What Do I Need to Make My Computer Wireless?

Wireless networking in the home

Having a wireless computer makes it far more convenient to use the computer in any room of the house. If you currently have a DSL or cable modem and you wish to transfer a computer to another area, you need to buy the correct equipment to make your computer wireless.

Wireless Router

You will need a wireless router so that your computer can communicate with the home network you set up from wherever it is positioned. Routers have LAN connections for hard wiring as well as wireless LAN for laptops and desktops with wireless capability.

Wireless NIC Adapter

You will need to purchase a wireless NIC (network interface card) and install it into your desktop computer. The NIC card must be 802.11g compatible and will slot into one of the PC slots. The small aerial will protrude from the rear of the tower and must be kept within range of the router receiver. Most desktops have an NIC card integrated for a CAT5 cable, but not all desktops have a wireless capability.

Laptops

Older laptops without wireless technology will have PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) slots. The wireless interface card needs to be situated in the slot, and you must install the correct drivers and software. When the PCMCIA card can communicate with your router, you can add that laptop to the wireless network.

References

• Microsoft: 4 Steps to Set Up Your Home Wireless Network