How to Access Wireless Router Settings
By Catherine Johnson
Accessing your wireless router’s settings allows you to make changes to your wireless network’s configuration and can help you to better secure your network. By connecting your computer locally to your router, you can view and update all of your router configurations directly through your computer’s Web browser. Although it can seem technically challenging to adjust your router settings, it is actually very simple to do and can be done in just a few minutes.
Step 1
Connect your computer to the wireless router. Although you can access the router wirelessly, it is better to use an Ethernet cable to directly connect to your router so that you can securely adjust router settings. Plug the Ethernet cable into the appropriate Ethernet jack on your computer. Plug the other end of the cable into any one of the open Ethernet ports on the back of your wireless router.
Step 2
Open a Web browser. In the URL address field, enter the IP address for your wireless router. This information should be contained in your router’s manual. If you cannot find it, enter “198.168.1.1” as the address. This is usually the default IP address for most routers.
Step 3
Enter the username and password for your router. This should also be supplied in the router’s manual. If you don’t have this information, go to the RouterPasswords website and find the brand and model of your router. This site lists the default login information for most wireless routers.
Step 4
You should now be able to see your wireless router settings. You can configure your network ports, as well as SSID (wireless network name) and passwords.
Tips
- Be sure to connect to your router via Ethernet. If you accidentally break your Wi-Fi settings, you will still be able to access the router and the Internet.
Writer Bio
Catherine Johnson is a freelance writer and designer. Her writings on computer software, electronics, cooking, digital photography, home office productivity, organization, and online technologies have been published by Demand Studios, eHow, Bright Hub, and Associated Content. She has also produced award-winning graphic design, digital images, and websites since 2003.