Routers are combined into networks of any coverage area with an unlimited number of devices, and on any of them they can have a common high-speed Internet, which is distributed by the previous model. Thus, we can easily connect and configure one of them through the other or even others.
Essence of the question
It often happens that in an apartment and in a country house one router is not able to confidently cover the entire territory. The issue becomes even more relevant in private companies, where the office, store and warehouse are located in the same building, and wireless Internet is needed throughout the company. It will help to combine Wi-Fi routers into a single network with the only Internet access on one of them.
How to connect and combine routers into a common network
There are several of them - different methods by cable and by Wi-Fi. The latter method is the most popular and has varieties: bridge mode, repeater mode, client mode (as a simple Wi-Fi module) without distribution (distribution only through LAN cables), etc.
Some commands of step-by-step instructions are translated into Russian.
Building a bridge based on WDS
WDS technology allows you to deploy local networks of any coverage area without a LAN cable, consisting exclusively of routers with Wi-Fi. Such a device simultaneously receives data and distributes it further to other routers. You can create a wireless line or a "tree" of routers of any length, allowing you to enter the settings of any of the previous routers by connecting to any of the following ones.
As an example - TP Link routers. This is one of the most popular brands. Almost every second user has D-Link routers and distribution points.
Free data exchange between routers and network clients
For example, the IP address 192.168.1.1 is taken from the TP-Link 11n device, and 192.168.1.2 from the access point (Root AP). Each device in the wireless network is assigned its own address - otherwise there will be a conflict of IP addresses, the connection will be broken. The IP is changed by going into the router settings and entering the desired IP address.
Change IP on the router
To change the IP address, do the following.
If there is no connection to the local network of the router, the TP-Link stub page will be displayed
Upon successful login to tplinkwifi.net or via local IP, the router will ask for a username and password
Go to LAN settings
Enter the desired address and click the save buttonConnected devices must be reconnected. The connection settings on the PC or gadget from which the IP changed on the router also need to be changed.
Setting up a WDS network on a TP-Link router
Depending on the firmware version of the router, the options and lists in the settings are arranged in a different order. The functionality remains the same, not taking into account innovations when updating the firmware of the device or replacing it with another model.
Recommended Wi-Fi settings on TP-Link routers
Enable WDS for Wi-Fi Bridged Networking
Choice of channel number, technology and connection speed
Find the SSID from the second router and connect to it
Protection Recommended
Automatic selection IP (DHCP) often interferes with connection
Click Reboot to restartThe creation of the WDS network bridge is finished! To test the network, do the following.
Run command prompt under account administrator
If the instructions are followed to the smallest detail, the network bridge should workYou can use your network bridge. Routers from other manufacturers are configured in the same way - they all support WDS, and the menus and submenus in the settings are not much different.
There are several ways to connect to Wi-Fi from a mobile phone (Android and iOS) or from a computer. In the instructions, we will also look at what problems you may encounter and how to solve them. Let's take a closer look at the setting network connection through the interfaces of the router itself and Windows.
How to connect Wi-Fi on your phone
Every modern smartphone has a Wi-Fi module in its filling. As a rule, you can connect your device to Wi-Fi in just a few steps. Use the quick access menu or connect through your phone settings. These steps for iOS and Android devices are described in more detail below.
On iPhones
In modern versions of the iOS operating system, there is a quick access menu that is called up by swiping up. If the phone automatically connects to your home network, then you can safely turn on Wi-Fi through the bottom toolbar. Click on the wireless connection indicator so that it lights up and becomes active. After will happen automatic connection to a known network.
If you are connecting for the first time to a home or public network, you must complete the following steps:
Now you know how to connect Wi-Fi on any iOS device.
Possible problems and solutions
There are situations when the phone or tablet does not connect to Wi-Fi. The first and most common problem is the access point with a password. You need to enter it in the corresponding field when connecting.
If the point is without a password, but you can't connect, take the following steps:
- check the availability of an Internet connection, whether the network is accessible from a computer or other device;
- make sure you are close enough to the router;
- make sure that automatic distribution of IP addresses (DHCP function) is enabled;
- reboot the router;
- reboot your mobile gadget;
- reset your router.
If other devices connect to your wireless network without problems, this means that the problem is in a particular mobile phone. We recommend taking it to service center for diagnostics.
On Android devices
Despite the differences between Android and iOS, in principle, connecting to Wi-Fi is performed according to the same principle. To access the quick menu, swipe down on the unlocked screen, and then tap the corresponding Wi-fi icon.
Users can activate wifi through settings:
- Go to phone settings.
- In the wireless networks section, click on WLAN (or Wi-Fi).
- Move the slider to the activated state, and among the available networks, click on the one you need.
- Enter a password if the system prompts you for it.
If you have problems, follow the same steps as described in the troubleshooting point for iOS.
If the connection to the router is hidden
When devices are connected to Wi-Fi, the corresponding icon appears at the top. However, in some situations, you may not be able to connect to the wireless network because it is hidden. The user will not find it in the search list. To connect to a hidden wireless access point, follow the instructions:
If all parameters are entered correctly, the phone will automatically connect to hidden network. Make sure you are within its coverage area.
If the DHCP function is disabled
When trying to connect to the router, the user may see a persistent message "Obtaining an IP address". Each device connected to the router receives its own IP address. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is responsible for the distribution of addresses. On some routers, it may be disabled, so you must activate this protocol manually.
To activate DHCP, you need to get into the router settings. How to do this is described in detail in the next paragraph "Access via the web interface". Once you get into the settings, find the DHCP section (or equivalent), and then select the Settings sub-item. It should activate the inscription Enable (Enabled). Click "Save" and reboot your device.
DHCP may be disabled due to a failure in the router. Try a hard reboot. Press the reset button on the back of the router and then hold it for more than 5 seconds. Your password settings will be broken, but this will restore DHCP operation.
Connecting Wi-Fi on a laptop
If you are connecting to a wireless network through a laptop, follow these steps:
WPS technology allows you to connect to the router quickly and easily. Using it, you do not have to enter a password on a computer or laptop. To do this, go to step 3 of the previous instruction. As soon as the password entry window appears, find the button on the router that says WPS, and then click on it. The laptop will automatically connect to the network.
Often WPS is software disabled. You can activate it in the web settings of the router. Go to the WPS section, and then click the "Enable WPS" button. If necessary, you can add a new device through the web interface by clicking the "Add device" button.
Now you know how to connect to Wi-Fi with a password.
Turn on on the case or using a keyboard shortcut
On some laptops, Wi-Fi is disabled by hardware. Before connecting to a wireless network, it must be enabled. The first way is to press special button. Some manufacturers in their devices place a similar key on the keyboard or on the side.
You can also connect a laptop to Wi-Fi through key combinations. On many models, there is a button among the functional ones (F1-F12) to activate Wi-Fi. It should have the appropriate icon on it. To activate Wi-Fi, you must press it together with the Fn key.
These are the actual ways to connect your laptop to Wi-Fi through buttons.
The Internet has become an integral part of life, and every computer should have access to the network. At home, a connection via a Wi-Fi router is suitable for this, which provides the ability to use both a wireless connection (for laptops, mobile, tablets) and a cable connection (for desktop computers).
Where is the best place to install a wifi router
For those who are considering options for how to install a router, you should start by choosing a place to place the device. Several factors influence this:
- the location of the provider's modem or cables, if used;
- apartment layout;
- the location of the desktop computer (if any).
Exist different models wireless devices from Asus (Asus), TP Link, D-Link (D-Link), etc. They may have different data transfer rates, coverage area. This should be taken into account when choosing a location for the device so that it can be accessed anywhere in your apartment. In this case, the best solution would be a central point, if the cables, the location of the modem and the stationary PC allow. If you are required to install the device closer to the computer in order to stretch the cable to it, then you need to focus on this factor.
How to connect a router to a computer or laptop
It's easy to figure out how to connect a Wi-Fi router to a computer. The process itself is fast, but problems can arise with setting up the device. Separately, the option of connecting a stationary PC via a wireless network and using a network cable will be considered below. The option of how to connect a router to a laptop is practically no different. Before buying a receiver, keep in mind that there are models on the market that do not support Wi-Fi distribution and act as an adapter (for connecting multiple devices).
At the first stage, in order to get Internet access, you must correctly connect the wires to the device. There are several major manufacturers of routers, but the connection scheme always remains the same. Here step-by-step instruction how to connect a wifi router to a computer:
- Unpack and install the device, plug it into a power outlet. On the back panel, as a rule, there is a button to turn on the device: press it. If a signal is received, then the lights on the router will light up.
- There are several sockets on the back panel. One of them is always located on the edge and tinted with a different color (blue, yellow) with the signature WAN. Connect the wire from the modem or the Internet cable to it. You should hear a latch click, indicating that the cord is secure.
- If you need to bring a cable to the PC, then insert it into any of the empty sockets nearby and stretch it to the connector on the network card. When connected, the light should light up, which means the presence of a signal.
- When connecting wirelessly, you need to go to the network settings on the PC itself.
Wireless connection of the router
For most users, the option of how to connect to a router wirelessly is interesting. In the case of a laptop, everything is much simpler, because it has a built-in module for receiving wifi signal. When it comes to conventional PCs, the situation is somewhat more complicated, because you will additionally need to purchase an adapter for a wi-fi network. They are easy to find in any hardware store, they are often sold with modems.
There are two options for Wi-Fi adapters for PCs on the market - external and internal. The first are connected via a usb cable and stand on the table, outwardly similar to the docking station for the player from Apple. The second is mounted on motherboard through the PCI slot. They work equally well, but the external version can be disconnected and connected to another device, and the built-in one does not take up space on the table. The device should come with a CD with drivers and software.
After connecting to a computer, the setup takes place in exactly the same way as on a laptop. In most cases, to enable Wi-Fi on your computer, you just need to find your connection in the list of networks and enter the password. If the connection is happening for the first time, you may need to specify the settings that were given to you when concluding a contract with the provider.
Wired connection using twisted pair
Previously, there was only one way to connect a wifi router to a stationary computer - a cord. At first, a cable from a telephone line was used (sometimes it is still used), then others appeared that provided not only a computer with Internet access, but also a TV with cable channels. This connection method is still used now, as a rule, for stationary PCs. How to connect a computer to a router via cable:
- connect the provider's wire to the wi-fi router in the socket labeled WAN or Internet;
- the power cord must be plugged into one of the LAN connectors;
- the second end of the cord must be connected to the Ethernet port of the computer, after connection, the light should light up (blink).
What to do if the router does not connect to the Internet
Even if you know how to connect a wifi router to your computer, you have done all the necessary manipulations, a situation may arise that the connection to the Internet is not being established. At the same time, everything works correctly through the cable, and the wireless network does not transmit data, but is visible in the list of connections. If you call the provider's support service, then first of all the specialist will offer to disconnect the device from the wi-fi socket, wait 3-10 minutes and turn it on again. In many cases this really helps.
If this method did not help, then it is likely that the computer cannot automatically obtain an IP or DNS address for the network. To check the settings, you need to right-click on your connection, select "Network Center", click on the image of the network connection and go to the "Details" tab. If opposite the DNS or IP item is empty, then this is the problem. You need to call the support service and find out what values you need to set in the properties. After receiving them:
- Click on the connections and click on the "Properties" button.
- Find the item that ends with TCP/Ipv4. Click on it and click Properties.
- Activate the items "Use the following IP address", enter the data that the provider provided to you.
- Repeat the same for DNS gateways.
- Click OK and close the rest of the tabs.
Video instruction: how to connect a router to a computer
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How to connect a wifi router to a computer
When planning to conduct wi-fi at home, each user should know how to choose the right type of connection and necessary equipment. From a competent choice will depend on the data transfer rate and the quality of the received signal.
Wi-Fi networks are very convenient for home use. They allow you to get rid of endless wires and connect to the Internet a lot of various devices that support Wi-Fi.
Installing wireless Internet at home is a top priority for those who want to comfortably use the Internet not only indoors, but also in the surrounding area.
There are several ways to install wi-fi at home: using one router or organizing a home wi-fi network.
If the family actively uses a laptop, mobile phones, tablets and other devices that have access to the Internet, it would be wise to connect them to the same data transfer source. A home wireless wi-fi network created using a router will help with this.
All modern routers have a built-in wireless module and support a high speed of information transfer.
Selecting the type of network connection
A home wireless wi-fi network always begins with determining the possible type of connection to the Internet. Let us consider in more detail what options for accessing the worldwide network providers can offer.
This option requires the installation of a satellite dish. You can connect such Internet in any remote place. The connection has a very high speed, but it works only in one direction - to receive traffic. You cannot transfer information.
Satellite internet installation
How satellite internet works
Provided mobile operators. To connect, a modem the size of a regular flash drive is used. Such a connection is very mobile, it can be used anywhere. The speed is not always high.
Mobile Internet setup
Modem for mobile access to the network
Fiber optic connection. The most convenient and popular option for accessing the Internet. The speed of traffic and payment depends only on the selected tariff plan.
Fiber optic applications in the home
ADSL line. Wired connection using an ADSL telephone line. In this embodiment, the channel through which the signal passes is a telephone wire and a modem connected to a telephone socket.
The principle of operation of the ADSL modem
Providers, offering a connection service using ADSL, require that the landline phone. What to do for those who do not have it at home, who do not need it and have no desire to pay for the service? How to conduct internet wi-fi for home without a phone? Very simple. Other considered connection options should be used.
Equipment
Specialized stores offer a wide range of routers of various types. When choosing, you should pay attention to the information transfer rate (channel and real), the supported standard (802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g or 802.11n) and the number of antennas.
More antennas will provide better wi-fi network quality. It is better to choose models with removable antennas. In the event of a breakdown, they will be easy to replace.
You should not consider an option with a lot of functions that you will never need. Each function additionally loads the router, significantly reducing its speed.
In addition, you need to find out what is the maximum number of devices that can be connected to the router. The more there are, the better. Always keep perspective in mind.
Don't forget the built-in firewall and USB port. These additional functions can be very helpful. Having purchased a router, you should take care of the question of how to conduct a wifi network at home.
home wifi network
A local home wireless network is organized very simply. After spending 15 minutes, the user will install Wi-Fi Internet at home, to which several devices can be connected simultaneously in different rooms and even on the street.
Organization of a home network
Let us consider in detail the algorithm of how to conduct a Wi-Fi network at home:
- unpack the wi-fi router and plug the device into the network;
- Connect your device to the internet using your ISP's network cable. Connect the router to a computer or laptop via the LAN connector with the cable attached to the device;
- open any browser on the connected device and enter the ip address of the router in the search bar. The data can be taken from the instructions or looked at the sticker located on the bottom of the device. Log in to the router's admin panel, enter your login and password and go to the settings;
- by going to the wi-fi menu, set the parameter values in accordance with the mode of operation of the adapters. Change the original password to a more complex one;
- switch to additional settings. Activate NAT and Firewall, restart the router to save all settings;
- run a search on your laptop wireless networks. After finding the created access point, connect to it and check the Internet connection.
If you are too lazy to manipulate the browser and settings, or you are not very well versed in these matters, do it easier. Use the installation disc that came with your router. Insert the disc and run the program. The router will be configured automatically in the best option for your network.
Turn on search WiFi networks on your gadgets, laptops and computers - and you will see how popular wireless access technologies are and how tightly they penetrated into apartments and offices. The range of some routers is sometimes amazing: when searching for networks, you can easily find a network even, for example, on the other side of the street and connect to it. And dual-band routers allow you to avoid collisions and release the air using a higher frequency.
As a rule, laptops, smartphones, TVs and gaming gadgets require an Internet connection. Fundamental differences in the method of connection are operational Windows systems, Android and iOS. Let's consider them in order.
We connect a laptop and a computer to our router via Wi-Fi
To connect to wifi, you need at least to know the password (the data encryption key in case of network and traffic encryption). Consider connecting a laptop or desktop computer to an already configured and functioning router remotely.
Our goal is to connect to the Internet and to the local network.
We check that:
- The router is connected correctly to the provider and distributes the Internet.
- The Wi-Fi adapter is installed, it functions correctly, the drivers are installed and fresh.
Connecting via WPS
The easiest, no knowledge-requiring way to connect to a router is through WPS. It can be hardware (using a hardware button) or software (using a pin code).
The button is pressed once and not for long (a second press is enough) both on the router and on the WI FI adapter.
After one or two minutes, the router and adapter themselves “negotiate” among themselves about the addresses and encryption password, and the Internet becomes available on the device.
Sometimes a device may not have a WPS button, but still support it. In this case, the WPS PIN is indicated on the label: when setting up a wireless network, the OS will ask you to enter it.
Despite the seeming simplicity of connection, it is deceptive: when activating a Wi-Fi connection using WPS, three procedures are involved:
- generating a key (password);
- generated password encryption
- imposing additional encryption on the channel using a certificate.
Due to the incomplete transparency of this procedure - you do not know the password and connection parameters - it is recommended to use the standard connection option with entering the key.
If the router was not initially configured, then by entering the WPS PIN, you can configure all the network parameters as you wish: its name and key.
Standard option for connecting laptops and computers to a router
Consider how to connect to wireless Internet through a pre-configured router.
All modern laptops are equipped with a Wi-Fi module. But a stationary computer should be equipped with a Wi-Fi adapter.
Pay attention to:
(1): here you can see all available wifi networks. We select our network (2), click (3) Connection to connect to the modem and, accordingly, the Internet.
A window appears asking you to enter a password (security key); and if the key is entered correctly, the icon for a successful Internet connection will appear:
Your computer can successfully use the resources of the local home network and access the Internet through your router.
Connecting smartphones and gadgets to the router
For smartphones and mobile gadgets, connecting to the Internet through a router is an opportunity to save on traffic and, accordingly, money when paying for services to the operator. A 4G network requires more resources and battery power than wireless access, so a smartphone will “live” longer with the Internet from a router without a GSM service provider. Any smartphone equipped with a Wi-Fi module can connect to your router's Wi-Fi.
Consider how to connect when the Internet is configured and distributed by an access point.
Android OS
We will demonstrate step by step how to connect the Internet through a router using the example of a smartphone with Android OS.
- In the settings of your smartphone, turn on the Wi-Fi module, available networks will be automatically scanned.
- Select your network from the list.
- Enter the network key (which was entered at the router setup stage).
- Upon successful connection, the corresponding signature "Connected" will appear.
If you cannot connect to a network device, restart both the device and your smartphone. Check the settings of your Internet sharing device and try to connect to the wireless network again as described above.
iOS OS
Let's take a step-by-step look at how to connect gadgets to the router with operating system iOS.
In the "Settings" you should select the "General" section, where you can check the inclusion of the wireless module: when you move the slider to "ON", the automatic search networks available for connection. Select your network and enter the password (network key).
If the key is correct, the iPad and iPhone will successfully connect to the Internet.
Connecting to an unknown network device
Above, we discussed how to connect to a home access point, the parameters of which are known. However, there are situations that require connecting to someone else's equipment remotely, without data about the key and connection parameters.
Consider how to connect via Wi-Fi to the router in this case.
Password guessing
Users of home networks, due to inexperience, a small amount of knowledge and laziness, rarely make complex keys. Therefore, the question of how to connect to a wireless network is not difficult to solve: there are a number of dictionary key selection programs. For example, WiFirack.
This program also solves the problem of how to connect to a hidden network that does not broadcast. It is enough to scan the air, check the boxes of those networks to which you are interested in connecting, download the dictionary (you can also use the built-in one) and start the selection.
As a result, a Good.txt file will be created containing the names of the networks and their keys that we managed to pick up.
Password interception and cracking
Programs for capturing and decrypting wireless network packets are also available via the Internet. The essence of the method: even in the absence of correct authentication, the network device exchanges packets with the connected gadget that contain the key in encrypted form. The selection of such a package and their decryption is the way to open the key.
This is a class of programs for advanced users with knowledge in the field of computer security.
One example of this class of software is Airslax.
Works with decryption of WPA/WPA2 traffic and WEP encryption. Below the numbers are:
- Scanning the air, finding all networks, their signal levels, encryption options and other features.
- Decryption target selection. The ranking of networks in the list is in ascending order of their signal strength.
- The process of intercepting the selected network.
- Disconnecting the client from the point to initiate a re-authentication process: the first 4 packets contain the key in encrypted form.
- Password guessing for a captured WPA/WPA2 encrypted headshake using a dictionary.
- Saving results.
- Automatic WEP key guessing: a large number of DATA packets are collected, and authentication is tried every 5000 DATA packets collected.
- Points with the possibility of authorization via WPS are scanned here.
- Using Reaver or Bully, a pin code is selected.
- Automatic mode of operation.
Security of own network equipment
Having briefly considered the main methods of standard and unauthorized connection, we recall the basic basic requirements for our own equipment.
- Change default usernames and their passwords on the router. Many neglect or forget to perform this simple procedure, leaving a loophole for intruders.
- Enable encryption as hard as possible to decrypt - WPA2. It will significantly complicate and increase the time of hacking; attackers prefer more simple network to connect.
- Restrict access by mac address. Although change the address network card is not difficult, the restriction on the poppy address is a necessary procedure for protecting the internal security loop.
- Change the Wi-Fi access key at least once every six months. Even if attackers do connect to your network equipment, connecting regularly and repeating the hacking procedure will force them to find a more accessible victim. This will not protect you from unauthorized connections, but will significantly reduce the likelihood of hacking. Safe and fast connections to you!
