How to Use a Network Router

A router serves many purposes within the typical network. It allows all of the computers on the network to communicate with each other, in order to transfer files, share printers, and perform other tasks. A network router also allows a single Internet connection to be shared among multiple computers. Finally, it protects the local network from others on the internet that may have nefarious purposes in mind. Fortunately, today’s network routers have become much easier to use, even for those that are reasonably new to networking.

Things You'll Need

• Network router
• Router's manual
• Ethernet cables

Instructions

1. Connect the network router to the computers and the Internet connection. There are typically a group of five or more Ethernet ports on the rear of the router. One port, which is separated from the others, is known as the WAN port, or wide area network port. Connect an Ethernet cable from this port to the broadband internet modem. Then plug each networked computer into one of the remaining Ethernet ports. If the router is of the wireless variety, any computers that have wireless adapters do not need to be connected with an Ethernet cable. Power up the router.

2. Consult the router’s user manual to learn how to access its online configuration application. Typically, a web address such as "http://192.168.1.1" is typed into the address bar of the router from the web browser on an Ethernet-connected computer. The numerical part of the address should be replaced with the router’s default IP address. The router will then ask for the default administrator name and password. Enter this information as directed in the manual. A page with a group of settings will appear. A series of tabs or links will allow you to change pages and find additional settings. The names of the tabs, and what is contained within each, will vary from router to router, but it should be relatively easy to find the settings that will need to be changed.

3. Configure how the computers on the network will be addressed. This can usually be done from the main page. Either static or dynamic addressing can be chosen. Dynamic addressing is easier to set up, and allows additional computers to be added to the network without having to configure the router. With dynamic addressing, you can typically leave the default settings. If static addressing is chosen, you will have to choose a different IP address for each computer. Static IP addressing, however, is more reliable because a particular computer’s address never changes, which makes it easier to configure certain applications that rely on IP addresses.

4. Enable the firewall, if desired, by selecting the security tab. A firewall protects the network from attacks originating on the Internet. While each computer should have its own firewall installed, enabling the router’s firewall will add an extra layer of protection. In most cases, the default options for the firewall will be sufficient.

5. Set up port forwarding, also known as network address translation (NAT), if you have games, peer-to-peer software, or any other applications that need less-restricted access to the internet. The tab should be marked “Port Forwarding” or “NAT.” You will need to know the IP address of the machine to which the port will be forwarded, and you will need to know the port to open, as well as the communication protocol that it will use. Consult the application’s documentation for this information.

6. Configure the wireless settings, if the router is of the wireless variety. You will need to set the SSID network name, the wireless radio channel, and you should also enable wireless encryption to protect your network.

7. Change the default administrator name and password of the router. This will make it harder for intruders to gain control of the router. There are many other minor settings that can be adjusted in the network router, and they vary from brand to brand and model to model. Refer to the router’s documentation for more information on specific settings.