I received this question the other day and thought I should record the answer.
Yes, it's better to connect the computer to the router directly. Here's why?
- Faster speeds: When you connect your computer directly to the router using an Ethernet cable, you can achieve faster Internet speeds than if connected wirelessly. This is because wired connections offer more stable and consistent data transfer rates.
- More reliable connection: Wired connections are less prone to interference from other devices or obstacles, such as walls or furniture, which can disrupt wireless signals.
- Better security: It's more secure than connecting wirelessly. That's because it's harder for hackers or unauthorized users to intercept your network traffic.
- Easier troubleshooting: If you're experiencing connectivity issues with your wireless network, connecting your computer directly to the router can help you troubleshoot the problem more easily. It rules out potential wireless signal issues.
Follow these steps to connect your computer to a router directly...
- Turn off your computer and router (unplug the power cable).
- Use an Ethernet cable to connect your computer to one of the LAN ports on the back of the router. You'll see labels like LAN 1 and LAN 2 behind the router. You can buy the ethernet cable at any electronic store, such as Best Buy.
- Plug the power cable into your router, so it comes on – and then turn on your computer. Then, wait for the computer to boot up.
- You should have an Internet connection (don't forget to disconnect from WIFI).
- If you want to configure settings for your router, open a web browser and enter the router's IP address into the address bar. This is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, or 192.168.2.1. Then, you can configure various settings such as network name, password, security type, and more through the router's admin interface.
- Enter your username and password for the router's admin interface when prompted. Or find the default username and password for that specific router.
Here's a list of some popular routers and their default usernames and passwords:
Netgear:
Username: admin
Password: password
Linksys:
Username: admin
Password: admin
D-Link:
Username: admin
Password: (leave blank)
Asus:
Username: admin
Password: admin
TP-Link:
Username: admin
Password: admin or password
Belkin:
Username: admin
Password: (leave blank) or password
Bell (varies depending on the model):
Username: admin
Password: admin
Username: admin
Password: password
Username: root
Password: admin
Necessary: you should always change your router's default username and password to something secure as soon as possible to prevent unauthorized access to your network.
