How to Install A Wireless Router

Setting up wireless security on your router is crucial for safe wireless use.

Most devices come with the ability to be connected wirelessly, which makes having a wireless network at home all the more important for many computer users. In order to have a wireless network at home, a wireless router must first be installed as the router carries the wireless signal that the devices receive. Installing a wireless router requires the use of two Ethernet cables, a cable modem and a straight forward configuration process through the router administration control panel.

Things You'll Need

• Two Ethernet cables

Instructions

1. Turn off your computer by clicking "Start," then "Shutdown." Unplug your cable modem.

2. Connect one end of the Ethernet cable from the Internet port on your wireless router to the cable port on your cable modem.

3. Connect one end of the second Ethernet cable from port one on the router to the Ethernet port on the back or side of your computer.

4. Plug the cable modem's power adapter back in. Plug one end of the router's power adapter into the router, and the other end into the wall, then wait a few minutes.

5. Turn on your computer, then open your Web browser.

6. Consult your router's user manual to find out the address for your router's admin control panel. This is necessary in order to successfully install the router. The address is usually 192.168.1.1.

7. Enter the username and password for the admin control panel. The username is usually admin or is simply kept blank, while the password is usually admin or password. Consult your router's manual if none of these work.

8. Click the "Setup" tab. Type in a name for your router next to "Router Name:." Click the "Wireless" tab. Type in a name for your wireless network next to "Wireless Network Name (SSID)." Click the "Wireless Security" tab. Select the "Security Mode" for your wireless router. It is recommended to select WPA2 or WPA as these are the most secure modes of wireless connection.

9. Type in a password for your wireless network. The password should be between six to eight characters in length, and should include a mixture of letters, numbers and symbols.

10. Click "Save Settings" to complete the process of installing a wireless router. Wireless devices can connect to the wireless network by entering the password you just set.

References

• Columbia: Linksys WRT54G Setup