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Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. Acquire a wireless router. There are a variety of factors that will determine which router is best for you. These include distance, interference, transfer speed, and security.
One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a router is the distance between the router and the devices that you are wirelessly connecting. More expensive routers generally have more antennae, which can lead to a more stable connection at further distances. Another factor to consider is the amount of signal interference.
If you have multiple devices that operate on the 2. Newer routers can operate on the 5 GHz band, which is much less crowded and thus less prone to interference. The drawback is that 5 GHz signals do not travel as far as 2. Transfer speed is a feature to consider. Newer routers claim to be able to transfer data up to Mbps. While this may be helpful when moving data between two computers over a network, it will not increase your general Internet speed, as this is set by your ISP.
There are three main router speeds available: It is important to note that these speeds are virtually impossible to attain in any environment other than a clean room free of signal interference.
Finally, make sure that the router you are purchasing has the latest form of wireless encryption, WPA2. This is pretty much standard in all new routers, but is something to consider if purchasing an older, second-hand router. Older encryption algorithms are much less secure; a WEP key can be cracked in just a few minutes. Connect the router to your modem. Once you've purchased your router, you will need to connect it to your modem.
Connect this port to the modem using a standard Ethernet cable. Make sure that the router is properly powered and turned on. Connect a computer via Ethernet cable. This step is not always necessary, but can be very useful if you want to set up the wireless router before connecting any wireless devices to it. Connecting a computer through a physical cable will allow you to tinker with the wireless settings without losing your connection to the router. For optimum efficiency while setting up the router, plug it in next to your computer while you adjust the settings.
After you are finished configuring the router, you can move it to where it will normally stay. Part 2. Install the router software. Not every router comes with software to install, but if yours did, then install it on a computer that is connected to the router via an Ethernet cable. Using the bundled software makes setting up a router much more convenient than going in to the configuration menus. Using the software, designate the name of your wireless network, and the type of security that you want to use.
Choose WPA2 for the most secure network. Choose a password and continue. Most router software will automatically detect your internet settings. This is the information that the router needs to translate your internet connection and transfer it to all of your wirelessly connected devices.
Open the router's configuration page. If your router did not come with any installation software, you will need to connect to the router's configuration page through your web browser. Open your browser of choice and enter the web address for the router. This is typically Consult the documentation that came with the router to find the exact address. You will be asked for a username and password to continue into the router configuration.
These are also provided in the documentation that came with your router. Typical defaults are username: admin and Password: password or admin. Enter your Internet connection information. Most routers will fill this section in automatically.
If it does not, contact your ISP for the information that you need to enter. Just as most routers come with preassigned admin usernames and passwords, most also come with preset Wi-Fi usernames and passwords.
If your router is equipped with auto-install features, rely on them to help complete setup. You can always change these addresses later.
Many router manufactures provide security functionality to safeguard network and user privacy. You can login into the web dashboard and enabling added security features such as firewall, web filtering, and access controls to protect yourself from malicious traffic. You can also set up virtual private networks VPNs for privacy. Shop for routers. Our resources are here to help you understand the security landscape and choose technologies to help safeguard your business. These tools and articles will help you make important communications decisions to help your business scale and stay connected.
Learn how to make the right decisions for designing and maintaining your network so it can help your business thrive. Skip to content Skip to search Skip to footer. Watch video Contact Cisco. Get a call from Sales. Before you get started Check your Internet connection If you don't have a good internet connection, the router setup experience will be frustrating.
Gather documentation Here's another "seems obvious" step—but one that will save you aggravation when you're in the middle of setup. Check for an app Many router manufacturers provide mobile apps or web dashboard that can be used for both setup and management. Install and extend antennas If the router has antennas and they're separate from the router box, you'll need to install them.
Get started with a free trial of Cisco Meraki cloud networking. You may also like: How does a router work? What is a switch vs. How to setup a network. Videos Configuring Router Access Lists. Web Filtering on an RV Router. Router setup steps Step 1: Decide where to place the router The best place for a wireless business router is in an open area of the workplace, as you'll benefit from even coverage.
Test the connection with a device Confirm that your router has a working connection by plugging a laptop computer into one of the device ports on the back of the router. Step 3: Configure the wireless router gateway In some cases, ISPs offer customers gateways with built-in routers.
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Connecting a wireless repeater to a router can help you eliminate wireless network dead spots throughout your home, thus increasing the overall Internet connection and your Wi-Fi signal.
The process to connect a wireless extender or repeater to your Wi-Fi network is fairly simple but does require a wired connection to a PC. Once connected, check Internet speeds and the efficiency of your range extender via your preferred troubleshooting methods. Insider Tip. How do Wi-Fi extenders work? What devices can I use with the network extender? Where should I place my network extender? He has a cat named Cinnamon.
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