Router Questions
Why do I need a router? Open
- Routers let multiple computers share a common Internet connection from your ISP (that's us - Mornington Communications).
- Routers support NAT, meaning Network Address Translation. This means that the Public IP address is assigned to the router, and not to any of the PC's on the Local ( LAN ) side of the router.
- A computer connected directly to the ISP cable connection is subject to attack. The presence of a router, improves security.
- Some routers support advanced security such as VPN, which allow business customers at home,to safely log in to their business networks remotely.
- Some routers have firewalls providing considerable protection against hacking into your network.
- Some routers monitor network usage, and can send email alarms when abnormal things happen.
- Most wireless routers support WPA. This gives you extremely strong encryption for your wireless data.
- Some routers (including our Command Centre) have Parental Controls. This means filtering that stop children accessing forbidden http// websites as well as enforcing time of day rules.
Connect to Your Home Router Open
Though it isn't an everyday occurrence to connect to your router, it is necessary when you need to address a network-wide problem or make changes to your network, like to set up port forwarding rules, configure firmware updates, etc.
To access a router as an admin requires that you know the router's IP address and the administrative user's password and username.
How to Access a Router as an Administrator
Follow these steps to connect to your router as admin:
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Verify that your computer is connected to the router using either an Ethernet cable or a wireless connection.
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Identify the IP address of the router. Most routers are manufactured to use a default address like 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1, or 192.168.2.1.
If those don't work and you're not sure what your specific router's default IP address is, or it's not the default address anymore because you've changed it, see our How to Find Your Default Gateway IP Address guide.
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Open a web browser like Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer, Chrome or Firefox, and request a connection to the router using its IP address.
For example, type http://192.168.1.1 in the address bar to connect to a router that has 192.168.1.1 as its IP address.
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Enter the administrative login information to authenticate and access the admin settings.
Routers are shipped with default usernames and passwords. This is usually the word admin but might be different for your router (some might not even have a password or might not use a username).
Follow these links to see the default passwords and usernames for NETGEAR, D-Link, Linksys and Cisco routers if you have one of those routers, or consult your router's documentation if you're not sure what it is.
Some routers are not accessed in the way described above. Most are, but a few, like Google Wifi, require different (usually easier) steps, such as using a mobile app.
What If I Can't Access My Router?
If after trying the username and password on the router, the browser returns an error message, your computer might not be connected to the correct router. Or, the username/password combo might not have been correct.
If you're sure that you're using the correct IP address to access the router, try the following procedures, repeating Step 3 from above after each one:
- Reboot the router
- Temporarily disable the firewall
- Reset your router to factory defaults
The final option above will restore the router to its default condition with the IP address, username, and password that it was shipped with.
Administering a Router Over Wi-Fi
Setting up a router for the first time is best done over a wired connection so that your connection isn't dropped if the security or wireless settings are changed in the process. However, it can be done over wireless too.
When accessing a router via Wi-Fi, keep the computer close to the router - in the same room if necessary - to avoid connection drops due to interference or weak wireless signals.