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Home Networking Basics, part 5

Configuring the (Wired) Router

The easiest thing to do is to start with the manufacturer's default settings. If you bought a used router, check the manual to see how to restore it to the defaults. In several models that I have used, you hold the reset button in for about 10 seconds to restore to the defaults.

By default, the router is probably set up to be a DHCP server. Your computer, by default, is set up to be a DHCP client. So, you should be able to plug into the router and get an IP address on the local area network (LAN) administered by the router.

When you plug the router into the cable or DSL modem, it will get it's wide area network (WAN) IP address from the ISP. It will also automatically download the domain name server information.

The routers can be configured by using your web browser (Firefox, Opera, Netscape or Internet Explorer) to go to the router. First you'll get a sign-in dialog box. Your manual will tell you the default password.

Be sure to change the password on the router. The default passwords are well known and can be used by bad guys, or even their programs, to change the settings on your router.

There are many more configuration options in the router. Options and the ways to enable them vary from router to router -- generally they have the same functions. The manufacturer's manual should guide you through setting up these settings. Linksys, DLink and Netgear all have good manuals.

Check the manufacturer's site occasionally for firmware updates for the router. Sometimes these are bug fixes; other times, they may add new features. I especially like Linksys routers because they have updated the firmware regularly to add new features, even on my three year old router.

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