Decide what you want
Setup depends on your goal:
- Internet access: your router must plug into something that already delivers internet over Ethernet, such as a fiber ONT, an active Ethernet wall jack supplied by your building, or another router or gateway.
- Local network only: no internet, just devices that talk to each other over Wi-Fi or cable.
If you are unsure why a modem is normally needed, read can you have a router without a modem.
What you need
- A wireless router and its power adapter
- An Ethernet cable
- For internet: an active Ethernet source (ONT, wall jack or another network device)
- A phone or computer for setup
Steps: connect to an Ethernet wall jack or ONT
- Plug the router’s power adapter into an outlet and turn it on. Wait a minute or two for the lights to settle.
- Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the router’s internet port (often labelled WAN or Internet, and sometimes a different color from the others).
- Connect the other end to the wall jack or the ONT’s Ethernet port. For fiber, see what an ONT is.
- Connect your phone or computer to the router’s default Wi-Fi network, or by cable to a LAN port.
- Open the router’s setup page or app. The address and login are usually on the router’s label or in its manual. Follow the prompts.
- If the router asks for a connection type, “automatic” or “DHCP” is common for building Ethernet, but some connections need other details from your provider or building.
Steps: local-only network
- Power on the router.
- Connect devices to its Wi-Fi or LAN ports.
- Log in to the router to set a Wi-Fi name and password.
Devices will see each other for file sharing or printing, but websites won’t load.
Log in and secure the router
The default administrator password is normally printed on the router or listed in its manual. Do not leave it unchanged. Change the admin password, set a strong Wi-Fi password, and use WPA2 or WPA3 security if the router offers it.
If there is no internet
- Check that the cable is in the router’s internet port, not a LAN port.
- Try a different Ethernet cable.
- Confirm the wall jack or ONT is actually active; ask your building manager or provider.
- Some networks only allow registered devices, so you may need to register the router.
- Restart the router and the source device.
Alternatives
If you have no Ethernet source, a phone hotspot or a provider-supplied modem or gateway may be a better fit. You can also read about adding a router to a modem/router combo.
FAQ
Can a router provide WiFi without a modem? Yes, it can broadcast Wi-Fi for a local network. Internet access requires an upstream source.
What is the default router password? It varies by manufacturer and model. Check the label on the router or its manual rather than guessing.
How to install a router? Power it, connect the internet port to your source, then complete the setup page or app.