How to Open Your Router Administration
By Tammy Columbo
A router’s administration tool is a Web-based application that you can access from any computer connected to your network. Open it by entering your network’s gateway address into a browser and logging in with administrator credentials. Default login credentials are preconfigured for most routers, but you can change the password. Use your router’s administration tool to configure your wireless network and change security settings.
Find Default Gateway IP
Step 1
Press "Win-X" to open a command prompt in Windows 8.
Step 2
Type "ipconfig" at the prompt.
Step 3
Press the "Enter" key to list your network IP information on the screen. Note the Default Gateway IP address. Use this IP address to access your router administration tool regardless of the brand or model of your router.
Most Router Models
Step 1
Open a Web browser, and type the IP address for your network's default gateway in the address bar. Press the “Enter” key to open the login prompt.
Step 2
Type the username and password, and then click “Sign In” to view the setup screen.
Step 3
Edit settings or configurations as desired, and then click “Save Settings” to save the network configuration.
Netgear
Step 1
Open a Web browser and type the default gateway IP address in the browser address bar. You can also access the administration interface using “routerlogin.net” and “routerlogin.com.” Press “Enter” to open the login prompt.
Step 2
Type the username and password in the appropriate fields. Click “Sign In.” The Netgear Setup Wizard may display, depending on the model of your Netgear router.
Step 3
Click “Yes” to use the Smart Setup Wizard to configure your router, or click “No” to continue to the administration interface. Click “Next.” Depending on your selection, either the Setup Wizard launches, or the main screen of the Netgear administration tool opens.
Step 4
Configure your network settings and security, and then click “Done” to save the configuration.
References
Tips
- If you have changed the password on your router, you can reset the device to default settings by turning off the device, and then pressing and holding the “Reset” button for 5 to 10 seconds. The router restores factory settings, and the login information reverts back to the defaults.
- Check your router's user manual to find the default login credentials for your router. The default username for most Linksys routers is “admin,” and “admin” is also used for the password. The default username for most Netgear routers is “admin,” and the default password is “password.”
Writer Bio
Based in the live music capital of the world, Tammy Columbo continues to work in the information technology industry as she has done for more than 10 years. While living in Austin, Columbo has contributed to high profile projects for the State of Texas, Fortune 500 technology companies and various non-profit organizations. Columbo began writing professionally in 2009.