What Do I Need to Connect Wireless Internet?

You will need a wireless router to set up a wireless network.

A wireless network allows multiple computers or laptops to share a high-speed Internet connection without the mess and confusion of running wires throughout a location. As long as a machine has a wireless network card installed and is within range of the wireless router, the computer or laptop will pick up the Internet signal and connect to the network as if it were wired. The materials that you need to set up a network connection are relatively inexpensive for the amount of convenience a wireless network offers.

Broadband Internet Connection

Broadband Internet services are often provided by cable or phone companies. The most popular forms of services are high-speed cable and DSL. Broadband Internet is not offered everywhere, so you will have to contact your local providers to see what services are available in your location and their pricing plans.

Broadband Internet Modem

Broadband Interenet modems are used to connect to the Internet.

The Internet modem is usually provided by the company who provides your broadband Internet services. Often, the service technician who installs your services will install the modem and ensure that it is working correctly. The main Internet cables connect into the modem, which serves as a gateway to other hardware such as the wireless router.

Wireless Router

Wireless routers allow mutliple computers to be networked together through airwaves.

The router is the piece of hardware that turns the Internet connection into a wireless signal for computers and laptops to use. The wireless router may or may not be installed along with your broadband Internet services. Sometimes, if you choose to use a wireless router offered by your service providers, there will be an extra monthly fee. You can also purchase your own wireless router from most retail stores that sell computer electronics.

Wireless Network Card

A wireless network card is a piece of hardware installed inside your computer or laptop that receives the signal from the wireless router. Wireless network cards have become a standard installation on most laptops. You may need to install a wireless network card on a desktop computer. If your service provider sets up your wireless router, they often will install the wireless network card. You can also purchase a wireless network card from most retail stores that sell computer electronics.

Network Cable

A network cable connects the router to the modem.

In order to connect the modem to the router, you will need at least one network cable. Network cables come in various lengths. Though usually inexpensive, the longer the cable, the more it will cost. Choose a network cable based on how far you expect the router to be from the modem. Generally, a short cord will work when setting up a wireless network, because the modem and router are usually set up next to each other.

References

• Windows: Setting up a wireless network