How to Configure a D-Link Wireless 802.11

A D-Link Wireless 802.11 router is a networking device that allows computer users with wireless access to share vital network resources, namely Internet connectivity, printers and other computers. While there are scores of different models and versions of D-Link wireless routers, they are configured in the same way. The number 802.11 refers to the wireless standards that D-Link routers (as well as other brands) adhere to.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 
    
   Connect your modem to the port labeled "Internet," not one of the numbered LAN ports.

   Power down your DSL or cable modem, then connect the router to your modem using the Ethernet cable. Connect one end into the RJ-45 port on the modem and the other into the RJ-45 port labeled "Internet" on the back of the router.

2. 
    
   Wait for your cable modem to fully light up before connecting the D-Link.

   Power on the modem, wait 45 seconds or until the lights stop blinking, and then power on the router. There is no on/off switch on the router, so to turn it off, you have to either unplug the A/C adapter from the outlet or unplug the power cord from the back of the router itself.

3. 
    
   This is when having a spare Ethernet cable comes in handy.

   Connect a computer directly to the router. Though it is possible to do this wirelessly, it's best to use an Ethernet RJ-45 cable. Plug one end into your computer and the other end into one of the numbered ports on the back of the D-Link.

4. 
    
   Internet Explorer or any other Web browser is all that is needed to configure the D-Link.

   Open a Web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari or Netscape) and enter 192.168.0.1 in the address bar and press the "Return" or "Enter" key. You will have to enter "admin" as the user name and leave the password field blank, which will open the Web-based setup wizard.

5. 
    
   Often there are several wireless networks within range.

   Select a new password when prompted. This will prevent anyone on the network from tweaking any of the settings. Then change the following settings from the default factory settings:
   Time zone: Set it to your time zone.
   Router name: Name your router.
   Wireless network name: Name your wireless network, which differentiates it from other wireless networks within range.
   Wireless security: Unless you're offering public wireless Internet access, you must enable wireless security. In virtually every instance, WEP or WPA security will be more than enough to keep uninvited users from accessing your network.

6. 
    
   "Oh no, you forgot the network password too?"

   Reboot your router and confirm you have successfully configured it by connecting to it wirelessly. Windows users can connect to the wireless network by clicking on the "Start" menu and selecting "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 to see the network (and any other wireless networks that are within range).

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the router's TCP/IP and DHCP settings at the default, which allows any user to connect to the network without tweaking his network settings. Give your network a secure password and keep it recorded in a safe place.
• Forgetting either the wireless network or admin password will most likely require you to reset the router. If that happens, use a pen to hold in the "Reset" button on the back of the unit for 45 seconds, while the router is plugged in.

Resources

• D-Link