Getting a broadband connection at home has added so much convenience.
We are on the internet daily and now we can surf at high speed and download files so
much faster! But now we have to consider that there are visiting sons who come with
their laptops and want to use the internet without all those wires! So the next step is
to set up the wireless network. Of course this means that they will be in the family room
watching TV while surfing the Web from the comfort of the recliner. What a life.
NOTE: Choose equipment that supports wireless
technology (802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g). 802.11g is recommended for compatibility and
performance.
Minimum Hardware needs:
Wireless Network Adaptor (or NIC card)
for your computer. Many new laptops include this, but desktops (towers) usually do not.
Each computer connected to your network will require a Wireless Network Adaptor. Also if you
purchase network adaptors, select one with a USB connection and chose the same vendor or
manufacturer that you select for your router.
Wireless Router or a Wireless Access Point (aka: Base station). A Wireless Router is
recommended since it includes an Access Point and a firewall.
Newer wireless routers and access points
support a handy security feature called MAC address filtering. This feature allows you to
register wireless adapters with your access point (or router), and force the unit to reject
communications from any wireless device that isn't on your list. MAC address filtering
combined with WEP encryption affords very good security protection.
Broadband Internet connection (cable
modem or DSL modem). If you need dial-up support, be sure to purchase a router having an
RS-232 serial port.
Optional:Wireless Antenna, signal
booster
To Start:
Power off your cable modem and your PC. Disconnect the Ethernet cable from the cable modem
and connect it to your Wireless Router. The other end should be connected to your computer.
Follow your manufacturer’s instructions.
Connect a second Ethernet cable from your
cable modem to the WAN port on your router.
Power up the cable modem and let it go
through its diagnostics which might take a minute or two.
Now plug in the router. Lights will
indicate its status. Now power up your PC. You may be required to configure the router
using your internet browser on your PC. Check your manufacturer’s instructions. Write down
any passwords or keys that you are required to enter so that you can connect to the network
or reconfigure the router if needed! Do not accept the default network name or the default
administrator’s password for security purposes.
To configure the router you will do the following:
Establish a network name (aka: SSID).
Change the default name for security reasons. All computers connecting to your wireless
network will use this network name. Try to pick a name that will be different than a
neighbor’s network name.
Enable either WEP or WPA security.
Configure the firewall or any other features
provided by your router.
Install the Wireless Network Adaptor:
If your computer does not have built-in
Wireless Network Adaptor, you will now install your new Wireless Network Adaptor . Power
off your computer. Now connect the external Wireless Network Adaptor to your computer’s
USB port. Windows XP will detect the new hardware and may prompt you for the CD that came
with the adaptor. Once connected and configured, you will see a prompt in the lower right
of your screen that tells you Wireless Network Connection now Connected.
Connect:
Click on the icon for the network
connection (in the lower right of your screen) and select View available networks.
If you encounter interference from a
neighboring network you can change the channel in the Wireless Router or Access Point.
In the US, you can select channels 1-11.
Troubleshooting:
See your router manufacturer’s website or
printed instructions for troubleshooting. Most issues arise from either a firewall or
security issue.
