• How to connect and configure a new Wi-Fi router yourself - instructions with pictures. How to connect and configure a Wi-Fi router? Step-by-step instructions for all models

    Setting up a router is not an easy procedure, but we are ready to help you understand all its intricacies. Just read the instructions below carefully, and in just a few minutes you can easily set the parameters you need and get started!

    #1. Connection

    Before you configure the router yourself via a computer, you need to connect it:

    • Insert the Internet cable into the WAN/Internet port;
    • Install the end of the network cable into the LAN port of the device;
    • Place the other end into the connector on the PC;
    • Connect the model to a power outlet and press power on.
    • Ready!

    We hope that this brief instruction helped you understand the first steps, but you can read more about the connection process on the website. Now you can safely move on to the instructions, which tell you how to properly configure your WiFi router yourself.

    #2. Login to the web interface

    We would like to warn you that setting up a WiFi router online through a browser can only be done after turning on the device. When you activate the work, the wireless network distribution will begin with factory settings (login, password). You can change the router settings in a special web interface that each device is equipped with.

    Important! To open the setup interface, you need to connect your computer to the device. Internet access is not required.

    To open the site for setting up your router, do the following:

    • Open your browser;
    • Enter the IP address in the address bar;
    • In the window that opens, log in - enter your username and password.

    • The address, network name and login pin code are indicated on a sticker located on the back of the router.

    • Some devices do not have login data - they need to be installed after logging into the interface.

    Please note that some manufacturers set the parameters themselves - then you don’t need to do anything when you turn it on for the first time.

    #3. Setup instructions

    Most routers have a special wizard option that will help you quickly set the necessary parameters. For example, here, the item is called “Quick setup”:

    The most important thing you need to configure is:

    1. Internet connection;
    2. Wi-Fi network.

    Let's deal with the first parameter first. Our main goal is, of course, the operation of the Internet on devices:

    • Open the General Settings tab. Most often they are located in the WAN or Internet section;
    • Specify the provider connection type, username and password - you can see the information in the contract;

    • If the provider requires MAC address binding, provide the required data (from the contract).

    Important! If the provider uses (DHCP), then the connection to the network will occur automatically. Skip this section of the instructions; there is no need to reconfigure the router.

    • Open the section called Wi-Fi. It may be called differently - Wireless network/Wireless/Wireless mode;
    • In the “Network name” or “SSID” field, enter a new name (in Latin only);
    • In the “Wireless network key” field, enter the created identification code;
    • Security type – WPA2 – Personal;
    • Change the region to the location in the appropriate line;
    • Save your changes.

    If you want to change your router settings, we recommend that you change the factory access code. This is important if you want to protect yourself from unauthorized entry. Here's how to do it:

    • Find the security or privacy settings section;
    • Change the data to a new, reliable code.

    All of the above instructions apply if you need to set up a new router instead of an old one or install completely new equipment. By the way, we suggest you watch a general video on how to set up a router. It is perfect for those who are not confident in their abilities, because it shows the whole process step by step and in detail!

    Now you know everything about how to set up the Internet on a Wi-Fi router via a computer - use our article to achieve results. Just follow the instructions and in a few minutes you will be able to successfully work online.

    Wireless networks are a very convenient tool for solving everyday problems related to accessing the Internet. Today it is quite difficult to find a person who does not have a router at home. Installing a Wi-Fi router yourself is not a difficult task, and now we will look in detail at how to do it.

    Device selection

    Before moving on to the question of how to install a router, you should select it. Nowadays you can find a great variety of different models of Wi-Fi routers in stores. However, not all of them will suit your requirements. There are several parameters to consider in this matter:

    1. the presence of a powerful external antenna - the description should indicate the power, for example, 5;
    2. convenient and intuitive interface - this will allow you to easily and quickly understand the settings. Today, routers from the company have the simplest and most intuitive interface;
    3. supported standards – there are several standards that are most common:
      • 802.11 is an old standard operating at 2.4 GHz;
      • 802.11 – is also considered obsolete and operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz;
      • 802.11 is a new standard that operates at 5 GHz and is characterized by higher data transfer rates over wireless networks (up to 300 Mbps). It is worth noting that routers that support the 802.11 type can work with all types of devices, even with outdated models operating at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. In this matter, it is best to give preference to routers that support operation on all these standards (make sure that the box bears the designation “N” - 300 Mbits);
    4. the presence of the required ports for connecting an Internet cable, modems, computers, and so on. Here you should proceed from your preferences and requirements.

    When choosing equipment, we advise you to avoid cheap Chinese devices. Such gadgets work with constant glitches. Now let's move on to the main question - how to install a router at home. It's probably best to start by determining where the access point will be located.

    Determining the location

    It is preferable to place the router in the central part of the room (or as close to the center as possible) somewhere under the ceiling or on a cabinet.

    The higher the access point is, the fewer obstacles there are in the signal path and the larger the coverage area.

    When deciding how to install a Wi-Fi router at home, you should avoid mirrors, as they reflect the signal and radio waves simply will not pass through; household appliances, especially those with strong radiation of electromagnetic waves, such as microwave ovens (microwave ovens), refrigerators, radios, home phones, and so on.

    If the room is quite large and one router is not able to cover the entire territory, then you can significantly increase the coverage area. It is worth noting that each router has wall mounts. So, now you know where and how to install the router yourself. Now you can proceed to configuration.

    Equipment setup

    Typically, when you turn on the router for the first time, Wi-Fi is already working. All you have to do is change the network name and assign a password for security.

    First, we need to go to the access point parameters. To do this, you need to find out the IP address of the router. It is indicated on the factory sticker that is on each router (carefully inspect the gadget from all sides).

    You can also find it out on the command line. Just connect to the network, open the command line, enter the ipconfig command and press . Next, we need to find the line “Main gateway” - the address we need will be there.

    Now you need to enter this IP address into the address bar of any browser and click. Typically, the IP address looks like this: 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. There may be other meanings - this has already been clarified by the methods described above.

    So, installing a Wi-Fi router at home involves two setup steps:

    • setting up local network and Wi-Fi;
    • setting up an Internet connection.

    Let's take a closer look at both points.

    Setting up a local network

    When asking how to install a new router, the first thing you should look at is setting up the local network and Wi-Fi connection. We will look at further steps using the example of setting up a TP-Link router. If you have a different model, then don’t worry: all routers are configured according to the standard scheme. Differences may only be in the names of some sections and in the appearance of the interface.

    So, follow these steps:

    This completes the local network setup. But installing a router doesn't end there. Now we need to configure Internet access.

    WAN setup

    In order to set up an Internet connection (WAN), you need to know what type of connection your ISP uses. There are several options:

    • PPPoE – in this case you need to enter the login and password that your provider gave you;
    • binding by MAC address - in this case, as a rule, there is no need to manually enter network parameters;
    • static IP - this means that you are assigned a specific IP address and other parameters that must be entered manually.

    In any case, you will have to call your provider and find out exactly how the router is configured (what type of connection is used).

    There are options when you don’t need to configure anything at all. That is, you connect the router to the provider’s cable, connect your computer to your network and load any website. On the first attempt, the system will display a window in which you will need to enter the login and password assigned by your provider. After entering the data, the router will automatically bind to the system and the network will be configured.

    This article will consider the rather serious issue of how to install a wifi router in order to make the most of its capabilities.

    Of course, with a twisted-pair wire connection, the location of the router plays little role. The only rule is that it should be located as far as possible from powerful electrical installations to minimize electromagnetic interference that generates noise inside the wire and distorts the useful signal.

    But with a wireless Wi-Fi connection, everything is not so simple, and you need to have basic knowledge, which will be discussed further.

    Radio signal transmission

    A Wi-Fi wireless network is nothing more than the well-known radio waves.

    Radio waves

    The same principle applies to the transmission of television channels, radio, light and sound, the only difference being the wavelength. The shorter the wavelength, the higher its penetrating ability through objects (walls, forests, etc.). This must be taken into account when choosing a router, since there are two Wi-Fi frequency standards - 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

    Requirements for the location of the router

    Before installing a Wi-Fi router in its permanent location, you must first find the optimal location. Of course, it all depends on the apartment (or house, cottage - it doesn’t matter), the main thing is that the signal is present in all the necessary corners and is stable.

    This requirement is influenced by two main parameters:

    • Router specifications;
    • The presence of radio interference between the transmitter (router) and the receiver (computer).

    Let's look at each point in more detail.

    Router Specifications

    The technical characteristics of a router include both hardware design and software, in other words, firmware.

    Hardware design is what the router is made of (processor, microcircuits, radio modules, antennas).

    Router hardware

    Everything is simple here - the more expensive and more powerful the components, the stronger and more stable the signal. A lot depends on the amount of RAM, whether the radio module is serviced by a central processor or a separate one, the number and gain of antennas.

    But it is also very important that all the filling is controlled by the corresponding microprogram (firmware). It’s a very common occurrence when expensive, powerful routers operate at the same level as budget ones, and you just need to update the firmware, and everything falls into place, and the router significantly increases the speed and quality of Wi-Fi signal transmission.

    It also helps to purchase removable antennas with a higher gain than is already installed on the router (for models with removable antennas).

    Location of the router in the apartment

    The second important step before installing the router is to choose its location, taking into account all the interference. Interference includes walls, floors, and ceilings, and the material from which the walls are made is of great importance. Carpets on the walls, thick wallpaper, and tall plants also dampen the signal.

    Almost all routers can be either placed on a table or hung on a wall using special holes under the bottom of the router, designed for screw heads.

    Holes in the bottom of the router

    Rubber feet will prevent the router from pressing tightly against the wall, and cooling through the slots will not be affected.

    Installation of a wifi router is possible even in hard-to-reach places (behind a closet, mezzanine), since it is designed for constant round-the-clock operation, and there is no need to turn it off, for example, at night. As they say, hang it up and forget it for years.

    Electronic interference

    Since radio phones, microwave ovens, and many other electronic devices emit 2.4 GHz radio waves, this creates insurmountable interference in the path of the Wi-Fi signal. If, for example, between the rooms where the router was installed and the computer is located, there is a kitchen with a radio telephone, or something is heated in a microwave oven, then there is a very high probability of a connection breakdown.

    Obstacle in the path of Wi-Fi signal

    But it should be noted that this is only true for 2.4 GHz. Let us remind you that there is also a 5 GHz standard, which does not have such a drawback.

    It would also be a good idea to choose the freest channel (and 2.4 GHz has three channels), since the freer the channel, the higher its throughput.

    Let’s finish with the definition of how to install a wi-fi router and look at the software part of the device.

    Setting up the router

    Mentioned above was the issue of updating the firmware. You can update the firmware in the router settings, and you can also change the power level of the Wi-Fi module there.

    All settings are carried out either using the assistant program located on the router’s CD, or through the web interface. The second method is used for finer tuning, which is why we will analyze it.

    Entering the router settings menu

    We connect the router to the computer via Wi-Fi or wire, and log into the router through any web browser. The router address can be found either in the setup instructions or on the label under the bottom of the router.

    Label under the bottom of the router

    After connecting to the router, it will display a message that you must enter a username/password for authorization.

    We find all the necessary information in the same place as the router address.

    Firmware update

    First of all, go to the manufacturer’s website and download the file with the new firmware version to your computer. Next, we return to the settings menu, go to the “System Tools” item in the settings tree, and then to the “Firmware Upgrades” sub-item.

    Firmware update

    An update dialog box will open, in which you can view the currently installed firmware version and once again make sure that the update is necessary.

    Next, click the “Browse” button, in the explorer that opens, indicate the path to the downloaded firmware file, and click the “Upgrade” button. The update process will begin, accompanied by an indicator bar. Once the process is complete, the router will automatically reboot.

    Attention! Under no circumstances should the update process be interrupted, even if it seems like the router is frozen!

    Wi-Fi module power control

    Not in all models, but in many, you can change the power level of the Wi-Fi transmitter. This is convenient when the installation of a Wi-Fi router is located close to all receivers, and lowering the power helps reduce air pollution for other radio waves.

    Let's look at the example of the D-link DIR-300NRU router.

    The level is adjusted in the “Wi-Fi” menu, submenu “Additional settings”.

    Setting Wi-Fi Strength

    Power is expressed as a percentage, 100% is the maximum. Set the required power and click the “Change” button. Everything is ready.

    Separately, we note that other items in this settings menu should not be changed without the appropriate knowledge, otherwise you will have to perform a complete reset and re-setup from the very beginning.

    For clarity, here is a video lesson:

    Today it is difficult to imagine a modern apartment, or even more so an office, that is not equipped with the appropriate set of office equipment: computers, laptops, tablets, mobile phones. And where all these devices are available, there should naturally be the Internet. He has firmly entered our lives, occupying one of the most prominent places there. On the Internet we study, work, have fun, relax, and communicate. Therefore, providing comfortable access to the World Wide Web for yourself and your loved ones is a problem that sooner or later every person has to solve. Fortunately, now we have a reliable assistant that allows us to carry out the most effective and simple solution to this issue without any additional intellectual and financial costs. We are, of course, talking about Wi-Fi technology.

    But in order to use the “over-the-air” Internet, you need to know where to find and how to turn on Wi-Fi on your computer. We tried to present the answers to these questions in this article.

    What is WiFi?

    Wireless Internet technology has become part of our everyday life. We habitually identify Wi-Fi with a convenient, reliable and fast Internet connection, which we encounter at home, at work, in public places - in airports, cafes, shopping centers.

    Answer the question “what is Wi-Fi?” the simplest way is this: this is a network protocol, with the participation of which communication is carried out between an “access point” and a “client”, or an “access point” and several “clients”, packet data is exchanged on a local network or via the World Wide Web.


    Currently, the abbreviation Wi-Fi means nothing and is not officially deciphered in any way, but when creating this protocol, the developers “gave it a name” by analogy with Hi-Fi (High Fidelity). It stood for “Wireless Fidelity” - wireless accuracy.

    Benefits of use

    Of course, the “over-the-air” Internet is not an ideal technology. You can give several examples of the difficulties that may arise when using it. One of the most widely known is the so-called “noisy” connection. Many household appliances (for example, microwave ovens) emit in the range used by this protocol, and alternative connection devices (for example, Bluetooth) operate. Interference can also be caused by walls and ceilings. All this negatively affects the speed and quality of access.


    At the same time, there are no less positive aspects from using it at home and in the office. We list just a few and the most obvious of them:


    1. Low cost of wireless networks and installation of several access points that will provide stable coverage throughout the entire territory. At the same time, there are no cables, extension cords or adapters that constantly get tangled and clutter up the space. An “aerial” connection is indispensable in rooms of historical value, as well as in rooms with obstructive architectural features;

    2. This protocol provides full access to the Internet to any device - be it a mobile phone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer - without being tied to a specific location. Access to the global information space through this protocol is an opportunity to comfortably use the Internet while lying on your favorite sofa;

    3. Wi-Fi allows you to synchronously use a large number of active connections. Having established a wireless connection, you don’t have to worry about how many computers and mobile devices will be accessing the Internet at the same time.

    What types of Wi-Fi modules are there for a computer?

    All popular devices now come with adapters by default. They can be connected to the Internet out of the box, but what about those who have a desktop computer? The answer to this question is obvious - you need to purchase an additional Wi-Fi receiver, install, connect and configure it.

    We will talk more about how to install Wi-Fi on a computer below. Now we propose to decide what types of receivers there are, what is their difference, specificity and advantages.


    “Air” adapters come in two types: external and internal. External ones are the most commonly used and easier to operate. The external receiver looks like a miniature USB drive (flash drive). It connects to a USB connector on the front or back of the computer, either directly or via a USB cable.


    The internal adapter is slightly larger and you will need to open the computer case to install it. Therefore, buy an internal receiver only if you are confident that you can figure out how to install it on the motherboard yourself. When installing an internal module, you must first disconnect the antenna from it, insert the board into the corresponding port on the motherboard (the PCI interface is most often used for this) and return the antenna to its place.

    Further manipulations for installing and turning on wireless adapters are the same and do not depend on the modification and method of connection to the computer.

    How to install drivers?

    Any Wi-Fi receiver is supplied with a disk from the manufacturer, which contains the drivers necessary for full operation of the device. In addition to drivers for a specific device, the disk may also contain drivers for other adapter models, so during installation you need to be careful and not miss choosing the device for which you are installing drivers.


    Otherwise, the driver installation procedure is standardized and provided with an intuitive interface with detailed tips from the “Found New Hardware Wizard.” Just carefully read the messages that will appear on the screen and click the appropriate “Next”, “OK” and “Done” buttons.

    Most adapters are automatically recognized by current computers and can work even without installing drivers from the bundled disk. Just connect the device to the desired connector and wait a few seconds. As a rule, after this a message will appear in the tray stating that new equipment has been found, identified and installed, which is ready for use. However, universal drivers cannot completely replace specialized software. Therefore, we advise you not to neglect installing drivers, even if everything seems to work flawlessly at first glance.

    The driver disk for your Wi-Fi receiver model may also contain a special utility from the developers, which is designed to facilitate the process of setting up Internet access. Moreover, this utility will allow you to further control your Internet connection, monitor the speed and volume of data transfer.

    How to set up Wi-Fi in WIN XP?

    In this guide, we will assume that your home “Access Point” and Internet distribution device are already configured.

    So, to establish an “air” connection on a computer running Win XP, you need to do the following:


    1. Open the Start menu;

    2. Select “Network Neighborhood”;

    3. In the “Network Connections” window, find the “Wireless Network Connection” icon;

    4. Right-click on the icon and click “Properties” in the list;

    5. In the “General” tab, find the “Internet Protocol TCP/IP” item;

    6. Click the “Properties” button.

    If the use of specific IP and DNS addresses is critical for your provider, then in the window that opens, select the “Use the following IP address” radio button. If you configure these parameters automatically, then do not touch anything.


    When manually setting up IP, you will need to fill in the following fields:


    • IP address: 192.168.0.2 (You should check this parameter with your provider, the value may be different);


    • Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0;


    • In the “Default Gateway” line you should enter the address of your router or modem, usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. But to avoid mistakes, it is better to check the documentation of your device;


    • Click on the “Use the following DNS server addresses” switch and fill in both fields: primary and secondary DNS server. Information about the DNS servers used by the provider can be found on the official website of the telecommunications company or by calling technical support;


    • Without closing this window, select the “Wireless Networks” tab at the top and check the “Use windows to configure the network” checkbox. Next, click the “Wireless Networks” button. Here you will see a list of all available connections. Select the connection that is configured on your dispenser and click the “Connect” button. Now, in order to connect to the Internet, all you have to do is enter the username and password you know.

    How to set up Wi-Fi in WIN7?

    There are two ways to set up an air connection in Win7 OS: automatically and manually. The second option may be useful if the network you plan to connect to is hidden from the general list for security reasons, but you know the name and password to connect your computer to it. Let's look at both methods step by step.

    Installing Wi-Fi in Win7 OS automatically

    When the operating system is loaded, you can see the “Wireless Network Connection” icon in the lower right corner of the screen. Click on it. This will open a list of air connections available to you. you need to select from the list the one that is configured in your modem or router.


    Installing Wi-Fi in Win7 OS manually

    To configure the connection manually, select “Network” in the system tray, then “Network and Sharing Center”. Click “Set up a new connection or network.” In the next step, check the “Connect a wireless connection manually” option and click the “Next” button.

    In the next dialog, fill in all the appropriate fields: specify the network name, encryption type and security level. In most cases, the default settings can be left unchanged - use AES and WPA2. In the “Security Key” field, you must enter the connection password. For greater security, check the “Hide characters” checkbox so that the password cannot be read over your shoulder.


    The final touch - if you plan to use this connection as the main one in the future, then check the “Start this connection automatically” checkbox. Then click the "OK" button.

    Installing the device in Windows 8

    To connect a wireless connection in Win8, do the following:


    1. Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the system tree on the taskbar or call Settings Charm through the Charms Bar (similar to pressing the win+I combination). The Wi-Fi panel will appear on the right side of the screen;


    1. you will see the entire list of wireless networks available for connection. Select the one that is configured for you and click the “Connect” button;


    1. The next step is to check the network connection conditions. The system will check the requirements of the selected network and prompt you to enter the necessary data;


    1. After checking the network requirements, the system will prompt you to enter a password. Enter the security key you know and click the “Next” button;


    1. If the password is entered correctly, you will see the message “Connection complete”, which means the connection to the Internet has been established.

    How do I turn off my device?

    To turn off Wi-Fi or edit previously entered data, you should select the wireless networks icon in the tray (relevant for Win7 and Win8) and in the drop-down list of all available connections, select the one that you configured earlier. To disable, use the “Disable” button, and to edit, right-click and select “Properties”. In the “Connection” and “Security” tabs, you can either disable the device or make changes to the password, encryption type, or security level.


    For Win XP you need to do the following:


    1. Start Menu;

    2. Network Neighborhood icon;

    3. "Wireless connection";

    4. In the list that opens, select the established connection and click the “Disconnect” button.

    Wi-Fi technology allows you to easily and quickly connect all home devices to the network and give them access to the Internet without laying wires. To set up the connection, you only need a router; for a desktop computer, an additional Wi-Fi adapter. Let's figure out how to connect Wi-Fi on a laptop and PC.

    The router or router receives the incoming signal through the cable and transmits it to wireless devices within range. For initial setup, connect the router to the computer with a wire. Next, you will need the parameters specified in the router documentation or on the sticker on its back side: IP address, administrator login and password. Open your browser and enter the IP numbers in the address bar, the router’s web panel will open - log in with the administrator password.

    How to connect and configure a Wi-Fi router: in the panel, write down the parameters for wireless networks indicated on your provider’s website. Come up with a name for the network - you will use it to choose it to connect. In the security settings, create a password to protect the connection. Without a password, neighbors within the router's coverage area will be able to use your channel. To complete the setup, reboot the router by selecting the Reboot function in the panel and disconnect the device from the computer.

    Turn on Wi-Fi on a laptop

    In modern laptops, a Wi-Fi adapter is most often built into the original configuration. If you don’t know whether it is there, look for an antenna-shaped icon on the case or information in the documentation.

    How to connect a laptop to any Wi-Fi: you just need to activate the wireless module. To do this, press the combination of the Fn key and the function key with the antenna icon. On an Asus laptop it is Fn+F2. You can also activate the connection in Windows settings - in the “Network Center...” subsection, turn on the wireless connection.

    Install the Wi-Fi adapter on the computer

    To use Wi-Fi on a computer, you will need an adapter that will receive signals from the router. They can be external - small, inserted into a USB port, and internal - in the form of a small card that is placed in the PCI connector of the motherboard.

    Before connecting your Wi-Fi router to your computer, connect the adapter. Be sure to install drivers on the devices - from the included disk or downloaded on the Internet from the manufacturer’s website. For some adapter models, a proprietary configuration utility will be installed along with the driver.

    Setting up the connection

    To connect via Wi-Fi to your computer, all you have to do is establish a connection. For a Windows 7 computer, open Network and Sharing Center from the Start menu. Go to the adapter settings and turn on the wireless connection - a columnar Wi-Fi icon will appear in the tray. Click on it and select your network by the name specified in the router. Enter the password and connect immediately.

    How to connect a computer on Windows 10: in the OS settings, go to the “Network and Internet” subsection. In the item, open the list of available networks, select yours and log in with a password.

    Conclusion

    We figured out how to connect a laptop or regular computer to Wi-Fi. Set up the router, connect the adapter to the PC and activate the connection.

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