How to Set Up a Wireless LAN

A Linksys wireless router

A wireless local area network is usually restricted to a relatively small area such as a house, office or public place, such as a library, coffee shop or even a park. A wireless network has many distinct advantages over a wired network, namely a lower set-up cost. Setting up a wireless LAN is moderately easy, thanks to the plug-and-play nature of today's wireless routers.

Things You'll Need

• Wireless Router
• ISP with a cable or DSL modem
• Ethernet RJ-45 cable

Instructions

1. 

   Buy a wireless router. The most popular models are from Linksys, Belkin and D-Link. Which brand you use isn't important; what is important is the ability to allow users with all types of wireless cards in their computers to easily connect. Virtually every wireless router sold today is backwards compatible, so even laptop users with older wireless protocols can easily connect.

2. 

   Attach your router to your cable or DSL modem using an Ethernet RJ-45 cable. One end plugs into the modem in the RJ-45 port (be careful not to force it into the RJ-11 port on a DSL modem) and the other into the Internet or WAN port on your router.

3. 

   Connect a computer to your router to configure it, either using an Ethernet RJ-45 cable or with a computer with wireless capabilities. To connect wirelessly with a Windows-based computer, click on the "Start" menu and select "Connect To" to see the list of available wireless networks. Mac users should pull down on the Airport icon (the pizza-slice-shaped icon) on the top right corner of the screen. In both instances, the default name of the wireless network is usually the same name as the router (i.e. Linksys, Belkin, etc.).

4. 

   Open a Web browser to configure your router. Each model has its own default address (Linksys uses 192.168.1.1; Belkin uses 192.168.2.1), so check the documentation that came with your router. The same goes with the default logon, as Linksys uses admin/blank and Belkin uses a blank field.

5. 

   Change the following settings once you've logged on to your router:
   Admin user name and password: Make this something more secure than the default.
   Router name: Change the default router name.
   Network name: Give your network a name that allows users to easily differentiate it from any other wireless networks within range.
   Wireless network mode: Choose mixed, as this will allow users with older laptops to connect.
   Wireless security: Unless you're providing a public service with your wireless network, you must enable wireless security to prevent others from encroaching on your network. In most situations, a WPA personal password is sufficient, but if you want more security, consider using a stronger wireless encryption such as WEP.

6. 

   Test the network to make sure the signal is strong everywhere it needs to be. Long distances, chimneys and built-in appliances are signal killers, so consider using a repeater in areas where the signal is deficient.

Tips & Warnings

• You can reset your router to its factory default by using a pen to hold in the reset button on the back for 45 seconds while the unit is powered on. You can keep your network hidden by enabling the "closed network" setting; however you must know the exact name of the network and password to connect. There are four jacks in the back of the router that will allow you to attach four additional computers or printers.

• A lost password will force you to manually restore the unit to its original settings, which means you will have to reconfigure it.

Resources

• Linksys by Cisco
• Belkin
• Wi-Fi Alliance