How to Use Dual Lines for a NETGEAR Router

The 5GHz band offers more speed but has a shorter range.
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Dual-band routers have two different wireless radios and allow simultaneous connections over both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. The maximum transfer speed on the 2.4GHz band is 145Mbps, while the transfer speed on the 5GHz band can go up to 450Mbps. When you enable both bands on your Netgear router, two separate Wi-Fi networks are created. The default name for the 2.4GHz band network is "NETGEAR," while the 5GHz band is labeled "NETGEAR-5G." You can secure each network by using one of the router's wireless security options.

Ensure the Netgear router is turned on and connected to your computer via an Ethernet cable.

Navigate to the "Router Login" page (link in Resources) or to 192.168.1.1 to access the router's Web-based interface.

Type your username and password into the "User Name" and "Password" fields. The default username is "admin" and the default password is "password."

Click "Wireless Settings" or "Wireless" in the Setup section to navigate to the "Wireless Settings" page and then select your region from the "Region" drop-down box. Use "Europe" if you live outside the United States.

Check the "Enable SSID Broadcast" box in the "Wireless Network (2.4GHz b/g/n)" section and then type a name for the 2.4GHz band into the "Name (SSID)" field.

Select "Auto" from the "Channel" drop-down box and choose the maximum speed from the "Mode" drop-down box. For the 2.4GHz band, the maximum speed is usually "Up to 145Mbps."

Choose a security mode from the "Security Options" section and then type a password into the "Passphrase" field.

Check the "Enable SSID Broadcast" radio button in the "Wireless Network (5GHz a/n)" section and then rename the wireless network, choose the highest speed from the "Mode" box, choose a security mode, and set a password for the network.

Type "Apply" to save and apply the new settings. The two networks will appear shortly on your Wi-Fi enabled devices. You can connect to any network using the correct password.

  • The passwords for the two networks can be different.
  • To log out of the Web interface, click the "Log Out" link.
  • If you changed your router's username and password and can't remember them, you need to reset the device. You can find instructions on how to reset your router in the documentation that came with the device.

Nick Peers has been writing technology-related articles since 2003. His articles have appeared in dozens of technical publications, including MSN UK, CNET, BBC Who Do You Think You Are, LifeHacker UK and TechRadar. He holds a Masters in information technology degree from the University of East London.

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