To see plans for your address, check availability.
Loading...
location_on
    AccessoriesSupport
    Quick Tips
    Mar 4 2019

    Quick Tip: Setting Up Your Wireless Router

    Wireless router by Kinetic powers handheld device.

    Where to even start?

    Many manufacturers have actually made the process of setting up a new router simple for even the non-technical among us: many new routers are color-coded, clearly labeled and come with an easy-to-follow instruction guide.

    If you seem to have misplaced that guide, don’t fret! Our Kinetic by Windstream team will walk you through the basics to setting up your new router.

    Here are the other tools you’ll need:

    • Modem — This is the device that has been providing your Internet connection, be it through cable or DSL. (Fiber Internet typically doesn’t require a modem.) Your modem should already be connected to a phone jack in your home.

    • Computer — A laptop or a desktop will do.

    Here’s what should come with your router:

    • Ethernet cable

    • Power adapter

    • How-to guide

    And here’s how to set up your new wireless router and get your Kinetic Internet up and running:

    1. Check for an Internet connection.

    This may seem like a silly step, but the last thing you’ll want is to go through all the steps to hooking up your wireless router only to find out that the issue is with your connection. This step is more critical if you’ve just moved as you are going through router setup as, or soon after, your Internet has been activated.

    To check, connect your computer to your modem using an ethernet cable. If you’re setting up a new router, simply check if you’re connected prior to disconnecting the old router. (You could also check your other connected devices, like smartphones, for Wi-Fi signals.)  

    2. Find a good spot to place your router.

    Placement of your router and modem are probably not at the forefront of your mind when you’re setting up new equipment, but they should be. You’ll want to place these items closest to where most of the online activity happens in your home. Remember that barriers like thick walls and interference will have an effect on your wireless network performance.

    3. Connect your modem and your computer to the router.

    Plug one end of the ethernet cable that came with your router into the modem. The ethernet cable will attach to the router’s port that reads “WAN” or “Internet,” which is usually a different color than the rest of the ports. Then, connect another ethernet cable from your laptop into one of the other ports on the router.   

    4. Plug in the router.

    Now, hook up your router’s power adapter to an outlet.

    5. Configure your wireless network by creating a username, a password and, if you want, a network name.

    New routers typically come with a default username and password that is included in the box. Be sure to change that information, and don’t forget to create a strong password so no one else can use your network. To configure the rest of your network — such as changing the name since most are a jumble of letters and numbers — go into your network settings. On Macs, the icon for “systems preferences” is a gear and is typically on your dock. On Windows, the icon — an unfilled screen — can be found next to your clock.

    Voila! You should now be connected to Kinetic Internet!

    If you’re still having trouble setting up your new router or having other connectivity issues, visit our Kinetic by Windstream Support page to live chat or call technical support at 800-347-1991 at any hour or day.

    DSL Promo Price: Customer will receive highest bandwidth DSL service that Kinetic can then provide at the address for $44.99/mo. for twelve (12) months with AutoPay; customer will see a line-item charge for DSL at $59.99/mo., a $5.00/mo. AutoPay credit, and a $10.00/mo. Promo Credit on their bill each month. Register for AutoPay though the Go Kinetic Portal[www.windstream.com/gokinetic] or by calling a service representative at 877-807-9463. If customer is not registered for AutoPay, customer will be charged $49.99/mo. without the AutoPay credit. After the advertised rate period, DSL service will be charged the then current DSL rate for continued service and future rate increases may be applied. Customer may cancel at any time. Home Phone service not included in price. Customer is responsible for payment of applicable taxes, fees, and surcharges, as these are not included in promotional or standard rates. Additional restrictions may apply.

    Kinetic by Windstream: Limited-time, non-transferable offer for residential customers that may not be combined with other promotions. Credit restrictions may apply. Subject to availability, Windstream Terms and Conditions, and Windstream Acceptable Use Policy.

    Kinetic Internet: Kinetic cannot guarantee upload or download speeds or uninterrupted, error-free service. Speed availability, capabilities, and provisioning vary depending on several factors: network and terrain conditions; Internet, website, or network congestion; effect of wi-fi use; number of concurrent users; device limitations; and customer location. Speeds 25 Mbps and above may be provisioned in a range including a minimum and maximum speed. Kinetic will provision customer’s location for the fastest speed within the available range, but may be less than the maximum.

    Kinetic Gig Speed Fiber: Kinetic Gig Speed Fiber has up to 1 Gig upload speed, which is more than 25x faster upload speed than the best advertised 1 Gig cable internet speed, which has 30-35 Mbps upload speed as of June 2024.

    99.9% Network Reliability: Kinetic Network Reliability based on monthly service availability scores from March 2023 to March 2024 as measured by the Windstream Network Operations Center using the formula Available Customer Hours divided by Total Customer Hours (Available Customer Hours plus Customer Outage Hours). Customer Outage Hours does not include planned maintenance, emergency events (hurricanes, winter storms, mass flooding, etc.)

    Equipment: Monthly equipment fees may apply. Kinetic-provided modems are capable of in-home wireless networking but connected devices may experience speeds slower than advertised or referenced in your Internet plan. Modem equipment must be returned upon termination, and if not, Windstream reserves the right to charge for the modem or a $100 fee.

    Whole Home Wi-Fi Set Up: Whole Home Wi-Fi installation involves Kinetic connect the Kinetic Gateway (modem), Wi-Fi extenders (as needed), & Wi-Fi capable devices to the home's network.

    Whole Home Wi-Fi: After the first month, the standard rate for Kinetic Wi-Fi Gateway is $10.99/month. Kinetic Fiber customers may receive up to 3 Kinetic Wi-Fi Extenders for $4.99/month. Kinetic DSL customers may receive up to 3 Kinetic Wi-Fi $10.99/month. Each additional Kinetic Wi-Fi Extender is $10.99/month. Taxes, fees, and surcharges are applicable. Other restrictions may apply. An Internet Activation fee and a Professional Installation fee may apply. At the time of installation, Kinetic Wi-Fi Gateway will be configured to provided the fastest connection then available; individual device connections speeds will vary due to a number of factors including, but not limited to; number of concurrent users and device limitations.

    *Reward Card Offer: Value of Reward Card varies based on broadband speed selected; not all broadband speeds qualify for a Reward Card: $100 for 1 Gig Service, and $200 for 2 Gig and up Service.

    Kinetic Reward Prepaid Mastercard: After eligibility has been confirmed by Kinetic, which is determined in Kinetic's sole discretion, customers will receive a redemption email and can choose immediate electronic delivery or a physical card by mail. If physical card delivery is selected, a $3 shipping and handling fee will be deducted from the amount of the card and the card will ship within 5-7 business days. There is a maximum of one prepaid card per household. Use your card anywhere Mastercard is accepted in the U.S. This card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated. The Bancorp Bank, N.A.; Member FDIC. This is not a gift card. This card is issued for loyalty, award or promotional purposes.

    Installation/Activation: An Internet Activation fee may apply. Professional Installation may be covered under this fee.

    © 2025 Windstream Intellectual Property services, LLC. All Rights reserved.

    Kinetic and Windstream are registered service marks or trademarks of Windstream Intellectual Property Services, LLC. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

    We value your privacy
    We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized ads or content, and analyze our traffic. Learn more here