How to setup a Wireless Network

How you connect it depends on how you plan to use it. Let me explain:

Some people have a dsl line (high speed internet connection) and their modem from their internet provider only has room for one computer cable to connect and use the internet. If the customer has more then one desktop computer they want to connect to the internet, they will need to buy a router. A router provides multiple ports for several computers to connect to the internet at the same time.

If you have a dsl modem already and bought a router to add additional computers to your network - then follow the instructions below to set it up:

Connect your phone cord from the wall into the dsl modem. Plug in the power cable from the dsl modem to the wall and turn it on. Connect an ethernet cable to the dsl modem (ethernet cables are the ones that look like a regular telephone cord but the ends are a little larger) and connect the other end to your router. Make sure you plug this cable into the port marked "ethernet" on your router. There is only one port for your internet connection line coming into the router, the rest of the ports are for adding computers only. Some routers say the word "ethernet" near the port for the internet connection. Others have a picture near or or brackets around it to show that it is different then the others. Plug in the power cord to your router and turn it on. Make sure you turn on your modem first and let it warm up before connecting your router. Modem power on first, then router power on - always.

Now connect an ethernet cable to your router and connect the other end to the pc you wish to use on the internet. Do not turn on your pc until the ethernet cord is attached. Your dsl modem has to be powered up first, followed by your router and then your pc. All in that order.

Your computer should automatically sense the internet connection upon start up. You can verify that your connection is installed correctly and that your pc is sensing it by looking at the bottom right side of your screen near the clock area. You should see a picture of a computer monitor that represents your internet connection status. Sometimes they glow green when they are healthy. Sometimes they show a red X on top of them if they are disconnected from the internet. If you can't find the Icon for your internet connection on the bottom right side of your screen, unplug the ethernet cable from the back of your pc - while watching the bottom right side area and plug it back in again. Watch for a change to locate the icon. Sometimes there is a downward pointing arrow near the clock which needs to be clicked on to open up the area and view the icons.

Thats all! One line from the modem to the router - another line from the router to the pc - and the internet should be up and running fine.

If you bought a router combination modem - then its the same as above - just without a separate dsl modem. (i.e. Connect the power cable from the router/modem to the wall. Connect the ethernet cable to the port marked "ethernet" for your internet connecton and connect the other end of the cord to your pc. Then turn your pc on. Router/modem power on first and pc power on second in that order)

All the lights on your modem should be green and steady - except for the one marked internet or connection which is usually flashing and moving. If you have any red or yellow lights then you need to troubleshoot and correct the problem before your internet connection will work.

Did you try a factory reset?

With the router powered on and running, se a toothpick or something like that to hold the reset button down for 20 seconds. Release the reset button and wait for the router to reboot. This usually takes a minute or two.

You may need to reboot your computer, although it's generally simpler to unplug the ethernet cable from the router (after the factory reset), wait 30 seconds, then plug the cable back in.
This is also known as 'renew dhcp lease'.

If that doesn't work, try powering down your cable modem/dsl adapter, power down the router, then power up the cable modem/dsl, wait for it to connect, then power up the router.
Some cable modems and dsl boxes 'lock on' to the first ethernet adapter they see, this will make the cable/dsl box reset the lock.

If you have DSL or cable internet, disconnect the ethernet cable going from the DSL or cable internet modem to the computer. Disconnect the end of that cable that plugs into the modem. Connect an ethernet cable from your cable or DSL modem to the router where it says something like "modem", "internet", or "in". If the router is a wired router, connect the ethernet cable that is still attached to the computer to any open ethernet port on the router.

Whenever you connect a different device to the cable/DSL modem the modem itself must be reset. Dont even waste a phone call to linksys. Its useless.

If you are using DSL depending on your ISP you may have to enter your account info into the router's PPoE section

Cable users should have the router set to "Obtain IP aadress automatically"

Use the reset button on the back of the router and start from scratch.
Unplug the cable/DSL modem power
Hook up your router WAN/Internet to the Cable/DSL modem Ethernet/LAN jack
Power on the Cable/DSL Modem first, wait about a minute, then power on the router.