Member Avatar for lanitooot

i already setup a wireless connection in my house. the modem is connected to the router through Ethernet cable(rj45) and the router is connected to the LAN port in my desktop through Ethernet cable(rj45).

i was wondering if how can you setup a wireless connection if you don't have a desktop? Is the desktop serves as the server?. Please help because my sister is asking me to setup hers but i don't know how because she only has 1 computer.

a good explanation would be very much appreciated.

thanks..

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by willjackson

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Short answer: no — you do not need two computers. The router is the device that creates the network, hands out IP addresses (DHCP) and broadcasts the Wi‑Fi; a single machine is enough to configure it and then any laptop, phone or tablet can join. and pointed this out; the desktop in your original post is not acting as a server in a normal home setup.

Typical one-machine workflow:

  1. Connect the modem to the router WAN/Internet port and plug your computer into a LAN port with an Ethernet cable.
  2. Open a browser and go to the router’s admin address (often printed on the router or in the manual). If you can’t find it, run ipconfig /all (Windows) or ip addr (Linux/Mac) and look for the Default Gateway.
  3. Log in with the default credentials from the label, then immediately change the admin password. Set an SSID and strong wireless encryption (WPA2- or WPA3-Personal with a long passphrase). Enable DHCP so devices get IPs automatically.
  4. Save settings and connect your wireless device.

If the only device has no Ethernet port: many modern routers provide a factory Wi‑Fi SSID and password on the sticker or offer a mobile setup app/QR code. A cheap USB-to-Ethernet adapter or borrowing a wired laptop will also work. Avoid using the WPS PIN method (it’s known to be insecure).

Quick security/troubleshooting tips: update router firmware, disable remote admin, create a guest network for visitors, and if you can’t reach the admin page check cable LEDs, power-cycle modem+router, or set a temporary static IP like 192.168.1.2/255.255.255.0 to match the router’s subnet.

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Member Avatar for rch1231

Yes you can set up a wireless connection with only one computer (laptop or desktop). The only real requirement is to connect initially with a wire to configure the router and set your wireless access codes.

Member Avatar for willjackson

yes for the purpose of initially setting up the router you need to hardwired connect a computer to your sister's router and use it to configure the router once the it is properly configure you may connect now to your laptop to the wireless signal the router will be broadcasting.

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