Network, Router, WiFi

Wifi for new users

Wifi is provided by a wireless router. Follow the phone line (or cable) that feeds the modem. If you have a device plugged in between the modem and the computer -- then you have a router. If that device has antennas then it's also a wireless router. If it doesn't have antennas you can type the model number in Google to see if it's wireless or not.

If you don't have a wireless router you can either

A. Connect to an unsecured hotspot (if the signal is strong enough)

B. Purchase a wireless router.

If you have a wireless router and don't know the password to configure it you can look up the default password at http://www.routerpasswords.com

If the default password doesn't let you in you can press the reset button to set the password back to the default.

Network troubleshooting

Confirm the internet functionality by using a know good computer or calling your internet service provider to have them test the connection going to your house.

Disable the software firewall during troubleshooting.

Confirm the network cables are plugged in tight on both ends.

Reboot the modem (and router if you have one).

Confirm the network card shows and the driver is loaded in device manager. If you see a red X on the card in device manager, right click the card and select enable.

If you have a laptop, confirm the network switch on the side or front is turned on, there may also be a function key that enables the network card.

Router password reset

Obtain the network security key (wifi password) by going into the router admin console and configuring a new one.

In your browser (from the computer connected to the wifi router) type 192.168.0.1 (or whatever your gateway address is) which will bring you to the admin screen.

If you don't know the login credentials to the router admin screen the defaults are listed at http://www.routerpasswords.com

If the default credentials do not work, hold down the reset button on the router for 30 seconds to set the login credentials back to factory defaults.

Physical installation

Connect the phone line (or cable line) to the modem.

Connect the network cable from the modem to the router.

No Internet Access

When you see "No Internet Access" make sure the laptop, iPad or what have you, has the wireless card enabled and the correct wireless device driver installed. Of course Apple devices are shipped with the correct device drivers installed, but you know what I mean.

Laptops have either a wifi switch on the side or front that is often accidentally switched off. Other laptops have a function key that disables the wifi card. (They have these switches to "save battery life"). Some laptops have both a physical switch and a function key AND a third party software that can disable the wifi. So all three need to be checked.

Poor wifi performance

Place the wireless access point higher in the room.

If that doesn't fix it, install a high gain antenna.

Also, test the download speed at http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest

Contact your internet service provider if you are not obtaining the speed that you paid for. There may be faulty equipment or connection on their side.