How to Set Up a Home Network from Scratch

What you need

• Modem (or combined modem/router gateway from your ISP) — connects your home to the internet via your ISP's line
• Router — distributes the internet connection to your devices via WiFi and Ethernet. Many ISPs provide a modem/router combo ("gateway") that covers both.
• Ethernet cables — for wired connections to TVs, PCs, and game consoles (optional but recommended for speed and stability)
• Network switch (optional) — adds more Ethernet ports if the router's 4 ports aren't enough

If your ISP provides a combined gateway: skip the separate modem. If you prefer your own router for better performance, put the ISP gateway in bridge mode (disables its router functions) and connect your router to it.

Step 1 — Connect the modem to your ISP line

• Cable internet (Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox): Connect the coaxial cable from the wall to the modem's coax port. Connect the modem to the router with an Ethernet cable (modem LAN → router WAN port).
• Fiber (AT&T, Verizon Fios, Google Fiber): An ONT (Optical Network Terminal) is usually installed by the technician. Connect an Ethernet cable from the ONT to your router's WAN port.
• DSL (CenturyLink, Frontier DSL): Connect the phone line to the modem's DSL port. Use a DSL filter on other phone connections in the house.
• 5G Fixed Wireless (T-Mobile, Verizon): The gateway is self-contained — plug it in and place it near a window for best signal. No separate modem needed.

Step 2 — Power on and wait

1. Power on the modem first. Wait 60–90 seconds for it to connect to your ISP (the online/internet LED goes solid).
2. Power on the router. Wait 60–90 seconds for it to fully boot (all LEDs stabilise).
3. The order matters — the router needs the modem to be online before it can obtain an IP address from your ISP.

Step 3 — Set up the router

1. Connect a device to the router via Ethernet or to the default WiFi network (credentials on the router sticker).
2. Open a browser and go to the router admin panel: 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or the URL on the sticker (e.g. routerlogin.net, router.asus.com).
3. Many routers have a setup wizard on first login. Follow it to set:
   • WiFi name (SSID): Choose something unique that doesn't reveal your name or address
   • WiFi password: Use WPA3 if available, WPA2 otherwise. Minimum 12 characters, mix of letters/numbers/symbols
   • Admin password: Change the default — router admin defaults are publicly known and a serious security risk
4. Save settings. Reconnect to your new WiFi network name with the new password.

Step 4 — Connect your devices

• Wired devices (desktop PC, smart TV, game console): plug an Ethernet cable from the device to any LAN port on the router. No configuration needed.
• WiFi devices: go to WiFi settings on each device, find your network name, enter the password.
• Smart home devices: follow each device's app setup. Most connect to 2.4 GHz WiFi — if your router has separate SSIDs for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, connect smart home devices to the 2.4 GHz network.

Step 5 — Optimise coverage

• Place the router centrally and elevated — not in a corner or closet. See router placement best practices.
• For large homes or multi-floor coverage, add a mesh WiFi system instead of relying on a single router.
• Use Ethernet for any device within cable reach — it's faster and more reliable than WiFi.
• Choose the right WiFi channel — use a WiFi channel guide to pick the least congested one.

Step 6 — Secure your network

• Change the default router admin password (step 3 above)
• Use WPA3 or WPA2 encryption (not WEP or open/unsecured)
• Disable WPS — it has a known security vulnerability (WPS explained)
• Keep router firmware updated — enable auto-update in the admin panel if available
• Set up a guest WiFi network for visitors

Test your setup

Run a wired speed test (Ethernet directly to router) to verify your ISP is delivering your plan speed. Then run a WiFi test from each room to check coverage. If wired speed is close to your plan but WiFi is much lower, the issue is router placement or interference — not your ISP.