Connect the Ethernet cable from your modem to the router's WAN port

Your modem and router talk to each other through a single Ethernet cable. One end plugs into the port on the back of your modem labeled "Ethernet," "LAN," or sometimes just a single port if your modem is basic. The other end goes into the port on your router labeled "WAN", "Internet", or "Uplink" — not one of the regular LAN ports. This port is usually a different color (often yellow or blue) to set it apart.

Use a standard Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cable. Length does not matter for signal quality at these distances, so run it wherever is practical in your space. If the cable runs along the floor, tape it down so nobody trips on it.

Push the cable connector in firmly until you hear or feel a click. A loose connection will cause the router to lose internet or drop to very slow speeds.

Power on the router and wait for the lights to stabilize

Plug the router into power. Most routers have a power button on the back or side; press it if one exists. The lights on the front will begin to flash. Wait two to three minutes for them to settle into a steady pattern. A solid light on the WAN or Internet port means the router has recognized the modem. If that light stays off or blinks red, the cable may not be fully seated — unplug it, reseat it firmly, and wait again.

Do not move on to the next step until the lights have stopped changing rapidly. Interrupting the startup sequence can cause configuration problems.

Connect a device to the router's Wi-Fi network or use an Ethernet cable

Once the lights have settled, your router is broadcasting a wireless network. On your phone, tablet, or computer, open the Wi-Fi settings and look for a network name that matches your router's model or a name you set up previously. The network name is usually printed on a sticker on the router itself, along with a default password.

Select the network, enter the password, and wait for the device to connect. You should see an internet connection appear within 10 to 15 seconds. Alternatively, you can run an Ethernet cable from one of the regular LAN ports (not the WAN port) on the router to your computer if you prefer a wired connection.

Log into the router's settings to customize your network

Open a web browser and go to the router's admin page. The address is usually printed on the sticker on the router — common ones are 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or routerlogin.com. You will be asked for a username and password, which are also on the sticker (often "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the router's serial number).

Once logged in, you can change the Wi-Fi network name and password to something you prefer, set the security type to WPA3 or WPA2 (not WEP), and adjust other settings. Most routers work fine with their default settings, so you do not have to change anything if you do not want to. If you get stuck, the router's manual or the manufacturer's support website will walk you through each setting.

Troubleshoot if the router is not connecting to the internet

If the WAN light on the router stays off or red after five minutes, first check that the Ethernet cable is fully clicked into both the modem port and the router's WAN port. Unplug and reseat both ends. If the light still does not turn on, try a different Ethernet cable — the first one may be damaged.

If the cable connections are solid but the router still has no internet, restart the modem by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait for the modem's lights to stabilize, then check the router again. If the modem itself has no internet light or is showing an error, the problem is with your internet service, not the router connection.

Some modems have a built-in router. If yours does, you may not need a separate router at all — you can connect devices directly to the modem's Wi-Fi. Check your modem's manual or your internet bill to see if it is a modem-router combo.

Key Takeaways

  • Run an Ethernet cable from your modem's Ethernet port to your router's WAN port, not to one of the regular LAN ports.
  • Power on the router and wait two to three minutes for the lights to stop flashing before testing your connection.
  • Connect to the router's Wi-Fi network using the name and password printed on the router's sticker.
  • Log into the router's admin page to change the Wi-Fi password and network name if you want to customize them.
  • If the WAN light stays off, reseat the Ethernet cable at both ends or try a different cable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to restart my modem before connecting the router?

No, but it does not hurt. If your modem has been running for a while, a 30-second restart can clear out minor glitches. Unplug it, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for the lights to stabilize before connecting the router.

Can I use Wi-Fi or does it have to be an Ethernet cable?

The modem and router must be connected by Ethernet cable — Wi-Fi will not work between them. However, once the router is set up, your devices can connect to the router wirelessly.

What if my router does not have a WAN port?

Most routers have a clearly labeled WAN port, but some older or very basic models do not. Check your router's manual to see which port is for the modem connection. If all ports look the same, any port should work, but the manual will confirm.

How do I know if the connection is working?

Open a web browser on a device connected to the router and try to load a website like google.com. If the page loads, the connection is working. You can also check the router's admin page — it usually shows the internet status on the main dashboard.

Can I move the router to a different room after it is set up?

Yes. Unplug the Ethernet cable from the modem, move the router, plug the cable back in, and wait for the lights to stabilize. The Wi-Fi network name and password stay the same, so your devices will reconnect automatically.