As people move away from having a single family desktop computer toward having multiple computers, laptops and web-enabled entertainment devices (like the Wii, Xbox, and many new Blu-Ray players), having a wireless network in their home becomes a necessity. Thankfully, it is easy to set up a wireless network, even for people who don’t have an IT background.
In order to set up a wireless network, some basic equipment is required:
- A broadband internet connection (usually via a cable or satellite provider)
- A wireless router, a DSL modem, or a cable modem with built-in wireless networking support
- A computer or other device with built-in wireless connectivity (or a wireless modem that can be installed on the computer)
Once the equipment is ready, the process is simple:
- Ensure that the broadband connection is working. The lights on your broadband modem (which is typically provided by the broadband service provider) will indicate whether it is receiving a signal.
- Connect the wireless router to the broadband modem. Most wireless routers come with a detailed instruction manual, but if no copy is included, instructions can be found online by entering the modem's brand and model names in a search engine.
- Configure the wireless router. In most cases, the computer being used to set up the wireless network will automatically open up a link to the router's web page, which walks users through the set-up process. If a password is required, it should be listed in the router instruction manual, but if not, try either "admin" or "username" for the username field and "admin" or "password" for the password field.
Please note that configuring your wireless router is essential for keeping a network secure. Three things should be configured during this process: establishing the wireless network name (called the SSID), creating a network security key (or password) so that only authorized users can login to the network, and an administrative password in case the router ever needs to be reconfigured. It's smart to keep a copy of these settings saved electronically andas a hard copy, in case something happens to the computer used to establish the network.
- Connect other wireless-enabled devices to the new wireless network, referring to user manuals and help guides as necessary.
Enjoy the freedom of accessing the web via multiple sources at home!
Additional resources:
Why, what, and how by CNet.com
Microsoft guide to setting up WLAN (a wireless network)
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