Seting up a broadband or wireless router with our service.

Americable does not prohibit the use of broadband and wireless routers; however we do not support the configuration of such devices on our system.  This document is intended to be a guide only.  The router has to be able to recieve its IP address using the dhcp protocol.  For the exact configuration of your device consult your manufacturer’s documentation that came with the device.

1.  Connect Your Broadband/Wireless Router

a.  Unplug your cable modem and turn off your computer.
b.  Unplug the Ethernet cable from your cable modem and plug it into one of the four LAN ports on the back of the wireless router.  The other end of the cable should remain connected to your PC.
c.  Connect a second Ethernet cable between your modem's Ethernet port and the wireless router's WAN port.  (The WAN port should be separate from the four grouped LAN ports.)
d.  Plug in the modem and wait for the four green status lights to come on solid, indicating it is connected to our service.  This may take up to one minute.
e.  Plug in the router.  The status lights will blink as it goes through its own diagnostics; this may take up to a minute.
f.  Boot up your PC.

2.  Configure Your Router

a.  Refer to the router's printed quick-start guide, launch your Web browser, and type in the address indicated in the guide.
b.  Follow the on-screen setup wizard, which should guide you step by step through the process.
c.  Enable your router's security functions.  The options will be WEP and WPA.  Both will ask you to enter a key.  Depending on your router's manufacturer, you may need to go to Advanced Settings to handle this step and the next two.
d.  Change the default administrator's password, which is often known to hackers.
e.  Change the SSID-the name you give your wireless network.  Again, hackers know many of the default SSIDs and can use them to join your network.

At this point you should be able to browse to the Internet using your wired PC.   To go wireless follow the steps below depending on your type of computer.  (Desktop PC or Notebook PC)

Before setting up a wireless network you should read about securing a wireless network.

3.  Install a Wireless PCI Card in a Desktop PC

a.  Refer to the card manufacturer's quick-start guide. If necessary, run the software installation program.
b.  Shut down the PC.
c.  Remove the cover.
d.  Locate an available PCI slot
e.  Carefully route the antenna through the open slot in the back of the PC, insert the card in the slot, and secure it.  Replace the cover.
f.  Power up the PC. It should recognize and enable the new hardware.
g.  Go to the "Control Panel" select "Network" select "Wireless Networking connection".  Click on "Properties".  Click on the "Wireless Networking tab".  Select the wireless networking name (SSID).  Click on "Configure".  Adjust your security settings to match those on your wireless router.
You may also use the manufacture's software to configure the card in stead of using Windows.

4.  Install a Wireless PC Card In a Notebook PC

Many notebooks have built-in wireless cards.  If yours doesn't, follow these instructions.
a.  Refer to the card manufacturer's quick-start guide.  If necessary, run the software installation program.
b.  Shut down the PC.
c.  Plug your wireless PC Card into an available slot on the side of your notebook.
d.  Power up the PC.  It should recognize and enable the new hardware.
e.  Go to the "Control Panel" select "Network" select "Wireless Networking connection".  Click on "Properties".  Click on the "Wireless Networking tab".  Select the wireless networking name (SSID). Click on "Configure".  Adjust your security settings to match those on your wireless router.
You may also use the manufacture's software to configure the card in stead of using Windows.

Wireless security:

• Change the default SSID (network name) on your router.  The default SSIDs of commonly available hardware are well known to hackers.  Also, do not make your SSID something that could giveaway your identity or location.


• If your router supports it, consider disabling the SSID broadcast.  This will prevent your neighbor from detecting your network.


• Change the Administrator’s password on your router.  Again, Hackers know the default factory settings of all routers and with your password they can reconfigure your router.


• Turn on the highest level of security your router supports.
  
• Check your router’s manufacturer’s Web site for firmware upgrades.  Most provide updates that include higher security support.


• Consider using media-access control (MAC).  This lets you specify which wireless PC cards can access the network; all others are denied access.


• If you have a limited number of computers that connect, consider providing static IP addresses, and then disable dhcp on your router.  This makes it harder to learn about your network.

Americable does not prohibit the use of broadband and wireless routers; however we do not support the configuration of such devices on our system.  This document is intended to be a guide only.  For the exact configuration of your device consult you’re the manufacturer’s documentation that came with the device.