How do I install and use my wireless router for internet access?

Question

I've posted a similar question recently, but I still can't get everything to work together -I'm not very good with technology... Help please!

We have a regular desktop computer, a cable modem, and VoIP phone service all completely installed, functioning together, good to go. Now, I just bought a new laptop and a wireless router that I want to add to all of this. I want to be able to access the internet wirelessly, with my laptop. That's not too much to ask, right? Right. But, having the VoIP phone service connections to the modem is throwing off the instructions that I should be able to follow when connecting the router. The directions don't explain what to do in my case. Does anyone have a clue and can talk me through the proper connections and what goes where???? I'd really appreciate it! BestBuy's GeekSquad will cost $160 to come to my home and do it for me.... I really don't want to pay that! A free answer from a smart person would be awesome!

Answer 1

plug in modem. plug wireless router into ethernet port in back of modem.

think of a router as a coax tv splitter. it splits the signal of the internet.

now your router has 4-8 ethernet ports instead of just the ONE your modem has.

plug everything into the router. your laptop is wireless therefore you need no wire for that.

done.

Answer 2

Network cable from the internet port on the modem to the internet port of the router.
Network cable from one of the router's LAN ports to the NIC in the desktop. Configure the router using the desktop by running the setup CD for the router, or type the router's IP address in your browser and login with the default username and password and set it up manually for wireless. If the modem is not doing DHCP and your ISP requires you to add IP, domain and DNS to a connected device, then put those in the WAN interface of the router. If that was required, then you would have added those settings originally to your desktop in order for you to access the internet. If the modem is assigning you a dynamic address, then it will be assigning the router an address to use rather than to the desktop, and the desktop (and laptop) will be assigned IP addresses from the router.
Clear as mud?

Answer 3

connect wall outlet to router, router to modem, and modem to computer. Phone uses separate connection on modem.

For laptop--make sure internet ACCESS SWITCH is turned on, or all you will have is a fancy adding machine. My computer guru screwed this up when I bought a laptop...fortunately, I read the instructions.
On my Toshiba laptop, Sattelite series, there is a small switch on the right side. If I did not turn that ON, I would NEVER be able to get on line.

Answer 4

Go to the routers web site or look on the internet for instructions
VoIP is getting more common there are fourms where you can get help

Answer 5

please for the love of god dont pay geeksquad ****!

first im sure your laptop has a wireless card built in?
if not get a wireless card.

and your phone is connected directly to the cable modem?
(ive never heard of this)