How to Set Up a Router Step-by-Step

Table of Content

• Connect a Second Wireless Router
• Gather documentation
• Verify the local and internet connections
• Set up additional security features

When you’ve finished making these changes, reboot your gateway. If your gateway has an integrated router, you’ll need to configure the gateway to disable the router and pass the WAN IP address and all network traffic through to your new router. This is necessary to avoid double-NAT scenarios, among other things. (Here’s explanation of double NAT and why you want to avoid it.) You’ll need to know the IP address that the gateway is using (you’ll typically find this on a label on the gateway itself).

In these cases, you can usually complete the setup without plugging in a PC at all. Once it is powered on, you should see the router's indicator lights activate. Wait a minute or two after plugging in the router, as it may take a few moments for it to get up and running. Also, some ISP gateways offer combined modem and router functions.

Connect a Second Wireless Router

Linsey is a Midwest-based author, public speaker, and member of the ASJA. She has a passion for helping consumers and small business owners do more with their resources via the latest tech solutions. Disconnect the cord going from the router to the computer.

Let’s walk through the steps of setting up your Wi-Fi network. Connect an ethernet cable from the Internet port on your modem to the Internet port on your WiFi router. Use the following steps to connect your modem to your router and enable your in-home WiFi network.

Gather documentation

It’s significantly easier, and it’ll free up a few hours of your time. Setting up and configuring a wireless router has become much easier over the years. But the tips I share here will make the process even simpler.

You should immediately change the default admin password because it’s not secure. Create something unique and either write it down or enter it into a password manager program such as LastPass. You will need it later to make changes and updates.

Verify the local and internet connections

Also, it may mean you need a wired or wireless network in parts of your home that you previously didn’t. We’ll show you a few ways to connect two routers to make your home network more robust. People will continue to work from home and attend classes from home in great numbers. That means more connected devices in more places in your home. It also means more people are sharing the internet connection.

You can check a box to allow trusted IP addresses to view blocked sites. This can be useful for parents who still want access to the sites that they’ve blocked for their kids.Once you’ve checked the box, add it the IP addresses you want to bypass the blocks. This will open a form where you can enter the port forwarding information.Name/Service Name – This is the name of the program you are port forwarding for.

In most locations (at least in the U.S.), you usually have a few options, but often only one company is available for each option. This may not be the case in metro areas where there’s more competition. If you're connecting your router to an existing modem or ISP gateway, then you probably already have a good idea of whether or not your internet is working, but it's always worth checking. A bad connection can make for a long and frustrating attempt at router installation when there may be nothing wrong with the router itself. Many router manufactures provide security functionality to safeguard network and user privacy.

Keep an eye out for stickers or slips of paper that might include important setup information, like the router's default username and password. For users whose laptops don’t have an Ethernet port, keep the computer’s WiFi turned on. Then, connect to the router with the default network settings provided in your manufacturer’s documentation and proceed to the next step.

Stay Connected

If you need to change your Wi-Fi passphrase, you can repeat the steps above to input a new one. You will need to know the current passphrase to change it. If you have a lot of wireless networks in your area, your router will automatically move the network to a clean channel. With routers connected to services, such as Xfinity, you'll need to use their respective app to make changes to your account. Unplug your computer from the router, then wirelessly connect all of your devices to the new network.

The default IP settings of a second router do not require any change unless it is to be configured as a network switch or access point. Home wireless routers can be connected using Ethernet cable in the same way as wired routers are connected. Connecting two home routers over wireless is also possible, but the second router can only function as a wireless access point instead of a router in most configurations.

Step 5 Check and enable the WireGuard in the Server List, add and enable the VPN Access for the devices that will use the VPN function. Step 1Please download the configuration file from your VPN provider. It will be inside a pin-sized hole usually located at the back of the router with the words Reset next to it. To reach inside and press the button, use a pin, paper clip or any long and narrow object that can fit through the hole. In the Wi-Fi Name or SSID Name text box, enter the name you want your connection to have.