* image from amazon.com

I purchased the Netgear Wireless-N Router WNR2000 (currently no listed price at amazon.com) to replace a Wireless-G that was starting to wear out. It was easy to install, easy to configure, and our home network was up and running in less than 30 minutes.

Here’s the first important learning – don’t use the software-based setup wizard to configure the router. If you’re at all familiar with setting these things up you will go MUCH faster by using the “standard” web-based method. The software is kludgy and can too easily error out with no associated troubleshooting.

Here’s the quick start method:
1. Unpack the router, it’s a nice small form-factor in this model and sits vertically with the associated stand. The only downside to vertical use is that the weight of the ethernet cables can pull/tilt the router backwards if you have it up on a high shelf. I moved it down a shelf and the ethernet cables go more straight in and it works just fine. Optionally, lay it on its side and you’re good to go.

2. Plug it in, attach the included internet cable to your cable/dsl modem, or to your main switch if you have something like fibre to the house. Plug in your computer (you can set it to dhcp or static: for those that are comfortable, set it static to something like 192.168.1.100 for the duration of setup just to make it easier). Open a web browser and connect to the router on http://192.168.1.1/ to begin your setup. Remember to change the administrative password from the default before you end your config.

3. Set up your WAN/LAN/Wireless settings for your network. If you’re replacing an old router, just set this new one up the same way. If you’re starting brand new then you’ll need to set it up according to the type of internet access you have (DHCP/static/etc.) Set up your wireless with a unique SSID and don’t forget to set security. This router supports WEP/WPA/WPA2 like most other routers so you have plenty to choose from. Just a note – if you’re going to be using a repeater you can not currently use WPA security (according to their website).

4. Set up your wireless clients with the new security method (if you went with new vs. replicating old). You can also play around with some of the wireless performance settings on the router, especially if you have legacy devices that are still on 802.11b or 802.11g. This router supports those plus the new 802.11n so you have full backward compatibility.

One thing I really like about this router (besides the great price) – is the power button. No more do you have to unplug it to reset it, you can just reach around and press the power button that is right next to the internet port. This is pretty handy.

There are FOUR wired ports on this device – so if you have more than four wired systems you’ll need to have another switch/access point attached, but most homes won’t have that many systems.

This router also features the “Push-N-Connect” to easily add new wireless devices to your network at the push of a button (instead of manual configuration of passwords). I didn’t have any WPS devices, so I configured manually.

All-in-all it’s a great router, and the only reasons I gave it FOUR stars instead of FIVE is that the ethernet wired plugs are too close together, and since I have many systems plugged into them, the cables all bunch together. However, for a router of this size (which is nice), you just have to deal with some of that form-factor design. The second reason is that there is no ability to add an external antennae. I haven’t noticed performance issues with internal, but I really like having an external one that can “reach” around corners if necessary.

Enjoy your new router – the performance is tops!