel
The rear panel of the WNR2200 router contains the items in the list that follows the figure.
The back of the N300 wireless router includes:
1. A USB 2.0 port (backward compatible to USB 1.0/1.1) for attaching a USB storage device
2. Four local (LAN) 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports for connecting the router to local computers.
3. An Internet (WAN) 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port for connecting the router to a cable or DSL
modem.
Table 2. Switch Button Descriptions
Item Function Activity Description
5. WLAN
On/Off On Pressing the wireless LAN button turns on the 2.4 GHz wireless radio, indicated by light below the wireless LAN being lit.
Off The 2.4 GHz wireless radio is off, and its LED is turned off.
6. WPS
On/Off On The WPS function is turned on, indicated by the light below the WPS button being lit.
Before turning on the WPS button, be sure that the WLAN button is
on. If the wireless radio is off, the WPS will not work.
Off The WPS function is turned off.
For more information on modes, see “Configuring Your Wireless Settings and
Security Options” on page 20, and the online Reference Manual, available on the
Resource CD.
Figure 3
12345

Getting to Know Your Wireless Router 5
4. An AC power adapter outlet.
5. A Power On/Off button.
Router Label
View the label on the bottom of the N300 wireless router to identify the security PIN, serial
number, port connectors, status lights, and default login information.
Positioning Your Wireless Router
The N300 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 N300 wireless router and your other devices to a minimum.
• 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.
Figure 4

Getting to Know Your Wireless Router 6
• 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 N300 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 and
PC(s); configure your internet settings; 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 N300 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.
•Manual Setup: If you cannot or prefer not to use the Smart Wizard, see “Installing Your
Wireless Router Manually (Advanced and Linux Users)” on page 11. For example, if you 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:
Failure to follow these guidelines can result in significant performance degradation
or an inability to wirelessly connect to the Internet.
If you have a Linux system, you need to use the manual installation method (see
“Installing Your Wireless Router Manually (Advanced 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.

Getting to Know Your Wireless Router 7
1. Install and connect your wireless router to your network (see “Connecting Your N300
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” 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 Reference Manual for details).
These options are discussed in “Installing Your Wireless Router Manually (Advanced and Linux
Users)” on page 11.

Installing Your Wireless Router Using Smart Wizard 9
Installing Your Wireless Router Using
Smart Wizard
Prepare the following before you set up your router, making sure that:
• You are using a computer with either a Mac operating system or a Windows operating system
(Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows 2000, or Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or above).
• You have an Internet service connection through an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
• 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. To start the Smart Wizard:
• For Windows users,
– Insert the Resource CD into your PC. The CD will automatically start and detect the
language you are using on your PC. Select a different language option, if you prefer.
– In the CD’s menu, click Setup to start the Smart Wizard.
•For Mac users, double-click the MacWizard program.
2. 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” on page 19).
If the CD does not automatically start, browse the CD and double-click
on .

Installing Your Wireless Router Using Smart Wizard 10
3. Follow the instructions and prompts to complete the installation.
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 20 or “Using Push 'N' Connect (WPS) to
Configure Your Wireless Network” on page 22).
At the close of installation:
•For Windows users, the Smart Wizard places a Router_Setup.html file on your
computer’s desktop so that you can view the router settings. It also places the Router
Login shortcut on the desktop for you to access the router’s main menu.
•For Mac users, the Smart Wizard places a Router_Setup.pdf file on your desktop.
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 20).
For advanced features not covered in this manual, see the Reference Manual on your Resource CD.
A link to the online Reference 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 and Linux Users) 11
Installing Your Wireless Router Manually
(Advanced 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 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 N300 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, contact 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 N300 Wireless Router” on page 1”).
• Select an optimum location for your N300 wireless router after reviewing the guidelines
presented in “Positioning Your Wireless Router” on page 6.”
Connecting Your N300 Wireless Router
Before you install your N300 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

Installing Your Wireless Router Manually (Advanced and Linux Users) 12
Control Panel 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 N300 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 N300 wireless router:
1. Connect the N300 wireless router, the computer, and the modem.
a. Turn off your computer.
b. Turn off and unplug the cable or ADSL broadband modem. If your modem has a backup
battery, remove it as well.
c. Locate the Ethernet cable (1) that connects your computer to the modem.
2. Disconnect the cable from 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 N300 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 5
1
2

Installing Your Wireless Router Manually (Advanced 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.
Figure 6
Figure 7
Failure to start or restart your network in the correct sequence could prevent you
from accessing the Internet.
3
4

Installing Your Wireless Router Manually (Advanced and Linux Users) 14
1. First, plug in and turn on the cable or DSL modem (if your modem has a backup battery, plug
it back in). Wait 2 minutes.
2. Now, plug the power cord into your N300 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 8.
Check the N300 wireless router status lights to verify the following:
•Power/Test. The Power light (4) should turn solid green. If it does not, see “Checking Basic
Router Functions” on page 28.
•Internet. The Internet port light (2) should be lit. If it is not, make sure that the Ethernet cable
is securely attached to the N300 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 8
1
23456

Installing Your Wireless Router Manually (Advanced and Linux Users) 15
•LAN. At least one LAN light (1) 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.
•USB. The USB light (3) should be lit if a USB device is connected and ready to be used.
•WLAN On/Off. The Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) button (5) turns the wireless
function on and off.
•WPS. The WPS button (6) turns the WPS function on and off. Be sure the WLAN button is
turned on before turning on the WPS button.
Setting Up Your Router for Internet Access
When configuring your wireless router manually, you must log in to your N300 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 N300 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 9
Connect to the N300 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

Installing Your Wireless Router Manually (Advanced and Linux Users) 16
A login window such as the one in the following figure displays:
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.
3. A greeting message displays reminding you to use the Firmware Upgrade periodically, and to
take advantage of the Wireless-N feature of the router. Click the Close Window button.
The Router Upgrade screen will display, asking you to check for a new version of the
firmware.
4. Click Check 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).
Figure 10
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.

Installing Your Wireless Router Manually (Advanced and Linux Users) 17
5. If new firmware is available, click Yes, and the router will automatically upgrade itself with
the latest firmware.
6. From the main menu, select Setup Wizard. The Setup Wizard screen displays.
7. Select No to set up the connection yourself. Click Next and the Basic Settings screen will
display. Enter the required information for your ISP connection in the appropriate fields. If
you need assistance, follow the Basic Settings Help screens on the router interface or see the
online User Manual for this N300 wireless router.
8. Click Apply to save your settings and complete your connection.
You are now connected to the Internet! The N300 wireless router home page will display.
To complete your router setup and to configure your wireless network, see “Accessing Your
Router After Installation and Checking for New Firmware” on page 19 and “Configuring Your
Wireless Settings and Security Options” on page 20.
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 turned
solid green for several seconds!
Figure 11
If you cannot connect to the wireless router, check the Internet Protocol
(TCP/IP) properties in the Network Connections section of your Control
Panel. It should be set to obtain both IP and DNS server addresses
automatically. For assistance, see your computer documentation or see the
links in “Related Documents” on page 41.