How to Install a Wireless Router to High Speed Internet

Connecting a router to a cable modem requires a coaxial and Ethernet cable.

Enhancing your home or work network with a wireless router gives you the ability to connect while on the move. It means less cabling at the work station and it means you can enjoy high speed connection through your cable Internet provider. Outside of connecting a few cables, getting connected to your cable Internet will not take up much of your time.

Things You'll Need

• Coaxial cable
• Ethernet cable

Instructions

1. Connect a coaxial cable to the Internet cable outlet on your wall or cable junction box. Use the dedicated outlet installed by your ISP (Internet Service Provider). Connect the other end of the coaxial cable into the cable jack located on the back of your cable modem. The jack is threaded. Thread the connectors completely together to ensure a solid connection.

2. Plug a Cat5 (Category5) Ethernet cable into the "Internet" port located on the back of the cable modem. There is only one Cat5 Ethernet port located on the modem. Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into the WAN (Wide Area Network) port located on the back of wireless router. Routers have one Cat5 Ethernet port dedicated to WAN connection and usually six ports dedicated to LAN (Local Area Network.) All of the ports look identical so inspect the router to ensure you are placing the cable into the WAN port and not a LAN port.

3. Turn the cable modem on by plugging in the power cord. Allow the modem time to power up and connect to the Internet. Once the "data" light or the "Internet light" (depending on router brand) illuminates or continually blinks, the modem is ready to use.

4. Power on the wireless router by plugging in the power cord. If your router is a Linksys, D-Link or Belkin, it does not have a power switch, so plugging in the cord causes the router to turn on. If, after plugging your router in, the router does not boot up, inspect it for an on/off switch.