Now that you have your new modem and router, your world will become more connected than ever; however, if you’re planning to buy a wifi modem router and have no idea how to set it up. This guide will help you set up all the most common WIFI modem and router models, so you can start enjoying high-speed internet in no time.
Table of Contents
Connect your modem
First, connect an ethernet cable from one of the LAN ports on your router to any LAN port of the same type. Now that all the cables are connected properly plug in both devices and power them up. You should see lights on each device come on when they start up successfully.
You’ll need to test this connection by connecting one end to another ethernet cable into a computer or a wireless device such as a laptop or tablet. Connecting, either way, will allow you access if everything works properly; however, we recommend trying wired first since more devices support wired connections than wireless ones.
Connect the router to the modem
- Connect the yellow cable to the internet port on your modem.
- Connect the other end of this cable to an available port on your router.
- Connect another end of this cable to an available port on your modem, if applicable
Power up your network
- Power up your network.
- Plug the modem into a power source and then plug it into your router. Most modems have a single ethernet port connecting to your router, so you’ll only need one cable for this step.
- Power up your router and ensure it’s connected to the modem by connecting an ethernet cord from its WAN port to one of the four numbered ports on the back of your modem.
- Once both devices are powered up, look for lights on each device labeled “LAN” and “WAN.” These should be light green if everything is working correctly.
Setup WIFI security
Now that your modem and router are up and running, it’s time to protect your home network. One of the simplest ways to do that is to create a password for your WIFI network. It’s not difficult, but it’s important.
Test the internet connection
- Test the internet connection. If you’re using a cable modem, connect one end to the port labeled “internet” and the other to your computer. For DSL service, connect one end of a phone cord to the jack labeled “Line” or “phone,” then take the cord into another room and plug it into an active phone line wall jack. Next, plug-in additional phone devices that need direct connection directly into those ports on your modem; otherwise, use an extension cord.
- Check for network connections. Most modems will have lights to indicate when they’re receiving power and sending data over their respective connection types.
Conclusion
Now, you know how to set up a WIFI modem and router; you can use the internet. Hopefully, if your network is secure, you won’t need to worry about people using your wireless connection without permission. If this is not possible though, then it might be better to have a wired connection instead as it provides more security options for preventing unauthorized use by hackers or neighbors.
