How to Connect Router to Modem

Though connection types and speeds vary, the basic steps for setting up an internet connection at home are almost the same. One crucial task is connecting the router to the modem so that your local network can access the Internet. While this task may seem complex for first-timers, it is really not so. In this guide, I have covered all the steps you need to connect the router to the modem.

Preparations for Setup

You need the following things to connect the router to the modem. I assume that you have just received the installation package from the ISP. In that case, check whether all the following elements are present in the package.

• The modem
• The Wi-Fi router
• Ethernet cable
• Power cables
• User manuals

By the way, these days, ISPs are moving towards an integrated design where a single device can replace the modem and the router. In these cases, you don’t even have to think about connecting the router to the Wi-Fi router. As soon as you set up the gateway device, you will have access to the Internet via the network.

Connect Router to Modem

Given that you have a separate modem and router, you can follow the steps given below to connect a router to the router.

Connect Modem to ISP

1. Make sure that you have turned off both the router and the modem and disconnected all the power and Ethernet cables.
2. First, you should connect the Ethernet/coaxial cable from your ISP to the modem. You must plug this into the WAN port. Doing this will connect your modem to the ISP network. Hereafter, the modem is responsible for converting the analog (fiber/coaxial) data from the network to digital data.
3. You can check whether you have connected using the lights on the modem. Use the user manual to confirm it.

Connect It to the Router

1. Now, you have to take up the Wi-Fi router and the Ethernet cable.
2. Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the LAN port of the modem. However, some modems might have a dedicated Internet port as well. In that case, you might have to use a dedicated cable instead of an Ethernet cable.
3. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the router’s WAN port.

At this point, you have established two connections. First, the modem is connected to your ISP network via coaxial or fiber cables. Two, the router is connected to the modem so that the local Wi-Fi network can have Internet access.

At this point, you can connect both the router and the modem to the power outlet. I recommend using the power adaptor that you received with the product. Turn everything on, and you should be able to access the Internet without any problems.

Post-Connection Setup

If you connect a pre-configured Wi-Fi router to the modem, you can easily have Internet access. However, if we are dealing with a brand-new modem, you may need to go through a setup process. This involves creating a Wi-Fi network, setting the password, and changing other settings.

However, as long as the modem is configured correctly, you can access the Internet via Ethernet. I also think you should use an Ethernet connection for setup since Wi-Fi can be a little wonky.

Connecting A Router to a Modem-Router

As I said earlier, many ISPs are now turning towards hybrid devices that combine the functionalities of a Wi-Fi router and a modem. If you have such a device, you don’t need an external router. However, if you think the modem router is restrictive, you may need a different router and some ways to connect it.

• You should first check whether the modem router offers an additional Ethernet port. If there is one, you can connect that LAN port to the WAN port of your Wi-Fi router. You would be able to set things up as you usually do.
• In some devices, however, you need to set up something called Bridge Mode. In this case, the modem router will limit its functionality and work as a simple modem. After setting this up, you can set up a Wi-Fi router as well.

You can use either of these methods to connect a router to an existing modem router. This option is great if you already have a third-party user from a previous connection. Setting up the old Wi-Fi router with a modem router will help you get rid of repetitive steps.

Common Troubleshooting Solutions

Let’s look at the common issues you may come across while connecting a router to a modem and some ways to troubleshoot them.

• Loose or faulty cables might prevent your router from connecting to the modem. Keeping this point in mind, always stick to the Ethernet and power cables that you received alongside the package.
• You must also ensure that you have connected the Ethernet cable from the modem to the WAN port of the router. Otherwise, your Wi-Fi network may not offer Internet access.
• There are times when modems and routers are compatible. So, if you are getting a new router for a modem, you should check the compatibility factor first.
• During the setup, the ISP may want you to authenticate yourself. You can contact the ISP to get the credentials if you don’t have them already.
• You may also have to set up some features like DHCP, which stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol.
• You should not rule out hardware failure either. Sometimes, hardware issues with the modem or the router can cause problems during setup.
• Last but not least, you should check whether IP conflicts within the network are preventing you from accessing the internet.

I recommend you refer to the user manual to figure out the solutions. In most cases, you can troubleshoot all these issues within a few minutes.

Conclusion

I hope this guide helped you grasp the basics of connecting a router to the modem. Though the specifics may vary based on the router manufacturer and model, the core connection process should be the same. But, as always, refer to the user manual whenever you have a doubt.