All the wireless devices in our house are connected to the router , thanks to which it is perfectly possible to easily surf the Internet, talk with our friends through social networks or check e-mail, simply and without cables.
When we buy a wireless router , it must be configured so that it can work correctly. Although this process tends to be, in general, quite basic, we must bear in mind something important: depending on the model, the procedure to follow could be slightly different.
In fact, many newer models might have a streamlined and automated setup process , which can be quite helpful in managing the setup completely without having to be an expert. For this reason, whenever doubts arise, it is extremely helpful to consult the instructions that come with the router.
Checking the Internet connection
In case we find ourselves connecting our wireless router to an existing modem, a good idea is to discover from the first moment if the Internet is working or not . This is because a bad connection could end up making the installation of our new router a frustrating and lengthy attempt. We may even think that the router we have purchased is malfunctioning, when in fact it might not.
When checking the status of the Internet , we just have to proceed to connect our modem to the computer, using an Ethernet cable, connecting it directly to the desktop computer or laptop. If there is a connection, then we can proceed to configure our wireless router with complete peace of mind.
Placing and installing our wireless router
If this is the first time we buy a wireless router, you should know that, possibly, inside the package we will find documentation that serves as instructions to follow when installing and configuring the device. Additionally, a sticker with essential configuration information such as the web interface address and the default username and password may be on the bottom of the router.
The antennas may come separate from the main device. If so, we must proceed to install them by screwing them to the connectors located on the sides of the router, or at the top. In other cases, however, the antennas are integrated, so it will only be essential to extend and position them properly.
Remember that the ideal position to place our router is in a central location in the house, instead of at one end. In addition, it is preferable to place it in an elevated position, such as on top of a bookcase, to ensure that the different radio waves can move out and down, as they propagate through the house.
Connecting it to the electrical current
It is essential to plug in the wireless router to the electrical network, and proceed to turn it on. We usually have to wait a minute or two for it to start working. Once this is done, we should start to see the router’s indicator lights.
During the initial setup process, some of these lights will blink and others will change color. This is absolutely normal, and it will help us to know whether or not there is some kind of technical incident.
Connecting to the Internet
With the help of a basic Ethernet cable, we can connect to the Internet source. To do this, we must connect it to the WAN or Internet port of the router, which is usually distinguished from other ports present on the device with a different color, or it could even be physically separated from the rest of the ports with the existence of a space between them.
Once connected, it is essential to observe the LED indicators of the router when we have connected the cable. We should start to see a color change or a new light, which will indicate that an Internet connection has been established.
With the help of the Ethernet cable connected to the computer, we can continue to the next step, consisting of accessing the router’s web interface , to proceed with its configuration.
Accessing the router’s web interface
Now is the ideal time to set a new network name and password . The custom network name is ideal to be able to find our new connection when we try to connect to it for the first time.
While we activate Wi-Fi connectivity we can also choose an encryption protocol. It is recommended to skip the wired equivalent privacy (WEP), and opt for Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2) protection, as it is much more secure.
Connecting devices by Ethernet cable
Although the wireless router offers us the possibility of connecting via Wi-Fi, it is also perfectly possible to do so via Ethernet cable , ideal for connecting to the Internet with a desktop computer, television or game console, as it is much more stable.
To do this, we only have to connect one end of the Ethernet cable to some of the ports on the back of the router, and the other end to the device that we want to use in this way.
