As more and more devices are able to connect to wireless networks, setting up a wireless router has become a crucial point for any home network. Enabling Wi-Fi in your home requires only a broadband Internet connection, a computer, a modem, and a wireless router. You can learn how to set up the router using the instructions presented in this article.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Connect the Hardware
Step 1. Purchase a wireless router
There are routers available in all shapes and sizes. Compare their features to find the right router for you. If you need to cover a lot of area or have a lot of walls in your home, you will need a router that offers the option of a high-gain antenna - if not supplied in the box. If more than one wireless device connects at the same time at different speeds, a MiMo type router is recommended, otherwise it will lower the speed for all devices supported at that time.
All modern routers must support the 802.11n (or Wireless-N) standard. This is the most stable, offers the fastest speeds, and is backward compatible with older standards such as 802.11g
Step 2. Connect the router to the modem
Wireless routers and routers allow you to share a broadband Internet connection with multiple devices. To do this, you need to connect the broadband modem to the router. For best results, place the router close to the modem.
- Connect the router and modem with an Ethernet cable. Most routers come packaged with a short Ethernet cable that you can use for this purpose.
- Connect the modem to the WAN / Internet port on your router. It is usually offset and can be a different color from the LAN ports.
Step 3. Connect any desired device with CAT 5 (or better) Ethernet cables
If there are computers or a game console or TV nearby, you can connect them to the router via Ethernet. This will result in a more stable and faster connection and will not require any additional configuration.
Step 4. Connect at least one computer via Ethernet
You will need at least one computer connected via an Ethernet cable in order to adjust the router settings. You can unplug the computer later if you want to connect it wirelessly.
Part 2 of 4: Connect the Router to a Broadband Internet Provider
Step 1. When you turn on the router, it will only create its wi-fi network and the device will be connected to this router's wi-fi connection, not to the Internet
In order to connect the router to the Internet, with some providers it is necessary to register the MAC address of the router on the provider's website.
The MAC address of the router can be found printed on the router itself or in its accompanying documents
Step 2. Visit the internet service provider's website
Log in with the username and password provided by your internet service provider and go to the update MAC address option. There you should see their MAC address for laptops and computers. Add the MAC address of the router and save it. This process indicates that the router is authorized to use the internet connection provided by the broadband company.
Part 3 of 4: Configure the Router
Step 1. Find the IP address of the router
If this is a new installation or a new router, it determines the default IP address which can be printed on a label attached to the router or in the documentation. If you can't find the router's IP address anywhere, you can do a web search on the router model to see what the default address is.
- IP addresses are formatted as four groups of up to three digits, separated by periods.
- Most of the default IP addresses are 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.2.1.
Step 2. Open a web browser on the computer that is connected to the router
Enter the router's IP address in the address bar and press ENTER. The browser will attempt to connect to the router's configuration menu.
If your router came with an installation disc, you can run the setup program from it instead. It will perform many of the same functions
Step 3. Enter your username and password
To access the configuration page, you will need to be at the router's IP address and enter a valid username and password at the prompt. Most routers have a basic account setting that you will need to use to log in. This varies from model to model, but should be printed on the router or in the documentation.
- The most typical username is "admin";
- The most typical passwords are "admin" and "password";
- Many routers will only require a blank username and password, and some will allow you to leave all fields blank.
- If you can't figure out the correct IP address, username or password, do an online search on your router model to see what the default login account is. If it has been changed, press the Reset button on the back of the router for 10 seconds (or even up to 30 seconds or more, as dictated by the instructions for your router model) to restore factory settings and try again.
Step 4. Open the Wireless settings
When you log into your router, you will be taken to the main menu or router status screen. There will be several options to choose from. The Internet section can usually be left at the default settings, unless you have received specific instructions from the Internet service provider. The Wireless section will allow you to set up the wireless network.
Step 5. Enter a name for the wireless network
In the Wireless section, you should see a field labeled SSID or Name. Enter a unique name for the wireless network. This is what other devices will see when they scan for networks.
Check the box to enable SSID broadcast. This will essentially "turn on" the wireless network which can be easily seen by anyone in the range of the signal. * See the Tips section for more information on SSID setting
Step 6. Choose a security method
Choose from the list of available security options. For optimal security, choose WPA2-PSK as the encryption method. This is the hardest security key to crack and will offer you more protection against hackers and intruders.
Step 7. Create a passphrase
Once you have chosen your security method, enter a passphrase for the network. This should be a difficult password, with a combination of letters, numbers and symbols. Don't use any passwords that could be easily deduced from your network name or from knowing you.
Step 8. Save your settings
Once you are done naming and securing your wireless network, click the Apply or Save button. The changes will be applied to the router; it may take a few moments. Once the router has finished resetting, the wireless network will be activated.
Step 9. Change the router username and password from the default
After you've set up your network, you should change the username and password you use to log into the router. This will help you protect your router from unauthorized modifications. You can make these changes in the Administration section of the router configuration menu.
Step 10. Block sites
If you want to prevent devices that are connected to your network from accessing certain websites, you can use the built-in blocking tools to restrict access to them. You can find them in the Security / Lockout section of the router.
It is usually possible to block specific domain names or by keywords
Part 4 of 4: Connecting the other Devices
Step 1. Connect a computer, tablet or smartphone to the wireless network
Scan for the wireless network with the SSID you provided above. You should see the new network from any device that supports wireless networks, as long as you stay within range of the router. Select it and you will be prompted for the passphrase.
Step 2. Enter your wireless password
After entering the passphrase, the device will automatically connect to the wireless network. The network will be saved in the memory of your devices and will connect automatically whenever you are within range of the router.
For detailed instructions on how to select and join a wireless network for your specific computer, tablet or smartphone, follow a specific guide
Step 3. Connect the other devices
In addition to other computers and tablets, you can connect various devices, such as printers, game consoles, TVs and more. Check out the following guides to learn how to:
- Install a printer
- Connect a PlayStation to a wireless network
- Connect an Xbox to the wireless network
- Connect a Nintendo Wii to a wireless network
- Connect an Apple TV to the wireless network
Advice
- If you got a second-hand wireless router, from a friend or at a store, be sure to reset it to factory settings before installation. It may try to configure your wireless network based on the previous system. Find the reset button on the router and press it for 30 seconds with a pin or pencil.
- For added security, consider not broadcasting the SSID or Name of your network. By disabling it, the person will not only have to understand the passphrase, but will have to determine the SSID first. It is a further cause of annoyance for those who want to illegally enter your network: they could also make a mistake and enter someone else's network. Of course, this means it will be a bit more difficult to set up; if you have set all your devices with SSID transmission, go back and turn them off. Everything will reconnect from memory.
