How to Connect a Router With Internal Modem

Some new Internet modems have a built-in router.

A router is a piece of computer hardware that splits an Ethernet signal between multiple computers. Typically a home will have a router connected directly to the output of the Internet modem so that multiple computers in the house can all use the same Internet service provider account to connect to the Internet. Some ISPs offer combination modem-routers. These are one piece of hardware instead of having an individual router and modem.

Things You'll Need

• Coaxial cable/ phone line
• Ethernet cables

Instructions

1. Connect the coaxial cable or phone line to the back of your router-modem unit. If you have DSL, you will have a phone line where cable Internet will have a coaxial cable.

2. Plug the power supply for the router into the wall, then plug it into the back of the router.

3. Plug an Ethernet cable into the back of the router to "port 1" and the other side to your main computer.

4. Boot up the main computer and open a web browser to verify your Internet connection is live. The modem will already have contacted your ISP and set itself up.

5. Plug an Ethernet cable into the back of the router to any port and the other side to your other computer. Repeat this process for each computer and port.

References

• Microsoft at Home: 4 Steps to Set Up Your Home Wireless Network