How to Network With Linksys

Networking allows multiple computers to share one Internet connection.

If you want to create a network with your Linksys router, you have two options. One method is to hard-wire the network with Ethernet cables. You can also create a wireless network which is ideal for laptops and sharing your connection in a larger building. Most operating systems will recognize a hard-wired network automatically, but the wireless method requires a little configuration.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Linksys router
• 2 or more computers
• Ethernet cables

Wireless Method

1. Click "Start" then "Run." Type "cmd" in the box which opens a black screen. Type "/ipconfig" and note the IP address under "Default Gateway." This number is typically 192.168.1.1.

2. Open a browser window and type your IP address as "http://192.68.1.1". Leave the user name blank and type "admin" as the password. If you have changed your log in, enter your own information.

3. Configure your wireless settings by clicking the "Wireless" tab and select the antenna mode. Choose 802.11g and fill in the SSID with the name of the wireless network. Enable SSID Broadcast, and save your settings.

4. Navigate to the "Wireless Security" tab in the "Wireless" sub menu. Apply a pass phrase if you want a secure connection. Leave the pass phrase empty if you want a public connection. Save your settings.

Wire Method

1. Plug your Linksys router into an electrical outlet and connect the router to your DSL or cable modem using a short Ethernet cable.

2. Connect Ethernet cables to the LAN ports on the router for every computer you want to network.

3. Connect the other end of each cable to the computer you want to network. Turn on the computers to configure the network automatically.

Tips & Warnings

• For your wireless network, create a password that is difficult to crack, yet easy to remember. You can use up to 60 characters.

References

• Cisco: Library Search