A router (aka a router) is designed to provide Internet access to devices that are designed for this. "Router" is a professional jargon. This name came from the English word router. In its memory the routing table for the devices entering the local network is stored.
Subscribers can connect to the router using a cable line or wirelessly via WI-FI. Routers are represented by models from different manufacturers. And if the procedure for connecting them is largely common to all, the configuration process may have its own characteristics for each specific device. Step-by-step instructions on how to connect a router will help users regardless of the model used.
Appearance of routers
Regardless of the shape of the case and its color, all models on the front panel have display elements. They provide users with information on the availability of power, on modes, the status of communication lines with an Internet service provider and devices connected via cable lines, and the health of the WI-FI wireless channel.
How to connect the router to the Internet? On the rear panel are connectors of various configurations. If your ISP delivers Internet over a telephone line (ADSL), then the connector type of the WAN port must be RJ-11 or RJ-12. When receiving information over Ethernet or fiber optic cable (FTTx), an RJ-45 connector is used.
If there is a need to use mobile Internet, the purchased router must have a USB connector, to which you can connect a modem. At a significant distance from the provider, the modem must have a jack for an external antenna.
The LAN port connectors are RJ-45 configured. Their number determines the number of Internet consumers who do not have a built-in wireless module that can be connected to them at the same time. There is also a socket for connecting a power adapter, which is supplied with the router. Many models have separate ON / OFF buttons.
Additionally, there may be buttons on / off (ON / OFF) WI-FI, quick network connection (WPS), reset the router to its original factory settings (RESET). There are models of routers with a switch mode of its use in the local network. To connect external drives, mobile modems, you must have USB-connectors. The number of high-frequency connectors is determined by the number of antennas that provide wireless network operation.
Algorithm for connecting and configuring a router
How to connect a Wi-Fi router? A step-by-step instruction defines the algorithm or procedure for user actions when connecting and configuring the router independently. If this order is observed, the reader will not need to return to the settings that he might have missed, without which further work will not lead to a successful solution of the task.
The main configuration steps include the following:
- Unpacking the product and checking the scope of delivery in accordance with the attached instructions.
- Choosing the installation location of the router in the room (preferably in the center of the apartment), taking into account the length of the cables and the larger coverage area of the wireless network.
- Connecting the router to AC power through a rectifier device (adapter).
- Connecting cables to the WAN and LAN ports of the router, to the network card of the computer.
- Choosing a way to connect the router to a PC.
- Configure network card configuration parameters.
- Resetting the router to factory defaults.
- Entrance to the router settings interface by its IP address in the local network.
- Change the factory password to enter the main menu.
- Configuring the connection with the provider using the data of the contract concluded with him.
- Setting up a wireless network.
- Selection and installation of security parameters WIFI network.
After saving all the entered data and rebooting the router, the work can be considered completed. Now you can determine the most suitable location for the configured router by the quality of the connection of wireless devices.
Ways to connect to a computer
How to connect a Wi-Fi router to a computer? There are two connection options. Connection can be made using an Ethernet cable consisting of twisted pairs and via WI-FI. If laptops incorporate a built-in wireless module, then in stationary computers (PCs), initially there is no such device. Their connection is most often done through a cable line.
How to connect a computer to a router through a cable?
The router’s cable with the designation “Internet” (WAN) is connected to the cable of the provider, with whom an agreement was signed for the supply of Internet services. A short cable (patch cord) is supplied with the router and is used to connect the PC network card jack to one of the ports labeled LAN (LAN1-LAN4). The type of connectors on both ends is RJ-45. Such a connection is more reliable and stable for the computer.
How to connect the router to a computer wirelessly?
To do this, you can use one of the USB connectors on the PC. A network adapter is connected to it, which the user must purchase additionally. Another option for wireless connection is to use a separate module with an antenna, which is fixed in the corresponding connector on the PC motherboard with screws.
The WI-FI range antenna has a swivel swivel mechanism that allows you to manually orient it to achieve the best reception quality.
Preliminary work
The preliminary work includes setting up a computer network card. After connecting its connector to one of the router’s LAN ports, on the PC network connections page, right-click on the icon for connecting the computer to the router. In the context menu, after selecting the connection status information section, you need to make sure that DHCP is enabled.
After that, you need to "click" on the line "Properties". For correct operation, obtaining the IP address and DNS server address of the TCP / IPv4 protocol must occur in automatic mode. If this is not the case, then the corresponding items should be marked with a “tick” and confirm the action by pressing the OK key. Pay attention to what address the service provider gives you - static or dynamic. In the first case, you will have to register it in the settings of the router and the network card of the PC.
Resetting the router to factory settings
This procedure is performed if the router was already in operation with another user. He could change the password for entering the device interface. To reset the hardware and return to their factory defaults, use the "RESET" button on the back of the device. Usually it is located in a recess and you have to use a pointed rod for access.
You can go to the device menu and select "Return to factory settings" in the drop-down list. It will roll back to the original settings. Please note that you can save the current hardware configuration. This is usually required for the case when you need to configure several routers in the same way at once.
After the router is connected to the mains voltage and the POWER indicator is lit, on the front panel press and hold the reset button. The retention time is about (10-15) seconds. The work of all indicators in flash mode begins. The restoration of factory settings can be judged by the termination of the flashing mode of the indicators. The total time should not exceed one minute.
Internet connection
When connecting the router to the Internet, you should carefully read the conditions of a particular provider. The settings depend on the type of connection. All operations are carried out in the web interface of the product. For it to be available, you need to know the IP address of the router you are using on the Internet.
Information about it can be found in the attached manual, on the official website of the company. A product purchased on a retail network has a label with the necessary data on the bottom panel of the router. It contains the IP address itself, the user name (administrator), which must be entered during authorization, as well as a password.
In the settings panel of most routers, after entering the data indicated on the label, you should be prompted to change the default password. This should be agreed. This will increase the security level of the created local network. After pressing the Enter key, you can begin configuring the router settings. At the first stage, go to the advanced settings section and go to the "Network" tab. Of interest is the WAN section.
Connecting to the networks of major Russian providers
After its disclosure, careful reading of the contents of the contract concluded with the provider is required. You need to select the type of connection from the proposed options. The least difficulties are caused by filling out the page when connecting like "Dynamic IP". It can be provided by Rostelecom, Dom.ru, NetByNet. More common is the PPPoE connection. When you configure it, you must enter the user name and password assigned by the provider. Do not confuse this data with those that are entered on the login page as administrator.
Beeline provider uses a secure L2TP connection with support for a virtual private network server (VPN). In addition to the user name and password assigned by the provider, you also need to enter the address of the server encrypting messages - tp.internet.beeline.ru. For all of the listed connection types in the router settings, the DHCP service must be enabled. She assigns subscribers their addresses on the local network.
Wireless setup
After authorization with a new administrator password, you need to find the "Wireless Mode" (WI-FI) tab in the main interface and click on it. On the page of the main settings section, you must specify the name of the network being created (SSID), by which it will be determined in the list of available connections. In the column of the channel number used, “Auto” is initially indicated, it is advisable to use the mixed mode (b / g / n mixed). It is recommended to install the channel not specific, but specific (for example, the third). It allows you to coordinate the router with any equipment of subscribers and achieve maximum exchange speed. The entered data must be saved - click on the "Apply" stencil. But this is not all you need to know before connecting a WiFi router and putting it into operation.
WIFI network protection
The next step sets the parameters that protect the network from unauthorized connection to it. Select WPA2-PSK network authentication. She is the most protected. An addition to it is the encryption key. It must contain at least eight characters (Latin letters with the addition of numbers). After that, the save command is executed, followed by rebooting the router.
Conclusion
An interested reader will know how to connect a wired router to create a local network on its basis or a router that can also organize a wireless network after reading the article. You can not resort to the help of invited experts, but to carry out the work yourself. It takes no more than 10 minutes.