The steps you need to take to set up an internet connection will vary depending on the type of internet service provider (ISP), i.e. cable or DSL. Read this article for instructions on setting up your cable or DSL internet connection. If unsure about the type of internet connection, contact your ISP.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Setting Up a Wired Internet Connection
Step 1. Plug the cable modem into your computer
Make sure your computer is near the wall cable socket.
Step 2. Plug the cable modem into the wall cable socket
Step 3. Plug in the modem power cable
Most modems do not have an On/Off switch. Plugging and unplugging is a way of turning it on and off.
- When the cable modem is turned on, it will go through the boot process. You can tell when this process is complete when most of the lights are on and stop blinking. Generally, there is one light that will keep blinking.
- Generally, the modem takes about 30-60 seconds to turn on completely.
- If you are buying a new modem, you will need to contact your cable ISP and provide them with information about your new modem, otherwise they will not recognize it as the modem associated with your account. You will need the serial number and MAC address of the modem, and both should be printed on the bottom or side of the modem.
Step 4. Test your internet connection
Open a web browser and navigate to a website you've never visited before. If you're pointing to a website you've previously visited, chances are your browser will load it from cache. If the website loads, then you are connected to the internet. If not, complete the rest of the steps below.
Searching for something using a search engine is a good way to do this
Method 2 of 2: Setting Up a DSL Internet Connection
Step 1. Plug the DSL model into your computer
Make sure your computer is near the wall cable socket.
Step 2. Plug the DSL modem into the wall cable jack
Step 3. Plug in the DSL modem power cable
Most modems do not have an On/Off switch. Plugging and unplugging is a way of turning it on and off.
- When the DSL modem is turned on, it will go through the boot process. You will know this process is complete when most of the lights are on and have stopped blinking. Generally, there is one light that will keep blinking.
- Generally, the modem takes about 30-60 seconds to turn on completely.
- If you purchased a new modem, you will need to contact your DSL ISP to connect the modem with your ISP account username and password. If you do not know this information, you will need to contact your ISP for it.
Step 4. Enter the modem administration screen
Open a web browser. In the address field, type the IP address of the modem. This is often printed on the modem itself. Otherwise, it will be listed in the modem's manual.
Common modem IP addresses are 192.168.0.1 and 192.168.1.1. Click here for a list of modem-specific IP addresses
Step 5. Enter your DSL account username and password
Once you are connected to the modem administration screen, look for PPPoE. Enter your DSL account username and password into the PPPoE fields. Usernames are generally email addresses.
If you don't know your account username and password, contact your DSL ISP
Step 6. Save your settings
When setup is complete, save the settings. The internet light on your modem should turn green to indicate that you are online.
Step 7. Test your internet connection
Open a web browser and navigate to a website you've never visited before. If you're pointing to a website you've previously visited, chances are your browser will load it from cache. If the website loads, then you are connected to the internet. If not, complete the rest of the steps below.
Searching for something using a search engine is a good way to do this
Common Modem and Router IP Addresses
- Alcatel SpeedTouch Home/Pro – 10.0.0.138 (no default password)
- Alcatel SpeedTouch 510/530/570 – 10.0.0.138 (no default password)
- Asus RT-N16 – 192.168.1.1 (default password “admin”)
- Billion BIPAC-711 CE – 192.168.1.254 (default password “admin”)
- Billion BIPAC-741 GE – 192.168.1.254 (default password “admin”)
- Billion BIPAC-743 GE – 192.168.1.254 (default password “admin”)
- Billion BIPAC-5100 – 192.168.1.254 (default password “admin”)
- Billion BIPAC-7500G – 192.168.1.254 (default password “admin”)
- Dell Wireless 2300 router – 192.168.2.1 (final.1 is *fixed*)
- D-Link DSL-302G – 10.1.1.1 (Ethernet port) or 10.1.1.2 (USB port)
- D-Link DSL-500 – 192.168.0.1 (default password "private")
- D-Link DSL-504 – 192.168.0.1 (default password "private")
- D-Link DSL-604+ – 192.168.0.1 (default password "private")
- DrayTek Vigor 2500 – 192.168.1.1
- DrayTek Vigor 2500We – 192.168.1.1
- DrayTek Vigor 2600 – 192.168.1.1
- DrayTek Vigor 2600We – 192.168.1.1
- Dynalink RTA300 – 192.168.1.1
- Dynalink RTA300W – 192.168.1.1
- Netcomm NB1300 – 192.168.1.1
- Netcomm NB1300Plus4 – 192.168.1.1
- Netcomm NB3300 – 192.168.1.1
- Netcomm NB6 – 192.168.1.1 (default username "admin", default password "admin")
- Netcomm NB6PLUS4W – 192.168.1.1 (default username "admin", default password "admin", default WEP key "a1b2c3d4e5")
- Netgear DG814 – 192.168.0.1
- Netgear DGN2000 – 192.168.0.1 (default username “admin”, default password “password”)
- Web Excel PT-3808 – 10.0.0.2
- Web Excel PT-3812 – 10.0.0.2
