IN
OUT
IN
OUT
Home network
connection guide
How to set up your modem
and Smart Router.
Wrench
Cable splitter
Power cord
Ethernet cable (RJ-45)
Telephone cord (RJ-11)
Coaxial cable (both 6' and 25')
For connecting your
modem
Ethernet cable
(1 included)
Front
For connecting your
Smart Router
Back
Power input
Etherne
t WAN port
Power butt
on
Etherne
t LAN ports
Reset button
USB ports
Default network
name (SSID)
and password
Make sure you’ve got all your parts:
!
!
!
!
To ensure best phone quality and internet speed, hand tighten each coaxial cable connector and use the wrench
included to make sure the cable connections are secure.
1
Disconnect your main cable line from your digital cable box, modem or router, but leave the other end connected to your
wall outlet.
2
Take that cable and connect it to the cable splitter where it’s marked “in”. If you are replacing an old modem, your cable
may already be split, and you can move on to step 4.
3
Using one of the coaxial cables, connect one end to the “out” end on the splitter and the other end to the back of the digital
cable box (if you have one) or to your TV.
4
Using the other coaxial cable, connect one end to the remaining “out” end on the splitter and the other end to the back of
the new modem.
5
Plug your power cord into the back of the modem and then into the electrical outlet or surge protector. Wait at least five
minutes while the modem starts up before moving on.
Ignore any window that automatically appears and may be labeled
“network setup wizard” or “set up your network.” Instead, open a web
browser (e.g. Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Safari) and you will
see the Optimum welcome screen pictured in the computer above. If
it does not load automatically, please go to install.optimum.com.
6
Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the back of the modem
and one end to the Ethernet port on the back of the computer.
Don’t connect it to a router yet.
7
Turn on your computer, open your web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer,
Google Chrome, Safari) and follow the on-screen instructions.
•
You’ll need your 13-digit account number, which you can find on your
work order, bill, Optimum store receipt and Channel 900. If you’re
installing internet service for the first time, you’ll also create an
Optimum ID here.
8
If you already have your ID, or once you’ve created one, you’ll need to sign
into your account at optimum.net. Select the “Remember Me” option so
you stay signed in when connecting your Smart Router.
9
If you’re only connecting Optimum Online service, skip ahead to the
“Connect your Smart Router” section.
10
Connect the telephone cord from the port marked “TEL 1” on the back
of the modem to your phone. For two phone lines, connect a second
telephone cord to the port marked “TEL 2”.
11
If your phone needs power, plug it in now. If it’s a new phone, charge
overnight before using.
12
If you’re connecting phone service for the first time, you’ll need to
register, set up and manage your calling features at optimum.net/voice.
Before you start:
Make sure you’ve got the most up-to-date web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Safari). Also, if you already have an existing network
name and password for your home, have it written down somewhere. You’ll need this when connecting your new Smart Router.
If you are connecting a modem for the first time you may also need these:
Wall
outlet
Cable
splitter
1
main line
Coaxial cable
Back of digital cable box
2
3
Connect your Smart Router
For the best wireless signal, place your Smart Router close to where you usually use your computer or wireless
device, and make sure it’s not obstructed by anything, such as furniture.
Also, your router needs to stand, as shown at the top of the page.
1
Unplug the modem from the electrical outlet or surge protector. If the modem lights are still on, disconnect the battery
backup connected to the modem.
2
Disconnect your existing Ethernet cable between the modem and computer, and then connect the yellow Ethernet cable
from the modem to the red Ethernet WAN port of the Smart Router.
3
If you’re using a wired laptop or computer to set up the Smart Router, connect your existing Ethernet cable between any open
yellow Ethernet LAN port on the Smart Router and the computer. If you’re using a wireless laptop, computer or device, skip this step.
4
Plug the modem into the electrical outlet or your existing surge protector. If you have a battery backup, reconnect it to the
modem. Wait for the cable modem’s four lights to become solid before proceeding. This may take up to a few minutes.
5
Plug the Smart Router into the electrical outlet or surge protector. If the power light isn’t on, press the power button located
on the back of the router in the bottom left corner. Wait at least five minutes while the Smart Router checks for network
updates before moving on. You’ll know the updates are complete when the first three lights, alternaing with the last three
lights, begin flashing green.
Set up your home network
Ignore any window that automatically appears and may be labeled
“network setup wizard” or “set up your network.” Instead, open a
web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Safari) and
you will see the Optimum welcome screen pictured in the laptop
to the left.
6
Go to the WiFi settings on your computer, laptop or device, select the
default network name (SSID-shown on the back of the Smart Router) and
enter the default password (sometimes referred to as the security key). To
find your WiFi settings on your device, follow step 10 below in the
“Connect devices to your home network” section.
7
Open your web browser on the computer that’s connected to the
Smart Router and you’ll be automatically directed to a welcome page.
8
To establish your network, follow the steps on-screen. If you’re replacing
a router, you should use your old router’s network name (SSID) and
password to automatically connect all your wireless devices. To create a
new network name (SSID) and password, follow the steps on-screen. For
this Smart Router you’ll need a password.
9
Go to your WiFi settings on your device and select the personalized
network name (SSID) you just created and enter your password.
Connect devices to your home network
10
Select your new personalized network name (SSID) from each device’s
wireless settings:
•
iPhone: “Settings” and “WiFi”
•
Android device: “Settings” > “Wireless Networks” or “WiFi”
•
PC: The Wireless Network Connection icon in the system tray, usually
located at the bottom of the screen.
•
Mac: The Airport icon in the menu bar
•
Other devices like gaming consoles and wireless printers: use the
WPS push button method described in the device’s manual
11
Enter your password and click “connect”.
To connect devices that don’t have wireless capabilities:
Connect your computer to one of the yellow LAN ports on the
Smart Router using another Ethernet cable.
We’re here to help
Visit us at optimum.net/support
or contact us:
optimum.net/chat
optimum.net/emailus
1-866-684-4688
youtube.com/OptimumBrandVideos
twitter.com/OptimumHelp
facebook.com/Optimum
manage your network at router.optimum.net
See which devices are connected, personalize your network name (SSID), change your
wireless network password, settings and more anytime.
Troubleshooting
Having trouble connecting? Try these tips:
1
Tighten your coaxial cable to the wall outlet
and modem, and make sure your power cords
and Ethernet cables are connected.
2
Check that your Smart Router is standing in the
upright position.
3
Reboot your modem, battery backup and
Smart Router.
Write your new network name and password on this sticker and keep it with your Smart Router:
A
B
C
2
1, 4
Ethernet
cable
Smart Router
Power
cord
Ethernet cable
(wired only)
modem
Front
Back
Power cord
Laptop
3
5
Connect your internet service
Connect your modem
Back of
computer
Ethernet cable
6
7
9
modem
Connect your phone service
Electrical
outlet
Telephone
cord
10
11
Electrical
outlet
modem
Power
cord
Power cord
5
4
Cable clips
TOP
BOTTOM
modem
Electrical
outlet
Electrical
outlet
—
Smart Router instructions:
Modem instructions:
Power input
Etherne
t WAN port
Power butt
on
Etherne
t LAN ports
Reset button
USB ports
Default network
name (SSID)
and password
router.optimum.net
Wireless Network Name (SSID):
Wireless Password:
Optimum ID:
Optimum ID Password:
If you need to create a new Optimum ID go to optimum.net/id. To recover an existing ID go to optimum.net/myid.
FPO
