Getting Your Router Setup

Your router setup may be wired or wireless (setting up a wireless router is not difficult). What is a router definition (computer routers provide connections amongst computers and often provide protection through firewalls); how does configuring routers work? Step by step setup instructions.

We're all ready to setup your router. Included with your router will be the following:

• Power Adapter
• Ethernet Cable
• Setup CD/DVD
• Setup Guide

Note: To get your router ready to go, you will need to disconnect from the internet. This page should stay in your browser, but you print it to be sure you have access to the router setup instructions.

1. Unpack everything and take a quick inventory to ensure it is all present.
2. Turn your cable or DSL modem off by unplugging it from the electrical socket; leave it connected to the Internet.
3. Connect the router to the modem:
   
   
   • If you currently have your computer connected directly to your modem, unplug the cable/phone line from the back of your computer and plug it into the port that is labeled WAN or WLAN on the back of the router.
     
   • If you currently do not have your computer connected directly to the modem, plug one end of the Ethernet cable to the modem, and the other end into the port labeled WAN, WLAN, or Internet on the back of the router.
   
   
4. Plug your modem into the wall socket to turn it back on and wait a minute or two for it to connect to the Internet. Once it is lit up and running, connect the power cable to the back of your router, and plug it in. Give it a minute and you should see the WAN / WLAN light come alive on the back of the router, indicating a good connection.



5. Even if you are setting up a wireless router, plug your computer in using the wired connection in order to more easily perform the configuration and get your router setup.

   Using an Ethernet cable, connect the computer to the router. On the back of the computer (or on the side if you have a laptop) plug one end of an Ethernet cable into the RJ-45 LAN port, and the other end into the back of the router. You can plug into any of the ports on the back aside from the WAN / WLAN port. These are usually labeled 1-4.

Note: To better understand routers and their performance (including a router definition), check out what is a router, how to use a router, best wireless router, and more.

That's it for getting the router setup. At this point the back of the router should be lit up and you are ready for Configuring Routers (Settings).

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