DSL modem

Check with your service provider; they may supply you with a wireless router/switch. My DSL modem went bad and Embarq (now Century Link) came and installed a wireless - and set it up.

True, some ISPs provide a router... some for free, some on a lease. If you buy your own you can potentially save $. Check with your ISP.

If you do go buy a wireless router, yes for a temporary initial setup you will want to connect your lappy to configure the wireless on the router. Also stick to a namebrand router like Linksys, Netgear, or similar. Your choice may also be affected by the wireless NIC in your lappy... is it 802.11 g or n?

As for plugging everything in... the current DSL modem has a network jack on back... that will plug into the routers WAN (Wide Area Network) port... then you will temporarily plug in your lappy to any LAN (Local Area Network) port... configure wireless access and security on the router... then unplug the lappy and configure your security there.

Hope thsi helps...

Darryl Licht said:

True, some ISPs provide a router... some for free, some on a lease. If you buy your own you can potentially save $. Check with your ISP.

Darryl is right on target. You might be able to purchase a router/switch through your ISP at a savings - depending on your ISP.

Reading the manual would be first on my list...

google the make and model number ... most mfgr's have a downloadable version of the manual... silly question, but if you have no idea about a router, or how to set it up/operate it, why did you get one...

Here are some instructions:
How to install a router in your network: Linksys Netgear etc

Or here is a video:
How To Install Your Linksys Wireless Router Video | Wireless Networking | Howcast.com

Make sure that the modem is plugged into the WAN port of the router. Any PCs will simply plug into any available LAN port on that router.

A good idea once everything is pugged in would be to reboot each device in this order:

1. Modem
2. Router
3. PC

Once you do that you should be able to enter the Linksys router configuration via your browser and 192.168.1.1..

Please advise as to your progress...