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.