
Here’s how your internet connection works with a router:ĭSL uses telephone lines to transmit two electrical signals across copper wires: analog (telephone) and digital (internet). There are several ports on the back for wired Ethernet connections and possibly one or two USB ports for network-shared storage. It has a processor, system memory, two storage devices with the startup configuration and the diagnostic software, and flash-based storage for the operating system (firmware). Think of a router as a small computer dedicated to relaying only network traffic. The Wi-Fi antennas are internal or external, depending on the model. It typically includes several ports on the back for wired connections. A wireless router may have up to eight external antennas, while other models pack the antennas inside the chassis.Ī wireless gateway is a device that functions as a cable or DSL modem and a router. It also has a port dedicated to communicating with a modem or ONT.Ī Wi-Fi router (or wireless router) is a device that shares a single internet connection with multiple wired and wireless devices. It serves as a hub and firewall, providing multiple ports for computers, game consoles, media streamers, and more. If it’s off or orange, you may not have set up your wireless network correctly, or your Wi-Fi is disabled.A router is a device that shares a single internet connection with multiple wired devices. Wireless: If you’ve set up your wireless network correctly, the wireless light on your modem will be a solid green or a flashing green light.If it’s off, your modem can’t detect your router or computer, and you should check that your Ethernet cable is plugged in all the way. Ethernet: If the Ethernet light is solid green, your modem knows you’ve connected it to a router or computer.If it’s unlit or orange, your modem may be malfunctioning, and you should call your provider. Power: You want your power light to be a solid green light.If it’s red, call your internet provider. If it’s blinking, that could mean you’re having trouble connecting to the internet or your modem is searching for a connection. DSL: If your modem has a DSL light, you want it to be a steady green light.That means there’s internet traffic on your network.

INTERNET ROUTER CONNECTION HOW TO
Check out our mini-guides on how to connect to a network on Windows and on a Mac below. If your computer is trying to connect to an old network, you might not get that glorious internet connection you seek. Make sure you’re connected to the right network.The MAC address should be listed on a label attached to your modem. Your internet service provider (ISP) needs your modem’s MAC address to connect you to the internet. After it’s done booting up, you can plug the router back in and let it boot up too. Then plug the modem back in and let it boot up all over again. Unplug your modem’s power cord, disconnect your router if you have one, and let the modem sit for a few minutes.

Make sure the coax cable or phone cable, Ethernet cables, and power cord are all securely plugged in and attached to your modem and router or computer. Once your computer’s done rebooting, test your internet connection again. If a different device connects to the internet just fine, the problem might be with the first device you tried to connect. If a different website loads, it could be that the first website you tried is down. Try loading a different website or use a different device.Did your web page not load? Don’t panic, there are a few more steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem:
