Wireless Basics part 2 Installing the Router

Learn how to install and configure your wireless router.

Routers act as the gateway between your broadband connection (DSL or cable modem) and your home network. As the name implies, these devices route traffic between your network and the Internet. Most include built-in DHCP servers that automatically assign the right IP address information to each computer on your local-area network, or LAN. A separate WAN, or wide-area network, interface on the router connects your entire home or office network to your broadband modem, allowing you to share your Internet connection through the router. Most routers also have firewall capabilities, and some include more advanced security features.

Connect your modem to the WAN port on the router and your PC to an open Ethernet port on the router.

Before you install your router, power down your PC and modem, then disconnect the Ethernet cable from your PC and connect it to your router’s WAN port so that the Ethernet cable connects the modem to the router. Now, you’ll need to string a second Ethernet cable between your PC’s Ethernet port and one of the router’s Ethernet ports.

Turn on the modem and wait until it connects. Plug in and power on the router and turn on your PC. When your system boots, open a browser window and try a few Web sites to test your Internet connection. If all seems to be working, skip to the next lesson.

Configure the router
Using the PC connected to the router, launch your browser. In the URL address field, enter the router-configuration IP address provided in the documentation–192.168.0.1 for the D-Link DI-624. You’ll also need to enter the configuration-utility ID (usually “admin”) and the default password.

Next, enter the information you collected in lesson 1 as instructed in your router’s installation guide. If you jotted down an IP address in step 1, set the router to use a static IP address and enter the address and other information. If you’re a DSL user, you’ll likely need to choose a PPPoE Internet-connection type, then enter the username and password you selected to log on to your ISP.

Most DSL users will probably need to choose a PPPoE connection type.

Leave other settings such as encryption and SSID at their defaults for now, exit your router’s configuration routine, and check your Internet connection. If you still can’t access any Web sites, check your router’s documentation for troubleshooting advice and call the manufacturer for technical support, if necessary.