Setup WiFi on the Actiontec PK5001A

Thumbnail image of Setup Router Staff
Setup Router Staff
(Last Updated: ) | Reading Time: 3 minutes

The Actiontec PK5001A router is considered a wireless router because it offers WiFi connectivity. WiFi, or simply wireless, allows you to connect various devices to your router, such as wireless printers, smart televisions, and WiFi enabled smartphones.

Other Actiontec PK5001A Guides

This is the wifi guide for the Actiontec PK5001A CAP002-10-0.29 CenturyLink. We also have the following guides for the same router:

WiFi Terms

Before we get started there is a little bit of background info that you should be familiar with.

Wireless Name

Your wireless network needs to have a name to uniquely identify it from other wireless networks. If you are not sure what this means we have a guide explaining what a wireless name is that you can read for more information.

Wireless Password

An important part of securing your wireless network is choosing a strong password.

Wireless Channel

Picking a WiFi channel is not always a simple task. Be sure to read about WiFi channels before making the choice.

Encryption

You should almost definitely pick WPA2 for your networks encryption. If you are unsure, be sure to read our WEP vs WPA guide first.

Login To The Actiontec PK5001A

To get started configuring the Actiontec PK5001A WiFi settings you need to login to your router. If you are already logged in you can skip this step.

To login to the Actiontec PK5001A, follow our Actiontec PK5001A Login Guide.

Find the WiFi Settings on the Actiontec PK5001A

If you followed our login guide above then you should see this screen.

router setup
This is the setup page from your Actiontec PK5001A router.

Start by clicking the Wireless Setup option right in the middle.

Change the WiFi Settings on the Actiontec PK5001A

wifi wireless
This is the wifi setup page from your Actiontec PK5001A router.

This takes you to a page like the one above. On this page you can change your wireless name if you want. Simply enter the new name in the space next to Network Name and then click the blue Apply button.

More information on network names can be found here on our How to Change your Wireless Name page.

Next, click the Wireless Security option in the left sidebar.

router wifi security wireless
This is the wifi security page from your Actiontec PK5001A router.

You are now on a page like the one above.

Select the network name you just created from the SSID drop down box.

Now open up the Security Type drop down menu and pick the encryption you want to use. We recommend using WPA2-Personal. This is the strongest encryption available right now for wireless encryption. Learn more in my WEP vs. WPA guide.

New security questions appear after choosing WPA2. Next to Security Type pick AES.

Below that it asks you to Enter security key/passphrase. Choose the radio dot that reads Use Custom Security Key/Passphrase.

You will then need to come up with a new wireless security password. Ideas for a memorable yet strong password can be found on our Choosing a Strong Password page.

When you are finished click the Apply button.

Possible Problems when Changing your WiFi Settings

After making these changes to your router you will almost definitely have to reconnect any previously connected devices. This is usually done at the device itself and not at your computer.

Other Actiontec PK5001A Info

Don't forget about our other Actiontec PK5001A info that you might be interested in.

This is the wifi guide for the Actiontec PK5001A CAP002-10-0.29 CenturyLink. We also have the following guides for the same router: