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How to setup a router ?

In this post we will cover how to setup your router to work properly .
Routers are very powerful tools that let you take full control over your network.

For this purpose we will overview TP-Link router model TL-WR543G with extended range.
Default IP address for this router is 192.168.1.1, User Name: admin and Password : admin
This information is usually provided at the back of your router.

To access it you must connect your PC and router via LAN cable ,open web browser and type in the IP address where you will be sent to login page.After successful authentication you will be redirected to the routers main page. Now you can set operation mode for your router:

  • AP Client Router is mode where device enable users to share internet from wireless service provider. Wireless port will work as WAN port where you will set the internet connection and LAN ports will be used to share the internet.This mode is used if your ISP provides you with WiFi connection. Ethernet WAN port is disabled automatically.

  • AP router mode is where users are able to share ADSL/Cable connection.Wireless and LAN ports will share internet connection between users. WAN is connected to your ISP Modem/ cable. This is used often where you have cable connection and want to set the wireless connection  Your router will be broadcasting WiFi signal inside your home as well as outside - depending on routers range. That way you can sit in your backyard and surf the net with your laptop without any cables.
Under Wireless section you can set: SSID - that will be your network name,Region, Channel - there are 11 channels, choose the free one to avoid interference. Wireless router radio should be checked if you want to use WiFi. Enable SSID broadcast should be checked if you want other devices to see your network.

Also you can Enable Wireless security protect your network. Password will  be required to connect.
Use WPA2 encryption as it is almost unable to be hacked but you must set strong password.

Under site survey you can see other WiFi networks and details.
If in AP client mode here you can connect to your ISP WiFi.

DHCP settings to set DHCP server Start and End IP address, lease time, default gateway , domain ,and DNS.
Set Address reservation, reserve certain IP's for certain MAC addresses
Devices that you set will always receive same IP address. This could be useful for statistic purposes
You can set static Routing for your devices and can use QoS (Quality of Service) for certain LAN ports or WiFi to set MAX allowed upload and download speed in Mbp/s .

Some other routers can work in bridge mode or they can be used as repeaters to extend your WiFi signal.
All WiFi Routers should have in box instructions for setup. Information above should help you through your setup process, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact pc-related.com for instructions.
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