How Do I Add a Router to My Modem?

Adding a router to your modem is how you get WiFi. So, if you want wireless Internet, you need a router. The good news is that connecting a router to your modem is easy.

To connect a router to a modem using an Ethernet cable, you need the following items:

• Modem or Cable modem
• Router
• Ethernet cable(s)
• Coaxial cables

Hitron is a trusted manufacturer of Cable Modems and Cable Modem Routers for large Internet Service Providers in North America, and for that reason, this article will focus on setting up your Cable Modem with a router.

One of the most important steps is testing for a valid working coax wire or outlet. This ensures you actually get an Internet connection.

Steps for Connecting a Router to a Cable Modem

1. Make sure your cable modem is plugged into a viable coax cable wall outlet for an Internet connection.
2. Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into the router’s WAN/uplink port (this should be labelled on the back).
3. Next, plug the other end of the Ethernet cable an available port on your cable modem.

Check that the cable modem and router lights confirm that they have power and then test your setup by connecting a device, such as a laptop, tablet or cell phone to your network. You should be good to go.

Cable Internet from a Cable Internet provider uses the coax TV wiring in your home to deliver your Internet signal.  This network backbone is also called a MoCA network and you can learn more about it here.

Connecting More than one Router

You can also connect two routers to one another to have two routers. Follow steps 1 and 2 above. But then for step 3, plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into the first router other than its uplink port. You can also skip the wires to connect the second router and connect the two routers wirelessly, but the second router will only function as a wireless access point in that case.

Separate Router or Combined Cable Modem Router?

Investing in one device like a cable modem router instead of separate devices makes the already-easy setup even easier.

If you are looking for a high-performance cable modem router with all of these features and more, Hitron’s CODA cable modem with DOCSIS 3.1 technology offers the fastest Gigabit speeds and reliability. Hitron’s CODA cable modem is available to purchase on Amazon and comes complete with online support.

For more articles and information on cable modems or cable modem router features and home networking solutions check out Hitron’s ​Learn Page​ or Blog.