How to Set Up a Wi-Fi Network?

Most routers have five Ethernet ports on the back.

Wireless networking, also known as Wi-Fi, allows users to access other computers and devices on the same network from anywhere within range of the wireless signal. It also eliminates the need to run (and hide) Ethernet cables throughout your home or office. Properly setting up your modem and wireless router to create a Wi-Fi network will assure that your devices can communicate properly with one another.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with networking adapter (wired or wireless)
• 2 Ethernet cables

Instructions

1. Unplug your modem and router. If you have a computer that will be physically connected to the router, rather than wirelessly, shut down the computer. Connect the modem to the router using an Ethernet cable. The router will typically have five Ethernet ports on the rear, four labeled numerically and one labeled "Data," "Cable" or "Input." Plug the cable into the Ethernet port on the modem and insert the other end into the "Data," "Cable" or "Input" Ethernet port on the router.

2. Plug one end of another Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port labeled "1" on the rear of the router. Plug the other end of the cable into the Ethernet port on the networking adapter of the computer, located on the rear.

3. Plug in the modem, then the router. Once the two devices have booted, turn on the computer and allow Windows to load.

4. Open a web browser, type the router's IP address into the address bar and press "Enter." The default address of most routers is "192.168.1.1," but refer to your router's documentation if this is not the correct address. When prompted, enter the router's username and password. By default, most routers have a username of "admin" and the password is also "admin" or it will be blank. Some routers have a blank username and a password of "admin." If these combinations do not allow you to access your router, refer to your router's documentation for the default username and password.

5. Change the name of your wireless network by entering text into the text box labeled "SSID." This is the name that will be displayed to Wi-Fi devices within range of your network.

6. Set a password or pass phrase that users must enter to gain access to your network, if you want your network to be protected from unauthorized access. This setting is located in the "Wireless Security" tab of the router configuration screen.

7. Click "Save and Exit" when you have finished configuring your router.

8. Connect wirelessly to your newly configured network from another computer by right-clicking on the wireless networking icon on the taskbar, located to the left of the system clock. Choose "View Available Networks" from the menu, select your network and click "Connect." Enter your password or pass phrase and click "Connect" again to connect to your Wi-Fi network.

References

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