How to Configure a Linksys Router

The article intends to describe the procedure of configuring a Linksys router. The instructions have been complied in a simple and easy to understand manner. However, it is still advised that users follow and implement these instructions as they are. Doing so will save them from running into problems and consequently calling up Linksys router support for help.

Do you need help configuring your Linksys router? Well, you may desire to configure Linksys router for wireless connection, DSL connection, firewall, or as an access point or switch etc. Though it is easier to perform the router configuration than any other task, you may still face difficulty while doing so. Don't worry! The below mentioned guide will help you perform the configuration process on your own, thereby sidelining the need of contacting Linksys technical support.

Instructions:

For DSL Connection:

First ensure that you have an active internet connection, a valid username and password for the DSL account, and the email address and password from your internet service provider (ISP). Also ensure that the internet works after you make a wired connection of your computer to the DSL modem.

When done checking, disconnect all the devices including computer attached to your Linksys router and hard reset it using a sharp, thin pin. Insert the pin into the Reset hole (will be located the back of the router), press it and hold it for 7-10 seconds. The lights will flicker once, restoring the router to default settings. It must be noted that all your configured settings will be lost after resetting the router.

Wait for the router to turn on (the power light should be steady green). Connect your DSL modem to the router's internet port (located at the back). Now reconnect your PC to the any of the 4 LAN ports of the router. When connected properly, the corresponding lights on the router will light up.

Connect to the internet if not connected automatically after turning on the computer. Open up your web browser and type '192.168.1.1' (without quotes and as is) in the address bar. Hit Enter on the keyboard to proceed to the

When prompted for a username and password, type these in the relevant boxes and then click on the Login button or instead press Enter to proceed. Check your router documents if you are unsure of the login credentials.

When logged in to the router interface, click on the Setup tab, choose PPPoE from the dropdown menu next to Internet Connection Type and enter your username and password given by ISP in the relevant fields. Click to set the Keep Alive Radial Period option to 30 seconds and then click on the Save Settings button.

Click on the Status tab and check whether you are connected or not. If you not connected, then hit the Connect button. If connected, proceed to configure your router as desired for wireless settings. If not connected, select the Setup tab again and choose Automatic Configuration DHCP from the dropdown list beside Internet Connection Type. Click on the Save Settings button and exit the router interface. Do not exit the interface if you want to configure the wireless settings.

For Wireless Connection:

Click on the Wireless tab (on the router's interface) and personalize your wireless network settings. Give a name to your wireless network like 'home' (any name of your choice), select the channel no. from the dropdown menu, and click to Enable the Wireless SSID broadcast. The recommended channels for the router are 1, 6, and 11. Click on Save Settings to save the changes.

Click on the Wireless tab again and then select Wireless Security. Select WEP or WPA Pre-Shared Key depending on what type of security your wireless adapter supports. For WEP, enter any passphrase and then click on Generate to obtain the WEP security key. Note down the key on a piece of paper and keep it safe as you will require it to connect for the first time. For WPA, just enter your pre-shared key. You must note it down on a piece of paper as you would require it connect to the wireless connection. Click on the Save Settings button.

Highlight the Setup tab again and navigate to the Local IP Address box. Type '192.168.2.1' and then click on Save Settings to save the changes. Power cycle all the devices viz. router, modem, and computer and wait for a minute. Turn the devices on and connect to wireless connection on the computer(s) using the network security key (WEP or WPA).

Additional Tips:

If you are unable to browse wirelessly, make sure that your internet browser is not running any proxy server.