How To Set Up a Home Network Router

his guide explains how to set up a router for home computer networks. The exact names of
configuration settings on a network router vary depending on the model and whether it is wired
or wireless. However, this general procedure will guide you through the process for the common
kinds of home network equipment.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 1 hour
Here's How:
1. Choose a convenient location to begin installing your router such as an open floor space or table. This does not
need to be the permanent location of the device. Particularly for wireless routers, you may find it necessary to re-
position the unit after installing it as the cables / signals may not reach all areas needed. At the beginning, its better
to choose a location where it's easiest to wor with the router and worry about final placement later.
!. Plug in the router's electrical power source, thenturn on the router by pushing the power button.
". #$ptional% Connect your Internet modem to the router. &ost networ modems connect via an'thernet cable
but ()* connections are becoming increasingly common. The cable plugs into the router +ac
named WAN or uplink or Internet. After connecting the cable, be sure to power cycle #turn off and turn bac on% the
modem to ensure the router recogni,es it.
-. Connect one computer to the router. 'ven if the router is a wireless model, connect this first computer to the
router via a networ cable. (sing a cable during router installation ensures the ma.imum reliability of the
e/uipment. $nce a wireless router installation is complete, the computer can be changed over to a wireless
connection if desired.
0. Open the router's administration tool. 1rom the computer connected to the router, first open your 2eb
browser. Then enter the router's address for networ administration in the 2eb address field and hit return to reach
the router's home page.
&any routers are reached by either the 2eb address 3http4//15!.167.1.13 or 3http4//15!.167.8.13 9onsult your
router's documentation to determine the e.act address for your model. :ote that you do not need a woring ;nternet
connection for this step.
6. o! in to the router. The router's home page will as you for a username and password. *oth are provided in
the router's documentation. <ou should change the router's password for security reasons, but do this after the
installation is complete to avoid unnecessary complications during the basic setup.
=. ;f you want your router to connect to the ;nternet, you must enter Internet connection in"ormationinto that
section of the router's configuration #e.act location varies%. ;f using >)? ;nternet, you may need to enter
the PPPo' username and password. ?iewise, if you have been issued a static ;P addressby your provider #you
would need to have re/uested it%, the static ;P fields #including networ mas and gateway% given to you by the
provider must also must be set in the router.
7. ;f you were using a primary computer or an older networ router to connect to the ;nternet, your provider may
re/uire you to update the #$C address o" the router with the &A9 address of the device you were using
previously. @ead Aow to 9hange a &A9 Address for a detailed description of this process.
5. ;f this is a wireless router, chan!e the network name #often called ));>%. 2hile the router comes to you with a
networ name set at the factory, you will never want to use this name on your networ. @ead Aow to 9hange the
@outer ));> for detailed instructions.
18. %eri"y the network connection is workin! between your one computer and the router. To do this, you must
confirmed that the computer has received ;P address information from the router. )ee Aow to 1ind ;P Addresses for
a description of this process.
11. #;f applicable% %eri"y your one computer can connect to the Internet properly. $pen your 2eb browser and
visit a few ;nternet sites such as http4//compnetworing.about.com/.
1!. Connect additional computers to the router as needed. ;f connecting wirelessly, ensure the networ name
#));>% of each is computer matches that of the router.
1". 1inally, con"i!ure additional network security "eatures as desired to guard your systems against ;nternet
attacers. These 2i1i Aome :etwor )ecurity Tips offer a good checlist to follow.
Tips:
1. 2hen connecting devices with networ cables, be sure each end of the cable connects tightly. ?oose cables are
one of the most common sources of networ setup problems.
What You Need
A networ router #wireless or wired%
:etwor adapters installed on all devices to be connected to the router
A woring ;nternet modem #optional%
A 2eb browser installed at least one computer in the networ