How to Build Your Own Network Router

A network router sends a wireless Internet signal that can be picked up by computers within its range with a wireless adapter. If you don't feel like spending the money on a manufactured one, you can build your own network router using your base desktop computer. Every computer can be set up to transmit a wireless signal that others can pick up. By establishing an ad hoc network on your computer for wireless Internet transmission, you can transform it into a homemade router.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Modem
• Internet connection
• Wireless adapter

Instructions

1. Connect a wireless adapter to the computer you want to act as your router. A simple Linksys adapter with a USB connection should work, which can be found at any electronics store. Make sure this computer is connected to your modem and any computers that will share its signal have a wireless adapter also.

2. Right-click on the wireless adapter icon that should appear on the taskbar tray and select the "View Available Wireless Networks" option. This opens the Wireless Network Connection window.

3. Click on the Advanced button in the window to open the Wireless Network Connection Properties window, then select the Wireless Networks tab. Click the Add button in the Preferred networks group.

4. Add a new wireless network by entering your own network name or SSID in the box that asks for it. Make sure the the Data encryption (WEP-enabled) box is checked if you want the wireless signal secured. Create an encryption key if you choose this, then click OK.

5. Return to the Advanced option in the Wireless Network Connection Properties window and select "Computer-to-computer to non-preferred networks only." This selection is also known as creating an ad hoc network.

6. Right-click on My Network Places and choose the Properties option. This should bring up at least an Internet connection and a wireless connection. Right-click on the Internet connection and choose Properties.

7. Go to the advanced tab in the Local Area Connection Properties window and check the box that says "Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet connection." In the Home networking connection list, select "Wireless Network Connection" and click OK. The computer is now set up as a router.

8. Connect another computer to the router by right-clicking on its wireless network icon in the Tray and selecting "Properties." Highlight the name of your created ad hoc network. If the network is encoded, enter the network key you created. If it's not, check the box saying "Allow me to connect to the selected wireless network, even though it is not secure."