It's no secret that many computer owners are accustomed to living in their closed, calm little world, once having tuned up the performance of the computing system. It would seem that what else is needed if the video card is correctly rendering the picture on the monitor screen, the system unit quietly rustles with fans, and the processor processes the next blocks of binary data. However, the intensive development of computer technology, like a whirlpool, sooner or later drags even such users, forcing, for example, to understand how the computer is connected to the router. It is about this “brick” of the modern network that we will talk today.
This is the scary word "router"
The term "router" came to us from the English language, which can be translated as "a device that controls the transmission." Its second name, which has long been known among system engineers, is a router. So, if to create a simple network of several computers it was possible to do with a “tricky” cabling of the cable route, which even beginners could afford, then specialists in this field were faced with the need to organize complex hierarchical schemes, which are almost impossible to perform without special nodes that control the transmission data. These are the routers. Now even ordinary owners of personal computers and laptops who have decided to connect to the Internet are faced with the need to install and configure the router . In addition, in some cases it is impossible to do without such devices. For example, if you want to organize the distribution of the Internet over wireless networks or to bypass the provider’s restriction on access with a hard-coded MAC address. Fortunately, connecting a router does not require any special knowledge and can be completed in a few minutes.
Design
Externally, the router is a small device in a plastic case, on the front panel of which there are status indication LEDs and, sometimes, a series of buttons. There are a number of Ethernet connectors on the back wall, one of which is designated as “WAN”, and the others - 1, 2, 3 ... We have already pointed out that a router can “raise” the network. Connecting and configuring it differs depending on the placement and supply of communication lines. A router can work as an intermediate node when its task is to receive and further broadcast Wi-Fi (like a mobile repeater), or as a key access point, converting wired signals. In the first case, no communication wires are connected to it, in the second, at least one is needed - from the provider, which is connected to the WAN connector. Also on the back of the case are the power, reset, and QSS function buttons. All modern routers can work according to the Wi-Fi standard, therefore they come with an external antenna.
Range
Now the windows of computer shops literally burst with an abundance of router models. Here are advanced Asus RT-AC68U for 10 thousand rubles, and D-Link DSR-1000 for 15 thousand rubles, and “popular” TP-Link at an affordable price. Each buyer will find exactly what he needs. In addition, if necessary, consultants can explain how to connect the router. The choice of model depends on the tasks that you plan to solve using a router. To circumvent the MAC limitation and distribute Wi-Fi to several machines, a budget solution is quite suitable, characterized by low cost, the presence of all basic functions and a standard transceiver.
How is the router connected?
Suppose that the user is faced with the task of connecting the router in such a way as to be able to use the Internet on all devices capable of working via Wi-Fi. For this, an Ethernet cable (twisted pair), coming from the Internet provider, must be connected to the WAN connector on the back of the router case. Next, from a free outlet (1, 2, 3 ...) you should stretch the cord (available at any store, the desired length and already with connectors) to the computer Ethernet connector and connect them. It doesn’t matter if a tp-link router or a model of some other company is connected - in this case, the algorithm of actions is the same. It remains to supply power to the device and proceed with the settings.
Choosing a communication method
If the router is used to organize simultaneous access to the Internet for 2-3 stationary computers, it is recommended to abandon the wireless connection method in favor of the traditional one. This will allow you to work at high speeds, not to worry about interference and not be in the coverage area of ​​the transmitter (disputes about the dangers of Wi-Fi are still ongoing). It is advisable to use a wireless network only when it is impossible to lay cables.
Transmitter shutdown and parameter adjustment
For example, the ZyXEL router will be connected as follows: the main cable is connected to the WAN connector; No. 1 connects to the computer, which will be considered the main one; from No. 2, 3 ... a twisted pair cable is drawn to other system units, connecting to Ethernet connectors. After that, you need to start the browser on the main machine and enter the path 192.168.1.1 in the address bar (the exact combination is indicated on the sticker on the bottom of the device or in the instructions). When asked about the password, enter “admin”. By the way, connecting a TP-Link router involves entering the same combination to access the settings. If everything is done correctly, then the user will see the menu tree of the internal program. The transmitter can be disabled in the "Wireless Mode" section by simply unchecking the box next to the "Enable Wireless Broadcasting Router" line. Going through the menu, you can configure other modes: in particular, enable password access when working on Wi-Fi; specify the demilitarized zone; restrict permissions for other computers, etc. Some providers require adjustments and prescribing "keys", in which case you can’t do without additional settings. The menu features can be found on the website of the router manufacturer. When the system’s performance is fully configured, we recommend that you save the settings in a file using the option to reserve settings in the service section. This will allow you to restore all the changes made in a couple of mouse clicks.
Simple solution to the problem
There are many reasons why you cannot “lift” the network on the router. Their solution is beyond the scope of this article. However, if the connection of the router to the Internet suddenly became unavailable, although it had recently worked stably, then you can try to return all the settings to the factory settings and perform the settings again. To do this, on the switched-on router, you need to press the reset button recessed into the case with a match or an ampoule from the handle and hold it in this state for 5-10 seconds. When the indicators start to blink, the button can be released. Sometimes such a simple action helps to restore the router.
Versatility
All modern router manufacturers are trying to make the installation and configuration process as simple as possible. Even the passwords for entering the control internal program are the same for different developers. The same can be said for the address. For example, if connecting a D-Link router and setting up require 192.168.0.1 input, then the owners of solutions from TP-Link are gaining the same path. Thanks to this, the user, having learned how to work with any router, will be able to configure other models.