Some gateways have what’s known as a “bridge mode” for working with a secondary router others handle it differently. If your broadband gateway also has a built-in router, such as this Motorola NVG510, you’ll need to put the gateway’s router into “bridge” or “passthrough” mode to use your own router. Enter the IP address into a web browser to access the gateway’s configuration screen. ( Here’s explanation of double NAT and why you want to avoid it.) You’ll need to know the IP address that the gateway is using (you’ll typically find this on a label on the gateway itself). This is necessary to avoid double-NAT scenarios, among other things. If your gateway has an integrated router, you’ll need to configure the gateway to disable the router and pass the WAN IP address (the unique Internet Protocol address that the ISP assigns to your account) and all network traffic through to your new router. If you’re really ambitious, you could run a pair of ethernet cables through your walls to that ideal central location (one cable to connect the router to your gateway, and a second to connect it to an ethernet switch-perhaps in the closet with the gateway).

You don’t need to move the gateway, but you can use a longer (and very inexpensive) CAT5e or CAT6 cable to connect the router to the gateway’s ethernet port so you can put it out in the open. If you can’t put your wireless router in the center of your home, at least try to avoid putting in a closet that will crimp its range. There just happens to be a wet bar at the center of my home. The best place to locate your router is in the center of your home. That equipment (be it a cable or DSL modem or-if you’re really lucky-a fiber gateway) is invariably installed at a perimeter wall. It’s also impossible for most people to do, because you need to connect your router to the broadband gateway for your internet service provider (ISP). That will provide the most even coverage. If you are using an older TP-LInk model, you will need to click Wireless 2.4 GHz and Wireless 5 GHz in the menu to the left to configure both network bands.As any router manufacturer will tell you, the best location for your wireless router is in an open area in the center of your home.However, you can use the same password for both of them.

You will need to enter a unique network name for both the 2.4 GHz network and the 5 GHz network. The password is what they will need to enter in order to connect to your network. The network name is the name people will search for when they try to connect to your wireless network. X Research sourceĮnter the network name (SSID) and password for the networks. This allows devices to automatically switch from the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band automatically depending on how far away they are from the router. If your router supports Smart Connect, you can click the checkbox to enable Smart Connect.If you don't want your network name to appear on people's devices when they search for a wireless network, click the checkbox next to 'Hide SSID.' You will need to enter the network name and password manually when connecting to the wireless network.You can use the same password for both, but the network name needs to be unique for both. The 5 GHz band has faster internet, but a shorter range. The 2.4 GHz band has slower internet, but a larger range. If you have a dual-band router, you will need to come up with a separate network name (SSID) for both the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band.Use a password that you don't mind other people knowing. If you plan on allowing guests to connect to your network, be sure to use a password that is not used for any other apps or services.Enter the network name next to 'Network Name (SSID)' and enter the password next to 'Password.' Then click Next to continue.

Enter a network name (SSID) and password.

Setting up a modem and router