How do I set up a home wi-fi network?

Lay out your modem, router, Ethernet cable, and power adapters on a clear surface. Check that each device has its own power brick and that the Ethernet cable is long enough to reach from modem to router.

Plug the modem into mains power and connect it to your internet source — coax for cable broadband or the phone line for DSL. Wait until the online or DSL light stops blinking and stays solid. Firmly seat every connector and confirm indicator lights or fasteners match the manual before proceeding with set up a home wi-fi network — loose fittings are the most common cause of intermittent faults. Note what worked in a phone memo so you can repeat the process faster next time.

Run an Ethernet cable from the modem LAN or Ethernet port to the router WAN port (often labelled in yellow). Power on the router and wait for the Wi-Fi light to appear. Firmly seat every connector and confirm indicator lights or fasteners match the manual before proceeding with set up a home wi-fi network — loose fittings are the most common cause of intermittent faults. Note what worked in a phone memo so you can repeat the process faster next time.

On a laptop or phone connected to the router (via Wi-Fi or Ethernet), open a browser and enter the gateway address printed on the router label — commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Work steadily through this part of set up a home wi-fi network, pausing to double-check your work against the goal before moving on — most mistakes are caught when you slow down at transitions between stages. Note what worked in a phone memo so you can repeat the process faster next time.

Choose a unique network name (SSID) and a strong WPA2 or WPA3 password — at least 12 characters mixing letters and numbers. Save settings, reconnect your devices, and run a quick speed test. Store credentials in a reputable password manager, enable two-factor authentication where offered, and keep a dated note of settings you change so you can reverse them if needed. Note what worked in a phone memo so you can repeat the process faster next time.