How Do You Connect a DSL Cable Modem to a Wireless Router?

The port closest to the antenna is the Uplink port.

Most DSL and cable modems provide only one physical Ethernet connection. To allow several computers to share a broadband Internet connection, a wireless router may be installed. A wireless router must be set up before a computer can connect to the Internet wirelessly.

Things You'll Need

• Wireless router owner's manual
• Two Ethernet cables

Instructions

1. Plug one end of the first Ethernet cable into the cable or DSL modem's Ethernet port. Plug the other end of this cable into the "Uplink", "WAN" or "Internet" port on the router.

2. Plug one end of the second Ethernet cable into one of the free ports on the router. Plug the other end of this cable into the computer network adapter.

3. Open the computer's web browser, log into the router's administration tool by typing in the router's IP address (typically 192.168.1.1; see "Tips") and press "Enter." Enter the username and password for the router (both can be found in the owner's manual) and click "OK" or "Next."

4. Change the network name (also known as the SSID). Enable wireless security (select either WPA or WEP encryption) and enter a pass phrase. Save the changes and log out of the router administration tool.

Tips & Warnings

• Each router manufacturer has a different IP address to connect to the router administration tool. Check the owner's manual to verify which IP address should be used.

References

• Microsoft: 4 Steps to Set Up Your Home Wireless Network
• University of California-Irvine: Wireless Router Configuration