How to Configure a Wireless Accesspoint
Wireless access points are nothing more than a wireless router. Most wireless routers have both wireless and wired capability. Setting up a wireless access point is tricky but not impossible. Many people are surprised to find out that out of the box, there is no security on your wireless router. This article will help you with the basics of setting up your wireless access point and making it secure.
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Things You'll Need
- Wireless router
- Laptop or desktop computer
- High speed internet connection
Instructions
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Wireless Setup
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Follow your installation guide for your wireless router. This usually involves your computer having a hard-wired connection to the router and running a setup CD from your computer. Consult your installation guide for exact details.
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Log into the Web console for your wireless router. Usually this is found at the following URL: http://198.162.1.1. Your user guide should tell you if this URL is correct along with the default administrator password.
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Change the administrator password. This function is usually found on the main page of the administrator website or as a subheading to the main administrator site.
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Change the SSID. This is typically found on the wireless page of the administrator website.
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Choose the encryption (WEP or WPA/WPA2) and passkey. This function can be found in the security section.
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Set MAC filtering options. This is also can be found in the security or access section.
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Connect your wireless router to your DSL/cable/satellite Internet connection. The wireless router will have a port labeled "Internet" or "WAN" that you plug into your DSL/cable/satellite Internet connection. See "Wireless Router Ports" link in the References of this article.
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Tips & Warnings
Always check your user guide to your wireless router. Often it will contain exactly where to go to change the SSID or set up MAC filtering.
If you get lost and mess up the configuration, there is a reset button that can be pushed with a pin or pencil. Consult your user guide to find out exactly where on your wireless device it is.
At various points while setting up your wireless router, it will need to be restarted. You will get prompted if this is needed.
When setting up MAC filtering, be careful to enter the MAC addresses correctly. A typo here could cost you access to your router and you will have to reset it and start anew. Also, if you change network cards, your MAC address will change and your wireless router will not let that new MAC address have access. It is good to have at least two computers in your home if you set this up just in case one of your computers gets the NIC card changed.
