Setting up a WiFi Route
Introduction
Router setup is the process by which data can be shared between devices across a network. Without properly configuring a router, one cannot connect to the Internet. Typically, the instruction manuals included with routers contain overly
ief or complicated instructions. The purpose of this document is to provide detailed instructions on router setup for users who are unfamiliar with networking technology and wish to set up a home network. With a duration of approximately 30 minutes, router setup is quick and easy.
Basic Terminology
After familiarizing yourself with some basic networking terms, the instructions will be easier to follow.
· Internet Service Provider (often a
eviated as ISP): the company that provides you an Internet connection. Examples include Comcast, Ziply, and more.
· Modem: a device that connects your home network to the larger network of your Internet Service Provider.
· Router: a device that facilitates the flow of information from the modem to the devices in your network.
· Existing gateway: the modem provided by your ISP.
Router Kit Materials
A typical router kit will contain various materials for router setup, including cables, a router, and instruction manual (see Figure-1 on next page for
eakdown of materials).
Figure-1: A typical WiFi router kit’s contents. (Netgear 2017)
Note: This document demonstrates the setup of a Netgear Smart WiFi router. If you purchased a different model or
and, you may receive different components in your router kit. Accordingly, you may need to adjust the instructions slightly.
I. Attaching Router Antennas
The first step in assembling your router is to attach the dipole antennas (if provided) to your router.
1. Find the three antenna posts on the flat side of the router.
2. Remove the antenna caps from the posts (see Figure 2 on next page).
3. Twist the antennas onto the posts (see Figure 2 on next page).
Figure-2: Removing the antenna caps and attaching the antennas. (Techin’ IT Reel 2018)
4. Rotate the antennas to a vertical position, and place the outer antennas at a 45-degree angle (Figure-3).
Figure-3: The antenna position supporting optimal WiFi performance. (Netgear 2017)
II. Cabling the Route
Once your antennas are positioned co
ectly, it is time to power up the router.
1. Insert the yellow RJ-45 connection cable into the Internet port and the power adapter’s cable into the Power port, respectively (see Figure-4 on next page).
2. Connect the other end of the yellow cable to your modem.
3. Insert the power adapter into a power outlet. (Figure-5).
Figure-4: Inserting the Internet and power cables into their ports. (Techin’ IT Reel 2018)
Figure-5: Router cable configuration. (Netgear 2017)
III. Connecting to the Network
Now that you have powered up the router, it is time to connect to the network to access network configuration settings.
1. Locate the WiFi Network Name (SSID) and Network Key (see Figure-6 on next page). Often, the manufacturer provides these details on the product label or on the front of the router.
Figure-6. Router product label. (Netgear 2017)
2. On your laptop or computer, connect to the network whose name matches the SSID provided on the router. Enter the co
esponding password as well.
3. Open a
owser of your choice and navigate to www.routerlogin.net/genie_index.htm.
IV. Configuring Network Settings
After reaching the RouterLogin website, it is time to begin securing your new network.
1. Select the ‘Let Me Choose’ option presented on the RouterLogin webpage (see Figure-7 on next page).
2. Select ‘Router Mode’ from the two options that appear afterward (see Figure-7 on next page).
3. Click ‘Next’ to proceed (see Figure-7 on next page).
Figure-7. Navigating the first RouterLogin page. (Techin’ IT Reel 2018)
4. Select ‘Yes’ to disabling your existing gateway’s Wi-Fi (see Figure-8 on next page).
5. Copy the network name and password of the WiFi network facilitated through your ISP-provided modem. Enter those details where prompted (see Figure-8 on next page).
6. Disable your ISP-provided modem.
Note: If you are unsure about how to complete steps 5 and 6, contact your Internet Service Provider. They will provide you with instructions tailored to your service plan, modem, and router.
7. Click ‘Next’ to proceed.
Figure-8. Navigating the second RouterLogin page. (Techin’ IT Reel 2018)
8. Press ‘Finish’ on the next page to confirm your choices.
9. Wait approximately 60 seconds for the router to update itself.
Conclusion
Router setup may sound intimidating, but by carefully following the instructions above, you will be able to seamlessly configure a new network.
There are several more online resources to help you configure your router:
· Netgear provides all of its routers’ user manuals online. They can be found at its Download Center.
· PCMag offers a 5-minute router setup tutorial video, which can be found on YouTube.
· Budget Nerd is an online content creator who provides excellent technology-related tutorials. For a more in-depth networking resource, refer to his Home Networking tutorial.
References
1. Netgear. “Amazon.com: Netgear Nighthawk Smart Wi-Fi Router (R7000-100NAS ...” Amazon. Accessed July 15, 2022. https:
www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-AC1900-Gigabit-Route
dp/B0798BZMXD.
2. [Techin’ IT Reel]. (2018, May 15). Networking | Netgear AC2300 Router | R7000P | Unboxing | Up and Running in 20 Minutes or Less! [Video]. Youtube. https:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbQT8GDtKOM&ab_channel=Techin%27ITReel.
3. Netgear XXXXXXXXXXNighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router: User manual. San Jose, CA: Author.
Usability Report
Length: Approximately 5 pages XXXXXXXXXXwords)
Informal Report Format: Memo format, Report Matter & Supporting Graphics (screenshots),
and Back Matter (heuristic evaluation/usability worksheet in an appendix)
Overview of Assignment
A usability report presents the findings of a usability assessment to clients/designers/writers. The
goal of a usability report is to validate design concepts, accuracy of information, and ease of use
issues. It provides feedback for where revisions are needed to improve a document.
For this assignment, you will write an informal usability report to one other classmate. Your task
is to review the classmate’s technical description and technical instructions using
established assignment/genre standards (a heuristic checklist). Your review will identify if the
classmate’s documents have any weaknesses that need to be addressed.
Purpose of Assignment: Skills Practiced and Knowledge Gained
• Create technical documents that are tailored to the specific needs and expectations of a
professional audience; clearly define an audience and their need(s)
• Compose focused, organized technical documents, including a statement of purpose, a
clear hierarchy of information, and consistent, logical organizing elements
• Thoroughly support your work with professional source materials, and use and cite those
materials effectively and responsibly
• Compose work that applies standard English usage and professional formatting, and
make use of published guidebooks to aid your work
• Create effective designs and informative visuals for technical/professional documents
• Use organized writing/composing processes: generate ideas, evaluate rhetorical
situations, research, draft, revise, edit, proofread; elicit, provide, and use constructive
feedback in a productive manne
• Employ good time management skills
Required Elements for Success
Memo Format
❏ Memo format (to/from/date/subject) identifies the recipient (the classmate and
project you reviewed), the sender name, date report was written/submitted, subject)
Content of Usability Report
❏ Introduction provides a
ief purpose statement that explains why you are writing this memo report; forecasts the details that will be introduced in the usability report.
❏ Assessment of strengths describes the aspects of the classmate’s project that are
particularly strong or well done.
❏ Supporting graphics (screenshots of "well done" content from the classmate's draft)
❏ Properly labeled figures with captions in APA
❏ Assessment of weaknesses describes the aspects of the classmate’s project that need
evisions to meet usability standards.
❏ Supporting graphics (screenshots of "in-need of revisions" content from the classmate's draft)
❏ Properly labeled figures with captions in APA
❏ Conclusion reviews what the classmate needs to do next before submitting the final drafts. (This section should explain the revisions needed to co
ect content, design, and genre components.)
Back Matte
❏ APA formatted References list (any screenshots of your classmate’s documents; othe
esources mentioned – such as textbook or web materials – to support your assessment).
❏ Appendix A – copy of your completed heuristic evaluation/usability assessment worksheet
Style and Conventions
❏ Single spaced content
❏ Genre expectations are met
❏ Standard English (content should follow standard rules of English grammar and spelling)
***THE INSTRCTIONS WE WILL BE REVIEWNG HAS BEEN ATTACHED IN ANOTHER FILE ****