Setup WiFi on the Linksys WRT54G2

The Linksys WRT54G2 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.

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 Linksys WRT54G2

To get started configuring the Linksys WRT54G2 WiFi settings you need to login to your router. If you are already logged in you can skip this step.

To login to the Linksys WRT54G2, follow our Linksys WRT54G2 Login Guide.

Find the WiFi Settings on the Linksys WRT54G2

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

router setup — This is the *setup* page from your Linksys WRT54G2 router.

This guide begins on the Basic Setup page of the Linksys WRT54G2v1.5. Click the link at the top of the page labeled Wireless.

Change the WiFi Settings on the Linksys WRT54G2

wifi wireless — This is the *wifi setup* page from your Linksys WRT54G2 router.

This places you on the Basic Wireless Settings page. If you choose the radio button at the top of the page labeled Wi-Fi Protected Setup you are taken to the WPS page. Do not use WPS it is very insecure. Click this link to learn more about this topic.

Click the option of Manual at the top of the page. This takes you to a page like the one you see here.

The first drop down list is titled Wireless Network. We recommend choosing Mixed here.

Second is the Wireless Network Name (SSID). This is the name you create in order to identify your local network. It doesn't matter what you enter here but we recommend avoiding personal information.

Next is the Wireless Channel. Make sure you choose channel 1,6, or 11. Learn why in our WiFi Channels Guide.

When you are finished, tick the blue button labeled Save Settings.

Then at the top of the page click the link titled Wireless Security.

router wifi security wireless — This is the *wifi security* page from your Linksys WRT54G2 router.

This takes you to the page you see above.

The first drop down menu is titled Security Mode. Choose WPA2 Personal for the best security. Click this link to learn more.

Next is the WPA Algorithm. For maximum security, choose AES.

The last thing you need to change is the WPA Shared Key. This is the internet password. This should be changed from the default because hackers know all the defaults and try those first. Make this password at least 14 to 20 characters. Try and use at least one symbol, number, and capital letter in your new password. Learn more in our Choosing a Strong Password Guide.

That's it, don't forget to click the Save Settings button before you exit.

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.

Setup WiFi on the Linksys WRT54G2

Other Linksys WRT54G2 Guides

WiFi Terms

Wireless Name

Wireless Password

Wireless Channel

Encryption

Login To The Linksys WRT54G2

Find the WiFi Settings on the Linksys WRT54G2

Change the WiFi Settings on the Linksys WRT54G2

Possible Problems when Changing your WiFi Settings

Other Linksys WRT54G2 Info