How to connect and configure a WiFi router: step-by-step instructions. How to Connect a WiFi Router If You Have Wired Internet
The question of how to connect a wi-fi router to a computer is asked by users when they want to use the Internet throughout the apartment and have free access to the wi-fi network from several devices. In addition, they are interested in how many computers can be connected.
Installing and connecting a router is a simple process, which, however, requires careful adherence to the algorithm of actions.
Router installation
Installing a router can be done in two ways:
- via wireless network;
- using a twisted pair (a special wire that usually comes with the device).
The second method is less preferable. In order to make a connection, three main components are required:
- Actually a wi-fi router;
- A desktop computer or laptop with an installed network card;
- Network cable.
Before purchasing a router, it is recommended to study the parameters own computers and other devices, since not all routers are compatible with all computers. Moreover, the older the laptop and/or software, the more difficult it is to find a compatible router.
Considered one of the most universal ASUS routers. ZyXEL also has good characteristics. Also, before purchasing, check the signal range of the device.
If you only need a Wi-Fi router to use the Internet from a phone or tablet at home, then inexpensive router models designed for 4–6 devices are quite suitable for you.
However, still pay attention to how many computers can be connected to the network at the same time.
Advice! Special requirements for the device should be made if you plan to create a powerful local home network for data storage. Also, when choosing, it is worth checking what speeds the device supports; they must be gigabyte. Otherwise, working on the Internet will become very difficult.
Wired connection
Connecting a router using twisted pair is quite simple, but with such a connection its operation becomes much more complicated.
In particular, you will not be able to move the computer away from it more than a certain distance. Therefore, this option is not applicable for laptops. But it may be a good solution if you have a desktop computer.
This wi-fi connection has its advantages. For example, it is believed that in this way the Internet causes fewer interruptions during operation.
- First, connect an Internet cable to the router.
Locate on the back of the device WAN port and plug the cable into it. Then take the network cable and connect it to the router into the Ethernet port, and the other end into the corresponding port on the computer.
- Set up your router.
Open any browser and enter the device's IP address in the address bar. The address must be in the format http://192.168.0.1/. The true IP of the router can be found on the sticker on its bottom or in the technical documentation for the equipment.
After the IP is registered, the setup program will require you to enter your login and password. Then you can change the password for convenience. After this, the main wired network settings menu opens.
Important! If you are using a wired connection, then pay attention to the number of connectors in the router. How many there are - so many computers you can connect to the device.
Wireless connection
If you intend to connect a wi-fi router wirelessly, then you will have to set up the connection in two stages. The first of them is the actual settings, and the second is work on network security.
- In the router menu, open the “Wi-Fi” tab, and there find a tab called “Manual settings settings”. The names of the tabs may vary depending on the type of router, but their meaning is usually obvious.
- In the main settings we find the SSID field. We write the network name in it. This is the name that you will see when connecting to the Internet from any device. Set the correct region in which the wi-fi network will work.
Next, you need to select a channel for data transmission. It is better to leave the one indicated initially. However, over time it can be changed if problems arise with access to the Internet.
- Choose wi-fi standards. It is advisable to leave the mixed ones installed by default. Now choose how many network users can connect several computers to it at the same time.
If the number of users should not be limited, select “0”.
- Go to the “Security” or “Security Settings” tab. In the field at the top, select the type of protection. WPA2-PSK will do. Enter the password in the “Key” field. Such measures will protect you from hacking and from those who like to use the Internet at someone else’s expense.
Only someone who knows the password can connect the device to the network.
The advantage of this method is that you can use the Internet throughout the apartment. And, in addition, only with this type can you connect a second, third, or more computers located far from the device to the network.
Connecting a wired network is a little easier, it doesn’t require as much extra work with security parameters, how much data entry that is not always at hand. Go to the “Network” tab in the router menu, and from there to the “Connections” tab.
Fill in the blank fields, if any. If all fields are filled in, confirm your selection.
Go to the “IP Settings” tab. Here you need to specify the LAN network address and subnet mask. This data must be specified in the contract for the provision of services by the provider. However, sometimes this data is not provided. In this case, you can call customer support provider.
There you will be required to provide this information. Confirm your selection by clicking the “Save” or “OK” button.
A wired network, although more secure, is not very convenient and does not allow you to connect the Internet to a second or even several computers. However, the choice of connection type depends solely on the user's needs.
How to connect a router to a computer
In order to connect the router to the computer, you need to connect a blue cable to one of the four blue sections. In the computer settings, the connection is configured in the Network and Sharing Center.
When planning to install Wi-Fi at home, every user should know how to choose the right connection type and the necessary equipment. The data transfer speed and quality of the received signal will depend on the right choice.
Wi-Fi networks are very convenient for home use. They allow you to get rid of endless wires and connect many various devices, supporting Wi-Fi.
Installing wireless Internet at home is a top priority for those who want to comfortably use the Internet not only indoors, but also in the surrounding area.
Install wi-fi at home can be done in several ways: using one router or organizing a home wi-fi network.
If the family actively uses a laptop, mobile phones, tablets and other devices that have Internet access, it would be wise to connect them to one data source. Homemade will help with this wireless network wi-fi created using a router.
All modern routers have a built-in wireless module and support high speed data transfer.
Selecting a network connection type
A home wireless wi-fi network always begins with determining the possible type of connection to the Internet. Let's take a closer look at what options for accessing worldwide network providers may offer.
This option requires installation satellite dish. You can connect such an Internet in any remote location. The connection has a very high speed, but only works in one direction - to receive traffic. You will not be able to transfer information.
Installation satellite internet
The principle of operation of satellite Internet
Provided mobile operators. To connect, a modem the size of a regular flash drive is used. This connection is very mobile and can be used anywhere. The speed is not always high.
Setting up mobile internet
Modem for mobile Internet access
Fiber optic connection. The most convenient and popular option for accessing the Internet. Traffic speed and payment depend only on the selected tariff plan.
Using fiber optics at home
ADSL line. Wired connection using an ADSL telephone line. In this embodiment, the channel through which the signal passes is a telephone wire and a modem connected to a telephone socket.
Operating principle of an ADSL modem
Providers, offering a connection service using ADSL, require that a landline telephone be installed. What should those who don’t have it at home, who don’t need it and don’t want to pay for the service, do? How to install Wi-Fi at home without a phone? Very simple. The other considered connection options should be used.
Equipment
Specialized stores offer a wide range of routers of all types. When choosing, you should pay attention to the information transfer rate (channel and real), the supported standard (802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g or 802.11n) and the number of antennas.
A larger number of antennas will provide best quality wi-fi networks. It is better to choose models with removable antennas. If they break, they will be easy to replace.
You should not consider an option with many functions that you will never need. Each function additionally loads the router, significantly reducing its speed.
In addition, you need to find out what is the maximum number of devices that can be connected to the router. The more there are, the better. You always need to take perspective into account.
Don't forget about the built-in firewall and USB port. These additional features can be very useful. Having purchased a router, you should worry about how to install a wifi network at home.
Home wi-fi network
A local home wireless network is very simple to organize. After spending 15 minutes, the user will install Wi-Fi Internet at home, to which several devices can be connected simultaneously in different rooms and even on the street.
Organizing a home network
Let's take a closer look at the algorithm for installing a Wi-Fi network at home:
- unpack wifi router and connect the device to the network;
- connect your device to the internet using network cable provider. Connect the router to a computer or laptop via the LAN connector with the cable supplied with the device;
- open any browser on the connected device and enter the router’s IP address in the search bar. The data can be taken from the instructions or looked at the sticker located on the bottom of the device. Log in to the admin panel of the router, enter your username and password and go to the settings;
- By going to the wi-fi menu, set the parameter values in accordance with the operating mode of the adapters. Change the original password to a more complex one;
- go to additional settings. Activate NAT and Firewall, restart the router to save all settings;
- run a search for wireless networks on your laptop. Having found the created access point, connect to it and check your Internet connection.
If you are too lazy to manipulate the browser and settings or you are not very well versed in these issues, do it easier. Take advantage installation disk, included with the router. Insert the disc and launch the program. The router will be configured automatically in the optimal way for your network.
Plug the Internet cable into the WAN (or Internet) port of your router (aka router).
Connect the router to the computer: insert one end of the network cable into any of the LAN ports of the router, and the other into the connector of the PC’s network card. You can use a wireless connection instead of a cable, but it is better not to do this at the setup stage.
Connect the router to a power outlet. If your device has a power button, press it. Then wait a minute or two to allow the router to boot.
2. Check the Internet
If your router was pre-configured by your provider or received settings in automatic mode, then the Internet can start working within a few seconds after connecting the router to the PC.
To check, launch your browser and try opening several sites. If there are no problems with accessing web resources, you can skip the fourth paragraph of the article.
In your browser's address bar, enter 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 and press Enter. One of these IP addresses should lead to the router's settings menu. If both options do not work, find the required IP address in the documentation for your router model and try entering it.
When the settings login page appears in the browser window, the system may request a login and password. Most often, when connecting for the first time, one word is suitable for both fields - admin. Less often as standard password router manufacturers use a combination 1234 .
If necessary, you can find the login information in the instructions for the router or on the provider's website. Well, or try an alternative.
4. Set up an Internet connection
If the Internet still does not work, the router needs special settings. Exactly what parameters you need depends on specific model device and internet service provider. There is no universal configuration. To get the necessary instructions, check the provider's website or request it from support.
Once you have obtained the manual for setting up your model, follow its prompts. If in the process you set up both an Internet connection and a home Wi-Fi network, you can skip the fifth point of the article.
For Wi-Fi, it is important to choose the right security settings.
In the settings menu, find the section responsible for the wireless network (see the documentation for your router model). Be sure to ask here strong password(you will need it to connect your devices to the router via Wi-Fi) and select WPA2-PSK as a means of protection.
6. Change the password to enter the router settings
Just in case, it is better to limit the access of strangers to the router settings menu. If the router is still protected by the default password, replace it with your own.
Find the settings section that is responsible for the security (see the documentation for your router model) of the device, and enter a new strong password here. Save your changes.
If your computer has a Wi-Fi module, after completing the setup, you can remove the network cable from the PC and connect to the router via a wireless connection.
7. Install the router in the optimal location
Ideally, the router is in the center of the area in which you use Wi-Fi. This way the signal will be equally available to all connected devices.
The fewer walls, furniture, and other obstacles between the receiving device and the router, the better the wireless network works.
Connecting to a wireless network is the most convenient way get Internet access at good speed without unnecessary wires. However, to enjoy all the benefits wireless connection, you first need to understand how to set up Wi-Fi on a laptop.
Enabling the adapter
Before you start creating a new connection, you need to check if the Wi-FI adapter is turned on.
Each laptop model has its own function key for turning the adapter on/off. For example, on ASUS laptops the combination Fn+F2 is used, and on Acer - Fn+F3. On some Lenovo models, adapter status is controlled using a hardware switch located on the front panel.
To determine which key you have installed, look at the F1-F12 row. One of the buttons should have an icon - an antenna that distributes a signal. Press this button in combination with the Fn key and check that the Wi-Fi adapter indicator light changes from red to blue or green.
What to do if the Wi-Fi adapter does not turn on?
There are situations when, after pressing function key the adapter does not turn on. Typically this problem occurs due to one of the following reasons:
- Incorrectly installed drivers.
- Incorrect operation of the system.
- Virus infection of laptop.
Until you eliminate the cause, the question of how to set up Wi-Fi in a laptop will not receive a positive resolution. Most often the problem is incorrect installed drivers, but it would also be useful to check the system for viruses. If no malicious applications are found, reinstall the Wi-Fi module drivers and try turning it on again.
How to set up Wi-Fi on a laptop
Setting up on Windows XP
To configure, you just need to correctly specify some parameters of the wireless connection:
If you have set a password for your wireless connection, you will be required to provide a security key, after which the connection will be established.
Setting up on Windows 7
We've sorted out XP, now let's see how to set up a wireless network on a laptop with installed Windows 7. There are practically no fundamental differences:
On this wifi setup on a laptop with Windows 7 is completed. When connected, you enter the security key and gain access to the Internet.
For Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 there are no differences in settings from the seventh version. The list of networks available for connection can be called up directly from the notification panel - there is a special Wi-Fi icon in the tray.
Video of Wi-Fi settings on a laptop
The Internet has become an integral part of life, and every computer should have access to the network. At home, a connection via a Wi-Fi router is suitable for this, which provides the ability to use both a wireless connection (for laptops, mobile phones, tablets) and a cable connection (for desktop computers).
Where is the best place to install a Wi-Fi router?
For those who are considering options for how to install a router, you should start by choosing a location to place the device. This is influenced by several factors:
- location of the provider's modem or cables, if used;
- apartment layout;
- location of the desktop computer (if any).
There are different models wireless devices from Asus (Asus), TP Link, D-Link (D-Link), etc. They may have at different speeds data transmission, coverage area. This should be taken into account when you choose a location for the device, so that access is available anywhere in your apartment. In this case the best solution there will be a central point if the cable, the location of the modem and the desktop PC allow it. If you have to install the device closer to the computer in order to run a cable to it, then you need to focus on this factor.
How to connect a router to a computer or laptop
It’s easy to figure out how to connect a Wi-Fi router to a computer. The process itself is quick, but problems may arise with setting up the device. Separately, below we will consider the option of connecting a desktop PC via a wireless network and using a network cable. The option of how to connect a router to a laptop is practically no different. Before purchasing a receiver, you should keep in mind that there are models on the market that do not support Wi-Fi distribution and act as an adapter (for connecting several devices).
At the first stage, to gain access to the Internet, you need to correctly connect the wires to the device. There are several major router manufacturers, but the connection diagram always remains the same. Here step by step instructions how to connect a wifi router to a computer:
- Unpack and install the device, plug it into a power outlet. On the back panel, as a rule, there is a button to turn on the device: press it. If a signal is received, the lights on the router will light up.
- There are several sockets on the rear panel. One of them is always located on the edge and is painted in a different color (blue, yellow) with the signature WAN. Connect the wire from the modem or the Internet cable into it. You should hear the latch click, indicating that the cord is securely secured.
- If you need to connect a cable to the PC, then insert it into any of the empty sockets nearby and pull it to the connector on network card. When connected, the light should light up, which means there is a signal.
- When connecting wirelessly, you need to go to the network settings on the PC itself.
Wireless router connection
Most users are interested in the option of how to connect to a router wirelessly. In the case of a laptop, everything is much simpler, because it has a built-in module for receiving WiFi signal. When it comes to regular PCs, the situation is somewhat more complicated, because you will additionally need to purchase an adapter for a Wi-Fi network. They are easy to find in any hardware store and are often sold together with modems.
There are two options for Wi-Fi adapters for PCs on the market – external and internal. The first ones are connected via a USB cable and stand on the table; they look like a docking station for an Apple player. The second ones are mounted on motherboard via PCI connector. They work equally well, but external option can be disconnected and connected to another device, and the built-in one does not take up space on the table. The device should come with a driver disk and software.
After connecting to the computer, setup occurs in exactly the same way as on a laptop. In most cases, to enable computer Wi-Fi, you just need to find your connection in the list of networks and enter the password. If you are connecting for the first time, you may need to specify the settings that were given to you when concluding a contract with the provider.
Wired connection using twisted pair
Previously there was only one way to desktop computer connect the wifi router - cord. At first, a cable from a telephone line was used (sometimes still used), then others appeared that provided not only the computer with Internet access, but also the TV with cable channels. This connection method is still used today, as a rule, for stationary PCs. How to connect a computer to a router via cable:
- connect the provider’s wire to the wi-fi router into the socket labeled WAN or Internet;
- The power cord should be inserted into one of the LAN connectors;
- the second end of the cord must be connected to the Ethernet port of the computer, after connection the light should light up (blink).
What to do if the router does not connect to the Internet
Even if you know how to connect a wifi router to a computer and have done all the necessary manipulations, a situation may arise that a connection to the Internet is not established. At the same time, everything works correctly through the cable, and the wireless network does not transmit data, but is visible in the list of connections. If you call the provider’s support service, the first thing the specialist will do is suggest unplugging wifi device, wait 3-10 minutes and turn it on again. In many cases this really helps.
If this method does not help, then there is a high probability that the computer cannot automatically obtain the IP or DNS address of the network. To check the settings, you need to click on your connection right click, select “Network Center”, click on the image of the network connection and go to the “Details” tab. If the DNS or IP item is empty, then this is the problem. You need to call support and find out what values need to be entered in the properties. After receiving them:
- Click on the connections and click on the “Properties” button.
- Find the item that ends with TCP/Ipv4. Click on it and click "Properties".
- Activate the “Use the following IP address” items, enter the data provided to you by your provider.
- Repeat the same for DNS gateways.
- Click "Ok" and close the remaining tabs.
Video instruction: how to connect a router to a computer