How do I set up a wireless router?

Question

I have a PC that my wife and I use, and will be getting another one for me. I curently have a cable modem for the PC we are using now.
I ordered a wireless router(thats what dell told me to get)
How do I set it up and , what else do I need to do to get it running, along with my email and connecting it to my roadrunner accound?

And yes when it comes to computers I am an idiot.

In advance thanks for any and all help

Answer 1

Most routers come with a CAT5 cable with RJ-45 connectors.

Connect your modem via the RJ-45 port on the back (it looks like a telephone plug) to the RJ-45 plug on the router. Make sure you read the directions, because some better routers contain multiple RJ45 plugs on the back.

You should configure WEP or WPA security. This may not be super easy depending on what router you bought, but many of them include an installation disk that will install the drivers and guide you through the security setup. I would select WPA, or at least WEP and set a 10 character password. Check the options that allow you to connect automatically when the wireless card on your computer detects the wireless network. You can name your Profile or "SSID" so that you know which one is yours and which might be your neighbors. If you set up security then you can continue to broadcast the SSID (leave it with a name), otherwise, if you are paranoid then you can leave the SSID field blank or uncheck the broadcast SSID option after you have your wireless connection setup and connecting automatically. This is not necessary unless you are protecting sensitive data at the New York Stock Exchange which you wouldn't want to transmit over the wireless anyway...

Most routers can be configured once you hook them up by opening up Internet Explorer and typing the following URL into the address box: "http://192.168.0.1"

This is the IP address assigned to most all home routers and you will have to login as the administrator to set the security options and such on your wireless router. If in doubt leave the defaults, but you will have to set the security protocol on the router and on your wireless NIC of your computer (do this in using the Windows Zero utility that will be installed when your wireless card is detected and installed by your computer).

Many variables, but not too difficult if you take it one step at a time. Ask a friend who knows something if you run into trouble.

You already have your modem registered with your cable company so don't worry about roadrunner or anything else. Your wireless connection is just a connection to the Internet and your modem will work just like it did before. You can choose to plug your computer directly into the modem just like you did before if you want faster speed.

For people who buy a combination modem/router Internet gateway you would have to register the new modem/router and report the MAC address of the device along with the serial number and model. This is not necessary for this "asker" because his modem is already operational

Answer 2

You need a wireless router (which you are getting) and you need to make sure your computers are wireless. If your computers have built in WIFI, then you dont need extra equipment. If they dont, they you need to get a PC adapter for wireless for your computer (which can be hooked up into your USB port) or you need a PC wireless card for your laptop. Once you do the setup (which has instructions in the wireless router), then you can use the Wireless connection on your connection options to connect to your router.

It should just automatically pick up the signal once you make the computers wireless and once you make your wireless router connected to your ISP. You dont need to do anything else once you get the setup for the router completed. Everything else is easy. Its easy to setup a shared folder network connection after you do everything.

A wireless PC adapter looks something like this:
http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=308 or you can get the ones that can connect externally using a USB.

A wireless laptop card looks like this:
http://about.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=6361115/search=Linksys+WPC54G+Wireless-G+Notebook+Adapter
It just fits into your laptop PC slot.

If you have a wireless-G router, you can get either B or G adapters.

If you have a wireless-B router, make sure your adapters are B.

Answer 3

you will need to connect the modem and router together with an etyher net cable as for installation, it should be all explained in the manual and during yhe installation.