Connecting a router to a modem allows you to extend internet access to multiple devices in your home, while offering an extra layer of security against hackers and bad guys. A router and a modem can be installed correctly using two Ethernet cables, a coaxial cable, and the appropriate power cables. This article explains how to properly connect a router to a network modem.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Connect a Router to a Modem
Step 1. Connect the internet line cable to the appropriate wall socket
If the internet connection is via cable or fiber optic, first you will need to connect a coaxial cable to the socket in the house where the external internet line arrives. If you have an ADSL modem, you will need to connect a twisted pair to the wall socket where the telephone line of the internet connection arrives.
Step 2. Now connect the internet line cable to the modem
Connect the other end of the coaxial cable or twisted pair to the corresponding port on the modem. In this way, the device will have access to the web.
Step 3. Plug in the modem's power cord
Locate the modem's power port and connect it to the supplied cable.
Step 4. Now, plug the power cord or power adapter into a power outlet
This way, the modem will be powered up and can be put into operation.
Step 5. Turn on the modem
If your device does not turn on automatically after plugging it into the mains, locate the power button and tap it to turn it on.
Step 6. Connect an Ethernet cable to the modem's "Ethernet" port
This port is used to connect other devices to the modem.
Step 7. Connect the other end of the network cable to the router
You will need to connect the Ethernet cable coming from the modem to the port labeled "WAN", "Internet" or similar. It is most likely located next to the four "LAN" ports on the network device.
Step 8. Plug in the router's power cord
Locate the power port on the device and connect it to the appropriate cable.
Step 9. Now plug the power cord or power adapter into a power outlet
Most likely, the router will turn on automatically. Wait a few minutes for it to complete the boot process and be fully functional.
Step 10. Connect an Ethernet cable to the router
Insert one of the network cable connectors into one of the ports labeled "LAN" on the device.
Step 11. Now connect the other end of the network cable to your computer's RJ-45 port
The computer's network port is usually located along the sides of the case (in the case of a laptop) or in the back of the case (in the case of a desktop).
Step 12. Verify that the lights on the modem and router are on
In this case, it means that both devices are functioning and connected correctly. The color and the way the lights come on vary depending on the model of router and modem you have. Consult the instruction manual or the manufacturer's website for more information.
Step 13. Launch an internet browser
If you've made the connections correctly, you should be able to browse the web without any problems using your computer's browser.
Step 14. Type the router's IP address into the browser address bar
You will be redirected to the device's web configuration page. The router's default IP address varies depending on the make and model of the device. Consult the manufacturer's user manual or website to find out what your network router's default IP address is.
Popular IP addresses include "192.168.0.1", "192.168.1.1" and "10.0.0.1"
Step 15. Log in using the default username and password
In order to access the router's web interface, you will need to log in using the default credentials. Again, consult your device manufacturer's instruction manual or website to get this information.
Step 16. Update the router firmware
When you install a new router, it is very likely that the operating system (in this case called firmware) needs to be updated. Locate the section or option of the device configuration web page from which you can update, then click on the appropriate button. The precise procedure to follow to perform this step varies depending on the model of router you have.
Through the router's web interface you can also change other device settings, for example enable port forwarding, control device access to the web, block certain sites or content, etc
Part 2 of 3: Configure the Wi-Fi Network
Step 1. Launch your computer browser
If the modem and router are connected correctly, you should be able to browse the web using your computer's browser.
Step 2. Type the IP address of the router into the address bar of the browser
You will be redirected to the device's web configuration page. The router's default IP address varies depending on the make and model of the device. Consult the manufacturer's user manual or website to find out what your network router's default IP address is.
Popular IP addresses include "192.168.0.1", "192.168.1.1" and "10.0.0.1"
Step 3. Log in using the default username and password
In order to access the router's web interface, you will need to log in using the default credentials. Again, consult your device manufacturer's instruction manual or website to get this information.
Normally, the default username and password are "admin" and "password"
Step 4. Locate the section of the router configuration page for Wi-Fi connection settings
The appearance of a router's web interface varies by make and model. Find the section about your router's wireless settings. It may be located in the "System", "Settings", "Configuration" tab or have a similar name.
Step 5. Name your Wi-Fi network
Find the SSID field within the router's web interface, then type in the name you want to assign to the wireless network managed by the device.
Step 6. Select the "WPA / WPA2" security protocol
This is the safest data encryption algorithm for managing data security within a Wi-Fi network.
Step 7. Create a password to access the wireless network
Type in the text field labeled "key", "wireless key" or "pass key". This is the password that you will have to enter in all the devices that will have to connect to the Wi-Fi network managed by your router.
- A strong, hard-to-crack password consists of at least 8 characters that are a combination of letters, numbers and symbols.
- Make sure you choose a password that you can easily share with guests who will ask you for access to your home Wi-Fi network. For this reason, it is essential not to use the same password you use to protect access to another personal account (e-mail, social network, etc.).
Step 8. Save the new device configuration settings
Find the button or link to be able to save the new router configuration. Again, the appearance and location of the item under consideration will vary based on the make and model of the device.
Part 3 of 3: Troubleshooting
Step 1. Try disconnecting the modem from the mains for 15 seconds
If your internet connection suddenly stops working, try unplugging the modem's power cord for a few seconds and then plugging it back in. By doing this, you will force restart the device which will reset itself and establish a new connection to the network. After about 15 seconds, reconnect the modem to the mains and wait a couple of minutes to give the device time to complete the start-up procedure.
Step 2. Try restarting both the modem and the network router
If your internet connection is having trouble, try restarting both devices under test. This simple step may solve the problem by ensuring you have a stable and secure connection to the web.
- Turn off your computer and unplug the modem from the mains.
- Unplug the router from the power supply. At this point, check that both the devices network cables and the internet line cable are firmly connected to their respective device ports.
- Reconnect the modem to the mains, then perform the same operation with the network router.
- Wait about a couple of minutes and turn on the computer as well. At this point, you should be able to browse the web without any problem.
Step 3. Try using different connection cables
This step is useful for identifying faulty components when your internet connection has a problem. In most cases, a faulty connection cable is the cause of the problem.
Step 4. Check if there is a telephone network or fiber optic fault in the area where you live
If you are unable to access the internet, contact the customer service of your network connection operator. In some cases, the service may be temporarily interrupted due to a breakdown or extraordinary maintenance. In this scenario, the operator who will answer your phone will be able to provide you with information and timing related to the restoration of the connection.
Step 5. Check that the network modem is compatible with the router
If you are unable to establish a connection between the modem and the router, contact your internet line manager to find out if the modem is compatible with your router. Some modems provided directly by ISPs may be outdated or incompatible with the router you have chosen to use.
Step 6. Check if the modem needs a specific configuration
If you are unable to connect to the internet correctly, contact the support of your line manager to check if the modem you have been provided needs special configuration. In some cases, the Ethernet port of the modem that you will use to connect the device to the router must be previously configured for it to work correctly.
