Enabling encryption dg834g - NetGear DG834G Router

How do I secure my wireless router? A general guide

To set up wireless router security, there are four main steps, which are the same for most routers. These are:

1) Login to your router, using a wired connection
2) Change the router login password
3) Change the network name (SSID)
4) Enable WPA encryption.

This is a very general guide, which will use the Netgear DG834G wireless router as an example. As every router is different, you will need your user manual to get the most out of this tip. (If you need help with finding a manual, see ‘How To Find a Router Manual’).

Here are the details:

1) Login to your router, using a wired (Ethernet) connection.
Make sure you have a cabled connection to your router. Then open a web browser, and type the router’s IP address into the address bar. For example, this is http://192.168.0.1 for the Netgear DG834G (Note, there is no ‘www’).

Enter username and password at the prompt.

Netgear DG834G: the defaults are username: admin and password: password (or, for UK Sky users - username: admin and password: sky). Other routers – common usernames are admin or blank: common passwords are admin, password, 1234, or blank.

If you log in successfully, you should then see the router configuration screen.

2) Change the router login password.
To change the router password, find a menu option such as Setup, Tools, Administration, Basic Settings, Management, or Utilities. On the Netgear DG834G – this option is under Maintenance > Set Password.

Set and confirm a new login password. Click ‘Save/Apply’ when finished.

Tip: Write the router login password on a label, and stick it to the router.

3) Change the SSID (network name):
The SSID or Network Name is the name you see when you are looking for an ‘available wireless network’.

To access this setting, find a menu option such as Wireless, Wireless Security, Security, or perhaps Advanced Settings. For the Netgear DG834: the Network Name/ SSID option is under Setup > Wireless Settings.

Change the SSID from the default, to anything you like. It is case sensitive, and you can use up to 32 letters – but do not use something that could identify you, or your location. Click ‘Save’ or ‘Apply’ when finished.

4) Enable WPA encryption
Find the Wireless Security or Wireless Encryption Options section - often in the same section as the SSID (eg for Netgear – it’s still in Wireless Settings).

You may have a number of encryption options. Select WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK (good choices to start with).

You then need to enter a network key. The box to enter this may be labelled Network Key: it may also be labelled WPA-PSK, WPA Shared Key, PSK, Security key, Passphrase, Pre-shared key, Authentication key . On the Netgear DG834Gv3 it is labelled ‘Network Key’.

The network key should be a long password, or passphrase, between 8 and 63 letters/numbers long. This can be any series of letters/ numbers, or you can use a phrase with numbers - eg, 451ThisisGooDFunforgEeks7899. It is case sensitive. (If you think your connection is likely to be hacked, pick a very strong network key.)


Note down your network key carefully. You will need this to connect wirelessly. Click ‘Apply/Save’ when finished.

That's it - you have done enough to secure your network, and can close the screen.

There are further security options to enable if you wish, but these three are the most important.

When you next connect wirelessly, you should see your wireless router with its new name in the 'available wireless networks'. When you attempt to connect, you are asked for the network key you set in Step 4. If all goes well, you can then save this and will connect automatically in future.

If you get stuck with any of this, consult your manual, or post on Fixya. Good luck with securing your router.


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A word about WPS: WPS is a shortcut method to help you implement security on a wireless router. Consult your user manual if your router is WPS enabled, and you prefer to use WPS.

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All information is offered as is, without warranty. If you choose to use it, it is entirely at your own risk. Thanks to all Fixya contributors who helped with this tip. Advice and links current at time of writing. Written by ‘eecom’, Jan 2009.