Installing a router is the first step in building a secure home network, but how do you go about choosing the right one? And once you have purchased the router, how do you go about mounting it? Follow this guide to be able to set up the right router for a secure wireless (Wi-Fi) network.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Installing the Router
Step 1. Purchase a wireless router
There are several factors that determine which router is best suited to your needs. These include: interference, distance, transfer speed and safety.
- One of the most important factors to consider when buying a router is its distance from the devices it will connect to wirelessly. More expensive devices generally have more antennas, which can lead to a more stable connection over longer distances.
- Another factor to consider is the amount of signal interference. If you have multiple devices operating on the 2.4 GHz band, such as microwave ovens and cordless phones, they can interfere with the Wi-Fi signal. Newer routers can operate on the 5 GHz band, which is much less crowded and therefore less prone to interference. The drawback is that 5 GHz signals don't travel as far as 2.4 GHz ones.
- Transfer speed is an important feature to consider. Newer routers claim to be able to transfer data up to 450 Mbps. This can be useful when moving data between two computers on the network, but it will not increase the overall Internet speed, which is set by the ISP. There are three main speeds for routers: 802.11 g (54 Mbps), 802.11 n (300 Mbps), and 802.11 ac (450 Mbps). It is important to note that these speeds are virtually impossible to achieve in any environment other than an empty room free of signal interference.
- Finally, make sure the router you're buying uses the latest form of wireless encryption, WPA2. This is standard on all new routers, but it is something to consider if you are considering buying an old, second-hand router. Older encryption algorithms are much less secure - a WEP key can be cracked in minutes.
Step 2. Connect the router to the modem
Once you have purchased the router, you need to connect it to the modem. The router will have a port on the back labeled WAN / WLAN / Internet. Connect this port to the modem using a standard Ethernet cable.
Make sure the router is properly powered and turned on
Step 3. Connect a computer via Ethernet cable
This step is not always necessary, but it can be very useful if you want to set up your wireless router before using any Wi-Fi device. Connecting a computer via a physical cable will allow you to experiment with wireless settings without losing the connection to the router.
For optimal efficiency when setting up your router, place it next to your computer while you adjust its settings. After completing the router setup, you can move it to where it will normally stay
Method 2 of 3: Configuring the Router
Step 1. Install the router software
Not all routers come with software to install, but if yours does, you'll need to install it on a computer that's connected to the router via an Ethernet cable. Using the supplied software to set up a router is much more convenient than going to the Setup menu.
- Using the software, designate the name of the wireless network and the type of security you want to use. Choose WPA2 for a more secure network. Choose a password and continue.
- Usually the router software automatically detects the Internet settings. This is the information the router needs to convert your internet connection and transfer it to all your wirelessly connected devices.
Step 2. Open the router configuration page
If the router was not sold with any installation software, you will need to connect to the router configuration page via a web browser. Open the browser of your choice and enter the router's web address - typically it's 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Consult the documentation that came with your router to find the exact address.
You will be asked for a username and password to continue configuring the router. This data is also provided in the router documentation. Typical defaults are Username: admin and Password: password or admin. You can search for specific access information for your router model at PortFoward.com
Step 3. Enter your internet connection information, including your internet service provider's IP address and DNS information
Most routers will fill in this section automatically. If not, contact your ISP to find out what information you need to enter.
Step 4. Change the Wireless Settings
Most routers will have a Wireless Settings section at the top of the router menu. From this section, you can enable or disable the wireless signal, change the network name, and set encryption.
- To set the network name, select the SSID field. This is the name that will be displayed on any device that detects the network. If you live in an area with a lot of public traffic, avoid putting any identifiable information in the SSID, because anyone with a wireless device can see it.
- Make sure you set the encryption to the latest version allowed by your router. In most cases, it will be WPA2, which works with just one password. You can choose it as you want. The most secure passwords contain uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.
Step 5. Apply the settings
Click the Apply or Save Changes button in the router configuration after changing the settings. The router will take a moment for the new settings to take effect.
Step 6. Choose a location for the router
In order to get the best possible signal, place the router in a central location. Keep in mind that any obstacles such as walls and doors degrade the signal. If you have multiple floors in your home, you can consider several routers to make sure you have full coverage.
Remember that it must be physically connected to the modem, so this can limit your choices when placing the router
Method 3 of 3: Connect to the Router
Step 1. Connect a device to the network
Once the router is broadcasting a wireless signal, you can verify the connection by scanning for wireless networks using a Wi-Fi device which could be another computer, smartphone, tablet, etc.
Scan for new networks. In Windows, click the network icon in the system tray in the lower right corner of the desktop. Select Connect to a Network and search for your SSID. On a Mac, click the AirPort icon in the menu bar, which looks like 3 curved lines. Select the SSID from the list of available networks
Step 2. Enter your password
If WPA2 encryption is enabled, you will need to enter the password to connect to the network. If you are using a private computer, on some systems you will be able to disable hidden characters and see the password in clear text while you are entering it.
Step 3. Test the connection
Once you are connected to the network, wait a few moments for an IP address to be assigned to you. Open a web browser and try to connect to a website you don't normally visit (this way you won't load the website from the cache).
