How to Configure Your Wi-Fi Router for the First Time

Setting up your new Wi-Fi router is not as complicated as it sounds. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the whole process of configuring your Wi-Fi router for the first time step-by-step.  

Once you have found and bought the router that you desire according to your requirements, all you need to is follow these instructions to set it up.  

Part 1: Connect the Hardware 

• Connecting Your Router to the Modem:

1.  In order to share your internet connection with multiple devices, you must connect your router to the modem. Practically, place your router near the modem.  
2. Connect both the modem and the router with an Ethernet cable.  
3. You should attach the modem to the Internet port/ WAN on your router.  

• Connecting Your Devices with Ethernet: 

1. For a faster and better connection, attach your computers, TV, or video game console to the router via Ethernet directly. This won’t require any further configuration steps.  
2. To adjust your router settings, you must connect at least one computer via Ethernet, if not all devices.  
3. Once you have adjusted the router settings, you can disconnect this device later.  

 

Part 2: Configure Your Router 

•  Finding the Router’s IP Address: 

1. To determine the default IP address of the router, look on the label or the box that it came in.  
2. If you cannot find it anywhere, search for the router’s model on the web.  

• Adjusting the Settings: 

1. Open a browser on the device connected to the router via Ethernet.  
2. Enter the IP address of the router and search. 
3. Your browser will automatically try and connect to the configuration menu of the router.  

• Entering Your Username and Password: 

1. To change the settings, you must first access the configuration page.  
2. To do so, be on the router’s IP address.  
3. Enter a valid password and username.  
4. You can find it on the router or the documentation.  

• Adjusting the Wireless Settings: 

1. After you log in to your router, you will see a main menu or screen.  
2. The internet section is usually left at default settings.  
3. In the wireless section, enter a personalized name for your router in the SSID.  
4. Choose the security method WPA2-PSK as it is the hardest to crack and highly secure.  
5. After you choose your security method, enter a difficult but rememberable password.  
6. Once you have finalized all the settings, click on Apply to save your settings.  
7. The router will take a few minutes to finish resetting after which your router will be enabled.  

• Blocking Unwanted Sites: 

1. To save your devices from unwanted sites, you can block your network from accessing them.  
2. Go to the Security/ Block section of the router to restrict unwanted sites.  
3. Type in the domain names or keywords of the sites to block them.