Access a Router
Setting up a router is the key step in preparing your home network. The router’s configuration pages can be a daunting amount of information to take in, but follow this guide to get your router up and running quickly and painlessly.
Contents
Steps
Connect the Router
- Connect the router to the modem. The router sends the modem’s internet connection to any computer connected to its network. Ensure that both the modem and the router have their power cables plugged in. Plug one end of a network cable into your modem. Plug the other end into the port on your router labeled "Internet," "WAN," or "WLAN." The labels will vary depending on the type of router you have.
- Install the software. Depending on the router brand and model, you may or may not receive software to install on the computer. This software is typically an interface to connect to the router and adjust the settings, though it is not required.
- Connect your computer to the router. You can do this either through an Ethernet cable or over Wi-Fi. If this is your first time setting the router up, then connect your computer via Ethernet so that you can configure the wireless network.
- Typically, the Ethernet ports on the Router are labeled 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. but any port not labeled "WAN," "WLAN," or "Internet" will work. Connect the other end of the cable to the Ethernet port on your computer.
Accessing the Router
- Open the web browser on your computer. In the address bar, type in the address of your router and hit "Enter." This will give you access to the router's settings. The address of your router will depend on the brand of router you have. Common brands and their default address include:
- Linksys - http://192.168.1.1
- 3Com - http://192.168.1.1
- D-Link - http://192.168.0.1
- Belkin - http://192.168.2.1
- Netgear - http://192.168.0.1.
- Micromax - http://192.168.10.1.
- Find the address through other means. Sometimes the router will have the default address and default password printed on the router. Check the labels for reference. If your router’s IP address cannot be found, search for your router's address on the Internet by visiting the "Support" section on the router manufacturer's website.
- If none of these options work, your router may have been configured by someone else to use a custom IP address. Press and hold the Reset button on your router to restore it to factory defaults. All settings and configurations will be erased. The Reset button is usually recessed and needs to be pushed using a paper clip.
- Input the default username and password for your router. You will be asked for this in a pop-up window after you enter the router address. You can find this in the router's product documentation. Generally, the default username is "admin" and the default password is either "admin" or "password."
- If the user name or password has been changed from the default and you don’t have access to it, you can reset the settings using the Reset button on the router.
Configure Your Router's Settings
- Configure your internet connection. Most routers will automatically detect your internet settings from the modem’s connection. Adjusting any internet related settings, such as DHCP or DNS, without specific instructions from your telecom company may result in the loss of connection.
- Set up the wireless network. If you have a Wi-Fi enable router, you can setup a Wireless network with that can be accessed by other Wi-Fi enabled devices. Open the Wireless section of the router’s configuration screen. This is usually listed under Basic Setup, or Wireless Settings.
- Locate the input box labeled "SSID." This is the name of your network and what people see when they attempt to connect to a network. Name your SSID something unique so that you'll recognize the network when you need to connect. Make sure the box labeled “Enable SSID Broadcast” is checked in order to broadcast the signal.
- Most settings, such as Channel and Mode can be left at defaults unless you are troubleshooting specific issues.
- Secure your wireless network. Most modern routers support multiple kinds of wireless encryption. Use WPA or WPA2 to ensure that your network key will remain uncrackable. Pick a combination of letters and numbers to make the password strong. Users will need to enter this password on their devices or computers when connecting wirelessly to the network.
- Assign your router a new username and password. You will use this the next time you access the router. The default name and password for your router is very unsecure, as anyone that is connected to your network can easily enter the settings and compromise the security of your network.
