How to Connect Through a Secured Wireless Network

Connecting through a secured wireless network requires an understanding of a few basic wireless networking terminologies, including "SSID", "WPA data encryption" and "WEP data encryption." In addition, the wireless router and broadband modem must be properly set up, and the router's manual should be close at hand so you can access the network setup procedure. Although multiple steps are involved, this process can be performed at home and with no formal training.

Things You'll Need

• Broadband modem Wireless router Network cable Router manual

Instructions

1. Check to make sure your network hardware is appropriately connected before you continue. Unplug the power cable of your high-speed modem from the power source, and then look at the backside of your wireless router. Insert the network cable into the port on your wireless router listed as WLAN, WAN or Internet (this may depend on your specific setup/hardware, so check your router manual for specifics).

2. Plug your broadband modem back into the power source and give it a moment to initialize. Then, make sure the router cable is inserted into the wireless router, but in a slot not listed as WAN, WLAN or Internet.

3. Look through your wireless router manual. There should be a Web address provided by the router manufacturer that will enable you to set up security for your wireless network. Type this Web address into the URL toolbar at the top of your browser and click "Enter" on your keyboard.

4. Follow the steps as they are presented once the Web site loads. You will first be prompted to establish an SSID for your router. This is simply the name of the wireless network you are creating, so choose whatever you prefer.

5. Choose a password to protect your network. The password can be any phrase that you can remember, but probably should incorporate both letters and numbers so as to increase the chances that someone will not be able to infiltrate your secure network.

6. Choose the kind of data encryption that will serve as the backbone of your secure wireless network connection. There are two basic kinds of encryption offered in a wireless networking setup--WPA and WEP security. WPA is the stronger encryption of the two and, thus, the most desirable. However, some older network routers and equipment are only compatible with the WEP standard, so secure your connection using the means you have at hand.

7. Click on "Apply" to save all of your network security changes.

8. Join your newly set-up secured wireless network. In Windows, click on the network icon at the bottom right of the toolbar on the Windows desktop. A list of wireless networks that are in range will pop up. Select yours and enter your password to join. On a Mac, select the network icon that is located on the top right of the upper toolbar and then enter your password when prompted.

References

• Wireless Router Resource Center
• WEP/WPA Encryption Details