In this class on home networks, we discuss the fundamentals of setting up and optimizing home internet connections to ensure seamless connectivity for various devices. From understanding router configurations to troubleshooting common issues, participants gain valuable insights into creating reliable home networks.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps:

Program Your Router

Choose a router for your own needs - If you want to connect your computer with a cable you will need a router with both ethernet and Wi-Fi capabilities. If you only use Wi-Fi, you can use a less expensive router
Read the instructions that come with your router
Connect the router to the modem with an ethernet cable. The connections (called ports) are at the back of the modem and the router
Set up any antennas that are on the router
Check the router instructions to see if an app is available to program your router
You may be told to look at the bottom of the router for a network (IP) address and a username and password
You may be told to connect the router to your computer with another ethernet cable. An ethernet port is on the back of your computer.
Check the lights on the router. They will tell you if you are connected to the Internet. If they do not light up, make sure you have plugged the cable into the correct port.
To ensure that you have an Internet connection, plug your laptop into one of the other ports on the router with another ethernet cable and see if you can connect to the Internet. If you can, you can proceed. If you can’t connect, repeat the above steps.
Log into the router (with the app or using the web browser on your computer with the IP address). If you don’t have an IP address, use 192.168.1.1 – a common default IP address.
Use the default username and password
Immediately create a new username and password. The default is usually something like username admin and password 1234 – obviously not secure. Make sure that you can remember the new username and password. You probably want to write it down and store it in a secure place.
Next change the Wi-Fi username and password. Make sure that you can remember your new choices because you will need it again and again. Also write it down and store it in a secure place.
The router will probably suggest that you update it. Click on update and wait for the download to complete.
Save the changes you have made to the router. You can disconnect from the router any computers that you want to connect only with Wi-Fi.

Connect Your Computer to your Wi-Fi

On your computer click on Start
Click on Settings and choose Network and Internet – then choose Wi-Fi
Toggle the button to turn on Wi-Fi – Then choose Show Available Networks
A list of available networks will appear on your screen and it will include the networks of all your neighbors. Look for the username you gave your Wi-Fi network when you set up your router and click on it.
You will be asked to provide the password you set up. Type in that password and your computer will be connected to your Wi-Fi. Go to a website to prove that it’s connected. Your computer will remember that connection.
Repeat this process for any other computers, laptops, tablets, or smart phones that you want on your network.

Connect Your Printer to your Wi-Fi

On your computer click on Start
Click on Settings and choose Bluetooth and devices – then click on Add Device
The name of your printer should appear – click on that name.
You may be asked to look for a number on the back or bottom of your printer.
Follow the directions you are given and the list of Wi-Fi networks will appear.
Choose your Wi-Fi network and type in the password.
Your printer should automatically set up and print out a test page.

Other Network Devices

If you have a large house, you may experience some areas where the Wi-Fi signal becomes weak. Wi-Fi Extenders are available to amplify the signal in those areas. An inexpensive extender will plug into one of your wall electricity outlets and automatically connect to your router. More complex extenders will require your Wi-Fi username and password to connect to the router.

Solving Network Problems

When you have a problem logging into the Internet there are several problem-solving techniques that you can try.

First check to make sure that a child or a pet hasn’t unplugged any of your devices, such as the modem or the router.
If your computer or printer will not access the Internet, check to see if your network connection is still active on that device. You may need to re-input the username and password.
Frequently the router will become overworked and develop a hiccup that won’t let data pass through. Click the reset button on the router and wait for it to restart. If your router doesn’t have a reset button, unplug the router, count to 10 slowly, and then turn it back on. Be patient. It will take some time to restart.
If you still have no Internet, check another device on your network (such as a laptop or phone) to see if it can connect. If it does, the problem is only with your one device. Restart it and it may re-connect.
If other devices don’t connect, you should check with your Internet Service Provider to see if there is a neighborhood or city-wide problem.

Other Documents with More Information

Tips for Setting Up a Home Network

Beginners Guide to Set Up a Home Network

How to Connect a Wireless Printer

Marjie's Other Classes