How to Set Up Wireless Routers

With the wide availability of quality wireless routers that produce high-speed Internet performance, more and more households are creating their own home wireless networks. Using a wireless router enables computers throughout your house to be connected to the Internet all the time, without the need for complicated cables. By adjusting just a few configuration settings on your router, you can quickly create a unique WiFi network within your home. Although the process may seem intimidating, you can easily setup your new wireless router in just a few steps.

Instructions

1. Connect your cable or DSL modem to your wireless router. Plug the Ethernet cable from your modem into the port at the back of your router that is labeled either WAN, WLAN or Internet.

2. Turn on your wireless router and wait until you see the WLAN or WAN light flash on. This may take a minute or two.

3. Plug one end of the Ethernet cable that came with your router into one of the open ports on the back of your router. Plug the other end of the cable into the Ethernet jack on your computer.

4. Open your computer's web browser. In the address field, enter the IP address of your wireless router. This information should be supplied in your router user manual. If you do not have your manual or cannot find this information, enter "192.168.1.1" which is the default IP address for most routers.

5. Enter the username and password to access your router's settings. This information should also be in your wireless router's user manual. If you cannot find this information, go to the Router Passwords website and select your wireless router's brand and model number. The site lists the default log in information for almost all wireless routers.

6. Configure your router to set up your wireless Internet network. First setup your SSID, which will be the identifying name of your new WiFi network. Select a name that is unique and different from your neighbors. Create and set a WEP or WPA password that is strong enough to protect your network. You will need this password to log on to your wireless network. Finally, create an administrative password that you can use to log in to your router anytime you need to change its settings in the future. Click "OK" or "Apply" to save your configurations and finish setting up your wireless router.

7. You can now disconnect the Ethernet cable between your computer and your wireless router. Your computer's WiFi card should now detect your wireless network by displaying the SSID you setup in your router.

Tips & Warnings

• It is highly recommended that you use the Ethernet cable anytime you adjust your router's settings. This is a precaution in case you accidentally break your router's wireless settings. With an Ethernet cable, you will still be able to connect to your router's configuration page.

Resources

• Router Passwords website