How to Set Up a Router
May 26, 2023 | Share 
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Setting up a router in your home or office is easy. Well, usually. All you do is tether it to a modem or gateway, load up a web interface or mobile app, and follow the steps. Most of the setups we’ve seen during testing required only a few minutes to complete—10 at the most.
But you may encounter a few roadblocks if you’re not accustomed to some of the jargon, like MAC cloning and PPPoE. We compiled a set of instructions and some explanations for several popular router brands to get your network up and running quickly.
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Before we begin
Here are a few things you need to do and consider before you begin the setup process.
Find a place for the router
Place your router in a centralized location. Routers with external antennas broadcast in a flattened oval (think donut), and those with internal ones broadcast in a sphere, so you don’t want any obstructions.
In fact, don’t place your router next to any object, even though we shoot product shots with routers sitting next to books, lamps, and goldfish bowls. We just like to make them look pretty (or purdy if you’re from the South).
Connect the Ethernet cable
Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on your cable 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.
Web interface vs. mobile app: Which do you use?
Mobile apps are super convenient for setting up a router and managing your network, but we almost always use the web interface to set up and test routers. Why? Because that’s where you’ll find all the controls.
You should familiarize yourself with the router’s web interface—even if it means accessing it from a mobile web browser—and the initial setup is an excellent place to get acquainted with your new networking pal.
Of course, there are instances where you must use the mobile app, like with most mesh systems.
Wired or wireless: Which do you use to set up a router?
That’s your call, but a wired connection from a desktop or laptop is best for standalone routers. There’s no chance of a disconnect, which could disrupt the setup process, if you use an Ethernet connection. Mesh systems require mobile devices and Bluetooth to set up.
How to set up an 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.
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 than 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 Ethernet port for WAN or LAN connectivity. Sometimes we see 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 was short and simple on the routers we tested and reviewed. The big drawback is all the extra services NETGEAR wanted to sell us 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 Ethernet port for WAN or LAN connectivity. Sometimes we see 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 Ethernet port for WAN or LAN connectivity. Sometimes we see 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 we’ll 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, but we included links to some of the popular ones. 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 on 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 it requires manual input from you, choose from one of the following 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.
- DS-Lite: Use this type if your internet provider uses a connection based on Internet Protocol v6 (IPv6) only.
When asked for a connection type, you may only see some of these options. We pulled this list from the TP-Link Deco system setup.
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.
FAQ about setting up a router
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.
Author - Kevin Parrish
Kevin Parrish has more than a decade of experience working as a writer, editor, and product tester. He began writing about computer hardware and soon branched out to other devices and services such as networking equipment, phones and tablets, game consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom’s Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others. At HighSpeedInternet.com, he focuses on network equipment testing and review.
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