How to Configure a Linksys WRT54G Router

he Linksys WRT54G broadband router is one of the most popular consumer routers there are. Linksys makes configuring your router easy. This article will walk you through the initial setup options for this particular model, but many of the basics we talk about here can be applied to any router setup. Setting up the router consists of four basic steps, such as Testing your Internet connection, connecting your hardware, setting up the connection and power cycling the entire network. Aside, from setup, we'll also describe some security concerns so you can make an educated decision on the administration of your home network.

Test Your Internet Connection First

While this seems like something you would not need to be, make sure your Internet connection actually works. If you haven't already, plug the cable modem directly into the back of the computer and make sure you can get onto the internet. You may need to reboot the machine first.

Connect The Modem and Router to the PC

Now that we have confirmed the Internet connection works, the next step is to connect the modem to the router and the router to the PC. The modem will attach to the router's Internet Port. You will then attach the router to the PC via any of the four Ethernet

ports in the rear. Check the LED lights in the front of the router to confirm all of the connections are properly made. The Power, WLAN, Ethernet Port to PC and the Internet should all be lit.

Configure The Linksys WRT54G Settings

With all connection made, you will now need to login to the router via your web browser. Type 192.168.1.1 and hit enter. You should see the login screen. Leave the username blank and type admin as the password and hit enter.

You will now need to configure the router's connection to the Internet. Under the Setup /  Basic Setup section, make sure the router is setup to Automatic Configuration - DHCP. This allows the router to receive an IP address from your Internet Service Provider.

Next, go to the MAC Address Clone tab in the same area and enable Mac Address Cloning. This allows the router to clone your PCs MAC address, as the ISP may require this.

Power Cycle the Router and Modem

Now that everything is configured, you'll want to power cycle everything. This is done to make sure everything has an IP address from the modem all the way through to the PC. To power cycle, shutdown everything. Unplug the modem and router power source. Shutdown the computer. Plug in the modem and wait for all green lights. Next, plug in the router and wait a few minutes until its lights are also green. Lastly, boot up the PC. You should have an Internet connection.

Change the Linksys WRT54G Router Password

You noticed when setting up the router, that there was a default username of nothing and a password of "admin." Be sure to log back into the router once everything is running properly and type in a username and change the password. If you don't, a hacker that sees you have a WRT54G router could login to the router with the default credentials.