How to setup wifi to wifi

How to Set up a Home Wi-Fi Network

Get your devices connected

What to Know

This article explains how to set up a Wi-Fi network using any wireless router and modem.

How to Set Up Your Home Wi-Fi Network

If the wireless router and other devices are capable of Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), you can connect and configure these devices with the push of a button. However, having WPS set up on a router is a security risk, so we recommend disabling WPS.

Here’s how to set up a Wi-Fi router.

Find the best location for the wireless router. The optimal placement is in a central location, free from obstructions that could cause wireless interference.

Don’t place the router close to windows, walls, or the microwave.

Turn off the modem. Power off the cable, fiber, or DSL modem from your internet service provider before connecting your equipment.

Connect the router to the modem. Plug an Ethernet cable (typically provided with the router) into the router WAN port. Then, connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the modem.

Connect a laptop or computer to the router. Plug one end of another Ethernet cable into the router LAN port (any port will work) and the other end of the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port of a laptop.

This wiring is temporary; you will remove the cable after setting up the network.

Power up the modem, router, and computer. It’s best if you turn on these devices in the proper order. Turn on the modem first. When the modem lights are all on, turn on the router. When the router is on, turn on the computer.

Go to the management web page for the router. Open a browser and enter the IP address of the router administration page. This information is in the router documentation (it’s usually something like 192.168.1.1). The login information is also in the manual.

Change the default administrator password (and username) for the router. This setting is usually on the router administration page in a tab or section called Administration. Use a strong password that you won’t forget.

Add WPA2 security. This step is essential. Find this setting in the wireless security section of the router administration page. Select which type of encryption to use and enter a passphrase of at least eight characters. The more characters and the more complex the password, the better.

WPA2 is significantly more secure than WEP. Use WPA or mixed mode WPA/WPA2 with older wireless adapters. WPA3 is another option for more recent hardware, but its compatibility is limited.

Change the wireless network name (SSID). To make it easy for you to identify your network, choose a descriptive name for your SSID (Service Set Identifier) in the router administration page’s wireless network information section.

Optional: change the wireless channel. If you’re in an area with other wireless networks, minimize interference by changing the router’s wireless channel to one that other networks aren’t using.

Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app on your smartphone to find an uncrowded channel or use trial and error (try channels 1, 6, or 11, since these channels don’t overlap).

Set up the wireless adapter on the computer. After saving the router’s configuration settings, unplug the cable that connects the computer to the router. Then, plug a USB or PC card wireless adapter into the laptop if it doesn’t have a wireless adapter installed or built-in.

Your computer may automatically install the drivers, or you may have to use the setup CD that came with the adapter.

Connect to the new wireless network. On your computer and other wireless-enabled devices, find the new network you set up and connect to the network.

Setting up a wireless network in Windows

A wireless network at home lets you get online from more places in your house. This article describes the basic steps for setting up a wireless network and starting to use it.

Get the right equipment

Before you can set up your wireless network, here’s what you’ll need:

Broadband Internet connection and modem. A broadband Internet connection is a high-speed Internet connection. Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and cable are two of the most common broadband connections. You can get a broadband connection by contacting an Internet service provider (ISP). Typically, ISPs that provide DSL are telephone companies and ISPs that provide cable are cable TV companies. ISPs frequently offer broadband modems. Some ISPs also offer combination modem/wireless routers. You can also find these at computer or electronics stores, and online.

Wireless router. A router sends info between your network and the Internet. With a wireless router, you can connect PCs to your network using radio signals instead of wires. There are several different kinds of wireless network technologies, which include 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, and 802.11ax.

Wireless network adapter. A wireless network adapter is a device that connects your PC to a wireless network. To connect your portable or desktop PC to your wireless network, the PC must have a wireless network adapter. Most laptops and tablets—and some desktop PCs—come with a wireless network adapter already installed.

To check whether your PC has a wireless network adapter:

Expand Network adapters.

Look for a network adapter that might have wireless in the name.

Setting up the modem and Internet connection

After you have all the equipment, you’ll need to set up your modem and Internet connection. If your modem wasn’t set up for you by your Internet service provider (ISP), follow the instructions that came with your modem to connect it to your PC and the Internet. If you’re using Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), connect your modem to a phone jack. If you’re using cable, connect your modem to a cable jack.

Positioning the wireless router

Put your wireless router somewhere where it will receive the strongest signal with the least amount of interference. For better results, follow these tips:

Place your wireless router in a central location. Place the router as close to the center of your home as possible to increase the strength of the wireless signal throughout your home.

Position the wireless router off the floor and away from walls and metal objects, such as metal file cabinets. The fewer physical obstructions between your PC and the router’s signal, the more likely that you’ll be using the router’s full signal strength.

Reduce interference. Some networking equipment uses a 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) radio frequency. This is the same frequency as most microwaves and many cordless phones. If you turn on the microwave or get a call on a cordless phone, your wireless signal might be temporarily interrupted. You can avoid most of these issues by using a cordless phone with a higher frequency, such as 5.8 GHz.

Securing your wireless network

Security is always important; with a wireless network, it’s even more important because your network’s signal could be broadcast outside your home. If you don’t help secure your network, people with PCs nearby could access info stored on your network PCs and use your Internet connection.

To help make your network more secure:

Change the default user name and password. This helps protect your router. Most router manufacturers have a default user name and password on the router and a default network name (also known as the SSID). Someone could use this info to access your router without you knowing it. To help avoid that, change the default user name and password for your router. See the documentation for your device for instructions.

Set up a security key (password) for your network. Wireless networks have a network security key to help protect them from unauthorized access. We recommend using Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3) security if your router and PC support it. See the documentation for your router for more detailed info, including what type of security is supported and how to set it up.

Some routers support Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). If your router supports WPS and it’s connected to the network, follow these steps to set up a network security key:

Do one of the following, depending on which version of Windows is running on your PC:

In Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, select Start, start typing Network and Sharing Center, and then choose it in the list.

In Windows 11, select Start, type control panel, then select Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.

Select Set up a new connection or network.

Select Set up a new network, then choose Next.

The wizard will walk you through creating a network name and a security key. If your router supports it, the wizard will default to Wi‑Fi Protected Access (WPA2 or WPA3) security. We recommend that you use WPA3 if you can, because it offers better security than WPA2, WPA, or Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) security. With WPA3, WPA2 or WPA you can also use a passphrase, so you don’t have to remember a cryptic sequence of letters and numbers.

Write down your security key and keep it in a safe place. You can also save your security key on a USB flash drive by following the instructions in the wizard. (Saving your security key to a USB flash drive is available in Windows 8 and Windows 7, but not in Windows 10 or Windows 11.)

Use a firewall. A firewall is hardware or software that can help protect your PC from unauthorized users or malicious software (malware). Running a firewall on each PC on your network can help control the spread of malicious software on your network, and help protect your PCs when you’re accessing the Internet. Windows Firewall is included with this version of Windows.

Connect a PC to your wireless network

Select the Network or Wifi icon in the notification area.

In the list of networks, choose the network that you want to connect to, and then select Connect.

Type the security key (often called the password).

Follow additional instructions if there are any.

If you have problems with your Wi-Fi network when using Windows 10, see Fix Wi-Fi problems in Windows for advanced troubleshooting info.

Select the Network icon in the notification area, then select the > icon next to the Wi-Fi quick setting to see a list of available networks.

Choose the network that you want to connect to, and then select Connect.

Type the security key (often called the password).

Follow additional instructions if there are any.

If you have problems with your Wi-Fi network when using Windows 11, see Fix Wi-Fi problems in Windows for advanced troubleshooting info.

How to Set Up a Wireless Router

This article was co-authored by Luigi Oppido. Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.

This article has been viewed 1,924,770 times.

Getting your new wireless router set up doesn’t need to be complicated. This wikiHow will walk you through the process step-by-step—connecting the hardware, configuring your router, and getting your devices connected and ready to go—so you can enjoy your new wireless internet (without any headaches).

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist Expert Interview. 31 July 2019. This will result in a more stable and faster connection, and doesn’t require any extra configuration.

How to Access and Change Your Wi-Fi Router’s Settings

Here’s how to sign into a router to change your network’s name, password, and other information.

Your router stores the settings for your home Wi-Fi network. If you want to change something on your network, you have to log in to your router’s software, also known as firmware. From there, you can rename your network, modify the password, adjust the security level, and set up or alter a variety of other options.

But before you can do all that, you first need to gain access to your router. The process for logging in to your router should be the same whether you use your internet provider’s router or you purchased your own router. It should also be the same whether you use a dedicated router or a combination modem/router supplied by your provider.

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Find Your Router’s IP Address

You log into your router’s firmware through a browser. At the address field, type the IP address of your router. Most routers use an address of 192.168.1.1, but that’s not always the case, so you may first want to confirm the address of your router.

To find your router’s IP address, type cmd in the Windows search bar open the Command Prompt. Type ipconfig and run the command. Scroll through the information until you see a setting for Default Gateway under Ethernet adapter or Wireless LAN adapter. That’s your router, and the number next to it is your router’s IP address.

You can also find your router’s IP address in Windows. In Windows 10, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > View hardware and connection properties. In Windows 11, go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Hardware and connection properties.

The next screen displays details for your different network connections. Scan the entry for Ethernet or Wi-Fi and look for the Default Gateway setting to find your router’s IP address. Once you have the correct IP address, type it into your browser’s address field and press Enter.

Enter Your Login Credentials

After you type the IP address, you’re asked for a username and password to access your router’s firmware. This is either the default username and password for your router, or a unique username and password that you may have created when you set up the router. If you don’t remember your login credentials, signing in becomes a bit trickier.

Some routers offer a password-recovery feature. If this is true of your router, this option should appear after you enter the wrong username and password a certain number of times. Typically, this window will ask for your router’s serial number, which you can find on the bottom or side of the router.

If you never changed the router’s login credentials, many use a default username of admin and a default password of password. Try that combination to see if it works. Otherwise your best bet is to run a web search for the default username and password for your router brand, such as Netgear, Linksys, Asus, or TP-Link.

If you still can’t log into your router’s firmware, you’ll need to reset the device to revert all settings back to their defaults. You’ll usually find a small reset button on your router. Use a pointed object, like a pen or paper clip, to push in and hold the reset button for around 10 seconds. You should now be able to log in to your router using the default username and password.

Change Router Settings

After you gain access to your router’s firmware, you’ll be free to change whatever elements you think should be modified. These include the router name and password, the security level, and the Wi-Fi password. You can also set up parental controls, create a guest network, and manage attached devices. Just remember to apply any changes before you move on to the next screen.

Documentation and built-in help should be available to assist you with the different options if you’re not sure how to set them. Most current or recent routers also have setup wizards that can take care of some of this labor for you.

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Change Router Login

You should change your router’s username and password if they are still set to the default values. Look for an option usually nested under the Administration tab. The screen will likely ask for your current router password and then ask you to enter a new password. Some routers let you change the username and password, while others only allow the password to be changed.

As you create the new password, remember the usual recommendations for creating a secure password—not so difficult that you can’t remember it but complex enough that it’s not easy to guess. A passphrase with a combination of easy-to-remember words is also a good option.

Be sure to remember the new password so you don’t have to reset the router in the future. Your router’s firmware may also ask you to set up security questions and answers, another handy way to prove your identity. You’ll then have to apply the settings and log back in to your router.

Review Wi-Fi Password

You should also review your Wi-Fi password to make sure it’s strong and secure. To do this, look for a wireless or Wi-Fi section in the router’s firmware. You’ll see your current Wi-Fi name and password listed. Create a more secure password if you feel the current one is too weak. Again, keep the usual password recommendations in mind as you do this. If you’re still using the default Wi-Fi name, change it to something more unique.

Under Security Options, or a similar section, make sure the security for your network is set to at least WPA2-PSK [AES], which will be the strongest level available for most home wireless networks. Newer routers will have the more secure WPA3 option. Apply your new settings and close the browser window when finished.

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How to Set Up a Wifi Repeater

Did you know that the average wifi speed in the US has increased by 22 percent in the past decade? However, if you check your main router, you will see that it runs on only around 18.7 megabits per second.

While this speed range is better than 90% of countries worldwide, it is still quite outdated if you wish to run a smart home. For example, imagine you have a home security system and essential appliances, smartphones, and baby monitors, all connected to a single wifi signal.

In this case, the speed is unlikely to be enough to sustain all these devices at once. The solution to this is simple; you can set up wifi repeaters to work alongside your wireless routers. This will not only enhance the wi-fi signals but will increase their range as well.

If you’re new to the concept, read through this detailed guide about wifi repeaters with a step-by-step setup guide to get you going right away.

Table of Contents

How Does a Wifi Repeater Extend Your Existing Wifi Network?

If you’ve never heard of using a wifi repeater or wifi extender to increase your signal strength, here’s a brief introduction to the technology to get you in the loop. Mainly, a wifi repeater works to amplify the signal of your wireless router. This means the signal eventually gets stronger and reaches beyond its original coverage area.

Just as the name suggests, a repeater catches the signal from your wifi router and rebroadcasts it. Although there are arguments about the adverse effects of wifi repeaters on the signal speed and the original network operating system, the product is widely used today in tech-savvy households.

Wifi Repeater or Booster? – Which Is Better To Improve Your Wi-Fi Signal?

If you have already planned to purchase a wifi repeater for yourself, you’ll come across multiple products like boosters, extenders, and repeaters. These terms are often used interchangeably, but there’s a significant difference between each device’s operating system.

That’s why you should know whether you need a repeater or booster to enhance your wifi speed or signal effectively.

A wifi repeater extends the coverage of your wifi signals by rebroadcasting them into a new coverage bubble. What sets repeaters apart is that it does not connect directly to your original wifi network.

On the other hand, a wifi extender connects directly to your wifi network through a wired connection. However, instead of enhancing the same signal by rebroadcasting, the device creates a second wi-fi network using your original signal to extend its reach across your home.

Now, the term wifi booster is used for both repeaters and extenders. That’s why you should consult your network provider to purchase a suitable device according to your router brand and network connection.

Why do you Need to Attach a Wifi Repeater to Your Wifi Router?

If you’re still indecisive about purchasing a wifi repeater, this is probably the question that’s bugging you. Do you need a wifi extender or repeater to enhance your wifi signal? And what if it ends up spoiling your original network operating system?

Let me explain it to you. First, whether you need a wifi repeater depends on multiple aspects. These include the location of your wi-fi router at your home or office or your personal needs.

For example, if you have nowhere to attach your router except at the far end of your hallway, you will need an extender to help the signals reach the other end of your home. Besides that, if your home or office has multiple floors, an extender might come in handy to ensure you get good signals across all levels.

However, a wifi repeater comes with its problems and disadvantages. The most evident problem is the significant decrease in speed. A typical wifi repeater can decrease your signal speed by 50 percent. This means you will be able to access the signal at any corner of your property, but it won’t be as fast as you like it.

That’s why, before you invest in one, make sure your router is placed at a central location in your home and elevated away from obstructions.

Keeping your wifi router away from appliances like

It can help enhance your wifi signal naturally without having to use a repeater. But, if choosing the right place for your wifi router is not an option for you, you should invest in a high-quality wifi repeater.

Step-By-Step Guide to Set Up a Wifi Repeater

Now that you are aware of the pros and cons of setting up a wifi repeater, you know whether to get one for yourself or not. The idea is simple; if you cannot possibly place your wifi router away from any interference or obstruction, you will need a wifi repeater to enhance the signal where you need to.

Sometimes, even if you have updated your router and placed it at a central location at home, you’ll find that your YouTube videos don’t load in your bathroom. In this case, you would probably switch to your mobile data, which will add up to your monthly internet costs.

If you’re in this situation, it means that a wifi repeater is an ideal option for you. However, once you have purchased a suitable gadget for yourself, it is time to set it up properly to enjoy wifi signals at every corner of your home.

While most manufacturers advertise their devices as being accessible to set up, that’s hardly the truth. Unless you’re getting professional help, you will need to read the manual instructions properly to get everything right.

Remember, specific instructions vary from brand to brand, but this guide will give you a brief overview of setting up a typical wifi repeater. So, without further ado, let’s start with the main steps.

Step 1 – Select The Location

Like your wifi router, you will have to select a specific location to set up your wifi repeater. For instance, if you find it challenging to use your wifi in your bedroom, bathroom, or outside in your backyard, select a location close to these places.

This way, the enhanced signals from your repeater will help you access your wifi connection easily.

Apart from that, make sure the area you choose is free from obstructions. For example, avoid placing your wifi repeater against thick concrete walls. These prevent signals from reaching the other side, reducing your signal’s efficiency.

Step 2 – Plug It In

Next, select a power outlet in your target area and plug your wifi repeater in. Remember, the outlet you plug it in should be within the range of your wifi coverage. Otherwise, the repeater will face problems while capturing your wifi signals and increase the bandwidth range.

Step 3 – Connect Your Repeater

Once you have your wifi repeater connected to a working power source, it is time to connect it to your devices. The easiest way is to connect it directly to your PC using an ethernet cable.

If your wifi repeater is wireless, you can connect your devices to the repeater through its wireless network. Usually, this wireless network is denoted by the product’s brand name or manufacturer’s name, for example, tp-link.

Step 4 – Conduct the Required Configurations

After you have connected your wifi repeater to your PC, laptop, or any other preferred device, you will need to conduct some configurations before you can start using the repeater’s signals.

Remember, some brands provide specific configuration instructions at this stage, so check the instructions manual before starting.

If you’re using a PC, open the control panel options and select network status. Here, you will see an option labeled ‘tasks.’

By clicking on it, the computer will redirect you towards the network connections management section. Once you navigate the page, click on ‘local area network’ and select ‘properties.’

Now, you will see a blank field where you’ll have to enter an IP address. Typically, the default IP address is 192.168.10.1.

Step 5 – Complete the Set Up Through Your Default Browser

Once you have added the IP address and the subnet mask, and the default gateway, open any web browser of your choice.

After launching the browser, type http://192.168.10.1 in the address bar and press enter. Now, you will be asked for a user name and password to launch the setup wizard. You’ll find these credentials through your network provider or printed at the back of your wifi router.

Step 6 – Finalize the Settings Through The Set-Up Wizard

After logging into the Set Up Wizard, navigate the wireless repeater mode and turn on the repeater onekey setting. Next, select the ‘wireless network selection’ button and click on the ‘refresh list’ option.

At this point, you will see a list of wireless networks you connected your laptop to. First, select the network of your main router and connect it to the repeater. Then, click ‘next.’

If your network is secured, the system will ask you for your password. After entering the password, click on ‘apply,’ then ‘OK.’ You have successfully set up your wifi repeater.

Step 7 – Start Using Your Wifi Repeater

When the setup process is complete, you will receive the extended signals from your wifi router on all connected devices through your wifi repeater device. If you don’t receive the amplified signals, there might be a problem with your configuration, or you must’ve made a mistake while setting your repeater up.

Re-check the instruction manual provided by your manufacturer and repeat the setup process to make sure you followed all the steps correctly. If it still doesn’t work, consult a professional or contact your manufacturer for detailed insights.

Conclusion

Setting up a wifi repeater can be pretty tricky, but it is worth it when you get flawless wifi signals in every corner of your house. So now, whether you want to enjoy a cup of tea in your backyard or watch videos in the shower, you can do so easily without any interruptions.

But, a significant drawback is that the internet speed will be lower than the actual speed of your wifi router. Nevertheless, you won’t notice the difference if you have less than five devices connected to your wifi network.