How to Set Up a Linksys Router

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

Setting Up Wired/Wireless Connection to Linksys Router

Setting up both a wired and wireless connection to a Linksys Router is a fundamental step in creating a home network. Linksys routers are known for their user-friendly interfaces. Follow these step-by-step instructions to configure both a wired and wireless connection:

Before you begin:

Ensure you have your Linksys Router, power adapter, and Ethernet cable ready.

Have your Internet Service Provider (ISP) account information, including your username and password (if required).

Setting up a Wired Connection:

Connect Hardware:

Plug the Linksys Router into a power outlet using the provided power adapter.

Use an Ethernet cable to connect your modem to the WAN (Internet) port on the Linksys Router.

Connect your computer to any of the LAN ports on the router using another Ethernet cable.

Power On the Router: Turn on the Linksys Router using the power button, if available. Wait for the router to boot up. This may take a few minutes.

Access the Router's Web Interface:

Open a web browser on your connected computer.

In the address bar, enter the default IP address for Linksys routers, which is often http://192.168.1.1, and press Enter.

You will be prompted to log in. Use the default username and password (usually "admin" for both), which can be found in the router's manual or on a sticker on the router itself.

Configure Internet Settings:

Once logged in, navigate to the WAN (Internet) settings.

Select the appropriate connection type based on your ISP's requirements (usually DHCP or PPPoE).

Enter the necessary information provided by your ISP, such as username and password.

Save the settings.

Test the Wired Connection: Open a web browser and try to access a website to verify that your wired connection is working correctly.

Setting up a Wireless Connection:

Access the Router's Web Interface (if not already logged in):

Open a web browser.

Enter the router's IP address (usually http://192.168.1.1) in the address bar.

Log in using your router's admin credentials.

Configure Wireless Settings:

Navigate to the wireless settings section in the router's web interface.

Set your SSID (Wi-Fi network name) to something unique.

Choose a strong Wi-Fi password (WPA2 is recommended) to secure your network.

Select the appropriate Wi-Fi security mode and encryption settings.

Save and Apply Settings: After configuring the Wi-Fi settings, save and apply the changes. The router may need a moment to apply the settings.

Connect to the Wi-Fi Network:

On your wireless device (e.g., laptop, smartphone), search for available Wi-Fi networks.

Locate and select your Linksys Router's SSID.

Enter the Wi-Fi password you set during configuration.

Test the Wireless Connection: Once connected, open a web browser on your wireless device and confirm that you can access websites.

You've now successfully set up both a wired and wireless connection to your Linksys Router. You can connect multiple devices wirelessly to your network using the SSID and password you configured.

Contact Support.Com

If you are still having trouble, refer to the Step-By-Step Guide below, or Contact Support.Com for Personalized Assistance.

1. Introduction

A router is a box that allows multiple computers, smartphones, and so on to join the same network. From there, the router is typically connected to a modem in order to provide an Internet connection to any device that is connected to the router. This guide aims to help you through the first time setup process for your router.

In the box you may have some of the following:

• The router's power supply or charger.
• Device manual.
• Driver disc (for some models).
• USB cable (for some models).
• Network cable (for some models).

2. Connect Power

Please ensure that you are using the power adapter that came with your router.

1. Locate the power cable and connect it to a power source like an outlet or surge protector.
2. Plug the other end of the power cable to the router's power input, which is typically located in the rear.

1. Your router should power on.

3. Connect to Modem by Cable/Wire

Your router must be connected to a modem in order to provide the local network with an Internet connection.

1. Acquire an Ethernet cable.
   

1. Take one end of the cable and plug it into the Internet (or WAN) port on the rear of your router. The port may be blue or grey.
   

1. Take one end of the cable and plug it into an available Ethernet (or LAN) port on the rear of your modem. These ports are typically yellow.
   

1. Usually this is all that is needed to connect your router to a wired connection.

4. Login

1. Open a new web browser. (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox etc.)
2. In the address bar, type 192.168.1.1 then press Enter on the keyboard.
   

1. You will be asked to enter the router's username and password to log in.
   
2. The default credentials are typically:
3. Username: admin
4. Password: leave blank
5. In the event that you can't access the router's web-based setup page, you've forgotten the network's wireless security key or you are troubleshooting a connectivity issue, you may need to reset the router to its default factory settings.

5. Select Password

Wherever possible, you should pick a password that is impossible to guess and is also resistant to brute-force attacks. Note that some devices or systems do not allow special characters or they may have their own requirements.

Best practices for picking a strong password:

• Passwords should be around 8 to 12 characters, but can be longer.
• Avoid using words that are in the dictionary.
• DO NOT use information that is easy to guess or phish for such as:
• Important dates such as birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
• Names of pets, friends, family, locations, etc.
• Add some complexity to your password by adding at least:
• 1 Capital letter
• 1 Small letter
• 1 Symbol
• 1 Number
• Try replacing letters with symbols, for example:
• "Abc?123!" is easier to guess than "@B(?123!"
• "Password!?" is easier to guess than "P@$$w0rd!?".

6. Change SSID and Password

1. Once you log in, select Configuration.
   

1. Then on the upper left-hand corner look for Wi-FI. Click on Wi-Fi then Wi-Fi Settings.
   

1. Enter your new network name in the Wi-Fi Name field.
   

1. On the Security Mode field, select WPA2 Personal.WPA2 Personal is also referred to as PSK2 on some Linksys routers.
   

1. Enter your new password in the Password field.
   

1. The new username and password will not be activated on the router until you save or confirm the change.
   

1. You will see a confirmation window appear briefly to confirm the change was made successfully.

• After successfully changing your wireless network password, the wireless devices that are currently connected to your network will be disconnected. Make sure to reconnect them using the new username and password you set.
• If your router is dual band, meaning it has a 2.4 and a 5 GHz network you may need to repeat the steps listed above for each network because each network may be controlled individually, make sure to use different network names for each.
• If your router has a guest network you will need to repeat the steps listed above for the guest network because it is controlled separately.

7. Keep Password Secure

Some precautions should be taken in order to keep your password secure.

Best practices:

• Do not use a master password that you use everywhere (such as email, work, school, home, network)
• If possible, do not share your password with anybody.
• Passwords that are shared with others, like for a home network, should only be shared if necessary.
• Be aware when typing your password in public, or that in no way anyone is watching.
• Some types of electronic devices like computers and smartphones can remember passwords, so beware of devices that are not yours.
• Make a schedule of when to change your password. For example, every 180 days.
• It is not recommended to write down passwords. But if you have to, make sure that it is neither physically nor visually accessible by others.

8. Deciding to Update

Router updates are provided to add new security features, fix vulnerabilities, or other enhancements like performance upgrades. We recommend updating your router at this time in order to get the best possible security. Depending on the model, you may need an internet connection, access to a computer, and a formatted USB flash drive in order to update.

You may update now or do so another time.

9. Go to Updating Your Linksys Router

Pressing the button below will take you to a guided path to assist you with updating your Linksys router.

Show Me How

Clicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.