How to Set up a Secure Wireless Network - Tips and Tricks

This article will show you how to quickly and easily secure your home or small office wireless network. Safeguard the data on your network and keep unwanted people off your internet connection.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A computer
• A wireless router

1. 

   ACCESS YOUR WIRELESS ROUTER
   
   Open your web browser and type in the IP address for your router in the URL bar. This will vary depending on the brand of router you are using.
   
   Linksys - 192.168.1.1
   D-Link and Netgear - 192.168.0.1.
   US Robotics - 192.168.123.254
   SMC - 192.168.2.1

2. LOG IN
   
   A password prompt should appear. Please refer to the documentation that came with your router for the default log in information. The default for a D-Link Router is "admin" and nothing as the password.

3. 

   SET UP WIRELESS ENCRYPTION
   
   Select the "Wireless" button and find the encryption type. Choose WPA from the drop down menu and enter a pass phrase.
   
   ***TIP***

4. SET UP YOUR COMPUTER
   
   Open the wireless computer you are using to connect with. Open the wireless networks, select yours and enter the pass phrase when prompted.

Tips & Warnings

• Write down your pass phrase
• Write down your user name and password.

Resources

• Wiki about WPA