How To Build a Network Part 5

Setting Up Your Router

Now that your NIC is installed and you are wired to the network, you need to set up your router. Different brands have slightly different instructions, so you will need to refer to the manual for your router to do so.

Opening your Internet browser and typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address line will access most routers. This should access the configuration screen of your router after you type the default login and password. (To get these default values, you will need to refer to your router's manual.)

After you have logged in you will need to determine whether your service provider requires a domain name. Usually this information is provided to you by the service provider. If you are not sure, you can try leaving this item blank and contact your service provider if it doesn't work.

If you do not change your router's default password, it could easily be accessed by an outside, malicious party.

Be sure to change your logon and password from the default value before you exit your router set-up page. Once you have saved and logged out, you may have to restart your computer. (Again, this depends on the router you are using, but if you aren't sure then restarting never hurts.)

Once you have restarted, you should be connected to the Internet and sharing your connection with the other computers on your network.