How to Access a Wide Area Network

In today's high tech society, it's almost impossible to go anywhere without needing to connect to the Internet. Thankfully, today's laptops and mobile devices are adequately equipped to find Wide Area Networks or WANs. The technology is user-friendly and the average person can identify and access a WAN. All it takes is a few clicks of the mouse. Read on to learn how to access a Wide Area Network.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Locate your device's network configuration tab. If you are not sure how to find the network configuration tab for your particular device, refer to your device's user manual
2. Set your network configuration to scan for available networks. Your device will display a list of all available networks.
3. Select the strongest available WAN available. Depending on your device, next to each available network icon should be an indicator as to the signal strength for each available network.
4. Select "Connect" to connect your device to the selected WAN.

Tips & Warnings

• Because there are so many different types of devices and various operating systems, it is best to refer to your user manual for guidance in finding your network configuration options.
• Not all WANs are available for Internet connection. If your device displays a WAN that is "secure," you will not be able to connect to that particular network unless you have the correct password.
• Be ware of what information your transmitting using a WAN as not all are secure and privacy cannot be guaranteed.
• Certain WANs are available for a fee, such as those accessible at airports.