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How to Setup a Cisco Router – Guide
Working with a Cisco router and the Cisco Internet Working Operating System (IOS) is a great way to experiment with networking concepts and equipment, and can have a positive impact on your career development. Learn the basic steps to define up a Cisco router to provide Internet access on a small network. Working with a Cisco router and the Cisco Internet Working Operating System (IOS) is a great way to experiment with networking concepts and equipment, and can have a positive impact on your career development. You can get hands-on IOS experience by configuring up a Cisco router at the edge of the Internet in your work-test lab or in your home office.
A Cisco router offers more flexibility (with more granular controls than the Linksys or NETGEAR hardware commonly used in home offices) if you later want to add a Microsoft ISA Server firewall in the backend of your configuration. If you don’t have a good Internet connection, set it up up the router will be frustrating. The simplest method is to connect a computer to your Internet service provider (ISP) modem or gateway device. When your computer detects an internet connection, you can set up the router.
How to Configure a Cisco Router
Decide where to place the router
The best place for a wireless business router is in an open area of the workplace as you will benefit from uniform coverage. However, sometimes finding an open space is not easy because you must connect the router to your ISP’s (Internet Service Provider) broadband gateway, which is usually connected with a cable close to an outside wall.
Connect to the Internet
Connect the router to a cable – or choose a mesh router
To solve the “long distance” problem when connecting a router, you can use a CAT5e or CAT6 cable to connect the router to the ISP’s gateway Ethernet port. Another option is to run the Ethernet cables through the office walls to the central location chosen for the router.
Another option is to install a mesh network with a router. A mesh network allows you to place multiple Wi-Fi transmitters on your home or office, all on a network. Unlike extenders, which can be used with any wireless router, mesh networks require a router with this feature built in.
Whichever option you choose, you will use a basic Ethernet cable, connected to the wide area network (WAN) or Internet port of the router. The Internet port is usually separated from other ports by a different color.
Check the router’s LED lights
The router’s LED lights let you know if you have successfully made an active Internet connection. If you don’t see the lights confirming this connection, make sure you’ve plugged the cable into the correct port.
Test connection with a device
Confirm that the router has a working connection by connecting a laptop computer on one of the device ports on the back of the router. If all goes well, you can initiate a wired connection, just as you did when confirming an active Internet connection.
Configure wireless router gateway
In some cases, ISPs provide customers with gateways with built-in routers. In most cases, these combined devices are not designed for business environments, nor do they have extra ports, security, and other options that allow you to add services and expand networks as your business grows.
If you have a gateway with a built-in router, you will have to configure the gateway to disable the router and pass the WAN IP address – the unique Internet protocol address that your ISP assigns to your account – and all network traffic to your new router. If you don’t follow this step, you may run into conflicts that prevent the devices from working properly. You may need to contact your ISP for help with this step.
Connect gateway to router
First, shut down the gateway. If an Ethernet cable is already connected to the gateway’s local area network (LAN) port, disconnect the cable and connect it to the router’s WAN port. Turn the gateway back on and wait a few minutes for it to boot up. Connect the power supply to the router and turn it on, again waiting a few minutes.
Use the web app or dashboard
The easiest way to proceed with the router setup is to use a mobile application if the router manufacturer has provided one. If there is no app or if you prefer to use the web-based router dashboard, connect the router to a computer via an Ethernet cable.
You can find the router’s IP address printed on the back of the device itself; otherwise, enter 192.168.1.1, a common router address, into your browser’s search bar.
Create a username and password
To configure the router, you will need to log in using your default administrator name and password. You can usually find this information printed on the router itself or in the user manual that came with it.
Then enter the necessary credentials. After logging in, you must immediately create a new username and password. The defaults are usually something like “admin” and “password1234”, which are obviously not secure – so be sure to change them at the earliest opportunity.
Update router firmware
Your router may need an update for the “firmware” or software that runs it. Update it as soon as possible, as new firmware may fix bugs or provide new security protections.
Some routers may download new firmware automatically, but many may not. It may be necessary to check for updates through the application or browser interface.
Create a Wi-Fi password
Just as most routers come with pre-assigned administrator usernames and passwords, most also come with predefined Wi-Fi usernames and passwords. You’ll likely be prompted to change your Wi-Fi username and password, but even if you don’t see this prompt, plan to do so quickly.
Use automatic configuration tools whenever possible
If your router is equipped with automatic installation features, count on them to help complete the setup. For example, you should be able to use autoconfiguration to manage IP addresses with Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), which automatically assigns IP addresses to devices. You can always change these addresses later.
To define up safety
Many router manufacturers provide security functionality to protect the user’s network and privacy. You can login to the web dashboard and enable additional security features such as firewall, web filtering and access controls to protect you from malicious traffic. You can also define up virtual private networks (VPNs) for privacy.
Final note
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