A router allows multiple computers to share an Internet connection.
Configuring a router for Internet access is a common practice that any individual can accomplish. Most routers on the market today are configured in much the same way with some slight differences. It is important to consult your documentation in addition to reading this material to ensure success.
Instructions
1. Locate a source of power for your router and power it on. Your router must be located next to a telephone or cable outlet.
2. Connect the cable outlet from the wall to your router for cable Internet service or connect the telephone cord from the wall to your router for DSL Internet service.
3. Locate an unused port on the back of your router. Connect one side of an Ethernet cable to the empty port and the other side of the Ethernet cable to the back of your computer.
4. Recycle the router by turning the power off and on. Reboot your computer to ensure it receives a proper connection or IP address. This IP address allows you to connect to the administrator portal to obtain Internet access.
5. Open the administrator portal to configure the router. Typically, this requires you to open an Internet browser and type the following: "192.168.1.1." Some routers will automatically open to the page for you to configure Internet access as well. The instructions provided with your router will give you the exact IP address if it is different from the one above.
6. Walk through the wizard on the administrator portal page. You will be asked to change the log in and password to secure your access to the portal page. If you did not purchase a static IP address, you router will be automatically configured or you will be prompted to enter the specific address during the wizard. At the end of the wizard, click Finish to begin browsing the Internet.
Tags: administrator portal, Internet access, your router, back your, cable outlet, Ethernet cable