In most part of the world routers are a part of people's life. For those people setting up a router may seem like a piece of cake(it indeed is). But for many, routers can be mysterious devices which only a "qualified professional" can set up.
But the truth is not so, setting up a router is extremely easy, only if you know what it does and how it works.
Do you own a router?(That you are behaving like an intellectual!)
What is a router anyway?
OK, a router is essentially a network topography device, and it is a very important networking device. In most of the cases people use a router to split and forward an internet connection among several devices. But its functionality is not limited to just splitting an internet connection. It also connects computers to form a local area network(LAN). Thus, one can play multi-player games using a router.
Fine, but is there any difference between a modem and a router?
Yes, modem and router are two completely different things. While a router forwards an internet connection, a modem converts an analog signal to a digital one or vice-versa . While an information can only be transmitted (through wire or wirelessly ) in analog signals, computers can only understand digital information, this is where the modem comes into play, it actively converts digital information to analog ones or the other way round so that two(or more) computers can communicate among themselves through wires or wirelessly. Also a router is designed to be able to split only digital connections, thus it is evident that a router should be placed after the modem. This diagram will make it easier for you.
Are there different types of router?
But the truth is not so, setting up a router is extremely easy, only if you know what it does and how it works.
Do you own a router?(That you are behaving like an intellectual!)
Yes, I do. and its working great! Here is it:
OK, a router is essentially a network topography device, and it is a very important networking device. In most of the cases people use a router to split and forward an internet connection among several devices. But its functionality is not limited to just splitting an internet connection. It also connects computers to form a local area network(LAN). Thus, one can play multi-player games using a router.
Fine, but is there any difference between a modem and a router?
Yes, modem and router are two completely different things. While a router forwards an internet connection, a modem converts an analog signal to a digital one or vice-versa . While an information can only be transmitted (through wire or wirelessly ) in analog signals, computers can only understand digital information, this is where the modem comes into play, it actively converts digital information to analog ones or the other way round so that two(or more) computers can communicate among themselves through wires or wirelessly. Also a router is designed to be able to split only digital connections, thus it is evident that a router should be placed after the modem. This diagram will make it easier for you.
Are there different types of router?
Yes, there exist several routers in technical terms, if you want to know about those see here.
But we are only concerned about routers mainly for personal use. So there are:
- Wired Router: This router only accommodates wired connections through Ethernet cables.
- Wireless Router: creates a Wi-Fi hot spot(in short)
- Mixed Router: These router can connect to computers through Ethernet cables as well as create a Wi-Fi hot spot. This type of routers is the most popular.
- Modem+Router: You don't require a modem here as it is built in. You can directly connect your broadband cable to the router.(I would still prefer a mixed router as it is more flexible)
BTW, How can recognize an Ethernet cable? and How does the analog cable look different from an Ethernet one?
See the difference?
An Ethernet cable, port and plug is thicker than the analog one. The Analog cable looks like you land-line wire as it is also an analog connection.
Hey, I do not have an Analog cable, I only have an Ethernet cable given by my ISP!
That means you already have a digital connection and you can directly plug it into your computer. If you want to use the router then you have to directly connect it to your router(You don't need a modem). But I would suggest you to talk with your ISP before buying a router, as many ISP require you to sign in first.
I am already to go, but how do i set things up?
(I assume you have a mixed router)
Ok, first of all see if your modem need a setup(most of the new modems needs a setup). After setup see if you can directly use the Ethernet cable or not in your computer(if it supports). If it does then you are ready to connect the router. Open the Ethernet cable if you connected to the computer.
First: See which of the Ethernet ports at the back is meant for modem(it should be written and different from others). Connect the modem there.
Second(Wired): You should have another Ethernet cable left supplied along either with the router or with the modem. Connect your router to the computer. Power on the modem and the router. Wait for it to initialize.
Second(Wireless): Power on the router, wait for it to initialize. On your device search for Wi-Fi connections. find you one(you should recognize that by name). Connect to it. For Wi-Fi password, take a
look at the manual for see below the router itself.
Third: You may need to setup the router too. So if you have a CD then put it in and install the router control software. If you don't then open you browser and in the URL box type this: 192.168.2.1 if password is asked that means you router is locked, look into the manuals there should be a password for it, but mostly new routers are kept unlocked.
You are all done!!! Enjoy
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