How to Install Wired Routers

Routers share a single Internet connection between computers.

Wired routers allow you to extend your home network and share a single Internet connection with multiple wired devices. With a router implemented in your network, you can easily share a single connection with multiple computers. You can also network computers and devices together to share files, folders, media and printers. Wired routers are simple to install and set up on your network. They connect to your Internet modem with an Ethernet cable, essentially acting to split a single Ethernet port into multiple ports to expand a network.

Instructions

1. Shut down your computer and any other devices connected to your current network configuration. Turn off your cable modem and disconnect its power cable from the wall outlet.

2. Unplug the Ethernet cable connecting your computer to the cable modem. Place the wired router in your chosen location and plug an Ethernet cable into the router's first port. This port is sometimes labeled "Uplink." Attach the other end of the router's Ethernet cable to your modem.

3. Attach your network's devices to the available router ports. Each device should be powered off before you connect the Ethernet cables to the router's available ports.

4. Plug your modem back into its power source and turn it on. Plug your router's power cable into an available outlet and turn the router on if your router model has an external power switch.

5. Start your computer and allow your operating system to boot up. In most cases, the Internet connection is automatically recognized.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cannot connect to the Internet after connecting your computer to your router, check all of the wired connections.

• Some routers will require you to install additional software to configure settings for your router, such as port forwarding, IP settings and security settings.

• To configure advance options for most routers, you can navigate to your router's configuration utility using your web browser. Most routers use a default address of "192.168.0.1" or "192.168.1.1".

References

• Microsoft Windows XP: Set up a wired network
• Linksys By Cisco: EtherFast Cable/DSL router manual