2. Step 1: Setting-up Router
How easy is it to setup a router connection if you are a home user? The
answer to this is - moderately difficult depending on the model and whether
it is a wired or a wireless router. If you have a convenient location, then you
could install your router in less than an hour. You may want to change the
location of your router if it is a wireless one, so you don't have to worry about
looking for a permanent location when you begin configuring it. It is more
important to find an easy power access point to plug in the adapter for the
router device.
3. Step 2: How to Begin Router Installation
Once your NETGEAR, Linksys, or D-Link router is powered on, you can connect
it with your internet modem. Connect the Ethernet cable into the WAN plug
on the router. Once you have connected the device, you will need to restart it
and wait for it to recognize the connection before you can start configuring
DNS and IP on your computer. Remember to connect your router to the
computer via network cable when installing it. This ensures that your settings
are not lost if the WI-FI connection is interrupted. Once your default settings
are saved, you can go back to using it wireless.
4. Step 3: How to Enter Internet Connection Info in the Admin Panel
To access the administration tool, open your web browser and type in the router
address. This is provided in the handbook that you will receive on the purchase
of your router. You will not need a working internet connection at this time.
Enter the default username and password provided in the same document, and
begin installation. If you are currently using a DSL internet service over a
broadband modem, then you will need to register the PPPoE or the network
protocol. This information should be available with your Internet service
provider. If you have a static IP address that has been provided on demand, then
it will ask you to enter network mask and gateway which you can locate from
the Network Connection icon in My Network Places or from the internet icon in
the taskbar.
5. Step 4: Connecting Additional Computers to Router
Once your internet connection information has been entered, you can add other
computers to the wireless network by changing the SSID or network name and
selecting it each time. Remember that the connection information will be same
as in the first installation. Now that your router is configured, you will only
need to select the relevant connection from Available Networks or search for
wireless connection from the Network and Sharing Center. Use the username
and password provided in the router information to access the network. Each
computer that you add becomes a networked computer which allows file
sharing and multiple accesses to the same disk drives.
6. Step 5: Secure Router and Connection
Once the router installation is complete, it is time to secure your internet
connection and router. You can begin by changing the default usernames
and passwords from the admin panel. Also change the SSID or network
name for your Router and disable SSID broadcast. Install personal firewall
software on each of the computers connected to the wireless network. You
can even turn on the router's in-built firewall for network security.
7. If you have followed this method and are still facing limited or no
connectivity errors in Windows, it may because some information has been
incorrectly input. To reconfigure or troubleshoot router settings, you can call
a technical support service to do it for you. Router support is easily found
online, and there are virtual technicians who will guarantee a router setup
within 15 minutes. To avail of such services, the author has provided some
useful linked web addresses for your convenience. This will enable you to get
top level certified security on your router and PC as well. There are forums
where you can post router issues for feedback and see if there is a solution
available from other users.
