Keep in mind that walls and floors can impede a wireless signal and cause connection issues. Avoid putting your wireless router next to metal, concrete, or brick structures.
If you received your router from your internet service provider, there is a good chance it may be a 2-in-1 modem and router combined into one device. In which case, connect the internet cable to the “LAN” or “Internet” port on your router.
If you want, you can use your old combination modem/router device as a modem only. To do so, connect a computer to the old modem/router using an ethernet cable. Open a web browser and type the modem’s IP address and log in. Look for the “IP Passthrough” settings on the modem’s user interface. Switch the “Allocation Mode” settings to Passthrough, and set the “Passthrough Mode” box to “DHCPS-fixed. ” Then, type in your new router’s Media Access Control (MAC) address below.
If you are using a laptop that does not have an ethernet port, you can purchase an ethernet-to-USB adapter.
The default IP address is usually something like “192. 168. 1. 1,” “192. 168. 0. 1,” or “10. 0. 0. 1. " If you can’t find your IP address, you find your IP address on Windows and Linux as well as Mac. It’s the “default gateway” address. Alternatively, some routers have a mobile app you can download and use to set up and configure your router without connecting a computer to your router. If your router came with any auto-configuration tools. Using these tools to set up your router may make things much easier. [2] X Research source
The default password is often simply “admin”. The default password is often something like “admin,” “password,” “12345,” “password1234,” or simply left blank. If you don’t know the password, you can reset the router to it’s factory default settings. To do this, locate the reset button on the router and press and hold it for several seconds. You may need to use a pin or pointed object to press it. [4] X Research source
Always restart your router afterward so the firmware updates can be applied to the system. To restart your router, simply unplug it for about 20 seconds and plug it back in.
“WPA2” stands for second-generation Wi-Fi Protected Access. This is one of the more secure encryption protocols for wireless networks. [9] X Research source Never use the Wired Equivalent Password (WEP) setting. It is an outdated format that is easy to hack.
Keep in mind that you will most likely need to give the Wi-Fi password to other people in your household and possible guests. Make sure you use a unique password that is not used for any other apps or secure accounts.