How to Connect a Router to a Modem

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Connecting a router to your modem allows you to access the Internet from multiple devices in your home, and offers extra security against hackers and other third parties. A router and modem can be properly installed using two Ethernet cables, a coaxial cable, and the power cords supplied with both devices. This wikiHow teaches you how to connect a router to a modem.

Connecting Modem to Router

Connect one end of your ethernet cable to the back of your modem, then connect the other end to the Wide Area Network (WAN) port on your router. Then, plug your router in and turn everything on.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Connecting a Router to a Modem

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  1. If you have cable or fiberoptic internet, you will need to connect a coaxial cable to the wall outlet you get internet through. If you have a DSL modem, you will need to connect a phone line to a wall port for your phone.
  2. Connect the other end of the coaxial cable or phone line to the proper port on your modem. This allows your modem to receive internet.
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  3. Locate the AC adapter port on your modem and connect the AC adapter to your modem.
  4. This will power on your modem.
  5. If your modem doesn't power on immediately, locate a power switch on your modem and power it on.
  6. This port is used to connect other devices to your modem. [1]
  7. Use the other end of the Ethernet cable to connect to the port labeled "WAN", "Internet", or something similar. It's most likely located next to the four colored "LAN" ports on the router.
  8. Locate the AC adapter port on the router and connect the AC adapter to the router.
  9. Your router will most likely power up on its own. Allow a few minutes for it to fully boot up (for different routers it may take from 30 seconds to 6 minutes).
  10. Connect the Ethernet cable to one of the ports labeled "LAN". [2]
  11. Locate an open LAN port on your laptop or desktop computer and connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to your computer.
  12. This indicates that the devices have been properly connected to one another. The way the lights light up is going to be different from one router make and model to another. Consult the user's manual or manufacturer's web page for more information. [3]
  13. If you are properly connected to the internet, you should be able to browse the internet using a web browser. [4]
  14. Type the router's IP address in the address bar. This connects to the web interface for the router. The router's default IP address is going to be different depending on the make and model of the router. Consult the user's manual or manufacturer's web page to find out what the default IP address is for your router. [5]
    • Common default IP addresses include 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 and 10.0.0.1
  15. You will need to sign in to the router using the default username and password. Consult the user's manual or manufacturer's website to find the default username and password for your router. [6]
  16. Update the router's firmware . When connecting a new router, it is likely that the router needs to be updated. Locate the option in the web interface to update the router and click that button. How your update a router's firmware is going to be different from one router's make and model to another.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Configuring a Wireless Network

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  1. If you are properly connected to the internet, you should be able to browse the internet using a web browser. [7]
  2. This connects to the web interface for the router. The router's default IP address is going to be different depending on the make and model of the router. Consult the user's manual or manufacturer's web page to find out what the default IP address is for your router.
    • Common default IP addresses include 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 and 10.0.0.1
  3. You will need to sign in to the router using the default username and password. Consult the user's manual or manufacturer's website to find the default username and password for your router.
    • Common usernames and passwords include "admin", and "password".
  4. The web interface for each router's make and model has a different layout. Locate the wireless settings for your router. They may be under "System", "Settings", "Configuration" or something similar.
  5. Name your wireless network . Locate the SSID settings on the web interface for your router. Change the default network name to whatever name you choose, typing the name for your wireless network in the SSID field.
  6. This is the most secure encryption key for wireless passwords.
  7. This may be labeled "key", "wireless key" or "pass key". This is the password you will enter on other devices to connect to your wireless network.
    • A strong password should be at least 8 characters and have a combination of letters, and numbers.
    • Make sure you use a password that you don't mind giving to guests. Don't use a password you use for other personal accounts.
  8. Locate the option to save the changes to your router. This is going to be different from one router's make and model to another.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Troubleshooting Setup

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  1. If you are suddenly unable to connect to the Internet, unplug it for a few seconds and plug it back in. This allows the modem to fully power down and initialize a fresh, stronger connection. After 15 seconds, reconnect the modem and wait at least two minutes before connecting to the Internet. [8]
  2. If you experience problems connecting to the Internet, try powering down your entire network and restarting each device. This can help refresh both devices and ensure a stronger, lasting Internet connection.
    • Power off your computer and unplug your modem from its power source.
    • Unplug your router from its power source. Then verify that both Ethernet cables and the coaxial cable are fastened securely to your devices.
    • Reconnect the modem to its power source. Then reconnect the router to its power source.
    • Wait two minutes, then power on your computer. You should now be able to connect to the Internet.
  3. This helps to rule out problems with faulty equipment if you are unable to connect to the Internet. In most cases, frayed or faulty cables will prevent you from accessing the Internet.
  4. If you experience an interruption in service, contact your internet service provider. In some cases, temporary service interruptions may occur on behalf of local maintenance or outages.
  5. If you unable to establish a connection, check with your internet service provider to see if the router is compatible with the modem. Some modems may be outdated or incompatible with the routers offered by your ISP.
  6. If you are unable to connect to the Internet, contact your internet service providers to see if your modem requires any special configuration. Some cable modems must have their Ethernet ports configured before they can function properly with Internet routers. [9]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I connect a router to a modem-router combo?
    Community Answer
    If the modem is also a router, you shouldn't need to then connect a second router to it. But if you feel you must, use an ethernet cable and connect it to the ports on your router and modem. That should work.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 31 Helpful 16
  • Question
    Should my computer be turned off during the above steps? When should I turn it on?
    Community Answer
    Leave your PC on. Your PC should have no effect over the router and modem's operation.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 6
  • Question
    Do I have to have a computer hooked up to the router and modem to get WiFi?
    zero cool
    Community Answer
    No. But, it's mandatory to have it hooked up initially while setting up the router connection. Then you can connect any Wi-Fi enabled device to the router without your PC.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Things You’ll Need

      • Router
      • Modem
      • 2 Ethernet cables
      • Coaxial cable
      • Power cord for router
      • Power cord for modem

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/how-to-set-up-a-wireless-router/
      2. ↑ https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/how-to-set-up-a-wireless-router/
      3. ↑ https://www.cox.com/residential/support/connecting-a-router-and-a-modem-with-an-ethernet-cable.html
      4. ↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/internetbasics/choosing-a-web-browser/1/
      5. ↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/internetbasics/how-to-set-up-a-wifi-network/1/
      6. ↑ https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/how-to-set-up-a-wireless-router/
      7. ↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/internetbasics/choosing-a-web-browser/1/
      8. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/modem-vs-router/
      9. ↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/internetbasics/how-to-set-up-a-wifi-network/1/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Connect your modem to the wall outlet you get your internet through.
      2. Connect an AC adapter to your modem and plug it in.
      3. Connect an Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on your modem.
      4. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the WAN port on your router.
      5. Connect an AC adapter to your router and plug it in.
      6. Connect a second Ethernet cable to a WAN port on your router.
      7. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to a computer.
      8. Open a web browser and enter the router's IP address in the address bar.
      9. Enter the default username and password for the router's web interface.
      10. Update the router's firmware.
      11. Set an SSID for your wireless network.
      12. Select "WPA/WPA2" as the encryption type.
      13. Set a wireless password.
      14. Save the changes to your router.

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