User's Manual

Chapter 3. Wireless Settings | 25
N750 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router WNDR4300 User Manual
Wireless Security Compatibility
A wireless client is the wireless device or computer that will connect to your router. Most PCs
and laptops come with a wireless adapter installed, but if it is outdated or slow, you can
purchase a new wireless USB adapter to plug into a USB port. Make sure the wireless
adapter in each client in your wireless network supports WPA or WPA2 wireless security.
Note: If you connect devices to your router using WPS as described in
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) Method on page 26, those devices
assume the security settings of the router.
Security Basics
Unlike wired network data, wireless data transmissions extend beyond your walls and can be
received by any device with a compatible wireless adapter (radio). For this reason, it is very
important to use the security features available to you. Your router has the security features
described here and in Chapter 4, Content Filtering Settings.
• Wireless security options
• Turn off wireless connectivity
• Disable SSID broadcast
• Restrict access by MAC address
Wireless Security Options
A security option is the type of security protocol applied to your wireless network. The
security protocol encrypts data transmissions and ensures that only trusted devices receive
authorization to connect to your network. There are several types of encryption. WPA2 is the
latest and most secure, and is recommended if your equipment supports it. WPA has several
options including pre-shared key (PSK) encryption and 802.1x encryption for enterprises.
Note that it is also possible to use your router without wireless security. NETGEAR does not
recommend this. You can view or change the wireless security options in the Wireless
Settings screen. See Wireless Settings Screen on page 28.
Turn Off Wireless Connectivity
You can turn off the wireless connectivity of the router by pressing the Wireless On/Off button
on its front panel
. For example, if you use your laptop to wirelessly connect to your router
and you take a business trip, you can turn off the wireless portion of the router while you are
traveling. Other members of your household who use computers connected to the router
through Ethernet cables can still use the router.