- Turn off the cable modem or DSL modem.
You’re now connecting the wireless router. Carefully follow the instruc-
tions that come with the hardware; doing things out of order can result
in improperly configured devices, and you will be unable to get to the
Internet to seek assistance.If there is no on-off switch, disconnect the AC adapter that goes to the
modem. Do notdisconnect the modem from the incoming cable television/
Internet feed.- Connect the wireless router to the modem.
In most setups, you’ll be using an Ethernet cable. Now you’re configur-
ing the wireless router.- Attach the network cable that is usually supplied with the wireless
router to a computer and one of the open network ports on the router.
Use any port exceptthose labeled as Internet, WAN, or WLAN.- Open Internet Explorer or another compatible browser and go to the
particular address specified by the router maker.
This is very similar to going to a particular web site on the Internet; note
that the address does not include the www prefix, because you are not
going onto the World Wide Web. Table 14-1 lists the default addresses,
usernames, and passwords for four of the largest makers or distributors
of router hardware.Table 14-1 Default Addresses, Usernames,
and Passwords for RoutersManufacturer Address Username Password3Com http://192.168.1.1 admin adminD-Link http://192.168.0.1 admin (blank)Linksys http://192.168.1.1 admin adminMicrosoft Broadband http://192.168.2.1 admin adminOnce you reach the internal setup screen of the router you are asked
to make some important decisions. Most users can use the default
settings — in fact, unless you have reason to make changes, don’t alter
the defaults.- Make these three settings:
- Wireless Network Name.In technobabble, this is also referred to as
an SSID.(Just for the record, an SSID is a Service Set Identifier.) What-
ever name you give your network is converted into a 32-character
- Wireless Network Name.In technobabble, this is also referred to as
Chapter 14: Feeling Up In the Air 217