How to Set Up a Linksys Modem
Linksys, a division of computer networking giant Cisco Systems, has produced a wide array of wireless networking gear that is highly rated by users and tech professionals alike. In addition to the LAN-only products it is best known for, Linksys also produces of modems with both DSL and cable capabilities that work best when connected to a Linksys wireless router. You will immediately notice that a Linksys modem is plug-and-play ready, directly out of the box.
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Things You'll Need
- Broadband Internet service (DSL or cable)
- Coaxial cable
- RJ-11 phone cable
- RJ-45 Ethernet cable
- Linksys wireless router
Instructions
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Images 1, 2: Linksys, Image 3: Microsoft, Image 4: Chris Capelle, Images 5, 6, 7: MorgueFile.com
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Connect the modem to your Internet connection. Cable subscribers will use a standard coaxial cable to attach to a cable jack, while DSL subscribers will connect to the DSL-enabled phone jack using a standard RJ-11 phone cable. Plug the modem into a surge protector and give it 45 seconds to boot up. Then connect your Linksys router to the modem using an RJ-45 Ethernet cable. One of the cable goes into the RJ-45 jack on the back of the modem, the other into the WAN port on the back of the router.
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2
Connect your computer directly to one of the router's numbered ports, using an RJ-45 Ethernet cable. Launch a Web browser and enter 192.168.1.1 in the address bar to access the setup page. Enter "admin" for the user name and "admin" for the password when prompted.
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Change the default user name and password from "admin" to a more secure one, and reset the time zone setting to reflect your current time zone. Give your router a name that will allow you to recognize it on the network, and if your router has wireless capabilities, change the wireless name from the default "Linksys" to something that is easily identified, as several wireless networks may be visible at any time. Click on "Save Settings" when you have finished configuring these settings.
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Secure your wireless network by creating a password that will keep outsiders out of it. Open the "Wireless" tab and select "Wireless Security" to enter your password. Using a combination of small and capital letters, numbers and punctuation will provide a more-than-adequate password. Again, save your changes by clicking on "Save Settings" before exiting the browser.
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Open the PPPoE link on the configuration page of the router if you're a DSL user. Enter your user name and password in the appropriate fields. If you are unsure of them, check the documentation that your ISP has sent you, or call the support line. Different DSL providers have different requirements for the user name; some require the entire "master" email address, while others simply use the first part of the address as the user name. Enable "Dynamic PPPoE," as this is the setting that most DSL services require.
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Contact your cable company by telephone to register your new Linksys modem. The way cable providers are able to authenticate which accounts are authorized to us the service is by the Mac number on the bottom or back of the modem. Make sure your modem is within reach when you make this call. The tech support rep will have to ping the modem, and then configure the settings on your account at his end in order for the service to recognize the Linksys modem.
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Tips & Warnings
Pressing the "Reset" button on the back of unit for 45 seconds will reset it to the original factory defaults.
Don't bother using the USB option to connect to the modem, since you will be using a router.
Forget about using the installation CD; all the settings you need to change are configured using a Web browser.
Losing admin and/or wireless passwords will result in having to reset the unit and go through the setup process from the beginning.
Protect your Linksys by plugging it into a surge protector.
