How to Set Up a Wireless Broadband Router

Routers are the backbone of a wireless network.

Wireless broadband routers are the backbone of many home or office networks. The router is the device that takes the Internet signal from the broadband modem and distributes it over the network. Many of today's wireless broadband routers deliver an array of services with pre-installed wireless security features, printer sharing capability and the capacity to connect multiple computers to the Internet. Fortunately, router setup is straightforward and can be completed in a few steps.

Things You'll Need

• Internet service connection
• Broadband modem
• Computer with wireless capability
• Networking cable

Instructions

1. Disconnect any devices from the broadband DSL or cable modem and turn off the modem. Be sure to remove any networking or USB cables plugged into the modem's Internet or Ethernet ports. Remove the power source from the modem if necessary.

2. Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on the body of the broadband modem. Insert the other end of the cable into one of the ports labeled "Internet," "WLAN" or "WAN" on the back of the router. Turn your modem on and wait for it to connect to the Internet before turning on the wireless router.

3. Connect an Ethernet cable from one of the ports on the computer to one of the "Internet" Ethernet ports found on the rear of the router. Take the setup CD included with the router and insert it into the disc drive.

4. Configure the connection and the security settings for the router in the Setup Wizard that will appear once the computer reads the CD. Enter the desired name or SSID for the router's network and set the WEP or WPA password that will be required to access the network. Set an administrative password for the wireless router to control the security settings and other features. Make note of these passwords and the SSID and save them in a secure place for safe keeping in case you forget them. Save the changes for the router and exit the setup wizard.

5. Disconnect the networking cable from the computer to the router. The Wireless broadband router is now set up and can deliver Internet connection to any wireless-capable computer in range.

References

• Microsoft At Home Magazine: 4 steps to set up your home wireless network