Guide to Mac-friendly wireless routers: Basics of third-party wireless router setup

Virtually all wireless routers are technically Mac-compatible since they are usually configured through a browser. Of course, the process is markedly easier if your router includes good support/documentation for Mac OS X, but if not, setup is a simple two-part process:

1. Using a Mac configured with an AirPort card, select the router from the AirPort menubar item or within Internet Connect (located in /Applications). The router is usually named after the manufacturer, e.g. "Belkin," "Linksys," or something like "Untitled."
2. Open a browser and enter the address 192.168.1.1. If one browser doesn't work, try another. Some routers, for instance, cannot be properly configured through Safari, but can through Firefox. You'll be able to establish security settings and more.

Also note that your router may have a default password that is required to access the configuration page. This password is generally part of included documentation, but if you acquired a router second-hand or cannot find the appropriate password, GovernmentSecurity.org maintains a list of default passwords for most routers.

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