Things You'll Need:
- Broadband service provider
- Cable modem
- Laptop Ethernet port
- Two Ethernet cables
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Step 1
Connect the cable modem to the Wireless-G router. Turn off the cable modem and the Linksys Wireless-G router before connecting them. Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into the cable modem and insert the other end into the port labeled "Internet" on the rear panel of the Wireless-G router. This port is located next to the router's power port.
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Step 2
Connect the laptop to the Wireless-G router. With the laptop powered off, plug one end of another Ethernet cable (one is packaged with the Wireless-G router) into your laptop's Ethernet port. The location of your laptop's Ethernet port will depend on the model of your laptop, but is typically located on its rear panel. Be sure to plug the Ethernet cable into the correct port on your laptop---not the dial-up modem port. Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into one of the four Ethernet ports on the rear panel of the Wireless-G router. It does not matter which Ethernet port you use.
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Step 3
Power on the cable modem, Wireless-G router and laptop, in that order. First, turn on the cable modem, then wait until it connects to your broadband service provider's server. The status indicators on the front panel of the cable modem will blink when it has successfully connected, indicating that it is sending and receiving data. Next, plug the Wireless-G router's power adapter into the power port located on the right side of the router's rear panel, and then plug the adapter into a power outlet or surge protector. Allow at least two minutes for the Wireless-G router to completely connect to the cable modem. Once connected, the Wireless-G router's status lights will light up. Finally, turn on your laptop. Insert the Setup CD that came with your router and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the basic settings for the router. If you do not have the Setup CD, you can download the software from Linksys.com's support page (see References).
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Step 4
Log on to the Wireless G router's default IP address to change advanced settings. Open a Web browser in your laptop and type "192.168.1.1" into the address bar, and then press "Enter." This is the Wireless-G router's default IP address. This will load a "username" and "password" dialog box. Leave the "username" text box blank and type "admin" for the password. Click "OK" to load the Wireless-G router's settings page.
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Step 5
Configure the security settings and wireless settings. On the Wireless-G router's homepage, you will find several tabs for changing the router's settings. Click the "Security" tab to change the default SSID (wireless network name) to a custom name of up to 32 characters, and change the type of encryption used (WPA-PSK is recommended). After making these changes, click "Save Settings." Setup is now complete.
