Setting up a router
Purchase
When purchasing a router, please make sure to buy a NAT-enabled router! The following devices will not work:
- DSL modem
- Switch
- Access point
- Router with modem function (even though older Fritz!Boxes are very inexpensive, some models are configured in modem mode and cannot be set up to work with the network)
The router also needs a Gigabit WAN port to be able to use the full bandwidth of the accomodation network.
Purchasing from a previous tenant
If you purchase a used router from a previous tenant, there is a possibility that the previous tenant's configuration is still set up. Before connecting the router to the network, you must change this, otherwise your connection will be automatically blocked!
Setup
To set up the router, you must connect to the router's own network. Many routers propagate a Wi-Fi network as soon as they are connected to the power supply. Although this does not yet provide Internet access, it can be used to configure the router. Others require you to connect directly with a LAN cable. Please read the operating manual for your router. Keywords such as ‘WAN’, ‘static IP’ or ‘cascading router’ are of interest here.
Once you are connected, you need to open the router's dashboard. You can do this by opening a web browser and entering the address of the router/local gateway (not the gateway of the accomodation!). For newer routers, the manufacturer usually provides a web address:
| Manufacturer | Web address | Possible IP address |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | http://tplinkwifi.net | 192.168.0.1 |
| FritzBox | http://fritz.box | 192.168.178.1 |
| Telekom | http://speedport.ip | 192.168.2.1 |
The password for logging in is usually found on the back of the router.
Now you can configure the network settings (IP address, subnet mask, etc.). Please ensure that the configuration is correct! Incorrect configurations can result in your connection being recognised as an intrusion and blocked.
For some models, there are guides.
For your safety and that of all tenants, please ensure that the router system is regularly updated, a password is set for access to the router, and effective Wi-Fi encryption is activated (WPA2 or WPA3). It is also recommended that you give your Wi-Fi a unique name to avoid confusion with other tenants.