Before we get started, however, it's worth mentioning that one way to forego the hassle of dealing with standard modem-router setups would be to choose a connection that’s wireless,like 5G Home Internet, which takes just minutes to set up.
If you can't upgrade to 5G Home Internet just yet or it's not available in your area—read on for everything you need to know about how to connect a standard router to a modem.
What you’ll need
First, it’s important to understand the terms for everything you’ll need to connect your router and modem. Here are a few key definitions1:
Coaxial Cable
This is the same type of cable used to connect a television to the wall for cable TV. It is a cylindrical cable that ends in screws to connect with outlets.
Ethernet Cable
Sometimes called network cable, this is a specially designed cord wired to connect routers, computers, TVs and many internet and network-enabled devices. Ethernet cables look similar to telephone cables and have a small modular plug on each end. These plugs connect securely to your modem and router. Though ethernet cables come in different colors, they perform the same functions. Internet service providers often use different colored ethernet cables to help distinguish between leads.
Modem
This is the term for the device that connects your home to the internet by taking signals from your internet service provider and translating those signals to your local devices. Each modem is assigned a public IP address that identifies it; this address is different from your wide area network (WAN), which is the connection between your house and the internet.
Router
This acts as a gateway between your devices and the modem (some have the modem built in), creating a local area network (LAN) within a home or office. A Wi-Fi router is sometimes known as a (WLAN). These networks keep devices connected. For example, a LAN allows computers to share files with printers. A Wi-Fi router is not the same as a Wi-Fi network, which is the term used for the network that connects all home devices to the internet wirelessly.
How to connect in 4 easy steps
In order to connect your router to a modem, you’ll need the router, modem, and an ethernet cable.
- Unplug your modem’s power source from the wall. Then, make sure your modem is connected to the wall via coaxial cable.
- Once the modem is unplugged from its power source but connected by coaxial cable, plug an ethernet cable (which should be included with your router) into the router’s WAN/uplink port. This port should be marked. If not, it looks like a telephone jack, and the ethernet cable should clip in securely. Often, the WAN port is also a different color from the other ports on your router. Plug the other end of the ethernet cable into your router.
- Plug the modem’s power source into an electrical outlet, then plug the router into an electrical outlet as well. There might be multiple lights on your modem, but the main light is the power light, and it is usually green.
- When this light stops flashing and stays solid, attempt to connect a device, like phone or laptop, to your Wi-Fi network.
Once your router is connected to your modem and both are plugged in to the wall, you should have internet access on all your connected devices. If devices are showing the name of your Wi-Fi network and you’re able to connect but you still don’t have access to the internet, you may need to reboot your router or modem.
Still don’t have internet access?
If your Wi-Fi network is not appearing as an option on your devices, there is probably an issue with your router. When the network appears and your devices say you’re connected but you still can’t access the internet, there is likely an issue with your modem. Your internet service provider can also help troubleshoot these issues.
Some other issues that could be interfering with internet access are damaged coax or ethernet cables, loose connections, or malfunctioning equipment. It’s also possible that service is down in your area, which you can determine by calling your internet service provider. It’s also possible that objects are obstructing your router. You can also purchase Wi-Fi extenders if there are certain parts of a home or office that aren’t getting a clear signal.
After you’re connected
Getting started with a new router
Once you connect your router to a modem, there are a few precautions you should take to protect your wireless network. The first step to protecting your privacy is changing the default Wi-Fi password that comes with your router. This can prevent hackers from accessing your network. In order to change the password, you’ll need to log into your router.
You can make changes to the settings of your router by opening a web browser or app and entering your router’s IP address in the search bar, then logging in with your username and password. There, you can change passwords and set up guest networks to safeguard privacy.
Using a router without a modem
You can also use your router without a modem to transmit data to printers and external drives. However, to access the internet, you’ll need both an internet service provider and a modem. Now that your router and modem are connected to each other and a power source, your devices should be ready for internet access.
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