How to Set Up a Modem
Different ISPs provide different models of modems. However, all modems have input connections to establish an internet connection and the output connections that create a home network.
Connect to Your Devices
Whether you’ve connected a wired or wireless router to your modem, the method of connecting your devices to the network is generally the same. Typically these ports are:
Power light: Power is connected to the modemOnline/Connected: The modem has established a connection with the ISPInternet: The modem has established a connection to the internetNetwork: A local area network (LAN) has been established
Built-In Wireless: Some ISPs offer modems with a built-in wireless router, so you don’t need a secondary router. You can connect your devices to the modem’s wireless network. Direct LAN: Use a network cable to connect a wired router to the modem and connect your devices to the router using network cables. Wireless: Use a network cable to connect a wireless router to the modem and connect your devices to the router via Wi-Fi.
If you choose a wired network or wireless approach, purchase a router and connect it to the modem’s WAN port using a network cable. In the wired case, you’ll need to use LAN network cables to connect your computer network port to one of the LAN network ports. If your modem comes with a built-in wireless router, you won’t need to connect a router to the modem. You can use the steps below to set up the wireless network in the same way. You can repeat the steps above to connect any other devices to the new home network.
