You may think that setting up your own modem and router is stuff for the tech wizards, but with electronics becoming more commonly used every day, they are also created to be more user friendly. This means that the days of relying on someone to come over and set it up for you and waiting patiently for days while your work suffers is a thing of the past.
If you’re fed up of paying rental fees to your ISP that just seem to increase with each passing year, you should take the plunge and buy your own modem/router for Comcast Xfinity, Time Warner or Cox. Forget about installation fees because this time, you’ll be the whiz kid in the house.
How to Choose your Modem/Router
Firstly, you should ensure that your modem/router are compatible with your ISP (Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cox). The next thing to watch out for is to check that your new modem is compatible with your OS. Even though most modems are compatible with nearly all Operating systems, there’s no harm in double checking. Go through reviews and then select the one you prefer.
How to set up your Modem
You should ensure that you delete or uninstall all drivers of your old modem before you set up your new approved modem. You don’t want to be trying to run your new one when old drivers are still present which may interfere in the installation process. As with any new product, read the instruction manual carefully so that you are aware of all the parts and where they go. As each modem is created by different manufacturers, each have different designs which is why familiarising yourself with the instruction manual can only be a good thing for you.
Make sure that your modem is placed in a central location in your home so that the signal will be strong throughout your home and avoid placing it where there could be obstacles like multiple walls and other products that could interfere with the signal.
Cable vs. DSL Modem
Check if your modem is a cable or a DSL line to know what to do. In a DSL modem, you need to set up the filters into your phone line. For any modem, you have to connect it to your service source and after it has been connected, you can power it on by connecting it to a power source as well. Switch it on so that your modem can begin the process of booting up.
You may notice that your modem’s connection light is on but if your modem hasn’t been fully activated, the light may show as a blinking one. You can now connect your computer or electronic device directly to your modem’s WAN port which is located at the back of the modem or via an Ethernet cable. Setting up your wireless network will be a piece of cake after this.
As each modem is different, your activation process may similarly differ. Depending on what ISP (Comcast Xfinity, TWC, Cox) and modem you have, you may be required to run a set up program before your modem is fully activated or you may need to simple open a web browser for the activation process from your ISP and follow the online prompts to get your modem up and running. Many customers have had to call up their ISP referencing their modem’s MAC address to get it functioning as well. Simply follow the online directions and you’ll be good to go.
How to set up your Router
You’ve got the modem sorted out; the only thing left is to get the router figured out before you’re all set. The first thing you have to do is to connect your new router to your modem. Routers and modems are always placed next to each other and are connected via an Ethernet cable. This cable will connect the modem to your router’s internet port. This WAN port will be different from the LAN port so be sure to keep an eye out – it is usually in a different color which may help.
Connecting Your Router
If you’re a gamer, you can connect your device directly to the router via the Ethernet cable. Power it on to start the set up process, this will show you the router’s wifi network, but you will still not be connected to the internet. You may need to register the router’s MAC address with your ISP, depending on the model and ISP you subscribe to.
Log in to your ISP’s website with all details such as login name and password, as provided by your ISP and update the MAC address option. Your laptop or electronic device’s MAC address should be visual. Add your router’s MAC address and click on SAVE so that it is recognized that your router is recognized by your ISP to use the internet.
Check for your router’s IP address which should be found at the label or attached documents, enter that IP address into an opened web browser’s address bar and your browser will help to connect you.
Check for any CDs that may have come with your router. If you find that option is easier for you, run that CD which will have the same configuration programs.
Enter in details such as your login name and password to get your router’s configuration started (the info should be printed on your router).
Open your wireless settings and create your personalised name for your Wireless network so that you can identify it easily. Make sure that you enable the SSID broadcast and then just choose the amount of security you want with your router. We would recommend WPA2-PSK which offers top security.
Apply and save your settings which will enable your wireless network and don’t forget to create your password for your wireless network and to change your router’s password as well after it is configured.
Voila! You’re ready to surf the internet. See? It wasn’t that hard, was it?