How to Set up a WiFi Router to Use with Your Laptop

In general, the process of installing a WiFi device to use with your laptop begins by connecting the router to the same computer that is attached to your broadband modem (in this example, your laptop); this allows automated configuration software to obtain the information it needs without any intermediary devices along the way.

Here is a typical setup:

1. Turn off the power to your broadband modem.
   If there isn’t an on/off switch, remove the power supply to the device.
2. Connect the power adapter to the back panel of the wireless router.
3. Plug the adapter into an AC outlet.
   Check that the power LED illuminates.
4. Connect an Ethernet cable to the broadband modem.
5. Restore the power to the modem.
6. Insert the other end of the Ethernet cable into the WAN (wide area network) port on the back panel of the wireless router.
7. Insert another Ethernet cable between LAN Port 1 (on the back panel of the wireless router) and any available Ethernet port on the NIC (network interface card) of the laptop, which you’re going to use to configure the WiFi system.
8. Shut down the laptop.
9. Restart the laptop connected to the WiFi router.
   Let Windows fully load.
10. Open your Web browser.
11. In the address bar of the browser, type the URL for the built-in setup screen of the wireless router.
    For example, type http://192.168.0.1 for most D-Link routers.
12. Press the Enter key.
    The below table shows a list of the standard addresses for setup screens as well as default usernames and passwords from several major makers.

    Router Manufacturer	URL	Default User Name	Default Password
    3com	http://192.168.1.1	admin	Admin
    D-Link	http://192.168.0.1	admin
    Linksys	http://192.168.1.1	admin	Admin
    Microsoft	http://192.168.2.1	admin	Admin
    Netgear	http://192.168.0.1	admin	password

    Depending on your device maker, you may have to enter a user name such as admin (for administrator), and you may have to enter a password.
    
    The opening screen of the setup utility for a Linksys wired router.
    Consult the instructions for details. Once you log in, the home screen of the built-in setup system appears.