How to Install a Wireless Modem in a Desktop Computer

Wireless modems offer you mobility and flexibility, allowing you to access the Internet from anywhere inside your home or office. Installing a wireless modem and accessing wireless Internet requires two steps. Here they are.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wireless antenna
• Wireless modem (or wireless adapter)
• Power adapter
• Ethernet cable (or USB cable if you have a wireless USB modem)
• Installation CD-ROM with manual

Connecting the Wireless Modem

1. Make sure you have the necessary equipment. Your wireless modem package should include the wireless modem (or wireless adapter); an installation CD-ROM with a manual; an Ethernet cable (or a USB cable if you have a wireless USB modem); a wireless antenna (conforming to wireless standards such as 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g); and a power adapter. Call the retailer or the manufacturer of your wireless modem if any of these items are missing.

2. Read the manual to learn how the equipment functions. For example, use the wireless antenna to connect to the wireless network; use the Ethernet cable (or USB cable) to connect the computer to the modem.

3. Attach your wireless antenna to the modem.

4. Hook up an Ethernet cable from your computer to a LAN/Ethernet port on the modem. Or, if you have a wireless USB modem, connect the USB cable to the USB port of the computer.

5. Connect the power adapter to the power connector of the modem, plug it in and switch it on.

Setting Up the Wireless Modem

6. Open your Web browser and enter the URL of the modem’s administrative site. If you can't find it in the users' manual, call the modem manufacturer’s customer service.

7. Log in to the administrative site by entering the user name and password provided in the user manual. Again, if you cannot locate these, call the modem manufacturer’s customer service. Usually the default username and password is “Admin.”

8. Select the Internet connection type. There are four types of Internet connection: "Dynamic IP Address," "Static IP Address," "PPPoE/PPPoA" and "Bridge Mode." Call your Internet service provider (ISP) to ask which setting best suits their wireless service.

9. Choose "Dynamic IP Address" to get an IP address automatically from the ISP’s server. For every wireless Internet connection you make, you receive an IP address. In some cases the IP address is dynamic (it changes every time you connect to the Internet), and in other cases it is static (the IP address remains the same even after you disconnect and reconnect to the Internet). If the address is dynamic, you will have to choose this setting so that the modem automatically takes the IP from the ISP’s server whenever a new wireless connection is established. Enter your modem’s MAC Address (usually found at the back of the modem) and other details. Refer to the user manual or call the modem manufacturer’s customer service to get these details.

10. Select "Static IP Address" if you are provided with a static IP. You will need to fill in the fields for "VPI," "VCI," "IP Address," "Subnet Mask," "ISP Gateway Address," "Server Address," "Primary DNS Address," "Secondary DSN Address" and "Connection Type." These details can be obtained from your ISP.

11. Opt for "PPPoE/PPPoA" if your ISP uses this type of connection. DSL users may use this connection. Enter your user name, password and other details. These will be provided by your ISP.

12. Select the "Bridge Mode" if your ISP uses this connection type. Enter the relevant details provided by your ISP.

13. Finish the process by clicking on the icon that says "Finish" or "OK" or something similar. Your modem should be set up now.

14. Enter any URL address in your browser's address window to check if the connection is running.

Tips & Warnings

• The installation process will differ from one modem to another. Always refer to your user manual before installation.
• If the installation process is not clear, contact the modem manufacturer’s technical support. They may arrange for a professional installation.

[Zgirlfriend]

on 7/17/2007 I have the same issue that you are asking about. I don't have a network (yet, my husband plans to purchase a laptop in the next year) but I want to be able to put my desktop anywhere in the house wirelessly. All the installations I find say to connect the modem to the computer. Isn't it possible to have one computer wireless? Also, is there any wireless equipment necessary for the computer other than the ethernet card?

[snowbird]

on 5/21/2007 It says here that you have to connect the wireless modem to the desktop. But teh whole idea of a wireless is that you don't have wires from the phone to the computer. Does this mean you don't have to connect to the phone line?