1) Connect your computer directly to the one of the router's 4 ports using an et
hernet cable if it isn't yet. Take note that it shouldn't be connected to the po
rt labeled WAN, WLAN or Internet as that is where your modem should be connected
to.
2) Open a command prompt by pressing the WinLogo+R keys. Type CMD in the Run bo
x and hit Enter. At the command prompt window, type in the "ipconfig" (w/o the q
uotes) and hit Enter. Take note of the default gateway. It should be something l
ike 192.168.x.x or whatever.
3) Open your browser. Get the default user and password for your router from on
e of these sources:
http://routerpasswords.com/
http://portforward.com/default_username_...
http://cirt.net/passwords
http://www.phenoelit-us.org/dpl/dpl.html
4) Type in http://192.168.x.x (whatever default gateway you got from the ipconf
ig in step 2) in the browser's address box. It's usually 192.168.1.1 in most rou
ters but not always. This will take you to the router's configuration page.
5) If the defaults don't work, reset the router by pushing a pin or straightene
d paperclip inside the small hole behind the router. Hold it until the power goe
s off and back on. This usually takes about 10-30 secs, depending on the router
brand. It will erase all router settings including the wifi password/passphrase
and reset it to factory defaults. Go back to step 4 after resetting the router.
You should then be able to log in using the default user and password and reconf
igure your router.
6) Once you are logged in to your router's user interface, go to the Wireless s
ettings tab. You will see the wifi password/passphrase settings there. Use the m
ore secure WPA2 Personal encryption instead of WEP unless you have an old wirele
ss device that doesn't support it.
Note: If you reset your router as mentioned above, you will also need to change
the default user log in name and password so nobody can easily change your sett
ings unless it is again reset the way you just did.
You might also want to use a unique SSID (Service Set IDentifier) so you can ea
sily identify your network in case you are detecting several wifi signals in you
r area that have the same SSID. Don't put your name on it unless you want to. Us
e an alias instead.
If you want to know more information, read your router's manual. It's available
for download from their website.
Wireless networks are biggest victim of hacking and misuse of connection. Wirele
ss network setup inside your home and office may be misused by your neighbors as
a way to get free internet connection. You must protect your Wireless network w
ith strong password to prevent unauthorized users from accessing.
However even after taking all precautionary measures to prevent unauthorized ac
cess one can t guarantee their wireless network will be safe. Here is one handy to
ol, Zamzom Wireless Network Tool which lets you to detect all computer names, Ma
c and IP addresses using your wireless network.
Zamzom also helps users to take valuable steps toward properly securing their w
ireless networks.