Router and Modem

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Setting up a new modem and router involves two main phases: physical connection (connecting the devices to each other and power) and configuration (setting up the network names, passwords, and security).
First, it's important to understand the difference:

  • Modem: Connects your home to your Internet Service Provider (ISP). It translates the signal coming from your street (e.g., coaxial cable, phone line, fiber) into a digital signal that your devices can use.
  • Router: Creates a Local Area Network (LAN) inside your home, sharing the internet connection provided by the modem with all your devices (via Wi-Fi and Ethernet cables).
    🛠️ Phase 1: Physical Setup and Connection
    This guide assumes you are setting up two separate devices (a modem and a router), which is typically recommended for better flexibility and performance.
  1. Connect the Modem to the Internet Source
  • Connect the proper internet cable from your wall outlet to the input port on your modem.
    • For Cable Internet, this is usually a coaxial cable (the round screw-on type).
    • For DSL, this is typically a phone line.
    • For Fiber, the connection may go straight to a Fiber Optic Network Terminal (ONT) instead of a traditional modem.
  1. Connect the Modem and Router
  • Ensure your modem is powered off initially.
  • Take an Ethernet cable (usually yellow or blue) and plug one end into the LAN or Ethernet port on the back of your modem.
  • Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into the port labeled WAN or Internet on your router. This port is often colored differently from the other ports.
  1. Power On the Devices
  • Power on the modem first. Plug in its power cord. Wait for 2-3 minutes for it to fully boot up and stabilize.
    • Look for the modem lights to stabilize. You generally want the Power, Downstream (DS), Upstream (US), and Internet (or WAN) lights to become solid green or white. They may blink during the connection process.
  • Power on the router second. Plug in its power cord. Wait for another minute or two for its lights to stabilize. The router's WAN or Internet light should turn solid to indicate a connection to the modem.
  1. Activate the Modem (If Needed)
  • Crucially, if this is a new modem (not provided by your ISP), you will likely need to activate it with your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
    • This is often done by calling their customer service line, using an activation app, or sometimes by opening a web browser on a device connected to the network, which may automatically redirect you to an activation page.
    • Have the modem's MAC address (usually on a sticker on the device) ready for the ISP.
      💻 Phase 2: Router Configuration and Security
  1. Access the Router Dashboard
  • Connect a computer or phone to the router. The most reliable method for initial setup is connecting a computer directly to one of the router's LAN ports using an Ethernet cable. Alternatively, you can connect to the router's default Wi-Fi network (the name/password is usually printed on the router).
  • Open a web browser and enter the router's default IP address into the address bar. Common default addresses are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. (Check your router's manual for the exact address).
  • You will be prompted to log in using the default administrator credentials (often admin for both username and password).
  1. Configure Basic Settings
  • Change the Default Administrator Password: This is the most important security step. Change the login for the router's dashboard to a strong, unique password.
  • Update Firmware: Check if your router has a firmware update available in the dashboard settings and install it. This ensures you have the latest security patches and features.
  • Set up Wi-Fi:
    • SSID (Network Name): Choose a name for your Wi-Fi network.
    • Password/Security Key: Create a strong password. Use the most secure protocol available (e.g., WPA3 or WPA2-PSK (AES)).
    • You may be prompted to set up a separate name/password for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
  1. Connect Devices
  • Once configured, disconnect your computer from the router's LAN port (if wired) and connect your devices wirelessly using your new Wi-Fi network name and password.
    This video provides a visual guide on the connection of a modem and a router with an Ethernet cable. How to Connect a Modem and Router

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Safat Sikder11
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