How to Set Up a Laptop With a Router to a Modem
It no longer takes a techie to take an existing Internet connection from a modem and make it wireless. Simply hook it up to a router, connect to the wireless signal from the router with a laptop, and you (and other laptop users, if you wish) can be surfing the web without cables in no time. If you're worried that setting it all up will be a difficult task, you can relax. It really is as easy as it sounds.
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Instructions
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Install any software that came with your router onto your laptop. Simply place the CD in your computer, select "Run" or "Install," depending on the prompt, and follow the directions on the screen. If you are not automatically prompted to run or install, open "My Computer," right-click on the CD icon, and select "Run" or "Install Program" from the menu that appears.
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2
Plug in the router's power supply, then connect the router to the modem with an Ethernet cord from the modem's Ethernet port to the port marked "Internet" on the router. Do this as directed by your router's software if it came with any, or on your own if there was no software. At this point, the program or your computer may automatically try to detect the router and analyze the Internet connection.
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Connect the laptop to the router with another Ethernet cord. If using the router software, simply follow the on-screen instructions and plug the laptop into the router when prompted. If you're on your own, connect one end of the Ethernet cord into the Ethernet port on your laptop, and the other end into one of the numbered ports (not the "Internet" port) on the router. The program or computer should notify you at this point if you are able to connect to the Internet.
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Disconnect the Ethernet cord from your router once Internet connection is confirmed, and search for wireless connections available in the Network Connections area of your laptop. (Go to Start -> Network -> Network and Sharing Center -> Connect to a Network.) If you did not set a security key while setting up the router, you should be able to connect automatically. If you did set a key, you may need to enter it (as will anyone else trying to connect) to get Internet access. Some routers, however, require that you go to "Add Wireless Device/Connection" in the provided program to connect wirelessly, and follow directions from there.
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Tips & Warnings
Adding a security key is a good idea while setting up your router as it allows you to control who can and cannot connect to your wireless Internet.
Most routers have at least 4 Ethernet ports available to plug desktops directly into the router for more stable Internet access.
Do not try to connect to wireless networks or modems which are not yours or you do not have permission to access, as this is considered stealing from the person who is paying for the Internet service.
