How to Set up a Home Wireless Network

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Computer
Router
Internet service

Step 1

The first thing that you will need is the wireless equipment. Go out and get yourself a desktop or laptop with wireless capability. Most computers these days have wireless capabilities built-in. After you pick out a computer, you will need a wireless router. A wireless router converts your internet connection into a wireless broadcast. The best router to buy is an 802.11g. This type is compatible with almost everything. The wireless router that you choose should come with a network cable. This cable will be used later. NOTE: If you already have a computer without wireless capabilities, then you will need to buy a wireless network adapter. The best wireless adapters attach to your computer via a USB port.
Step 2

Once you have all of your equipment, you will need to set it up. Your current internet connection is run through a modem. The modem is provided from your internet company (i.e Comcast). Unplug your modem so that turns off. This will disconnect your internet connection. Now you want to connect your wireless router to your modem.
Step 3

If you are using a desktop, then your connection should be from the modem to the back of your computer. If this is the case, unplug the cable from the back of your computer and plug it into a port (internet, WAN, or WLAN) on the back of your new router.
Step 4

If you are using a laptop only, then connect one end of the network cable into your modem and the other end into a port on your new router.
Step 5

Now you need to configure your new wireless router. In order to set up your connection, you will need to attach the network cable to your computer (this will only be temporary). Once you do this, restart your computer so that an internet connection can be made.
Step 6

Example of a configuration page

Once your computer is back up and running, open IE or firefox and type in the address that is given in the instructions that came with your router (D – link routers: http://192.168.0.1). Now you will be asked to enter your username and password. This information should be in the router’s instructions. Now that you are in your router’s configuration page, you need to change the following:
Step 7

SSID: This is your wireless network’s name. Make sure that you make your new SSID as unique as possible. This will block others from using your network without your knowledge.
Step 8

WEP/WPA: This is wireless encryption and helps protect your network. Make sure that this is also long and unique.
Step 9

ADMIN PASSWORD: This password should also be unique and long. Make sure you write it down because it allows you to change your settings later.
Step 10

Now all you have to do is disconnect the network cable from your computer and connect it back into your router. You may need to reset your router by unplugging it, waiting 30 seconds and then plugging it back in.
Step 11

Finally, connect your computer(s). If you are using XP or Vista, your computer should automatically find the wireless connection. If it doesn’t work, restart your computer again and that should solve the problem.