In the framework of this article, the most important information about setting up the ASUS RT-N12 will be described in detail. In fact, this is a whole family of routers, but the following information is valid for each of them.
Specifications
Before setting up the ASUS RT-N12 router , we will deal with its technical parameters. To begin with, it should be noted that this router is one of the best solutions for organizing a small local area network, for example, in an apartment, house or in a small office. It provides data transfer in the wired segment at speeds up to 100 Mbps (this value is limited by the data transfer rate over twisted pair). But in the wireless part of the network, this value increases already to 300 Mb / s (the presence of two antennas makes itself felt). Exchange of information with the Internet in such a network will be limited to 100 Mbps received using a twisted pair cable from the provider. It should also be noted that only b / g / n devices with Wi-Fi wireless transmitters are supported in this router. The router is equipped with one RJ-45 input port (along the perimeter it is colored blue), four exactly the same output ports (they are painted yellow) and two antennas.
Equipment
Such components are included in the delivery list of ASUS RT-N12:
- The instruction manual is in Russian.
- The router itself.
- Power Supply.
- Twisted pair 1 m long and crimped with RJ-45 connectors on both sides.
- 2 antennas.
- A CD with an electronic version of the documentation and the necessary software to configure the network device.
Router Description
There are two color options for the design of the case of this series of routers: white and black. The following LED indicators are displayed on the top cover:
- Turn on the network device (it blinks during boot, while it is on, it glows continuously).
- Transmission of information using the Wi-Fi wireless interface (blinks during operation).
- The indicator of the accelerated connection of devices (during the search for new devices it blinks).
- Internet connections (blinks while exchanging information with the global web).
- The last 4 LEDs indicate the presence of a connection and the transfer of information for each of the four wired ports, respectively.
On the underside of the device are cooling holes and connectors for mounting the router on the wall. The main controls and ports for connection are located on the back of the router. On the left and on the right there are connectors for installing antennas. Also, three control buttons are displayed here (reset to factory settings, power supply and accelerated wireless network settings), one port for connecting a twisted pair cable from the provider and four ports for creating the network part of the computer network.
Scheme for customization
Now we begin to configure ASUS RT-N12. At the first stage, we collect the circuit for setting up the device. To do this, we place the router as close to the personal computer as possible. We connect the power supply to the outlet, and its output cord with the connector - to the router. We install a complete twisted-pair cable with one end in any of the yellow ports of the router, and the other in the socket of the network card of the computer.
Inclusion and setup
At the next stage, apply voltage to the ASUS RT-N12 router (press the "Power" button) and turn on the personal computer. Then we wait until the end of loading both the PC and the router (the “Power” LED should stop blinking and start to glow continuously). Then we launch any of the browsers that are available on the computer. In the address bar you need to dial 192.168.1.1 and then press the Enter key. In response, a request appears asking you to enter your login and password. As in the first field, and in the second we enter admin and click "Login". In the right part of the window that opens, set the wireless network parameters:
- SSID (this is the name of our wireless network, we choose at our discretion).
- “Verification method” (in the drop-down list it is recommended to select those with the WPA2 prefix - they provide the maximum degree of protection of the wireless network against hacking).
- "Encryption".
- Set the key to gain access to the network.
After that, click the "Save" button. Next, in the left column we find the WAN item. Next, in the window that opens, select the type of connection to the provider’s equipment and set the parameters necessary for its operation. All this information is indicated in the contract for the provision of services. In an extreme case, if something is not clear, you can call the provider's hotline and find out the information that interests you. At the end, click the "Apply" button. Then we close the browser window and turn off the PC and the router. Then you need to disassemble the time scheme.
Permanent installation and circuit assembly
First, screw the antennas on the back of the device. Next, you need to choose the correct installation location for the router. The first important recommendation is that it should be as close as possible to the center of the room. Also in this place it is necessary to have an outlet, and a wire from the provider should reach here. The ASUS RT-N12 router is not allowed to be located near a microwave oven, refrigerator, or washing machine - these are sources of interference that may cause the wireless part of the computer network to not work. A similar problem can occur with a solid metal sheet that can lower the signal level. After choosing the location of the router, we plug the power supply into a power outlet, and its cord into the corresponding socket on the router. Next, connect the twisted-pair input from the provider to the blue port of the router. Then we collect the wired part of the LAN. The maximum of its composition may include only 4 devices. Wires for her organization will have to be bought separately for an additional fee: they are not included in the delivery package.
Checking the Wireless LAN
The next important step in configuring the ASUS RT-N12 is to test the network performance. First, check its wireless segment. If you have a smartphone or tablet (the operating system does not play a role in this case), then go to the gadget’s wireless network settings, select the Wi-Fi setting using WPS technology, turn on the wireless network search system and connect to it. Then you need to press the WPS button on the back of the router. Further configuration will occur automatically without user intervention. Upon completion, the Wi-Fi logo will become active at the top of the screen of the mobile device. A little more complicated will be the situation with a laptop or personal computer. In this case, you need to go to the control panel. Then select the item "Network Control Center". Next, install a new wireless network by searching for available connections. In the list, select the name that was set during the configuration of the router. In response, you will be prompted for a password. Again, enter the previously set password. Then we launch the browser, enter the address and press Enter.
Testing the wire part
The next step is to check the operability of the wired part of the computer network. To do this, just with the router and network device turned on (connected using a twisted pair cable), launch a browser and enter any network address and press Enter. After that, the start page of this site should appear. If this does not happen, then we check the device settings, which should be set to automatically obtain the address and DNS servers.
Software Update
At the end of the setup, we check for software updates for the ASUS RT-N12. The firmware of the router from this manufacturer is updated as follows:
- By the previously described method, we go into the settings of the router.
- At the top of the settings page we find the firmware version and click on it with the left button of the manipulator.
- In the window that opens, click on the link with updates to the website of this company.
- If the software version of the router and the firmware from the manufacturer’s website are the same, then there is no need to update the software. Otherwise, download the file to the PC using the “Download” button. At the same time, we remember its location on the hard drive.
- Then, in the browser window, click on the "Select File" button and find the software downloaded in the previous step. Then click "Submit."
- After that, the router will reboot, and it will already start with the new software.
Summary
As part of this short article, all the most important information about setting up the ASUS RT-N12 has been described. There is nothing super complicated in the order of its installation and parameterization. So we take and do.