WiFi Router Setup

The basic steps of setting up a wireless network
[pictorial process overview]
  1. Make sure your Internet connection is working. Just connect a computer to your broadband modem and see if you can reach a couple of websites.
  2. Get your IP address (if needed). [instructions]
  3. Disconnect your modem from your computer, and connect it your router's Internet port (WAN).
  4. Connect your computer to one of your router's LAN (local area network) ports. Never connect to your router wirelessly to configure it.
  5. Now, configure the basic settings of your router. (You'll probably get a CD with your router to do this with.)
  6. You may need to restart your router before you can reach the Internet again, but don't do that yet.
  7. Finally, you need to configure some more router options if you want your network to be secure.
Configuration Example (use your router's CD or manual for specifics)
  1. Locate the Ethernet cable connecting your modem and your PC. Disconnect the end attached to the PC, and attach it to the router’s WAN (wide area network) port. Connect another Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on the back of your PC and connect it to one of the numbered ports on the back of the router.
  2. Connect the router’s power adapter to the back of the router, plug it in, and check to see that the power light on the front panel is on. Check the router’s front panel to ensure that the WAN light and the corresponding LAN (local-area network) port light are both on.
  3. At this point, you’ll need to either install the software that came with your router or type an address in your browser’s address field to access a configuration screen. This will display the router’s setup wizard.
  4. First, the wizard will ask you to set an administrative password, choose a time zone, and select the Internet connection type. Many DSL accounts use PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet), but it's possible that your connection might use a dynamic (DHCP) or static IP (Internet Protocol) address instead. If you’re not sure what to select, ask your ISP (Internet service provider). Kiva uses dynamic (DHCP).
  5. You may need to enter the username and password for your Internet access account so the router can automatically log in to your broadband account each time you turn on your equipment. Required for a PPPoE account. Not required for DHCP.
  6. The wizard will ask you to enter an SSID (Service Set Identifier) network name and a maybe a channel. Use something that you'll easily recognize when connecting to the network later on. E.g., Kangaroo. :-)
  7. Select the highest encryption protocol all your devices accept, and set a very strong shared key. This is a critical security factor. [more]
Notes and Tips

Most home routers 'vulnerable to remote take-over'

Don't forget that Google is your friend. :-) If you don't know what a term or setting is, and you can't find it in your router's help file, the best thing may be to just use Google. For example, I didn't know what "Filter Internet NAT Redirection" -- under Linksys firewall settings -- meant, so I just searched for "filter internet nat redirection" and found a wealth of information.

How to get your IP address:

  1. To get your IP address: Click "Start" > select "Control Panel" > select "Network Connections" > right-click "Local Area Connection" > click "General" tab > select "Internet Protocol" > click "Properties". If "Obtain an IP address automatically" is selected, you don't need to do anything. But if "Use the following IP address:" is selected, jot down the IP address, the subnet mask, and the default gateway.

  2. Next click "Obtain an IP address automatically." (That's because your computer will no longer be connecting to your router, but will be connecting to a LAN port on your router, which used DHCP (dynamic addressing). Then you'll need to click "OK" two times to close the dialog box. [figure]
Devices (hardware)
Draft-N (802.11n) Routers [expensive]

Breaking News: If you're considering a partial (not all devices on your network are N) 802.11n (Draft-N) network, read this, but don't be unduly alarmed.

The "N" in "Draft-N" means that the 802.11n standard is still in draft form, so there are likely to be changes before it is approved. That means devices that you buy now may not be compatible with devices that comply with the final version of the 802.11n standard when it is approved.