Network Setup Tutorial

Hi, I’m Jordan from Northstar Fiber. In this tutorial, we’ll connect your router, set up secure Wi-Fi, and check that your devices are online.

Start with the fiber ONT, the device that brings the fiber connection into your home. Connect its Ethernet port to the router’s WAN or Internet port. Power on the ONT first and wait for its service light to become stable before turning on the router. The ONT links your home to the fiber network, and the router shares that connection with your devices. If both functions are in one unit, follow the setup guide for that specific model.

Once the router is online, open its setup app or management page to configure Wi-Fi. Change the default administrator password first, then create a network name and a strong Wi-Fi password; keep these two passwords separate. For wireless security, choose WPA3 if your devices support it. Otherwise, select WPA2 with AES, and avoid WEP because it is outdated and less secure.

Now connect a phone or laptop to the new Wi-Fi network and open a website to confirm it is online. Test near the router first, and compare the result with a wired Ethernet connection if you can. If Ethernet works but Wi-Fi is weak, move the router to a central, open location. If neither connection works, check that the ONT service light is stable and the Ethernet cable is in the WAN port, then restart the ONT first and the router second.

Finally, reconnect your remaining devices and check that they come online in the rooms where you use them. Your home network is ready. Save your Wi-Fi details somewhere secure so they’re easy to find when you set up another device.