This guide explains how to set up an ADSL2+ Modem Firewall Router for a home computer network. In other words, a broadband modem and router that is a single box that connects your multiple computers to the World Wide Internet. Fortunately, most of the newer broadband modem/routers are quite easy to set up, so you'll be connected to the Internet in no time at all!
The exact names of configuration settings on a broadband modem and router will vary depending on the manufacturer and whether it is a wired or a wireless setup, or even both a wired and wireless setup which is probably the best choice for home and small business users. Hopefully the following steps will guide you through the process for all the common kinds of broadband modem and router combo's you might stumble upon.
Once your Internet Service Provider (ISP) has activated your broadband service and you receive your self-installation kit, you are ready to get started. But before you begin, make sure you have at least the following components:
Now choose a convenient location to begin installing your broadband modem/router. This does not need to be the permanent location of the modem because wireless broadband modem/routers will sometimes need to be repositioned to get the best signal strength (of course, this signal strength problem will never arise if you decide to connect all your PC's using network cables).
Connect just one computer to the broadband modem/router. Even if it is a wireless model, connect this first computer to the modem via a network cable. Using a cable during installation ensures the maximum reliability of the equipment. Once the wireless router installation is complete, you could disconnect the cable and leave the computer with just a wireless connection.
Connect the broadband modem/routers 'line in' to one side of the micro-filter using the RJ-11 cable. Also on this side of the micro-filter connect your telephone using your existing telephone cable.
Now connect your broadband modem/router to the network card in your computer using a standard RJ-45 ethernet cable. And plug the other end of the cable into the port on your broadband modem/router labeled either Internet, Ethernet, WAN, or WLAN (the blue cable in the picture).
Connect the power-supply cable to the broadband modem/router and turn it on. Wait a few minutes to give it time to connect to the Internet and then turn your computer back on.
At this point, you're ready to configure your broadband router.
From the computer connected to the broadband modem/router, first open your Web browser, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome etc. You may get an error message at this point but just continue to enter the router's address for network administration in the Web address field at the top of your browser and hit return to reach the modems set up page.
As a quick reference, this table shows the default addresses, usernames, and passwords for some of the most common broadband modem/router manufacturers.
| Router | Address | Username | Password |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3Com | http://192.168.1.1 | admin | admin |
| D-Link | http://192.168.0.1 | admin | admin |
| Linksys | http://192.168.1.1 | admin | admin |
| Netgear | http://192.168.0.1 | admin | password |
Your browser will now show your router's configuration page. Most of the default settings should be fine, but you should configure at least few things:
Your wireless network name, known as the SSID. This name identifies your network. You should choose something unique that none of your neighbours will be using.
Wireless encryption (WEP) or Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), will help protect your wireless network. For most modem setups, you will provide a passphrase that your router uses to generate several keys. Make sure your passphrase is unique and very long, say 20 to 30 characters. Thankfully, you don't need to memorize it, or the keys that are generated.
Tip: To help build a unique password try the QBS PC Help random password generator.
Just like any other password, your administrative password should not be a word that you can find in the dictionary and it should be a combination of letters, numbers and symbols. Be sure you can remember this password, because you will need it if you ever have to change your broadband modem/router settings. Be sure to write it down and, perhaps, store it with your modems documentation so you can easily find it again.
To make your broadband modem/router connect to the Internet, you must enter Internet connection information into that section of the modem's configuration (the exact location varies between manufacturers).
If using ADSL2 Internet, you may need to enter the PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet) username and password.
Likewise, if you have been issued a static IP address by your provider (you would need to have requested it), the static IP fields (including network mask and gateway) given to you by the provider must also must be set in the modem.
The exact steps you follow to configure all these settings will vary depending on the type of broadband modem/router you have. After each configuration setting, be sure to click Save Settings, Apply, or OK to save your changes.
Now turn your computer off and then back on again.
Verify that your network cabled computer can now connect to the Internet properly. Open your Web browser and visit a few Internet sites such as http://qbs-pchelp.co.uk or http:bbc.co.uk.
Connect additional computers to the router as needed, using either cables or the available wireless connection. If connecting wirelessly, ensure the network name (SSID) of each computer matches that of the broadband router.
Tip: When connecting devices with network cables, be sure each end of the cable connects tightly. Loose cables are one of the most common sources of network setup problems.
To solve other wireless networking problems see the article How to fix Wireless Network Problems.
Tip: If you need to buy a broadband modem/router then we recommend the NETGEAR DGN1000-100UKS N150 Mbps Wireless ADSL2+ Modem Router for Phone Line Connections