Setup WiFi on the Netgear VMDG490

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Setup Router Staff
(Last Updated: ) | Reading Time: 3 minutes

The Netgear VMDG490 router is considered a wireless router because it offers WiFi connectivity. WiFi, or simply wireless, allows you to connect various devices to your router, such as wireless printers, smart televisions, and WiFi enabled smartphones.

Other Netgear VMDG490 Guides

This is the wifi guide for the Netgear VMDG490. We also have the following guides for the same router:

WiFi Terms

Before we get started there is a little bit of background info that you should be familiar with.

Wireless Name

Your wireless network needs to have a name to uniquely identify it from other wireless networks. If you are not sure what this means we have a guide explaining what a wireless name is that you can read for more information.

Wireless Password

An important part of securing your wireless network is choosing a strong password.

Wireless Channel

Picking a WiFi channel is not always a simple task. Be sure to read about WiFi channels before making the choice.

Encryption

You should almost definitely pick WPA2 for your networks encryption. If you are unsure, be sure to read our WEP vs WPA guide first.

Login To The Netgear VMDG490

To get started configuring the Netgear VMDG490 WiFi settings you need to login to your router. If you are already logged in you can skip this step.

To login to the Netgear VMDG490, follow our Netgear VMDG490 Login Guide.

Find the WiFi Settings on the Netgear VMDG490

If you followed our login guide above then you should see this screen.

router setup
This is the setup page from your Netgear VMDG490 router.

To change your wireless settings, click the option in the center of the page labeled WiFi.

Change the WiFi Settings on the Netgear VMDG490

wifi wireless
This is the wifi setup page from your Netgear VMDG490 router.

You should now see a page like the one above.

If you plan on using Wireless Band 2.4GHz be sure to fill out the left side of the page under 2.4 GHz Wireless Security. If you are using Wireless Band 5GHz fill out the right side of the page under 5GHz Wireless Security.

  • The Security Mode: Use the drop down menu provided to choose the type of security you want to use. We recommend picking WPA2-PSK[AES]. Learn more about this and the other options available on our WEP vs. WPA page.
  • The SSID: This is how you recognize which network is yours. Name this anything you like, but avoid personal information. Learn more on our Change your Wireless Name guide.
  • The Passphrase or Security Key: Finally, this is the Internet password. The password should be at least 10 characters in length. Learn more on our Creating a Strong Password page.

When you are finished be sure to click the black Save Settings button to save your changes.

Possible Problems when Changing your WiFi Settings

After making these changes to your router you will almost definitely have to reconnect any previously connected devices. This is usually done at the device itself and not at your computer.

Other Netgear VMDG490 Info

Don't forget about our other Netgear VMDG490 info that you might be interested in.

This is the wifi guide for the Netgear VMDG490. We also have the following guides for the same router: