Netgear Router Setup Without Modem – Complete Setup Guide

I’ve had people asking me how to perform a Netgear router setup without modem.

I’ve, therefore, prepared this comprehensive guide to help you figure out the process as well.

My router is a Netgear N300, but I’ve always helped my family and friends set up various models, including older ones like the WGR614GR.

To do the Netgear router setup without a modem, you need to temporarily disconnect your router from the power source and LAN cables. You then power it back on and connect it to your computer using a Cat 5e LAN cable. Next, log in to Netgear’s web interface and apply a few settings.

That’s just a quick highlight, and I’ll now take you through the detailed steps.

Let’s get started.

Step-by-Step Guide for Netgear Router Setup Without Modem

While some people make the process sound a little bit complex, you don’t need any special technical knowledge to do it.

It’s actually fast and simple if you follow the correct steps, which are pretty much the same for various router models.

Here’s how to setup Netgear router without a modem:

Step #1: Power Off the Router Temporarily

Disconnect your router’s power supply and LAN cables if you’ve hooked them up already.

If you have a backup battery installed, disconnect it as well. Wait for 3 minutes, then carefully reconnect the power supply.

Next, insert a Cat 5e ethernet cable into your computer’s LAN port.

Fix the other end of the ethernet cable into one of the LAN ports of your router. You can use any of the LAN ports numbered 1,2,3,4.

While you don’t need a modem, we’ll use the ADSL cable that should’ve gone into it. Carefully insert the ADSL cable into the internet port on your router. It’s the one written WAN.

Tip: Wait for around 5 minutes for the router to be connected successfully to your computer.

Step #2: Enter 192.168.1.1 in Your Browser URL Field

Open your web browser and type in the router’s default gateway IP address in the URL field. This is usually 192.168.1.1.

I’ve also tried 192.168.0.1, and it works just as well. Press Enter, then you’ll be redirected to your router’s login portal.

Step #3: Enter the Credentials on the Login Page

Once you’re on the login page, type “admin” in the SSID field (without the quotation marks). Type “password” in the password field.

Press Enter, then it will direct you to the main settings dashboard for your Netgear router.

Note: The login page will be very sensitive to the credentials you enter at this point. If your ISP (Internet Service Provider) provided different login details, please use those.

Step #4: Click on “Setup Wizard” on the Main Settings Page

Once you’ve landed on the main settings page, click “Setup Wizard” on the left-hand side menu. The Wizard automatically determines your connection type and tells you the appropriate application setting.

I strongly advise that you follow the instructions carefully. Check the DHCP box if the Setup Wizard asks for your preferred connection type.

Your Netgear router will then get an automatic IP address from the server. Follow the next instructions to finish up the connection process.

Step #5: Click WPA2 Encryption & Create a Password

Go to security settings once the Wizard has helped you establish a connection.

Choose WPA2 encryption and create a strong Wi-Fi password you’ll remember.

I highly recommend you choose a password that’s at least 8 characters long. It should also be a nice combo of special characters, numbers, uppercase, and lowercase letters. Just don’t make it complicated.

Click “Log in,” and you’re all done. You’ve successfully set up your Netgear router without a modem, and you can close the window.

Step #6: Do a Factory Reset if You Can’t Log In

It gets frustrating when you can’t log in straight away, but don’t worry. A factory reset will bring the router back to its default settings.

Please note, however, that all your unique router settings and configurations will be lost.

You’ll have to feed in the following afresh wherever applicable:

• Admin username
• Admin password
• Wi-Fi password
• Wi-Fi network name (SSID)

Moreover, a factory reset forces you to reconfigure all security settings. 

Here’s how to restore your Netgear router to default:

1. Ensure the power light on the router is on.
2. Locate the Reset button at the back of the router. It’s inside a small notch.
3. Press the Reset button using a straightened paper clip and hold it for 10 seconds.
4. Let go of the reset button when the lights start blinking.
5. You’ve now reset your router.

Tip: You can also restore your router’s default settings without the hard factory reset. Ensure the computer you’re using is connected to the same network as your router.

Reset the Router Through the Configuration Page

Here’s how to reset the router through the configuration page:

1. Open the Netgear web interface in your web browser by typing www.routerlogin.com in the URL field.
2. Click “Advanced” at the top of the page.
3. Select the “Maintenance” option in the left-hand menu.
4. Select “Backup settings” in the new menu.
5. Click Erase under the heading “Revert to factory default settings.” That’s at the right of the screen.

That’s it – you’ve just initiated the reset procedure. Please note that the login and network settings have also returned to default.

So, when prompted to log in, use the default credentials as I explained before (“admin” and “password”).

Update Your Firmware after Resetting the Router

Here’s what to do after performing the factory reset on your Netgear router:

1. Open the Netgear web interface as I explained in Step #2 above.
2. Log in with the default credentials, which are:
3. Username: admin
4. Password: password
5. Click “Advanced” on the main settings page.
6. Select Router Update > Check.
7. Click on “Yes” to update the firmware if the option is available.

How to Fix the Common Netgear Login Problems

Curiously, you may still be unable to access the Netgear login page after a factory reset on your router.

These are the main causes of the problem and how to solve them:

1. Incorrect URL

To get to the Netgear login page, enter any of these web addresses in the URL field:

• www.routerlogin.com
• www.routerlogin.net

Next, enter the default login credentials and press Enter. But if you’ve recently changed your admin password and haven’t done a factory reset, the default credentials won’t work.

2. Slow Browser

If you’re still getting an error after entering the correct URL, you need to clear your browser cache and cookie data.

You can also try a different browser like Mozilla Firefox if you’re using Google Chrome.

Tip: Notably, you may not access the Netgear login page if you’re connected to multiple networks. 

Connect strictly to the Netgear router and disconnect it from other networks and VPNs.

Perform Other Important Checks

While you may have connected the ADSL cable to the WAN port on your router, it may fail to give you internet access.

These are the quick checks to fix that:

1. Disable the software firewalls.
2. Change the settings on parental control apps since they can prevent you from accessing the Netgear login page.
3. Clear the cookies and cache data from your browser since there may be improper settings. Alternatively, try using a different browser.

Thus, for the Netgear Router setup without modem, briefly disconnect the router from the power source and LAN cables. Reconnect the power supply and connect the router to your computer. Enter 192.168.1.1 in your browser URL and log in.

Read Next: Why Is Netgear WiFi Extender Not Showing Up?

Final Thoughts

I hope you can now quickly set up your Netgear router without a modem.

If you’ve tried all the tips I’ve explained, but nothing happens, contact Netgear’s Customer Support for more professional assistance.

You can call the Router Helpline Number or use the Live Chat feature on their website. That goes for all queries regarding password reset, connection issues, etc.