Installing a router in an apartment or house. Where to install a Wi-Fi router in an apartment or house

Good day!

Many users are intimidated by self-configuration A Wi-Fi router and when buying it, they also order a service for connecting and configuring it.

Purely in my opinion, the price for this service in many stores is too high (sometimes it reaches half the cost of a router) - especially since many can cope with this operation on their own (you just have to figure it out a little).

I also want to add right away that if in the future you need to change the password, the parameters for accessing the Internet (or something else), you still have to go into the settings of the router and figure it out yourself ...

That is why I sketched out this small instructional article, with pictures and explanations of each step. I hope the step-by-step presentation of the material will help you figure out how and what to do.

And so, let's go in order ☺ ...

Addition! You can also read another article of mine on how to connect and configure a Tenda FH456 (N301, F3) router from scratch -

Step-by-step instructions: connecting and configuring a Wi-Fi router

Choosing a location and placing a router

Many users make one mistake - namely, they put the router next to the computer (for example, on the system unit). No, for verification and initial setup, this is permissible, but for constant operation of the device, this is not good in all cases.

The fact is that depending on where you will have a Wi-Fi router, the level of network reception in different corners your house. Significantly reduce the Wi-Fi signal: load-bearing thick walls, mirrors, metal doors etc.

Therefore, you need to position the router so that it is approximately equidistant from all devices that will connect to its network (and also so that there are a minimum of obstacles to the network signal). An example of an unsuccessful and successful placement of a router to 2 room apartment shown in the layout below.

On the choice and location of the router in the apartment

An article on how you can enhance Wifi signal -

In general, I think that the message is clear: depending on the location of the router, the quality of the network signal, speed, errors, etc. will depend.

Connecting the router to the computer

A typical router delivery consists of (example in the picture below):

• the router itself;
• power supply unit;
• network cable (usually 1-2 m long). Used to connect the router to a PC (laptop) and configure;
• operating instructions;
• antennas (there may not be an antenna - in some routers it is built into the device).

Those. there is everything you need to start connecting and configuring your device.

Direct connection boils down to the following:

1. connect the router with a network cable (which comes with the router) with a computer or laptop. By the way, please note that on the router, as a rule, there are 4 LAN ports for this (they are marked, most often, yellow). On some routers, the marking instead of LAN may be Ethernet;
2. disconnect the internet cable (coming from the provider) from system unit computer and connect it to the router: to the WAN or Internet port (usually marked in blue);
3. connect power to the router and turn on the device;
4. if everything is done correctly, various LEDs will start blinking on the device ...

If you show it schematically, then the Wi-Fi router becomes, as it were, an intermediary between your computer and the Internet cable from the provider (see the picture below).

Important! It is necessary to connect the router to a PC (laptop) using a network cable for the initial configuration of the device. Subsequently, the cable can be disconnected and the router placed in a more convenient place.

Configuring network card parameters

Before entering the Wi-Fi router settings, you need to correctly configure the network card (especially if you previously had different settings from the default).

First you need to open a tab in the control panel - Control Panel \ Network and Internet \ Network Connections ... The easiest way to do this is to press the Win + R key combination, enter the ncpa.cpl command and click OK.

How to open network connections || ncpa.cpl

Then you need to open select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP / IPv4)" and open its properties.

In the "General" tab, set the receipt of the IP address and DNS server automatically. Save settings.

Obtain IP address and DNS server automatically

Such settings are suitable in 99.9% of cases, because an active DHCP server looks at your Wi-Fi router in the local network - which will give a free IP address to your computer / laptop.

Entering the router settings (device IP address)

To enter the Wi-Fi router settings, you need to know its IP address (which you just need to enter into the address bar of your browser and go to it).

Each router has its own settings IP address. In most cases, he 192.168.1.1 but there are exceptions:

1. address for D-Link and NetGear routers: 192.168.0.1 ;
2. address for TrendNet routers: 192.168.10.1

Important! Also pay attention to the stickers on the body of your Wi-Fi router - these stickers almost always have an IP address. By the way, on the same stickers you can find the login password for accessing the web interface.

After you enter correct IP address to enter the router settings and press Enter - you will see a window asking you to enter your username and password (example in the figure below).

As a rule, in most cases, both the login and password will be admin... If you can't log in, try leaving the password field blank.

In more detail about how to enter the settings of the router, what passwords and logins, IP addresses, and what to do if you cannot log in, I discussed in this article:

Configuring a router (router)

If the password and login were entered correctly, then you should get into the web interface (with a bunch of different settings, links, etc.). Each manufacturer and different router models have a different interface.

But there is one thing in common: the menu is usually located on the side or on top. The basic settings in the menu are also identical and set in a similar way. So, after looking at how one router is configured, you can configure another by analogy ...

As an example, I will take such a popular brand of routers as TP-LINK. (with "green" firmware in Russian).

Cloning the MAC address of the old network card

The fact is that many providers have additional. security that checks the MAC address. And if the MAC address does not match (or has been replaced), access to the network is blocked.

To clone a MAC address, in TP-LINK routers, open the "Clone MAC address" link (in the "Network" section). If you have an English version of the firmware, then look for a link like "MAC Clone".

Addition! Not so long ago, a separate instruction on cloning a MAC address appeared on my blog. -

Cloning a MAC address

Setting up Internet access

Setting up Internet access mainly depends on how your ISP builds the network. The necessary parameters for access to the network, you must be given in the contract for the provision of Internet connection services. Most often, PPPoE is used in Russia (Note: a dynamic IP-address is issued upon connection. To access, you must enter a username and password).

In the router, open the WAN (Internet) tab and first specify the type of connection (for example, PPPoE, see "2" in the figure below). You also need to specify username and password (see "3" in the figure below, the data can be taken from the contract with the Internet provider).

It remains only to save the settings. In most cases, you do not need to enter anything else. Now the router can access the Internet - and the Internet should now appear on the computer that is connected to it with a network cable.

All that remains is to configure the wireless network ...

Wi-Fi network setup

To configure a Wi-Fi network, you first need to open the "Wireless Settings" tab (or in English "Wireless Settings")... In this tab, you must specify the name of the network - i.e. the name of the network that you will look for to connect on your gadgets: tablets, phones, etc. (In some cases, if there is a bad signal, it makes sense to select a channel.).

Then you need to open the "Wireless Security" tab (or in English "Wireless Security") and choose the type of protection. Today one of best types encryption is WPA2-PSK, which is the first in the list (we select it).

The PSK password is the password that you will need to enter when connecting to a Wi-Fi network.

Actually, after saving the settings, the router will go to reboot, and then you can connect to the Wi-Fi network and use the Internet.

That's the whole setup ...

I understand that in this article I have not considered a lot of subtleties that, in special cases, can have a big impact on the operation of the network. But, probably, all of them cannot be foreseen within the framework of one article.

As I work on the site, I will touch on this issue again, and more than once ...

Setting up a router is not very difficult, contrary to popular belief. Everyone can cope with this task, you just need to follow these instructions.

1. Connecting wires

First, you need to connect an Internet cable to the wifi router. It plugs into the WAN port, which is often referred to as the Internet.

Then you need to connect the router (router) to your computer. One of the ends of the Internet cable is inserted into one of the holes of the waf-fi router itself, and the other end must be connected to the network card on the personal computer itself. If there is no cable, you can use a wireless connection, but it is best to use a wired connection at this stage.

Now the router should be connected to the outlet. The router should turn on, which will be indicated by a glowing light on it, but some models of routers may come with a power button that will need to be turned on. After that, you need to give the router a few minutes so that it has time to fully boot.

2. Checking the correctness of the Internet

If a wi-fi router was bought not in a regular store, but through an Internet provider, then it is likely that it could already be configured for you. In this case, after the first step, the router will automatically download the previously specified settings and the Internet will be ready for use after half a minute.

To check if the Internet is working, you just need to launch any browser on your computer and enter the names of several sites into the search bar. If all the pages of the sites are loaded as needed, then you can safely skip the next paragraph of the article and proceed to the fourth step.

5. Setting up your home Wi-Fi network

To protect your home Wi-Fi network, it is important to choose high-quality security settings. While in the router settings menu, you need to go to the section that is responsible for configuring the wireless network (the section name may be in English or slightly different, but the essence in any router is the same). In this menu, you need to set the most complex password. It will be used so that you can connect other devices besides PCs to the Internet via Wi-Fi, for example, tablets, laptops and smartphones. As a means of protection, it is better to choose WPA2-PSK encryption, where a password of 8 or more characters is required from you. After that, it is important to save all the changes, as well as to write down a new password somewhere on a piece of paper, so as not to forget it.

6. Changing the password responsible for accessing the router settings

It will also be best to restrict access to the settings of your router from outsiders. Usually, the router is left under the protection of a standard username and password, but it would be best to change them to your own.

Set up Wi-Fi at home often - a big problem... Do not want to cut off the phone to your provider - follow simple instructions and everything should work out. V best case, configuring the router out of the box will take 15 minutes.

Important!For example, we took a router TP-LINK TL-WR840N ... Program interfaces for customizing different models TP-LINK routers may differ slightly (not to mention routers from other manufacturers). Look for the necessary menu items, and do not be alarmed if yours is not the same as in the photo instructions.

Most quick way for settings Wi-Fi router - not the one with the disc. Although an installation disc is included with every router, this installation is not for everyone. We will go the other way - let's see how to configure the router manually.

In order to successfully connect the router, you need to know the type and parameters of the Internet connection:

• IP address;
• subnet mask;
• login;
• password.

This information must be contained in the contract for the provision of Internet services. There is no agreement or in a strange way there is none of the above points in the agreement? We call technical support and find out.

Router connection

1. We connect the router to the network (the power cord is included in the kit - is there one?).
2. We press the ON button. on the router (many routers also turn on directly from the outlet, but in vain). In our case, both the power adapter and the button are in place.
3. We find a network cable in the box. At one end we connect it to the router (there are a lot of ports on the router, you need the one under which “LAN” is signed,neededthe port is also usually highlighted in a different color). Others - to the PC network card.
4. You need to enable automatic acquisition of an IP address. You can do it like this:

Router administration

1. On a PC, open any browser (we used Google Chrome).
2. We register the address of the router in the address bar (for TP-LINK Wi-Fi routers, this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
3. In the window that appears, enter your username and password. Unless otherwise indicated in the technical documentation or at the bottom of your router, the following are used as standard on routers:

• login: admin
• password: admin

If you did everything right, this page is in front of you. The menu is always in English. On the left - the menu, in the center - the contents of the selected item on the left, and on the right - the explanation and the most important settings items.

How to set up a Wi-Fi router at home

Don't be in a hurry to get scared: you don't have to fumble in every section with an English-Russian dictionary at your fingertips. It is enough to put a tick in 3 points.

Chapter Network, paragraph WAN... Select your connection type from the list - Dynamic IP, Static IP, PPPoE or PPTP (see agreement). In our case, this is PPPoE. Each type of connection requires tuning. Follow the prompts below to configure your router and clickSave(at the bottom of the page).

PPPoE

Dynamic IP

Static IP

PPTP

Important!The provider is sometimes tied to the MAC address of the network card (a typical phenomenon for Dynamic and Static IP), therefore, additionally go to MAC Clone and press Clone MAC Address. This is in case you did everything as mentioned above, but for some reason nothing worked.

Wi-Fi network setup

We almost figured out how to connect wi-fi - it remains to set up a Wi-Fi network. Therefore, we go toWireless- Settings.

We find our location in the list, come up with a name for this network (it's better not to be smart with the name, but you can't leave it “as is” - if you match the name of the neighbor's Wi-Fi, problems may arise).

Among other things on this page, the following menu items may come in handy:

• Enable Wireless Router Radio - enables / disables Wi-Fi;
• Enable SSID Broadcast - enable / disable the visibility of the Wi-Fi network, if you disable this item, this network will not be displayed in the general search for Wi-Fi networks (only through the SSID identifier).

The latter is not a way to hide from neighbors, so do not rush to be smart with stealth.

Configuring Wi-Fi network security

We remain in the sectionWireless, go to the submenuSecurity. The optimal choice parameters from the list - in the photo below. You only have the password for Wi-Fi. We recommend that you write it down in the contract for the provision of Internet services (so that you certainly do not get lost).

Connection and operation

You can, of course, still configure the local network and change the administrator passwords (those that are admin / admin by default on all routers). But these are already bonus points. The bulk of users can start working after rebooting the router. You can do this by clickingREBOOTon the message that pops up at the bottom of the settings page.

Now we connect the cable from the provider to the highlighted and signed INTERNET port (through which the Internet comes to your apartment). Other ports are for wired connection of PCs and laptops with wireless problems.

Now you know how to connect a router in 15 minutes. How many, by the way, have you gotten on the timer?

P.S. Indicators

Not all routers are created equal, but keep in mind:

• indicator Systemshould blink, not light;
• Power- just burn;
• blinking of the middle indicators - data is being exchanged, the indicators are on - there is no network activity, off - there is no connection;
• Inthernet- lights up when there is a connection, blinks - data is being exchanged, off - check the cable connection.

If you need a signal amplifier or, say, a Wi-Fi adapter, the link below can be used to choose wireless equipment for data transmission for any occasion:http://price.ua/catalog454.html.

If the power of the router is not enough for stable Wi-Fi coverage of an apartment, house or office, there is a need for additional devices. There are three ways to strengthen the weak signal of the main router: install an additional antenna, repeater, or another router. Each method has advantages and disadvantages, let us dwell on the third option in more detail.

How to set up a router

To configure the router, connect a computer or other device with an installed web browser to it:

• you can connect a computer with a cable by connecting the PC network card to an available LAN port of the router;
• You can connect wirelessly to a Wi-Fi router using a laptop, tablet or smartphone.

By default, the wireless network is assigned a name (SSID) identical to the model name of the router, and access to the shared Wi-Fi network is not password protected.

After establishing connection with the router, open a web browser on a computer or connected wireless device and type the IP address of the router in the address bar. For example, for a TP-LINK router, the address will be as follows: http://192.168.0.1

The illustrations are taken from the settings of the TP-LINK TL-WR 1045 router, from other manufacturers the control panel looks different, but general principles, abbreviations and terms will be the same.

Entering the IP address of the router in the address bar of the browser will open access to the control panel

The correct IP address, username and password required to enter the control panel are indicated on a plate attached to the bottom of the router.

The IP address, login and password of the control panel are indicated on the nameplate on the bottom of the router

The login and password indicated on the plate refer only to the control panel, but not to the wireless network distributed by the router. After entering the username and password, you will see main screen, which displays information about the status of the device and provides access to menu items for setting modes.

Do not change the factory settings in the router settings unless necessary. After making changes to the router settings, restart the device.

Video: setting up a Wi-Fi router

Two ways to connect routers

Routers are connected into one local network either by cable or wirelessly. It is recommended to use devices from the same manufacturer.

Cable connection

Twisted-pair cable (UTP cable) is laid between the main and additional routers. In the main router, the cable is connected to the LAN socket, and in the additional router - to the WAN socket (this socket is highlighted in color and is sometimes called the Internet). With this connection, the additional router will be for the main network device, and the main one for the additional will act as a provider, distributing the Internet and providing a dynamic IP address.

Before installing an additional router, think over how the cable will be laid, and carefully measure the length of the future cable channel. When purchasing a cable, buy one meter longer than the measured cable duct and ask the seller to immediately crimp the ends of the cable into the connectors. If the cable duct runs outside the premises and is exposed to natural influences, then purchase a cable with a reinforced sheath.

Advantages of the method:

• reliability and stability of the cable connection;
• easy configuration of both routers;
• the installation location of the additional router is not limited to the wireless coverage area of ​​the main router.

Disadvantages of the method:

• the need to purchase and lay a cable;
• when moving the router, the cable will have to be moved to a new place.

Configuring routers with cable connections

If the main router is already configured to work with the provider and there are no complaints about the work, then nothing needs to be changed in the settings.

Make sure the DHCP function of the host router is enabled to automatically distribute IP addresses to local network... You do not need to change the starting and ending IP addresses.

Setting up an additional router

It is recommended to immediately reset any changes made to the settings of the router to those preset by the manufacturer. To do this, turn on the router, find the Reset button on the back panel, press and hold it for 5–7 seconds. To protect against accidental reset of settings, the button is hidden inside the case and you can press it through the hole with a needle or unbent paper clip.

An example of the location of the reset button on the back of the router: the button is hidden inside, only the hole for pressing is visible

In the additional router, two settings are checked and set:

Making changes to the additional router's own IP address avoids the conflict of identical addresses in the same network

After changing the IP address of the router, enter the new address in the browser address bar to re-access the control panel.

There is a cable connection option where the cable is connected to the LAN port of an additional router. This option is complex to configure and does not offer any advantages over a WAN connection.

Wi-Fi wireless connection

Advantages of the method:

• does not require physical connection of routers with a cable;
• allows you to easily move an additional router if necessary.

Disadvantages of the method:

• the relative complexity of the setup;
• slow down the speed of the wireless network.

The main router receives the Internet from the provider and distributes it over the wireless LAN1 network; the additional router receives the Internet wirelessly from the main router and distributes it via the wireless LAN2 network

Configuring routers when connected via Wi-Fi

When connecting two routers in a local network over a wireless channel, a "bridge" connection is used, in English, the Wireless Distribution System (WDS), designed specifically to expand the Wi-Fi coverage area.

Understanding Bridge Connection (WDS)

When this type of connection is established, the main router works in standard mode, and the additional one acts as a Wi-Fi amplifier, receiving and distributing the signal further.

To connect the routers in the "bridge" mode, it is necessary to establish a permanent (fixed) communication channel between them and specify the physical addresses of the connected devices in the settings. To configure the "bridge", both routers are turned on, the main router is pre-configured for the provider, receives and distributes the Internet, and the additional settings are pre-set to factory settings by pressing the Reset button.

Configuring a Master Router for WDS Mode

We change the mode of automatic selection of the broadcasting channel to the fixed channel mode (for example, to the 11th channel).

Setting a fixed channel number prevents the router from automatically scanning the air and choosing the least loaded channel. Therefore, if outsiders are working nearby wireless networks you may have to manually experimentally select the least loaded channel or use a special program to find a free channel. The channel number must be simultaneously changed on both routers - the main and the additional.

Configuring an additional router for WDS mode

On home page on the control panel of the router, the line "WDS Status" should display "running". This means that the additional router is connected to the main router and is distributing the Internet.

Video: how to make a Wi-Fi network between routers (WDS)

Building a complex network requires knowledge and experience. If you are confident in your abilities, use our instructions. If you are in doubt about your abilities, it is better to seek help.

It is more convenient to use the Internet on a laptop through a wireless access point. Before connecting, you need to learn how to set up a Wi-Fi adapter on a laptop. We will tell you about the methods of turning on and configuring the device in the most popular versions of Windows. Ways to update drivers will be discussed.

How to find out if a Wi-Fi module is installed on a laptop

Almost every mobile gadget is equipped with a Wi-Fi module, but you should definitely check for it. Be sure to check your laptop's technical manual first. In the characteristics opposite the "Wireless" column there should be lines Wi-Fi or IEEE 802.11. Their presence suggests that necessary component installed in the laptop.

An alternative option is to check the presence of a component in the list of devices. To do this, go to the computer properties and click the "Task Manager" link. In the window that opens, among all the "hardware", open the "Network adapters" tab, and then find the line with the previously described words or the inscription Wireless.

If he is not

The best option is to upgrade your laptop. Most likely, you have a very "ancient" model with low performance and a missing module wireless communication... When funds do not allow you to buy new technique, order a USB module. It looks like a flash drive, while serving as an external Wi-Fi module. There are hundreds of models on the market with different characteristics... For work, it is necessary to install the driver.

How to turn on the Wi-Fi adapter

To be used on laptops and standalone computers wireless Internet , you should activate the Wi-Fi module, and then connect to the required network. There are several hardware and software methods turn on Wi-Fi, which will be discussed in detail below.

Switch on the case

For the convenience of users, many manufacturers have removed the switch with a separate button on the body of the gadget. It can be located on front panel(on the side of Esc or near the number keys Num).

We also recommend inspecting the side panels on both sides for the presence of a switch. It has a diverging antenna icon. Often light indicators are located on the body, informing about the health of specific components.

In the presence of such a switch and the correct operation of the component itself, of course, all switching on is reduced to one simple action.

Keyboard shortcuts

Another way is to activate the module with a keyboard shortcut. On laptops additional settings moved to the function buttons F1-F12. Also on the keyboard you can find a key with the letters Fn. With its help, it turns on additional functions(including Wi-Fi). You need, while holding Fn, click the button with the brand icon (on different models they are F2, F3 or F12). The action will activate the indicator (if any) and the connection icon will appear in the start panel on the right side.

Alternative options

If the previous manipulations do not work, the problem is in the drivers or settings operating system... A rare exception is marriage. As a last resort, after all attempts at resuscitation, contact service center, especially if the laptop is under warranty service. Also make sure that with dot Wi-Fi access everything is fine. The problem may lie in the incorrect operation of the Wi-Fi router (you need to reconfigure or update the firmware). Try to connect to it mobile phone or a tablet to check.

Installing or updating drivers

The inoperability of the wifi is often associated with the driver. The latter is specialized software that ensures the correct operation of a physical device in the shell of the operating system. There are three main ways to install a new driver:

1. independently through the downloaded installer;
2. through standard functions Windows;
3. through specialized software.

The first way is the most reliable option, since it excludes interference "from the outside". The laptop owner should go to the manufacturer's website and then find the category of software downloads. Further in the search, write the full name of your model and OS version. Be sure to find out the bitness (32 or 64 bits). A list of all drivers will be published under your request. Download the file for the Wireless network adapter.

The second method involves downloading the required driver through Microsoft databases. In the device manager, right-click on the Wi-Fi adapter and select "Update drivers". Please note that the updater does not always find the latest version.

The latter method is extremely convenient, since all the "dirty work" of search and installation is taken over by the program. Driver Genius is an effective tool. Follow the steps below to update the driver:

"Driver Jenius" has a huge database, while regularly replenishing it, so the software can be used to update the software of any laptop hardware.

Required actions and settings in the operating system

The activation of the wireless adapter can be carried out by means of the OS. The user should enable it separately in the network settings. Next, we will tell you how to set up Wi-Fi on a laptop for the most common Windows systems.

Windows XP

Full configuration for Windows XP consists of the following steps:

Wi-Fi setup within Windows XP will be completed after completing the described steps.

Windows 7

The user should perform similar settings in the "seven". The difference from the previous instructions is minimal:

The ISP often issues a static IP. In such situations, it is necessary to set the parameters according to the requirements of the service provider. In other cases, automatic acquisition of parameters allows you to use Wi-Fi without any problems.

Windows 8/10

These OS versions have similar interfaces, so the procedure will be almost identical for them. You need to follow the steps similar to those given earlier for other Windows systems:

Additionally, if you have problems with access, run the Diagnostic Center. The system may detect errors due to which you cannot connect to the Wi-Fi point.