DIY: Setting up Home Wireless Lan in 4 steps.

Indeed, “The strongest connections are at home,” if I may quote one of the internet service providers. So might as well get your smartphones, laptops, and other devices stay connected to share internet access, files, printers, game consoles, and among all the computers in your home. First off, you will need to have three things to set-up your wireless network:

1.       Operating System supporting Wireless Networking

Windows 7 platform already supports wireless networking.  But in the case of platforms like Windows Vista, users are recommended to install Windows Vista Service Pack 2 before setting up the Wireless Lan. Same is true with Windows XP which recommends Windows XP Service Pack 3 to make the wireless network possible. But in order to check whether you’re still in need of installing the service pack, you may use Windows Update. Here are the steps:

Click: Start > All Programs > Windows Update > Check for updates.

2.       Broad Band Internet Connection (DSL or Cable)

Of course, if you don’t have high-speed Internet connection provided by an ISP, how could you have an internet connection? There are two common broadband technologies which are Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and cable technology, requiring a DSL modem or a cable modem.

3.       A wireless router, a DSL modem, or a cable modem with built-in wireless networking support

Router is responsible for the conversion of signals coming across the internet into a wireless broadcast but now, newer DSL and cable modems do have integrated wireless network capability, too, known as modem routers. In that case, it is needless to purchase a separate wireless router.

Have these three important things and you are now ready to follow these five simple steps to set up your own wireless network:

1.       Internet Connected

Make sure that you are connected to the internet and your DSL or cable modem is working for you to conduct your wireless network.

2.       Connect your wireless router

For you to connect wireless router, you must first unplug your cable modem or DSL modem to  turn it off. Then, connect your wireless router to your modem as the latter stays connected to the internet. After connecting all the components, your computer will wirelessly connect to your router. Then the router will send communications through your modem to the Internet.

3.       Configure your wireless router

Connect our computer to one of the open network ports on your wireless router using the network cable that came with your wireless router. Open Internet Explorer and type in the URL address to configure your router and do this only on the computer that is intended for the set up of your wireless network. The computer automatically links you to the router’s configuration page. Now you might be prompted for a password and the address and password you use varies depending on the type of router so it’s important for you to refer to the instructions included with your router or you can also see the instructions on the manufacturer’s website. The browser shows you the configuration page, along with the modem IP address and other information but you need to configure three things:

·         Wireless network name, or the SSID. SSID should be modified for you to be able to identify your network. And it can also help in keep your wireless network secure by preventing it from overlapping with other wireless networks that might be using default SSID.

·         Wireless network protection: Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA or WPA2). Protect your Wi-Fi by setting up network security key as it turns on encryption. This prevents people to connect to your network and prevents attempts as well to access your network and files without your permission as all information sent across your network is encrypted.

·         Administrative password. This password controls your wireless network just like any other password. If possible, it should have special keys or just any word that can’t be found in the dictionary. Also, be sure to save a hard copy and a digital copy of this password if for instance you have to change your router’s settings. Click Save Settings, Apply, or OK and you’re all set with the settings.

4.       Connect your computers, printers, and other devices to the wireless network.

You can now connect your latest gadgets as long as they have a network adapter or a built-in wireless capability.

So stay tuned in and connected; make yourself feel at home with your homely set-up Wi-Fi.