What You Need

  • Your new router
  • The modem supplied by your ISP (or a combined modem-router if applicable)
  • Two ethernet cables (one usually included with the router)
  • A computer, phone or tablet to complete setup

Step-by-Step Router Setup

  1. 1

    Connect the router to your modem

    Find the WAN port on your router (also labelled Internet — usually a different colour from the LAN ports). Connect an ethernet cable from this port to any LAN port on your modem. If you have a combined modem-router from your ISP, you are replacing it — connect the ISP cable (coax or phone line) directly to the WAN port of your new router if it supports it, or contact your ISP for guidance.

  2. 2

    Plug in power and wait 2 minutes

    Connect the power adapter and turn the router on. Wait 2 full minutes for it to fully boot and establish a connection with the modem.

  3. 3

    Connect to the router's default WiFi

    On your phone or computer, look for the router's default WiFi network name. It is printed on a sticker on the bottom or back of the router, along with the default password. Connect to it.

  4. 4

    Open the router admin page

    Open a browser and type the router's IP address into the address bar (also on the sticker — usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). The router setup wizard or login page appears.

  5. 5

    Log in and run the setup wizard

    Log in with the default admin credentials (on the sticker). Most modern routers launch a setup wizard automatically. Follow the prompts: choose your region, select your internet connection type (most Australian NBN connections use DHCP — your ISP will confirm), and create your WiFi name and password.

  6. 6

    Change the admin password

    Find the admin password setting (usually under Administration or System settings) and change it from the default. Default admin passwords are the same for every router of that model and are widely known — changing it secures your router settings.

  7. 7

    Reconnect all your devices to the new WiFi

    All your devices need to connect to the new WiFi network name with the new password. Go through each device and update the WiFi connection.

NBN connection types in AustraliaMost NBN connections use Dynamic IP (DHCP) — select this if asked. NBN FTTP and HFC connections typically plug directly into the router's WAN port. NBN FTTN uses a DSL/VDSL connection — your router needs a built-in DSL modem or you need to keep your ISP's modem. Contact your ISP if unsure.

Frequently Asked Questions

A modem connects your home to your ISP's network — it converts the signal from the cable or phone line into data your devices can use. A router takes that internet connection and shares it wirelessly (WiFi) and via ethernet ports to multiple devices. Many ISPs provide a combined modem-router (gateway) that does both. A standalone router plugs into the modem and creates your home network.
Check: the WAN cable is in the WAN/Internet port (not a LAN port). The modem is on and connected. Try restarting both the modem and router (modem first, wait 60 seconds, then router). Check the internet connection type in router settings matches what your ISP uses. If your ISP uses PPPoE (common with some ADSL and some NBN connections), you need to enter your ISP username and password in the router's WAN settings.