How do I Hook Up a Linksys Broadband Router to a Motorola Cable Modem?

by Larry Simmons, Demand Media

Connect your cable modem to a broadband router to share the bandwidth with numerous devices.

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Connecting a Linksys broadband router to your Motorola cable modem opens up the broadband connectivity to allow for a shared connection among multiple devices. With the router, you can have multiple PCs in the household use the same Internet connection, along with gaming or video devices. The connection is an easy one to make, needing only the hardware setup. The modem and router both have software embedded that allows them to recognize one another and begin communicating instantly with no further setup needed on your part.

Step 1

Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port in the back of your Motorola cable modem. Plug a coaxial cable to the cable in connector in the rear of the modem and the other end to the wall outlet supplying the cable Internet service feed.

Step 2

Run the Ethernet cable over to the rear of the Linksys broadband router. Plug the end of the cable into router Ethernet port labeled "Wan." Plug a second Ethernet cable into the number "1" port, and then plug the other end into an Ethernet port on your PC.

Step 3

Plug the cable modem into an electrical outlet. Wait for the modem to cycle through the lights on the front of the it. The first shining green led light in the cycle is the "Power" light. The next green light is the "Receive" light, which indicates a successful connection with your Internet service and the transfer of data from the ISP. The "Send" light comes on next when the modem responds to the ISP's data by sending its own back. When the "Online" light turns green, the modem is ready for use.

Step 4

Plug the router into an electrical outlet. Wait for the "Power" light to turn green, and then the "Wan" light to begin to flicker green on the front of the router, indicating a successful connection with the cable modem.

Step 5

Turn on your PC and wait for it to boot. The PC will automatically detect the connection with your ISP and make the connection available for use. Check the router for a green LED labeled "1." When the connection is established this LED lights up, as will an orange LED on the modem labeled "PC/Activity."

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References

  • Tech-FAQ: How to Set Up a Linksys Router
  • Cox Cable: Connect a Router, Cable Modem, and Primary Computer

About the Author

Larry Simmons is a freelance writer and expert in the fusion of computer technology and business. He has a B.S. in economics, an M.S. in information systems, an M.S. in communications technology, as well as significant work towards an M.B.A. in finance. He's published several hundred articles with Demand Studios.

Photo Credits

  • Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images