How to Connect Linksys Wireless Router Into an Existing Network

A wireless router is used to share an Internet connection with wireless devices such as game consoles, laptops or cell phones compatible with Wi-Fi connections. A leading manufacturer of wireless routers is Linksys, also known as Linksys by Cisco. If you want to expand your network and add wireless compatibility with a Linksys router, you need to connect the Linksys wireless router into your existing network. It only takes a few minutes to set up and configure your Linksys wireless router and the router's security settings.

Instructions

1. Power off the devices in your existing network. Turn off your cable or DSL modem and disconnect the Ethernet cable from the modem.

2. Plug a network cable into the modem and connect the other end of the network cable to your Linksys router's primary connection port. This is usually labeled “Internet,” “WLAN” or “WAN” and is located on the back of the router.

3. Connect the Linksys router's power cable to the power socket on the back of the router. Plug the power adapter into a wall outlet or power strip.

4. Plug any wired devices on the network into the available Ethernet ports on the back of the Linksys router. Turn on your cable or DSL modem.

5. Turn on the wired devices you connected to the Ethernet ports of your wireless Linksys router. Open an Internet browser on a computer plugged into the router.

6. Type “http://192.168.1.1” into the Internet browser's address bar and press “Enter” to navigate to the login page of the Linksys router's configuration options. You need to configure your network's wireless security settings.

7. Type the default password and user name into the text fields. The password and user name is usually “admin” for both values. Press “Enter” to view the Linksys configuration options.

8. Configure your wireless network name. Specify a name of your own with up to 32 characters. This helps you identify your wireless network when you connect wireless devices.

9. Choose your wireless security type to create a password or security key for your network. This prevents the unauthorized use of your network.

10. Change the administrator password and user name for the Linksys router. Save your configuration and close the Internet browser. Your router is ready to use.

References

• Microsoft: 4 steps to set up your home wireless network
• Linksys by Cisco: Wireless Router User Manual