How to Configure a Linksys Wireless Router

Modems with built-in wireless routers are sold by major telecommunications companies.

Sharing is caring. But if someone is stealing your wireless signals, it is the same as any other theft. Your router gives off a unique signature in its signals that can be traced, if need be, so whatever anyone is doing under the cover of your Internet broadcast will be blamed on you. Don't give yourself a chance to be vulnerable.

Things You'll Need

• Ethernet cable
• Router

Instructions

Connecting the Router

1. Make sure both your computer and the router are turned on. Ensure you have already set up the router via installation CD or networking wizard on the computer.

2. Find the ports numbered 1 through 4 on the back of the router.

3. Plug one end of the Ethernet cord into any of the available ports.

4. Plug the other end of the cord into your computer's Ethernet port.

Configuring the Router

1. On your computer, open up an Internet browser.

2. In the address bar of the browser, type the following:

   192.168.1.1

3. Press "Enter."

4. A pop-up will open asking you for a username and password. The username is the nickname you give your router, also known as the SSID. If you have already created these in the setup process, enter them in the appropriate fields.

5. If you have not set up a name or password, enter "admin" in both fields.

6. That's it! Explore the many tabs and sub-menu options. Once you are done changing your settings, click on "Save Changes."

Tips & Warnings

• Do not be afraid to make changes you are unsure of; you can always revert back manually or by restoring to the factory default and then re-entering your information.

• Don't forget to save your settings and close the browser once you are done!

References

• Tech Forum: How to set up Linksys Router
• Microsoft: 4 steps to step up your wireless router
• Columbia University IT: Linksys WRT54G setup

Resources

• Linksys: Configuring Security