Linksys Wireless Router Setup

As already mentioned, a Linksys wireless router setup is not that big a deal, if you have the proper components, and follow the right steps. The process of setting up the wireless router, consists of two parts. First getting the hardware connectivity and then the right router configuration. In fact, these routers come with a setup wizard, just as in the case of any external hardware or software that you want to install. This makes setup a very simple task. However, before starting off with the setting up of a Linksys router, you need to take into account your requirements and the number of computers you want to connect to the Internet through that router. Once you get the right router, you can straight away, move ahead to the hardware configuration part.

Hardware Configuration for a Linksys Wireless Router

Please go through the entire process mentioned below, before you start with the configuration. This is to make sure that you figure out the different components required during the setup process. I have not mentioned the process in a step by step manner, though the entire process can be done that way too. So, let's start off.

Your wireless router must have come with antennas. Follow the instruction manual and connect the antennas accordingly to the router. While placing the router, make sure that the router is equidistant from almost all the computers. Though it's not a compulsion, but it can really help you a lot. Now, don't get confused. Simply connect the Ethernet cable that has come with your router to one of the available ports at the back of the router, and the other end to your modem. It's as simple as that. With that, your basic setup part is done. Now, just as in the case of any other electronic appliance, your router also needs power supply. Hence connect it using the power cables that have come along with the kit to an electrical outlet. The power light will keep blinking, or in other words, it will keep flashing. Once the blinking stops, simply reboot your computer. This will let your computer get a new IP address, of course from the router through Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). So, your hardware configuration part is finally complete. If you have reached till this line, then just check out if you have found all the components and ports mentioned till now. So this was all about the hardware configuration part. Now, let us take a look at the configuration settings that you need to do.

Configuration Settings

For the configuration settings of the wireless router, you need to follow a few basic steps. Once the computer restarts, go to the web browser and type http://192.168.1.1 at the address bar. The router configuration screen will appear and you will be prompted to enter a username and password. In general the username is admin and password field is blank. But still refer to the manual that has come along with the kit to check if there are any changes. On the next screen, click on Internet Setup. On the next screen, you will have a drop down menu, from which you can select your connection type. For cable modems, you can choose DHCP and for DSL modems select PPPoE. For identification of the router you need to set up an SSID (Service Set Identifier) and change the password. To provide Internet security to your router you can set up a passphrase, which any user who connects to the router would require. You can do the encryption using a Wireless Encryption Protocol (WEP) key. Enter a passphrase in the wireless security option and the encryption password will be generated. Any user who wants to connect to the router for Internet access requires this password to do so. Find out more information on what is wep key.

So, this was all about how to set up Linksys wireless router. As you must have figured out by now, router setting up is not a daunting task, as you may have previously assumed. You just need to identify the cables and ports properly, and refer to the manual for the correct configuration settings.