HOW DO I SET-UP A HOME WIRELESS NETWORK
by Wolfdave
There are many advantages in having a home wireless network. No wires trailing all over the house is probably the most popular reason for going ‘wireless’. Other advantages include the need for just one printer for all your computers, being able to easily share files and the ability to have several computers connected to the Internet at the same time. So what do you need to achieve a wireless network? This article is for Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or later.
What do I need to set-up a wireless network at home?
1. A Wireless Router
2. Wireless Network Adapter (One for each PC)
3. A Broadband Connection
You will not be completely wireless, in that you will still need a physical device, your Modem, connected to your main phone socket. A Router carries out a similar function to your Cordless Phone’s Base Unit. It accepts the incoming Internet Connection then turns it into a wireless signal. Your computer is fitted with a Wireless Network Adapter, which picks up this signal, in the same way that the antenna on your Cordless Phone would receive a signal from its base unit.
It is a good idea to get your Router and Wireless Network Adapters from the same vendor. This will provide the easiest and most reliable set up. As you begin looking at Wireless devices, you will become familiar with certain specifications. 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g are the ones to look for. 802.11g is the one now recommended as it is reliable and compatible with most other devices. Go for a USB Network Adapter, these simply plug into any available USB port. If you do not have a spare port, consider buying a USB hub.
So the basic configuration is this: Your Cable or DSL Modem stays connected to your phone line, the cable from your Modem that currently is connected to your computer, now plugs into your wireless router. You plug a wireless network adapter into a USB port on your computer. Read the documentation that came with your router to identify the different ports.
Step 1. Unplug the modem from your phone socket. Unplug the cable from your modem currently connected to the back of your PC; plug this cable into the port on your router labelled Internet, WAN or WLAN. Or check the documentation that came with your router. Now plug your modem back into the phone socket, give it a couple of minutes to connect to the internet, you can then plug in and turn on your router. After a minute or so, the Internet, WAN or WLAN light should illuminate, this shows that your router is now successfully connected to your modem.
Step 2. To configure your wireless router, you will need the network cable that came supplied with it. Temporarily connect this cable to the LAN port on the back of your computer and to one of the open ports on your router. You can turn your computer on if you want, it should connect to your router automatically. The instructions for your router should include an Internet address and password. Type the address into Internet Explorer to configure your router; you may be prompted for a password. Follow the steps on your routers configuration page, you will need to name your wireless network and create a password. When you’re done, remember to press Save or OK. You can now disconnect the network cable from your computer.
Step 3. Some modern computers have wireless support built in. If this is the case you will not need a wireless adapter. If your PC does not have wireless support then you can now plug your adapter into a USB port. Place the antenna as high as possible, on top of your tower, for instance. Windows will detect a new device; you may need to load the installation disc that came with your adapter. Follow the instructions to complete installation. Once this is completed you should see an icon on your task bar to show your wireless network is now connected. Right click on the icon to view wireless networks, you should now see a list of networks. Click on the name you chose for yours then click connect; you will be prompted for your network password created earlier. It may take a few moments to complete connection. That’s it, all done.