You’ve probably heard of routers—they’re those ubiquitous network devices that sit on your desk and help you connect to the internet. But have you ever wondered how they work, or how you can set them up? If so, this article is for you. In it, we will walk you through the basics of setting up a Lynksys E2100 router, from configuration to troubleshooting. This guide is designed for users with little to no technical experience; if you’re unfamiliar with routers or want to learn more about how they work, be sure to read on for more information.
What is the Lynksys E2100 Router?
The Lynksys E2100 router is a 5-port Gigabit router that features easy to use web-based configuration and management. It offers an impressive range with its dual-band support and can be used in both home and small office environments. The E2100 also has a nifty security feature that lets you create a password-protected network, making it perfect for sharing photos, documents, or streaming video among family and friends.
How to Set Up Your Router?
If you’re like most people, your router is probably just sitting in a box collecting dust. But if you want to take advantage of all the features your broadband provider has to offer, you need to set up your router.
To get started, open your router’s front cover and locate the Internet connection settings. Most routers have three or four buttons on the front: one for connecting to the network, one for setting the network mode (manual or automatic), and one for accessing password-protected settings.
The next step is to decide which type of broadband you have. If you have cable, DSL, or fiber optic service from your broadband provider, your router should already be configured with their provided settings. If not, there are several different types of routers out there that will work with each type of service.
Once you know which type of router you have, plug it into an outlet and power it on. You can also find setup guides online if you need help getting started. Once it’s powered on, open a web browser (such as Chrome or Firefox) and enter the IP address of your router. This is typically 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.* depending on the model of router you have. If there are pictures accompanying these IP addresses, they will show up in your web browser when you navigates to them . For example my E3000’s picture is http://192-168-1-1.local/router_pictures/e3000.jpg
Once you’ve entered your router’s IP address, you should see a page that looks something like this:
If you don’t see the “Status” tab in the picture above, click on it. On the Status tab, you will see a list of all the connected devices on your network and their current status. If you have any other devices attached to your router (such as a computer or game console), they will also be listed here.
The first step in setting up your router is to identify which type of broadband you have and enter its corresponding IP address. From there, you can access other settings such as network mode and password protection.
How to Restart Your Router?
If your router has stopped working, you can restart it to get it back up and running. This process varies depending on the model of router, but in general, you’ll need to press certain buttons or enter certain codes. Here’s how to restart your router:
Step 1: Turn off your router and unplug it from power.
Step 2: Press and hold the reset button for about 20 seconds. The light on the front of the router will start blinking and then stay lit.
Step 3: Plug in your router and wait until the light turns green (or red, if there’s an error). Then release the reset button.
Step 4: Navigate to your home network settings (usually by clicking on “My Network” on your computer) and try connecting to your devices again. If everything works fine, you can congratulations yourself with a victory dance!
How to Enable Wireless on Your Lynksys E2100 Router?
To enable wireless on your Lynksys E2100 router, follow these steps:
- Open the web-based utility and click on the Wireless tab.
- Select Enable Wireless and then click on the Update button.
- A message will appear informing you that the update was successful. Click on the OK button to return to the Wireless tab.
- You will now see a list of available networks in green (802.11b/g/n) and unencrypted networks in red (no security). Click on the desired network to connect to it.
- If you are using a password, enter it in the corresponding box and then click on the Join Network button.
- If your computer is connected to an unencrypted network, you will be prompted to enter a password before connecting; if your computer is connected to a secured network, you will not be prompted for a password.
- You can now browse the internet, use e-mail, or play games online without fear of being hacked!
How to Connect Your Devices to the Router?
- To connect your devices to the router, open a web browser and type in the router’s IP address (which can be found on the back of the router) into the address bar. You may need to type in “192.168.1.1” if you have trouble finding it.
- Once you’ve entered the address, you’ll see a login screen. Type in your router’s password and then press Enter.
- On the main menu, select “Settings.”
- Under “Wireless,” make sure that your wireless network is set to “Off” and then press “Advanced.”
- In the “SSID” field, type in the name of your wireless network and then press Enter.
- In the “Security Mode” field, choose either WPA or WEP and then press Enter twice. Leave all other settings at their default values and click “Apply.”
- Next, select “Network Extender” from the main menu and then click on its button to activate it if it isn’t already active (you’ll see a green light next to its name).
- If you have more than one device that needs access to the Internet through your router, repeat steps 5-7 for each device by entering its IP address into both fields and choosing the security mode that best suits its needs (WPA or WEP). Make sure that all devices connected to your network are using the same security mode.
- When you’re finished configuring your network, press “Back” to return to the main menu and then click on “Wireless.”
- In the “Wireless Networks” section, make sure that your wireless network is listed and then press “Apply”.
How to Change Your Router’s Default Password?
To change your router’s default password, head to the admin interface and enter the default login and password. Once in, select “Wireless Settings” and under “Access Point Name” enter the new name of your router. Change the SSID and WPA/WPA2 key passwords as needed and save the changes.
How to Troubleshoot Problems with Your Router?
If you’re experiencing problems with your router, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue. First, try resetting the router by pressing and holding the reset button for 10 seconds. If that doesn’t work, try unplugging the router and plugging it back in. Finally, if all else fails, you can contact your ISP or manufacturer for help.
Tips for Securing Your Router
Security is always important when it comes to your online presence, especially if you have sensitive information stored on your router. Here are a few tips to help secure your router:
- Always change the default password for your router. This will help protect against unauthorized access.
- Keep your router updated with the latest security patches.
- Enable firewalls and antivirus software on your computer and router to help protect against malware and spyware attacks.
Conclusion
I hope this guide has been of help in setting up your Lynksys E2100 router. If not, please let me know in the comments and I will do my best to help you out. In the meantime, make sure to check back for more helpful guides on our site.