Most routers for home or small office use can be easily configured via web interface, knowing the LAN (also called internal or private) IP address of the router, and the login/password to access the administrative console.
With your router plugged in, switched on and connected to your desktop, laptop or mobile device with a cable or via a Wi-Fi connection, open whichever browser you use and simply type in or copy-paste the LAN IP assigned to your router.
For Linksys SRW2024, 3Com OfficeConnect, Netopia (Cayman), Billion ADSL and a few other routers the private IP set by the manufacturer will be 192.168.l.254, so enter
192.168.1.254 (no spaces) or http://192.168.1.254
Normally a login window would pop up and you proceed to administrative console. If that doesn’t happen, try the following:
1. For a brand new router: check the router case for IP information
On the back side of your device you should find a sticker with the factory information, including the internal IP address as set by the manufacturer (look for 192.168.1.254, 192.168.l.l, 192.168.0.1 or another similar number).
2. Check the connection
The reason you fail to access the admin console of your router can be loss of connection between the device and your computer or mobile device: make sure the Ethernet cable is plugged in tightly and is in the right sockets on both ends, if you use Wi-Fi make sure your computer shares the same network with your router.
3. Look up your router’s IP
- Windows: use ipconfig in command prompt mode (Start>Search>cmd): type
\ipconfig | findstr /i "Gateway"\and you’ll have the router’s IP returned
- MacOS: enter Terminal.app, type
netstat -nr | grep default
- Linux: enter Terminal, type
ip route | grep default
- iOS: enter the Settings app, click the Wi-Fi icon, then the 1st menu item in your Choose a network’ list — the DHCP or Static tab will show your router IP as ‘IP address’
- Android: you’ll need to download a third-party application for Wi-Fi/network information — the router’s IP will appear next to the word Router, Gateway or Default Gateway