How To Set Up A Home Network In 5 Simple Steps

First: Connect Your Router The router is the gateway between the Internet and your home network. It is also the means by which all the devices on your network communicate with one another. Our How to Buy a Wireless Router story can you give you the lowdown on how to choose the right router for your home's particular needs, or you can just stick with our current Editors' Choice for home routers , the Cisco Valet Plus. In general, go with an 802.11n router for the best performance. You will also want to ensure that any device will connect to the router also has an 802.11n network adapter. These devices are your network "clients." New laptops and netbooks already have 802.11n adapters. For older laptops or desktops you can purchase compatible "n" adapters. Once you've got the right router, you have to set it up, and the first step is to physically connect your router to a modem provided by your ISP with an Ethernet cable. First, unplug or turn off the cable or DSL modem. Power up your wireless router and connect the network cable that most likely comes with it into the port on the router that is labeled "Internet" or "WAN." Connect the other end to the cable or DSL modem and power up the modem. Don't attempt to connect any devices such as laptops or tablets until you have a good strong, signal indicating a WAN connection on both the router and modem. Note that if you want a custom-length Ethernet cable, it's cheap and easy—if you follow the steps in How to Make Ethernet Cables.