How to Install Network Hardware
A network allows a computer user to connect to the Internet while also allowing it to connect to other computers. There are several pieces of equipment that can be used to help create the network a computer is connected to, including the network components and the computer hardware that allows it to connect to the network in the first place. Installing network hardware is relatively easy.
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Instructions
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Network Cards and Wireless Cards
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Power down the computer and unplug it to prevent the possibility of accidental electric shock. To remove any lingering electrical charge in the computer's components, press the power button so any power left in the system will be discharged. Remove the screws holding the right side panel of the computer in place, then slide the side off to allow you access to the inside of the computer case. Lay the computer on its side to give yourself better access if it helps.
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2
Remove the screw holding one of the expansion port covers in place, then carefully pull the expansion port cover out of the case. Make sure the expansion port cover you removed lines up with one of the PCI slots in the lower-right corner of your computer's motherboard (where other expansion cards such as sound cards and video cards would be located).
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3
Position your network card or wireless card above the PCI slot that corresponds with the expansion port cover you removed, then use firm but gentle pressure to slide the card's contact into the PCI slot. Make sure the card plugs all the way into the PCI slot; when properly plugged in, a notch in the card's expansion port cover should line up with the screw hole from the screw you removed earlier.
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4
Screw the previously removed screw back into place, securing your network card or wireless card. Replace the side panel of your computer, then plug it back in. If you installed a network card, plug an Ethernet cable into it so you can connect it to the rest of the network. If you installed a wireless card, screw your antenna into the appropriate slot on the back of the card so you can better pick up a wireless signal.
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Boot up your computer and install drivers or other necessary software to get full functionality out of your new network card or wireless card.
Routers
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Place your router onto a level and sturdy surface near your modem. If you are wiring your network using only Ethernet cable, make sure you have sufficient Ethernet cable to reach every computer or device that will make use of the router.
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Plug in the router to an electrical outlet, and plug the Ethernet cable from the modem into the router's "incoming" or "modem" Ethernet port. You should also run the Ethernet cable to all of the computers that will plug into the router and plug those cables into the appropriate slots on the back of the router.
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Log in to the router from your preferred Internet browser using the IP address provided in the router's documentation. Log in as the router's administrator, then go to the "Setup" page of the router's software.
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Run the setup wizard, which will walk you through the steps of setting up your router. It will configure the router for the type of use you plan to need it for, and will likely activate a firewall within the router and turn on the wireless network (if the router is equipped with a wireless transmitter and receiver). Set an administrator password to prevent the unauthorized changing of settings, then allow the router to reboot when you finalize the settings.
Wireless Access Points
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Place your wireless access points on stable surfaces in places where your wireless signal isn't very strong. The access points will be able to give you additional wireless signal sources to strengthen the coverage of your wireless network overall.
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Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into your wireless access point. The other end of the Ethernet cable should be plugged into a router, hub or computer that has access to the network. Plugging into a router or switch offers a more solid network connection.
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Log in to the access point (using the same method you would use to log in to the router, though with the IP address provided in the wireless access point's documentation) and run the configuration wizard. The wizard will activate the access point so it begins broadcasting its wireless signal to allow access to the wireless network.
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Allow the access point to reset if necessary once configuration has been completed.
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Tips & Warnings
If using a wireless network, take the time to set up an encryption key if you want to add extra security to your network and prevent unauthorized use.
Should you encounter network problems, try unplugging the router for 15 to 30 seconds, then plugging it back in to reset it. This can fix many network problems that are caused by a temporary error with the router.
