How to Access a WiFi Router

Logging in to your wireless router is a simple process.

When using a wireless network at home, you may at times find it necessary to log in to the wireless router's configuration page to monitor the connection status, add security settings to your wireless network or to perform other important network maintenance operations. The process of logging in to your router is quite simple and can be achieved by even the least tech savvy among us.

Things You'll Need

• Ethernet cable

Instructions

1. Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to one of the numbered Ethernet ports on your router, pushing in the plastic connector tab until it makes a clicking sound.

2. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to one of your computer's Ethernet ports, again just applying enough gentle pressure for the plastic connector to click into place.

3. Open an Internet browser and access the router's configuration page by typing in the router's local-access IP address into the address bar and pressing Enter. Every make and model of router has a different local-access IP, so if the address is not printed on the router itself, contact the manufacturer of the router or see the Resources section.

4. Log in to the router using the admin usern ame and password. Assuming you typed the correct access IP into the address bar, you should be prompted to enter the admin user name and password for the configuration page; again this depends heavily on the make and model of the router. If you do not know the admin user name and password, try one of the common ones associated with your brand of router listed in the Resources section below.

Resources

• Microsof's guide to using a wireless network, including common access IPs and admin logins by brand