How do you install a wireless router

The router will assign a local or "private" IP address to any device connected to its LAN Ports or WiFi signal from a pool of private addresses listed further below. Connect any devices you want to hard wire with CAT 5 or better Ethernet cables. If you have computers that are close, or a video game console or TV, you can connect them to the router via Ethernet. Connect at least one computer via Ethernet. You will need at least one computer connecting via Ethernet cable in order to adjust your router settings.

You can disconnect this computer afterwards if you want to connect wirelessly. You can also connect your laptop wirelessly for the first time, the wifi network name and the default password will be printed on the router's label. Part 2. When you power on the router, it will only create its wi-fi network, and the device will be connected to the router's wi-fi connection, not the internet. To connect the router to the internet, with some internet providers i.

MAC of the router can be found printed on router or in the documents etc. Go to the internet service provider's website. Log in with the username and password provided by the internet service provider and go to MAC address update option. Add the router's MAC address there and save it. This process means that the router is authorized to use the internet provide by the broadband company. Part 3. Find the IP address of the router.

If this is a new installation or new router, determine the default IP address that may be printed on a label affixed to the router or in the documentation. IP addresses are formatted as four groups of up to three digits, separated by periods. Commonly found "default" Local IP addresses for routers are Note that all the addresses in the follow ranges: Open a web browser on the computer that is connected to the router.

Enter in the IP address of the router into the address bar and press Enter. If your router came with an installation disc, you can run the configuration program from that instead. It will accomplish many of the same functions. Enter your username and password. In order to access the configuration page, you will need to be on the router's IP address and enter a valid username and password at the prompt. Most routers have a basic account set up that you will need to use to log on.

This varies from model to model, but should be printed on the router or in the documentation. Many routers will only require a username and a blank password, and some allow you to leave all fields blank. Open the Wireless Settings. There will be several options to choose from.

The Internet section can usually be left at default settings, unless you received specific instructions from your internet service provider. The Wireless section will allow you to set up your wireless network. Enter a name for your wireless network. Enter a unique name for your wireless network. This is what other devices will see when scanning for networks. Check the box to enable SSID broadcast. Choose a security method.

Choose from the list of available security options. This is the most difficult security to crack, and will give you the most protection from hackers and intruders. Create a passphrase. This should be a difficult password, with a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.

Save your settings. Once you are finished naming and securing your wireless network, click the Apply or Save button. The changes will be applied to your router, which may take a few moments. Once the router has finished resetting, your wireless network will be enabled. Once you have your network configured, you should change the username and password that you use to access your router.

This will help protect your router from unauthorized changes. You can change these from the Administration section of the router configuration menu.

Block sites. If you want to prevent devices that are connected to your network from accessing certain websites, you can use built-in blocking tools to restrict access. You can usually block by specific domain names, or by keywords. Part 4. Connect a computer, tablet, or smartphone to the wireless network. Scan for the wireless network with the SSID you provided above. On any device that supports wireless networks, you should see your new network as long as you are within range of the router.

Select it and you will be prompted for the passphrase. Enter your wireless passphrase. Once you enter the passphrase, your device will be automatically connected to the wireless network.

The network will be stored in your devices memory and will automatically connect whenever you are within range. For detailed instructions on selecting and joining a wireless network for your specific computer, tablet, or smartphone, follow this guide.

Connect your other devices. Besides other computers and tablets, you can connect other devices as well, such as printers, game consoles, TVs and more.

See the following guides for instructions for your specific device. Install a wireless printer. Connect a PlayStation 3 to a wireless network. Connect an Xbox to a wireless network. Connect a Nintendo Wii to a wireless network.

Connect Apple TV to the wireless network. Not Helpful 10 Helpful Babawale Oladapo. For you to reset your admin password, you will need to reset your router to its default factory settings. Not Helpful 9 Helpful You can use Wi-Fi with a smartphone which is what most people have these days , not with a basic cell phone.

Not Helpful 5 Helpful You can remove Ethernet cables from devices that are going to be wireless e. Don't forget to configure the router first! Not Helpful 20 Helpful You have to do it from the device itself. On settings in any device, there should be a Wifi symbol and wireless networks available.

Not Helpful 17 Helpful Less than an hour, depending with your modem speed. It will also depend on how comfortable you are with setting it up, be sure to read the instructions closely. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1.

What can I do if I put in the correct username and password to connect to the router, but it doesn't work? The only thing you can do at that point is to restore your router to its default factory settings. Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0. I am out of LAN ports on my router and need one more. How can this be accomplished? Add a 4-port or higher count network switch. If you're connecting your router to an existing modem or ISP gateway, then you probably already have a good idea of whether or not your internet is working, but it's always worth checking.

A bad connection can make for a long and frustrating attempt at router installation when there may be nothing wrong with the router itself. If you're installing your router as part of moving into a new home or apartment, it's all the more important to make sure you have an active internet connection, since you are likely to be setting up your router alongside a newly installed or activated internet service.

To check internet status, simply connect to your modem or ISP gateway using an Ethernet cable, and plug it directly into your laptop or desktop PC. If you don't have an Ethernet port on your laptop, you'll want to get an Ethernet adapter. If your computer is getting an internet connection, you're in good shape to set up the router. Also, some ISP gateways offer combined modem and router functions.

This should be explained in whatever instructions came with the gateway device. As you unpack the router, pay attention to any documentation that's included. Keep an eye out specifically for any stickers or slips of paper that may include vital setup information, like the address for the router's web interface, or the default username and password.

If antennas are separate from the main router unit, you'll want to install them. This is usually done by screwing them on to the connectors on the back or sides of the router.

In other cases, the router's antennas will be built in, and only need to be extended and positioned. Once it is unpacked and assembled, you'll need to find a place to install the router. The ideal router position will be in a central location, rather than at one end of the home.

Since routers broadcast in all directions, you'll want to put it roughly in the middle of your home to get the best coverage and signal strength. A higher position -- such as up on a shelf -- is preferred, since radio waves move out and down as they propagate through your home. You'll also want to avoid potential interference from metal objects, brick or concrete walls.

And stay away from the microwave, since it puts out the same frequencies that your wireless signal uses. Once it is powered on, you should see the router's indicator lights activate. Some will blink or change color during the setup process, indicating certain functions and changes, but there should be a light that shows when the router is properly plugged in and turned on.

Wait a minute or two after plugging in the router, as it may take a few moments for it to get up and running.

For this, you'll use a basic Ethernet cable, plugged into the router's WAN or internet port. This port is usually distinguished from others on the device with a different color, or it may be physically separated from the rest of the ports with a space.