The basic connection: what plugs where

Your modem and router are two separate devices that work together. The modem connects to your internet service provider's line (usually a coaxial cable that looks like a TV cable, or a fiber optic line). The router then connects to the modem and broadcasts your home network wirelessly. If you plug them in the wrong order or skip a step, you will have internet on one device but not on others.

The physical setup takes five minutes. Power off both devices first — this matters because the modem needs to recognize the connection when it starts up. Plug the cable from your wall (the one labeled "Internet," "WAN," or "Modem") into the port on the back of the modem labeled "Internet," "WAN," or "In." This is usually the only port that looks different from the others. Then take an ethernet cable (a thin network cable, usually blue or gray) and plug one end into any port on the back of the modem labeled "Ethernet" or "LAN." Plug the other end into the port on the back of the router labeled "WAN," "Internet," or "Uplink" — check your router's manual if you are unsure which one. Power on the modem first and wait two to three minutes for its lights to stabilize. Then power on the router and wait another two to three minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • The modem connects to your internet service provider's line; the router connects to the modem and broadcasts your home network.
  • Power off both devices before connecting them, then power on the modem first and wait for its lights to stop blinking before powering on the router.
  • Use an ethernet cable between the modem and router — the specific port on each device matters, so check your manual if the labels are unclear.
  • Once both devices are powered on and their lights have stabilized, you should see your network name appear in your device's available networks list.
  • Changing the default password on your router is the most important security step you can take after the physical connection is complete.

Understanding the lights on your modem and router

The lights tell you whether the connection worked. On the modem, look for lights labeled "Power," "Internet" or "Online," and "Link" or "Ethernet." The Power light should be solid (not blinking). The Internet or Online light should be solid green or blue once the modem has connected to your service provider — this usually takes one to three minutes. The Link light should be solid once the ethernet cable is plugged in. If the Internet light is red, orange, or off, the modem is not connected to your service provider's network yet. Wait another minute or two. If it stays off after five minutes, the cable from the wall may be loose or damaged.

On the router, the Power light should be solid. The Internet or WAN light should be solid once the ethernet cable from the modem is plugged in and the modem is online. The WiFi light (sometimes labeled with a radio wave symbol) should be solid or blinking once the router has powered up. A blinking WiFi light means the router is broadcasting your network. If the Internet light on the router is off or red while the modem's Internet light is green, the ethernet cable between them may be loose or plugged into the wrong port on the router.

Connecting your devices to the network

Once both devices are powered on and their lights have stabilized, your network should appear in the list of available networks on your phone, laptop, or tablet. Open your device's WiFi settings and look for the network name — this is called the SSID and is printed on a sticker on the back of your router, or in the manual. Select it and enter the password, which is also on the sticker or in the manual. The password is usually long and includes numbers and symbols.

If your network does not appear after five minutes, restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. If it still does not appear, check that the WiFi light on the router is on. Some routers have a physical WiFi button on the back or side — if you accidentally pressed it, the WiFi is turned off. Press it again to turn it back on.

Why you should change the default password when ready

The password printed on your router's sticker is the same for every router of that model sold by the manufacturer. Anyone within range of your network who knows the model number can look up that default password online and connect to your network. Once connected, they can see what devices are on your network, intercept unencrypted traffic, or use your internet connection for their own purposes.

Change the password as soon as your devices can connect. Open a web browser and go to the router's admin page — this is usually an address like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, printed on the sticker on the router. Log in with the default username and password (also on the sticker). Look for a section called "WiFi Settings," "Wireless," or "Network," and find the option to change the password. Create a new password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Write it down somewhere safe — not in a text file on your computer, but in a physical notebook or a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password.

Positioning your router for the best signal

The location of your router affects how far your WiFi signal reaches and how fast it is. Place the router in a central location in your home, elevated off the ground if possible — on a shelf or mounted on a wall rather than on the floor. Avoid placing it inside a closet, cabinet, or next to a microwave, cordless phone, or baby monitor, all of which can interfere with the signal. If your home is large or has thick walls, you may need a second router or a WiFi extender to reach every room.

The router should be in the same room as the modem or connected by a short ethernet cable. If the modem is in a basement or utility closet and you want your router in a more central location, use a longer ethernet cable to connect them — ethernet cables work fine over distances of up to 100 feet, and the cable does not have to be hidden or protected.

Troubleshooting when the connection does not work

If you have followed the steps above and your devices still cannot connect, start with the simplest fixes. Unplug both the modem and router, wait 30 seconds, plug in the modem, wait for its lights to stabilize, then plug in the router. This resets both devices and often fixes temporary glitches. If that does not work, check that the ethernet cable between the modem and router is firmly plugged in on both ends — a loose connection is the most common reason the router cannot see the internet.

If the modem's Internet light is still off after five minutes, the problem is between the modem and your service provider, not between the modem and router. Contact your service provider's support line and tell them the Internet light on the modem is not on. If the modem's Internet light is green but the router's Internet light is off, the ethernet cable is either loose, damaged, or plugged into the wrong port on the router. Check your router's manual to confirm which port is the WAN or Internet port, and try a different ethernet cable if you have one available.

When to use ethernet instead of WiFi

WiFi is convenient, but ethernet is faster and more find for devices that do not move. If you have a desktop computer, smart TV, or gaming console near the router, plug it directly into one of the ethernet ports on the router with an ethernet cable. This gives you a faster, more stable connection and reduces the number of devices competing for WiFi bandwidth. Ethernet is also the right choice for any device that handles sensitive information — a computer where you do your banking or work, for example.

You can have both ethernet and WiFi devices on the same network at the same time. Some devices will connect via ethernet, others via WiFi, and they will all be able to see each other and share files.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to restart my modem and router every day?

No. A modem and router can run continuously for months without a restart. Restart them only if you lose internet connection or if your service provider's support team tells you to. If you find yourself restarting them more than once a week, contact your service provider — it usually means there is a problem with the line coming into your home.

Can I use WiFi without a modem?

No. The modem is what connects you to your internet service provider. The router broadcasts the signal wirelessly, but it has no internet to broadcast without the modem. You need both devices.

What if my router does not have a WAN port?

Some older or very basic routers do not label their ports clearly. Check the manual that came with the router — it will show you which port to use for the modem connection. If you have lost the manual, search the model number online and you can usually find a PDF version.

Is it safe to leave the default WiFi password on temporarily?

No. Change it before you connect any devices other than the one you are using to set up the router. The default password is public information, and anyone in range can connect within minutes of your router being powered on.

Can I move my router to a different room after I set it up?

Yes. As long as the ethernet cable from the modem reaches, you can place the router anywhere. If the cable is not long enough, buy a longer ethernet cable — they are inexpensive and work at any length up to 100 feet.