How to Hook Up a Wireless Router to Cox High Speed (8 Steps)
By Mark Robinson
Wireless networking gives you a greater sense of mobility while remaining connected to your high-speed Internet network. New and existing Cox High Speed Internet customers can enjoy the benefits of having a wireless network by connecting their cable modems to a wireless router. You can connect to the wireless network with your computer's built-in wireless adapter or a wired interface.
Step 1
Insert one end of an Ethernet cable into the "Ethernet" port located at the rear of the Cox high-speed modem. Connect the other end of the cable to the "Internet" port at the rear of the wireless router.
Step 2
Insert the power cable into the rear of the wireless router. Plug the AC adapter portion of the power cable into an available power outlet. Observe the wireless router to make sure it lights up when plugged in.
Step 3
Insert another Ethernet cable into one of the four "Local Area Network" ports at the rear of the wireless router. Connect the other end of the cable to the Ethernet port at the rear or along the side of your computer.
Step 4
Locate the wireless router's IP address, administrative username and password. This information is located on the manufacturer's model sticker underneath the router itself or inside the router's instructional booklet. Open your computer's Web browser. Type the IP address into the URL address field and press "Enter" to access the router's configuration page. Enter the username and password when prompted.
Step 5
Enter the main setup page and set the "Internet Connection Type" to "DHCP." This will allow the router to automatically gain its proper settings from the Cox modem. Click the link to the "Wireless" settings page and change the default wireless network or SSID name. Save your settings before exiting this section.
Step 6
Enter the wireless router's "Security" page and set up the router's wireless encryption. You can choose between WEP, WPA and WPA2 encryption, with WPA2 being the strongest and most recommended encryption type. Enter a unique key that's between 8 to 63 characters in length. Save your changes.
Step 7
Exit the router's configuration page. If your computer is wireless-enabled, remove the Ethernet cable from your computer, and then click the "Network Connection" icon on the task bar to open the wireless configuration manager. Click your wireless network from the list of available networks and enter your encryption key when prompted. If your computer doesn't have a wireless adapter, leave the Ethernet cable connected to your computer.
Step 8
Use your Web browser to navigate to your favorite websites. If you're unable to browse these sites, check the connection between your modem and wireless router.
References
Tips
- Some wireless routers feature an installation CD that makes the setup process much easier. Insert the CD into your computer's CD-ROM drive and follow the instructions on-screen. Many wireless routers use different IP addresses for accessing the configuration page. These addresses can vary between manufacturers. The most common IP addresses used for wireless routers are 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.2.1. Check your router's manufacturer model sticker or instructional booklet for the appropriate IP address.
Writer Bio
Mark Robinson is a freelance graphic designer and writer. Since 2008 he has contributed to various online publications, specializing in topics concerning automotive repair, graphic design and computer technology. Robinson holds a Bachelor of Science in graphic design from Alabama A&M University.