How to Setup a Laptop With a Router

Routers are built to share Internet connections and computer resources.

Routers are basic and inexpensive pieces of network equipment. While you can buy a professional-grade router for a big network, most of the routers you'll find in computer stores are built for the home market and do a good job with very little effort from the user. Using a router with a laptop isn't very different than using it with a desktop except that you are more likely to use the wireless functions.

Instructions

1. Set up your router near where you will use your laptop most of the time. If you are going to use broadband Internet, then set up the router near the modem. Plug the router into a power outlet. Connect the broadband modem using a network cable and connect it to the Internet port.

2. Connect the laptop to the router using a network cable from the laptop's network card to an open port on the router.

3. Open a web browser and enter the router's IP address. Enter the router's user name and password. Give the router connection a name and change any security settings you want. You can disconnect the cable when done.

4. Connect wirelessly. Right click on the wireless network in the lower right taskbar area. Select the name for the network you created and click "Connect."