How long does it take for you to get bored when there is no internet connection? At most, a minute, maybe!
Whether you want to spend the day scrolling down the Instagram field or watching Netflix, the internet has become a need for every user nowadays. Therefore, everybody wishes to know how to set up a new router easily, so they don’t stay disconnected for long.
Some routers aid the installing process via the mobile app, while others need basic knowledge of completing each step manually. Although the process can vary from one router to another, we have compiled a general guide for you to set up a home network.
Suppose you ask me for a pro tip for enhancing the speed of the internet. I would suggest you buy a compatible router. If you have a Verizon connection, you need to have a Verizon fios router for support and compatibility.
First of all, check that your internet connection is working. Only then can you successfully connect the WiFi router to an existing modem or Internet Service Provider gateway. If the connectivity strength is poor, you will have trouble during router installation.
Need help? Here’s what you have to do to check the internet status:
- Connect modem/ISP gateway with an Ethernet cable.
- Plug the cable directly into your device, i.e., laptop or PC.
- Check for internet connection.
If you are getting a stable connection, you are good to go. Now you can connect the router to the modem that you have just checked.
So, here are the next 5 questions you will have to answer, step by step, when installing a new router.
- Where Should You Place The Router?
When you unpack the router, the first thing to decide over is where to place it. The spot should be as such that it caters to the maximum number of devices around the house. Therefore, most customers tend to choose a central point for best coverage.
The height at which you place the router also matters. Generally speaking, the higher, the better! This is because the radio waves move outwards and downwards from the device and will provide less connectivity for devices that are placed higher than the router.
Before moving on to the next questions, there are a few pointers you should consider. These include:
- Make sure there are less concrete walls and obstacles between the router and laptop/computers.
- Do not place the router close to a microwave or other electronic appliances that emit similar waves.
- Check for any important documentation in the package or a slip containing useful information such as default password, default username, or the address.
- Carefully attach external antennas if they are provided separately. You can do so by screwing them on to the connectors yourself or opt for professional help.
- Is The Power Outlet Working Fine?
Connect the router to a power source. Make sure that the outlet is working fine. As soon as the router is turned on, a few indicator lights may glow up or start blinking to show that certain router functions are now active.
It is also recommended to wait a couple of minutes before proceeding. This is because the router takes time to start running properly and maybe overloaded if you proceed with further instructions immediately.
- Which Internet Source Will You Use?
Now connect the router to an internet source. It could be an existing modem or a similar ISP. You do this by simply plugging in the ethernet cable into the WAN port.
Note! WAN port is typically separated from other ports on the device either by a different color or by keeping some space between this port and the rest.
A color change or blinking of a new light often indicated that the cable had been connected successfully. If you do not see any such indications, recheck the connection or make sure that you are inserting the cable in the right port.
- How To Set Router’s Web Interface
After you connect the device to the new router, the next important thing is to select a new username or password. You also need to log in to the web interface and arrange the firmware as per your needs. Here you can choose the security settings and then activate the WiFi network easily.
As part of security settings, you will have to choose the encryption protocol for your network. Most old routers present WEP protocol; however, it is not as secure as WPA2, so we recommend using the latter instead. WPA2 stands for WiFi Protected Access II and is known to provide a much more safe internet network.
- Which Devices Do You Want To Connect To The Network?
You are almost done!
Proceed on to connect your devices to the router. You can link printers, game consoles, laptops, computers, smartphones, security cameras, etc. Wired devices would need to be connected via ethernet cable. You can connect as many devices as the number of ports present on the back of the router.
You can connect the wireless devices by logging on to their WiFi settings and providing the network name and password.
This is a fundamental guide for installing a new router. As we have mentioned before, the exact protocol may vary from one router to another. Hopefully, the article will provide you with some guidance on installing a new router without any issues. Best of Luck!
