Connecting the wireless router to the modem is necessary if you want a wireless network. Doing so will provide you with a stable Internet connection at your home which is a necessity in the digital era. You might wonder how to connect a wireless router to a modem and whether that is possible. To find out, we suggest reading our article.
How to Connect a Wireless Router to a Modem
To connect your wireless router to a modem, plug in one end of the ethernet cable to the WAN port of the router and the other end to the modem. Then, connect your router’s power cable to a power outlet and wait for the router to start. Next, connect to the network by opening Settings on your PC and clicking on Network Options. Select the router’s name, enter the essential data to connect to the network, and open your router set-up page to begin the setup process.
Connecting Your Router to a Modem
All routers have several ports for connection, known as LAN and WAN. To connect your router to the modem, you will need the WAN port, which usually has a unique color and is located further than the other ports.
Hence, to establish a connection, you need to connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the back of the modem while connecting the other one with the WAN port of your router. However, you must ensure that your modem is connected to a power outlet and power it on.
You should also connect the modem with your provider’s Ethernet cable that supplies the Internet. Using port 1 on your router, you can connect the router to your PC if necessary and make the required network configurations. If the devices have been properly connected, the lights on your modem and router will be on.
Additional steps for connection
Another indication that you connected both devices successfully is the ability to browse the Internet. What you need to do next is enter your router’s IP address into the URL bar and enter the default username and password. Once you access your router’s configuration page, ensure the firmware is up to date. The steps for upgrading the firmware vary from one router model to another.
Setting up your router
The router configuration page enables you to do all the necessary changes regarding your router, such as setting up automatic updates, limiting Internet access, monitoring activity, etc. Once everything is settled, your network is set up, and you can start browsing the Internet without any issues.
Read more: How to Connect Ethernet Cable to a Wireless Router
How Do You Connect a Router Modem Combo
If you want to install a router-modem combo, you don’t need a separate router and modem. Instead, you can plug the Internet cable your internet provider gives you and plug the router to modem combo into a power outlet. Once this is done, you can set it up using the browser and access the configuration page.
As different router models have different configurations, if you are having difficulties connecting your wireless router to the modem and setting up the network, we suggest checking the user manual to learn more about your wireless system.
Additional information
Those who have two routers can plug the end of the cable into the router’s WAN port and the other one into a free port of the first router. While it is possible to connect two wireless routers, the second one functions only as a wireless access point.
That said, the second router can also work as a network extender. This means that if you don’t have network coverage in some area in your home, you can strengthen the signal by using another router as a network extender. You will need to connect the first router to the modem and the second one to the other router wirelessly.
Some people also use special Ethernet LAN cables known as Cat cables to improve the strength of the network and receive a stable Internet connection for browsing the Internet, browsing, or doing other activities without any issues.
Issues With Router and Modem Connection
When the modem doesn’t connect to the Internet
There are multiple reasons why your modem is not working correctly. The issue can be a damaged Internet cable, outdated firmware, loose connection, etc. That said, if you cannot connect to the Internet, the issue might be in the router, whereas if you can connect but there is no Internet, there might be a problem with the modem.
Troubleshooting
It is significant to mention that you cannot connect the router to a modem wirelessly. Also, some routers might be outdated and hence incompatible with your modem. If you have set up all devices but are experiencing network issues, you can implement a couple of steps to find the source of the problem and fix it.
If you cannot connect to the Internet, it is advised to unplug the modem, wait for at least 15 seconds, and plug it in again. You can also start restarting all the devices, including your PC and your router.
Replacing the cables can be another solution, as faulty equipment often can prevent you from accessing a stable network. Moreover, you can also contact your service provider to ensure there aren’t any interruptions or outages.
Also read: What Is a Modem Router?
Conclusion
If you have purchased your new router and are wondering how to connect a wireless router to a modem, hopefully, you have gathered all the necessary details here. Now that you have figured out how your wireless router works, you can connect your devices and enjoy a fast and stable Internet connection. You can also adjust advanced network settings to improve your network’s security and become worry-free when you are on the Internet.