An Ethernet cable is the most common type of network cable used on a wired network whether at home or in any other business establishment. This cable connects wired devices together to the local network for file sharing and Internet access.
Linksys routers use Ethernet cables to connect to the modem via its Internet or WAN port and get Internet access for wired and wireless devices connected behind the
router. They also feature four [4] Ethernet ports that you can use to directly connect your wired devices and extend your home network.
While connecting Ethernet cables to and from the router seems an easy thing to do, there are important things that you need to check to ensure that the network connection passing through the router is good and stable.
This article will guide you on how to properly connect your wired devices to your Linksys router using Ethernet cables.
Connecting Ethernet
cables
Checking wired connectivity
Resolving LED issues
Setting up your
router
Enhancing network performance
Connecting Ethernet cables
Modem to Router
The Ethernet cable from the broadband modem should go to the router’s Internet or
WANport.
Router to wired devices
The Ethernet cables from your Ethernet-based devices should go to any of the numbered ports at the back of the Linksys router [1, 2, 3 or 4].
NOTE: In this example, a computer is connected to port number 3.
Modem to Router, Router to Computer
In a home network, the most common Ethernet connection setup is modem to router and router to computers or other networking
devices that use Ethernet cables. A Linksys router only allows four [4] wired devices to directly connect to it. You can cascade another router or connect a switch if you want to connect more wired devices together via Ethernet connection.
Checking wired connectivity
The LEDs on a Linksys router indicate the activities running on the corresponding ports. To check the LEDs' behavior, make sure that the Power adapter is plugged in to the router’s Power port and to a power outlet. To learn more, click
here.
Resolving LED issues
If in any case the LEDs on your router do not show any signs of activity, you can do the following:
- Remove the cables from the router and the Ethernet devices and reconnect them. Make sure that they snugly fit into the ports.
- Check that the Ethernet cables you are using are not loose and broken. If so, get another cable.
- Check the status of the computer’s Ethernet adapter. To learn how, click here.
- Check if your port lights have been disabled. You can configure this particular setting through the router’s setup page. To know more about this, click here.
Setting up your router
Properly connecting Ethernet cables to the router is a vital step to successfully install or configure the device. Once the cables are connected correctly, you can start installing or configuring the router. Choose from any of the setup links below to proceed:
Wi-Fi RoutersHow to set up your Linksys Wi-Fi Router for the first time using Linksys Connect
Setting up a Linksys router with Cable
Internet Service on a classic web-based setup page
Setting up a Linksys router with DSL Internet service
Setting up a Linksys router with a Static IP Account on a classic web-based setup page
Smart Wi-Fi Routers
Updating your Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router to the Linksys cloud account
Enhancing network performance
Wired connection provides faster and more stable network performance compared to wireless. However an Ethernet cable can only extend to limited distances depending on its specifications. Instead of limiting yourself to wired technology, you can improve your network and Internet experience by going wireless! Wireless Fidelity [Wi-Fi] gives you mobile and convenient access to your network. Aside from routers, Linksys offers a variety of networking solutions designed to give you the best wireless experience. Some of the most popular Linksys devices are listed below:
Getting to know the Linksys RE2000
Getting to know the WAP300N
Getting to know the WUMC710
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