Once connected by the ISP, you need a way for home devices to access the Internet. Using Ethernet cables is an option but wireless connection through wi-fi eliminates having cables running all over the house. Therefore, setting up a router becomes necessary.
Table of Contents
Setting up the router
After acquiring the router, connect it to a power outlet using the provided power cable adapter. Next using an RJ45 connector Ethernet cable, connect the modem to the WAN/ internet port of the router which is normally offset and a different color from the other LAN ports.
You can connect a PC or laptop to the router via an Ethernet cable from any of the remaining LAN ports.
When powered on, the computer will only be connected to the router’s wi-fi network and not the internet. Before configuring the router, first, ensure that 192.168.1.254 is the default router IP and you have the default router username and password. You can do a web search of the router make and model to find out the router IP and the username and password can be found in the manual or on the label at the back of the router.
Configuring the router
- Launch a web browser on the computer – it doesn’t matter which – and enter 198.168.2.1 in the address bar and press enter. Note that you don’t require internet access for these steps.
- A dialogue box will pop up asking for the username and password. Enter the default username and password and login.
- You have now logged in to the main menu screen which has various settings which you can change.
- There might be slight variation in the names of the settings depending on the make of the router. The internet settings are usually left at default.
- To set up the wireless network, go to the Wireless section. In this section, enter a unique name for your wireless network in the field labeled SSID name. Check the Enable SSID Broadcast box.
- In the security options, choose WPA2-PSK as the encryption method. It is the most secure method and is very difficult for hackers and intruders to crack.
- Next, change the default passphrase/admin password. Use a combination of numbers, symbols, and letters that are not easy to deduce. Note it somewhere since you will need it to make changes and updates.
- Click the save button to apply the changes. This might take a few minutes.
- Once done, go to the Administration section and change the username and password that you will use to connect to the router. This is essential to prevent unauthorized connections and changes to the router.
That is how 192.168.1.254 login works.
Troubleshooting Router Issues
You might find it difficult to log in to the router or get the error message “This webpage is not available.” Try these basic steps to solve the issue:
- Confirm the Ethernet cable is connected properly. You can try using another Ethernet cable.
- Check that you are using the correct IP address. To verify, launch Command prompt and type “ipconfig”. The Default Gateway is the IP.
- Note that the default password is case sensitive.
- Try using another browser or device.
After solving any issues, you can connect to the Internet through the router via Ethernet cable or wirelessly.
Sources
1. https://www.ip19216821.com/
2. https://modemfriendly.com/192-168-2-1/
3. https://techola.net/192-168-2-1-default-ip-address-username-password/
4. https://www.pcworld.com/article/249185/how-to-set-up-a-wireless-router.html