How to Set Up a Router or Mesh System

I’m constantly testing and reviewing routers here at HighSpeedInternet.com, and setting up most routers and mesh systems is usually pretty easy. Most of the setups I’ve done prior to testing have taken just a few minutes—maybe 10 minutes at the most. All you do is tether the router or first mesh unit to a modem, fiber optical network terminal (ONT), or gateway, load up a web interface or mobile app, and follow the instructions.

However, if you’re not accustomed to some of the jargon, like MAC cloning and PPPoE, you may encounter a few roadblocks. To get your network up and running quickly, I compiled a set of instructions and explanations for several popular router and mesh system brands.

How to get started with your new router or mesh system

First, here are a few things you need to do and consider before you begin setting up your router or mesh system.

Find a centralized location to place your router

Normally, we tell you to place your router in a centralized location. The caveat here is that it’s tethered to your modem or optical network terminal (ONT), so your options are limited unless you’re willing to relocate your provider’s equipment or invest in lots of Ethernet.

I usually say don’t place your router next to any object or in an enclosed space. Routers with external antennas broadcast in an oval (think donut), and those with internal ones broadcast in a sphere, so you don’t want any obstructions.

But I’ve seen gateways installed in utility closets that transmit good speeds. Plus, my testing has shown that modern routers are better at blasting Wi-Fi through walls and objects than older ones.

Still, your best bet is to keep your router away from obstructions to get the most speed and range out of it.

Connect your router to your provider’s equipment

Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on your modem, fiber ONT, or gateway and the other end to the WAN port on your router.

As shown above, some routers have two WAN ports, so choose the best one for your internet connection and then select the port during the setup.

If you’re connecting a new router to a gateway (modem/router combo), use one of the gateway’s LAN ports instead.

Some modems have multiple Ethernet ports

If you have a modem with multiple Ethernet ports, the first one is normally the port you use to tether a router. In some cases, you can use the first two Ethernet ports as a 2Gbps connection if your router supports link aggregation.

Otherwise, the extra ports are typically reserved for users who have more than one IP address assigned by their internet provider.

Select the best way to set up your new router or mesh system

Standalone routers have a web interface and a dedicated app.

If you choose to set up your home network using a laptop or desktop, your only option is to access the web interface. You can connect to and set up the router over Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable.

If you choose to set up your home network using a smartphone or tablet, you can use the dedicated app (preferred) or the web interface. These devices obviously default to Wi-Fi connections, but you can purchase Ethernet adapters (shown below) if you must use a wired connection.

Mesh systems typically don’t have a web interface you can use to manage your home network, so you’ll default to accessing the dedicated app on a smartphone or tablet.

Some mesh systems I’ve tested and reviewed from ASUS and NETGEAR do offer a web interface and a dedicated app. In this case, your interface and device connection options are identical to how you set up standalone routers.

If your router or mesh system offers both interfaces, familiarize yourself with the web interface—even if it means accessing it from a mobile web browser. It’s where you’ll see all the settings available to you.

How to set up a router (general instructions)

See the exact steps for the brand and model below, but most routers follow the same general setup process. Log in to your router using a browser or a mobile app, configure your internet connection type, and set up your wireless network.

What you’ll need before you start:

• Your router and its power adapter
• An Ethernet cable to connect the router to your modem or ONT
• A device (computer, tablet, or phone) to complete the setup
• Provided information to log in to the router
• Any service login credentials required by your internet provider (username/password for PPPoE, or static IP details if applicable)

General router setup instructions

• Step 1: Connect the hardware. Plug your router into power and connect it to your modem or ONT via Ethernet. Wait for the router to fully boot up before proceeding.
• Step 2: Connect your device to the router. Use an Ethernet cable to plug your wired device (desktop, laptop) into one of the router’s LAN ports. Alternatively, use the router’s supplied Wi-Fi login information to access the router using a computer, smartphone, or tablet.
• Step 3: Begin the setup process. On a laptop or desktop, open a web browser and enter the router’s web address or IP address (found on a label on the router or in its packaging). On a smartphone or tablet, install and open the dedicated app.
• Step 4: Secure the router. Change the administration password as required by the router. Some routers also require you to change the administrator’s name. You cannot proceed until you make this change.
• Step 5: Choose your internet connection type. The most common options are:
  – Dynamic/Automatic IP: Use if your provider requires no credentials from you. This setting is typically chosen by default.
  – PPPoE: Use if your provider requires a username and password.
  – Static IP: Use if your provider has assigned you a fixed IP address.
  – L2TP / PPTP: Use if you’re connecting through a VPN.
• Step 6: Configure your Wi-Fi network. Create a network name (SSID) and password. Most modern routers and mesh systems combine all connections into a single network by default (called Band Steering or Smart Connect), but you can usually separate them manually if needed.
• Step 7: Update the firmware. Check for and install any available firmware updates to ensure you have the latest security patches and features.
• Step 8: Reboot. Restart the router to complete the setup. Your network should now be active and ready to use.

How to set up an ASUS router

The setup process appears to be (mostly) the same across ASUS routers based on my testing. The ones I’ve tested provide two ways to get your network up and running: Basic and Advanced.

NOTE: Use the Advanced method to set the router’s operation mode or connect it to a virtual private network (VPN).

ASUS router “Basic” setup

• Step 1: Open a web browser and enter asusrouter.com. If this doesn’t work, enter the IP address printed on the router’s label (usually affixed to the bottom) or on a card in the packaging.
• Step 2: Select Create a New Network.
• Step 3: Let the router auto-detect your connection. Or, select Manual Setting and choose one of the following connection types:
  – Automatic IP: Use this type if your internet service requires no information from you.
  – PPPoE: Use this type if your internet provider requires a username and password to use the internet.
  – Static IP: Use this type if you lease an IP address that doesn’t change. This connection requires information supplied by your internet provider, including the subnet mask and default gateway.
• Step 4: Create a single network name and password. Or, select Separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz to disable Smart Connect (band steering), and set the network name and password for each radio.
• Step 5: Enable AX Mode. Use this feature if you have Wi-Fi 6 (and newer) devices. However, you may need to disable AX Mode later if you experience connection issues with older Wi-Fi 5 devices
• Step 6: Change the router’s login credentials.
• Step 7: Update the router’s firmware.
• Step 8: Reboot the router to finish the setup.

ASUS router “Advanced” setup

• Step 1: Open a web browser and enter asusrouter.com. If this doesn’t work, enter the IP address printed on the router’s label (usually affixed to the bottom) or on a card in the packaging.
• Step 2: Select Advanced Settings.
• Step 3: Select the Operation Mode. Wireless Router is selected by default, so don’t change this setting unless you’re using the router as a secondary access point. Here are all your options:
  – Wireless Router: Use this mode if the router connects directly to your modem or ONT.
  – Repeater: Use this mode if you are expanding your Wi-Fi range using wireless. This mode has the same network name and password as the parent router.
  – Access Point: Use this mode if you are expanding your Wi-Fi range using Ethernet. This mode has a different network name and password from the parent router.
  – Media Bridge: Use this mode if you’re using the router as an external Wi-Fi adapter for multiple wired devices.
  – AiMesh: Use this mode if you’re linking a second router to an AiMesh-capable parent router via a wired or wireless connection. This mode uses the same network name and password as the parent router.
• Step 4: Select the WAN Connection. You won’t see this step if you have one WAN port. Many models now have a dedicated 2.5Gbps or 10Gbps Ethernet port for WAN or LAN connectivity. Sometimes, routers get confused by choosing one port over the other during setup, so if the router doesn’t see your internet connection, move the Ethernet cable to the other WAN port.
• Step 5: Select your Internet Connection Type. The DHCP type is selected by default, so don’t change it unless your internet connection requires login info. Here are your choices:
  – DHCP: Use this type if your internet service requires no information from you.
  – PPPoE: Use this type if your internet provider requires a username and password to use the internet.
  – PPTP: Use this type if you’re connecting to a VPN, and it requires an address, username, and password to use the internet.
  – L2TP: Use this type if you’re connecting to a VPN, and it requires an address, username, and password to use the internet.
  – Static IP: Use this type if you lease an IP address that doesn’t change. This connection requires information supplied by your internet provider, including the subnet mask and default gateway.
• Step 6: Create a single network name and password. Or, click Separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz to disable band steering and set the network name and password for each radio.
• Step 7: Enable AX Mode. Use this feature if you have Wi-Fi 6 and newer devices. However, you may need to disable AX Mode if you experience connection issues with older Wi-Fi 5 devices.
• Step 8: Change the router’s login credentials.
• Step 9: Update the router’s firmware.
• Step 10: Reboot the router to finish the setup.

How to set up a NETGEAR router

NETGEAR’s setup process is usually short and simple. The big drawback is all the extra services NETGEAR wants to sell you during the setup, including its two Armor and ProSupport for Home subscriptions. You need a MyNETGEAR account for remote management, too (which is free).

• Step 1: Open a web browser and enter routerlogin.net. If this doesn’t work, enter the IP address printed on the router’s label (usually affixed to the bottom) or on a card in the packaging.
• Step 2: Click on Click Here to access the web setup. The link is small because NETGEAR would rather you use the app.
• Step 3: Agree to the NETGEAR Terms and Conditions.
• Step 4: Select the WAN Connection. You won’t see this step if you have one WAN port. Many models now have a dedicated 2.5Gbps or 10Gbps Ethernet port for WAN or LAN connectivity. Sometimes, routers get confused by choosing one port over the other during setup, so if the router doesn’t see your internet connection, move the Ethernet cable to the other WAN port.
• Step 5: Set the network names and passwords.
• Step 6: Change the router login settings. Here, you need to set the password and two security questions.
• Step 7: Update the router’s firmware.
• Step 8: Reboot the router to finish the setup.
• Step 9: Register the product by creating an account or logging in to an existing one.

How to set up a TP-Link router

• Step 1: Open a web browser and enter tplinkwifi.net. If this doesn’t work, enter the IP address printed on the router’s label (usually affixed to the bottom) or on a card in the packaging.
• Step 2: Create a new Login Password.
• Step 3: Choose your current Time Zone.
• Step 4: Select the WAN Connection. You won’t see this step if you have one WAN port. Many models now have a dedicated 2.5Gbps or 10Gbps Ethernet port for WAN or LAN connectivity. Sometimes, routers get confused by choosing one port over the other during setup, so if the router doesn’t see your internet connection, move the Ethernet cable to the other WAN port.
• Step 5: Click on the Auto Detect button.  Or, manually select one of the connection types:
  – Dynamic IP: Use this type if your internet service requires no information from you.
  – Static IP: Use this type if you lease an IP address that doesn’t change. This connection requires information supplied by your internet provider, including the subnet mask and default gateway.
  – PPPoE: Use this type if your internet provider requires a username and password to use the internet.
  – L2TP: Use this type if you’re connecting to a VPN, and it requires an address, username, and password to use the internet.
  – PPTP: Use this type if you’re connecting to a VPN, and it requires an address, username, and password to use the internet.
• Step 6: Select the Default MAC Address, Clone a MAC Address, or enter a Custom MAC Address. Use the Default MAC Address setting in most cases. However, some internet providers only assign an IP address to a registered computer or router’s MAC address (think social security number). If you can’t get an internet connection on a new router, you probably need the MAC address of the old one.
• Step 7: Create a single network name and password. Or, disable Smart Connect and set the SSID and password for each radio. You can disable each radio here, too.
• Step 8: The router performs a connection test. Here, TP-Link encourages you to scan a QR code and install the Tether app.
• Step 9: Upgrade the router’s firmware.
• Step 10: Reboot the router to finish the setup.
• Step 11: Log in to TP-Link Cloud using a TP-Link ID, create a TP-Link ID account, or skip this step.

How to set up a mesh system

The setup process for mesh systems differs slightly across the many brands, so here I will provide a more generalized list of instructions for setting up a new system. Overall, you connect the first unit to your modem or ONT, select your connection type, and then add the other units.

• Step 1: Download and install the app on your device. The system’s packaging usually has a QR code you can scan to get the app (although I list links to some of the popular ones above). Also, be sure your device’s Bluetooth is turned on, as this is how it communicates with the system before setting up Wi-Fi.
• Step 2: Create an account or log in to an existing one.
• Step 3: Agree to the manufacturer’s terms of use.
• Step 4: Enter the SMS verification code sent to your mobile device.
• Step 5: Select the system listed in the app and advance to Step 6. If you don’t see your system, move on to the next step.
• Step 6: Scan the QR code located at the bottom of any unit.
• Step 7: Follow the instructions for connecting the first “router” unit to your modem or ONT.
• Step 8: Wait for the LED on the unit to register the connection (flashing or steady, depending on the system). The system should automatically detect your connection type and proceed to the next step. If the system doesn’t automatically detect your type or requires manual input from you, it will prompt you to select a connection type. We pulled the following list from the TP-Link Deco system setup, so some of these options may not be available to you:
  – Dynamic IP: Use this type if your internet service requires no information from you.
  – Static IP: Use this type if you lease an IP address that doesn’t change. This connection requires information supplied by your internet provider, including the subnet mask and default gateway.
  – PPPoE: Use this type if your internet provider requires a username and password to use the internet.
  – L2TP: Use this type if you’re connecting to a VPN. It requires an address, username, and password to use the internet.
  – PPTP: Use this type if you’re connecting to a VPN. It requires an address, username, and password to use the internet.
  – DS-Lite: Use this type if your internet provider uses a connection based on Internet Protocol v6 (IPv6) only.
• Step 9: Set the network name and password.
• Step 10: Set the login username and password for systems with a web interface.
• Step 11: Reconnect to the “router” unit via Wi-Fi.
• Step 12: Add each “satellite” or “node” unit one at a time.

Related topics

• How to Restart Your Router and Fix Common Wi-Fi Problems
• How Often Should You Reboot Your Router?
• How to Find the Best Wi-Fi Channels for Your Router
• How to Factory Reset Your Router

FAQ about setting up a router or mesh system

What is PPPoE?

Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE) is a type of network protocol typically used by DSL internet providers. It’s the successor to dial-up, allowing multiple subscribers to log in to one server versus one subscriber per server (like dial-up). PPPoE requires authentication, so you must enter login credentials into the router before it can access the internet.

What is a Static IP?

Internet providers assign random, dynamic IP addresses to the first device connected to your modem or ONT—usually a router or the Wi-Fi component in a gateway. These addresses change every 7 to 14 days.

But you can lease a static IP address that never changes. A static IP address is ideal for internet-facing businesses that use a familiar URL, like highspeedinternet.com.

What are L2TP and PPTP?

Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) and Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) are two methods used for virtual private networks (VPNs). You’ll probably never need to choose one of these protocols unless you connect a home network to a remote corporate one.

What is DHCP?

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a type of server/client network protocol used by fiber and cable internet providers. A DHCP server automatically assigns a random dynamic IP address to the first device tethered to an internet-connected fiber ONT or cable modem. In turn, the DHCP server in your router automatically assigns a random dynamic IP address to each wired and wireless device connected to your network. These addresses are private, whereas the address assigned by your internet provider is public.

What is DS-Lite?

Remember all the hoopla about how the internet was running out of addresses? The problem was due to the limitations of Internet Protocol version 4, which supports around 4.3 billion web addresses. Version 6 supports 340 trillion trillion trillion (or 340 undecillion) addresses, but moving from IPv4 to IPv6 takes time and effort. Dual-Stack Light (DS-Lite) allows IPv4 traffic to pass across an IPv6-based internet connection.

What is a MAC Address?

A media access control (MAC) address is a 12-digit hexadecimal number assigned to a device by the manufacturer. Think of it as a device’s social security number—no matter where it lives, the number will always stay the same.