How to Use Linksys

Ethernet cables plugged into a router

Linksys routers are an easy and affordable way to create and manage your home network. Using a Linksys router, you can share your broadband Internet connection with other computers in your home, both wired and wireless. Hooking up the router is not difficult and settings can be easily managed through a web-based interface.

Things You'll Need

• Ethernet cables

Instructions

Router Set-Up

1. Remove the router from its packaging. Connect the power cable to the back of the router, and plug it into an electrical socket.

2. Plug the ethernet cable into the back of your cable or DSL modem. Plug the other end into the "Internet" port on the back of your Linksys router. This will connect your router to the Internet. Power on the router.

3. Connect an ethernet cable to one of the ethernet ports on the back of the router. Plug the other end of the cable into an ethernet port on your computer.

4. Reboot your computer. You should now be able to access the Internet via the wired connection that you just set up.

Router Management

1. Open a web browser and enter 192.168.1.1 into the address bar.

2. Enter "admin" as both the user name and password. This will take you into the router management console.

3. Change the password to something more secure by clicking on "Administration." Type your new password into the box and click "Save Settings."

4. Set up your wireless network (if you are using a wireless router) by clicking on the tab marked "Wireless." Give your wireless network a name, and choose whether or not you want others to be able to detect your network by enabling or disabling SSID broadcast. Click "Wireless Security" to select what type of security, if any, you want on your wireless network.

Tips & Warnings

• To connect wirelessly, open your network settings and select the wireless network connection. Click on your network's name in the list of available networks to connect to it.

Resources

• Linksys Homepage