To set up a router, power off the modem, connect it to the router’s Internet (WAN) port, power the modem on and wait about two minutes, then power on the router. Open the maker’s app or the address on the label, follow the wizard, set a new admin and WiFi password with WPA2 or WPA3, and update the firmware.
PCBy the Pixl Canada install team. Maker and Cyber Centre guidance read October 31, 2026. 8 min read.
- Eight steps from box to working WiFi
- Which connection type the wizard asks for
- Security settings to choose
- Which WAN port your plan needs
- Order matters: modem off, cable to the router’s Internet port, modem on, wait about two minutes, then the router.
- Change the default admin and WiFi passwords, use WPA2 or WPA3, turn WPS off and enable automatic updates.
- A plan above 1 Gbps needs a 2.5 GbE or faster Internet port. A 1 GbE port carries about 941 Mbps (calculated).
- If your provider’s box is also a router, read about bridge mode first.
What do you need before you set up a router?
| Item | Why you need it |
|---|---|
| The router, its power adapter and one Ethernet cable | The cable joins the modem to the router’s Internet port |
| A phone or laptop | Many routers set up in the maker’s app. Others in a browser |
| Your provider login, if your plan uses one | Some plans use a username and password (PPPoE). TP-Link says to have it ready |
| The label on the router | It shows the setup address, default WiFi name and password and admin login |
| A spot for the router | Central, open and raised. See how to improve WiFi signal |
How do you set up a router, step by step?
These steps follow TP-Link’s router setup guide, which matches how most routers and modems pair. Your maker’s own instructions win where they differ.
- Unplug the modem. Remove its backup battery too, if it has one.
- Connect the modem to the router. Use an Ethernet cable from the modem to the router’s Internet (WAN) port while the modem is still off.
- Power the modem on. Wait about 2 minutes for it to restart.
- Power the router on. Plug in its adapter and wait for the lights.
- Open the setup page or app. In a browser, type the address from the label, such as tplinkwifi.net or 192.168.0.1 for TP-Link, into the address bar, not a search box.
- Follow the wizard. It asks for the time zone, connection type, WiFi name and password, and firmware update preference.
- Set the admin password and update firmware. Choose the settings in the table below.
- Reconnect your devices. Join the new network on each phone, laptop, TV and smart device.
Your router may use the maker’s app instead of a browser. eero and TP-Link Deco, for example, are set up in an app. Our eero, Orbi and Deco setup page lists what each app expects.
What does the setup ask about your internet connection?
| Connection type | When it applies | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic detection or Dynamic IP | The most common case when a router sits behind a modem. TP-Link’s Deco setup calls Dynamic IP typical when wired to a modem or main router | Pick it, or let the wizard detect it |
| PPPoE | Your provider gave you a username and password | Type them in exactly as supplied |
| Static IP | Your provider gave you fixed addresses, usually on a business plan | Enter the details from your provider |
| Not sure | The wizard cannot tell, or the internet does not work after setup | Plug a laptop straight into the modem. If it has no internet either, call your provider |
Which settings should you choose?
| Setting | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Router admin password | A new one, different from the WiFi password | Default passwords are widely known |
| WiFi password | A long passphrase | Length matters more than symbols |
| Security type | WPA3 if every device supports it, otherwise WPA2 | The Cyber Centre accepts WPA2 or WPA3, and calls WPA3 the newest and most secure |
| WPS | Off | The Cyber Centre says a nearby attacker can brute-force its PIN |
| Remote administration | Off, if possible | Stops outsiders from reaching the admin page |
| Firmware updates | Automatic, if the router offers them | Updates close known holes |
| Guest network | On, for visitors and smart devices | Keeps guests and cheap gadgets away from your laptops |
Choose the WiFi name carefully. Some older smart plugs and cameras join only the 2.4 GHz band, so if a device will not join, check whether the router has combined or split names. For password strength and sharing, see how to find and share your WiFi password. To set a new password later, see how to change your WiFi password. For a guest network, see guest WiFi and IoT setup.
What if your provider’s modem is also a router?
Many Canadian plans include a combined modem and router. Putting your own router behind it can create two routers in a row. The usual answers are bridge mode on the provider’s box, or turning off its WiFi. Plans differ and some providers must enable bridge mode for you. Read bridge mode and your ISP modem before you plug anything in.
Does the router’s Internet port match your plan?
A gigabit port cannot carry a multi-gigabit plan. The table counts the speed an Ethernet link can carry after frame overhead: each 1,448 bytes of data travels in a 1,538-byte frame, so a link carries about 94 percent of its label speed.
| Internet plan | Smallest WAN port | Usable ceiling | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 Mbps | 1 GbE | 941 Mbps | Meets the plan |
| 1,000 Mbps | 1 GbE | 941 Mbps | Reaches the plan to within 6 percent. A 2.5 GbE port removes the cap |
| 1,500 Mbps | 2.5 GbE | 2,354 Mbps | Meets the plan |
| 2,000 Mbps | 2.5 GbE | 2,354 Mbps | Meets the plan |
| 3,000 Mbps | 5 GbE | 4,707 Mbps | Meets the plan |
| 5,000 Mbps | 10 GbE | 9,415 Mbps | Meets the plan |
The modem needs a matching port too. Check the datasheet of both boxes. WiFi speed also depends on your devices. See WiFi 6 vs 6E vs 7.
How do you check that it works?
- Open a website on a phone joined to the new WiFi.
- Test a room at the far end of the home. If it is weak, see how to improve WiFi signal.
- Move your TV, printer and smart devices to the new network. For a TV, see how to connect a TV to WiFi.
- Write the new WiFi and admin passwords down somewhere safe.
Pixl installs this: your router set up and tested from $129
Home WiFi or mesh setup is a posted Pixl price of $129 and up, before tax. We connect the first unit to your modem, place any nodes, set the name and password, move your devices over and test the rooms you use. The router is not included, and you pay after the job. Same-day service is available when we have an opening.
You have a small home, one router, a cable and some quiet time. The steps above cover it.
You have several floors, a mesh set, a provider modem you cannot change, or many smart devices to move over. Pixl does not run new cable through walls.
How to set up a router: frequently asked questions
How do I set up a new router?
Power off the modem, connect it to the router’s Internet port with an Ethernet cable, power the modem on and wait about two minutes, then power the router on. Open the maker’s app or the address on the label, follow the wizard, set a WiFi name and password, and update the firmware.
How do I connect a router to a modem?
Use an Ethernet cable from the modem’s Ethernet port to the Internet or WAN port on the router, not one of the numbered LAN ports. Do it with the modem powered off, then power the modem on first.
How long does it take to set up a router?
A simple one-router setup is usually a short job. Pixl’s whole-home WiFi and mesh visits typically take 1 to 2 hours, because we place the nodes, move your devices and test the rooms.
What address do I type to reach my router?
It is printed on the label. TP-Link routers use tplinkwifi.net or 192.168.0.1. Type it in the browser’s address bar, not in a search box. Other makers use different addresses.
Do I need my internet provider’s username and password?
Only if your plan uses PPPoE. TP-Link says to have the details ready before you start. If the setup asks and you do not have them, check your bill or ask your provider.
Should I turn WPS off?
The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security says to disable WPS because a nearby attacker can brute-force its PIN. Set the password by typing it instead.
Can I use my own router with my provider’s modem?
Often yes, but plans differ, and some provider boxes must stay in place or be put in bridge mode. Ask your provider, and read the bridge mode guide linked above.
Does Pixl set up routers?
Yes. Home WiFi and mesh setup starts at $129 before tax for a router or system you bought. Send your home size and a photo of the modem for a fixed price before you book.
Prefer someone to do it and test it?
Text your home size and a photo of the modem. You get a fixed price before you book, and you pay after the job. Same-day service is available when we have an opening.
Smart home installation
Installation price list Canada
All installation services
Installation by project
All installation guides
Bridge mode and your ISP modem
eero, Orbi and Deco setup
Sources and method. The step order follows TP-Link’s router setup FAQ and, for apps, its Deco setup walkthrough. Security settings follow the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security’s router guidance (October 2022) and its WiFi security guidance. Read October 31, 2026. Menu names and addresses change by maker and firmware, so check the label and your router’s manual.
Port speed. Calculated with Python: efficiency = 1,448 / 1,538 = 0.941. 1 GbE: 1,000 x 0.941 = 941 Mbps. 2.5 GbE: 2,354 Mbps. 5 GbE: 4,707 Mbps. 10 GbE: 9,415 Mbps. These are ceilings for TCP data on standard frames, not measured speeds. Pixl’s price is the posted price on our WiFi installation page, before tax.
About Pixl Canada. Pixl Canada is an installation company based in Edmonton, Alberta, serving cities across Canada with TV mounting, security cameras, appliance installation and smart home setup. Call or text (587) 899-7495. Open Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm and Sunday 9am to 7pm.