Are you setting up a home network with your new Linksys router? Make sure that you set up your router properly to prevent unwanted users and protect your personal information. Activating the router only takes a few minutes. See Step 1 below to get started.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Accessing the Configuration Menu
Step 1. Connect with a web browser
When configuring the router for the first time, connect it to the computer via an Ethernet cable. This will ensure that you are not disconnected if there are changes to the wireless network. Open a web browser and enter the router's address into the address line.
- Almost all Linksys routers can be accessed by entering the address 192.168.1.1
- If you cannot access the router from a browser, the “web management” option can be disabled. If this happens, press and hold the Reset button on the back of the router to reset to factory settings.
Step 2. Enter the username and password
When accessing the router from the web, you will be asked to enter a username and password for the router. This information varies by router, but the default is listed in the documentation. If you can't find it, you can reset your router to factory settings and search the internet for your router model.
- Most default usernames are "admin".
- Most default passwords are "admin" or blank.
Step 3. Use the configuration software
Many Linksys routers come with an installation CD for installing the configuration program. This is so that you can change the settings without having to connect through a web browser. You usually don't need to enter a username and password to use it.
The menus in the configuration application are generally the same as the menus in the browser
Method 2 of 4: Setting Up a Wireless Network
Step 1. Click the Wireless tab
When you first open the configuration utility, you will be taken to the Basic Setup page. You can skip all of these settings, unless otherwise specified by your ISP. When you click on the Wireless tab, you will be taken to the “Basic Wireless Settings” section.
This section is for creating and securing a wireless network. It is important that you change the default settings for security reasons
Step 2. Give the network a name
In the Basic Wireless Settings section, there will be a field that says "Wireless Network Name (SSID)". This is the name of your network that will appear in the list of available networks for wireless devices. Make sure you don't provide any personal information, as anyone can see this name.
You can skip Network Mode and Channel, unless otherwise specified by your ISP
Step 3. Enable Broadcast
Make sure the “Enable” option is selected for “Wireless SSID Broadcast”. This basically activates your wireless network so it can be found. When finished, click the “Save Settings” button.
Step 4. Secure the network
Click the “Wireless Security” section to open the wireless security options. Here you will be able to set the security encryption type and password.
- Security Mode - Set this to WPA2 if possible. This is the newest type of encryption, as well as the most secure way to protect the network. Note: not all legacy devices support WPA2. If the printer or other device does not support it, change WPA2 to WPA or WEP.
- Passphrase - this is the password that other people need to connect their device to your network. Make sure that your password is strong in order to prevent intruders from entering.
Step 5. Click “Save Settings” when done
Your router will apply the changes and reboot. Your wireless network will now be activated and secure.
Method 3 of 4: Forwarding Ports
Step 1. Click on “Applications & Gaming”
If you have a program that requires unrestricted access to a specific port, you'll need to open it via the router's configuration page. To open the port, you must know the IP address for the device running the program.
- To check your computer's IP address, look for a guide on Wikihow.
- To see a list of devices connected to the router as well as the IP address of each device, click the Status tab and then select Local Network. Click the DHCP Client Table button to view the list.
Step 2. Enter the port forwarding information
On a blank line in the “Port Range Forwarding” section of the Applications & Gaming tab, enter the information for the program that wants to forward the port. In the application field, enter the application name. You can enter whatever you want as a reference.
Step 3. Select the start and end of the port
Just type the port that the app commands. Opening the port can pose a security threat to the network. If you only have one port open, enter the same value in the "Start" and "End" fields.
Step 4. Choose your protocol
The application can tell you which specific protocol (TCP or UDP) requires an open port. If you are not sure, select Both.
Step 5. Enter the IP address for port forwarding
This is the address for the device running the application. You simply enter the last group number of the IP address.
Step 6. Enable port forwarding
When you have finished entering all the information, check the “Enabled” box to enable the new rule. Scroll down and click the “Save Settings” button to reboot the router and apply it.
Method 4 of 4: Blocking Access
Step 1. Go to the Access Restrictions tab
This router configuration section is used to set internet access restrictions for each device connected to the network. You can block all internet access at a specified time, as well as block certain sites or keywords.
Step 2. Create an access policy
In the “Enter policy name” field, enter a name that is easy for you to remember. You can switch to multiple policies by using the drop-down menu at the top of the page.
Step 3. Add the device with the policy
Click the “Edit List of PCs” button, and enter the IP address for the device for which you want the policy to be enabled. This is useful if you don't want children to access the computer at night, for example, or to restrict employee access during the day.
Step 4. Set a schedule
Use the Days and Times sections to set when you want the internet to be blocked. As long as the policy is enabled, the selected device will not be able to access the internet at all during these days and times.
Step 5. Block specific websites
At the bottom of the schedule, you can enter specific websites that you want the router to block. The websites entered here are not accessible to anyone on the policy list. You can also block websites based on the keywords contained in the website, so you can block more than one site.
Step 6. Enable the policy
When finished configuring the policy, enable the “Enabled” option and then click the “Save Settings” button at the bottom of the page. The router will reboot and the new policy will take effect.
