This article will discuss step by step setting up a WiFi router without specific reference to the model or manufacturer. The main specifications of such devices will also be given and recommendations for choosing such routers will be given. In addition to this, the basic requirements regarding the choice of installation site for various network nodes will be given. All this will allow a potential buyer to choose exactly the solution that will most closely match his needs. Also, with the help of this material, a novice specialist will be able to set up a computer network properly.
General characteristics of routers. Recommendations for selection. Equipment
Any modern router is a universal solution that can create both a wireless segment and a wired section of a computer network. Also, some of these most advanced devices are equipped with a USB port. In this case, the router can act as an archiving or documentation server. Alsoadditionally, you can install an external modem in the same port and use it to implement the technology of backup connection to the global web.
For home use, a router is enough, which has four LAN ports with a speed of 100 Mbps. With two antennas to create a wireless network, the transmission speed is already limited to 300 Mbps. But in the case of an office, it is recommended to purchase more advanced solutions that have an additional 2 USB ports and an increased transmission speed in the wireless segment of the computer network.
In most cases, the bundle of such network nodes includes the following:
- Router.
- Power supply.
- Software disc.
- Expanded user manual, which describes in detail the characteristics of such a device. Also, in some cases, it describes step by step the setup of a Mi WiFi router from Xiaomi, for example.
- Communication wire for reconfiguring the network device.
Types of routers
Conventionally, WiFi-enabled routers can be divided into two large groups. The first of these are universal devices that are not tied to the equipment of one particular provider. They are more expensive and need to be configured properly. For example, setting up a Tp-Link WiFi router can be done either using a wizard or using a WEB interface. It is easier for beginners to apply the first method. But for professionals it is more suitablethe second of them. By the way, it is recommended to implement the Xiaomi WiFi router setup using the second method.
The second large group of routers includes specialized solutions. They are sold by providers to their customers. Such devices are already initially configured to work as part of a computer network of a company. But with the equipment of other providers, such routers will not work. In this case, you only need to switch the device and turn it on.
General tuning algorithm
In general, setting up a WiFi router is done as follows:
- Unpacking the device. Installation of antennas in case of their separate execution. In some cases, they are not removable, and there is no need to install them.
- Selecting the installation location. Supply of communications.
- Network node switching.
- Turn on the router. Correction of the software shell of the device. Its reboot.
- Checking performance.
Preparation
At the preparatory stage of setting up, the WiFi-router must be removed from the shipping package along with the documentation. The latter is recommended to study in detail. You also need to examine all the stickers on the device case and find the name of the network and the access code to it.
One more point is an agreement with a provider for the provision of a connection service to the global web. It specifies the parameters that must be entered into the network device shell. This is the type of connection, this is both the login and the special password, andaddress type, and DNS. It is recommended to write all this data separately on a blank sheet and then use it in the process of reconfiguring the network node.
Selecting the installation location. General recommendations and wiring
Setting up a WiFi network starts with choosing the right place to install the router. The first important condition is that the network access point should be located as close as possible to the center of the room. If the coverage is not enough, then you need to additionally purchase the so-called repeaters and already use them.
Another important point is the metal surfaces. They simply should not be near the router. If this condition is not met, then the level of the received signal and the quality of the coverage will deteriorate significantly.
Also, at the installation site of the network node, there must be an outlet for organizing its power supply. The second important point is the possibility of supplying a twisted pair cable from the provider to the installation site of the router. It is based on these conditions that we choose the installation location of the router.
Switching
The next step is to start connecting the network node. To do this, the power supply unit is installed with a built-in plug into the socket, and the cord from it is inserted into the device socket. Then we connect the twisted pair cable from the provider company to the port marked WAN or Ethernet. It is usually blue in color.
Further, if necessary, a wired part of the computer network is created. using twistedpairs connect ports of various devices with LAN connectors. There are usually 4 such sockets in routers and they are yellow.
In some cases, at the final stage, an MFP, printers, an additional network drive and a modem are connected to the USB port.
Reconfiguring the network host shell
If the router is provided by the provider, then its software shell is configured, and there is no need to make any changes to it. All you have to do is make the connection and turn on the device.
Well, if you use a regular router, you need to properly adjust its parameters. To do this, after turning on the network point, you need to connect any wireless device to it. In this case, the access code and SSID can be specified on the sticker on the router case.
After the connection is established, launch the browser and go to the address of the router. Typically, this is 192.168.1.1. But it can also be 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.10.1. In any case, this information, like a password with a login to gain access to the router's parameters, can be specified in the instruction manual. After going to the address of the network point, enter the previously specified values. Next, in the interface that opens, you need to set the following parameters:
- WAN/Ethernet tab: connection type, addressing method and subnet mask.
- WiFi tab: new wireless network name, connection code and WPA2 encryption type.
After each change, the parameters must bebe sure to save. Actually, this completes the WiFi D-Link 300 setup, and not only that. Now you can exit the network point configuration interface.
Testing
After completing the software configuration of the network node, it is necessary to check its operability. To do this, activate the WiFi transmitter on any device, wait for the connection to be established and launch the browser on it. After that, open in the last window any information resource from the global web.
If after that the site appeared, then everything is in order. Otherwise, the commutation and parameters must be additionally checked. After that, re-check the performance of the created computer network.
Opinion of users
Setting up a WiFi router is a very simple task, and even a novice user can handle it. The widespread appearance of such devices has radically changed life. Most owners of mobile systems can no longer imagine their lives without the global web. The Internet is gradually replacing television, radio, newspapers and magazines. In any case, he is the future.
Conclusion
As part of this short material, general instructions for setting up a WiFi router were given. By following its recommendations, you can easily configure most of these network devices. Moreover, any specialist can cope with such a task.
