This tutorial will walk you through using the Netgear smart wizard software to set up your wireless adapter for WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) and WPA (Wireless Protected Access) encryption.
Prerequisites:
- This tutorial applies to older models of Netgear wireless adapters that make use of the smart wizard software. Newer version of adapter models uses Netgear Genie Well, the troubleshooting principles are similar, but click-by-click instructions are different.
- This tutorial assumes that you have already run an adapter installation process using the installation CD. This will have installed the Genie or Smart Wizard software on your laptop or computer. If you haven’t installed the software or do not have the installation CD, then you can download the correct software for your adapter model from Netgear smart genie setup page and install it manually.
- Windows 7 will install software automatically for some Netgear wireless adapters and requires no installation CD.
Note: Ask us for Netgear support by dialing a toll-free number 1-888-829-5515.
Symptoms
- Unable to connect to the internet.
- Cannot setup wireless security.
- Issues in Netgear router setup process using smart wizard software utility
Configure your Netgear wireless adapter using Netgear smart setup wizard:
The easiest way to connect a Netgear wireless adapter to an existing WiFi network is to use the smart wizard software utility. It has come along with your wireless adapter. The simplest procedure to configure, install, and set up smart setup a wizard will be different based on the type of WEP or WPA (wireless security) you are using. Below are some instructions on how to configure and set up the Netgear wireless adapter.
Using the Netgear smart wizard software utility:
Configuring the Smart Wizard for Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) Encryption:
- Click on Start.
- Go to All programs.
- Look for Netgear wireless adapter folder.
- Select Netgear smart wizard.
- Netgear smart wizard wireless utility will appear.
- Click on Networks Tab.
- Select the SSID that you want to connect.
- Hit the connect button once done.
- Now, on the Settings tab, click WEP under the Security option.
- Select the Enter key (manually) once done.
Important Note: If your network key consists of 8-10 characters, then you are supposed to set it to 64 Bits. If your network key consists of 25-26 characters, then set it to 128 Bits.
- Type the 10 or 26 Hexadecimal (characters) keys into the space provided.
- After that, into the profiles field, assign a unique name to help you remember this wireless network setting.
- Click on save profile once done.
- Hit on Apply to validate the entire settings.
Once you are connected wirelessly, go to the About tab and check for 192.168.1.1 (Netgear router default IP address).
Configuring Smart Wizard for Wireless Protected Access (WPA) Encryption:
- Click on Start.
- Navigate to All Programs.
- Search for Netgear wireless adapter folder and select Netgear smart wizard.
- On your desktop screen, Netgear smart wizard wireless utility will appear.
- Hit on Networks Tab. After a few minutes, it will automatically scan for the available and active networks within your range.
- Select the network name (SSID) you wish to extend and connect. Once done, hit the Connect button.
- Select WPA under the Security option, on the Settings tab.
- Type the WPA password (passphrase) inside the empty field situated next to WPA drop-down menu.
- Now, assign a name to help you in remembering this wireless network setting.
- Click on Save Profile and then click apply to finalize the settings.
- At last, go to the About tab and check for a valid IP address.
Note: 192.168.1.250 would be the default IP address for your Netgear wireless range extender that will be helping you in routerlogin.net in future.
Also, make sure that the latest version of Netgear Firmware is updated on your router as well as the range extender.
