How to Set Up Your Linksys E900 Step‑by‑Step

How to Set Up Your Linksys E900 Step‑by‑StepSetting up a Linksys E900 router is straightforward. This guide walks you through preparing, connecting, configuring, and securing the router so your home network runs reliably. Follow each step in order and refer to the troubleshooting section if something doesn’t work as expected.

What you’ll need

• Linksys E900 router
• Power adapter that came with the router
• An active internet connection (DSL/cable modem)
• Ethernet cable (usually provided)
• A computer or smartphone with Wi‑Fi or Ethernet
• (Optional) A paper and pen to record passwords and settings

1. Physical setup

1. Unbox the router and place it in a central, elevated location for best Wi‑Fi coverage. Avoid placing it on the floor or inside cabinets.
2. Connect the router’s power adapter to the router and plug it into a wall outlet. Wait for the power LED to become steady.
3. Use the Ethernet cable to connect the modem’s LAN port to the router’s WAN (Internet) port—usually labeled “Internet” or colored differently.
4. If you prefer, connect a computer to one of the router’s numbered LAN ports with an Ethernet cable for a wired setup during configuration.

2. Accessing the router’s web setup page

1. On a device connected to the router (via Wi‑Fi or Ethernet), open a web browser.
2. In the address bar type 192.168.1.1 and press Enter. This is the default IP for Linksys routers.
3. When prompted for a password, leave the username blank and enter the default password: admin. If the login screen asks for both username and password, leave username blank and use admin for password.
4. If you cannot access 192.168.1.1:
   • Ensure your device is connected to the router.
   • Check the device’s IP address (should be 192.168.1.x). On Windows use ipconfig, on macOS/Linux use ifconfig or ip addr.
   • Try resetting the router (hold the Reset button for 10 seconds) if login credentials were changed and forgotten.

3. Quick Setup (Basic Internet connection)

1. Once logged in, you’ll typically land on the setup wizard or the Basic Setup page.
2. Under “Internet Connection Type,” select the type provided by your ISP:
   • DHCP/Automatic Configuration — for most cable ISPs.
   • Static IP — if your ISP gave you a fixed IP address.
   • PPPoE — common for DSL; enter the ISP‑provided username and password.
3. If your ISP requires cloning the MAC address, use the router’s MAC Clone feature found in the Basic Setup page.
4. Save settings and reboot the router if prompted. Confirm internet access by visiting a website on your connected device.

4. Configure Wi‑Fi (Wireless settings)

1. Navigate to the Wireless section (often labeled “Wireless” → “Basic Wireless Settings”).
2. Set the “Wireless Network Mode” to Mixed for compatibility with older devices, or choose N Only for best performance with 802.11n devices.
3. Enter a clear “Network Name (SSID)” — this will be the Wi‑Fi name users see.
4. Under Wireless Security, choose WPA2 Personal (AES) for best balance of security and compatibility. If WPA2 is unavailable, use WPA/WPA2 Mixed.
5. Enter a strong Wi‑Fi password (passphrase). Make it at least 12 characters mixing letters, numbers, and symbols.
6. Save settings. The router may restart the wireless radios; reconnect to the new SSID with the password you set.

5. Change the router admin password

1. Go to the Administration (or Management) → Management Settings page.
2. Replace the default admin password with a strong, unique admin password to prevent others from changing your router’s settings.
3. Save changes and log back in using the new admin password to confirm it works.

6. Update router firmware

1. Check the current firmware version in Administration → Firmware Upgrade.
2. Visit Linksys support (or use the router’s “Check for Updates” feature if available) and download the latest firmware for E900.
3. Use the Firmware Upgrade section to upload the firmware file. Do not power off the router during the upgrade.
4. After the update completes, the router will reboot. Verify the version number updated successfully.

7. Optional — Advanced settings

• Guest Network: Enable a guest SSID to give visitors internet-only access without exposing your main network.
• Parental Controls: Restrict websites or set schedules for device internet access (features vary by firmware).
• Port Forwarding / DMZ: Configure these if you run services (games, servers) that need inbound access.
• QoS (Quality of Service): Prioritize traffic for gaming or streaming devices if your router firmware supports it.
• Static IP leases: Assign static local IPs to devices (useful for printers or NAS).

8. Troubleshooting common issues

• No internet after setup:
  • Confirm modem is online — power cycle the modem and router: unplug both, wait 30 seconds, plug modem back in, wait for it to fully start, then plug in router.
  • Check WAN/Internet light on router; if off, reseat the Ethernet cable between modem and router.
  • Verify ISP credentials for PPPoE.
• Can’t access 192.168.1.1:
  • Ensure device IP is on same subnet (192.168.1.x). Temporarily set a static IP like 192.168.1.50 if needed.
  • Try a different browser or an incognito/private window.
• Slow Wi‑Fi:
  • Change wireless channel in Wireless Settings to a less congested channel (1, 6, or 11 for 2.4 GHz).
  • Move router away from interference sources (microwaves, cordless phones).
  • Use 5 GHz (not supported on E900 — it’s 2.4 GHz only) or upgrade to a dual‑band router if many modern devices need the 5 GHz band.
• Forgotten admin password:
  • Factory reset (hold Reset for ~10 seconds) and redo setup.

9. Quick security checklist

• Change router admin password (do not use “admin”).
• Use WPA2 Personal (AES) for Wi‑Fi encryption.
• Disable WPS if you do not use it (WPS can be a security risk).
• Keep firmware updated.
• Use a guest network for visitors.

10. When to consider replacing the E900

Linksys E900 is an affordable, single‑band 2.4 GHz N router suitable for basic browsing and older devices. Consider upgrading if you need:

• Faster Wi‑Fi across many devices (look for dual‑band Wi‑Fi ⁄₆).
• Better range and more advanced QoS for gaming/streaming.
• Modern security features (WPA3).

If you want, tell me whether you’ll configure the router from a PC or phone and I’ll give a shorter checklist tailored to that device.