Whether you’ve just moved or switched internet providers, setting up a router is fairly simple. Your new router most likely comes with a set of specific instructions, but the following is a general guide for router configuration. Here’s a step-by-step guide for how to set up a router, and how to keep it secure.
Step 1: Choose your router location
Once you’ve unpacked and assembled your new router, you’ll need to find an optimal place to put it. Ideally, the router should be placed in a higher position in an open area, like a shelf. You should also place your router closer to the middle of your home or workplace for the strongest signal and even coverage.
Step 2: Connect to the internet
Turn on your router. You should see your router’s indicator lights turn on, which may change color or blink while being configured. Be sure to wait a few minutes after you plug in your router. You should then see a specific light on indicating that your router is plugged in correctly.
Now, plug your Ethernet cable into the router’s WAN or internet port. If you can’t find it, refer to your router’s instructions, which should provide a diagram or guide. Once an internet connection is established, you will see a light change color or a new light appear. You can test your connection by plugging your laptop into one of the device ports located on the back of your router and seeing if an internet connection is successfully established.
Step 3: Setup your account details
Most routers come with an app or web dashboard to help you continue to configure your router. At this point, log into your account using the router’s default admin name and password. These details should be provided in the router’s manual. Once you’re in, create a new password and username. We highly recommend creating a hard-to-guess password for strong security.
Your router will also come with a default Wi-Fi password. It’s important to update this to a stronger password as well, even if you’re not prompted to.
You should also update your router’s SSID. Short for Service Set Identifier, the SSID is the name of your router’s network.
Step 4: Update the router’s firmware
Your router’s default password isn’t the only setting you need to update immediately – it’s crucial to update your router’s firmware if it’s not up-to-date already. Be sure to check for any updates through your router’s app or web dashboard.
Step 5: Secure your router
Now that your internet connection has been established and your router details are set up, it’s important to add a layer of security. Many routers come with security features such as a firewall, malware protection, and web filters. But for advanced protection, we recommend using a VPN, or Virtual Private Network. When added to your router, a VPN is a safe, convenient way to encrypt all devices connected to it. IPVanish VPN makes it easy to secure your digital life. By encrypting, or securing, all of your web traffic, IPVanish protects your home network and its connected devices from third party snooping and other malicious activity. And with mobile and desktop apps, you can stay secure at home or on the go.
To make your home or office security even simpler, we offer routers that are pre-configured with IPVanish. This way, you won’t even have to ask yourself how to setup a router — we’ll do all the work for you.
What are other ways I can secure my router?
- Always keep automatic updates on
Make your life easier and be sure to turn on automatic updates for your router. This way, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your router is always up to date on security.
- Make sure you’re using an up-to-date Wi-Fi security type
While modern routers will typically include the most recent Wi-Fi security type, make sure your router of choice offers the WPA3 protocol for the highest level of security. You can learn more about Wi-Fi security types here.
- Create a guest network for smart home devices
To add an extra barrier to your home network and its connected devices, you can create a separate guest network for your smart devices, such as a Ring camera. In case one of your smart devices is hacked, it won’t affect all the devices connected to your router – only the ones on the guest network.
