Javascript required
Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer
Home / How to Install a Router With a Modem

How to Install a Router With a Modem

  1. 1

    Make sure that your modem will work with your Internet subscription. While rare, some modems encounter issues when paired with a specific Internet company (e.g., Comcast). Double-check your modem's compatibility with your current Internet subscription before buying (if possible).

    • If you find that your modem won't work with your current subscription, try to exchange the modem for a different one that will work, or switch your Internet subscription.

  2. 2

    Find your room's cable output. The cable output resembles a metal cylinder with a small hole in the middle and screw threads all around the sides. You'll usually find cable outputs in the wall near the floor in living rooms and bedrooms.

    • In some cases, there will already be a cable connected to the cable outlet.

    Advertisement

  3. 3

    Decide on a place to mount the modem. The modem should be relatively high up (e.g., on top of a bookshelf), and it will need to be close enough to the cable output that you can connect it without stretching or bending the cable.

    • You'll also need to have a power outlet nearby.

  4. 4

    Make sure that you have all of the required cables. A modem generally requires a coaxial cable to connect to the cable output, as well as a power cable to connect to an electrical outlet. Both of these cables should come with your modem, but if you bought it used, you may need to find replacement cables.

    • If you plan on attaching the modem to a router, you will also need an Ethernet cable.
    • Consider buying a longer coaxial cable if the one that you have is too short to allow you to mount properly your modem.

  5. 5

    Read your modem's instructions. Each modem is unique, and yours may require additional setup outside of this article's capacity. Reading your modem's manual will help make you aware of any additional steps that you have to take to install the modem.

    Advertisement

  1. 1

    Attach one end of the coaxial cable to the cable output. The coaxial cable has a connection that resembles a needle on each end. This will plug into the cable output. Make sure that you screw the coaxial cable onto the cable outlet to ensure that the connection is solid.

  2. 2

    Attach the other end of the cable to the input on your modem. On the back of the modem, you should see an input that resembles the cable output cylinder. Attach the free end of the coaxial cable to this input, making sure to tighten as needed.

  3. 3

    Plug your modem's power cable into an electrical outlet. A wall socket or a surge protector will do. It's important to plug the cable into the power outlet before connecting it to the modem, since connecting the power cable to the modem first can cause damage.

  4. 4

    Insert the modem power cable's free end into the modem. You'll usually find the power cable input port at the bottom of the back of the modem, but check your modem's documentation to confirm if you can't find the power port.

  5. 5

    Place your modem in its spot. With the cables attached, gently move your modem into its designated position. You shouldn't feel any resistance from the cables.

  6. 6

    Attach the modem to a router. If you have a Wi-Fi router that you want to use in conjunction with your modem, plug one end of an Ethernet cable into the square port on the back of the modem, then plug the other end into the "INTERNET" (or similarly labeled) square port on the back of the router. As long as the router is plugged into a power source, the router should immediately light up.

    • Give your modem and router a few minutes to boot up before attempting to connect to Wi-Fi.
    • You can also connect your computer directly to your modem via Ethernet if you have an Ethernet port enabled computer (ex. A PC or Ethernet Adapter for most Macs)

    Advertisement

Add New Question

  • Question

    Where do I change the settings in my computer?

    Community Answer

    You should first consult your user manual for the computer and modem. Generally, all the settings will be in "control panel" for windows and "settings" for a Mac. You may also need to enter some settings in a web browser.

  • Question

    Do I need to go through the same process if I replace my modem with the same brand?

    Community Answer

    It depends on how many models up that modem is compared to the last one. It should be generally the same if it is the same brand and not too newer or older than the one you had. Most of the steps should carry over.

  • Question

    How can I tell whether the modem is wireless or cable?

    Community Answer

    Locate the label on the modem that tells you the brand and model number. Do a google search for it and check the features. Strictly speaking, a modem does not have wireless capability, however these days most modems also contain a wireless "router." Together, the modem + router is known as a "gateway." This is what your internet provider usually supplies if you rent the modem from them - a wireless gateway. If you bought a separate modem it may or may not be a wireless gateway.

  • Question

    I have a leased modem from Centrylink. Can I return it and buy my own?

    Community Answer

    Yes, you just need to call your ISP and tell them that you have bought a new modem and do not need the leased one anymore. They will tell you how to return it.

  • Question

    We have telephone, cable, and internet with Time Warner. We replaced the modem and now do not have telephone service. Why is this?

    Community Answer

    Your modem may not support internet phone service (called VOIP). Only certain modems can handle Time Warner's phone service. Double-check the specifications and features of your modem to be sure. Since the modem is brand new, you can call the modem maker's toll-free tech support number and ask them for guidance. If yours definitely does support VOIP, then call Time Warner's tech support and explain the problem.

  • Question

    Can a modem be turned off when not in use?

    Community Answer

    Yes. If you don't need to use your internet connection, there is no problem in turning it off. But most people just leave it on.

  • Question

    I have a wireless modem and laptop in my house, can my roommate use their laptop and my services?

    Community Answer

    Yes, your roommate can use their laptop with your internet service. To prevent your laptop and/or your personal home network from possible malware or outside hacking, it's a good idea to use your modem's safest security settings. There are at least two ways to enhance the security settings. First, make sure your modem's wireless settings have WPA-2 security enabled. Be sure to create a complex password for this (upper & lower case letters plus numbers & special characters). Example: g00d53Cur1ty. Also, check your modem's instructions to see if it offers a "Guest" network in addition to the regular one which you are already using. Allow roommate to use only the Guest network.

  • Question

    How do I connect my modem to my tablet?

    Community Answer

    Consult your manual or the back of your modem for a wifi name and password. You then go to the "settings" app on your tablet, then to the "wifi" tab and tap on the name that you found on the back of your modem or manual. You can then enter the password given by your ISP or on the back of you router or modem.

  • Question

    How can I personalize my modem's name?

    Community Answer

    You can personalize your modem by going to the admin hub. Be sure to google your IP address so you know what to add when prompted for this. Then, there should be an option under Wireless to add your personalized name. If not, you'll need to contact the company who manufactured it for precise details on adding the name.

  • Question

    Do I need both a router and a modem to get my internet working?

    Community Answer

    Most cablemodems have built-in routers, but check your model for specifics.

Show more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Advertisement

  • There are miniature USB modems that you can connect to your computer by inserting the USB end of the modem into your computer's USB port. These modems typically connect directly to Ethernet cables that are used for phone lines, meaning that your Internet speed will be incredibly slow while using one.

  • If you're running into connection issues, try disconnecting all of your modem's connections and then tightly reconnecting them after a minute. If the connection issues persist, call your Internet Service Provider.

Advertisement

  • Always ensure that your modem's connections are tightly implemented. The coaxial cable, power cord, and Ethernet cable should all be firmly attached to the modem before operation.

Advertisement

About This Article

Article SummaryX

To install a modem, start by connecting one end of a coaxial cable, which is a cable with a needle on each end, to the cable output in your home. Then, attach the other end of the cable to your modem. Next, plug the power cable that came with your modem into an electrical outlet, and plug the other end of the cable into your modem. Finally, if you have a Wi-Fi router that you want to use, plug one end of an ethernet cable into the back of the modem and the other end into the router. For tips on how to choose the right modem, keep reading!

Did this summary help you?

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 865,269 times.

Is this article up to date?

How to Install a Router With a Modem

Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Install-a-Modem