How to Set up a Linksys Wireless Router

I'll Take you through the process of setting up your own wireless network step by step. Specifically for the ever so popular Linksys WRT54G.

For recommendations on wireless devices find my article "How to chose a wireless network adapter" or "How to chose a wireless router"

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Router and Power Cable. (This tutorial is specifically for the Linksys WRT54G)
• Ethernet Cable. (CAT5 or CAT6)
• Computer with Wireless Network Card and Ethernet Jack

1. 
    
   Unplug the Cable or DSL Modem

   (Skip steps 1-6 if you are not connecting your Linksys router to an internet connection such as a cable or DSL modem.)
   
   Power off your cable or DSL modem by un-plugging the power cable form the back of the cable or DSL modem. (The small black cord with a round connector.)

2. 
    
   Connect Ethernet cable to Cable or DSL modem and wireless router.

   Attach an Ethernet Cable to an open Ethernet port on the modem we just powered off.
   
   *Also connect the cable to the Ethernet port on the wireless router that says "WAN."
   This stands for Wide Area Network, the network we are setting up in your home or office is a LAN or Local Area Network.

3. Reconnect the power cord to the cable modem that we unplugged in step 1 and wait 60 seconds while the modem powers back up.
   
   *Unless you have a static IP Address; During this time the cable modem will be synchronizing with your ISP or internet service provider, acquiring an IP (internet protocol) address Via DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) as well as acquiring information about which DNS (Dynamic Name Service) servers to use that translate names like ehow.com to an internet protocol address.

4. Congratulations! You now have a functional wireless network in your home.
   
   
   
   There are a few RARE exceptions where having an unsecured network makes sense, for that reason securing your network is a separate ehow.

Tips & Warnings

• Secure your wireless router!
• If it stops working at some point just reset the router by unplugging it, and plugging it back in.
• If you live in a densely populated area, and want to maintain your privacy, you need to secure your wireless router.
• If you don't secure your network your are asking for trouble.
• If you live in a densely populated area, and want to maintain your privacy, you need to secure your wireless router.

Resources

• RocCity Services