How to Set Up a New Router

Step 1: Connect the hardware

Connect your modem to the router's WAN (or Internet) port using an Ethernet cable — this is typically a different color from the LAN ports. Plug the router into power. Wait 2 minutes for both devices to fully boot before proceeding.

Step 2: Access the admin panel

Connect a device to the router via Ethernet or Wi-Fi (the default Wi-Fi credentials are printed on the router's label). Open a browser and navigate to the router's default IP — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Log in with the default admin credentials (also on the label). Change the admin password immediately.

Step 3: Configure your internet connection

Most routers auto-detect the connection type (DHCP for cable, PPPoE for DSL/some fiber). If the internet light stays red: go to WAN settings and manually set the connection type. For PPPoE: enter the username and password from your ISP welcome letter. For static IP: enter the IP, subnet, gateway, and DNS values from your ISP.

Step 4: Set up your Wi-Fi networks

In the Wireless or Wi-Fi settings section: set a unique SSID (network name) for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Use a strong password (12+ characters, mix of letters, numbers, symbols). Set security to WPA3 if all your devices support it; otherwise WPA2-AES. Avoid WEP and TKIP — they are insecure.

Step 5: Change DNS servers

In WAN or Internet settings, change the DNS from your ISP's default to a faster, more private resolver. Recommended: 1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4 (Google). This improves page load times and reduces ISP DNS logging.

Step 6: Run a speed test

Connect a device via Ethernet and run a speed test to confirm your connection is working and hitting the expected speed for your plan. Then test Wi-Fi from different rooms. If Wi-Fi speed drops sharply beyond 5 metres: consider router placement or a Wi-Fi extender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to contact my ISP when I get a new router?

No — for most ISPs you can swap the router yourself. The exception is fiber ISPs (AT&T Fiber, Verizon Fios) where the ONT (optical network terminal) is separate from the router and may need ISP provisioning. Cable ISPs (Xfinity, Spectrum) do not require notification for router changes.

What is the difference between the WAN port and LAN ports?

The WAN (Wide Area Network) port connects to your modem or the ISP line — it is the 'incoming internet' port. LAN (Local Area Network) ports connect to devices in your home. Plugging a modem into a LAN port instead of WAN is a common setup error that prevents the router from functioning.

Should I enable the router's built-in firewall?

Yes — always keep the SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection) firewall enabled. It blocks unsolicited incoming connections from the internet. Disabling it to 'improve performance' is unnecessary on modern routers and significantly increases your attack surface.