How to Lock Your Modem

By Faizah Imani

Protect your DSL network from outside intrusion.
i Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images

When you have a DSL modem that also functions as a wireless router, your broadband Internet connection is visible to others as an available connection. If your Internet connection is secure, a locked padlock appears beside your Internet connection. If the connection is unsecure, an unlocked padlock appears beside your connection. To prevent others from attempting to access your Internet without your permission, configure your modem settings so that it is locked from outside intruders.

Step 1

Open your computer's Internet browser.

Step 2

Type the IP address for your modem into the browser address bar. Below are the default IP addresses for five of the most popular modems.

2Wire: 192.168.1.254 3COM: 192.168.1.1 D-Link: 192.168.0.1 Linksys: 192.168.1.1 Netgear: 192.168.0.1

Step 3

Type your modem username and password at the prompt. Unless your username and password has been changed, use the default username and password for your modem. Some of the default username and passwords are listed below.

2Wire: Username “admin” Password “2Wire Wireless” 3COM Username “admin” Password “admin” D-Link: Username “admin” Password “admin” Linksys: Username “admin” Password “admin” Netgear: Username “admin” Password “password”

Step 4

Click your modem's “Security” tab. Enter a display name for your modem into the “SSID” field, if you have not done so already. The SSID is simply a name that identifies your Internet connection.

Step 5

Click “WAP” or “WAP Settings” (exact wording may vary). Enter a password for your modem. In most cases, the password can consist of alpha-numeric characters.

Step 6

Click the “Change Password” or “Password” box to change your password to something other than the default password. Otherwise, an outsider can still access your Internet services, even if the modem padlock is locked.

Step 7

Click “Save” and “Apply” (if applicable) to save your and apply your settings.

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